The Effect of Lyrics in Music on Society

Music and its lyrical content has become an integral component of society as it constitutes an essential part in most people’s lives. The advent of MP3 players, ipods and similar gadgets has cemented the widespread reach of musical lyrics, particularly among the so – called MTV generation. While this point cannot be called into question, the exact effect of lyrics on society at large is debatable and is the subject of much controversy. The reason for this is the paucity of research on the said subject. In response to public concern over the harmful effects of explicit lyrics, much has been said and written about it but there is little scientific evidence to back up opposing claims. A careful analysis of the existing research literature, however, reveals that the lyrics in music exercises a profound influence on society and moreover, there is disturbing evidence to show that it does more harm than good. Arguments and Counterarguments about the Effect of Lyrics in Music It has been argued that the lyrical content of music has precious little effect on the collective psyche of the masses and that the focus on its pervasive influence and perceived harmful effects is largely uncalled for. The meaning of songs is subject to interpretation, it has been claimed and as such depends entirely on the listener and his or her individual perception. Besides songs nowadays are layered with intricate meaning and severely tax the cognitive skills of the listeners who usually misinterpret the lyrics or simply don’t care about them. Some are of the opinion that it is solely music as opposed to its lyrical content that affects the masses. Studies conducted by Rosenbaum and Prinsky as well as Wass et al. have supported this claim by revealing that â€Å"†¦ listeners have reported that song lyrics are not particularly important to them and that they are more attracted to qualities of music than they are to the lyrics† (qtd. in Hansen & Hansen 178). All these viewpoints are misleading as they underestimate the sheer insidiousness and impact of the lyrics in songs. The tremendous popularity of rap music bears testament to the power of words, particularly since rap or hip – hop focuses entirely on the lyrics and music merely serves to accentuate the clever wordplay and inherent themes. Thus the genre of rap music with its attendant controversy and crazed fan – following highlights the immense effect lyrics have on society. Further Hansen and Hansen have concluded from their studies that â€Å"†¦despite low levels of lyric comprehension and recall of song lyrics, listeners were able to extract themes of sex, suicide, violence,   and satanism from songs by popular heavy metal groups using schematic processing† (178) . On the basis of this and other studies, it may be concluded that the lyrics in music have the ability to shape impressionable minds, influence beliefs, determine one’s outlook towards life and subsequently at an overt level, affect the behavior and actions of individuals. Lyrics may enable people to become cognizant of socially relevant issues and empathize with their fellow humans. But more often that not lyrics of popular music appears to spawn harmful effects that have dangerous implications for our society. The Harmful Effects of Lyrics and Its Impact on Society Over the years, the lyrical content of music has undergone a metamorphosis of sorts. Lyrical themes no longer celebrate romantic love and peace but glorify pleasures of the flesh, aggression and drug use. Therefore people have become increasingly concerned with lyrics replete with sexual and violent overtones, particularly their influence on youngsters. This concern is not misplaced because in the words of Hargrave and Livingstone, â€Å"†¦ studies reveal consistent messages in music lyrics that may be considered harmful including messages promoting violence among boys / men, homophobic messages, or those encouraging early sexuality among young girls / women† (109) . Contemporary music abounds with alarmingly casual descriptions of lustful and violent activities and has had the effect of desensitizing the masses and prompting individuals to make unwise decisions. With regard to the accusation of harmful effects, lyrics have been directly implicated as a study by â€Å"Rubin, West, and Mitchell (2001) found that fans of rap and heavy metal music scored significantly higher on measures of aggression than did fans of other musical genres† (Giles 67) . And of course it is these particular genres that have come under fire for their brutal lyrics. Thus there is little doubt as to the effects of explicit lyrics on listeners. Thanks to the offensive material conveyed by songs, many of the evils that plague our society can be directly linked to the lyrics in music. For instance the increased incidence of sexual activity among adolescents, teen pregnancies, drug use, violence against homosexuals, women and other minority groups may be traced to the lyrical content of music. In view of the existing evidence, the pervasive effect of lyrics cannot be taken lightly as it threatens to undermine the very foundation on which society is based. Conclusion In light of the evidence outlined above, one may safely assert that the lyrics in music affect society to a large extent. In addition to their profound influence it is found that their effects can be harmful to the individual as well as society. Therefore the impact of lyrical content cannot be ignored or underestimated and further research is imperative to determine its exact nature. Works Cited Giles, David. Media Psychology. Mahwah NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2003. Hansen, Christine, and Ranald Hansen. â€Å"Music and Music Videos†.   Media Entertainment: The Psychology of Its Appeal. Eds. Dolf Zillmann and Peter Vorderer. Mahwah NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2000. 175 – 96. Hargrave, Andrea and Sonia Livingstone. Harm and offence in media Content: A Review of the Evidence. Portland: Intellect Books, 2006.   

Abnormal Psychology: Abuse, Addiction, & Disorders

Psychological Disorder Analysis ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: ABUSE, ADDICTION, & DISORDERS Psy 270 Jalisa Cooper February 4, 2012 Final paper Psychological Disorder Analysis Psychological disorders can be very debilitating for those who suffer from them. Psychological disorders affect a person’s ability to function normally in their daily lives. In regards to the case study of Nicole the patient Nicole is a 40-year-old Hispanic female who comes to the mental health clinical complaining of trouble sleeping, feeling â€Å"jumpy† all of the time, and experiencing an inability to concentrate.These symptoms are causing problems for her at work, where she is a finance manager. Though the information in regards to Nicole is very limited and difficult to analyze, however the symptoms suggest that Nicole may be suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder can be difficult to diagnose and the symptoms are often unrecognizable. Posttraumatic stress disorde r is an anxiety disorder which can develop from having experienced a terrifying event or ordeal in which grave physical harm occurred or was threatened.Like many anxiety disorder they may cause jumpy and sleepless behavior depending on the anxiety disorder the individual may have. Traumatic disorders can be triggered by stress or any other event that may cause the individual to develop anxiety related symptoms. A traumatic event might be military combat experience, violent personal attacks, or even car accidents. Post-traumatic disorders can be triggered by something in their past that be generated from something major or insignificant.While Nicole’s profile within the case study does not state the existence of a traumatic event throughout her past or present life, however I can only assume that she many have experienced something in her past that may have been triggered by stress at work or another aspect in her life. It is common for the individual to withhold this informat ion as it may be extremely difficult for them to relive the event because it may be too traumatic.Victims that may have experienced an event such as rape or car accident resulting in death or severe injuries may not experience symptoms at the moment of the event however they may develop symptoms shortly or later after the event once it is triggered by stress or other traumatic events. Being that the case study did not present a in depth history on Nicole I would attempt to gather information form the patient such as â€Å"Have you experienced a traumatic event recently or in your past? † This would be to gather information about the patient to that I can pin point the origin of what is causing her symptoms.The case study regarding Nicole mentions that she is a 40-year old woman that is suffering from a great deal of symptoms. According to the Demographics of â€Å"Faces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive: for Post-traumatic stress disorder†, middle age adults are more adversely affected than older and younger adults. In addition she is a Hispanic woman meaning for whatever disorder it is important to take into consideration her culture in treating her conditions. The DSM-IV states one of the criteria of Post-traumatic stress disorder is increased levels of arousal including insomnia, irritability, and hyper vigilance. People with these disorders may feel overly alert, be easily startled, develop sleep problems, and have trouble concentrating† (Comer, 2005). When suffering from PTSD and individual may begin to display symptoms of avoidance of any stimuli that is in anyway related or associated with the traumatic event. These methods many even include avoidance of thoughts, feelings and activities associated with are resemble the event. As stated in the case study Nicole mentioned that she is having complications with getting to sleep or in general getting the significant amount of sleep needed to maintain her energy level throughout the day. Through her lack of sleep she is experiencing difficulty concentrating at her work facility, where her position requires a focused mind and attentiveness. She also experiences the feeling of being jumpy frequently throughout the day which relates to being easily startled or paranoid due to a past experience in relation to her current stress levels. She may have experienced something in her past that is being stimulated by her events she participate in during the day causing her to flash back to that moment and relive this event.It is common for individuals that suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder to experience a sequence of involuntary flashbacks through thoughts and even dreams, which may also be an additional reason for Nicole’s lack of rest during the night. She may be involuntarily reliving her traumatic experience due to stress in her life preventing her to obtain the proper rest that she needs to function at work. The case study failed to explain her social life and the relationships she may have with others thus it does explain her detachment to her work assignments and her lack of focus to stay on task.Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms reflect emotional detachment from friends and family causing them to be unable to express loving feelings for them. Post- traumatic stress disorder individuals become hyper-vigilant which could cause them to become chronically un-alert to the things and events around them rendering them unresponsive. Which is another symptom that Nicole the case study patient displays throughout her explanation of her working abilities, she displays a lack of concentration to the tasks at hand and jumpy feeling all the time.Those that suffer from this disorder may often become startled easily and suffer from difficulty of sleeplessness. Those individuals with PTSD often develop other disorder such as depression; substance related disorders as well as anxiety disorders. Meaning those that suffer from severe Post-trauma tic stress disorders may often result to substance abuse and may of their symptoms may be influenced by the usage of these substances causing their condition to seem more extreme.As well as depression and anxiety disorders can in addition contribute to the symptoms PTSD raising the impact of each symptom to a higher level depending on the severity of each disorder. Many times individuals are misdiagnosed because of the commonality of symptoms between disorders. Studies have shown that 60% of adult men today have experience a traumatic even, whereas 51% of adult women have experience a traumatic event at least once in their life. It is common for many individuals that experience traumatic events sometime throughout their life to not be affected by these events.Of 50% of American that experience a traumatic event of any kind, only approximately 8% of them eventually experience Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms later in life. It is suggested that each event is different in their own way as well as has different impacts on each individual. There are factors that predict ones vulnerability of Post-traumatic stress disorder which would revolve around the nature of the event the individual experienced. The DSM-IV states the severity of the traumatic event in one of the leading factors that help predict whether an individual may be susceptible to later suffer from Post-traumatic stress disorder.The severe traumatic events that are more likely to induce PTSD are the events that are prolonged traumas that often affect ones family or self directly. Secondly the more likely trauma suffer that was experiencing pre-existing anxiety symptoms long before the severe traumatic event occurred is more likely to later develop Post- traumatic stress disorder symptoms. This is because the individual has already reached a point in their life that cause them to become worrisome making them unable to handle the pressures of a traumatic event of severe magnitude without having and episodes.These individuals are unstable to cope with whatever change this event has brought on causing them to develop additional anxiety disorders. Those individuals that have a history of mental illness are way more likely to experience PTSD symptoms. Third the individuals coping techniques play a large role in ones predictability of developing symptoms of PTSD. Traumatic events can take a toll on anyone and any magnitude of the event however ones predictability of developing PTSD is based on ones ability to cope with the tragic event.The individuals that lack the ability to move past the event often fall victim to this disorder. Those that dwell on the details of the event are at higher risk as well as those who refuse to discuss the events at all cost. Some events such as witness to death, accidents resulting in death and disastrous events could cause one to reframe communicating and expressing their feelings about the events. By reframing from acknowledging such event has occu rred I could cause a mental break. Finally support is an important factor when it comes to dealing with traumatic events much like any other disorder.Those that have a lack of support from friends, family, counseling or event therapy tend to be more susceptible to the developing the symptoms of PTSD. The lack of a support network is does not allow the individual to express their problems to someone that can understand or relate. And sufferer of a post-traumatic event needs to be able to reflect and vent some other emotions to someone close. They have to be a be to feel the support and encouragement of loved ones to keep them motivated to work through whatever they are experiencing.There have been a set of therapies to design to address this disorder to properly treat the symptoms. The three primary goals in theory are reducing the individual’s fear of provoking stimuli. This means that therapy will assist the individual in reducing the fear or unwillingness to address and con front activities and thoughts that trigger the traumatic event. Secondly, assisting the patient in modifying counterproductive thoughts, and lastly reducing stress are method used in therapy to assist the patient progress pass this event.The method of be reducing the individual’s fear of provoking stimuli are done through systematic desensitization, which is when an individual unlearns their fear thus reversing the classical conditioning process and eliminating the cause of them requiring the fear initially. The first phase is relaxation training of each muscle in the body while allowing the patient to then trained to calm themselves. The second phase is list of fear provoking stimuli descending from least threating and uncomfortable to more threating fears.The third phase us the desensitization phase where the patient is slightly provoke to introduce those thoughts or stimuli while remaining calm. It is often done through imagined stimuli and then they may introduce actual s timuli to the patient. In addition to this method therapist may use cognitive techniques which challenge ones irrational beliefs and unhealthy thoughts. Reference Comer, R. J. (2005). Fundamentals of abnormal psychology (4th ed. ). New York: Worth. Fundamentals of Abnormal PsychologyFaces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive application at the McGraw Hill Higher Education Web site: http://www. mhhe. com/socscience/psychology/faces/http://www. mhhe. com/socscience/psychology/faces/# Melinda Smith, M. A. , and Jeanne Segal, Ph. D. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): SYMPTOMS, TREATMENT, AND SELF-HELP, (2011), Retrieved February 4, 2012, http://www. helpguide. org/mental/post_traumatic_stress_disorder_symptoms_treatment. htm Resources: Appendix A, Fundamentals of Abnormal Psychology, and the Faces of Abnormal Psychology Interactive application at the McGraw Hill Higher Education Web

