Throughout the novel of Captain Corelli’s Mandolin

‘Human nature was fundamentally irrational to the point of insanity.' How is this exemplified in Captain Corelli's mandolin, and what is the role of madness generally in the novel. Throughout the novel of Captain Corelli's mandolin, there have been numerous occasions where the presence of ones insanity has taken over the characters central emotions and influences peculiar behaviour in the form of madness. To the disapproval of the audience and the other characters, the role of madness has become de Bernieres technique of foreshadowing the outcome of the characters who are deemed as ‘possessed' which leads to the inevitable gloom of death. Within the novel there are three main characters which suffer from the plague of madness; Francesco, Mandras and Carlo, although it can be argued that there are many other characters within the novel who can be seen as just as mad. Madness within the novel is expressed through many different factors, these factors are what trigger characters to encounter the condition which in return sets that characters fate. The first encounter of madness within the novel comes in the form of a battered and bruised Francesco. Through the early phases of introducing Francesco, de Bernieres presents the character as a courageous young Italian soldier, Carlo's dearest friend and loyal in serving for his country during the Second World War. The audience is quick to accept Francesco as a good person through the diary entries of Carlo; however it becomes apparent that the destructive and brutal nature of war combined with the harsh climate leads Francesco into losing a grip on reality. This is apparent in his letters to his mother which reads â€Å"I came into this war in a state of innocence, and I leave it so utterly wearied that I am contented to die. this quote reveals Francesco's discontent with serving in the Italian army and marks his first step into insanity. As the novel progresses, so does the deterioration of Francesco's mind as it leads him into his death. â€Å"I reached Francesco and saw that the side of his head had been blown away. The pieces of skull were grey and were coated in membrane and thick blood. † Francesco's death comes about due to his insanity as he progresses into enemy territory unarmed. Through the use of his death, de Bernieres is able to depict a picture on his views on war, which suggests that ultimately war is wrong and leads to the death of innocent people. A Marxist interpretation can also be added to this as it shows how the power of the ruling-class is able to dominate those inferior to them. â€Å"For the bureaucrat, the world is a mere object to be manipulated by him. † We can relate this quote to Francesco as his actions and behavior is premeditated and controlled by those superior to himself. Insanity it seems, is a focal point in de Bernieres' writing as the novel contains many characters who fit underneath the profile. However, there are some characters which can certainly be seen as withholding the trait, but in a less obvious manner. A possible character with such nature would be Carlo. Despite his common appearance with the audience, we can note of such incidents which would certainly be considered insane. A point which would reveal this would be his relationship with Francesco and Antonio. Carlo's judgment of protecting a loved one may at first seem like a valiant and loyal thing to do, but if we observe the people which Carlo is ‘protecting' then we may perhaps change our minds. Carlo's relationship with Francesco starts off as seeming innocent and harmless, until we discover that Francesco is unaware of Carlo's true intentions behind caring for Francesco. I stood up and faced the Greeks. Offering myself to their guns. † This act can be seen as heroic for saving a loved one, but it is repeated later in the novel but this time it is to save Captain Corelli. â€Å"Carlo stood unbroken as one bullet after another burrowed like white-hot parasitic knives into the muscle of his chest. † Carlo's a cts of saving another ones life can certainly be seen as an act of insanity and personally I believe that Carlo's unwise decisions are what ultimately lead to his death. With the inclusion of Carlo within his novel, it can be said that de Bernieres is making a statement which would have been highly controversial during the time at which the novel was based on. Carlo's homosexuality would have certainly caused him to be removed from the army as during the 1940's homosexuality was considered an act of insanity. This also fits in with the link between Carlo and insanity. As well as war, it is noticeable in de Bernieres' novel that it is also the loss of a loved one which leads the beholder into torment and madness. A character which fits this situation is Mandras. Whilst being away from his fianci Pelagia serving in military duty, Mandras suffers heavy losses as he is the only remaining survivor of his entire unit. Left for dead Mandras had to face the tormenting climate in a bid to return home to his beloved Pelagia, to only return unrecognized and unloved. This leaves Mandras in a state which he feels betrayed and becomes shell shocked and mentally disturbed. Mandras' behavior is presented to the audience as insane and like Francesco his fate becomes inevitable. â€Å"Kosmas! Nionios! Krystal! He cried, and waded out into sea. † This is the point where de Bernieres demonstrates a change in character in Mandras, despite being an unlikeable person for committing atrocities this is the part in the novel where Mandras seems like the only sane person in the island of Cephalonia. In my opinion, Mandras' decision to commit suicide reveals a side to him which the audience has not know of him before. It is a point in the novel at which Mandras is at long last at peace, together with his dolphins and the ocean, the few things which Mandras loved. In conclusion I believe that Insanity is explored through different means within the novel. De Bernieres clearly reveals how there can be several reasons behind the development of the mental condition, while Mandras and Carlo had both died due to the fear of losing a loved one. Francesco had ended his life due to the grief and unjust actions of the war. These deaths of young characters reveal how the destructive nature of war can end all hope and ambition within a nation.

Racism Research the Case Study of Tuskegee Syphilis Study Essay

Introduction                     The study of Tuskegee Syphilis study case was to find out the extent of the untreated syphilis in urban areas and the way to stop it by carrying out a research on the affected ones which comprised of 400 men in Alabama, especially among the blacks, â€Å"the USPHS conducted studies in the rural South to determine the prevalence of syphilis among blacks and explore the possibilities for mass treatment† (Brandt, 65). The study of Tuskegee syphilis study had it results and consequences. It was misunderstood and therefore it was highly criticized. The results of the research were helpful since they led to finding out the root cause of the intense increase of syphilis in blacks. The consequences were far worse since the participants were not informed of the actual intentions of the research because the doctors believed that they would reject the ideas and therefore violated their human right of consent (Brandt, 66-67). It led to the death of people since the researches knowingly did not treat the patient even after finding out the right antibiotics for Syphilis. The consequences of the study brought about the establishment of boards and legislations to govern research and stipulate its rules for all the research to be carried out. The study also raised issue about the professional ethics since they used human to experiment on their research and used deception to gain their trust and it showed more o f racism than medical issues. The study case of the Tuskegee will not be replicable because it was carried out without the consent of the participants that is, the people being tested and therefore it violated their human rights and it was based on one race that is the blacks creating racism conflicts (Brandt, 66). The research was highly criticized and therefore it would be every hard to replicate due to its extent of withholding medicine and also the regulation that are stated out can only allow it if the research follow them to the end. The study of the case of the Tuskegee was unethical. In each field of professionals there are rules that are set to govern the field and the professors in carrying out their duties in this case the medical ethics was not practice and this made it unethical (Brandt, 67-68). The participants in this lab experiment had the medicine to cure the syphilis but instead their withheld it knowingly from the patient and some died a painful death and others suffered from different ailments. Also it was unethical since the researchers did not ask for the consent of the participants instead they gave promises and did not fulfill them and it was racial based research no whites were involved (Brandt, 27). Sociological perspective tries to explain the impacts of the study in our society today; in the case functional perspective is the need for people to be healthy so that the society will function well. The communities in general should provide health centers to be able to treat people in the society. Sociological perspectives presented in Tuskegee syphilis study sociological conflict as the one raising from the study is based on the ethics since the research was against the ethics of research and also human rights (Brandt, 70-71). It disregarded the right of human beings in terms of withholding the medicine from the patients and also the issue of racism in medicine is also a major problem that needs to be eliminated. The distribution of medical resource should be distributed equally. Interactionists focus on how people learn about an illness and also the role of media and others to spread the awareness of the illness. By interacting with one another the severest of any sickness in the society because they will be able to find a cure. References Brandt, Allan M. â€Å"Racism and research: the case of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.† Hastings Center Report 8.6 (1978): 21-29. Source document

In what ways can marginalized perspectives enrich mainstream Essay

In what ways can marginalized perspectives enrich mainstream psychology - Essay Example A minority stress model is used to understand psychological well-being among lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. Specifically, this model posits that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and ethnic minorities may be at increased risk for mental distress because of exposure to stressors related to social antigay attitudes. There has also been increased attention to understanding psychological resilience and the ways in which lesbians, gay men, and ethnic minorities successfully cope with stress and stigma. In addition, assertiveness as a positive psychological process is demonstrated by different aspects of coming out as a lesbian, gay man, or bisexual: identity commitment, identity disclosure, and community involvement. Edward Sampson (1993) argues that the dissatisfaction expressed by minority groups about mainstream psychology can be explained in relation to the notion of identity politics. He defines identity politics as: â€Å"a politics based on the particular life experiences of people who seek to be in control of their own identities and subjectivities and who claim that socially dominant groups have denied them this opportunity† " (p. 1219). The ideology of identity politics may be admirable (or not), the reality is that, as often happens with ideology; the political movement has lost touch with the analytic meaning of its key concept. Just what is an identity The analytic potential needs to be extricated from ideologies of identity (Gainor, K. A. 2000). While the reduction of identity to power has its pitfalls, so too does an essentialist position. To argue that identity is race, or is sex, is to engage in a curious political maneuver. If identity is determined by an unchangeable characteristic of the self, then we have the basis for arguments of separatism. If I am my race or my gender, then all those who do not share my essential characteristic are alien and separate. It becomes very difficult to confront racism and sexism on any terms other than force or numbers. It is to argue that identity precedes existence. Current struggles over "difference feminism" reflect a great ambivalence over the political implications of this kind of argument. To juxtapose the essentialist argument to the thesis that identity is socially constructed through customs and conditioning is to be confronted with a contradiction. It is obvious that aspects of gender roles and racial stereotypes are socially constructed for reasons having to do with power, among other considerations. The implication of this proposition is that these roles and stereotypes can be deconstructed, as surely they can. But the question remains: what is left of identity when deconstruction has taken place Is there some primordial human essence Or is each individual, thus released from social constraint, free to assert whatever identity seems appealing If this is so, we are back to the self-centered individualism of classical liberal political theory. While images of autonomy and self-sufficiency have great appeal, they do not fit with what we know about the social interdependence that characterizes human nature.

