Communication in nursing Essay

Introduction. Communication is a necessary skill to have in the nursing profession. We use communication to exchange information between patients, co-workers and all the people around us (Kozier et Erb 2004). No matter the form of communication we are constantly presenting and interpreting people’s ideas and thoughts. Communication is a method we utilize to connect the gap between knowledge and comprehension (Kozier et Erb 2004).This paper will discuss an observation of the personal care home environment, modes of communication such as; verbal and non-verbal, effective communication methods and barriers to communications. Observation Of Personal Care Home Environment. I visited an urban personal care home in the inner city. I will be identifying this personal care home as PCH â€Å"X†. I walked into the facility and it was very clean and spacious. I conducted my observation during lunch time in the dining room. This area was poorly lit and the temperature was very humid. There was also music playing in the background during mealtime. This personal care facility was very respectful, kind and caring to the residents in their care. The communication I observed in general was very clear and concise. Verbal and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication is a mode of communication that uses both written and spoken words (Kozier et Erb 2004). Here is an example of verbal communication: At PCH â€Å"X†, a nurse was giving medication to a resident and he introduced himself. The resident did not respond to the nurse so the nurse approached him in a different manner. He crouched down to the resident’s level and spoke to him again in a calm voice and lightly touched his shoulder. The resident later complied with his directions to take his medication. The nurse took a different approach with his verbal communication by speaking softly. Verbal communication is largely used due to the fact that people usually chose the words they use (Kozier et Erb  2004). Another mode of communication is non-verbal communication. Non-verbal communication involves other forms of communication such as gestures, facial expressions, and touch (Kozier et Erb 2004, page 423). Most people who use verbal communication use various forms of non-verbal communication simultaneously. The nurse in the example above used non-verbal communication, when he crouched down to the resident’s level and lightly touched his shoulder. This second example involves non-verbal communication: A Health Care Aide was about to assist a resident with lunch. The resident was not aware of his environment and had difficulty feeding himself. The Health Care Aide asked the resident to open his mouth but he did not respond. As a result, the Health Care Aide opened his own mouth and the resident mimicked him and they were able to continue feeding. Effective communication methods. Effective communication is a very important aspect in a nursing career. Here is a summary of some effective communication strategies that I have observed at PCH â€Å"X†: *Health care workers appeared to be neat and tidy wearing uniforms. This will convey a non-verbal communication method of professionalism. Clothing and apparel can be a source of information about a person (Kozier et Erb 2004). *A staff member asked a resident how their lunch tasted. The staff member paraphrased what the client was saying and reinstated the resident’s feelings. This showed the resident that the staff member was actively listening (Kozier et Erb 2004). *Health care workers seemed interested in what clients had to say and differentiated the real from unreal (Kozier et Erb 2004). Health care workers talked to residents about daily activities. One client stated â€Å"I have to go to work; my daughter will be picking me up soon†. The nurse responded â€Å"your daughter will be here to visit but you are retired and you  do not have to work anymore.† These are a few effective communication strategies I have witnessed at PCH â€Å"X†. Communication promotes understanding and can build a constructive relationship with clients and co-workers. As nurses we must be aware of what we say and how we act towards others. Barriers to communication. It is critical to be aware of the good communication methods as well as the bad communications methods. This particular personal care home was very respectful to clients. However, here are some barriers to communication I observed when I was at PCH â€Å"X†: *One resident had a language deficit and had difficulty speaking. The resident was calling out and it seemed as though she wanted something. It was difficult for the staff member to understand what she was saying. He overcame this barrier by asking her yes and no questions until he finally solved what she was trying to say. *Residents were being talked to like children. The clients were often referred to as â€Å"dear, sweetheart, or darling†. During lunch, I also overhead someone saying â€Å"we have to change you diaper you made a pooh-pooh†. This may demean a client however; this communication barrier can be resolved by calling residents by their name and by respecting their dignity as a person. *Residents can also be hard of hearing. A nurse was talking to a resident with his back turned asking him questions and he did not reply back. She continued to speak louder and the resident later asked why she was yelling. The nurse should have faced the client while speaking to him so he could realize that he was being spoken to. Nurses need to recognize the barriers to effective communication. Barriers make communication become non-therapeutic. Non-therapeutic strategies to communication can be detrimental to a healing relationship. Conclusion. In conclusion, communication is extremely important especially to a nurse. To properly assess clients’ needs we must be able to communicate with them verbally and non-verbally. If we can identify the barriers to communication we can find effective strategies to resolve them. We have to be clear when we communicate to our patients. A misinterpretation of instructions, plans, and vital information can be harmful to a client’s health and well being. Caring and comforting is an important aspect of nursing and that can only be demonstrated through effective communication techniques. References Kozier & Erb, Barbara, et al. Fundamentals of Nursing. 7th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2004.

Final Worldview Paper

Everyone has a different worldview whether it is his or her religion or law. However, just because we listen and read about other religions does not mean we follow and believe them. I will add that a worldview helps me to understand life and reality in different parts of the world. People need to have a worldview to understand their purpose in life. Questions and Answers from my Own Worldview Perspective Who is God and what are His Characteristics? Christians believe that God created the universe and all within. He is the almighty.We are welcomed into a relationship with Him so that we will get to now Him personally, and intimately. â€Å"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understand and knows me, that am Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,† declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 9:23,24) What is a Human Being and what Happens When One Dies? The scripture reads that God created man and woman in the image of Him.When He created us, he gave us a soul and spirit. Our body exists as a shell; our soul is our inner feelings such as our emotions. The spirit is our mind, where we hear the whisper of God leading us in the right directions of our life. Believe that when we die the body is returned to the earth and our soul continues to live on with God. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. (Ecclesiastic 12:7) What is the Nature of the Universe? Christians know that God created the universe according to His will. Now my worldview affects everything I believe about God, marriage, education and he way we raised our children. He created all that is and all that will be forever in the universe. No matter what other views exist, Christians know that God created the Heaven and the earth, which is the universe. God allows His children t o see His creations according to his Word and it is up to Christians to have a relationship with Him (Salesladies, 2013). How do You Know What You Know? How do you Know what is True? While growing up my grandparents taught me the family right from wrong.I also know what I know by attending church, listening to the pastor, and reading the Bible. This class has taught me about worldviews had never heard of before. It also taught me different ways to understand and research the Bible. I know what I know because God created me to be all I can be and to follow my dreams by practicing the power of positive direction Sakes, 2008). This is how know what I know. What is Right and Wrong or How can We Know there is a Right from Wrong? Knowing right and wrong should not be an issue for any Christian. Christians know that the Word is right and that there is no other alternative.Knowing that you have a healthy relationship with God is right enough for e. People can listen to who and whatever they want to receive the Word, but until they open the Holy Bible and receive it for themselves, they will not know the difference (Wright, 2004). Is Life Pointless or is there Purpose? I believe that God created everything and everyone for His purpose. I also believe Christians given this gift of love to serve only Him for His purposes. With this said all of Gods' children are here for a reason, some find their reason sooner than others do, but as long as I believe and trust in Him will find my way in life.I believe that all things God works for good with those who love Him, those whom he has called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) What Core Commitments are Consistent with my Worldview? Impact on My Life? The core commitments and consistencies in my life consist of my spiritual life, family, and education. These are the areas in my life try to keep consistent. Being a consistent person really helps because not only do I have to pay attention to my education I have to pay attenti on to my sons' as well. Do my best to keep Christ at the forefront or our life.Making this decision is meeting I try to day everyday (Jakes, 2008) My Worldview Compared to the Christian Worldview I try to take time from each day to read His word so that can continue my relationship with Him. Also try to help my family live by His word also, by sharing what have learned. There are times when I may find myself drifting away from the Word. That is when I have a little talk with Jesus. Because I know, He will keep me on the path to righteousness. Therefore, I really believe my worldview is one of a Christian worldview. Reflecting on My Worldview How does my Worldview Perform in the Tests of Worldviews?Any Christian, who knows God, knows that He is the measure of all things. In addition, we should be God-centered He is the reason why we are here today and the reason why we believe in His laws. Everyone seems to have his or her own worldview about the universe. A Christian worldview is al l know and am happy for that experience. As for the other worldviews, I cannot put myself in the position to judge them Sakes, 2008). How does my Worldview affect my Thoughts and Actions? During this class, found that my Christian worldview affects my thoughts and my actions.I know that I am whom I am because of Him and I do my est. to serve Him by being patient and kind to others, because I want others to be kind to me. I also do my best to listen to the whisper in my soul as I know it is Him talking and leading me in the right direction as make decisions during the day and night. He is the keeper of my heart and know this (Jakes, 2008). How has my Worldview Changed over the Course of this Class? My worldview advanced while in this class. This class was not as difficult as I thought once I got over the anxious feeling. Enjoyed connecting the scriptures together and summarizing the passages.There Was a lot Of reading, but I understood the questions better once read the information. I must say that learned more in this class about the Bible than had ever known and I am thankful for those seven weeks of reading, writing, and discussions. This class has helped me understand that I do have a worldview and that it is not just an opinion (Wright, 2004). Conclusion This essay has helped me open my eyes to my own worldview. First, I described the worldview assumptions as it applied to my life and me. Several questions were answered as they related to my worldview.