Phase 2 Individual Project Essay

There are many businesses that have expanded their business internationally in order to benefit in some sort of way rather it revenue or a better market for their product. In this thesis, I will research a multination company and its international strategy over the last 10 years. I will elaborate on it international orientation and rather it etho-, poly-, or geocentric. I than explain why the company decided on expanding to the chosen locations. Then I will clarify if they had core capability to succeed in those markets, along with its opportunities and constraints. Last, I will define value chain dispersal and integration strategy and describe the strategy that’s organized around it. I chose to research McDonalds, because it is one of the most successful restaurant chains around the world. They use effective management to strategize global expansion. . They develop effective customer brand loyalty through their Human Resource Department and company personnel. McDonald’s international orientation has ethnocentric and polycentric approaches. Its ethnocentric approach begins with how they initially entered international markets by leveraging standardized product offerings, clean and bright environments, and American brand equity (McDonald’s Success Strategy and Global Expansion through Customer and Brand Loyalty). But with changing times McDonalds have adapted to local regions remodeling it retail space and while changing product line to appeal to local taste. By the golden arch being connected to American culture, it can be at risk in other countries by not staying true to what McDonald’s stand for. By brushing aside ethnocentric considerations , it could be an identity lost. The polycentric approach is how they provided growth and employment to a vast  number of minority groups in the United States and people around the globe. McDonalds is culturally connected around the world be providing business training for employees in Hong Kong and in the UK offering 1800 to employees to continue their education, just to name a few. The influence and most of McDonald’s success is the investment of significant in their employee’s growth and job satisfaction. McDonalds was founded in 1943, and 1967 British Colombia was its first international expansion, advertising to middle and upper class. McDonalds decided to expand internationally, due to the enormous success in America. There was heavy research involved in the expansion. Through globalization and internationalization, McDonalds were able to develop marketing strategies according to cultural needs, to serve specific target markets. McDonalds enter India’s foreign market and 1996 and is a to ugh foreign market to enter, but with McDonald’s success they were able to earn high revenue in India. The success strategy is researching and the development of food. McDonalds thoroughly analyzed the preferred taste, especially to not offend locals. Their key to success is to â€Å"think global, act local.† Furthermore, McDonald’s is a true franchise success; the success of McDonald’s goes back to its roots, the start. By being consistent and providing quality service, cleanliness, and values at all times, customers have nothing to complain about and customers always know what to expect locally and internationally. With making things new and fresh, innovation is a key component to the success internationally. By taking the necessary steps and observing differences in cultures, they were able to tweak their products without causing disruption. Also, McDonalds turns bad into success, by being in the forefront of environmental issues McDonalds took their issues and established their own Global Environmental committee and outlined the steps to reduce solid waste. Ov er the years there has been much global health concern, mainly in relation to children. In response to the concerns, McDonald’s formed the Global Advisory Council (GAC) in 2004. The GAC is an international team of independent experts assembled by McDonald’s to provide us with professional guidance in the areas of nutrition and children’s well-being (The Success of McDonald’s Franchise). Finally, what is value chain dispersal and integration strategy? Value chain dispersal is how a business receives information and takes the information to add value to their business in the selling of their product to customers.  Value chains can produce goods or services. The goal of the business to produces maximum value for the least total cost. Integration strategy is use in the training of management and employees, reduce in-effective communication, and reduce cost. The international strategy that is organized around value chain dispersal and integration strategy involving McDonald’s, is that they know their strengths and weaknesses. Adding values strengthens the corporations as a global economy, where the weaknesses are transformed into a positive factor. These projects take effective management. Effective in management in turn can produce great employees, in which they can effectively communicate and execute the mission and statement. In conclusion, it was very informing to research a franchise success, such as McDonald’s. What is even more intriguing is their success locally and internationally and how they cater to different cultures, by researching needs and wants. McDonald’s knows what takes to be a huge success is and success takes brain-storming, along with talent. Reference McDonald’s Success Strategy And Global Expansion Through Customer And Brand Loyalty. The Clute Institute Journal Of Business Case Studies, 3. Retrieved from http://journals.cluteonline.com/index.php/JBCS/article/view/4857/4949 McDonald’s International Strategy: Squander Brand Equity? (2009). Retrieved from http://www.sundarganapathy.com/blog/2009/04/20/mcdonalds-international-strategy-squander-brand-equity/ Roger, Arvind, Kashlak, Rabi, Bhagat, & Phatak (2009). International Management: Managing in a Diverse and Dynamic Global Environment (2nd ed.). [Course Smart Solutions]. Retrieved from http://wow.coursesmart.com/9780077674113/?CSTenantKey=coloradotech&spid= The Success of McDonald’s Franchise. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.franchisedirect.com/information/trendsfacts/thesuccessofmcdonalds/8/1111/#note4

Research Agumentative Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Agumentative - Research Paper Example Although this may be the first major offensive made under the Obama administration, this is actually just the more recent attempt by US forces and its allies to destroy terrorist organizations in Central Asia and the adjacent Middle East, particularly in Iraq. However, the war on Al Qaeda and its local counterpart in Afghanistan, the Taliban, is already nearly a decade old but there are still no signs that it is going to end soon victoriously for the US and its allies. Ever since the Bush administration began waging the War on Terror, with 9/11 as the pretext, the only results achieved were deaths and destruction of civilian populations and structures. As a result, serious debates on the US policy of direct military intervention in countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq have occurred. In fact, this issue was highlighted in the presidential elections of 2008. While military solutions have yet to achieve positive results for the people of Central Asia, alternative and peaceful means of solving the problem in the region have been proven successful. Although these have not been provided enough attention from the international media, these constructive efforts have gained the trust and appreciation of the people northern Pakistan. An effective strategy of quelling the Taliban has been developed by an American civilian and his dedicated group of development workers. However, it is not their abhorrence of terrorism or of the violent tendencies of Islamic fundamentalism that prompted them to intentionally deprive Taliban of a more fertile seedbed. David Mortenson and his organization, Central Asia Institute, has been building schools and transforming the lives of the Balti people in Pakistan’s Karakoram region through education and development projects merely out of human compassion. (Mortenson 24) Their effort is not just a minor aspect in a larger US design of crushing terrorism in Central

Marketing Mix Strategy for John Lewis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Marketing Mix Strategy for John Lewis - Essay Example   Objective for John Lewis John Lewis is based upon ownership structure and commercial success that are unique in nature and built upon partnership reputation. Thereby, the overall objectives of the organisation should focus upon partners, customers and profit. Partners should achieve personal satisfaction in being one of the members of a co-owned enterprise, employ and preserve loyal customers through their application of their continuous trust and should make adequate profit to continue commercial vitality with expectation and profit sharing among members (John Lewis, 2011). 1.1. Marketing Objectives Marketing objective will be towards the achievement of overall goals of the business. There are objectives that are related to product. John Lewis needs to launch more product lines either through their own brands or through collaboration with other brands in different parts of the world (Mesure, 2005). Production cost and other costs need to be reduced so that products are affordabl e and competitive pricing is maintained. There are certain merchandises that have gained high sales volumes. Also, many of the merchandises experienced low sales volumes. Strategy needs to be developed to manage the product lines according to own brand and other brands that are associated with high and low margin. 2.0. Environmental Analysis 2.1. Political Environment The government of the UK encourages the retailers to offer mix job opportunities from locally-based, flexible jobs to highly-skilled and higher-paid jobs. This industry is high with regards to staff turnover. However, the model of John Lewis ensures that the employees are loyal to the company. 2.2. Economic Environment Economical factors have the influential power to affect John Lewis and Waitrose in terms of price, profit and cost. Due to financial crisis, there has been increase in the level of unemployment. This tends to affect the demand for goods and services (Adair & Et. Al., 2009). The economic factors are at th e certain point of time, out of control of John Lewis and have its effect on the company’s performance and thus marketing mix can be intense. The slowdown in market will affect John Lewis in non-food category and Waitrose in food category. However, this is not under the control of the company.  