American Political Parties Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

American Political Parties - Research Paper Example Northern anti-slavery modernizers and activists founded the Republican Party in 1854 .The party became prominent in 1860 when Abraham Lincoln was elected into office and made use of the party’s machinery to facilitate winning of the American Civil War. Consequently, on the eve of the 3rd Party System that is from 1854 to 1896 the party controlled national politics as well as the 4th Party System (1896-1932).At present, GOP is in support of an American conservative policy, having more foundations in social conservatism, fiscal conservatism and economic liberalism (Noel,2014). The Democratic Party on the other hand is another main political party in America and happens to be the oldest party worldwide. It has been fighting head on with the Republican Party since 1854.Starting 1912; the Democratic Party has effectively situated itself as the liberal party tackling domestic issues. Much of the Democratic Party’s agenda has been shaped by Franklin D. Roosevelt’s economic philosophy which has had a strong influence on contemporary American liberalism from 1932.The White House was under the control of New Deal coalition of Roosevelt, until 1968, the exception being only the period from 1953-1961which was under Eisenhower. Generally, liberals have been center-left, supporting social progressivism, social justice, the welfare state and a mixed economy (Schaffner, 2012). The 2004 US presidential election was conducted onTuesday, 2nd November and incumbent President George W. Bush of Republican Party defeated his Democratic Party rival, John Kerry-a Massachusetts junior senator by then. Republican Party nominated Bush together with the then Vice President Dick Cheney. The dominant theme through the entire electioneering period was foreign policy especially the War on Terrorism spearheaded by Bush as well as the consequences of 2003 Iraq invasion. The Republican presidential nominee was John McCain for 2008 presidential nominee after obtaining 1191 delegates

Education Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Education - Personal Statement Example However, I should also add that my experience as a nurse instills in me a lot of learning which cannot be solely provided by a study of theoretical concepts. My formal educational experience starts when I entered grade school with my mom. I can still remember how excited I am to be at school with my playmate. However, that excitement to be with my peers is replaced by the stronger desire to learn new things especially on mathematics and sciences. Throughout grade school and high school, I have developed an interest in the functioning of the human body which coupled with my desire to extend my innate compassion to other people supported my goal to be a nurse. After high school, I enrolled at a vocational course which instilled in me the knowledge of caring for people. The theoretical concepts I have learned from vocational school is further enhanced as I apply it to my career as nurse. Inside the classroom, I have developed the ability to memorize procedures and processes but it remains useless until I was able to apply it to care for other person. Being a nurse at work became an integral part of my education as it mold me into a more lov ing and caring individual. It strengthened my character and challenged my sense of responsibility. As I pursue an associate degree in nursing, I can still feel how excited I am to begin this new phase of my education.

Japanese Popular Music Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Japanese Popular Music - Essay Example ers, who though being naturally conversant with and affiliated to the ancient Japanese musical traditions, were really open minded towards the influences extended by the American, British and European artists. Hence, J-Pop is not steel jacketed or a rigidly monolithic entity, but a pliable and variegated concept that comprises of all the current genres of Western music that one can think of. Therefore, it is not a surprise that J-Pop is oft blamed of pirating beats and lyrics from the Western musical scene (Japanese Lifestyle, 2009).There is no denying the fact that the primary source of inspiration for J-Pop is Western pop music. However, it will be grossly simplistic to say that J-Pop is merely a pirated Japanese version of the original Western pop compositions. The motivation for the assimilation of American and British pop influences is enshrined within the history of modern Japan. As Japan became respective to the foreign ideas and influences in a post II World War scenario, it was natural and inevitable for its fledgling pop culture to be colored by the more virile Western music scene. Hence, this is a reality that most of the J-Pop artists look towards the West for new ideas and inspiration. Still, the real forte of J-Pop is its unique ability of subjecting the Western compositions to a distinctly local influence that alters them conspicuously, thereby giving them a very discernable Japanese pop flavor (Japanese Lifestyle, 2009). Thus, the Western audiences are though often able to identify the sources of motivation of some J-Pop compositions, still they simply could not resist appreciating the implicit uniqueness and ingenuity of J-Pop. In fact, it was J-Wave, a local FM radio station that christened this distinctly Western version of the... Just a decade ago, a majority of the J-Pop artists looked towards Western markets to realize their ambition of becoming an overseas success. Despite enjoying a close cultural affinity with the neighboring Asian countries, the J-Pop artists were reluctant to foray into the Asian climes owing to fears of large-scale piracy . Yet, it is a fact that a majority of the Asian masses being unable to identify with Western songs and compositions are more receptive and open to J-Pop. Things are fast changing and Japanese music companies are responding to this propitious opportunity by resorting to aggressive marketing in Asian countries. At present, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea happen to be some of the largest markets of J-Pop outside Japan. The advent of the internet has further added to the international appeal of J-Pop. With the works of celebrated J-Pop artists available on online retail stores, the musical side of the Japanese popular culture is expected to be further globalized. As J -Pop is getting international, even Western audience are succumbing to its appeal, as it is really ease to respond to the essence of J-Pop compositions even if one does not understand the lyrics. J-Pop happens to be an essentially Asian music genre that reluctantly began as an outcome of the political and cultural constraints, limitations and opportunities that faced the post War Japan. An aesthetic trend, which started with an urge to appeal to the taste of the victorious Western audience, very soon ended up having a distinct identity of its own. All that was needed was a cosmopolitan platform and astute marketing possibilities that were facilitated by the TV and the internet. Today J-Pop is an art form whose sway is destined to proceed beyond Asian markets to win the loyalty and fan following of the Western masses.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Methylene Chloride Essay

Physical and Chemical Properties of Methylene Chloride - Essay Example The term â€Å"hazardous substance† means any substance or mixture of substances which is toxic, corrosive, an irritant, a strong sensitizer, is flammable or combustible, generates pressure through decomposition, heat or other means, if such substance or mixture of substances may cause substantial personal injury or illness during or as a proximate result of any customary or reasonably foreseeable handling or use, including reasonably foreseeable ingestion by children.2 According to the Occupational Safety and Health Standards of the United States Department of labour, employees exposed to methylene chloride are at an increased risk of developing cancer, adverse effects on the heart, central nervous system and liver, and skin or eye irritation.3 Possibly hazardous short term degradation products are not likely however, long-term degradation products may occur. The products of degradation are more toxic. There is no disturbance or aerobe purifying process at concentrations less than 200 mg/l. Methylene chloride is a stable and non-corrosive chemical in the presence of glass. It is combustible at high temperatures, with an auto-ignition temperature of 556 oC (1032.8 oF). When using methylene chloride, avoid the following: strong acids, alkali metals, and oxidizing agents. In case of fire, use water spray, fog or foam. Do not use a water jet. Fire may liberate toxic and corrosive vapours. In case of skin contact, immediately flush skin with plenty of water. Cover the irritated skin with an emollient. Remove contaminated clothing and shoes. Thoroughly wash and clean shoes before reuse. If it is serious skin contact, wash affected area with disinfectant soap and cover with anti-bacterial cream. Seek medical attention immediately If ingested, avoid inducing vomiting, unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. If large quantities have been swallowed, call a physician immediately. Loosen tight clothing such as a collar, belt or tie.

Is global climate change man-made Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Is global climate change man-made - Essay Example This leads to the growing debate of today, is global warming man-made? Or is it just a cycle that the Earth goes through? Greenhouse gases affect the Earth’s climate by increasing the greenhouse effect, which is a natural phenomenon whereby water vapor, CO2, and other gases in the atmosphere allow sunlight to pass through, but then absorb much of the heat from the earth that otherwise would have escaped to outer space. Without the natural greenhouse effect, the mean temperature would be about minus 18Â °C, and the Earth would be uninhabitable Emitting greenhouse gases in large amounts increases the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere, which then increases the greenhouse effect so that more heat is trapped by the atmosphere. This can increase the temperature of the atmosphere and change the climate on Earth. Probably the most harmful contaminant that people are responsible for releasing into the atmosphere is carbon dioxide. The energy sector has been cited as being responsible for three fourths of the carbon dioxide emissions, one fifth of the methane emissions and a good portion of the nitrous oxide released into the earth’s atmosphere. Most of this comes from the burning of fossil fuels, although deforestation, land clearing, and other agricultural practices have all led to rises in pollution levels. Without some sort of agreement between countries, this could become the factor that tips the scales toward mankind as being the biggest cause of climate change. Many of the statements that are for climate change being a natural event are true. Global climate change is natural, but it is due to men selfishness, and the fact that we are so inconsiderate, that it is taking place at such an alarmingly rapid

India automobile industry Essay Example for Free

India automobile industry Essay Is this the worst period for the automobile industry that youve witnessed? The sales of petrol-fuelled cars have been declining month after month and it went unnoticed. However, diesel car sales started declining only since the last six months. Sales of petrol cars have been declining for the past two years. This is certainly the worst period, I cant think of any period in recent history thats been anything like this. The correction thats happening now is of diesel-powered car sales. If you look back at the diesel car sales, it had a very rapid growth. Beginning of 2011, growth has been very high, till the end of last year. Carmakers had expanded capacity. There is now not much attraction for diesel cars with increasing fuel prices. There has been substantial cut-back in petrol car production, but the cut-back in diesel car production was seen only from last month. Analysts are talking about a huge inventory pile-up at stockyards and dealerships. Is this one of the major reasons for plant shut downs? Shut downs are happening, because there is no point producing cars which are not selling. If I have a capacity to sell 40,000 cars and the demand today in the market is for only 30,000 cars, what do I do now? I have to scale back production. I have two ways of doing it. Either I reduce production each day by 25% or work on less days and produce 25% less. It is more economical to choose the second option, to work for a fewer number of days at maximum capacity. Because this will help reduce overheads such as electricity, transport, water charges, etc. Lot of money goes into these. What companies are doing is working for a fewer number of days but at maximum capacity on those days.

