What is Hip-Hop Essay Example

What is Hip-Hop? Essay Decades ago, hip-hop was associated and characterized with baggy pants and loose shirts. Hip-hop connoted one’s identity and is also considered as a form of self expression. However, that connotation has evolved through time. These days, hip-hop is not just mainly a self-articulation; it is now more of a culture and a movement that focuses on music, fashion and self-articulation. During the 1970s, only several black radio stations played disco music which gave negative implication on African Americans. Because of this, they reacted and responded by hosting â€Å"block parties,† which is usually comprised of disc jockey (DJ)a person who plays funk, disco and soul musicwithin their communities. A little later, hip-hop started to emerge in Bronx when a DJ named Clive â€Å"Kool Herc† Campbell utilized percussion break beats to craft songs derived from Jamaican dance hall music. Hip-hop, thus, started to flourish. Performers who spoke in sync with beat became known as emcees (MCs). Few of the famous groups in this field are Afrika Bombaataa and the Zulu Nation (Coger, 2009). Afrika Bombaataa was the one who coined the term hip-hop and gave rise to the emerging popularity of the genre. We will write a custom essay sample on What is Hip-Hop? specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on What is Hip-Hop? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on What is Hip-Hop? specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer According to Afrika Bombaataa, hip-hop was derived from Lovebug Starski, a South Bronx disc jockey wherein he always says, â€Å"hip hop you don’t stop that makes your body rock.† Bombaataa started using the term by pertaining to ghetto-culture that emerged on the streets. Moreover, his concept of hip-hop covered urban street expression and attitude such as gestures, language and stylized clothes that were attributed with street culture (Reyes 47-49, 98). Nowadays, hip-hop has extended its meanings, definitions and characterizations. Hiphop, a word usually spelled as hip-hop, Hip-hop, Hip-Hop or Hiphop (â€Å"HipHop†), is a cultural movement than began in urban youth in New York, from primarily African American which further extended around the world (â€Å"Hip Hop†). Its emergence represents black youth organization, an illustration of a particular species of social movement. Hip-hop, as a movement, needs to be discussed carefully because its depiction is occupied with style, performance, opposition, leisure, consumption, representation and entrepreneurship (Watkins 65). On the other hand, hip-hop is also exemplified as a form of music. It is a billion dollar industry and one of the most renowned music genres in the world (Coger). It encompasses four elements namely MCing, DJing, graffiti art and break dancing. Others consider beat boxing as its fifth element (â€Å"Hip Hop†). Since its acceptance and creation, hip-hop has conjured up its wonder by commemorating its origins and by maintaining its expression of social, political and personal struggles (Rentas 2009). The aforementioned definitions of hip-hop can be traced from Bombaataa; however it is not anymore applicable to the hip-hop acts of today because several famous artists do not anymore embrace hip-hop as a self-expressive message; instead they frequently produce music for the sole reason and purpose of selling a commodity (Berky and Greer). Hip-hop, in another sense, is more than just a form of music. It is also considered as a state of being, a form of expression, spoken words, a mindset and a lifestyle. It is also a manner of articulating one’s self by way of dress, language, writing, personality, attitude and behavior (Leslie).   Hip-hop is a culture that materialized as a worldview among adults and youth born after 1965. It covers shared beliefs, practices and language, all of which are bound together by a common appreciation for urban aesthetic. Hip-hop as a culture and worldview possesses two essential characteristics: the urban youth aesthetics and urban youth experience (Ginwright 31). Hip-hop as an urban youth aesthetic is most distinguishable through its physical features that are articulated through music, language, clothing and art. It pertains to the visual and artistic expression. On the contrary, hip-hop as an urban youth experience is molded by economic seclusion, poverty and struggle â€Å"to make it out† of the paraphernalia of ghettos. It validates and legitimizes the experiences of pain, hostility, fear, hope and love that have been overlooked in mainstream America for the urban youth. Thus, the relationship between black youth identity and hip-hop cannot be separated (Ginwright 31-32). Furthermore, hip-hop is regarded as a social movement. Social movement is generally characterized by sociologists as collective efforts that endeavor social change. However, hip-hop as a social movement follows different pattern because of three important considerations. First is its emergence as a movement which belongs in the field of pop culture, is a discipline not commonly considered as political and not generally recognized as capable of producing social change. Second is the fact that it is founded and patronized by youth and creative people, who are not ordinarily looked upon as interested in implementing social change. Lastly, it allows the participants to see themselves as part of a bigger society. Thus, it creates a sense of collective identity and organization. Hip-hop as a movement represents a different mode of intervention in the social realm (Watkins 65). If hip-hop is not acknowledged then as a movement that can make a change in the world, on the other hand, it is essential to look at it from another side. Today, hip-hop has revolutionized new genres of music, such as reggaeton, and has influenced the political system. One good example is when Kilopatrick, from a hip-hop generation, defeated the Detroit’s current mayor Gil Hill. It is because the youths from the hip-hop generation have already grown and have already obtained the right and freedom to vote. Their voices have already begun to be heard in the political spectrum. During that time, the election is divided by generation gap that the candidates represented for. The victory of Kilopatrick illustrates the hip-hop’s power over the political arena in order to craft political changes, which for them are very important (qtd. Berky and Greer). Hip-hop is hailed for creating impacts on the society, especially to women of color. Hip-hop, hence, gives a space and outline for their lives. It can be sifted in their hair style, as well as in the way they run, pose, turn, talk and walk. Women has now influenced and affected most elements of hip-hop such as break dancing, poetry, MC, DJ, graffiti artists, beat boxing and pop locking. Hip-hop has also made its way on beauty pageants and top models just like how Tyra Bank’s UPN show, America’s Next Top Model, chooses two hip-hop fashion models in the previous two years (Leslie). On the other hand, hip-hop has been one of the sources of controversies. As such, it has already been blamed and accused of elevating violence, misogyny and homophobia (â€Å"Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes†). Critics have also said that it promotes rebellion and prostitution. Several hip-hop artists exploit women of color through their song lyrics which depict contempt of women (Leslie ). Hip-hop is not just a style of fashion where the youth wears baggy clothes, tattoos or ghetto attires (Leslie). Hip-hop comes in many forms. It is a social movement because its members are youth of a particular community who expresses and articulates their voices and ideas through MCing, DJing, graffiti art and poetry. Even some of hip-hop forms have inculcated political activism within its tenets. Hip-hop is also a cultural movement because it mirrors the culture of a particular group during a particular time. It transpires in a community setting where youth creates a collective identity of the group and of the hip-hop culture itself. Nonetheless, hip-hop is a form of music. Nowadays, it is considered as one of the most well-known genres by marking a history in the music industry. Moreover, hip-hop is indeed an expression of one’s self – a form of articulating and expressing one’s nature and character through hair styles, fashion, music, language and representation. Works Cited Berky, Axel and Tyler Greer. n.d. â€Å"What is Hip-Hop?† Latino Influence in Hip-Hop. 03 March 2009 http://umich.edu/~ac213/student_projects06/tylaxe/index.html. Cheryl L. Keyes. Rap Music and Street Consciousness. University of Illinois: Board of Trustees, 2002. Coger, Lasan. 2009. â€Å"Hip Hop.† The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. 02 March 2009 http://www.naacp.org/about/history/blackmusic/hiphop/index.htm.. Ginwright, Shawn. Black in School: Afrocentric Reform, Urban, Youth and the Promise of Hip-hop Culture. New York: Teacher’s College Press, 004. â€Å"HipHop.† n.d. Lasalle University. 03 March 2009 http://www.lasalle.edu/~larkaid1/hiphop101/what.htm. â€Å"Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes.† 2008. Public Broadcasting Service. 03 March 2009 http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/hiphop/issues.htm. Kaminski, Katie. n.d. â€Å"Hip Hop.† University of Illinois, Chicago. 03 March 2009 http://www.uic.edu/orgs/kbc/hiphop/index.htm. Leslie. 2009. â€Å"Hip-Hop: What is it All About?† My Sistahs: A Project from Advocates for Youth. 03 March 2009 http://www.mysistahs.org/features/about_hiphop.htm. Rentas, Khadijah. 2009. â€Å"What is hip-hop?† Missourian. 03 March 2009 http://www.columbiamissourian.com/stories/2009/01/16/hiphop/. Watkins, Samuel Craig. Representing: Hip Hop Culture and the Production of Black Cinema. Illinois: University of Chicago Press, 1998.