Equity and Trusts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 1

Equity and Trusts - Essay Example The difference arises because the common law only recognized legal ownership and gave no effect to trusts, which were enforceable only in equity. Legal interests in any assets are therefore rights in rem, enforceable against anyone; equitable interests were at first rights only in personam, enforceable against the trustee personally. Equity, however would not enforce a trust against any innocent buyer who knows nothing about the trust, as that enforcement would itself be inequitable, and so an equitable right is still not as strong as a legal right. These equitable rules became embodied in what is known as the doctrine of notice. This can be expressed as the following maxims: â€Å"Legal rights are good against the whole world; equitable rights are good against all persons except a bonafide purchaser of the legal estate for value without notice of the equitable interests in that land, and those claiming under him† This bonafide purchaser is often known as â€Å"equity’s darling†. The essential features of this privilege person are that he is: 1) Bona fide – Any dishonesty, sharp practice will forfeit equity’s protection. 2) Purchaser for Value – â€Å"purchaser† excludes those who inherit the property or acquire it by operation of law. â€Å"for value†, while it does not necessarily mean â€Å"full value†, means money or money’s worth or marriage. The decision of the House of Lords in Midland Bank Trust Co Ltd v Green 1981 AC 513 shows that the consideration need not be adequate. ... against the trustee personally. Equity, however would not enforce a trust against any innocent buyer who knows nothing about the trust, as that enforcement would itself be inequitable, and so an equitable right is still not as strong as a legal right. These equitable rules became embodied in what is known as the doctrine of notice. This can be expressed as the following maxims: "Legal rights are good against the whole world; equitable rights are good against all persons except a bonafide purchaser of the legal estate for value without notice of the equitable interests in that land, and those claiming under him"3 This bonafide purchaser is often known as "equity's darling". The essential features of this privilege person are that he is: 1) Bona fide - Any dishonesty, sharp practice or other inequitable practice will forfeit equity's protection. 2) Purchaser for Value - "purchaser" excludes those who inherit the property or acquire it by operation of law. "for value", while it does not necessarily mean "full value", means money or money's worth or marriage. The decision of the House of Lords in Midland Bank Trust Co Ltd v Green 1981 AC 5134 shows that the consideration need not be adequate. 3) Of a legal estate - This is essential; the purchaser of equitable interest5 is in general bound by prior equitable interests whether he had notice of them or not. 4) Without notice - The purchaser must have no knowledge of the equitable interest at the time he purchased his interest. There are three types of notices:a) actual notice - this must be within his own knowledge and must not be nearly a vague reference,

The art of Graffiti Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The art of Graffiti - Essay Example One day when I went to this mosque to investigate further, I met an old man who sometimes cleans to floors and walls indoors. I took him around to the back of the mosque to show him the graffiti and to ask him what he thought. He looked very surprised when he saw the drawings. He told me that what the people had done who had drawn the graffiti was unacceptable. He had been brought up not to damage or deface other peoples’ property and to show respect for others. These scribblings, he said, were like a slap in the face—they were like someone had drawn physically on his own body, or taken something that belonged to him away from him. â€Å"The people in this community worked hard save up to build this mosque,† he told me. â€Å"They paid to make this walls clean and white. There is no merit in what was done here. Instead it was an act of defacement and sacrilege. It is unacceptable!† My opinion of the situation closely mirrored that of this gentleman. Itâ₠¬â„¢s just a shame that the risk is not commensurate with the meaning of what they are saying. They really seem only to have drawn gibberish on the side of the mosque—not anything that can constitute the risk. Even if they had written something against to government that would be political expression which would at least give the viewer something to think about. Through out the Middle East there is a fair amount of graffiti on mosques. Because of the political turn in the world in recent years, there is sometimes a strong feeling about Muslims.

Violent Video Games are Harmful on Teenagers Research Paper

Violent Video Games are Harmful on Teenagers - Research Paper Example Before, parents worried about the presence of danger in their surroundings. Nowadays, their problems have come home. There are now the dangers of the vast availability of violent news, movies and the current highly debated violent video games. Video games are not only available to adults but to children and teenagers as well. They are easily sold and bought online and for parents whose only dream is to provide for their children’s needs, who work hard and not spend enough time with their children; such situation becomes a threat to their family. One might ask why this should become a concern to parents and the community as a whole. As human beings, it is the responsibility of every individual to ensure a safe environment. Although one could not indeed eliminate all the dangers in the society, minimizing them is the most feasible remedy for a safe and peaceful world. One means of doing this is to ban all violent video games not only among children but also among teenagers becau se exposure to violence in something they enjoy encourages them to be violent. Violent video games are harmful on teenagers. There area a lot of arguments on whether video games are harmful on teenagers or not and this paper aims to prove that they are indeed harmful. What are violent video games in the first place? According to Liptak, the law defines them as those â€Å"in which the range of options available to a player includes killing, maiming, dismembering or sexually assaulting an image of a human being† in a way that is â€Å"patently offensive,† appeals to minors’ â€Å"deviant or morbid interests† and lacks â€Å"serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value† (nytimes.com). Justice Antonin Scalia seems to ridicule such definition with his statements, â€Å"What’s a deviant violent video game? As opposed to what? A normal violent video game? Some of the Grimm’s fairy tales are quite grim, are you going to ban the m, too?† (Liptak). Sure, the justice has a point however there are still a lot to consider about video games as compared to fairy tales and movies. Looking at the problem as it is can indeed seem to be simple but careful consideration will prove that this issue is not just a question about reading or seeing violence. First, as Justice Stephen G. Breyer said, â€Å"Common sense should allow the government to help parents protect children from games that include depictions of ‘gratuitous, painful, excruciating, torturing violence upon small children and women’† (Laptik). Before computers and video games, arguments have been about children’s exposure to violent television. Some researchers believe that a steady diet of violent television may change a child’s standards about violence- the child comes to see violence as more acceptable, more appropriate, and more prevalent in daily life (Bootzin, Bower, Zajone & Hall, 442). Observational learning h as such a great effect on children that the violence seen expressed by people, compounded by the violence seen on television, makes violence seem like a normal, daily affair. A person’s perception can be distorted by what he sees. â€Å"The significance of observational learning is highlighted by studies of the effects of televised violence. For example, the amount of violent content watched on television by eight-year-olds predicts aggressiveness in these children even fifteen years later† (Bernstein, Penner, Stewart, & Roy, 697). These are very significant in the study of the effects of violent video gam

Law and ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Law and ethics - Essay Example In the case at bar, Jack is already a 72-year-old man, who is at the time of the incident, intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. Hence, at that precise moment, he cannot validly give consent of refuse a medical treatment which can put his health at risk. Therefore, although Jack is considered a competent adult, the current situation he is into will endanger his life if he refuses to be given a medical treatment taking into consideration his old age. His present medical condition can lead to further complications which can only be prevented by a timely treatment shall to be administered to him. 2. It is important that doctors shall give an assurance that Jack’s condition is stable. A certification coming from a doctor that Jack is out of any danger will justify Jack’s wishes to be left at home and that he is on his way to recovery. In the case of Malette V Shulman, [1991] 2 Med LR 162, Donnelly J., highlights that â€Å"the right to refuse treatment was an inhe rent  component of the supremacy of the patient's right over his own body not  premised on the risks of refusal. ... Details of good medical practice and duties of a doctor can be found at the General Medical website, which can be viewed at . Although Jack is a competent adult who can decide what to do with his own body, it is important that the first priority is the health of Jack and ensure his speedy recovery. It is the duty and responsibility of the doctor to make the care of his patient the main concern. The best interest and welfare of the patient should come first. 11. Although Jack may demonstrate the capability to carry-out a normal conversation, the fact that he is intoxicated and on warfarin is an indication that his present medical condition is unstable. The doctors cannot rely on the decision of Jack to stay at home and refuse treatment because his right to self-determination is impaired and inaccurate. His irrational decision of choosing to stay at home which can lead to internal hemorrhage or blot clot in his head signifies that he is incompetent to make a sound decision to protect h imself. In the case of Re: C (Adult: Refusal of Treatment), [1994], the Supreme Court ruled that he legal test for competence is set out in Justice Thorpe's  decision. â€Å"First is the ability of the patient to comprehend and retain the information; and Secondly, believing  it and Thirdly, weighing it in the balance to arrive at a choice." Here, there is a clear indication that the patient cannot fully understand and comprehend the consequences of his actions and decisions because he is under the influence of drugs (warfarin) and alcohol. Therefore, it is the duty of the doctors and the people surrounding him to make an intelligent decision for Jack, which is to bring him to