Evolution of the Nation Essay Example for Free

Evolution of the Nation Essay Pre-Civil War, the United States was way behind European countries like Great Britain, France, German and Belgium in terms of industrialization (Divine et al, 1991, p. 529). However, postwar, the nation saw its rise as an industrialized power, marked by economic boom, technological and medical advances and a transformed American society. The postwar industrialization was invigorated by the Civil War itself (Tindall and Shi, 1991, p. 889). The war brought on inflation which further â€Å"enhanced the position† of property owners and entrepreneurs (p. 889). Additionally, it was said that Republicans launched a policy built on business enterprise but its precise role in the country’s economic growth was not clearly justified (p. 889). It also helped that the government provided in creating regional and transcontinental railroads which not only paved the way for a revolution in transformation but also encouraged marketing across states (Jordan and Litwack, 1991, p. 533). The effects of this revolution in transportation would be discussed in length later on. Civil War brought the people together, encouraged them to change the landscape of the nation. Several conditions made it easier to embrace this industrial revolution. One iron manufacturer described the country as a bowl brimming with treasures (Divine et al, 1991, p. 529). The country was teeming with natural resources such as coal, iron, timber and iron ore (p. 529). As if these were not encouraging enough, the nation also saw a growth in people as many immigrants reached the country (p. 529). The population increase contributed to an increase in demand for products, which ultimately enabled businessmen and entrepreneurs to invest more, whether in factories or mines. When more Americans were able to provide funds for various ventures, industrialists formed corporations (p. 529). Compared to a single business, investors bought shares to own the company. Based on the corporation’s profit, they received dividend. This share buying enabled industrialists to raise more funds in augmenting the business (p. 530). The US government, local, state and federal, was also a big factor in fueling economic boom. As stated earlier, the government served a pivotal role in railroads consolidation. But that was not all. The government bestowed money and land to jump start industries. Aside from safeguarding private properties, the government pushed for individual industrialism, where people became entrepreneurs, owners of their own enterprises. Entrepreneurs thrived during the Industrial Revolution. Railways were the key to the country’s expanding productivity. It opened up linkages to other states. Railroads were instrumental in allowing transportation of raw materials like iron, steel and lumber to travel to the West, creating a national market in the process (Tindall and Shi, 1991, p. 889). Post-Civil War, the railroad mileage increased from 53,000 to 94,000 (p. 889). In fact, by 1880s, railroad building reached its peak, from 167,000 to 199,000 (p. 890). Railroads brought the nation together, allowing for faster travel, accessibility and comfort as compared to other forms of land transportation (Divine et al, 1991, p. 533). For example, a horseback travel would cover 50 miles in one day but on a train, the travel time would also cost one hour (p. 533). Railroads made it easier for people to socialize to others, especially those living in isolated areas. Not only did it encourage mingling, railroads also fostered trade among states (p. 533). Carrying raw materials, railroads paved the way for mass production and mass consumption, which translated to greater financial wealth for the country (p. 533). The Industrial Revolution also saw the rise of Americans in inventions and manufacturing. Alexander Graham Bell’s invention of the telephone created a centralized way of communication. Machines that were aimed at making work faster cropped out during this time, from the typewriter, cash register, to the electric sewing machine and refrigerator cars (Divine et al, 1991, p. 536). Advertising also saw an increase during this time as businesses tried to convince the public to buy their products or seek their services (p. 539). Newspapers and magazines were instrumental in the growth of advertising. The impact of industrialization saw the rise of Americans workers (Jordan and Litwack, 1991, p. 451). It was the workers themselves who toiled hard for the nation to reach its new industrial age but there was a start contrast between the two. While industry giants like Rockefeller and Carnegie continued to amass wealth and power, workers were left to do the hard work to ensure that giants stayed on top. In the 1900s, wage earners toiled for ten hours a day (Divine et al, 1991, p. 542). Earning $6-12 a week, families had a hard time surviving. Aside from the long hours and low pay, most workers had no job security (p. 542). The introduction of machines also raised the risks for factory workers (Jordan and Litwack 1991, p. 451). Additionally, machines also reduced the task of workers, resulting in lower paychecks (p. 451). It also did not help that the working class was dominated by men. This labor unjust ushered in women and labor unions (p. 458). As with any economic boom, the country also experienced the lows of business cycles, with the panic of 1893 when bank loans grew bigger than deposits made, resulting in the collapse of many firms (Divine et al, 1991, p. 579). For a long time, the government did not stop monopolies. This made the big companies control most of the industries. The concentration of power in the hands of the few was guaranteed to provoke the people to start questioning the system. It led eventually to the creation of the Sherman Act of 1890, which allowed the government to control big businesses (p. 576). The act was instrumental in breaking up one of the largest trust in the country- the Standard Oil (p. 579). The economic growth also made an impact to the government. During this time, the country experienced corruption, reform movements, and political party differences. Factionalism was common. Republican reformers who called themselves Mugwumps sought for civil service reforms (Jordan and Litwack, 1991, p. 471). Under the Republican leadership of Presidents Hayes, Garfield, and Arthur, the issue of monetary policy was at stake (pp. 474-478). Following the depression of 1890, calls for reforms started to surface, leading in an era of progressivism. The progressivism was a movement that sought for â€Å"democracy, social justice, honest government, effective business regulation, and a commitment† to serve the public (Tindall and Shi, 1991, p. 1073). Mainly the idea was to bin the evil wrongdoings while preserving the system. Leaders of the progressive movement believed that doing the aforementioned would ensure the progress of the country. Journalists played a pivotal role in exposing the scandals and corruptions that plagued the country (Divine et al, 1991, p. 612). Journalists who dug the social ills of America were called muckrakers, after President Theodore Roosevelt related them to a character in John Bunyan’s Pilgrim Progress (p. 1074). Democracy was an important element in progressivism, as progressives thought that it would help the government in doing its work (p. 1076). Another major element of progressivism was productivity. Progressives believed that improving productivity would reduce waste. By incorporating Taylor’s theory on scientific management, which focused on dividing the production process into several step, progressives alleged that production would increase and mistakes would be eliminated (p. 1077-1078). Progressives also called for business regulation, bureaucracy eradication, and strengthened social justice (p. 1080). Three presidents served during the Progressive Era- Theodore Roosevelt, Taft and Wilson. Each had their own vision on the spirit of progressivism. References Divine, R. et al. (1991). America the people and the dream Illinois: Scott, Foresman and Company. Jordan, W. and L. Litwack (1991). The United States combined edition. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Tindall, G. and D. Shi (1991). America A Narrative History 5th Ed. New York: W. W. Norton and Company.