Free Essays on Domestic And Foreign Events Shape American Politics

During the 1790’s, domestic and foreign events helped to mold American politics into an effective system. Certain instances allowed America to further develop its foreign policy. The main goal of our political leaders was to avoid involvement in foreign affairs. Essentially, the United States was to stay neutral in international conflicts. Hamiltonian financial principles were an important part of early American politics. In one case, the excise tax imposed on a few domestic goods. Whiskey, being one of these items; was used by people in the west as a form of currency. Farmers, whose only means of income was whiskey, were outraged by this new tax. Violently protesting, these rebels attacked officials. Washington, encouraged by Hamilton, gathered an army to stop the revolt. When they arrived, the soldiers quickly dealt with the opposition. â€Å"The Whiskey Boy’s were overawed, dispersed, or captured.† (188). Through this event, the federal government gained new respect. Near the start of Washington’s second term as president, the French Revolution broke out. It started off peaceful with little negative opinions from America, but soon turned violent. Most aristocrats began to have fears that France’s reign of terror might migrate across the Atlantic. Jeffersonians were opposed to the bloodshed; however, they determined that â€Å"one could not be carried from ‘despotism to liberty in a feather bed’† (191). Britain was soon involved in the conflict. This was potentially a problem for America who did not want to â€Å"entangle† itself with the two nations. In quick thinking response, Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation. The Neutrality Proclamation in 1793 was declared without being discussed with congress first. American was militarily weak, economically weak, and politically divided. It was completely unprepared for another international war. However, leaders of the nation concluded that allowing for a generation ... Free Essays on Domestic And Foreign Events Shape American Politics Free Essays on Domestic And Foreign Events Shape American Politics During the 1790’s, domestic and foreign events helped to mold American politics into an effective system. Certain instances allowed America to further develop its foreign policy. The main goal of our political leaders was to avoid involvement in foreign affairs. Essentially, the United States was to stay neutral in international conflicts. Hamiltonian financial principles were an important part of early American politics. In one case, the excise tax imposed on a few domestic goods. Whiskey, being one of these items; was used by people in the west as a form of currency. Farmers, whose only means of income was whiskey, were outraged by this new tax. Violently protesting, these rebels attacked officials. Washington, encouraged by Hamilton, gathered an army to stop the revolt. When they arrived, the soldiers quickly dealt with the opposition. â€Å"The Whiskey Boy’s were overawed, dispersed, or captured.† (188). Through this event, the federal government gained new respect. Near the start of Washington’s second term as president, the French Revolution broke out. It started off peaceful with little negative opinions from America, but soon turned violent. Most aristocrats began to have fears that France’s reign of terror might migrate across the Atlantic. Jeffersonians were opposed to the bloodshed; however, they determined that â€Å"one could not be carried from ‘despotism to liberty in a feather bed’† (191). Britain was soon involved in the conflict. This was potentially a problem for America who did not want to â€Å"entangle† itself with the two nations. In quick thinking response, Washington issued the Neutrality Proclamation. The Neutrality Proclamation in 1793 was declared without being discussed with congress first. American was militarily weak, economically weak, and politically divided. It was completely unprepared for another international war. However, leaders of the nation concluded that allowing for a generation ...