Culture identity Essay

What is culture identity? Culture identity is appreciation and understanding of literature and who or what a person is, identical sameness and distinctive character. It also means what you are and how you live. In this essay I am going to write about â€Å"Search for my Tongue† by Bhatt and â€Å"Hurricane hits England† by Grace Nichols. I have chosen them because they use a mixture of poetic devices, which makes the poem lively and entertaining to read. Firstly the poem Search for my Tongue is about her feeling abandoned and heart-rending because she went to a place where she forgot how to speak her mother tongue while speaking the foreign language, which is upsetting for her since she is blissful about speaking her mother tongue. She also tells us in the poem about her experiences and what she has been happening to her. I know this because she uses a range of words for e.g. â€Å"lost and spit† this makes me think that she is losing her memory of how to speak her own language, as this is shameful for her because her mother tongue is part of her identity. She is also trying to get rid of the foreign language as she described it as â€Å"spit†. The word spit creates an image of someone trying to get rid of something ugly in their mouth. Then again in the last part of the poem she is feeling glad and back to being natural because her mother tongue grew back in the night. I know this because she quotes † it pushes the other tongue aside† this line is effective because it makes me feel that she is joyful of getting the chance to speak her language other than the foreign language. The poem Search for my Tongue uses a variety of different language devices for e.g. she states â€Å"grows longer, grows moist and grows strong veins† the poet used repetition so that she can keep the pace going and the rhythm run smoothly and that she just started a new life as she described it in order. However she also uses personification. I know this because she exclaims â€Å"it ties the other tongue in knots† this makes me think that the tongues are combating it out with each other just to tie each other in knots. This is effective for the reader because it engages with the reader so they can be involved in the poem. The poet also uses imagery words so she can catch a picture straight away in the readers mind. I know this because she quotes â€Å"it grows back a stump of shoot†. This makes me think of the tongue capturing the language as fast as a gunshot. Secondly the poem Hurricane hits England by Grace Nichols is about her feeling alienated from life in England and that it took a hurricane to bring her back closer and remind her of her memories. The poet is feeling petrified and dominant.  I know this because she quotes â€Å"fearful and reassuring†. This makes me think that she is very afraid of whats going to happen to her that she stayed awake half the night, on the other hand she is ready to defend and strike anyone.  This is effective because it makes the reader continue to read until he/she finds out what happened at the end. The poem Hurricane hits England uses a wide range of techniques for e.g. she uses lots of rhetorical questions for e.g. she quotes â€Å"tell me why you visit an English coast?† This means that she is trying to tell the hurricane why did it visit her land and not someone else’s. She is also trying to say that did she do anything bad that frustrated the hurricane. This is effective because she does not want an answer however she wants the reader to think of the answer while they are reading it which will make it more interesting to read. The poet also uses similes. I know this because she quotes â€Å"what is the meaning of trees falling heavy as whales†. This means that the hurricane was so physically powerful that when a tree fell it was as heavy as a whale. This line is effective because it makes the reader imagine what would have happened if millions of trees fell which would have killed so many people and destroyed so many homes.  The similarities of the two poems are not quite the same because in the content the two poems talk about the culture identity and about their new place. In the language they use imagery and metaphors however in the structure most of the lines are laid out in paragraphs. The differences between the two poems. In the content Search for my Tongue is about language and Hurricane hits England is about the environment. In the language the poem Search for my Tongue uses personification. I know this because she quoted â€Å"it ties the other tongue in knots†. She also used repetition. I know this because she quoted â€Å"grows moist, grows longer and grows strong veins†. In Hurricane hits England the poet used rhetorical question. I know this because she quotes â€Å"o why is my heart unchained?† The poet also used similes. I know this because she quotes â€Å"trees falling heavy as whales†. In the structure Search for my Tongue is laid out in lines and paragraphs however the poem Hurricane hits England is just laid out in paragraphs and stanzas.  In conclusion I think Search for my Tongue is better because some of the words are in different language, which is interesting to find out and it uses lots of language devices. The poem Hurricane hits England is full of rhetorical questions, which makes it boring and it makes the reader think a lot.

Geography Investigation - In what stage of Butlers Tourist Area Life Essay

Geography Investigation - In what stage of Butlers Tourist Area Life Cycle Model is Sao Paulo - Essay Example have witnessed a massive tourist influx over the past two decades owing to the twin availability of Scenic beauty, world-class recreational facilities and good living conditions in all these places. However, besides all these regions, South America continues to be a lucrative destination for tourists and backpackers alike. Amongst the South American nations, Brazil, the largest country in Latin America has been successful in serving as a major tourist destination for travelers worldwide. From the traditional Samba dances of cities such as Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro on one hand to the unknown secrets of the thick rain forests of the Amazon on the other, Brazil offer an amazing choice for an amazing and breathtaking holiday. Promoting tourism has been running high on the on the agenda of the government of Brazil for many years, which views tourism and the revenue generated by the industry as a major contributor to the national GDP. The ministry of Tourism, which came into existence in 2003, highlights the growing acceptance and importance of the sector to Brazil’s economy. Since then, the number of promotional tourist events and fairs in Sao Paulo and Rio De Janeiro has almost doubled and the income (Jane Ladle, Insight Guides, Huw Hennessy, Brian Bell, 1999). The government has invested heavily in the development and overhaul of major infrastructure such as roads, airports, hotels and beaches. Many places considered symbols of world heritage have been protected and restored. In Sao Paulo alone, Tourism has been acknowledged to employ nearly 15% of the working population, which goes to underline the strategic importance of this sector within Sao Paulo’s economy (Gui Santana, 2001). However , serious questions have been posed by researchers as to whether Sao Paulo has passed its prime. An additional decline in the amount of tourist activity in countries across the Mediterranean and elsewhere have prompted many to voice the need of the hour for a study of all

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 5

Human Resource Management - Essay Example They have therefore devised innovative human resource management practices that empower workers to make decisions on matters that affect them. As a result, employee involvement and participation has become the central pillar of HRM. Employee participation and involvement (EIP) are often used interchangeably but as Hyman and Mason (1995) puts it; the two concepts have different meanings. Participation efforts are achieved through a legal framework designed by the government to enable employees to have a voice although at times they may exist in absence of such legislations like in Japan. On the other hand, involvement mechanisms are initiated by the management to enable them cope with the challenges of today’s economic climate. For the sake of this paper the two concepts will be used interchangeably since there is a very thin line between involvement and participation. The choice of the mechanism is determined by the political, social and economic conditions of the country and organization for which it is designed. Recently, there have been changes in the legal climate due to European Union initiatives aimed at improving working conditions and standards of living thereby initiating various participation mechanisms such as consultations (Knudsen, 1995). The paper will discuss the extent to which EIP initiatives have been a success. Definitions Employee involvement and participation can be defined as efforts geared towards empowering employees to influence decisions on matters that affect them by pushing responsibility for decisions down the organization hierarchy. The role of the employer in decision making process thus declines while that of the employee increases (Heathfield, 2011). This is done with the belief that by empowering employees, they will have a sense of ownership and hence gain morale, job satisfaction and commitment to organization goals. It is also believed that job satisfaction and commitment lead to improved retention as well attraction of the best talent in the labour market thereby achieving a sustained competitive advantage. Furthermore, the management requires to make quality decisions and this is enhanced by input from the workforce (Gennard & Judge, 2005). Participatory activities are also aimed at complying with legal requirements and in Europe it has led to increased role for trade unions. Historical Background Management efforts to improve productivity and efficiency began decades ago with the advent of scientific management systems advanced by Taylor and Ford. They believed that division of labour was the key to organization effectiveness and efficiency. Taylor thus concentrated on how to get most work done by analysing all tasks and designing jobs to eliminate wasted time. He ensured maximum job fragmentation and minimisation of skill requirements; employees were considered as stupid hence not able to make decisions (Bratton & Gold, 2001). Ford on the other hand, introduced assembly line method of produc tion which entailed short-cycles and standardization of commodities and processes. The division of labour led to monotony and boredom, job dissatisfaction, high absenteeism and turnover as well as increased costs in terms of monitoring and cooperation costs. This led to pressure for better methods of management by the human relations movement. The human

Operation Management - Maritime, Oil Spills Research Paper

Operation Management - Maritime, Oil Spills - Research Paper Example Discussion Oil spillage has extreme negative impacts on the environment in terms of pollution. This affects the communities that heavily depend on water for their lively hoods and their survival. The most directly affected by oil spills are the marine plants and animals because they live in the same environment that spillage takes place. Spillage can be as a result of oil seeping from the underwater reservoir, accidents of ships carrying oil and also from land sources. The sea animals are subject to both indirect and direct repercussions of oil spillage. According to Neff (2002), some of the direct effects include; inhalation problems, which commonly affect whales, dolphins and sea turtles. These animals require oxygen for their survival. They animals usually come to the water surface constantly to inhale oxygen. The inhalation of dangerous materials can cause irritation, pneumonia or inflammation of their respiratory organs. Negative impacts can also be felt on their digestion mecha nisms where these animals are unable to either digest or absorb food. Human beings are also directly affected by oil spills. When oil spills, it creates a vapor in the air which is as a result of evaporation of oil in the air since oil is a semi –volatile product. ... Oil spill also affects mangrove trees whose rate of growth tends to be slow when their prop roots are covered with oil (Burger, 1994). Oil spillage has posed a very significant challenge on fisheries which also acts as a food reservoir. Oil spills has affected the genetics of some fish which has affected their egg bearing. Oil spillage may also lead to extinction of certain types of fish in the sea in the near future which may lead to the closure of fisheries if several types of fish become extinct in the sea. Oil spills may cause loss of color on fish and lead to their loss of weight the reasons that may cause fishing to be closed for some time because this fish will be unfit for human consumption thereby causing food shortage (Neff, 2002). Boats and other sea vessels are prone to destruction because of running on viscous and thick layers of oil which have resulted from oil leaked from pipes in the underwater. Some thick oil globules present in the water due to oil spillage may be s ucked in the boat’s systems, which definitely affect the functioning of the boat due to the fact that all systems draw water into the boat near the surface. For it to function well, a very strategic cleanup process is used to disperse and manage the mess. Many ships, boats and other sea vessels may tend to avoid their travelling schedules until the oil spillages under control thus causing congestion of traffic and goods to be transported (Burger, 1994). Trade may also be adversely affected by oil spillage due to various factors. One of factors may be due to interruption of transportation lines where boats and other marine vessels may fail to operate due to oil