Leadership And Culture In South Africa Management Essay

Leadership And Culture In South Africa Management Essay The requirement level of leadership to contain cultural diversity has raised the continuing progress of globalization. As the facts that many contemporary leaders are confronting with, they are left no choice but to make every effort to combine all cultural components inside his or her team, it is the only way to make organizational behaviors work effectively nowadays. Especially in South Africa, national leadership based on cultural clusters is extremely important for any business growth and effective leadership. Cultural integration has made major impacts on a number of issues including perceived leadership style, satisfaction and trust between leaders and employees. History Africa is the only one continent which has completely witnessed the evolvement of human beings. Archaeologists have successfully found the most original and earliest fossil of completely evolved human being, which indicate the conclusion, as demonstrated in Evolving Theory by Darwin, that Africa is considered to be the original source of human beings birth. It has been shown by a number of archaeological documents that people in each tribe of Africa had created and developed phenomenal ancient civilization for the first time in human beings history. In ancient ages, while western colonists were still locked in by glaciers, the living situation on the continent of Africa had reached peak. At that age, the Nile River was nourishing surrounding areas and the Sahara was still covered by Greenland and forests. Especially the Egyptian civilization needs to be discussed. They were the first people who successfully calculated PI as 3.16. And their achievements in construction, sculpture and paintings were remarkable as well. Pyramid and Sphinx are still the most astounding construction miracles existing in modern world, which could be also taken as a monument for talented Egyptian people. Geographical Settings Geographically, the continent of Africa can be divided into five different areas, respectively as Eastern Africa, Western Africa, Northern Africa, Southern Africa and Middle Africa. Particular climate and special geographical setting has given Africa abundant treasures and resources, which are being traded to every corner of the world. Nowadays, South Africa is famous for the abundance of mineral resource, including oil, gold and some types of rare elements. Social Relationships The language context after colonial administration in South Africa has left behind many evidences in the situation of local governments, police system, and military institutions. Education When it comes to the topic of education in South Africa, a complicated relationship between Arabian and Education had been established. Hence, the major issue of South African education has been in the center of the process of Arabian transformation. Three of this transformation include, to promote the Arabic language by building up standards and modernizing them to meet the new requirement of independent South Africa, to gradually replace French with standardized Arabic in all formal areas of lives, and to conserve authenticity of South African unique culture and value system or belief, as well as to make sure political unity and socio cultural coherence. Language Language plays an important role in modern development of South Africa, both positively and negatively. In order to maintain and strengthen major national cohesion and identity a wide range of countries in Southern Africa, language is functioning as a significant sign of group identity, in relation to a communicative system existing from different population groups. This function always stimulates a natural sense of solidarity among communities to create feeling as belonging to some group, which is much larger than local or regional area. In the complicated language environment in Africa, highly complicated set of linguistic configurations, which are presented by many continents nations, reflects a major need for caring and precautious attention to national integration. According to the 2001 census, isiZulu is the mother tongue of 23.8% of South Africas population, followed by isiXhosa at 17.6%, Afrikaans at 13.3%, Sesotho sa Leboa at 9.4%, and Setswana and English each at 8.2%. Seso tho is the mother tongue of 7.9% of South Africans, while the remaining four official languages are spoken at home by less than 5% of the population each (2001 census). Summary of spoken language in South Africa SOUTH AFRICAN LANGUAGES 2001 Language Number of speakers* % of total Afrikaans 5 983 420 13.35% English 3 673 206 8.2% IsiNdebele 711 825 1.59% IsiXhosa 7 907 149 17.64% IsiZulu 10 677 315 23.82% Sesotho sa Leboa 4 208 974 9.39% Sesotho 3 555 192 7.93% Setswana 3 677 010 8.2% SiSwati 1 194 433 2.66% Tshivenda 1 021 761 2.28% Xitsonga 1 992 201 4.44% Other 217 291 0.48% TOTAL 44 819 777 100% Religion and other belief systems In the complicated language environment in South Africa, highly complicated set of linguistic configurations, which are presented by many continents nationalities, reflects a major need for caring and precautious attention to national integration. This is one single concept which has been recognized and adopted by majority of South African people as particularly special importance. At the latter half of 20th century, when the concept of independence had finally been achieved by across the whole African continent, the inheritance of largely imposed and arbitrary borders resulted in an immediate emergence of quite a few nations with mixed populations, people of which barely share anything in common, both in language and cultural concepts. According to the 2001 census the overwhelming majority of South Africans, or 79.8%, are Christian. The independent African Zion Christian churches predominate, being the faith of 15.3% of the total population, and 19.2% of all Christians.  · RELIGIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA Religion Number % of total Christianity 35 750 641 79.8% Islam 654 064 1.5% Hinduism 551 668 1.2% Judaism 75 549 0.2% Other beliefs 283 815 0.6% No religion 6 767 165 15% Undetermined 610 974 1.4% TOTAL 44 819 774 100% III. Cultural Dimensions: During the last forty years, people around the world have witnessed a continuous seeking for primary explanations for the astounding growth of Sub-Sahara Africa economies, the region which might be called SSA sometimes. As people summarized about the accelerating growth in Asian countries such as Malaysia and South Korea, Sub-Sahara Africa also demonstrated one pretty good picture of their economic blueprints. And the whole process of accelerating growth happened in the quite similar way with the one in Malaysia and the other in South Korea. Even though these two Asian countries have began to taste the fruits of economic miracles (Akyuz and Gore, 2001), the Situation of South Africa is usually described by some other terms such as disaster or tragedy (UNCTAD, 2004). The major reasons which resulted in this consequence include institutional and structural weakness existing in the economic model and business system of Sub-Sahara Africa. Especially there is barely attention given to pri vate enterprises development in this area. Meanwhile, some obvious issues also exist such as poor governance (Nwankwo and Richards, 2001), management ineptitude (Kamoche, 1997) and limited staff motivation. In generally, the explanation which has been universally acknowledged for South Africas poor economic performance is concerning the concept of Leadership Weakness. Some obvious phenomenon has drawn publics attention. The leaders in African society always lack effective decisions and adapt poorly according to the demands of increasingly complicated economic system (Ochola 2007). Thus, leadership development has attracted policy interest during the past three decades, being guided by the point of view that more African management practices will be needed as ones in western countries, in order to improve their leadership skills. This view has provided intellectual legitimacy for the permanently existing stream of donor funded management group training program and organizational development interventions delivered to African organizations by western consultants. As being outlined by most leadership theories in modern academic society, the other major stream of academy indicated the fact that in South Africa, culture provides a frame of reference or logic by which leadership behavior can be easily understood. For these scholars, culture symbolizes the shared values and standards which gather members of one society or organization together as a homogenous unity, which means people living in one specific cultural environment possess their conduct under the strict regulation through a collection of aspirations and universal orientations. Meanwhile, the social structures which develop through the processes of controlled behaviors are taken as to be orderly and permanently existing. Among the scholars who advocate this strong bonding relationship between leadership and cultural environments, Hofstede is the most remarkable one. Hofstedes cultural dimensions argue that an effective leadership style may be appropriate in cultures which are high in p ower distance, collectivism, masculinity and uncertain avoidance. Meanwhile, he also indicated that this autocratic leadership style might also be conducted being characterized by external environmental orientation. It is true that autocratic leadership might be more proper and well-functioned for societies in which members have a higher concept of hierarchy and are unwilling to bypass the chain of command. In the opposite direction, the relationship-centered or democratic leadership styles are much more efficiently practiced in cultures or societies where power distance is quite low, however, the individualism and femininity in these societies are relatively higher in this dimension. On the other hand, it is easy to find out the fact that this leadership style in cultures or societies where internal environmental orientation would be dominant and featured. Hence, theoretical arguments advanced in the two streams of research, cultural theories and leadership theories, have played an important role in affecting available studies on management in South Africa. However, the arguments have not been synthesized into a coherent framework which can be guiding empirical investigations in the field. A review of the current discourses on the connections between South African culture and leadership demonstrates that scholars are divided on the issue of how culture impacts leadership on the continent. There have been a large number of scholars who use culture to justify the uniqueness of South African Leadership styles, in the process of which culture serves as a unique descriptor, while others maintain African culture as an inhibitor of effective leadership practices. IV. Implications for Organizational behavior in the country cluster One key factor which people need to know, normally ignored from studies of leadership in South Africa is a consideration of the potential significance of cultural context in which leadership and management are being practiced. Recent studies have kept showing increasing awareness of this important factor. The discussion in this paper is dedicated in seeking to reinforce the importance of this line of research for aiming to gain better insights into leadership failures on the continent and to generate guidelines for effective leader development interventions. The macro cultures of South African societies as informing the goals, expectations, relationships and resource allocation decisions of African leaders. These factors reversely help them shape decisions and working patterns in the organizations. And their general contributions would be actually affected to some large scale. Employee motivation Employees are not those who deal with loyal commitment to the company and responsibilities. The leaders are performing this role. To a great extent, those employees are normally hired to provide help to the company. They dont offer feedbacks to the company and are not considered to be going through a systematic training in order to cope with other transformations going on inside the corporations. Thus, employers in South Africa need to provide some leverage for their workers, which can be seen as motivations to push employees moving forward to come up with effective results to help the team and the company. Decision-making processes (both individual group) Leadership decision making processes in South Africa are generally established with some routine international theories of decision making, which are also widely accepted concepts and solutions to other western and Asian countries. Consultations would be another major way for these leaders to develop a final decision. Every team member will be invited into the whole procedure of decision making and forced to provide personal opinions. Their opinions would be equally valued by the rest of team as the leaders decisions. No matter what the final decision would become, this procedure does a lot of benefits than the whole development of team since they provided employees with pride, dignity and motivation to devote them into the career more deeply. Group behaviors, including teams (teambuilding processes) Team building has already become an essential part for any group of workers in South Africa to grow more professionally. It is also the first step for them to bond with other people inside the team with some common interests or needs. In order to establish a more comfortable relationship and steady working environment, team leaders are forced by leadership necessities to undertake several times a month teambuilding activities. Whether these leaders can arrange such event and make sure their employees obtained a good bonding with other peers has become another major standard to measure the capability of leaders behaviors. Actually in South Africa, the multinational companies who just have local offices in this country will assign executive officers from their home country to take over the charge of teams, whose employees are selected from South Africa. Communication The major communication valid in South Africa is based on internet emails and phone calls. The first reason to explain this would be the increasingly more advanced technology worldwide and the whole world has been termed as a village where people from various countries with totally different cultural backgrounds can share information, values, and certain thoughts. And this can be relatively the most efficient way to deal with these communication demands. The reason why business trips are not as many as in other more developed countries is that travelling budget for these officers remains low in South Africa. In addition, South Africa is essentially a very tactile, and then cut it across ethnic boundaries. The back slapping, shaking hands is common for a firm, if it is foreign tourists, can be viewed as a sign of aloofness back away from this approach. For the communication style, many white South Africans, such as commitment to a diplomatic approach and speaking simply, you can confuse with subtlety and ambiguity, unreliable, or lack of it. On the other hand, emphasizes many of the black culture of communication diplomacy or other they openly admit to disappointment that the listener cannot know the answer to the question Power and politics Power and politics is left to higher level society in South Africa. Even though these employees would share thoughts and value systems with other people as soon as possible, their leaders have to deal with powerful partners in the country to make sure their political impacts would stay by their sides. Conflict and negotiation Between white group and black group, there is no difference in conflict and negotiation area, The success of negotiations, the two partners to understand when other people arrive at what you want to understand how the negotiations. Negotiations are thus part of the business culture in South Africa, but a businessman, you should avoid harsh tactics and actions.In South Africa, and business conflict will always be solved personally or at court. Any partnership in the business world of South Africa will be formed based on some sort of agreement where friendship exists, or some middle man stays between two partners as leverage. As this situation is quite common in this country, a large number of business sues would be directly solved personally when three parts of this corporation would all appear. The middle man offers a solution or suggestion, and these two involved partners would seriously discuss the solution based on their common interests. When an agreement to eliminate this confli ct is reached, none of hard feelings remain at all. However, there are still majority of cases which cannot be solved in this way. The court will be the other option. Normally when it comes to the court in South Africa, the involve amount of money would be extremely big enough to be left for personal negotiation. Organizational structure and processes Privatization is the most widely accepted way of organizing businesses in the South Africa because it allows contacts with international business. Businesses with foreign companies are organized through partnership and joint ventures. Foreigners are not allowed to own businesses in most South Africa without having a local citizen as a partner. Organizational Culture Organizational Culture, especially in the country of South Africa, involved a common value system generally held by every single member in a certain team. And this system existing uniquely in every business team varies from one to the other. Significantly affected by the cultural clusters among every single team in South Africa, organizational behaviors under this situation should be carefully undertaken. Not only employing those internationally wide accepted concepts of organizational behaviors but also delicately combining every factor which might make changes to the teams future with these common concepts bring about many obstacles or so called leadership challenges for team leaders in South Africa. Actually, this special requirement has become a major standard to measure the leading capability of leaders in this country. Acrroding the book developing people and organizations, Jackson describes South African organizations as highly hierarchical, centralized and rule bound. Management opposes clear rules, strong leadership, controls its employees and gives well-defined lines of authority. Government still has a very strong influence on business and imposes rules as well. Family has influence on the company especially with the rising importance of blacks and their tendency towards collectivism. Organizational Change South African leaders never stopped making every single effort to bring about positive results to their teams and companies. In order to accomplish this point, making changes inside their organization is a necessarily important step. As mentioned above, in several parts of South Africa, the organization structure, which used to be described as a model where overseas executives act as leaders and domestic employees make general contributions as workers, is undergoing a slight change. The reason resulting in this has something to do the intentional transformation of modern international organizational structure. After all, it would be more efficient for domestic leaders to bond with local employees in that there is a common value system and cultural background shared by them as a whole. The left issue to undertake this major change would be the primary qualification of these domestic leaders in South Africa. Thus, majority of multinational companies who have an office in this country w ould take some actions to offer systematic trainings to these selected leaders. During these trainings, these leaders will be given thoroughly of the companys culture and made to figure out a most effective way to put these thoughts and ideas into other employees minds by taking advantage of their cultural bonding with other members of the group. Implications for leading in country cluster What approach (es) or style(s) of leadership are most commonly used, and which are most/least effective? Euro-centric Approach Management of white group reflects the Euro-centric business, and personal characteristics of a dictatorial and hierarchical authority. The organization from top to bottom in the information flow from the organization, Functions of leadership, decision-makers, she or he is a very important decision. Leadership is also provided to employees through the job description to use a certain amount of power and decision-making and goal orientation. Are controlled by management, employees, to perform his duties to pursue a given target incentive and punishment is based on the ability to receive White measured significant higher than black managers on uncertainty avoidance. This means that white managers show a higher intolerance for uncertainty than black managers. It is important to note that, although white measured higher on uncertainty avoidance than black, both groups scored above average on this dimension. (468-469) Afro-centric Approach With more black community entering business this management approach may become increasingly visible in organizations. The individual is a part of everything and has to find its place in society. People need a sense of belonging somewhere, and the administration need to feel affordable. The attitude of the company is quite informal with a free flow of information. The leader is a facilitator and guide for the group. Employees receive motivation in the group, and the group could improve group performance through peoples pressure. The Black South African management group reflects high levels f collectivism and humane orientation, above average leavels of performance orientation, uncertainty avoidance and power distance, below average levels of assertiveness and future orientation and low level of Gender Egalitarianism. This profile is to a large extent opposed to the western or European management systems and comparable to the afrocentric management system, which emphasizes collective solidarity, inclusivity, collaboration, consensus and group significance, concern for people as well as working for the common good, structure through rituals and ceremonies, patricrchy, respect and dignity. (470) Synergistic Inspirational Approach This third approach is in South Africa, and trying to combine African values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹with Western technology and management practices based on the principle of the rainbow nation. Practical approach of humanism is seeking unity in diversity. A leader must create an atmosphere of trust and respect in different values, and to create common values à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¹and support of learning also is very important.   The company has a strong base of values; you must have a strong vision and proper management. Literally, this approach takes the best of all cultures, saying that attempts to strengthen the bond to meet future growth. It is clear that which leadership is the most effective, but it depends a lot of leaders and managers of organizations, and how quickly the change happened in South Africa. If people recognize the importance of diversity and start seeing the benefits, culture could be adapted. As Madi (1995) argues, Change is taking place in the new South Africa, even corporate culture has started to realize that we are all in Africa, and that the average South African is 15 years old and Black and they, with their sense of values, perceptions, and frames of reference, will be the workforce of tomorrow (470) à ¦Ã…“-à ¨Ã‚ ¯Ã‚ » à ¦Ã‹Å" ¾Ãƒ §Ã‚ ¤Ã‚ ºÃƒ ¥Ã‚ ¯Ã‚ ¹Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ºÃ¢â‚¬ Ãƒ §Ã… ¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ã¢â‚¬ °Ãƒ ¤Ã‚ ¸Ã‚ Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ­-à §Ã‚ ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ §Ã… ¡Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ãƒ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ã‚ ¼Ãƒ ©Ã… ¸Ã‚ ³ à ¥Ã‚ ­-à ¥Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¸ à ¦Ã… ¸Ã‚ ¥Ãƒ §Ã…“†¹Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ­-à ¥Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ ¨Ã‚ ¯Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ §Ã‚ »Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ ¥Ã¢â‚¬  Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ãƒ ¥Ã‚ ®Ã‚ ¹ How are leaders developed in these countries? After so many years of research and debate, a culture-based conceptual model of South African leadership has been established. Based on careful consideration, two perspectives on the connection between South African culture and leadership behavior do not conflict with each other that obviously. Corresponding to the complex theory of leadership, people need to admit the fact that there are some necessary components of South African culture that promotes unique and positive leadership behaviors. However, some other components inside the South African culture would play negative roles which might drag effective leadership and management practices back. Therefore, constricted entrepreneurship and economic growth would be affected unexpectedly. It is quite important to understand this complicated situation, in order to confront with the fact that success of any leadership development initiative on the continent and future research should seek to provide us with that knowledge. And the obs ervation underlining conceptualization of leadership proposed in this essay might be useful as a conceptual model, focusing on the importance of three dimensions of leadership. Provide any other leadership insights about leading in this country cluster Employees stay loyally to a certain employers with reasons. The simplest one would be the fact that employers would be their major sources of money, security and opportunities for career development. Some leaders might be not made of but they were instead born with great leaderships. And there might be some major differences between political leaders and leaders in other fields, because those leaders in political world choose to stay there for life. Expatriate Assignment preparation: What key factors need to be considered when training expatriate managers for assignment in your country cluster? Model the way will be the first step to undertake an effective leadership. It doesnt immediately make any difference for just getting a title or a promotion. Instead, what helps the leaders win respects from their followers and gain honors from the companies they serve. Hence, it is quite important for them to perform as a role for their employees to follow. Only by achieving this can a leadership be successfully realized. Second, they have to lock our common target which is making profits by increasing revenue and controlling cost and it was the next move to make everybody in the team to believe that this is the inspired vision, which could bring them an exciting, highly attractive future for our career. INSPIRING A SHARED VISION is the second trick to make team extraordinary. While luck or being in the right place at the right time may play a role in the specific situations, it is believed that challenging the process is a wiser choice. Since they are developing an innovative solution based on a creative product, coming with a cutting-edge service, leading the team to make revolutionary turnaround of current embarrassment is significantly crucial. Now, they are aware of the locked target, inspired a common vision for their future and they are also ready to challenge the process, it is the right time to enable others to act. The leaders need to foster collaboration and build trust, because they understand that grand dreams do not become significant reality through the actions of a single leader, leadership is a team effort. The employees need motivation all the time to remain aggressive during the pursuit of achievement as a team member. What the leaders inside a team can do is to offer encouragement of the heart to stimulate the followers to move on. Especially in contemporary business world, accomplishing one single task requires a lot of efforts and many other factors to contribute. That has become the responsibility for the leaders to keep encouraging their followers to never fall behind.