The Experience of Perioperative Nurses Involved in Organ Procurement Research Paper

The Experience of Perioperative Nurses Involved in Organ Procurement - Research Paper Example Although the research question was not clearly stated, it was generally implied from the introduction of the research study. Essentially, the study wants to find out what the general feelings of perioperative nurses involved in the process of organ procurement in Taiwan are (Wang & Lin, 2009). With this research question, the course of the research was clearly directed from the beginning, a key requirement in the development of a fine qualitative research study (Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). Research Design The researchers took careful note of the relevance of the qualitative methods being employed in the study. As â€Å"organ procurement is a special surgery,† (Wang & Lin, 2009, p. 279) it may not be enough to simply quantify the nurses’ feelings and emotions. Rather, such feelings and emotions ought to be captured using the nurses’ verbatim account on the issue (Wang & Lin, 2009). This view is supported by the study conducted by Manuel, Solberg, and MacDonald (2010) as they looked into organ donation feelings, this time, of family members involved. Subjects The general nature of a qualitative study entails it to use subjects that are required for the specific purpose of the study. Thus, sample size is usually small, and participants are usually acquired using a purposive, non-probabilistic manner (Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). So is the case of this specific study, which utilizes only 6 participants, taken using purposive sampling. These participants are senior perioperative nurses from an organ procurement organization in Taiwan. The minimum work experience of these nurses was at three years, which is an appropriate length of service when considering the feelings they had developed while participating in the organ procurement process (Wang & Lin, 2009). Setting The research setting was a major consideration in this study as it is done in northern Taiwan, a place that is generally known for its cultural reservations on the topics of death and organ donation (Wang & Lin, 2009). This study precisely looks into how nurses in this area feel and so the research setting was appropriately chosen. There was no mention, however, of where the actual interview was conducted. Data Collection Methods Data collection in qualitative research studies generally utilized interviews, though of varying kinds, depending on the general conditions of the research setting and the goals that the research wants to achieve (Broussard, 2006; Ryan, Coughlan, & Cronin, 2007). As such, the research study used a semi-structured questionnaire while conducting individual face-to-face in-depth interviews with the participants. This was used in order to allow the researcher to â€Å"lead an open conversation† and â€Å"not limit participants in terms of sharing† (Wang & Lin, 2009, p. 279) in order to provide an opportunity for an interactive data collection process. Colling (2003a) considers this an effective data collection process especially when acquiring qualitative data. The researchers also make mention of the structured inte rview outline being

Cubist interiorizations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Cubist interiorizations - Essay Example ) by Sigfried Giedion and Transparency: Literal and Phenomenal (1963) by Colin Rowe & Robert Slutzky along with the insightful articles of the famous art critic Robert Hughes have helped foster the link between cubism and architecture even more. Interior design has always been an extension of architecture and in the modern world; interior design enjoys an elevated level of popularity. Interior design is a subject which bears a resemblance to beauty and fashion. Just as the world of fashion has trends and variability, interior design too has its share of trends and variations. Neo-modern architecture and interior design integrates a number of styles and components, which include pop art, art-nouveau and cubism. Since interior design greatly affects the comfort level and coziness of people, interior design is a very important area. In fact, one of the measurements for prosperity, status and success is the interior design of a place. The owner of a house or an office often asks the designer to design their interiors which best suit the budget and aesthetics of the owner. The size or dimensions of the interiors also play a big role in the choice of interior design. The interior designers often suggest a design which is more minimalist. Several color stylists and designers are now recommending an interior design which doesn’t have excessive decorative elements, complex constructions or contrasting color scales. They are rather encouraging designs which incorporate high end technology and the aesthetic appeal of the materials used in the design. This is the style which is called the neo-modern style of cubism. This present connection between interior design and cubism was perfectly understood by the Bohemian born Swiss historian Sigfried Giedion. He was born in 1888 and was one of the major influential figures in the area of architecture and cubism. Two of his books Space, Time and Architecture, and Mechanization Takes Command paved the way for future interior

Relationship between Catholic Church and Nazi Regime Essay

Relationship between Catholic Church and Nazi Regime - Essay Example So, the idea of dechristianizing Germany was clearly evidenced when, in 1933, Hitler, through his Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels started exercising control over the Catholic Church by interfering with its youth groups, schools, cultural societies and even workers clubs. As the sole authority over the land, Nazi could not tolerate the existence of any other authority whose legitimacy had not been granted by the state. So, the church is one of such independent institutions, had to be fiercely fought. The dechristianization of Germany had to be done by openly subordinating the church and stripping it off the powers it earlier enjoyed. So, as this author recounts, Hitler had to seriously take the antichurch war without ever looking back. At one time, he decided to eliminate political Catholicism so as to make the church be under a full control of the state to the extent that it could no longer influence the political climate of Germany. This was effected by molesting, harassing and arresting a large number of church leaders and the clergy. This really created a lot of fear to the church and its followers. It was so sad that even the clergy on whom many people relied on for inspiration and guidance would now be indiscriminately arrested without any proper justification. As events unfolded, the Nazi regime later decided to take more stern action against the church. Kertzer says that the government dissolved the Catholic Church’s youth leagues maybe because it was viewed as a radical group that would give rise to dissents. Nonetheless, the state continued targeting the nuns, clergy and lay leaders who were arrested and charged with serious criminal offenses such as the smuggling of currency that came with harsh sentences.  