The Masque of the Red Death for Edgar Allan Poe Essay

The Masque of the Red Death for Edgar Allan Poe - Essay Example Such people in a way tend to ignore the reality of death by engaging in favored diversions and cherished joys. On the other side there are people who respect the serious and ponderous aspects of life and do not hesitate to meditate on and think about death, which is the inevitable and unavoidable fate of everybody who is alive. However, the one single thing that is common to all the types and dispositions is that death does evoke the feelings of fear and intimidation, irrespective of one’s status or temperament. Edgar Allan Poe in his story The Masque of the Red Death delves on the frivolity of human understanding in the face of that which is all pervasive and universal. The plot, setting, characterization and atmosphere created by Poe in The Masque of the Red Death rely on the elements of terror, horror and grotesqueness, to exhibit the helplessness of the human existence before a fate that is essentially given to be mortal. The story starts with the news that â€Å"The â₠¬Å"Red Death† had long devastated the country† (Poe 3). By doing so the writer tends to play on the fear and all pervasiveness of death that always lurks at the back of human consciousness. In that context, the miniature world marked by gaiety and merriment, created by Edgar Allan Poe is a replica of the real world in which death pursues all and sundry, without exception and favors. The characters in the story, including the Prince Prospero and his assorted guests and the retinue of entertainers belong to the affluent strata of society. Now for the poor and deprived, it is much easier to admit one’s helplessness before death. The dilution of ego is more favorable to the understanding and acceptance of the essential aspects of life. However, it is not so with the denizens of the â€Å"castellated abbeys† (Poe 3). Unexceptionally all the characters in the story tend to be the cream of the society in a pecuniary and political context. Thus, as expected, they e nd up committing the same mistake, which is committed in varied measures by the mighty and powerful in all the ages and times. They believe that death and pestilence was to be the fate of the commoners in the kingdom and they are perfectly safe behind their â€Å"lofty wall† (Poe 3) and â€Å"gates of iron† (Poe 3). The â€Å"hale and light hearted friends† (Poe 3) of the Prince Prospero ironically intend to subdue their acceptance of death in a cloud of fun, enjoyment and luxury. However, this very intention and effort on their part, time and again reveals the moments of â€Å"brief disconcert of the whole gay company† (Poe 5). Their heartiest laughs are tinged with apprehensions and their gayest frolics are marked with intimidation. In that context, the plight of these guests is actually the plight of all men. Hence, the terror of the assorted guests in a subtle way percolates into and makes connection with the terror lurking in the minds of the readers , and the contrived obliviousness on their part makes the reader think about one’s personal attempts to evade thoughts of mortality, by engaging in diversion of one’s own. In a way, the reader simply forgets as to the moment and way one connects with and begins to identify with the arrogant ignorance of the guests in the story, flickering amidst death that has the potential to

Pu Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Pu - Essay Example The approach of this paper in measuring the political concerns to health care issues across time is drawing on the information provided by the Policy Agenda project. The policy agenda project employs the services of coders who are experts in categorizing political activities into mutually specialized topic areas. The health agenda is subdivided into 20 subtopics, which are among health care facilities, insurance access, and medical procedures among other divisions. In this volume, political activities over a 50-year period will be analyzed. The paper will make a comparison between Denmark and US and analyze the changing political attention levels to healthcare (Longley, 2007). The political attention will be measured on basis of the subjects discussed in parliamentary debates and questions presented by members of opposition to the government. Every citizen’s expectation is that relative concerns to healthcare have increased along with the rising demand for healthcare services. It is indeed true that through time the political attention on the policy of health care have increased tremendously in both political systems, i.e. in Denmark and in the US. The state of affairs can be attributed to the politicians’ interest to serve the public to appease them that in future they might stand chances for considerations during voting. Careful examination of the overall progress in political attention to healthcare across time shows a gradual increase in the levels of the congress attention to the healthcare policy. The level of concern given to healthcare policy in both the US and the Denmark political systems ranged from 1.5 to 4 percent. This occurrence was with respect of the form of activities that were being carried out by both political institutions. By the year 2002, the level of attention given to the healthcare policy relative to other agendas in both

Relative ethics Essay Example for Free

Relative ethics Essay Relative ethics is where decisions are made with the circumstances in mind. For instance the culture and traditions of the place, the individuals, and society. Examples of relative ethics is utilitarianism and situation ethics. Relative ethics can be seen to be a fair approach to decision making because it is tolerant of different values, it is more realistic that nothing is right or wrong, it is more open to atheists, and is considers emotions as important. However it is more complex and makes decisions harder, it can be used as an excuse to act in an immoral way, it implies that we should not have laws and it does not protect worldwide human rights. Relative ethics is tolerant of different cultures. For example just because in one place it is considered wrong for women to have an education in one country e.g. Islamic countries, it doesn’t mean that in the UK women should not have an education. The UK is not morally superior and should not try to implement its own morals on any other country. This may seem fair in one way but it actually means that any act can be acceptable and doesn’t protect our human rights, sexism is wrong and women should never be discriminated against no matter their religion. Some laws need to be absolute. Someone in a different country may claim that for example kidnap and torture are part of their culture, but we know this is wrong. Relative ethics can be seen as fair because in it there are no absolute objective rights or wrongs. The right thing to do depends on the situation. For example, if a woman stole food out of greed then it would be wrong. However if she stole food to feed her starving children then this is right. It is fairer than absolute ethics because an absolutist would say that the woman shouldn’t steal even if he children are dying of starvation. Obviously, this is wrong and so the relativist view if a fairer approach to decision making The idea that there are no objective rights or wrongs can make relative decision making a slow process. In Utilitarianism, the consequences of each option have to be predicted and consequences. When each individual situation has to be considered, it can cause complications and ensuring every person gets a good result is difficult. Some may argue that the time it takes to make a decision about the morality of an act is causes those involved more suffering and is unjust. In conclusion I think that relative ethics is the best approach to making fair ethical decisions. However, I believe that some actions are wrong no matter the culture or time or individual. For example, discrimination is always wrong and torture of innocents and kidnapping is wrong. Despite this, relative ethics is tolerant of all cultures and does not believe that in any situations that one persons or country’s morals are superior to anothers.