Buddha :: essays research papers fc

Buddha With the birth of the Buddha, being chosen as the â€Å"awakened one† at age thirty-five, his journey through life, and even in his death. Buddha has guided many to discovering the truths of life. Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha at age thirty-five (Graves 1). The Buddha was believed to have been born in 563 B.C. in what now is Nepal but at the time was a part of India (1). The founder of Buddhism was the son of a chief of the hill tribe of the shakyas, who gave up family life, became an ascetic when he was some twenty-nine years old (Bary 3). Legends say that as Queen Maya, Buddha’s mother, reached her father’s house, got out, and Buddha emerged from her right side. Without any help he took seven steps in each direction on the compass. Where he had steeped, lotus flowers sprouted everywhere, though it was not the season. He announced, â€Å"No further births have I to endure, for this is my last body. Now shall I destroy and pluck out by the roots the sorrow that is caused by births and deaths.† Seven days after his birth, his mother passed away (Wangu 19). "One day, the Buddhist tradition holds, Siddhartha realized that his years of penance had only weakened his body." (Wangu 22). His body got so tired he couldn't meditate properly. Scriptures say he went to bathe in the river and the trees bent down to help him. Buddha sat under a tree and would not arise until he found the answer he had looked for (Wangu 23). The Buddha had an act of self-sacrifice. He had discovered the way to end suffering, so he wanted to share his enlighment with others (Wangu 24). The basic condition of life is suffering. Suffering is caused by cravings and desires. There exists nirvana, an end to suffering. The way to get to Nirvana is to follow the "eight fold path." (Graves 2). " The eightfold path is a series of eight stages that leads to the end of desire."(Wangu 26) About 300 million practice Buddhists (Wangu 6). After Buddha had found the answered he was looking for he set off for the towhist Saranth. There he thought people of his teachings. He drew the whole of life, which stand for his teachings (Wangu 24). One day a blacksmith gave Buddha a meal, which caused him to become ill (he was about eighty).