New Right Ideology In Unsettling The Welfare State

New Right Ideology In Unsettling The Welfare State Explain and assess the role of New Right ideology in the unsettling and reconstruction of the welfare state during the late 1970s/early 1980s.   Following World War II, the party in power at the time; Labour, saw a need for a welfare system that would systematically look after the socially poor at the time. Labour ideology at the time included, the idea of tackling poverty, promoting equality, making sure social rights where maintained and making sure that the socially poor (working class) could ensure a better life and try and lift them out of relative poverty. The idea for the welfare state was not just for the benefit of the working class. The idea was of universalism, welfare for all in times of need social welfare for everyone, not just the poor. The earliest example of universal welfare would be the introduction of the National Health Service in 1947 and a National insurance taxation, a form of income for people to fall back on if one was struck with unemployment, illness retirement and other negative factors that stopped someone from working. The state uses the idea that it is required to help and support the economic markets and the family and provide help is areas in the markets and the family failed or couldnt meet needs. The state initially believed that the welfare state should not be the main source of support for the individual rather a helping hand alongside with the working wage of a full time employed male, and that wage the mothers/wives can support the family whilst the male was at work. The idea of the welfare state was seen to be a social insurance to the nuclear family set up and that by keeping up with continued employment and providing a contribution (National Insurance Tax) that one would have acquired a welfare record to be eligible to claim if was deemed necessary. (Cochrane Clarke, 1993, p.23) These newly formed institutions of welfare were brought about by the Beveridge report of 1942 and saw that a stable Keynesian style economy (this was the idea the governments should and could intervene within its own economy. It should be able to manage employment levels and the demand for goods and products by the government setting up new taxations such as national insurance and new spending policies i.e. new benefits) would deliver full time employment for males. (Cochrane Clarke, 1993, p.25) His report established key principles of a welfare system, by trying to support the three main cause of relative poverty; old age, sickness and unemployment. The report put forward a plan to have social security, provided by contributions as a right with no forms of means testing. (Hughes Lewis, 1998, p.23) The report concluded that employees and employers should contribute to a national insurance so if anyone fell into these three categories through no fault of their own, they could draw f rom the state until the person came to better fortune and was back in full-time employment. The idea of the welfare state was that it should not be a way of life, meaning that welfare was kept to a minimum and that voluntary unemployment would be penalised (Cochrane Clarke, 1993, p.25). The welfare state was not put in place to help discourage people looking at getting employment. The welfare state was built upon the assumption that there would be full employment for all (males) making sure that an individual would provide contributions and this in turn would make sure the welfare state wasnt costing. However, people who were not in full-time employment who were drawing on the welfare state may not have made enough or any contribution to the welfare state causing it to become tested. The key to political settlement that Beveridge put forward for the structure for the welfare state was that was there to provide financial and social welfare (universally), be able to provide a politic al voice including ideology of social democracy. The report also outlined the fact that there should be an a acceptance that the state needed to manage and sustain the economy which included that there has to be a high level of male employment with the eventuality of bigger economic growth. The report also suggested that there should be a social normative within the nuclear white family, e.g. male works full-time providing a sustainable wage and sustaining a social wage, whilst the mother/wife stays at home as an employed housewife. The welfare state from the ideas and recommendations for Beveridge showed that the relationship of the state to the people ideologically represented as one of unity. (Hughes Lewis, 1998, p.35). Since 1945 to the mid 1970s the Beveridgean welfare model alongside with the Keynesian economic model created a system that helped support those most in need and for a time which worked well in strong economic growth in Britain. For many in politics at the time (social democratics) it was a necessary move to allow the government to intervene in the free market. They believed the market was run by a few powerful individuals and wanted to give back political freedom and that the market gave non deserving rewards and that they werent governed by moral principles (www.s-cool.co.uk/alevelsociology, p.1, 2010) by redistributing income from the wealthy to the relative poor, helping the working class by providing new opportunities and trying to restrain small powerful government that only really benefited the rich. However from the mid to late 1970s, the main ideological features that Beveridge suggested were starting to become questioned and the thought of change was being brought forward. This was partly due with the economic situation that Britain now found itself involved in; recession, in which recession undermined the ideas that underpinned Beveridges reforms. The reforms needed a good and stable economic grounding and by which from the mid 1970s was not there anymore. With questions over the state in which welfare was being provisioned and the state of the economy at the time, was concluded a attack on the welfare state and system for the provision of welfare for many reforms and changes. By the mid 1970s Britain was being choked by recession. Britains welfare outgoings were far greater than it incomings due to mass unemployment making individuals dependant on social welfare from the state, that by now could not afford to keep up with welfare needs. Criticisms of the welfare state led to the unsettling of the welfare state. The idea that Beveridge put forward as one of the main ideas of the welfare state of being universal, for everyone, in reality, the welfare state saw that many social groups were actually being missed out by the welfare system, for example disability, the fact that a disabled person could not engage in full-time employment, racial exclusions; by the 1970s Britain was a different society with more immigration, the welfare system had not been updated to include different races, only white males where included in the old welfare model, and women and the movement of feminism. Back in 1942, Beveridge built his welfare model on the idea that white males would be in full-time work and providing contributions to the welfare state in the form of national insurance and other contributions such as pensions. The fact that women did not contribute into the welfare state or a pension meant that women were still relying on the men to provide. With social changes such as the rise in single parent families, women could not benefit from social welfare in the way in which Beveridge conceptualised. With the election of the New Right Conservatives in 1979, brought about changes in the social welfare and the welfare state (Hughes Lewis, 1998). they set about cutting social expenditure. They did this because they believed that to do so would regenerate private profitability, but also because they believed that reducing public reliance on state provision was a matter of principle. The new ideology of the New Right sought to liberate Britain. The idea that Britain had a huge tax burden from the old Labour ideologies from mid 1940s. M. Friedman quotes the state should not be used to bring about any social objectives, no matter how laudably such objectives may be (Glennerster, 1995, p71) Many New Right commentators suggested and argued that the capitalist economic system is capable and would ensure the provision of wealth and happiness for everyone, the market would make sure that there would be an equilibrium between wages and prices so that wages would be able to meet the supply and demand economic model of the time. Another thought of the New Right was that governments shouldnt intervene within the free market through taxation as it would cause many restraints on private business. And most of all, the welfare state at the time was too expensive to keep up, with the example of a loan granted to the Labour government by the IMF in 1976 to keep up with welfare ne eds. The Conservatives sought to reconceptualise the welfare state by changing the relationships between the state, the individual, social welfare and the markets. The new right sought to change and redefine social terminology such as a person who claimed social welfare was to be called a welfare citizen, compared to what the new right ideology thought, the individual should now be coined a welfare consumer in relationship with the state. The new right believed that the state should change from being the provider of social welfare and in turn that the state should only enable social welfare, i.e. the state should be one of many providers of social welfare, not the only provider, leading to the idea that the markets should have a lending hand in providing a source of welfare which led to the idea that social welfare should be prioritised by the market, not the state.

