Mass Shootings and Related Issues of Race and Gender

Mass Shootings and Related Issues of Race and Gender â€Å"Sick,† â€Å"twisted,† â€Å"disturbed,† â€Å"psychotic,† â€Å"mentally ill,† â€Å"psychopath,† â€Å"acted alone.† These words  are familiar to anyone who pays attention to news accounts of mass shootings carried out by white males over the last three decades. Trouble is, none of these guys- Eliot Rodger, Adam Lanza, James Holmes, Jared Loughner, Anders Breivik in Norway, among others- really acted alone. While news accounts typically frame mass shootings by white males as the work of  deranged individuals, the actions of these  men and boys are expressive of widely held patriarchal and white supremacist beliefs. They are the manifestation of  a sick society. The  shooters who left digital trails have made it clear that their actions were prompted by their perceived loss of power and status in society. They felt slighted by women who do not obey them and their desires, by people of color and queer folks who have fought for, earned, and defended their civil rights, and by a society that doesn’t afford them the respect and place they believe they deserve by accident of their race and gender. They are the product of a changed and ever-changing social context in which historic forms of power and domination are being slowly but loudly destabilized, and of a society that socializes them to believe that this is wrong, and that they deserve to be in positions of power. Demographic Shifts in the U.S. and Anomie Among White Men​ Writing in 1897, sociologist Émile Durkheim popularized a theoretical concept that can be  usefully applied to understanding how this perceived problem of individuals is actually a social problem. Anomie, Durkheim explained, is a condition that results when the values and expectations of an individual do not match those that predominate in society. When an individual experiences anomie, they feel disconnected from their society; they feel destabilized. Anomie, per Durkheim, is a state of social derangement. Applying the theory of anomie to the phenomenon of white male shooters throws into relief the conditions of social derangement experienced by boys and men who take such action. White males, especially those with economic privilege relative to others, have historically lived at the top of the power hierarchy in the United States. They hold power in terms of their gender, their race, sometimes their class, and often, their sexuality. But, in today’s social context in which patriarchy, heteronormativity, white supremacy, and economic power have been destabilized by various social movements, legislation, and paradigm shifts in popular consciousness, their power over others is waning. With it, so too is their historically unjustly inflated social status. The Violent Death Grip of Patriarchy and White Supremacy This is not to say that patriarchy, heteronormativity, white supremacy, and economic control by white men are things of the past. These forms of domination live today in a wide variety of attitudes, values, beliefs, and practices. The actions of white male shooters make it fatally clear that the ideologies that undergird these forms of oppression are not only alive, but thriving today. They are expressed in their most overt and terrifying forms in the Youtube videos, chat logs, conversations, and manifestos of Anders Breivik, Elliot Rodger, and Jared Loughner, among others. They were expressed with violence and hatred in a rash of hate crimes against women, people of color, LGBT people, and immigrants following the 2016 presidential election. In this social context of anomie, shooting others is a desperate attempt to reclaim norms lost. It is an assertion of power that has been destabilized by the changing nature of society, its norms, and its values. Yet, the actions of white male shooters are couched within the larger social problem of a troubled masculinity that transcends race. Viewed through a wider lens, the connections between shootings perpetrated by white males and other forms of violent masculine expression, like street harassment, gendered and sexualized violence, hate crimes, gang violence, and white separatist and nationalist movements become clear. Society Needs Masculinity Rooted in Respect and Care for Others A social problem like this requires a social solution. Background checks and reforms to gun laws might reduce gun violence, but they will not stop other forms of violence that stem from a social sickness. Alleviating the social sickness of racism, and the gendered and heterosexist norms of patriarchy  is work that must be done collectively by all of us. We, as a society, must reconfigure what masculinity means, and cast off the dangerous values and expectations that we socialize boys to hold and express in their behavior. Curing this social sickness requires a new masculinity detached from notions of superiority, dominance, control, and compliance of others. It requires what the writers at Rad Dad advocate for in their call for a Feminist Fathers’ Day: a masculinity premised on respect and care for others.