SM Prime Holdings (SMPH): Internal and External Analysis

SM Prime Holdings (SMPH): Internal and External Analysis Introduction Organizations are dynamic nowadays. One reason for this is the complexity of the environment they belong to and the need to constantly respond to this intricacy. Environment consists of various factors that affect how organization operates. These components include both internal and external factors that can either make or break the companys success. In addition to this, they have to react to various trends in which they are subject, for example the emerging environmental awareness of the public. To put all of these into perspective, one company will be used to illustrate how these factors influence the operations of the company. SM Prime Holdings (SMPH) is the mall operations arm of SM Investments Corporation which is todays one of the Philippines biggest conglomerates, occupying a dominant position in most of its lines of business, namely shopping malls; retail merchandising; banking and finance; and property. It all started with a simple vision of its founder and chairman, Mr. Henry Sy, to sell shoes to every Filipino (SMIC, 2009). Today, SMPH is the Philippines largest mall operator that owns and runs world-class malls over the country, providing millions of square meters of floor area for a fully integrated shopping, dining, and entertainment experience (SMIC, 2009). Moreover, it manages the parking area and the amusement facilities of the mall such as SM Cinemas, SM Ice Skating and SM Science Discovery Center. As of December 2008, there are 36 SMPH malls 33 here in the Philippines and 3 in China and this year it is expected that three new SM malls are opening. By the end of 2009 the total gross floor area (GFA) of all SM malls would total to 4.5 million square meters, a 5% increase from 2008s GFA. Above all, SMPH recorded a good financial performance year last year as it delivered a seven percent increase in net profit to Php6.4 billion, from a 12% growth in revenues worth Php17.8 billion (SMPH, 2008). Overview of the Internal Environment Every organization differs from one another. Each has its own unique characteristics that contribute to the over-all success of the company. These unique characteristics are often called the internal environment, which is composed of elements within the organization. These elements include employees, management, and corporate culture (Cliffs Notes, 2009). Out of all of these elements, there are two distinctive attributes that are vital to a company and these are its structure and culture. These two provides background on how the company operates. SMPHs Internal Environment For SMPH, understanding how their internal structure and culture operates allows them to organize, to take advantage of their strengths, to improve their weaknesses, and to develop an environment that breeds and encourages success among its employees (Organizational Culture 101, 2007). Moreover the success of the whole SM Group is attributed to its founder, Mr. Sy, whose determination and passion is considered exceptional. His influence has remained strong and visible both in its organizational structure and culture. Organizational Structure According to Drucker it is the correct design of structure which is of the most significant in determining organizational performance (Mullins, 2005. p. 597). In SMPH, they made sure that the structure is well-defined so that it will lessen confusion for their employees as it limits and controls what they do, for the organization is structured around high levels of formalization and specialization. Also the company has a strict adherence to chain of command that helps employees to identify their position in the company. Lastly, it is highly centralized wherein all decisions have to be made by higher ranking officials (Robbins, 2003, p. 575). In other words, the organizational structure of SMPH describes the management philosophy of Mr. Sy which is conservative yet with fine tuned instincts. Organizational Culture Like every individual, organizations also have their own personality that set them apart from others. In case of SMPH, their work ethics is prominent. For them everything is a serious business. Furthermore, they are guided by traditional Confucian values which are highly influenced by Mr. Sy who is an immigrant from mainland China. Hard work, frugality, discipline, love of study, self-sacrifice for the family welfare and harmonious social relationships are the Confucian values integrated to the company. These are the anchor values of SM Group which are the building blocks of their success (Flores, W. L., 2007). Overview of the External Environment Aside from managing its resources, organizations operate in a larger scale called the external environment. But unlike their internal resources wherein they have a full control of, the external environment suggests otherwise and in some cases may be considered as a threat. The number of the external environment factors is virtually unlimited for there are many macro factors that could impact organizations productivity. The only distinction between these factors is the degree of its impact to the company (NetMBA, 2007). SMPHs External Environment: PESTLE Analysis of SMPH SMPH, being the number one mall operator in the Philippines, regularly reviews its external environment. In their perspective, understanding the environment they belong is vital to the planning function of management for it influences the companys success rate. They identify and analyze the key trends, forces, and phenomena having a potential impact on the formulation and implementation of their strategies. In effect, the environmental assessment attempts to prepare the organization to acclimatize to environmental changes to take advantage of opportunities and to minimize the adverse effects of threats (Appelbaum, 1991). (P)olitics The Philippines is a democratic republic with an elected bicameral legislature, and a multiparty system. Filipinos exercised their right to vote every three years and despite the rumors to the contrary that the current President, Ms. Arroyo would not step down from office; there would be an election next year (US Department of State, 2007). This issue is important for the business sector as the next countrys leader may affect the operations of their organizations. This can influence them due to the reforms the new public officials would take. For SMPH, the results of the upcoming election would greatly affect them because it may affect the stability of the country and may undermine their confidence in their expansion plans. (E)conomics The countrys economic system is mixed economy wherein most of the companies are owned privately; however, government can control when the need for it arises. One of the features of the Philippine economy, it is consumer driven and the sales at the countrys biggest malls have been a gauge of trends in consumer spending. Almost 70% of the countrys gross domestic product (GDP) is contributed by consumer spending. Moreover the 30% of this total consumer spending happens inside malls, and two-thirds of this slice of the pie is accounted to SM alone (Balea, 2009). But according to the Fitch Ratings Inc. the countrys GDP is predicted to be at its lowest at 2.5%, which is lower than the 1998 Asian Crisis (Burgonio, 2009). Given this forecast, this can predict how SMPH would perform this year. This economic downturn will most probably affect the company and would be visible in its financial statements. (S)ocial-Cultural One social-cultural factor that affects organizations is the consumer buying behavior. Consumers are the source of profit of the company and that is why they are researching in great detail to learn the buying behavior of their consumers in order to track consumer trends and respond to it. Understanding the purchasing patterns answers what consumers buy, where they buy, how much they buy, when they buy and why they buy (Kotler Armstrong 2007. p. 129). In a recent survey conducted by the global market research firm Synovate, it revealed that during the six month stretch of December 2008 to April 2009, 92% of residents in Metro Manila, which is comprised of all social brackets and where malls are concentrated, have cut their spending, while 61% did less impulsive buying. Moreover 55% said theyve focused on food and other necessities and spent less on recreation as well as luxury items. In short, Filipinos are still spending but they are spending for the cheaper and basic things (Balea, 2009). Although SMPH may not be directly affected by this buyer behavior, this may affect its tenants total sales. Since tenants rental fees are determined through a percentage of their income or through a fixed monthly rent basis, SMPHs total revenue may squeeze (Narciso, 2009). (T)echnology The continuous improvement of technology has dramatically changed every organizations process; for example new marketing channels were introduced like the internet. Here in the country, internet penetration is still low. As of 2008, only 14.6% of the Philippine population is internet users; however it is forecasted to record a 23% growth annually. If this trend continues it will revolutionize the way Filipinos live. A good example of this is e-commerce, wherein markets, which were once unreachable because of distance and costs, are now open through cyberspace (Internet World Stats, 2009). Although e-commerce is still an unfamiliar territory here in the country wherein only 3% in National Urban Philippines made online purchase, it has a strong promise especially in the coming years due to the increasing accessibility of the internet, greater PC penetration and enactment by the government of appropriately strong e-commerce legislation (Internet World Stats, 2009). With this implication SMPH may find a new competitor by means of the so-called e-malls. This can be a serious threat for the company since this brings many advantages to consumers such as convenience, accessibility, interactivity and immediate response. (L)egal The current legal system of the Philippines is based on the 1987 Constitution but there is an on-going movement that is aimed to revise the current system. According to several lawmakers the business sector would be the number one beneficiary of the constitutional change as the proposed amendments include creation of a more efficient and competitive business environment among others (Rubio, 2009). SMPH is highly subjected to this change. If this would push through, all corporate laws may be altered which would affect how the SMPH operates taxes may rise, new labor codes may be enacted, ownership act may be amended. (E)co-Environment The Philippines is a developing company and as a result of this is the degradation of the natural environment. That is why theres environmental legislation and provision that protects welfare of the environment. Hence these should be followed strictly by both the private and public business sectors. For SMPH, this is very much applicable since they are mall developers. They have to be in compliance with the rules and standards or else they would be penalized (Kirk, 1998, p. 83). A particular example of an environmental legislation that should be followed by SMPH is to secure an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) during the conceptualization stage of their expansion plans. Getting an ECC certifies that the project under consideration will not bring about an unacceptable environmental impact and the proponent has complied with all of the environmental legislation preventing and controlling water, air and land pollution. Securing an ECC is important for SMPH because if they fail to do so all their expansion plans will be put on a halt (Kirk, 1998, p. 83). Competition Here in the Philippines, malls have become a huge phenomenon in the country. Most often than not, whether for recreational, dining or shopping purposes, Filipinos go to mall. With this high demand for shopping malls, this translates competition for SMPH and as of now there are three primary players in the shopping mall industry and these are Ayala Land, Robinsons Land and of course SMPH. Although the industry seems attractive with only 2 competitors for SMPH, the rivalry is still high since both Ayala Land and Robinsons Land are also expanding and has its own loyal customers. But an advantage being in the mall operations business is that it has high barriers to entry due to the huge capital needed to start up a mall, to find strategic locations and to attract reputable anchor tenants. With regards to SMPHs stand against its competitors, SMPH, with a 51 year experience under its belt, is still the mall of choice for tenants since they can enjoy heavy consumer traffic with almost 2.5 million foot traffic. This enormous number of SMPHs customers is due to their malls convenience, affordability and diversity, and these translate to high customer power. But theres also threat for substitutes like no-fuss shopping complexes (e.g. Tutuban Centermall, Greenhills) that is becoming a serious peril due to its cheaper prices. Knowledge Management In our daily lives, knowledge is considered as power. Same goes in businesses. But knowledge management is not merely gathering all the data, for it is more involved in processing all these information into a cohesive knowledge. Being efficient with the sourcing, analyzing, dissemination and storage of knowledge can be a source of competitive advantage for a company. With the case of SMPH, knowledge management is essential especially during times of expansion wherein they gather all information demographics of the area, spending capacity, competitive environment level of commercial and retail activities in the surrounding area and distance from other SM malls that will aid them in decision-making (SMPH, 2008). Financial Management The entire worlds economic system depends upon the exchange rate. The currency exchange rates effect global businesses like a thermometer, it measures the health of global economics (JD Files, 2009). Last year the Philippine Peso (php) was one of the worst performing currencies in Asia, closing at 47.52 php to a dollar. This is a 15% decline from the 2007s 41.29 php. (James, 2008) This can affect SMPH, since most of the Overseas Filipino Workers remittances are spent by their beneficiaries in shopping malls, tourism and entertainment. If the peso weakens, it increases the value of dollar remittances