Sexual Enlightenment :: Essays Papers

Sexual Enlightenment Introduction Throughout human history, there has always been a wide range of conflicts with nature. The earliest humans had to learn survival techniques in the wilderness, we have always felt the threat of the devastating forces of the earth like volcanoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes, and in recent decades have even ventured into the vast wonders of outer space. The issue we are focusing on here deals with various advances in the nature of human sexuality. Sexual enlightenment produced profound changes in human society. The aspects of sexual enlightenment covered in our web site are homosexuality, pre-marital sex, sexual disease, marriage and birth control. Homosexuality has been around for a long time. We know it has been around in some form or another for most of history. It reared its head in ancient societies like the Roman Empire and has survived to make its way into our present day world. Homosexuality has experienced many changes and different levels of acceptance depending on time and place. In the past few decades, this alternative form of sexuality has seen a huge growth in popularity. Though it is not fully accepted in today's societies, advocates are always fighting for homosexual rights. It remains a topic of varying acceptance. Our second aspect of sexual enlightenment is pre-marital sex. Of the cultures, past and present, who treasure the bond of marriage (for whatever reasons), pre-marital sex has been generally looked down upon within the society. Nonetheless, we know that it has still been a frequent occurrence in many societies. People just didn't want to wait until marriage, and they sure don't want to now. Pre-marital sex remains a popular occurrence in today's societies. Thirdly, we have the enlightenment in sexually transmitted diseases. Because of relatively recent advances in science, we have been able to study diseases much more thoroughly. We can understand how they work and even find treatments for them. These diseases have been around since people have been having sexual intercourse with multiple partners (probably all of human history) since that's how they are spread. We have records of prostitution dating back to ancient times, so sexual disease must be very old.

Business to Consumer Marketing Essay

Increase in the use of Internet use means that marketing on the internet has also gained popularity. People turn towards the Internet to search for basic information on any items they are interested in, whether for personal use or for business, and to a lesser extent they may want to purchase it from the convenience of their home or office. From the business point of view, this means the companies need to pay special attention to their website, as it represents the company in cyber space. Not only the extent of information available on their site, but the user-friendliness of the website, search ability of the site, how fast the website loads, are also important factors. All these factors are also dependent on the target market of the company, whether they are engaged in B2B (business-to-business) or B2C (business-to-consumer) marketing. For instance, B2B customers are more concerned with technical aspect of the product, the warranty provided and the customer services. For B2C customers, the design and over all look of the product may be equally important as the functionalities. This article discusses the differences and similarities between B2C and B2B marketing that should be there in an ideal or a well-planned website. Features of Online Marketing Before being specific about what B2B and B2C marketing should ideally target, I’ll be discussing the common features any marketing site should have. It is also important knowing that a company is represented by one site, and this should give all the relevant information to all its stakeholders, in a manner which is easily accessible and gives only relevant information. The postings on an e-information typically fall into these five categories, according to Etzel, Walker and Stanton (2004): Company Background and General Information: This category covers the history of the company, its mission and vision, corporate philosophy and general orientation. It may also include financial performance of the company and other investor related information, the structure of the company, its operations and global/local divisions and branches, and profile of the management team. This portion is usually accessible to everyone and needs to be presented clearly to both categories of customers – individuals and business consumers. Current Business Operations: This category caters to the company’s customers. This is where division of any kind may come in. For customers this section provides product descriptions, dealer contact information and payment terms and structure. For the business partners, this may consider more technical details, how to contact the relevant business personnel, the different packages available etc. Because the company needs to know about its potential customers, and some of the information in this section may be confidential, access may be restricted by requiring the users to register and give their email address, which allows them to be kept updated with new company’s happenings if they choose to keep updated. This is a place where there is a two-way communication open, minimal though it may be, and companies should focus on those aspects which are valued by their target market. Links:Â  This category has connections to other related sites. This is important for B2B customers who may wish to contact a dealer near their place of business, or to get more information. Attraction and Entertainment Features: This is more important for B2C customers and includes those features and tools which make the site more interesting and unique for customers. For B2B sites, it is more important to be uncluttered, present the information in a style that is easy-to-read and understand, and the site itself should be easy to navigate. Contact Point:Â  This provides usually an email address for visitors, to make a comment or for queries and should also provide a phone number. This is an opportunity to interact directly with the company and is a major advantage of internet over traditional media. However, this should be paid attention to, as unanswered queries and negatively affect the company’s business. B2B Online Marketing: B2B sites specifically cater to corporate clients. This implies that the decision making process is longer for the customers and the company should cater to that. Also, services usually provided are in-house services or regarding maintenance software or similar services to increase the productivity and profitability of the company. The characteristics of B2B sites include an attempt to automate trading process on the website. This is more convenient, saves time as well as money. This is important as even though B2C sites are generally more popular, however, the amount of money in transactions is greater for B2B sites. This means that security is also important for any company, including keeping the information provided by the corporate client. Also, the company should try to differentiate itself from the competition by using and promoting its USP (unique selling proposition). This can be done both online as well as offline using traditional methods of advertising, tradeshows, field sales etc. By automating the processes and as much of their supply chain as possible, the company is saving costs in the long run, thus allowing it to compete on price basis as well. Ideally, B2B sites should also have a registration option for business customers who may wish to learn more. By registering themselves on the site, it allows for more human intervention and a two-way communication. This can make an online business transactions more long lasting which is important in businesses. B2C Online Marketing: Sites which specifically cater to a target group to promote goods and services fall into this category. The more popular sites include Amazon. com and eBay. com. B2C sites are more transaction-oriented in general. Though both sites allow transactions, consumers are usually online and in a position to transact and purchase immediately, as they take less time than businesses for decision making. This is because B2B consumers are more investigative and seek more information from different channels and sources. B2C sites also try to create relationships with customers to enhance the brand loyalty of consumers and ensure that their queries are answered. Though, this is more difficult and companies need to ensure that this process does not adversely harm the operations of the company. B2C sites simultaneously also use offline methods along with online advertising. Online tools can include interactive websites, online communities and discussion forums, email marketing, pop-ups, cost per click advertising such as Google AdWords etc. However, the challenge for any company lies in finding the right mix of advertising and promotion which maximizes profits and minimizes costs. However, good B2C sites allows the consumers to shop faster and in a more convenient manner, offerings and prices obtained are in real-time and can be changed as required and call centres are usually integrated along with the websites allowing interaction between the companies and the end-users. Conclusion: Research shows that more than actual purchase, consumers are using the internet more for research about the product and to make a more informed purchase decision, which is truer for the business consumers. Thus, the company should realize that not all visitors may purchase from their site; however most of them will be researching the company’s products and the information available will be a significant factor in the final decision. This is true to a lesser extent for consumers, because individuals tend to display customer loyalty, thus they may research more to confirm their original decision rather than look at competition’s information. Also, in B2C more emphasis is on price comparisons as customers usually go online shopping to obtain the best price possible. This is also lower than the price in offline stores in some cases as it saves the cost of the intermediary or any dealer involved. In B2B, competition on a global basis ensures that the companies no longer can ignore online marketing and it is necessary to keep up with the competition. Initiatives such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and just in time inventory are changing the way business is being done. This combined with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) ensures that the way companies do business with other businesses has changed and they need to use innovative ways to make their presence felt online. (Furlong, 2001)