Fringe Benefits Tax Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Fringe Benefits Tax - Essay Example This value is taxed on the top marginal tax rate. A statutory formula is prescribed for the payment of the FBT based on the value of the car and the distance travelled during the year irrespective of whether the vehicle was used for business or personal purposes. The lease payments or the running costs do not matter for the calculation of the FBT. If the car is made available for the personal use of the employees only for a certain period of the year then the FBT payable is calculated on a proportionate basis with the employer paying the FBT for the period for which the vehicle was actually used by the employee for his/her personal use instead of the whole year. Under this method the employee is allowed to reduce the FBT liability by making their own contributions towards the running expenses of the car. These contributions are to be deducted from their after tax salary. The amount of running expenses spent by the employee goes to reduce the same amount of FBT liability subject however to the maximum limit of the capital cost multiplied by the statutory fraction as specified by the Tax Office plus 10% GST. This implies that the personal taxation liability of the employee on the post-tax contribution is likely to be substantially less than the applicable FBT rate which is the maximum marginal rate of taxation. Robert Smith Cost of the Vehicle $ 44,000 Distance Travelled 20,000 Kms Lease Rent $ 12000 Running Cost and Maintenance $ 3300 Statutory percentage 20 percent of the FBV Amount of FBT payable $

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

Shoplifting - Essay Example The suspect is an alcoholic, unemployed, with no food in his house, leaves in filthy conditions and is a serial shoplifter which he admits to do it again to fund his alcoholism. From the labeling theory perspective, the initial act of shoplifting is normal and it is the interaction with those respond to it that causes deviance. Shoplifting is brought to the notice of police only after it is detected by the staff of shop, detective or public. In Gibben's study of shoplifting from the statistics of "Larceny from Shops and stalls" of 1935-1960, it was showed that the number fluctuated between 1949 and 1955 but have subsequently increased by substantial portions; and from the information presented, he argued that with both adults and children, the numbers are largely dependent upon the arresting and charging policy of the shops and there have been changes in policy between 1949 and 1959 in particular instances.(NG Wai Yee, nd:40-51)2 The suspect admits that he will continue with his practice as it would be difficult to regain his identity and sense of self efficacy. The suspects inclusion in the society will be further outlawed leading to social exclusion which in turn will lead to more incidents of shoplifting and may be other adverse crimes to support his livelihood. Relying on the strain theory, it is evident that suspect has indulged in such acts just because of addiction towards alcoholic materials, which he has admitted.3 From the society's and community's perspective which does not support or provide support to such accused, he should be present before the court as it may do no world of good to him by not confining him. According to Charles A. Sennewald, the only person who can arrest the suspect is the one who has seen it actually happening. The process of 'stop' is to impede or interrupt the customer by the staff to inquire about the transaction and extract a satisfactory explanation. Detention occurs based only on probable cause and the duration is used to investigate the circumstances of the event in which the act has happened. Thereafter is the suspect admits his crime, its up to the manager to call the police who makes an official arrest and the case is transferred from private affair to criminal justice system.4 In some cases, manager can let go the suspect sometimes by taking back the lifted goods or by imposing fines on the lifted goods, etc. In some cases, the staff or manager tend to show sympathy towards such unhappy, unemployed, alcoholic addicted person who has make his livelihood through such felony. But again, such acts may encourage him to commit such crimes again and again which ma y tamper the reputation and costs of the stores and retail shops and other malls, etc. Peter Honey and Alan Mumford developed their learning styles system as a variation on the Kolb model while working on a project for the Chloride Corporation in the 1970's. The stages originated from the work of David Kolb's Learning Styles. The first stage is to have an experience, wherein people use other people's work and rely on their analysis. This style is similar to that of Accommodating Stage where people prefer to work in teams to complete tasks and actively work in the field trying different ways to achieve target. Honey and

Stress Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 2

Stress - Essay Example Victims of terrorism are the most affected. They experience trauma for periods of time depending on the levels of shock. There are different types of victims, there are those who lose loved ones, those who witness the terror attack, those who survive the terror attack and those who hear about it first hand from close people. For example, in the September 2001 attack on the USA. Al Qaeda and Bin Laden attacks in the past have rendered so many afraid. The security system of the United States celebrates the death of Osama Bin Laden but however cannot forget the almost ten different attacks on their citizens and the many deaths caused by terrorists mostly of the Jihad culture. According to the USA security system, over seventy terror related reports were identified in a year in 2001. Many studies in the colleges and universities on terrorism and communication have in the recent past began. Post-traumatic stress has been common for the ones who lost loved ones. They experience a dis-attachment to the real world. According to Fields, the victims of terror experience a great feeling of loss. Some may feel guilty as to why they survived the 2001 terror attack. The incidents that happened recur in their minds and they are afraid that such an ordeal could happen again. The most common effect is isolation. It is easier for victims to isolate themselves from others; remain in the house or in familiar surroundings only. On the other hand, traumatic stress is characterized with the reluctance to express oneself. More so for the ones who witnessed a terror ordeal, they are withdrawn and they require guidance and therapy to overcome stress and trauma. The cost of living has in the past drastically changed. Each year, the cost of living keeps fluctuating. However, one thing is certain, life has become more expensive now than in the pats. There are more bills to pay and more that takes away

Animal Farm Essaytechniques Essay Example for Free

Animal Farm Essaytechniques Essay Orwell believes that communism is dangerous to the public and is a form of enslaving the population of a free nation. In order to express his attitudes towards Russia’s political system Orwell wrote the text animal farm in the form of a satirical allegory, and utilized narrative elements such as Plot and Themes to deliver his moral, which elicits his attitudes, or feelings towards communism. In order to increase the target audience of the text and thus further raise awareness Orwell wrote animal farm in the form of a satirical novel. The effect of this decision was that the novel captivated its audience and despite a greater meaning, while still understandable by the younger populace. A satirical allegory is a text that ridicules aspects of something whilst utilizing symbolic characters or references. An example directly from the text itself is Orwell’s portrayal of Soviet Russia’s political leaders Stalin and Trotsky. In the text Orwell portrays these men as pigs, which are often associated with greed and selfishness. Such selfishness occurred with Russia’s political leaders, who oppressed the population and lived the high life while their people suffered. This idea of greed in political leaders is also further reinforced by the progression of the characters through the plot. As mentioned earlier, being an allegory Animal farm symbolically references both people as well as events. The events, or actual plot of animal farm was intended to mirror the events of the Russian revolution, albeit portraying them in a fitting way. As the plot unfolds, and the characters develop we begin to see through events the greed, and slow class stratification that results. We begin to see as Orwell intends, that under the communist system hat animal farm assumes after the revolution; that when rivaling parties are chased out, and only one political party remains, a free nation slowly transforms into one of oppression under a totalitarian leader. These events act to elicit the idea of communism being very dangerous to the freedom of society and the general public, which were virtually enslaved by their leaders and worked to death for the sole benefit of th eir leaders. Another method of communication used by Orwell to display his attitude towards Soviet Russia’s political system is themes. Orwell makes extensive use of the themes of greed and the control of society through propaganda to show the negative effects of a communist government. In Animal Farm, the greed of the pigs causes them to enslave their fellow animals through the use of a consistent bombardment of propaganda which literally brainwashes the animals into believing they are working for themselves rather than their tyrant leaders. This mirrors communist Russia in the forties where propaganda and even religion were used to control the population and make them believe that they were all working to benefit themselves, when in reality this was not the case. George Orwell’s combination of these parallel events in the plot with real events in communist Russia, and use of themes to reinforce his ideas contained within his satirical allegory, act to elicit the idea that communism itself. Whether it be in Russia or elsewhere, it is destructive on the lives of the entire working population of the nation, and even though equality is promoted, greed consumes the leaders. This results in extreme class stratification, which leads to a society by which the population is almost lifeless and where are all working for the benefit of the political leaders.