and this translates to more OFW beneficiaries spending in their malls. International Market Entry Many companies successfully operate in a niche market without ever expanding into new markets. However, some businesses could achieve increased sales, brand awareness and business stability by entering a new market (My Business, 2009). For instance, the company could review new geographical market to serve and at this time of globalization, many companies try to penetrate the international market as a source of their growth. Relating this to SMPH, the company expanded internationally through an acquisition of three SM shopping malls in China through a share swap agreement. This move allowed SMPH to gain a foothold in Chinas fast-growing economy and use this as a platform for long-term growth outside the Philippines where it is clearly the dominant player in the mall business (SMPH, 2007). Ecology According to Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, ecology means the scientific study of the processes influencing the distribution and abundance of organisms, the interactions among organisms, and the interactions between organisms and the transformation and flux of energy and matter. (n.d) In other words, ecology is about environmentalism. Today, one of the biggest issues in ecology is the increasing effect of global warming. Global warming as its name suggest is the gradual increase in the temperature here in earth. This is caused by carbon dioxide (CO2) and other air pollution that is collecting in the atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the suns heat and causing the planet to warm up (NRDC, 2009). Major sources of CO2 emissions are deforestation and burning of fossil fuels. This global concern is alarming for it may bring about natural disasters that may affect peoples health, bring ecological imbalance, rise in sea levels and change in crop and food supply. Here in the country, the effects of global warming are now being felt. According to World Wide Foundation (WWF), â€Å"The Philippines is extremely vulnerable to the ravages of climate change. Food and freshwater shortages, receding coastlines and an increase in political and economic turmoil are the bleak picture that climate change paints for the country.† (Burgonio, 2007) With these consequences organizations have taken additional measures to respond to these impending catastrophes since they have the leverage to start the change and besides they are also the biggest offenders. In addition to this, various pressure groups, like WWF, are negotiating the companies to adopt energy-efficient saving measures in their operations to help in the global effort to cut CO2 emissions, the leading cause of global warming. (Burgonio, 2007) Ecology and SMPH SM CARES aims to unify and integrate all SMPHs CSR initiatives that are geared towards caring their shoppers and nurturing Mother Earth. Under SM CARES, the company has therefore taken an aggressive stance in protecting the environment through four major initiatives: Solid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Air Quality Efficiency. Below are some of SM CARES programs (SMPH, 2008). SM Cares Activities Solid Waste Management SM Supermalls holds Trash to Cash, a recycling market every first Friday and Saturday of the month in all SM Prime malls in the country. Here, the public can convert their recyclable trash into cash. To date, Trash to Cash has generated over Php10 million in recyclable items and is estimated to have saved nearly 11,000 seven-year-old trees. Mall tenants are also educated on the benefits of waste segregation. As a result, solid waste in the malls garbage depots has been reduced by as much as 20% a month and two tons of garbage per mall is diverted away from landfills every week. Water Conservation Since its inception a few years back, SM Supermalls now saves about 2.4 billion liters of precious water every year through tertiary treatment plants that recycle water for use in the cooling towers of the malls air-conditioning systems, toilet flushing, and landscape irrigation. Add to that, the use of waterless urinals in mens toilets save another 315 million liters of water annually. Energy Efficiency SM malls control their air-conditioning systems through the Focus Enterprise Building Management System. This computerized process closely monitors the building temperature to optimally balance supply versus demand for cool air. As such, mall areas that are full of people are made cooler while those less congested are left a bit warmer. The system saves almost 50 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. All tertiary treatment plants mentioned earlier utilize a device known as a sequential batch reactor that saves up to 500,000 kilowatt hours annually. To reduce the use of light bulbs during the day, the new SM malls are designed to have glass walls and ceilings to light up the mall with sunlight. Lighting has also been replaced from fluorescent to energy efficient bulbs and has saved the malls a considerable amount of kwh annually. SM CARES also avidly supports Earth Hour, an annual global movement that encourages households and establishments to shut down a ll power sources for an hour, thereby heightening awareness for energy conservation. Air Quality Efficiency SM strictly enforces the no-smoking policy inside the malls, and requires all public utility vehicles entering and parking in its mall terminals and depots to present certificates of having passed smoke emission testing. They also encourage the use of bicycles by providing safe parking spaces for them. Green Bags Pioneering efforts to promote eco-shopping in the Philippine retail industry, SM Supermalls recently unveiled the new SM Supermalls Greenbag. The SM Supermalls Greenbag enables shoppers to participate in the global cause to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags. The SM Supermalls Greenbag which is available in all SM malls is made from 100-percent polypropylene (PP) material. It is recyclable, non-toxic, allergy free and nonreactive to human skin. The Greenbags size is equivalent to two regular SM Supermarket shopping bags and has an estimated life span of two years. It is very light, handy and can be folded into a small pack. The SM Supermalls Greenbag comes in four exclusive designs by world-renowned artist Manuel Baldemor, turning this utility item into a prized art piece. Another contribution of SMPH to ecology is through green architecture. Early this year SMPH unveiled their first mall to turn â€Å"green†, the SM North EDSA via the Sky Garden. It uses roof gardens that help in neutralizing global warming for roof gardens are known to reduce the effects of ‘urban heat islands and are energy efficient that cut down up to 20% air-conditioning costs. It also catches rainwater, which will be released into a storm water infrastructure that is subsequently recycled for landscaping and car park maintenance. Lastly roof gardens also lessen the plumbing design and systems expenditure. With all of these green features, the Sky Garden is an example of how a large-scale property developer can contribute to the improvement of the environment (The Philippine Star, 2009). Policies and Decision Making Since SMPH is a mall developer, ecological factors like global warming are always part of their discussion. As a matter fact preserving the environment is part of SMPHs objectives and that is to ensure environmental sustainability through various programs on energy, water and air conservation. For them more than just complying with the legal standards (e.g. environment legislation), they also have the responsibility to the community since their company is in the position to make a difference (SMPH, 2008). The management regularly holds meetings to discuss their effect to the environment as well as to discuss the effectiveness of their programs and their up-and-coming activities. One situation wherein SMPH considers the environment in their decision-making is every time they expand and open new malls. During the conceptualization stage, SMPH constantly explores breakthrough architectural models for its malls that are environment-friendly. The Sky Garden at SM City North EDSA, which is a first in the Philippines, is a noteworthy showcase of the companys innovative thinking. Utilizing the latest in green architecture, the Sky Garden brings their customers closer to nature and at the same time contributes to environmental conservation (The Philippine Star, 2009). To stress even more SMPHs integration of ecology in its company, they held a conference on Sustainability, Energy, and Green Design Initiatives. The conference was aimed at providing a fresh view on how green design initiatives can influence sustainability and promote environmental preservation. Some of the countrys seasoned architects and engineers shared their views on the subject with SMs executives to bring more awareness on how these timely subjects can impact their mall operations (Manila Bulletin, 2008). Through this conference, the management reassessed its policies concerning the environment and recognized the link between a healthy economy and a healthy ecology. Evaluation and Recommendation With all these initiatives on responding to the ecological issues, it seems that SMPH is reacting well but actually they are kind of late already. Their competitor, Ayala Malls, has been the pioneer to this trend and is successful in incorporating ecology programs in their system. Ayala Malls was the first to retrofit the existing structure of their malls to a more eco-friendly one. Furthermore all of their malls show a close-to-nature effect; in contrast to SMPH wherein most of their malls look like a concrete jungle. As a recommendation, SMPH may restructure all of their malls. But this could be done little by little so it will not interrupt the malls activities. Another precaution is that this can be very costly but if SMPH is really determined to be environment-friendly in all their malls this is the best means to show it. An alternative method is to put more in-door plants and garden to make their malls at least appear as eco-friendly. Another first by Ayala Malls is their integration with its mall tenants by means of â€Å"Greenology† that bolsters the malls environment awareness campaign. Through Greenology, Ayala Malls mark the trend of being an eco-friendly and eco-chic establishment by showcasing remarkable events that aims to capture the hearts of concerned mall patrons and environmentalists (Ayala Land, 2008). Although SMPH also has their own mall-wide activities such as Trash to Cash and their Green bag, they do not have monthly activities like the Ayala Malls. In addition to this their tenants do not actively participate as much as those in the Ayala Malls. A likely proposal for SMPH is to create an earth-friendly philosophy encompassing all mall activities that are related to conservation of the environment. Then make an apt title to it so that it will create awareness to the people, like the Ayala Malls Greenology. SMPH should also communicate to its tenants to support and participate in the activities. Together they can brainstorm and come up with ideas that are appropriate with the objective. For example, every month all the mall tenants would feature a product that would help in preserving the environment or are made with environment-friendly materials. But the good news for SMPH is that even though they are not proactive in responding to ecological factors, what matters most is that they are trying to keep up and do all their best to preserve the environment. All of their programs are actually well-thought of and practical. Their advocacies for Solid Waste Management, Water Conservation, Energy Efficiency, and Air Quality Efficiency are properly executed. As a matter of fact, SMPH has received some accolades for these activities including an Outstanding Achievement in Energy Efficiency and Conservation from Don Emilio Abello Awards for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices for Buildings (SMI, 2008). However with all of these good strategies what is lacking to SMPH is publicity. They do not create so much buzz about their environmental concern and activities that makes the public think that they are not doing anything for the sake of the environment. That is why Ayala Malls remains to be the top of mind of the customers when it comes to being eco-friendly mall. To counter this SMPH should make use of public relations to show their plans in connection to greener lifestyle. They should utilize the different kinds of media to create awareness that they are good corporate citizen. Also they can sponsor events such as the yearly celebration of Earth Day to show their support for nature as well as to use this event to promote the earth-friendly facilities of their mall. All in all, SMPH has been sound with all its action plans towards the emerging environmental awareness and it would probably have a 65% marking since theres still a room for improvement. Conclusion Through the years, SM malls has become synonymous to the phrase one-stop shopping. You can ask any Filipino about what mall comes first into their minds and without batting an eyelash, they will respond and say SM. This is how great the impact SM has to the Filipinos. It is more than just the shopping, dining or entertainment experience it is part of the culture already. But before SM became an icon in the country, it started like any other rags to riches story. Its success can be traced back to its founder, Mr. Henry Sy. Even at his age, Mr. Sy is still very hands-on with the business. The countrys shopping mall magnate is a contrarian who not only survived but prospered after every political and economic crisis in the last five decades. This is because he studies the environment very well and handles every downturn as a challenge to seek new opportunities. These work ethics of Mr. Sy is visible in the company and are the main drivers for the continuous achievement of SM. (Tan-Co, 2001) Also contributing to the accomplishment of SM Group is its response to ecology. Although it is still lagging behind its competitors, SMPH is doing its share to conserve Mother Nature. They have opened their first green mall and have conducted various activities to counter their enormous carbon footprint. All these efforts towards being environment-friendly, shows the commitment of SMPH to be the mall of choice that cares to preserve the nature.