Career Guide How to Become an Office Clerk

Career Guide How to Become an Office Clerk When you see office clerks on TV or in movies, they’re often overworked, apathetic workers who hassle a main character, setting up laughs or conflict. In reality, office clerks are skilled administrators who keep an office organized and humming along. They have stellar organizational skills, and a versatile collection of administrative know-how that makes them indispensable players in any office. This is also one of the most popular jobs in the U.S., with more than 2.9 million office clerks working across the country.The Role of an Office ClerkBasically, office clerks do what needs to be done in an office, administratively. Their duties might include any of the following:Answer phonesFile records and manage filing systemsReview data for accuracyEnter data into databases or other systemsMaintain customer or client accountsSort mailMake copiesProcess payments or perform basic bookkeepingEnsure office compliance with rules or regulationsThe job varies according to industry as wel l- for example, a medical file clerk’s day-to-day would likely be very different from a file clerk in a law firm or a large corporation. There may be industry-specific administrative duties in addition to these general responsibilities.The BenefitsA job or career as an office clerk makes you a very adaptable employee, with a skill set you can carry with you to any number of industries. It’s also a very stable career path, because offices will always need skilled, organized people to handle daily administration.The QualificationsOffice clerks can usually get started with a high school degree or an associate’s degree. There is no specific training or certification program for office clerks. Clerks are typically hired based on experience and/or skills rather than specific educational milestones.Office clerks should have strong skills in the following areas:Organization. Keeping everything straight and moving forward is a major part of the job description.Communicat ion. Office clerks are often a liaison between different parts of an office, making sure that information and processes are running efficiently. This means you should be able to communicate clearly and effectively with a variety of different people.Customer service. This is a service position, often dealing with direct requests inside the company or external customer interactions, so it’s important to have a strong, patient customer service game face.Attention to detail. Office clerks may be processing sensitive information or just lots of it, so it’s crucial to be able to spot inconsistencies, and ensure that everything is correct and accurate.Computer skills. Forty years ago, an office clerk would have been deeply knowledgeable about hard copy filing systems, recordkeeping, and the like. Now, an office clerk has to be up on all the technology used to manage the storage and flow of information in a company. That can be anything from standard paper files to apps to dat abases. You don’t have to be a hacker-level computer genius, but knowing how to use the most important tech for your particular industry or company is key. Knowing the technology can also make you an even more valuable member of the team as companies look for ways to streamline their staff and operations.The SalaryFor general office clerks, the median salary is $30,580 per year (or $14.70 per hour), per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The pay can vary depending on the industry (specialized file clerks might earn more, for example), level of experience, and type of company.The OutlookThe good news about being an office clerk is that this is a pretty evergreen job. How companies manage their information and offices may change and adapt with the times, but there will always be the need for qualified people to perform these tasks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that growth will be steady, if slightly slower than average: 3% growth by 2024. But again, the skills you use as an office clerk are excellent baseline skills that you can take to a variety of different fields, even if office clerking isn’t necessarily your long-range plan.

A movie that deals in some way with human development or psychological Essay

A movie that deals in some way with human development or psychological issues - Essay Example She is not sure what is going to happen to her, or why, and she is subjected to a process of institutionalization. It turns out that her treatment involves talking therapy with a psychologist called Dr Wick. The film shows how Susanna responds to various female characters in different ways, starting with her suspicion of all staff and patients, and gradually leading to more acceptance and understanding of them. Dr Wicks is patient and kind, drawing out what Susanna has experienced in the past and helping her to find better ways of dealing with things. The African American nurse on the ward thinks that Susanna is just another stupid teenage girl who is not really ill, but just exaggerating. The film shows how Susanna begins to identify with the other patients, seeing herself as one of them, and thus being mentally ill starts to appear to be â€Å"normal† to her. While she is in hospital Susanna meets a number of other patients, many of whom are considerably more ill than she is . One of the most seriously ill patients is Lisa (played by Angelina Jolie) and a friendship forms between Susanna and Lisa which results in the two young women getting into trouble and resisting the authoritarian orderlies and hospital authorities. They run away and are brought back by the police. In the end Susanna is released from the hospital, but Lisa and the others remain. There are many developmental and psychological issues in this film but two of them are particularly important: peer influence in adolescence, and definitions of mental illness. The first is important because the main character in the film appears to be very impressed by Lisa, who is a sociopath, and bonds very quickly with most of the other patients. In standard psychology text books this shift from attachment to parents to close friendships with peers is a normal part of adolescence and an important stage in the development of a separate identity outside the immediate family circle. (Baron and Kalsher, 2004 ) Dramatic gestures like Susanna’s aspirin overdose, and Daisy’s self-harming by cutting herself need not necessarily be a sign of serious mental illness, since there is an element of mimicry and attention-seeking in all adolescent behaviour. The film illustrates what behavioral theory would call modelling and reinforcement as the teenagers drift into patterns of behaviour that are common in their peer group, regardless of societal norms or parental example. (Heilbron and Prinstein, 2008) Susanna feels good when she resists the establishment, and she accords Lisa high status, which she wishes to share. By taking the sociopath Lisa as a role model, Susanna risks sinking deeper into maladaptive patterns and worsening her own mental health. Working with the therapist, Susanna learns to unpackage these assumptions and begin thinking things out for herself. One of the interesting plot lines in the film is the fact that the viewer is never quite sure whether Susanna is ill o r not, and this causes the viewer to reflect on the nature of mental illness and how it is defined. A simple application of the standard diagnosis aids such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (1994) should in theory resolve this question, but in the case of Susanna’s diagnosis, namely borderline personality disorder, the definition appears to be so vague as to apply to almost anyone. DSM IV criteria define borderline personality disorder in terms as â€Å"unstable self-image,†