History and Demographics of Myanmar

History and Demographics of Myanmar Introduction Myanmar (Burma renamed Myanmar in 1989) has never seen sustained conflict-free periods since its independence in 1948. The military has ruled the country since 1962. In 1988, pro-democracy protests were crushed. In 1990, free and fair national elections were held in Myanmar for the first time in 30 years. The National League for Democracy, the main political movement led by Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi (1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate), won 62% of the votes and 82% of the seats in elections.[1] While the purpose of these elections was never made fully clear (either to create a Constituent Assembly or a legislative Parliament), the military regime refused to honour the result. Since then, the senior political leaders and the army have remained the beneficiaries of the countrys self and externally imposed isolation. The population continues to live under political oppression, aggravated by economic difficulties. Detentions, intimidation and political oppression of activists are common place. In 2003, the military government presented a seven-step ‘roadmap for constitutional and political reform towards a ‘disciplined democracy. The first face of this roadmap was launched in 2004, with the reconvening of the National Convention to deliberate on basic principles for a new Constitution. Then in December 2007, the process of drafting a Constitution, based on those basic principles, began.[2] Unlike other political groups invited, the NLD refused to take part in the process. Although these first steps might indicate progress, the roadmap has come under criticism for being non-inclusive and lacking credibility. The economic situation stays highly problematic and potentially de-stabilising. The poor data quality and dubious governments statistics, which point to double-digit economic growth, are highly misleading to outside observers and attempt to obscure the countrys dire humanitarian situation. Because of political constraints, donor assistance levels to Myanmar remain grossly insufficient to cover the needs of the general population. In mid-August 2007, as a result of the dismal economic situation, street demonstrations were sparked over a sudden increase in fuel prices. The demonstrations grew into a nation-wide protest against the regimes policies. The Myanmar Sangha an influential institution in society showed overwhelming support for the protests. The government responded with a violent crackdown on the peaceful protests. This crackdown was condemned by the international community, which consequently renewed its pressure on the regime for political reform. As a result the European Union extended their existing sanctions on Myanmar in November 2007. Thus far, European sanctions do not seem to have pushed the government in the desired direction, and they may even have produced counterproductive effects. These include a hardened stance by the government, negative impact on Myanmar civil society and an undermining of the economy at large. Its often said that sanctions are, in and of themselves, a form of violence, employed as a political tool used for rhetoric rather that to create meaningful change. Nevertheless, it is questionable whether Myanmars progress towards a functional democracy would be accelerated by the absence of economic sanctions. The military government adheres to its Roadmap to ‘disciplined democracy, which can best be described as a fully controlled, slow transition to semi-civilian rule. This proceeds at the pace conducive to the generals in charge, protecting their interests and largely disregarding external criticism or pressure. In the governments point of view, Western sanctions are a hostile reaction towards its declared intention for a (controlled) transition. Since the SPDC can rely on sources of income outside the purview of sanctions (energy, commodities, etc.) it is hard to imagine that the regime will deviate from its declared goals as a reaction to sanctions or Western pressure. While experts often argue that economic sanctions have no impact on a targeted country, this report seeks to provide evidence of sanctions applied against Myanmar that have an economic, social and the political impact. For supporting this thesis the focus will be on the restrictive measures imposed by the European Union. It reviews the European Unions existing policies ‘supporting Myanmar to become a peaceful, democratic and prosperous country. Moreover, it will show that it is not enough to wait for a political breakthrough. Evidence suggests all sides, including the international community should have the courage to move away from these entrenched positions and try a different approach. After having given the necessary background and having shown why restrictive measures are applied by western communities, this report will provide recommendations for a different approach towards democracy in Myanmar. 1. Background In June 1989, the ruling military junta changed its name from Union of Burma to Myanmar, one year after the brutally suppressing of pro-democracy protests, where thousands were killed. The military junta claimed this name would be more neutral for a state of a huge ethnic diversity. Thus it would lead to greater harmony among the countrys desperate people and provide them a feeling of release from their British colonial past. The capitals name was also changed from Rangoon to Yangon.[3] The new name was accepted by most countries, including the United Nations, as a privilege of the Burmese government in power, but was not accepted by the United States.[4] Both terms are commonly used, with some people referring to the country as Burma and others referring to it as Myanmar. The same is also true for Rangoon; most people are more familiar with this name than Yangon. Myanmar is the largest country in Southeast Asia and in many ways a country defined by its geography, isolated and yet with a wealth of opportunities to work with its neighbouring countries. The country borders China, India, Bangladesh, Laos and Thailand. Much of the country is the valley of the Irrawaddy River, which runs north to south, from the icy eastern curve of the Himalayas down over a thousand miles to the brackish tidal waters of the Andaman Sea.[5] To better understand modern Myanmar and the reasons behind its self-imposed isolation, their needs to be a greater focus on historical context. The inherent complexity of the issues involved is easier to understand if the various historical forces are analysed separately. The different strands of history, described below, will finally come together and shape the present and show that current issues which today concern the state are mainly rooted in the countrys complex and often dubious institutions and history. Indeed, it can be argued that the countrys current situation is a result of often well-meaning but definitely foolhardy attempts to apply popular political measures to a fragile system of social imperative. â€Å"Nationalism†, â€Å"socialism†, and â€Å"autarky†, as well as â€Å"federalism†, â€Å"autonomy† and â€Å"centralisation†, are systems that have been used by political rulers in post-colonial Myanmar.[6] 1.1 Colonial Past Myanmar was relatively distinct, coherent, and autonomous for almost 1,000 years before the British annexed the country in the 19th century.[7] The first Burmese empire was founded in the 11th century. Many communities which lived in remote places were rarely brought under central domination, but remained relatively distinct from each other in matters such as language, culture, patterns of production, and political traditions.[8] Burman kings built glorious capitals like Pagan and Mandalay and ruled over a rich and thriving civilisation. Moreover, they benefited from an increasing population and revenues, providing significant military and economic advantages over neighbouring polities. Several wars in the eighteenth century led to territorial expansion, which further strengthened the Burmese state and created a distinctive Burmese cultural identity. At the same time, the growth of external trade, both with China and the western world provided further revenues. But the era of Burman kingdoms could not last forever and ended in 1885 when the British deposed the last King Thibaw in Mandalay and made Burma a province of British India. With the invasion of the British, new powerful political concepts and models for later leaders were introduced.[9] The British annexed Burma in 1886 and divided the country into two main administrative areas: Ministerial Burma, which was mainly populated by the Burman majority, and the Frontier area.[10] The British wanted to establish law and order through a low cost central administration. They secured their economic interest by rationalisation and commercialisation of agriculture. The British occupation did provide certain stability, by unifying diverse indigenous ethnic groups under colonial rule. Nevertheless, the British colonial system significantly changed and damaged the Burmese social structure. The precolonial social organisation largely rested on the authority of local chieftains and Buddhists monks. Buddhism as the common faith shared among the Burman majority, the Arakanese and most Shan and Karen people, was the main source of social stability as this faith emphasises self-reliance and righteous behaviour. Moreover, education was offered by monks to all.[11] With the British occupation, authority of local chieftains was replaced by weak influence of salaried officials, who were more responsible to local government rather than to the local communities.[12] The influence of the monks was weakened and they were soon deprived of their main social function. In order to protect the interests of minorities, the British assigned them some key functions which the Burmans, the dominant ethnic group, could not participate. For example, the British mainly recruited Karens, Kachins and Chins in the colonial army and administration, whereas the Burman were kept out of such activities. According to Josef Silverstein, minority groups living on the frontiers were administered directly by the central British administration. They were separated from the rest of the country, and those living in Ministerial Burma were granted seats in the legislature.[13] Thus, ethnic minority groups were divided along occupational lines.[14] Moreover, the British displaced indigenous and non-indigenous to the South in the fertile delta region. Deprived of their traditional social structure, those newly established cultivators fully adopted the imported rule of law, tenan cy rights and money lending practices. These British policies made the Burmese people conscious of their ethnic and cultural differences for the first time. This led to social division that had not existed in the pre-colonial period.[15] With the British annexation of Burma the structures of foreign trade changed, as well. The Burmese economy under the informal empire had become dangerously dependent on the export of view primary commodities -cotton and teak in particular. At the same time, rice was being imported in ever larger quantities, and soon Burma became the worlds largest rice exporter. However, as a consequence, an exodus of landless farmers in 1930 led to competition between ethnic groups and violent intra-communal riots. The world depressions of the 1870s led to a dramatic decline in the relative prices of nearly all primary commodities, including all of Burmas main exports. But nevertheless, international rice prices stayed the same or even rose. Thus, at this time of attempted reform, in contrast to Siam (Thailand) which enjoyed the profits of growing international trade, Burma was plunged into increasing economic hardship and fiscal collapse.[16] Efforts to promote economic development failed as the state lost its autonomy to colonial powers and the economy became more fully integrated into global markets. Local reactions to European expansion lead to crisis and intervention. The failure of British rule in Burma, instability and state insolvency were caused largely due to underpayment by Western countries for goods and services. The rise and fall of cotton prices and, more generally, dependence on western markets, weakened the Burmese government, desperate to find the funds with which to finance reform.[17] This demonstrates that these conditions created an opportunity for Western nations to dominate the country, eventually leading to British colonial rule. Following the British withdrawal, the Japanese occupied Burma in summer 1942. But throughout their four years of control over Burma during the Pacific war, the Japanese did not succeed in bringing the Burmese population under their rule, nor could they manage to lessen the external menace of allied forces. To secure their position they promised to bring independence to Burma and support an indigenous army. By not following through on their promises, the Japanese precipitated the emergence Burmese nationalists, who consequently allied with the British. In March 1945, the Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League was formed. Aung San, Chief of this Burmese army, became the head of the Anti-Fascist Peoples Freedom League. The AFPFL was first a resistance movement founded on Buddhist philosophy and open to all Burmese regardless their ethnic background, their political or religious beliefs. It later became a leading political party calling for national unity and federalism. During this transitional period to democracy, a Burmese government was created to handle administrative matters.[18] After the Japanese occupation ended in August 1945, the Burmese feared a regression to the British colonial economic order. Strikes and negotiations led in January 1947 to a meeting in London. There it was decided that a constituent assembly should be elected in April, and those living in Frontier Areas would have to decide whether or not to join Ministerial Burma. In a second meeting in Panlong on the 12th February 1947, the Chin, Kachin and Shan agreed to join the future federal union as autonomous communities. However, the Karen, Karenni, Rakhine (or Arakanese) and the Mon did not sign the Panglong agreement, which seriously challenged its credibility. To this day, dialogue between the Burman majority and ethnic minority groups is a rare and difficult proposition. As expected, the AFPFL won the elections, and Aung San was put in charge of writing the constitution, which espoused â€Å"unity in diversity† that could only be achieved by a federal system. His assassination in July 1947, as well as the deaths of other officials, left Burma without the means to pursue the democratisation process. And so, the declaration of Burmas independence from the Commonwealth on the 4th January 1948 did not prevent the hope of national unity to fall apart. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, the country gained independence from the British in 1948.[19] 1.2 Myanmar and its Ethnic Diversity With its estimated population of 50 million, Burma is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. Due its central location, settlers from many different backgrounds have migrated to Burma. Today about two thirds of the population is Burman (Bamar) and the remaining one-thirds are ethnic minorities. This ethnically diversity is more than ever a critical issue and thus the ground of most of the countrys problems. Largely due to the fact that throughout history, Burma has experienced a great deal of inter-ethnic mingling.