Trump’s Foreign Policy Agenda on North Korea

Trump’s Foreign Policy Agenda on North Korea Which administration cabinet officer supported foreign policy on North Korea ? Secretary of Defense James Mattis has supported The president in negotiations with North Korea. Mattis has been against military action against North Korea. However, Mattis is very aware of the danger that North Korea is posing to the United States. This threat has been steadily growing and Secretary of Defense Mattis believes that â€Å"North Korea has accelerated the threat that it poses to its neighbors and the world through its illegal and unnecessary missile and nuclear weapons programs.[6]† Mattis has maintained alliances and attended meetings with leaders and representatives of nations that are allies of the US in order to provide pressure from all sides in order to deter and control North Korea’s nuclear proliferation. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has also been closely involved in the creation of foreign policy on North Korea. Tillerson’s mentality towards North Korea is very similar to that of Secretary of Defense Mattis. Tillerson believes that nego tiations towards peace â€Å"can only be achieved by denuclearizing, giving up their weapons of mass destruction.[7]† Both cabinet members have played key roles in the Trump administration on the topic of North Korean foreign policy. Was the Congress heavily involved? Congress has not been heavily involved in North Korean foreign policy. Under President Obama’s term, Congress had passed sanctions. But under President Trump’s term, Congress has not been involved with foreign policy on North Korea. It has been handled so far only by the president in the form of executive orders, along with the council of his cabinet members, mainly Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Secretary of Defense James Mattis. Which interest groups were involved? The two big interest groups in this situation are Russia and China. Both countries have supplied aid to North Korea in order to keep it in power, but for different reasons. China has supported North Korea for so long in order to keep a buffer zone between them and South Korea, a United States ally. China does not want the US at their border and will keep supporting North Korea as long as the trade-off of goods for this buffer zone is worth it. Russia has also been supplying North Korea with resources for many years, but the reason it is doing so is that it wants to reassert itself as a global power. Russia wants to extend its influence outside of Europe and into the Asian Pacific. Both nations seek to gain something from the survival and future growth of North Korea as a key player in the region. South Korea is the biggest interest group, with North Korea being right above them. If North Korea launched an attack, South Korea would be the first and most likely target of said attack. T hey will be the first affected by any change in North Korea, for better or worse. The United States also has interests in the region. South Korea has US military bases and is a key ally in the region. If North Korea attacked the south, it would destabilize the region and pose an immediate threat to US interests. If North Korea stopped its production of nuclear weapons and stopped performing tests, it would lower tensions and allow the US to comfortably remain in the region in order to ensure democratic control of the region. The History of North Korean policy The United States policy on North Korea begins with the Korean war. This war began in June 1950 and came to an end in July 1953. This war came to fruition when North Korean leader Kim il-Sung successfully convinced Soviet leader Joseph Stalin that the time had come to launch an invasion of South Korea. On June 25, 1950, the north had begun an attack by striking across the 38th parallel into the south. In response to this attack, President Truman decided not to seek a declaration of war from Congress, believing that it would be an overreaction. Immediate action was needed and Truman decided to go directly to the United Nations. He requested sanctions against North Korea, and â€Å"Under U.S. guidance, the UN called for the invasion to halt (June 25), then for the UN member states to provide military assistance to the ROK (June 27). [1]† However, this did not stop the fighting and did not keep the North from killing those who protested against them. Once the United States began to back South Korea with troops, they managed to push them back past the 38th parallel until China began to send reinforcements. Soon, a stalemate was reached at the 38th parallel. In July 1953, an armistice was reached but the war was not declared officially over. Future sanctions against North Korea first came from the United Nations. These sanctions began after North Korea displayed its capacity for the creation of nuclear weaponry with its first nuclear test in 2006. The first sanctions came from resolution 1718, â€Å"which prevents a range of goods from entering or leaving the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and imposes an asset freeze and travel ban on persons related to the nuclear-weapon programme.[2]† The latest sanctions to come from the UN were passed on September 11, 2017, with resolution 2375. These sanctions limited North Koreas exports â€Å"including a ban on the sale of natural gas liquids to the North-East Asian nation, and on its textile expo rts — while also prohibiting Member States from providing work authorizations to its nationals.[3]† However, North Korea has continually ignored these sanctions and continued to have a nuclear weapons program. The United States has also enacted sanctions against North Korea, beginning in 2016 with President Obama. The proposed sanctions passed both the house and senate. The sanctions â€Å"Impose[d] mandatory sanctions for entities that are involved in North Korea’s mineral or metal trade, which contribute to a large component of the country’s foreign export earnings.[4]† The most recent sanctions have come from President Trump on September 25, 2017, which were enacted as executive orders. The executive order â€Å"expanded his controversial travel ban to include people from North Korea, Venezuela and Chad, citing security concerns.[5]† However, despite these actions, North Korea has not been deterred from continuing its developments of Nucle ar weapons. Evaluation of the foreign policy on North Korea The United States foreign policy on North Korea has been focused on sanctions that will put a strain on both their economy and the progression of their nuclear program. These sanctions have limited both their imports and exports so that they may not purchase resources nor make money by selling the goods that they do have, such as natural gas. These sanctions have been ineffective, no matter how restrictive they have been, due to their allies supplying them with the resources that they need to maintain power. Further sanctions will prove to be fruitless if this issue is not solved, and it may be best to find another way to limit their production of nuclear arms. However, this will not be possible if North Korea is pushed to the point where it will attack. In the past few months, the president has been threatening military action towards North Korea if they do not stop testing ICBMs. President Trump has posted a tweet on the matter, stating that â€Å"Our country has been unsuccessful ly dealing with North Korea for 25 years, giving billions of dollars & getting nothing. Policy didnt work![8]† The growing threat of North Korea is a result of its recent successful missile tests. This success paired with the ineffectiveness of past sanctions is pushing The United States towards considering a preemptive strike on North Korea, especially if negotiations break down further. Conclusions   Military action is not needed in order to resolve the threat that North Korea is posing on the United States and its allies. Sanctions have proved to be ineffective towards deterring them from continuing a nuclear weapons program, but perhaps a different course of action could be taken to progress these talks. It would be best to refrain from escalating the situation by remaining quiet and not speak about military action, which may be what they want because that would allow them to justify the existence of their program. A neutral party may be necessary to provide a medium for communications between the United States and North Korea. The two leaders would not be able to speak and negotiate publicly due to the ramifications of doing so. North Korea would begin to lose support from their allies, Russia and China. The United States also could not hold public negotiations due to their classification of North Korea as a sponsor of terrorism. Negotiating with North Korea may give the impression that the US will negotiate with terrorists. This part of the problem can be solved by declassifying them as a sponsor of terror. This would ease tensions slightly and may even open a small path for diplomacy. A party that is both familiar with and impartial towards the United States and North Korea would ease the progression of diplomacy. This would be the way to de-escalate the situation in North Korea and avoid military action that would lead to a second Korean war, which is what forced these tensions to be created in the first place. Works Cited Millett, Allan R. Korean War. Encyclopaedia Britannica, Encyclopà ¦dia Britannica, inc, 17 July 2017. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.SECURITY COUNCIL CONDEMNS NUCLEAR TEST BY DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF KOREA, UNANIMOUSLY ADOPTING RESOLUTION 1718 (2006). United Nations, United Nations, 14 Oct. 2006, www.un.org/press/en/2006/sc8853.doc.htm. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.Security Council Imposes Fresh Sanctions on Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Including Bans on Natural Gas Sales, Work Authorization for Its Nationals. United Nations, United Nations, 11 Sept. 2017, www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc12983.doc.htm. Accessed 2 Dec. 2017.Fifield, Anna. Punishing North Korea: A rundown on current sanctions. The Washington Post, The Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2016. Accessed 4 Dec. 2017.US expands travel ban to include N Korea. BBC, BBC, 25 Sept. 2017, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41382585. Accessed 4 Dec. 2017Manchester, Julia. Mattis: North Korea threat has ‘accelerated’. The Hill, The Hill, 28 Oct. 2017. Accessed 5 Dec. 2017Sanger, David E. Rex Tillerson Rejects Talks With North Korea on Nuclear Program. The New York Times, The New York Times, 17 Mar. 2017. Accessed 6 Dec. 2017.Trump, Donald J. (@realDonaldTrump) â€Å"Our country has been unsuccessfully dealing with North Korea for 25 years, giving billions of dollars & getting nothing. Policy didnt work!† 9 Oct. 2017, 3:50 AM, Tweet

President Clintons New Directions Economic Plan :: essays research papers

President Clinton's â€Å"New Directions† Economic Plan In 1992, America was under economic distress and uncertainty as a country. America had experienced high unemployment, big deficits, high interest rates, low productivity gains and falling real wages for average Americans. After twelve years of national drift and economic decline, President Clinton charted a path to growth with the â€Å"New Directions† economic plan designed to create jobs, boost incomes, move our economy from consumption to investment, and reduce our deficit. His three-part economic strategy focused on three objectives: fiscal discipline, investing in education, health care, science and technology, and opening foreign markets. This strategy has helped foster the conditions for what is now the longest expansion in US history.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fiscal discipline set out to rid our economy of its deficit and get interest rates back down and investment up. In 1992, America experienced the highest dollar level in history--$290 billion deficit. In 1999, we had a budget surplus of $124 billion—the largest dollar surplus on record and the largest as a share of our economy since 1951. The National Debt should be eliminated by Y2015 if we stay on track with this economic plan. Continuing the strategy has in turn lowered interest rates that help ordinary Americans. It cut the price of the average home mortgage, the price of the average car payment and the average college loan repayment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  American Technology has moved in a new direction, which has fostered economic growth. Information Technology has helped transform the economy. Information Technology has made a crucial contribution to the new economy, helping fuel record growth, higher wages, and changes in the way business is done throughout the economy. Information Technology accounts for only 8% of the total jobs but has been responsible for nearly one-third of US economic growth. Wages in the Information Technology industry are 77% higher than the private sector average wage. Declining Information technology prices have lowered the overall inflation rate by nearly one percentage point. Information Technology now accounts for nearly half of business investments. Adjusted for inflation, American companies invested three times more in Information Technology in 1999 than in 1992.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Clinton-Gore Administration has opened foreign markets for high tech goods, cracked down on foreign piracy and liberalized export controls on computers and telecommunications equipment. At the same time negotiating over 270 trade agreements, including those involving high technology issues. By eliminating hundreds of programs, the investment in education and training has doubled.

Robert and the Dog :: Essays Papers

Robert and the Dog Ken Saro-Wiwa's short story "Robert and the Dog" tells about a steward and his master and mistress, the main character is the steward: Robert. To understand the character Robert, one must look a bit at his background. Ken Saro-Wiwa has left several clues in the text that can tell us a lot about this. Before Robert was employed by the young medical doctor, he had worked for several different households. It is indicated in the text that these had not been as pleasant a workplace as with the young doctor. It seems that Robert had been used to his employers' shouting and losing their tempers. And never calling him by his first name. Also the gratitude Robert feels towards his new employer, for his mere politeness, indicates that Robert is not accustomed to gestures of this sort. All this shows how Robert probably has been degraded and suppressed throughout his whole life. Later in the story Saro-Wiwa tells that Robert never misses a chance to exercise the power he has over his family. This type of pathological behaviour is common among people with an inferiority complex, something Robert is very likely to have attained, due to the treatment he has received. Later when the dog is introduced to the story, Robert has enlightenment and reveals to us and to himself his place in the hierarchy. He had always thought himself above them, but now discovers he is down with the dogs. This shattering blow to his self-image makes him aware of his own feelings and features. When his master throws him a treat or a kind word, he "wags his tail" and feels indefinite gratitude, just like a dog. He does his master's bidding with a heartfelt glee, just like a dog. And he loves his master above all else, just like Bingo, the dog. The revelation causes hatred to swell his servant mind, at length resulting in Robert taking a step up the hierarchical ladder, and the tragic pr emature death of Bingo, the dog. Ken Saro-Wiwa's short story about Robert and the dog Bingo also portrays a culture clash that not everybody thinks about, the view of the pets. In our rich western world pets are not uncommon. A lot of people have them, and among the most popular are dogs. Pets or "house animals" are nothing new, man has for the last 15 000 years kept animals as companions.