Project Mercury :: essays research papers

Project Mercury   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Project Mercury, the first manned U.S. space project, became an official NASA program on October 7, 1958. The Mercury Program was given two main but broad objectives: 1. to investigate man’s ability to survive and perform in the space environment and 2. to develop basic space technology and hardware for manned space flight programs to come.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  NASA also had to find astronauts to fly the spacecraft. In 1959 NASA asked the U.S. military for a list of their members who met certain qualifications. All applicants were required to have had extensive jet aircraft flight experience and engineering training. The applicants could be no more than five feet eleven inches tall, do to the limited amount of cabin space that the Mercury modules provided. All who met these requirements were also required to undergo numerous intense physical and psychological evaluations. Finally, out of a field of 500 people who met the experience, training, and height requirements, NASA selected seven to become U.S. astronauts. There names, Lieutenant M. Scott Carpenter; Air Force Captains L. Gordon Cooper, Jr., Virgil â€Å" Gus† Grissom, and Donald K. â€Å"Deke† Slayton; Marine Lieutenant Colonel John H. Glenn, Jr.; and Navy Lieutenant commanders Walter M. Schirra, Jr., and Alan B. Shepard, Jr. Of these, all flew in Project Mercury except Deke Slayton who was grounded for medical reasons. He later became an American crewmember of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Mercury module was a bell shaped craft. Its base measured exactly 74.5 inches wide and it was nine feet tall. For its boosters NASA chose two U.S. military rockets: the Army’s Redstone, which provided 78,000 pounds of thrust, was used for suborbital flights, and the Air Force Atlas, providing 360,000 pounds of thrust, was used for orbital fights. The Mercury craft was fastened to the top of the booster for launch. Upon reaching the limits of Earth’s atmosphere the boosters were released from the module, and fell into uninhabited ocean.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The first Mercury launch was performed on May 5, 1961. The ship, Freedom 7, was the first U.S. craft used for manned space flight. Astronaut Alan Shepard, Jr. remained in suborbital flight for 15 minutes and 22 seconds, with an accumulated distance of 116 miles.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The second and final suborbital mission of the Mercury Project was launched on July 21, 1961. Gus Grissom navigated his ship, Liberty Bell 7, through flight for just 15 seconds longer than the previous mission.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The next Mercury flight was accomplished using an Atlas booster. On February 20,1962 it fired up and launched John Glenn, Jr., inside Friendship 7, into orbit. Glenn orbited Earth three times and when he returned the country

Matilda and How She Belongs Essay

The film Matilda is a clear representation of the concept of belonging, the ideas that are conveyed in the film are relevant to belonging by how they are displayed. The ideas of belonging in Matilda are that Matilda doesn’t belong in her family, Matilda finds a sense of familial belonging with Ms Honey, Matilda finds a sense of familial belonging but with classmates and that the catalyst for belonging is the personality of Ms Trunchbull, it creates a sense of unity for the class – giving them a purpose. These ideas of belonging are described by the use of camera angles, tone, quotes and the use of narration. From the start of the film you come to realise that Matilda doesn’t relate or is able to connect to her family. This relates to belonging that Matilda doesn’t belong to her own family she doesn’t connect, this is demonstrated in the quotes â€Å"Are you in this family? † â€Å"Mmmm†¦ â€Å"Hello? † â€Å"Are you in this family? † â€Å"I’m fed up with all this reading! You’re a Wormwood, you start acting like one! Now sit up and look at the TV† this quote is telling us that she loves reading but her family love watching television so the father questions her daughters belonging in this family. Throughout the movie the use of tone and colour with what Matilda and her family wears indicates the separation between her and her family, an example of this is that Matilda wears articulate clothing like the bow in her hair and the violet dresses but her family wear suits and cocktail dresses like those that wear on the television which are superficial that they idealise so much. So there are clear differences between her and her family. Matilda finds a sense of familial belonging with Ms Honey. When Matilda first enters her classroom she gets a strong sense of belonging with her teacher Ms honey, because she is drawn in by her warm kind hearted nature. Matilda finds a sense of belonging through the shine that Ms honey exudes, she also relates to Ms honey and the Choice of clothing is very similar. Matilda and Ms honey have a relatable childhood with them both having a barbaric narrow minded parent/guardian. The catalyst for belonging is the personality of Ms Trunchbull, she creates a sense of tyranny for the class and the school. Her demeanour and insidious punishments for children makes the average school life a living hell, this hatred and ill-behaviour towards the children gives a unity to over throw her. This is demonstrated through particular scenes. The scene where trunchball holds an assembly for Bruce Bogtroter stealing some of her chocolate cake, so she tries to set an example, but that foolishly backfires when the school unites and cheers on Bruce. This scene and the use of uplifting music, the constant repetition of â€Å"Bruce! and that Trunchball gets no response makes her feel powerless and now the children are all working together and that scares Trunchball. So the children strive to get rid of trunchball and it works there by their common goal brought them together. Matilda is a great example of belonging and not-belonging, its ideas about it and how they are represented make it a good piece for my analysis. So the concept of belonging can be found anywhere from simply being different to your family or to strive to see your principal overthrown, so what go you belong or not belong too.

History of Muslim Essay

Elijah Muhammad was born in Sandersville in Georgia in a family of 13 children. He left home at the age of 16 and went around United States. He settled in Detroit Michigan in 1923 where he worked in an automobile factory. He later became an advocate for independence of black people, spearheaded for black operated institutions and religion. The Muslim community established various centers for worship while Mohammed established a newspaper, THE FINAL CALL OF ISLAM. During 1930s he came into contact with W. D. Fard. ho was a peddler and had already established an Islam temple in Detroit. In this temple much of the features were anti white. Fard proclaimed Islam to the collect religion for the African American thereby denouncing Christianity as religion for the slave masters. The teaching of this group was similar to orthodox Islam which included Sufism. Elijah Poole, together with his parents became very inspired by the master fard teachings which they received. This made them establish their own Muslim schools for their children. Because they felt that education in Michigan was not adequate. Mr Muhammad stance on Islamic education was firm and the religious community continued to resist placing of Muslim children under white Christian teachers In 1934 Michigan state education board disagreed with Muslims right to purse their own education agenda and the Muslim teachers together with temple secretary were jailed on a false charge. W. D. Fard renamed Elijah Poole to Elijah Muhamend. Elijah Mohammed then succeeded Fard of the Nation of Islam [N O I] and became the supreme minister. He settled in Chicago due to hostility he got from other Muslim functions in Detroit. Elijah Muhammad built what became the best and important center for the movement. They owned apartments, houses, grocery stores and restaurants. Many temples were opened in other cities and farms bought to grow ritually pure food for the members. The teaching of the Nation of Islam was that blacks should develop independence in economics, religion and nationhood. They had very strict rules. Where the following was prohibited drinking, smoking, gambling, physical abuse of the black women and inability to protect ones family from attacks by violent white America. Conservative good grooming ,neat clothing were required while some kind of personal behaviors like taking drugs, listening to music, dancing were prohibited. Self improvement was advocated, end of race hatred and separation of nationhood aspects. Elijah Mohamed was a divinely appointed prophet who changed the theological teaching of NOI which had been laid down by master Fard which proclaimed that Allah the Islam God had an earthly incarnation. In 1934 master Fard Mohamed disappeared mysteriously thus leaving behind Elijah Mohamed to lead the group. In 1942 Elijah Mohamed was arrested at Washington DC for conspiracy, sedition, and violation of draft laws, sympathizing with Japan during World War 2 and encouraging members to be against military draft He was then jailed for four years in Milan prison at Michigan. His teaching was seen to be black separist doctrine. This states that blacks were the original people on earth but were tricked out by Caucasian through global white supremacy. He demands freedom, equal justice, and law and constitution that would apply equally to all. Regardless of color, race and class He also stressed on equal membership on persons to members in society and organization of civilized society. Persecution and prosecution of the Muslim groups became life in Monroe, Los angeles, Calif and Michigan. Many followers of nation of Islam were jailed for being conscientious objectors of World War 2 White owned media and white operated publishers begun to circulate anti -nation of Islam propaganda on a massive scale. In 1959 Elijah Mohamed delivered a speech where he was accorded presidential treatment and escort. Later political leaders begun a denouncing and smear campaign against the Nation of Islam leaders and described it as being an anti America theories. Minister Farrakhan defended Elijah Mohammed and nation of Islam against these attacks. After would war two Mr. Muhammad was released from prison and he returned to Chicago which was a central point of Nation of islam. He worked very hard and expanded Islam membership. Among the new converts were Malcolm and his family. He came to influence Malcolm x who was the leader of New York Temple an ex convict. He had came from jail where he was serving a ten year jail term for theft . It is at this time when Nation of Islam teachings are introduced to him by a fellow inmate known as Beines. Malcom marries Betty Shabazz and preaches a doctrine of separation from the whites society. But a pilgrimage from Mecca teaches him that Muslim religion is for all races thus he softens his strict racial stand and breaks his free dogma on Nation of Islam. He later became very popular, speaking on politics gained roots highly on the Nation of Islam. In 1950s Mr. Mohammad promoted Malcolm x to the post of national spokes man and begun to write weekly newspaper column entitled Mr. Mohamed speaks which was A news paper for the blacks. The membership of the Nation of the Islam grew tremendously. Nation of Islam got a big brow when rumors’ went on about Elijah Mohammed had sex with various young Nation of Islam women who were working for him, whom he had gotten children with. The leakage and discovery of this information led to Malcolm being driven out of Nation of Islam. Although this was part of United States politics and counterintelligence plot to destroy the movement. Another reason of the split was a comment by Malcolm on assassination of John F. Kennedy which so Mohammed to suspend him from the society. Shortly Malcolm X founded his own movement on religious and political reasons; which was more Orthodox than Islam. Later he was assassinated on February 1965. The alternative too change the philosophy of the Nation of Islam is the destruction of the organization. This might be accomplished through generating factions among contenders for Elijah Mohammed leadership or through legal handles to probate court on his death. Thus Chicago should organize on how to generate the factionalism to destroy the Nation of Islam by splinting it into several functional groups. The United States government was accused of playing a big role in 1965 assassination against Malcolm and using secret police to meddle about with the affairs of the Nation of Islam and the black America. After the assassination the New York mosque was bombed. Mr, Mohamed sent minster Louis Farrakhan to New York City to take over the mosque there and begin the rebuilding mission. Later the following year he promoted him the post of national representative. During the late 1960s the greatly growing Muslim movement extended itself to more than sixty cities and settlement abroad in Ghana Mexico and Caribbean. A host of African government and Islamic government all over the world received Mr. Elijah Mohamed and donated generously towards his mission and effort. He went on HAJJ visits to Mecca the holy pilgrimage and pillar of Islam on many occasions during his life time. In addition to spread of Islam honorable Elijah Mohammed is credited for his contribution of an economically viable empire and his development programme. Under his leadership the nation of Islam showed signs of progress with the establishment of farms, export and import businesses, aviation, health care, administration offices, shipping on land, sea and air and his plans to start a modern university campus in Chicago. In 1975 he introduced mi minister Louis Farrakhan as his helper when they officiated the opening a multi- million dollar mosque and school. After the death of Elijah Mohamed 1975 Warith Deen Mohamed son to Elijah took over leadership and changed Nation of Islam membership allowing white members. Thus causing a major split in the organization Due to his drift from the black nationalists the splinter group under Warith changed its name to Muslim American Society. The other was lead by Louis Farrakhan who happened to be Elijah’s assistant. Things took another dimension later when Malcolm’s window accused Louis of her husband murder. Many members of the nation were disturbed at the movement’s new moderate direction and withdrew to form more traditionalist splinter groups. The most important of them retained the old names . the Nation of Islam and was led by Louis Farrakhan born Louis Eugene walcort of British west Indian parents of 1934. Farrakhan generary retained Elijah Mohammed ideas and practices including the strict behavior rules. He achieved prominence when he became a major adviser to Jesse Jackson during the latter presidential campaign in 1984 Conclusion Although the nation of Islam does not presently advocate for violence by its members the group preaches hatred of white race and racial separations. The membership of Nation of Islam is organized and poses areal threat. The Nation of Islam is responsible for the largest Black Nationalist newspaper which has been used by black extremists. It appears to be personal fiefdom of Elijah Muhammad . When he dies a power struggle emanates while Nation of Islam changes direction. While change in philosophy is seen and government intervention is seen to act as bureaucratic deletion destroy and reduce the activities of the group.