[20] Discussions about ethnicity are related to terms, such as â€Å"nationalities† and â€Å"national races†, referring back to the course which was introduced into Myanmar during the colonial era and became concretised with the countrys independence in 1948 when various constitutional models for multi-ethnic states were being discussed. The examples of Yugoslavia, Stalinist Russia, and the United Kingdom were considered as alternatives for Myanmar. It started in the 1930s when ideas of socialist and Marxist concepts had been introduced into Myanmar which took power in 1948 as the essence of the critique of British imperialism and colonial rule. The disproportionate wealth that European and Asian foreigners had gained during the colonial period, creating a situation where the Burmese were poor people in their own rich land, meant that the removal of alien economic domination became a key goal of nationalist policy.[21] The 1974 constitution, which is now being revised, divided Burma into seven ethnic states- the Rakhine, Shan, Mon, Chin, Kayin, Kayah (formerly Karenni) and Kachin and seven divisions, where ethnic Burman people held the majority.[22] Furthermore, the military junta distinguishes 135 sub-ethnic groups among the seven major ones. According to Analysist and social scientists the s can be distributed as following: Bamah 65%, Karen 9%, Shan 7% , Chin 2%, smaller groups like the Mon, Kachin and Wa at 1% each, and Indian 7% at least.[23] Due this huge ethnic diversity, locked into this small geographic zone, over hundreds of different dialects and languages have been identified. Most of the people would not be aware of such classification, if the countries military junta would not use this nomenclature for discriminative purposes. Ethnic minority groups are not excluded in cities populated by Burmans, but with the juntas assimilation into the Burmese Buddhist system, called â€Å"Burmanization†, they are faced severe discriminations, such as the deny of social, cultural and religious rights of ethnic minorities.[24] Moreover, with its xenophobia and oppressions against minorities, the military rule is responsible for the eclipse of huge parts of the peoples history. Minorities culturally and racially different from the dominating Burmans have been uprooted from their localities under the pretext of being â€Å"Kula†, â€Å"non- natives†, or even outright â€Å"foreigners†. In a multiethnic country like Myanmar, instead of following the democratic policy of unity and diversity, the military junta uses Burmanization as a guide and prosecutes the minorities, renames places, destroys minority places and replaces them with their ethnic names. The discrimination of minorities is reinforced by religious consideration, especially Christians, Hindus and above all Muslims communities are often target of many human rights abuses. Christianity is often associated with the Chin, Kachin and Karen, Hinduism with Indians, and the Islam, accounting for about 13% of the population, is mainly represented in Arakanese, Indian and Pakistanis communities. They often have no access to certain jobs, mainly in administration and in the army. Those who live in the remote zones are subjected to atrocities committed by unleashed military groups. The juntas propaganda portrayed ethnic minorities as trouble makers, and ordinary Burmans, besides the Tatmadaw, progressively share this view. Most popular targets of discrimination are the Royhingas, who are Muslims in religion and live in the Mon-State, bordering to Bangladesh.[25] ‘One party, one blood, one voice and one command was already the slogan of the Dobama movement, a motto which still lives on in the Burmese armed forces, the Tatmadaw.[26] Nevertheless, given the fact that Burma is struggling with ethnically and political problems it may be impossible to build unity with such a slogan, especially when 40% of the population is not seen as part of the Burmese society. 1.3 Post Colonial Era The country has been ruled by military dictatorship since 1962, when General Ne Win seized power from the Prime Minister U Nu. Only between 1974 and 1988 there is the exception of a period of one party rule. Ne Win introduced the â€Å"Burmese Way to Socialism†, which systematically referred to the decent of a country which had a 90 percent literacy rate and was rich in natural resources. Together with its regime, he dismantled the independent judiciary, the legislature, the multiparty system and finally cut Burma off from the outside world. This regime has been engaged in military operations against the Communist Party of Burma and various ethnic minorities fighting for autonomy or independence from the central government, which has traditionally been dominated by ethnic Burmans.[27] The current executive body, the State Peace and Development Council is a group of a dozen high-ranking soldiers. On state and division level, military Regional Commanders enjoy a limited autonomy granted by the regime. On township and village level, local Peace and Development Councils exist. In the cease-fire areas, ethnic leaders determine and implement policies, depending on the degree of their autonomy vis-à  -vis the Regional Commanders and SPDC. Although the system of government seems centralised, from the outside world, in reality, it is highly fragmented, with opaque decision making procedures and means of governance.[28] The military is entrenched in every instant and institution of the state, including the Union Presidency, the Union Government, the Union Assembly and the Regional or State Assemblies. The constitution is fleshed out with repetitions and irrelevant provisions. In many respects the constitution is vague and confusing and open to conflicting interpretations. The military is above the constitution and above the law. The Chief of staff of the Defence Forces is the most powerful person under the constitution. His appointment and removal are not referred to the constitution. It is anticipated that he will be beyond the control of a civilian government. The Chief of staff of the Defence Forces and the military are regulated by the militarys own regulations, which enables them to override the constitution and serves as a justification for the military regime to stay in power. The President appoints the Chief Minister for each state and region. A partially elected Legislative Assembly is also established in each state and region.[29] The military regime, then under the name of State Law and Order Restoration Council, seized power in 1988. In August, widespread popular riots against the military regime, which were initiated by university students in Rangoon, were brutally suppressed and thousands were killed. People took to the streets and demanded an end to decades of military dictatorship and international isolation. The protests have been rumbling on for months, starting with students at the select Rangoon Institute for Technology, spreading through the sprawling capital and then upcountry. The price of food skyrocketed, and a mood of opportunity and imminent upheaval fused with long-pent-up anger and resentment against the authorities. In 1990 the SLORC held elections for a multiparty parliament. The NLD as the main political movement under the leadership of Mrs Aung San Suu Kyi won 82% of the seats in the National Assembly. However, the results of the elections were never recognised by the military regime whi ch maintained power. The military refused to step down and since then have kept tight control of the country. Aung San Suu Kyi has been under house arrest most of the time and only the leadership and the army have benefited from self-imposed and external isolation.[30] In October 1992 the SLORC formed the Commission for National Convention in order to draft fundamental principles of constitution. These principles underscoring six major points: Solidarity of the Union for Myanmar Solidarity of the national unity Perpetuation of national sovereignty Development of parliamentary democracy Development of justice, freedom and equality in the political arena The participation of Tatmadaw in the future states national politics. To determine these basic principles above, the SLORC convoked National Convention for Myanmars new constitution in August 1993.[31] The convention assembled less than 15% of the representatives elected in 1990 and the principles which were discussed had to conform to the objectives of the convention, pre-defined by the SLORC. Western States have passed many resolutions to encourage the junta to give a timetable for the convention. But so far, there is no clear sign of its near conclusion, and the NLD, which has left the Convention in 1995 due to undemocratic procedures, has been banned permanently from the convention by the SLORC. The SLORC was officially dissolved on 15 November 1997, reformulating itself as the State Peace and Development Council.[32] 2. Recent Development During the last four decades the regime has been effectively functioned under self-imposed isolation in an attempt to revitalise the ailing economy and avert popular pressure for political reform. To do so the regime operates without any respect of humans basic freedoms and rights. It is in particular the absence of an effective judicial system, and with that the fact that rule of law is not guaranteed by any means, which makes a transition to democracy incessant. The military junta keeps all media under tight control and limits the development of civil society. Torture and extra-judicial executions as well as forced labour also remain widespread measures in the regimes fight against political opponents and certain ethnic groups. By that, forced village relocations and armed resistance of especially Karen and Shan populations continue to cause internal displacement and a refugee influx in particular into Thailand.[33] The lack of good economic governance has led to widespread poverty among Myanmars population, structural un- and underemployment as well as under-funded health and education systems. Engagement of the international donor community remains limited due to the countrys political situation. It is also worrying that the junta spends high percentage of its budget for military hardware; as opposed to the few resources spend for public health and education. Concerns by the international community are aggravated by the widespread corruption inside the country as well as the uneven distribution of opportunities in urban and rural areas. So far, military rulers have been resisted external demands to turn over power to a democratic government and it seems that pressure from the international community has been mainly failed. Obviously it could not prevent the junta to seek almost total autonomy, although it seems that the present regime has opened up the country to some extent. However, the regi me remains suspicious of and resistant to external criticism and interference. This chapter seeks to present the countrys recent development on the economic and political front. It shows Myanmar from the perspective of the international community. Moreover, it will provide a deeper understanding in Myanmars economic structure and thus gives a basic background to understand how EU measures affect the country. 2.1 Myanmars Recent Economic Development-An Analysis With a real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of 4.0 per cent in 2008, Myanmar is one of the poorest nations in the world.[34] Today, Myanmars economy is based on agriculture, gems, timber and oil. Although, the country is rich in natural resources, it has only weak linkages to the global economy. Over the past four decades, deep structural problems caused by the military-inspired policies and the absence of any rational economic and developmental strategies have led to diminishing living standards and widespread poverty among the general population in Myanmar. Political repression and impoverishment have drastically reduced the ability of communities to handle political or social change.[35] To give an economic overview and analysis of Myanmar, the focus in this section will be on macroeconomic indicators, such as GDP growth, exports and imports, inflation, investment and interest rates. Economic data, including s on foreign debt and investment are scarce. Data from the states Research Centre are mostly inaccurate or distorted. This can be explained partly through the fact that the SPDC are noted to be using older methods of calculating some key indicators, which are therefore difficult to compare to data used by most other nations today. For instance, the IMF suggests that official s used are significantly overestimated.[36] GDP Growth: According to the IMF, over the period 1997/98-2007/08, GDP growth has remained at an annual average of around 5 per cent, with the exception of 2003/04 when the banking system belatedly to fall out of the Asian Markets Crisis of 1997. The annual growth of 5 per cent would be considered quite healthy in comparison to regional GDP growth, were it not for the rampant inflation in the country, which dramatically undermines any gains made. To clarify, any additional GDP revenues would be swallowed up by the even higher rising costs. The EIU suggests that there has been solid growth in the energy and mining sector as well as significant growth in the service sectors over the last decade.[37] This would be somewhat encouraging, were those gains not negated by inflation. Evidence supporting this can be found by looking at the continued poor social development indicators and widespread poverty in the country.[38] A household survey conducted by UNDP shows that union-wide 32 per cent of the population lie below the poverty line and 10 per cent below the food poverty (i.e. cannot afford to buy food for basic nutritional requirements). This is also well illustrated by the fact that across the union 34.4 per cent of children under 5 years of age suffer from moderate malnutrition.[39] GDP by Sector: About 70 per cent of enterprises and firms (small and middle sized businesses) are in private poverty, the remaining 30 per cent (in particular large scaled enterprises) are still owned by the state, which work more often in deficit. The private sector is dominated by business people who are trusted by the government and often employ relatives of senior SPDC members. It has a share more than 90 per cent of the economic performance. However, Myanmars economy is predominantly shaped by agriculture.[40] Therefore the agricultural sector gains approximately 50 per cent of the countrys GDP. An estimated two thirds of all citizens are working as farmers or labourers. Contrary, the industrial sector including natural gas export segment contributes only 20 per cent of GDP and trade and services 36 per cent.[41] Myanmars economy was fully regulated by the state, but obviously the government is taking approaching steps to liberalize agriculture. Though it has ended some production controls and mandatory procedures as well as allowing to grow rice as a dry-season crop in irrigated areas. Some of the state owned enterprises which are contributing to the processing and supplying inputs of agriculture have been privatized. Myanmar has been one of the major rice exporters in the world until the government banned exports of rice and some other agricultural products to held domestic prices down. Only in 2006, the export ban could relax a bit and eased further in 2007.[42] GDP by Capita and Purchasing Power: As the chart below clearly shows, Myanmars GDP per capita in 2006 was, by some significant margin, the lowest in the region. This is partly down to the low levels of annual GDP gained by the economy. This could be attributed to numerous factors, such as poor productivity levels, significant trade restrictions and consequent low levels of trade, poor foreign direct investment and poor taxation collection system. According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and IMF estimates, Myanmar has the lowest GDP per capita at Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) of all neighbouring countries (as shown below). To clarify, PPP is an indicator designed to negate the relative costs of living in the country data and show a comparable income level per person on an equitable basis. Needless to say, the low relative GDP per capita, even at PPP rates shows how low general income levels a