Hypertext Fiction Essay -- Exploratory Essays

Hypertext Fiction When you read a typical paper book, your job as the reader is simply to read what the author tells you and understand it. Printed books are a linear way of telling a story, where the author chooses the exact way the story should be told and interpreted. Jay David Bolter discusses in his book Writing Space that hypertext fiction will redefine the relationship between the reader and the author of a text. With printed text, the reader has a clearly defined role, where he or she takes in the story exactly as it is told with no say as to where it is going or how they should interpret it. With the development of hypertext fiction, the reader can cross the line into being a sort of author by deciding between options in the story. The reader can create a story suited to them within the boundaries of the hypertext piece as a whole. When a printed text is read, the author becomes more of an authority figure. The author is the creator of the text and is held in high regard by the reader. However, in hypertext fiction, the author is basically creating a story where readers are free to move around and make their own choices about the story with a few limitations set by the author. Bolter describes it by saying on page 168, â€Å"†¦Hypertext writers have shown how the electronic medium can accommodate a different relationship between author and reader. No longer an intimidating figure, an electronic author assumes the role of a craftsperson, working with prescribed materials and goals. She works within the limitations of a computer system, and she imposes further limitations upon her readers†¦the reader may well become the author’s adversary, seeking to make the text over in a direction that the author... ...ver the reader. Hypertext does not take away the role of the author entirely, it simply blurs the line between reader and author that exists in written text. It is my personal belief that as time goes on, the role of the reader and the author will be more and more interchanged. With the boundary between the two already fading, it is possible that there will be hypertexts where someone can be a reader and a writer at the same time. Continuing advances in technology and writing will constantly redefine the roles of everyone involved, it is simply society’s decision to accept the changes that will keep blurring the line between the traditional reader and author. Bibliography Bolter, Jay David. Writing Space. 2nd ed. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2001. Fisher, Caitlin. These Waves of Girls. .

Samson and delillah

The following case study is an exploration of the Australian film Samson and Delilah which features the impact that the volatile substance abuse [VSA] of petrol sniffing has on one of the characters in the film, Samson. I have chosen him to be the basis for my client and case-study and will begin by giving a description of the character, his family life and the social context to start this case-study. I will then provide an assessment and case formulation as well as Samson's psychosocial needs and his volatile substance abuse of petrol sniffing.The substance abuse counselling model hat I would draw on is explained, as well as the usefulness for Samson in the situation that he is in. I have explained the way in which I would work with Samson and also analysed research that is relevant to Samson's dependence on sniffing petrol and discussed any likely outcomes. In concluding this case-study I have listed any challenges that I feel he would face and identified any ethical issues that ma y arise. Background Information Samson is a 14 year old Indigenous Australian male who lives in a remote Aboriginal Community in the central Australian desert.Samson lives with his rothers who hang out in their run down shack, playing music from the moment that they wake up until the moment that they go to sleep. When Samson wakes up in the morning the first thing that he reaches for is his canister of petrol and starts sniffing the fumes that enable him to get high. Samson doesn't go to school or have any direction in life, he seems to be very bored and spends his days hanging around the community, doing nothing but getting high on petrol fumes.Samson runs away from the community with his girlfriend Delilah after Samson has a violent fight with his rother and Delilah is attacked by the older women after her beloved grandmother dies. They go to the city where they camp out under a bridge, they have no money and in order to eat, and have to rely on a homeless man that they meet to fe ed them or steal food from the local supermarket. Delilah is kidnapped as they are both walking along which Samson is oblivious too as he is so high on petrol fumes.His girlfriend is raped and bashed by the abductors, but when she returns back to the camp Samson is unconscious on the ground, passed out from sniffing petrol. Delilah tarts sniffing petrol as well and is hit by a car as they are walking along the road, which Samson is once more oblivious too, as they are both high on petrol fumes. Delilah recovers in hospital, comes back and takes Samson to a remote property where she intends on helping him to dry out, but finds him sniffing petrol again. Assessment of Samson Samson has been heavily abusing this volatile substance to the point where he is physiologically dependent on sniffing petrol .Behave Net(2013) explain that substance dependence can be diagnosed when an individual continues to use the rug, even though there are problems associated with the use of the volatile subs tance. Samson has built up a tolerance to the petrol and seems to need increased amounts of this substance in order to attain the desired level of intoxication. Rassool (2009) confirms this, stating that when a body adjusts to the habitual use ot a drug, tolerance occurs as higher doses ot the substance are needed to â€Å"reproduce the desired or similar cognitive, affective or behavioural effects† (p. ). Petrol sniffing is a form of volatile solvent abuse [VSA] that is more common in isadvantaged or isolated communities which reflects the history of cultural oppression, poor health, unemployment, recreational opportunity and geographical isolation of remote Indigenous Australians( Dingwall, Lewis,Maruff ; Cairney 2010). Research has shown that 14 to 17 year old Indigenous Australian males are more habitual in the use of VSA by using more frequently and longer than non- Indigenous users (Australian Government Department of Health and Aging Publications, 2004).High risk behav iours are associated with VSA due to the individual feeling a sense of eing invulnerable, which can cause accidents, injury and death (Cairney; Dingwall, 2010). VSA can also cause the individual to have violent outbursts towards other individuals as well as showing signs of slurred speech, confusion and stupor which can lead to seizures, brain injury and death (Australian Government Department of Health and Aging Publications, 2004).Samson is showing all the signs of chronic use of VSA in relation to his oblivion of all of the trauma that has resulted from his dependence on petrol. I feel that Samson is bored because of the lack of recreational ctivities as well as schooling, there also does not appear to be any cultural programs in place to guide him in helping him with a sense of identity, or any real family support including the sharing of the cultural knowledge of elders.Intervention Plan Although there are screening tools such as The Indigenous Risk Impact Screen and Brief Inte rvention Tool Kit (Amity Community Services, n. d), I feel that the best approach in helping Samson and his dependence on VSA, is to consult with community elders as he is not only a minor, but there are also a lot of cultural arriers that would make it very difficult to counsell him unless the person were specially trained. It would be especially difficult as Samson speaks his traditional language and very little English.Cairney and Dingwall (2010) find that it is hard for the problem of VSA to be managed and the impact of it to be understood by Indigenous communities as well as health and government services because of the severe cultural differences that occur between these groups. Aboriginal people have a kinship structure where immediate and extended family are seen as part of the roup and within Indigenous communities their health is seen as a collective of the emotional, social and cultural wellbeing of the community (Pattel, 2007).I have personally never worked with clients with VSA, but I feel that motivational interviewing would also benefit Samson's brothers and their community in helping them overcome the problems of VSA. Giddens-Tracey (2005) explains that motivational interviewing is non -Judgmental and avoids confrontation, it helps to raise awareness of the problems, risks and consequences as a result of certain ehaviours, and it is also helpful in the context of treatment planning.MacLean and d'Abbs (2002) also believe that the introduction of Youth focused programs and the accessibility of basic food, shelter and education would reduce petrol sniffing, which would greatly benefit Samson if these projects were to be put in place. Cairney and Dingwall (2010) also suggest that by replacing the volatile petrol with a non-volatile fuel derivative there will be a reduction in the supply of petrol to inhale. Treatment Process I believe that the first step that would need to be taken in the process ot treatingSamson is to have a doctor or health prac titioner examine him for any signs of medical complications. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aging Publications (2004) suggest that when dealing with chronic VSA, it is important for â€Å"mental state, organ and neurological examination, chest x-rays, blood tests and any additional tests that may be required to assess the presence of metabolic disturbances and morbidity to other organs such as the kidneys†(p. 142). SVA has been a serious problem in many remote Aboriginal communities and there are many rograms that have been put in place to help these Indigenous youth.The volatile substance abuse program (The Australian Indigenous Health Info Net, 2013) runs for 8 weeks offering residence to individuals participating in their programs. They also travel to remote communities to work with Indigenous youth who are having problems with petrol sniffing. Although these services would be great for youth in bigger communities with elder support, I feel that Samson would be more beneficial in attending compulsory treatment Wouth workers back petrol sniffing laws†, 2009) ue to his lack of family and elder support as well as his young age.By contrast If Samson did have the support of his brothers I feel that he would benefit from Cultural programs that would give him a sense of identity that teach him the ways of his ancestors by restoring the links to his traditional culture(MacLean& d'Abbs). Ethical Issues The first and foremost issue that would affect a counsellor working with Samson is their ability to be aware and respectful of any cultural differences or traditions.Westerman (2004) ,Vicary and Andrews (2001) McLennan and Khavarpour( 2004) ropose that due to non-indigenous health care workers being aware of cultural traditions and practices, many Indigenous Australians are wary of engaging in mental health services( as cited in Fan,2007). There is also the issue of gender roles in Indigenous culture, Fan(2007) also explains that it is common practice in health care to work with your same gender, so it may not be respectful for a female counsellor to work with Samson as he may feel shame, which may have a detrimental effect on his treatment and recovery process.As a counsellor there is also the ethical esponsibility of working with a minor, as Samson is only 14 years old. The Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia [PACFA] (2011) states that â€Å"Working with young people requires specific training, ethical awareness and competence. The practitioner is required to consider and assess the balance between young people's dependence on adults and carers and their progressive development towards acting independently' (p. 14). Therefore I feel that it would be advisable to refer Samson on to a culturally appropriate service that would be more equipped to help his needs.Conclusion In concluding this case study on a young 14 year old Indigenous Australian who is dependent on sniffing petrol we can see tha t Samson has built up a tolerance to the petrol and seems to need increased amounts of this substance in order to attain the desired level of intoxication. Petrol sniffing is a form of volatile solvent abuse [VSA] that is more common in disadvantaged or isolated communities which reflects the history of cultural oppression, poor health, unemployment, recreational opportunity and geographical isolation of remote Indigenous Australians.VSA can also cause the individual to nave violent outbursts towards other individuals as well as snowing signs of slurred speech, confusion and stupor which can lead to seizures, brain injury and death. The first step that would need to be taken in the process of treating medical complications. Cultural programs that would give Samson a sense of Cultural identity would benefit him greatly if he had support from his family but I feel that Samson would be more beneficial in attending a compulsory culturally appropriate service treatment due to the ethical issues surrounding his age.