Human Nature vs Personal Gain Essay

Growing, learning and becoming the best we can be are all positive steps that evolve from life experience. It is human nature that wants to succeed and contribute to society in productive ways. In the play The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, individuals display an ugly side of human nature and are motivated by less than noble goals. Throughout the story, justice is often replaced by the desire for personal gain. Perhaps the three best reasons are greed, selfishness and betrayal. Greed is a motivating factor among many individuals in the play. At many times, John Proctor talks with Hale about Parris’s need to become rich, by gathering valuable golden candlesticks. He says, â€Å"He preach nothin’ but golden candlesticks, until he had them†¦ I think, sometimes, the man dreams cathedrals, not clapboard meetin’ houses† (Miller 65). Proctor says this to Parries to illustrate Parris’s materialistic nature and thirst for power, land and material p ossessions. Like Reverend Parris, Thomas Putnam is also greedy. Thomas uses his daughter to falsely accuse George Jacob of witchcraft. The accusation leads to the arrest and conviction of George Jacob by Judge Danforth. Giles Corey’s explains to Danforth that Mr. Putnam is dishonest and says â€Å"If Jacobs hangs for a witch he forfeit up his property- that’s law! †¦ This man is killing his neighbors for their land† (Miller 96). Thomas Putnam uses these falsifying witchcraft trails to increase his own wealth by accusing people of dealing in witchcraft, getting them convicted and then taking advantage of the situation by buying up their property. Characters like Parris and Putnam are so obsessed with greed that they do not have a conscience. Just as the evils of greed occupy Parris and Putnam, Abigail Williams is motivated by selfishness. She is vengeful, manipulative and a magnificent liar; for example, she goes into the forest at night and practises witchcraft with the other girls form the village. However, when Abigail is confronted about her disgusting behaviour, she chooses to keep  h er well respected reputation intact. Abigail denies that she was in the forest dancing that night, threatens the girls and says, â€Å"Now look you. All of you. We danced†¦ Let either of you breathe a word†¦ I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you† (Miller 20). She does this to also avoid being arrested. Not only does Abigail lie about witchcraft, she also stuffs the needle in the doll that Mary Warren made for Elizabeth. Cheever explains, â€Å"The girl, the Williams girl, Abigail Williams, sir. She sat to dinner in Reverend Parris’s house tonight†¦ she falls to the floor†¦ he goes to save her, and, stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out. And demandin’ of her how she come to be stabbed† (Miller 74). Abigail uses this situation to accuse Elizabeth of practising witchcraft to harm her Abigail. She does this to sabotage Elizabeth and, eventually, take her place as John Proctor’s wife. Abigail’s callousness with Elizabeth shows that her selfishness has no bounds or morals. If greed and selfish are not bad enough human characteristics, betrayal is perhaps the most cunning and provides the most false sense of security. Mary Warren accuses John Proctor of consorting with the devil and pressuring her to join him in his evil ways, which is not true. As Mary yells in anger, she says pointing at Proctor, â€Å"You’re the Devil’s man!† (Miller 118). She continues on to say â€Å"I’ll not hang with you! I love God, I love God† (118). Mary Warren’s loyalty to John Proctor is betrayed under pressure to save her own life rather than be hanged. Abigail betrays Tituba so that she does not get question by Reverend Hale. What Abigail says to Hale and Parris when she falsely accuses Tituba is â€Å"She sends her spirit on me in church; she makes me laugh at prayer!† (Miller 44). Abigail does not want to confess her practise of witchcraft in the forest with her girls at night. While in the play there is no shortage of characters willing to do the wrong thing in life, choosing to do the right thing is always the preferred path in life. Having to replace any form of righteousness (justice) with greed, selfishness or betrayal does not justify our actions or means for the end result. Each one of the characters in the crucible mention in the above paragraph have all demonstrated that some form of human nature for self rewardance was place before justice/righteousness. There are always consequences when the truth is not told. Whenever we use these actions in our character they always lead us away in the opposite  direction from our true and honest goals. Righteousness in the heart produces beauty in the character. Works Cited Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. New York: Penguin Books, 1976. Print