Strategies for Discrimination in Adult Community Care

Strategies for Discrimination in Adult Community Care Identify and reflect on potential strategies for addressing oppression  and unfair discrimination encountered in community care for adults. Examine the implications of this process for a social worker value base. The Audit Commission report of 1986 and the Griffiths report 1988 emphasised the need for care to become consumer-led; traditionally state run services were quickly contracted out to private and voluntary sector providers. Value-for-money became key, and community care became the favoured option over and above residential care (Blakemore, 2003). Some argued that social work values became secondary to resource-led decision-making (Banks, 1995). Negative discrimination can be defined as the attribution of negative traits or features with regard to an individual, or a group of people (Thompson 2003). Generally negative discrimination relates to social and biological constructs and can be based upon a multitude of characteristics, such as gender, race, sexual orientation, disability, class, age and so on. Negative discrimination creates situations that can lead to oppressive practices, which is defined by Thompson (2001) as: â€Å"Inhuman or degrading treatment of individuals or groups; hardship and injustice brought about by one group or another; the negative and demeaning exercise of power† (pg 34) The core principle of the NHS Community Care Act 1990 was to give people the choice, where possible, being cared for in their own home (Blackmore, 2003), and the social care field was opened to market forces; services users became consumers. However, the purchasing power of service users is disparate, dependant upon social, economic and individual variables. Adults partaking in community care are particularly vulnerable to oppression where there is an imbalance in the distribution of financial or other material resources; economic status can create real disparities in the standard of care received. Service users will often find their financial resources are controlled by their carers, placing the carer in a powerful position and disempowering the service user. This can be countered by being very open with the service user and avoiding â€Å"closed† decision-making and mystery (Topps, 2001). The service user should be involved at all levels of decision-making regarding resourc es. The Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996 is encouraging as it allows local authorities to make direct payments to service users, enabling them to arrange and pay for their own care package. This is a positive step forward in empowering community care service users. It is also important for practitioners and carers to consider their use of language and its potential effects. Dehumanizing and medicalised language can result in a loss of esteem and a sense of disempowerment for the any service user, particularly those with intellectual impairments who maybe less able to understand medical terms. This can be prevented by avoiding jargon and providing lots of opportunities for questions and open discussion. Carers and social services staff should continually check themselves for use of infantilising language and ensure they engage in mature, adult discourse with service users. An example of dehumanizing language that is still used regularly in care setting is the term â€Å"manual handling†. Many physically impaired service users have reported this term as degrading (Elder-Woodward, 2001), as the implication is that the person is an object to be handled. The term â€Å"moving and assisting† is more widely accepted now. We should also consider the power that is implied through the assumption that â€Å"professionals† have superior medical knowledge, skills and expertise in relation to the community care service user. Often, care plans are based upon the medical model; the impairment is seen as the problem and the service users dependence is emphasized (Adams et al, 2002). Thompson (2001) says social work should take a â€Å"demedicalised† stance and look past the pathology, utilizing the social model of disability as described by Adams et al (2002). The social model suggests the service users needs should be considered in a much wider context, ensuring their social and mental health are given equal consideration to their medical needs. Viewing societal constraints as the problem, and not the individual, creates the frame of mind to consider how to remove barriers to mainstream social, political and economic life. Social workers should liase with service users and look towards a solutio n-focused (not impairment-focused) care plan whereby barriers are identified and solutions sought collaboratively, utilizing strengths. Social workers are trained to critically reflect on their practice to ensure they continually monitoring their reactions to, and engagement with, service users. Critically reflective practice is crucial in anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory work. Until recently, community carers were not trained in such practice and therefore were more likely to repeat oppressive practices over and over as they maybe not be aware of the implicit discriminatory messages of some behaviours. The issue is tackled by new regulations, which require all paid carers to hold an NVQ qualification. The NVQ requires carers to consider issues of discrimination and oppression, and look at significant elements of their own identity. It is important this training is followed up by regular supervision and support (Thompson 2003). Care can be stressful, and it is crucial that steps are taken to minimise pressure, where possible, and for managers/social workers to take the opportunity to debrief with carers as nec essary. The ability to identify and promote non-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practice and procedure is a focal point of the social work value base (Training Organisation for Personal Social Services, 1989). Social workers must maintain awareness of the value base by using a variety of strategies to ensure service users are not discriminated against. The aforementioned strategies mean the social work value base is referred to, and reflected upon on a regular basis; it makes it a working, â€Å"live† document. All of the aforementioned strategies are referred to within the value base as issued raised by service users. Anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices are once again key focus areas for social workers and carers alike. It is encouraging that all workers are required to consider such issues within their training and as part of their value base, and steps are being taken to empower service users by facilitating the co-ordination and funding of their own care package. It remains the case that many care-receivers live with friends/family, who ultimately are in a position of considerable power over the service user, which can lead to oppression and discrimination. References Adams, Robert et al (eds) 2002 Critical Practice in Social Work. Basingstoke, Palgrave. Banks, S (1995) Ethics and Values in Social Work. Macmillan Press LTD, London Blackmore, k (2003) Social Policy: An Introduction. 2nd Ed. Buckingham, Open University Press Elder-Woodward, J (2001) Making Sense of Community Care Recent Initiatives: A service users perspective; or, Farewell to Welfare The perspective of  an ungrateful bastard. Retrieved 16th August 2005 from: http://www.leeds.ac.uk/disability-studies/archiveuk/elderwood/CCPS paper3 (Times12).pdf Thompson, Neil (2001) Anti-discriminatory Practice 3rd Ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave. Thompson, Neil (2003) Promoting Equality: Challenging Discrimination and Oppression 2nd Ed. New York, Palgrave Training Organisation for Personal Social Services (2001) National Occupational Standards for Social Work. Topps, Leeds