What Type of Nurse Are You

What Type of Nurse Are You There are so many different types of nurses. These include registered nurses, travel nurses, nurse practitioners, and operating room nurses just to name a few. Have you ever wondered what type of nurse you might be if you decide to pursue nursing as a career? Or maybe if you are in the right field of nursing based on your wants? This quiz is perfect to help you decide based on your likes.  Source [ Playbuzz ]

The Nature and Mission of the Church in the Twenty

The Nature and Mission of the Church in the Twenty The progress of the human thought cannot be stopped, and it is associated with a lot of changes in the spheres of the people’s life which are traditionally discussed as invariable and their aspects as constant. This statement was considered as relevant for analysing the elements of religion and faith during a long period of time.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Nature and Mission of the Church in the Twenty-First Century specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, the 20th century brought significant changes to all the spheres of the person’s everyday life, including the issue of spirituality and morality. From this point, the Catholic Doctrine was rethought according to the tendencies of the modern life in the middle part of the 20th century. The triggers of the process could be observed even earlier when the representatives of the intelligence had concentrated on the problem of understanding the rol e of the Church in the life of a Christian in the 19th century. The approaches to the question which were typical for the Middle Ages were inappropriate for the discussion of the issue in the new era. In spite of the fact the major norms and exegeses of the role of the Church for the Christians remained unchanged after the Second Vatican Council and its decision, the way of interpretation was altered significantly. Being a witness to Christ, the present-day Church has the sacramental nature, but its mission is to be intelligible for everyone as the part of the real world; to serve everyone and support people on their way to Christ and salvation. The nature and mission of the Church in the 21st century is associated with the long history of the Church’s development during the centuries, but today the role of the Church and its elements should be discussed with references to the modern reality. Moreover, it is possible to state that the role of the Church depends on changes in society. To discuss the problem, it is important to focus on such an aspect as the sacramental character and nature of the Church which does not change, but new interpretations are added to the understanding of the concept. The Second Vatican Council emphasised the Church and its character as sacramental. To understand the fact, it is necessary to refer to the notion of a sacrament.Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, Gleeson states that the main elements of Christianity have the sacramental character because it is common to discuss Christ, the Church, or the Eucharist as sacraments along with the Seven Sacraments of the Catholic Church (Gleeson, 2004, p. 1). Sacraments can be analysed from many perspectives and acquire different meanings according to the deepness of the person’s understanding the concept. That is why, it is possible to explain a sacrament as a sign of God’s presence. The Church as a living witness to Christ is one of the main sacraments because it can be discussed as the place and notion in relation to which God’s presence is real. Stating that God is present in the Church, people state the sacramental nature of the Church. The sacramental nature of the Church is also based on the aspect that a concept of sacrament is closely connected with the concept of mystery in relation to the character of the Church (Noll, 2006, p. 39). The Church is the mystery as the reflection of God’s will in the world, and the Church is the main sacrament because the presence of God in the world is associated with the nature of the Church, basing on the notion of mystery. Focusing on the rethought mission of the Church as the necessity to be an instrument for the people’s salvation, to serve them according to the aspects of reality and to be intelligible, it is important to discuss this interpretation characteri stic for the 20th and 21st centuries with references to the earlier visions of the issue. The Church the norms and rules of which were presented with references to the Council of Trent could be characterised as the hierarchical institution based on dogmas and laws. The connection of the Church with reality also depended on the hierarchical approach. Being an institution, the Church concentrated on its role and position, but not on the real service for the public.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Nature and Mission of the Church in the Twenty-First Century specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From this point, the universal position was more important than the local connection between the Church and people from the definite territory (McBrien, 1994). The orientation to the public in relation to the locality as the aspect of the real world became possible during the 20th century. What is the most controversial interpret ation of the Church’s mission presented by the Second Vatican Council? In his work, Drumm concentrates on the problem of the people of God, and this issue is closely associated with the aspect of connecting the Church with the real life and with the idea of salvation. It was stated earlier that people look to Christ to find the salvation. Moreover, the Church is the community of the people called by God. From this perspective, it is important to belong to the Church to be saved because the Church has the special meaning for the salvation. Nevertheless, Drumm accentuates that according to the present-day interpretation of the Church’s role, Christianity can be discussed from the point of an individual and the fact of belonging to the Church is not significant because the Church serves for all the people in spite of their status of belonging to it (Drumm, 1998). Thus, this change in the interpretation can be discussed as the shift to focusing on the people’s spiri tuality and individuals’ salvation, but on the Church as the institution with its strict norms. The service for all the people is more important today because of the real practical character of the Church revealed with the help of this role. That is why, it is possible to speak about Christianity and, as a result, the Church as the product of marketing. McGrath claims that the American approach to the aspects of Christianity is associated with the marketing strategies the main objective of which is to gain the definite benefits (McGrath, 2002, p. 46). However, Phan connects the similar aspects with the problem of pluralism as