Marketing and Nike Essay

We can evaluate Nike’s core marketing strategy as related them to the relevant marketing theories. First of them is distribution theory. Nike distributes its products on different level basis. The high quality products are given to a certain distributers while the low price to be sold at highly discounted price at the retail stores such as Wal-Mart. Nike has also become the leader in the e-commerce by being the first to the market whit its e-commerce website. This program represents the first time a company has offered mass footwear through the internet and provides competitive advantages to Nike. One of the other theories is advertising and promotion. Nike makes contracts with some celebrity athletes which can take attention to their products such as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Maria Sharapova, Ronaldo. This has created a relatively high level of Nike’s awareness. Nike also employed a large amounts of advertisements. Their aggressive advertising campaigns, celebrity endorsements and quality products all enhance their brand and image. The other theory is price. The price is not effective on their strategy because Nike’s target market is based on the consumers who care more about the utility and quality of the product . This strategy focuses on the consumers who like Nike and pushes the products value to a higher level. Once the consumer develop the product intimacy, they come to associate their person with the products and will pay whatever price quoted on the products. Nike use vertical integration price strategy and they also engaged in various channel level operations both to control costs and influence the price function. And when we look at the market segmentation theory, we see that most of the consumer of Nike’s products is mainly athletic. Their segmentation market typically targets athletes, both women and men, from the age 15 to 35. Nike focuses on creating premium consumer experiences on product innovation, brand leadership and elevated retail presence. But Nike focuses on athlete more than any group of individuals. This strategy is especially successful because of its ability to reach a large number of athletes. Although Nike’s core marketing strategy had brings lot of positive directions to the company, but it will bring negative directions to Nike too. The mainly negative theory is the cost theory. Nike had incurred high costs in producing and promoting its products. The costs are increasing among handling inventory, designing, advertising and production. The inflation had also rised the costs. So Nike has increased the products prices and reduces its marketing budget. Nike had also employed child labor in Cambodia to reduce its production and labor costs. This affected brand image negatively and many people stop buying products from Nike. Furthermore, Nike has been using child labor in the production of its soccer balls in Pakistan. One of the Nike’s core marketing strategies is depend on a group of athletes to promote its products. Nike prefers to have high profile athletes as its endorsers, like Runner Steve Prefontaine, Michael Jordan and LeBron James. The action and attitude of Nike’s chosen spokespersons could bring the impacts on its promotional strategies. For instance, it will attract the athlete’s idolater to purchase the products if Nike using a popular athlete as endorser. On the other hand, if the athlete were caught in drug addicted or any immoral attitude, it will affect the customers not to buy Nike’s products, thus will affect Nike’s sales, revenue and profit. There is intense competition faced by Nike. Their competitors are Adidas, Reebok, Puma, and so forth, whilst competition is tighter with the coming of Adidas. More, the product line is slightly different between Nike and Adidas. Nike faces many risks when they use their core marketing strategies to achieve their goals and these risks can come from both internally and externally environment. The risks will have a negative influence about Nike’s future development. Nike needs to stay on the top of changes in consumer taste and preferences as evidenced by changes in fashion. So Nike face the risk that fashion trends may change so fast that Nike fails to follow. If Nike cannot follow the fitness trends in the market they will face risks of losing market shares. To compete with this risks and problems, Nike should position it as a trendsetter and not a trend follower and be responsible to their customers. The global trends are to be fashion and personality. So Nike change its marketing strategies and products design to become more fashion and focus on the youth consumers. It brings risks to Nike because in the traditional mind of customers, they consider Nike only sell the athletic products. The fashion or the changing style products is unimaginative for customers to purchase. Not all the customers can follow the changing of Nike. Therefore, Nike should analyse the market and customers’ preference as well as customers’ buying behavior from time to time. One of Major Nike’s marketing strategies is to expand to overseas and become the leader in the world. It also will bring risks to Nike when they expand their business globally. Currency exchange rate fluctuations can disrupt the business of the independent manufacturers that produce Nike products by making their purchase of raw materials more expensive and more difficult to finance. Besides that, the global economic recession influence the overall business operation in the outsourcing countries. 2) If you were Adidas, how would you compete with Nike? One difficulty most likely to be faced by Adidas is in its marketing, compared to its competitor Nike, Nike spends more money on advertising and promoting their products reputation. Adidas will have a hard time trying to compete with Nike in terms of advertising and promotion, considering Nike’s utilization of low labor cost of production, Nike can afford to spend so much money in creating awareness for their products and gaining consumers loyalty by utilizing celebrities. If I were Adidas I would invest more money on advertising and create innovative means of advertising their product, having consumers in mind and following the trends of technologies, for example, Adidas can collaborate with IT companies such as Samsung to create innovative means of advertising their products. Also a merger could be good for the Adidas, if the right strategy has chosen. For example; Adidas and Reebok joining up together as a merger would be a good deal for leading over Nike but the two companies have a bad reputation due to financial problems which almost led them to bankruptcy and since they are to work together.

Battle of Marathon Essay

In 490 B.C.E. the Battle of Marathon was a brief but important event in the war between the Greek city-states and The Persian Empire. The results of the battle had unforeseen effects on Athens and the future of Western Civilization. The Greek ‘Golden Age’, centred in Athens, brought about new forms of art, the foundations of future philosophy and redirected literature and drama. The achievements of the Athenians during this period were directly connected to the inspiration and prestige (which later translated into power) fuelled by the events at Marathon. How the events of a single day changed the entire course of Western Civilization is hard to fathom but obvious when one looks at the aftermath of that fateful event. The revolts of a few Greek cities of Ionia were what initially sparked the Persians interest in Athens, Attica and the Peloponnese. When Athens sent a small fleet in support of the Ionian rebels they immediately gave Persia a new target for further expansion. The failure of the revolts and the ruin of Sardis and Miletus shocked the Greek world. The Persians now thought, â€Å"if Miletus had been the glory of subject Greece, Athens was the golden gate to free Hellas. A bauble, perhaps, beside the treasures of the empire, but a tempting one.† Now not only did the Persian king Darius want revenge against the Athenians he wanted the entire Greek world to be integrated into the Persian Empire. In 490 BCE Darius finally advanced towards Greece. After the capture of Eretria, confident of their success, the Persians sailed on to Attica; and under the advice of Hippas* landed at the bay of Marathon, 26 km north east of Athens. When the Athenians received news of the Persians landing, they sent a runner (Philippides) to Sparta asking for support. They knew support would not get to them before the Persians decided to move so the Athenians then made â€Å"one of the most fateful decisions ever taken by a democratic government in ancient Greece. It was to advance and engage the Persians at their point of invasion, rather that to sit tight and try to hold the city.† . This decision was a radical one for a few reasons: the Athenians were highly outnumbered and historically, according to the historian Herodotus, the Greeks had never stood their ground against a Persian attack. Every major battle during the six years of the Ionian revolt demonstrated that the  Greeks preferred to defend their cities rather that fight out in the open. For these reasons the Persians were justifiably optimistic about their ability to defeat the Greeks. Upon the Athenian arrival at their base camp, away from the bay, they were joined by troops from the Athenian ally Plataia (about one thousand). There were 10,000 men in the Athenian army; a general represented each 1000. The ten generals of the army debated over a course of action, either to stay and meet the Persians as they advance or to attack them and try to take them by surprise. Miltiades* overcame the deadlock by appealing to the Polemarch Kallimachos who had an equal vote on the board of generals and convinced him to attack. Miltiades waited until the day of his prytaneia*, the day which he had supreme control over the entire army, to attack the Persians at their base camp. The Persians were taken by surprise and being unprepared, retreated back to their ships. While the Persians fled to their ships a point when only a narrow passage of beach separated the sea from a marsh was passed, it was here that around six thousand men from both sides were killed, the overwhelming number were Persians. Herodotus reported the casualties of the Greeks amounted to 192 Athenians, and an unrecorded number of Plataeans and slaves, the Persians lost 6400 men in total. The Greeks pursued in an attempt to capture the Persians ships but all but seven escaped. The Persians changed their course of action and sailed around to attack the now undefended city of Athens from the sea. The Athenian army was force to march the 26 km back to Athens in haste to defend the city. They reached the city and the Persian fleet seeing the defenders had returned, did not land but turned and headed back to Asia. The victory at Marathon and the successful defence of the city, gave the Athenians a sense of moral superiority and pride. In later battles of the Persian War, at Thermopylai and Salamis, the highly regarded Spartans and those of the Peloponnese were largely in control of strategic moves. Although still a major force in every battle, Athens and her allies were outnumbered and thus followed Spartan command. After the second occupation of Athens after the battle of Salamis, the Athenians gave Sparta an ultimatum due to a lack of Spartan support. â€Å"If the Peloponnesians wanted  Athens’ navy, they must save Athens’ land.† Because the Athenians had more damage to recover from it brought stronger confidence and overall pride for them once the city got back on its feet. The Spartans, Corinthians and other Peloponnesian allies now had reason to fear Athens growing naval power and its capabilities now that the city was repaired and invigorated with a renewed sense of pride. This is the point that we see the beginnings of a shift in the balance of power and influence between the city-states. When the Ionian states adopted the Athenians as leaders, as opposed to the Spartans who had been pre-eminent for a long time, the rise of the Athenian influence began to show. For the purpose of protecting all Greeks from a further Persian attack, a league was formed, of which Athens was now the leader. The league included all Aegean states in the interest of their common welfare, and was called The Delian League. At first it was as a leader that Athens lead the allies, who sent members to a general congress, in discussions of further campaigns against the Persians. But that would all change when other city-states adopted the Athenian form of government, democracy, either by force or voluntarily. Inevitably Athens became the leader of what was now an Athenian Empire. When Athens imposed their â€Å"superior† form of government onto other city-states it was no longer a league of self-governing city-states but a league ruled by one. The league, which was formed for the purpose of protection, now became the means for Athens to spread democracy. The Athenian Empire gave Athens a feeling of superiority; it felt that she had the superior form of government, superior ideals, culture and economic practices; that sense of superiority all traced back to the victory at Marathon. â€Å"Suppose, then, that we had never done anything but fight at Marathon – in point of fact we have done much besides: more than any other people of Greece – but just suppose; then Marathon alone would be enough to qualify us not only for the privilege we are claiming but for others too; for in that fight we stood alone against Persia – we dared a mighty enterprise and came out alive – we defended forty-six nations. Do we not, for this act alone, deserve the place of honour†¦Ã¢â‚¬  From the Athenian Empire and its attitude came many great things that had an unquestionable effect on the future of western civilization. Pericles, a famous name in Athenian politics, is a direct result of the Athenian Empire and all its ideals and attitudes. Pericles took advantage of Athens position of power and used money from the Delian League to fund the construction of major pieces of architecture in the city. Without Pericles there would be no Parthenon or Propylea, and Athens might now have gained the prestige it had during its Golden Age. Athens golden age was a direct result of the wealth and prestige of empire; without it Athens may not have reached the point where it became the educational and cultural centre of the Greek world. From this centre came great thinkers and playwrights; western civilization gained philosophy, Greek drama and literature, science and democracy. The Battle of Marathon, although only a single event, had an unquestionable impact on western civilization. Marathon allowed Athens to raise itself to a position of prestige and importance in the Greek world. The Athenians were given the opportunity to become culturally, politically and economically the centre of the Greek world because of the result of the battle of Marathon. Without the Athenians daring strategic move western civilization as we know it today would not be the same.