Robert Burns :: essays research papers

People have made entire careers off the belief in and practices of astrology. The idea of the stars determining our fate has withheld people’s interest for centuries. Robert Burns, an Aquarius, was very anti-superstition. He had almost no belief in astrological predictions or zodiac signs. There is some humor in this though, because through Burns’ poems and songs this pseudoscience shows just how accurate it can be. The most parallel example of Burns’ personality and his Aquarius sign can be seen in the work The Fornicator.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Robert Burns was born January 25, 1759, son to a dirt poor farmer and a mother who never learned to write her own name. He held many jobs before making a name for himself as a poet, to include a farmer and excise officer. Burns was famed for his poetry and songs and has been called Scotland’s answer to Shakespeare. He was also renowned for his excessive drinking and womanizing, one such biographer, Ian McIntyre, remarked that Burns was â€Å"incapable of addressing a woman, on paper or in the flesh, without placing a hand on her thigh.† It was also reported that he fathered over a dozen children in and out of marriage. The official reason for Burns’ death was rheumatic heart disease, but it is often attributed to the bottle. Upon death critics and obituary writers labeled him a â€Å"drunkard.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Aquarius, the zodiac symbol assigned to those born between January 21 and February 19. Traditional Aquarian traits are that they are: friendly and humanitarian, original and inventive, independent and intellectual. Some negative aspects of Aquarians are that they can be: intractable and contrary, perverse and unpredictable, unemotional and detached. Aquarians generally possess strong and attractive personalities. They can fall into two categories: one shy, sensitive, gentle and patient; the other exuberant, lively and exhibitionist, sometimes hiding the depth of their character under a cloak of frivolity. Among the faults to which Aquarians are liable are: fanatical eccentricity, wayward egotism, excessive detachment and an inclination to retreat from life and society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The poem the Fornicator speaks to all the young gentlemen of Burns era and today’s male audience. This piece is about Burns referring to himself as a fornicator and impregnating a girl, Elizabeth Paton, out of wed lock. There is an air of sarcasm and regret throughout the poem; not some much about impregnating the woman but having to deal with the hassles of potentially being bogged down with a child.

John Nash, A Beautiful Mind Essay -- Mental Health, Schizophrenia

WHAT IS SCHIZOPHRENIA? The modern definition of schizophrenia describes it as a long-lasting psychotic disorder (involving a severe break with reality), in which there is an inability to distinguish what is real from fantasy as well as disturbances in thinking, emotions, behavior, and perception (Cicarelli, p. 557). SYMPTOMS Schizophrenia includes several symptoms. One common symptom is delusions, which are false beliefs that the person holds and that tend to remain fixed and unshakable even in the face of evidence that disproves the delusions (Cicarelli, p. 557). Other common symptoms include speech disturbances, in which people with schizophrenia make up words, repeat words or sentences persistently, string words together on the basis of sounds, and experience sudden interruptions in speech or thought. The thought patterns of those with schizophrenia are also significantly disturbed, as they have difficulty linking their thoughts together in logical ways (Cicarelli, p. 557). Individuals with schizophrenia may also experience hallucinations, in which they hear voices or see things or people who are not really there. Hearing voices and emotional disturbances are key symptoms in making a diagnosis of schizophrenia. An emotional disturbance known as flat effect is a condition in which the person shows little or no emotion. For example, emotions can be excessive and/or inappropriate - a person might laugh when it would be more appropriate to cry (Cicarelli, p. 557). A person with schizophrenia might also exhibit disorganized and extremely odd behavior. For example, some forms of schizophrenia are accompanied by periods of complete immobility, whereas others may involve weird facial grimaces and odd gesturing. Attention is al... ...nly suffered from auditory, not visual, hallucinations. There is also a seen in the film in which Nash is being presented with pens from faculty members. In reality, no such custom exits. â€Å"A Beautiful Mind† is a remarkable movie that sheds light on a complicated and debilitating disorder, in which the person seems to have no control over. It is enlightening and heart warming, I would highly recommend this movie. I must admit, the first time I watch the movie, I went into it not knowing anything about schizophrenia and when it was over, I still felt like I didn’t fully understand the disorder; however, the second time I watched with the knowledge of what schizophrenia is and all of the various symptoms and I find it astonishing that Nash was able to overcome the disorder by sheer willpower over his own mind, as he chose to ignore the voices in his head.

Business Essay

Convenience Internet marketing enables you to be open for business around the clock without worrying about store opening hours or overtime payments for staff. Offering your products on the Internet is also convenient for customers. They can browse your online store at any time and place orders when it is convenient for them. Reach By marketing on the Internet, you can overcome barriers of distance. You can sell goods in any part of the country without setting up local outlets, widening your target market. You can also build an export business without opening a network of distributors in different countries. However, if you want to sell internationally, you should use localization services to ensure that your products are suitable for local markets and comply with local business regulations. Localization services include translation and product modification to reflect local market differences. Cost Marketing products on the Internet costs less than marketing them through a physical retail outlet. You do not have the recurring costs of property rental and maintenance. You do not have to purchase stock for display in a store. You can order stock in line with demand, keeping your inventory costs low. Personalization Internet marketing enables you to personalize offers to customers by building a profile of their purchasing history and preferences. By tracking the web pages and product information that prospects visit, you can make targeted offers that reflect their interests. The information available from tracking website visits also provides data for planning cross-selling campaigns so that you can increase the value of sales by customer. Relationships The Internet provides an important platform for building relationships with customers and increasing customer retention levels. When a customer has purchased a product from your online store, you can begin the relationship by sending a follow-up email to confirm the transaction and thank the customer. Emailing customers regularly with special, personalized offers helps to maintain the relationship. You can also invite customers to submit product reviews on your website, helping to build a sense of community. Social Internet marketing enables you to take advantage of the growing importance of social media. An article on the Harvard Business School Executive Education website highlighted the link between social networking and online revenue growth. According to the article, a group of consumers that responded most strongly to the influence of social networks generated increased sales of around 5 percent. You can take advantage of this type of influence by incorporating social networking tools in your Internet marketing campaigns.

In conflict, it is women who suffer most

Plan: Interpretation of prompt: Generally throughout the majority of conflicts especially physical conflict, it is the men who are at the forefront fighting the battle. However it is the mother, the wives, the daughters and the sisters of these men who are the ones who suffer most. Paragraphs/Ideas * Picassos painting â€Å"the weeping woman† depicts a grief stricken lady, experiencing the true devastation of losing a beloved male to the horror of the Spanish civil War. In the quiet American, it is Phuong who suffers throughout the text, being torn between both men when having to decide who she wants to be with as a result of the conflict between the two men. * Essay: History has proven to the world that no matter gender, race or religion, conflict will always arise. Not always but generally it is the men of the world who stand up for what they believe in, resulting in the battle of conflict between men. Frequently ending physically, men attempt to prove dominance in their com petitive race through conflict, while women are forced to take a back seat. Despite the result of a male dominated conflict, the deeper consequences show a suffering and pain that is caused to the women who are affected most from the outcome. Famous painter Pablo Picasso’s early 1900’s painting of the â€Å"Weeping Woman† presents the severe suffering that is caused to women through conflict. Representing a woman devastated by the effects of the Spanish Civil War, Picasso displays a face that is etched with a universal pain felt by all women who have been affected through the loss of men to war. The tears treaming down her excoriated face shows the suffering caused by a woman who has clearly felt the true effect of a conflict. Although millions of men have lost their lived and been damaged physically through war, it is clearly devastated through the Picasso’s painting that the emotional suffering that impacts on women is much more severe. Women have very little impact when it comes to conflict, especially when it is male dominated . Being forced to be a bystander like the weeping women, causes adverse emotion affects on women, such that is more traumatising to them than the conflict to the man. They may not always display it, but women always feel the pain of conflict more harshly than men. The harsh suffering that women experience through conflict is similarly exemplified in Grahem Greene’s text The Quiet American. Greene’s female main character Phoung and her sister represent two Vietnamese women who are affected differently by the horrors of the Vietnam War. The conflict of the war mixed in with the rivalry of her two lover’s for her affection tears Phuong apart and inflicts emotional pain on her. Her love for main character Fowler combats against her will to be married to protagonist Pyle, causing her to feel a world of hurt as a result. With Phuong unable to truly decide between her original lover and the man who can provide her with what she needs, we see the sorrow that slowly confuses and destroys her throughout the text. The pain of seeing her younger sister unhappy and unmarried also tears at Phuongs sister, with her main priority of doing what is right for Phuong impacting her every decision. Phuong’s sister can clearly see the happiness experienced when her sister is with fowler however she knows that they are unable to marry. The need for Phuong to marry a man who can provide for her inflicts suffering upon Phuong’s sister as she forces herself to convince Phuong to make the appropriate choice. This conflict of man vs man influenced by the war presents just how women are always at the deepest end of suffering emotionally compared to men. It is the women such as Phuong and her sister who experience the unfathomable pain and suffering that is forced upon them by the conflict which only affects men to a certain level. Paragraph 3: Regardless of whether it is emotional or physical, the battle of supremacy within a conflict shall always end with suffering. What is not always seen on the surface of a conflict is the deeper pain that is thrust upon those who are not directly involved. Generally, it is the women who suffer the most throughout conflict, the women who are bystanders and experience the conflict on another level. Men are usually at the front line of a conflict, doing what is right by their beliefs however it is there beloved female family members who bear the grunt of the painful result of a conflict.