it develops in the American society actively influencing all the spheres of the people’s life, including their visions of religion and spirituality (Phan, 2007).Advertising Looking for essay on religion theology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, discussing the new approaches to explaining the nature and mission of the Church presented according to the Second Vatican Council, it is possible to refer to the new interpretations as to new products which are necessary for the people in the 20th-21st centuries. The Church acquired more connections with reality not only when the texts of the Mass were translated but also when the presence of God in the Church and Christ in the world were emphasised, depending on the Church’s mission to serve for all the people in spite of their belonging to the Church. The mission of the Church in the society of the 21st century is a rather provocative question. Nevertheless, many researchers associate the Church as the influential instrument for affecting the people’s vision of morality which functions basing on a tradition. Birch and Rasmussen discuss the church as â€Å"a bearer of tradition† (Birch Rasmussen, 1989, p. 127). From this point, the Church is significant for leading the people on their moral paths where the Church provides them with the necessary knowledge of the moral norms and traditions and the understanding of the good and evil. According to Darragh, the role of the Church for the development of the people’s morality is based on the definite tradition. From this perspective, the Church gives the person such a possibility to grow morally because the Church is associated with such a kind of tradition in relation to the principles of the practical theology (Darragh, 2007). From the point of the Church’s impact on the public’s morality, the changes in discussing the Church as a sacrament brought the changes to the people’s understanding the norms of ethics. The world associated with the religion became Christ-centred, but not the Church-centred as it was earlier (Drumm, 1998). Moreover, the significance of following moral norms and rules is based in the modern world on the individual’s viewpoint o n the problem which is influenced by the theory about virtues, but it is not determined by strict laws proclaimed by the Church (Lovin, 2000). The Church of the New Testament was oriented toward being an institution, proclaiming hierarchy and universalism. The Church of the 20th-21st centuries is oriented toward faith and religion as the necessary aspects of the social culture and individual’s spirituality (Lennan, 1998). Today, self-expression in following the moral norms according to the Christian ethics is more significant for people than the usage of rules and laws which are not intelligible and unconnected with reality. Reforms in discussing the role of the Church were important for the people because the aspects of their religious life should also be correlated with the events in the real world. The changes in interpreting the mission and the role of the Church in comparison with the discussion based on the earlier explanation of the New Testament can be summarised with determining witness, worship, and service as the main aspects of the Church’s role (Noll, 2006, p. 37-38). The Second Vatican Council shifted the accents from understanding the Church as the hierarchical institution which was rather opposite to the real world to presenting the Church as the base for the people’s salvation and for the everyday life dependent on the ethical norms and rules. It is important to note that several centuries ago the meaning of the texts of the Mass was almost unavailable for the people because of the absence of translation. Moreover, the strict hierarchy of the Church’s authority and their power made people discuss the Church as a specific institution but not as the community of those people who are united to follow the Word of God. Thus, the reforms and differences in interpreting the basic principles associated with the role of the Church proposed by the Second Vatican Council were important for the Christians. The Word of God, the celebration of the Sacraments, the importance of service were determined along with the other significant points. Furthermore, the Church is a witness of Christ because Christ declared the Kingdom of God, and the Church was discussed as associated with the presence of God (Lennan, 1998). Joining the Church, people started their way to find the salvation. From this point, the mystery of the Church is discussed in the context of God’s will and the notion of sacrament. To conclude, the main changes in interpreting the nature and mission of the Church in the 21st century in comparison with the earlier variants of their explanation are based on the tendencies in interpreting the presence of God in the world and the issue of salvation. Today, each Christian is discussed as the person who can share the sacraments as the signs of God’s presence in the world. The fact of belonging to the Church is not as important as it was earlier with references to the person’s individ ual approach to his or her spirituality and following moral norms. Thus, the Church is a sacrament, and the sacramental nature is accentuated by the mission of the Church to serve for all the people in relation to their salvation. According to its role, the Church became the part of the real world which supports people during their way to Christ. The Church should be also discussed as the community in which all the people have the opportunity to reach the holiness as the part of salvation. References Birch, B. C., Rasmussen, L. L. (1989). Bible and ethics in the Christian life. USA: Augsburg. Darragh, N. (2007). The practice of practical theology: Key decisions and abiding hazards in doing practical theology. Retrieved from http://aejt.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/395736/AEJT_9.9_Darragh_Practice.pdf Drumm, M. (1998). Modern trends in sacramental theology. Retrieved from http://theology1.tripod.com/readings/Michael_Drum.pdf Gleeson, B. (2004). Symbols and sacraments: Their hu man foundations. Retrieved from http://aejt.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/395674/AEJT_2.10_Gleeson_Symbols_and_Sacraments.pdf Lennan, R. (1998). An introduction to Catholic theology. New York, NJ: Paulist Press. Lovin, R. W. (2000). Christian ethics: An essential guide. USA: Abingdon Press. McBrien, R. P. (1994). Catholicism: New study edition. USA: HarperCollins. McGrath, A. E. (2002). The future of Christianity. USA: Blackwell Publishing. Noll, R. R. (2006). Sacraments: A new understanding for a new generation. New London, CT: Twenty-Third Publications. Phan, P. (2007). Evangelization in a culture of pluralism: Challenges and opportunities. Retrieved from http://aejt.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/378591/AEJT_9.1_Phan_Evangelization.pdf