Learning Team Reflection Essay

Introduction In business, quality refers measures of excellence and remaining free of defects, deficiencies, and significant variations. Quality products or services are brought about by the commitment to abide by certain standards. These standards are put in place to maintain customer or user satisfaction, (Business Dictionary.com, 2014). In this paper, Learning Team A will discuss total quality management, ISO standards, how these standards are used to improve an organization, benefits and challenges of these standards, and the role of the quality control department within an organization in relation to TQM and ISO standards. Total Quality Management and ISO Total quality management may be defined as managing the entire organization so that it excels on all dimensions of products and services that are important to the customer, (Jacobs, H., & Chase, R., 2011).† The two primary goals of total quality management (TQM) are to ensure that the product or service is carefully designed, and secondly, to ensure systems within the organization can consistently produce and design the product or service. TQM resembles Six Sigma to a great degree, but it is a different process. TQM focuses on ensuring standards and guidelines are actually reducing errors while Sigma looks to reduce defects, (Jacobs, H., & Chase, R., 2011).† ISO are a series of standards used to measure quality. These guidelines are international guidelines established by the Internal Organization for Standardization. To gain certification for these standards, the process takes greater than a year. ISO 9000 represents standards for the criteria that need to be met during manufacturing processes. ISO 14000 refers to rules or guidelines set for environmental management of industrial production. This standard simply promotes useful tools for businesses to help manage environmental impact, (Investopedia, 2014). Advantages of TQM and ISO in organizations Customer satisfaction is the main goal for every organization. Customers are satisfied if they get a product or service that meets their expectation and if it is of fair price. Total Quality management helps to provide this quality assurance for the customers. It helps the organization to make the needed corrections and improve production. Apart from satisfied customers, organizations also need to improve their efficiency and effectiveness of doing business. TQM places a focus on internal process that includes process alignment, consistent delivery and process productivity (CEBOS, 2012). With TQM, organizations will have a longer term competitive edge. TQM is a philosophy that empowers all the employees and it promotes continuous and sustained improvement. Its basic principle is that the cost of prevention is less than the cost of correction (Gharakhani, Rahmati, Farrokhi, & Farahmandian, 2013). Like TQM, ISO also provides benefits for a business. According to (ISO, 2014), when a company improves its operations, it saves cost. Having internationalized standards will improve operations and reduces operational expenses. Standards will help to enhance customer satisfaction and access new markets. It also helps companies to increase their productivity and stay in the competitive edge. ISO 9000, certification increases marketability and reduces product liability risks, because the quality of the product is enhanced. With the ISO 14000, organizations reduce their footprint in global environment. ISO14000 helps companies to save in energy consumption, reduce the cost of waste management, and improve corporate image among regulators, customers and the public (ISO, 2014). References Business Dictionary.com (2014). Quality. Retrieved from, Business Dictionary.com Web site: http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/quality.html Investopedia (2014). ISO 9000. Retrieved from, Investopedia Web site: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/iso-9000.asp Investopedia (2014). ISO 14000. Retrieved from, Investopedia Web site: http://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/iso-14000.asp Jacobs, F., & Chase, R. (2011). Product and Service Design. In (Ed.), Operations and Supply Chain Management (13th ed., pp. 38-67). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Irwin. CEBOS (2012). How Can TQM Make Your Business More Successful?. Retrieved from, CEBOS Web site: http://www.cebos.com/how-can-tqm-make-your-business-more-successful/ Gharakhani, D., Rahmati, H., Farrokhi, M. R., & Farahmandian, A. (2013). Total Quality Management and Organizational Performance. American Journal of Industrial Engineering, 1(3), pp. 45-50. ISO. (2014). Benefits of International Standards. Retrieved from http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/benefitsofstandards.htm ISO. (2014). ISO 14000 – Environmental management. Retrieved from http://www.iso.org/iso/home/standards/benefitsofstandards.htm

Privacy And Security In The Digital World Essay

Technology can bring great freedom. As the commercials of the 90’s promised, the Internet offers previously unheard of access to information from the comfort of one’s own home. Of course, the amount of information that computer networks allow to be freely-shared isn’t restricted to the card catalogs of major libraries, the lowest-possible prices or e-mails from friends and relatives. As technology has become cheaper, more powerful and nearly-ubiquitous new and, some   have argued, disturbing developments have taken place at the nexus of powerful technology and personal privacy.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Credit card and debit card transactions can be traced, allowing access to one’s spending habits. On line, shielding such transactions from prying eyes has resulted in a world where ever-stronger forms of encryption are required to keep consumer’s financial information secure. Cameras are stationed nearly everywhere now, and some major cities are considering installing surveillance cameras in public places to monitor the streets, justifying it by alluding to the threat of terrorism. (Honan,  ¶1) Where a case is being made for putting in surveillance cameras, one will usually find the crisis of security vs. privacy tossed aside perhaps more quickly than it should be, with the proponent arguing on the side of security. Whatever their motives, someone is probably watching you in most private establishments, of course.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This raises a new question for society: where is the line between the reasonable expectation of privacy and paranoia in the Information Age?   It’s hard to find someone who likes the idea of their personal information and activities being collected by strangers. Interestingly, people almost universally express negativity toward any technology that monitors their actions but that negativity disappears when they’re asked if other people’s actions should be monitored. (Kleve, De Mulder & Van Noortwijk, 13). Everyone seems to detest motorists who run red lights but nearly everyone detests with equal venom the red light cameras designed to catch them committing the same traffic violation, so to speak.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The debate over security and privacy is hardly new. The nature of the debate, however, has changed in the past ten years. In a 1998 series of three articles, The Washington Post’s Robert O’Harrow Jr. wrote about concerns surrounding â€Å"data mining†. Data mining is an activity that really bloomed   in the last ten years. Because of the amount of electronic records consumers generate, there exists an opportunity for marketers to narrow down their sales pitches to ever-more specific demographics by obtaining and â€Å"mining† that data for particular spending habits.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The sheer amount of data that is collected, the consumer’s unawareness of it and the ways in which this data can be sorted, searched and drilled into as well as the lack of control regrading how that data is eventually disseminated and that fact that protecting that data requires constant technological innovation presents challenges to citizens and law-enforcement alike. (Jerry Berman & Deirdre Mulligan, II. B.).   Ã‚   To add to the general anxiety, the US government, following the September 11 terrorist attacks upon New York, began collecting information from telecom companies, without a warrant, which they intended to mine for activity they considered suspect. The program has proved so controversial that, at present, Congress and the White House are unable to agree as to the boundaries of government where monitoring private conversations is concerned (Chaddock). Interestingly, a key point of contention in this debate has been the role of private companies. When O’Harrow wrote about the potential for shady-activity surrounding how much of the information gathered by private data mining firms might be shared with the government, he was being quite prophetic. The telecom companies who cooperated with the government eavesdropping program now face the potential threat of billions of dollars in lawsuits for violating the rights of their clients (Chaddock,  ¶7). Whether or not to pass legislation that would immunize private firms from being sued by their clients for their cooperation with the warantless eavesdropping program has brought the legislation to a halt.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Telecoms provide Internet access as well as telephone service. Where the Internet is concerned, perhaps expecting any privacy is unreasonable. As Burman and Mulligan put it: â€Å"Imagine walking through a mall where every store, unbeknownst to you, placed a sign on your back. The signs tell every other store you visit exactly where you have been, what you looked at, and what you purchased. Something very close to this is possible on the Internet.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   With the growing adoption of the Internet on the part of consumers–who are also, of course, citizens–over the past decade, it would seem that none of our habits, likes and dislikes or political dispositions are immune from being investigated by commercial or government interests.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It’s likely that as we become more connected by and dependent upon technology, we’ll have to become more accustomed, and skilled, at living in a world where we must assume that the details of nearly any day of our lives can be reconstructed by an interested party, and probably in great detail at that. Escaping society, or the ever-present electronic eyes thereof, is next to impossible. Most anyone’s location can be revealed to someone with access to the right technology. Any purchase made with a credit or debit card becomes a part of a mosaic that can be used to interpret the nature and habits of its owner. It seems that using any technology that allows networking carries with it a mandatory trade-off where one’s privacy is concerned. Now that the government claims it doesn’t require warrants to gather and make use of this information, it’s hard to see any walls that might obstruct the view of those who would be spies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In today’s world, privacy may not be dead, but it’s certainly not looking so healthy as it once did. The benefits of technology are many and most would agree that many of those benefits are marvelous. A GPS unit on a phone can alert emergency personnel to the location of someone who may not be able to do so themselves. It would be hard to reckon how many convenience store and bank hold ups may have been foiled by obviously placed security cameras.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   For better or worse, we may have to adapt to an age where privacy is only to be had in the most remote wilderness. Unless, of course, you have a Global Positioning System in your car†¦or your cell phone, which you probably do whether you know it or not. Sources Cited Chaddock, Gail Russel. â€Å"House Set to Let Warrantless   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Evesdropping Law Lapse†. The Christian Science Monitor   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   15, Feb, 2008. Retrieved From:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Honan, Edith. â€Å"Blomberg Defends City Surveillance Camera   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Plan†. Reuters. Retrieved From: Jerry Berman & Deirdre Mulligan. â€Å"Privacy in the Digital Age:   Ã‚  Ã‚   Work in Progress† Nova Law Review, Volume 23, Number 2,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Winter 1999. The Internet and Law. Retrieved From:   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Kleve, Pieter, De   Mulder Richard, V., Van Norrtwijk, Kees   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   â€Å"Surveillance technology and law: the social impact† Int.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   J. Intercultural Information Management Vol 1 No 1. 2007   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Retrieved From: O’Harrow, Robert Jr. â€Å"Are Data Firms Getting Too Personal?†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Washington Post Sunday, March 8, 1998; Page A1