Outline a framework for assessing the effectiveness of aid in Essay

Outline a framework for assessing the effectiveness of aid in promoting economic development in developing countries. Critically - Essay Example Thus, the difference between government enacted foreign aid programs and private, charitable, or volunteer groups donating money and services to development causes can be distinguished as two categories of international development aid: public policy and private charity. What is classified as â€Å"foreign aid† for example under public policy and is â€Å"given† to foreign States as part of a nation like Britain or America’s foreign policy might include military and economic aid together in a package that is intended to strengthen State structures of authority rather than indigenous community economic development. Private groups that seek to implement assistance programs independently of foreign States may have different obstacles and program criteria than the government aid assistance programs. Therefore, it is important to understand the difference between public and private development initiatives, and to analyze each on its own unique set of standards and req uirements relating to the way the issues are framed and the policies set into practice. Government aid programs to developing countries may be undertaken unilaterally, as many of the developed economic States such as Britain, the U.S., Japan, France, Finland, China, Denmark and other countries enact as part of their foreign policy. At the same time, these same countries may also engage in official assistance to international aid programs as part of the UN, EU, OAS, or NATO. This foreign aid is intended as economic assistance but donated in relation to the political goals of the nations involved. Historically, this would be considered the aid most easily lost to corruption, most likely to land in the Swiss bank accounts of despots, to be wasted, funneled into military and police repression tectics, and generally used to encourage a greater system of inequality in the foreign country by exacerbating the division of wealth in the society, or the inequality of capital distribution among its citizens. This type of foreign aid may lead to crony capitalism, dictatorships, banana republics, or proxy States that exist in opposition to their populations and actually deter economic and social development through the production of a corrupt and unequal society. These patterns typified foreign assistance aid to Africa in the 1970’s, Central and South America in the 1980’s, and Pakistan, Egypt, and other countries considered vital in the war on terror in the current paradigm. The characteristic of this type of aid is that it goes to a corrupt or undemocratic and non-transparent proxy State of the superpowers and the resources are used exclusively by the corrupt or crony class of insiders related to the local national party structure. This type of foreign development aid is generally the least effective and the least likely to actually â€Å"trickle down† to the communities represented by three billion of the world’s poorest, families who live on less than $1 per day, often lacking any type of clean water, sanitation, education, or electrical facilities. Yet, the government policy driven types of foreign development assistance may also take the form of â€Å"Peace Corps†

Describe the performance track record and rationale behind the Essay

Describe the performance track record and rationale behind the investment decisions of your Dummy Portfolio this term, in the style of a Hedge Fund Investor Letter - Essay Example The return from S&P 500 return is 45%, weekly standard deviation of S&P 500 is 2.95% and total standard deviation of S&P 500 is 21.24%. Here we have bought several stocks such as FTSE100 which has beginning level of 6627 and end level of 6722.67 and it has earned total gain of 1.44%. CAC40 had beginning level of 4244 and end level of 4390.18 and it has earned total gain of 3.44%. DAX had beginning level of 9369 and end level of 9980.85 and it has earned total gain of 6.53%. Dow Jones Industrials had beginning level of 17614 and end level of 17828.24 and it has earned total gain of 1.22%. S&P500 had beginning level of 2039 and ending level of 2067 and it has earned total gain of 1.40%. NASDAQ had beginning level of 4660 and end level of 4791.63 and it has earned total gain of2.82%. Nikkei225 had beginning level of 17197 and end level of 17459.85 and it has earned total gain of 1.53%. Topix had beginning level of 1377 and end level of 1410.34 and it has earned total gain of 2.42%. Shanghai Composite had beginning level of 2494 and end level of 2682.92 and it has earned total gain of 7.57%. CSI300 had beginning level o f 2594 and end level of 2808.82 and it has earned total gain of 8.28%. Spot Gold had beginning level of 1165 and end level of 1167.41 and it has earned total gain of 0.21%. USD against Japanese yens had beginning value of 1$= 115.33 yen and the value has increased to 1$=118.68 yen and it has earned total gain of 2.90%. Brent Spot beginning level of 81.01 and end level of 77.75 and it has earned total loss of -4.02%. NY Crude Oil had beginning level of 77.32 and end level of 73.69 and it has earned total loss of -4.69%. The dummy portfolio has also earned negative returns or loss for spot silver, spot platinum, pound against dollar and pound against euro. Thus it can be said that the dummy portfolio has average to good return in the period. The