The HIstory of Slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The HIstory of Slavery - Essay Example From this paper it is clear that its legacy continues to be a matter of dispute among scholars and the basis for contemporary debates about public policy. This is because slavery is considered the classic expression of American racism, and its effects are still perceived as the roots of the problems faced by blacks in the United States. Slavery seems to be the wound that never healed that has become the moral core of the oppression story so fundamental to the identity of blacks today. It is not surprising that the bitterness generated by recollections of slavery has turned a generation of black scholars and activists against the nation's Founding which in turn is against identification with America itself.This study discusses that  in America, although there were many among them who shared prevailing prejudices against blacks, the abolitionist movement contained the first antiracists. Prominent abolitionists agreed that blacks were civilizationally inferior and incapable of ruling themselves. But they agreed that black inferiority is no justification for slavery; rather, it is the product of slavery itself. Some abolitionists propagated the idea of helping blacks to resettle in Africa, but those who recognized the implausibility of such schemes opined that blacks were capable of living as free people.  In order to directly rebut the Southern argument that blacks were better off being ruled by a â€Å"superior† race, abolitionists began an inconspicuous quest for intelligent blacks. who would be standing refutations of theories of intrinsic inferiority. Although the issue of diminishing manpower arose along with anti-slavery campaigns, yet at one point, some 400,000 Britons were refusing to eat slave-grown sugar. There were antislavery committees in practically every town in the British Isles. In 1792, 390,000 people signed protest petitions to Parliament on the subject. And the House of Commons unanimously voted to abolish the slave trade. Unfortunately, The House of Lords refused, and British slave ships continued to cross the Atlantic. Nevertheless, a great movement was under way, and ultimately with the powerful help of huge slave rebellions in the West Indies, slavery came to a stop in the British Empire a full quarter century before it did in the United States. The British antislavery movement not only initiated with astounding suddenness, it pioneered virtually every major technique of political organization used even to this date like consumer boycott, answer a direct mail appeal, put up a political poster, paste the logo of an environmental group on transport vehicles, or join a national lobbying

Analysis around Freuds view of the human mind Essay Example for Free

Analysis around Freuds view of the human mind Essay This essay aims to discuss the key ideas behind Freuds theories, including his model of the mind, psychosexual development, repression and cure through therapeutic techniques. Sigman Freud (1856 to 1939) was an Austrian physician, with an interest in the workings of the subconscious mind. Freud spent his life trying to produce coherent a set of theories to explain all human behavioural, but never achieved his goal of one grand theory, (Benson, 1999, P48).  According to Freud, the mind has three levels of consciousness. The conscious equates to 1/7th of the mind, being the awareness we have when awake. The pre-conscious, is a boundary containing memories of dreams, and causing slips of the tongue. Finally, the unconscious. Making up 6/7ths of the mind and containing thoughts completely hidden and unavailable to us, (Benson, 1999, P47). Freuds model divides the mind in to three parts: the Id, Ego and Superego. He believed that the first to develop was the Id, operating on the pleasure principle, in the unconscious mind. The Id is the dark, inaccessible part of our personality, (Freud, 1933 p27). It drives a baby to seek pleasure, like drink food warmth and comfort and avoid the unpleasureable, like hunger, being wet and cold The Id is selfish and not concerned with social rules, but only with self gratification, (Cardwell et al, 1997 p549). The Id is made of two components. Benson (1999, P51) describes the first, Libido, as the inborn energy we have that motivates us to survive. The second component, Freud named Thanatos, and described as the death instinct, expressed through aggression towards self and others. Cardwell et al (1997) explain that the Ids discharge of energy and excitation without regard for consequence is known as primary process thinking. At around two years old the human mind recognises the need to be realistic and plan for the future, rather than surviving on primary instinct. Thus the ego develops. Operating on the reality principle, it battles the Id for control of behaviour. Unlike the Id, the Ego has a partly conscious, secondary thought process. The ego is still, however, essentially selfish, i.e. protecting the individual from harm, (Benson, 1999, p51). At around 3, we start to absorb influence from our parents and the Super Ego begins to develop. The Super Ego expands from our learned morals and the conventions of society. Super means above looking down and monitoring the Id-Ego Battle, (Benson, 1999, P52). Like the Ego, the Super Ego is partly conscious; however it is not selfish and considers others too. As it develops it becomes our social conscience and guides us towards sociably acceptable behaviour. (Cardwell et al, 1997, p549).  Freud was responsible for modern societys understanding of the effects childhood experiences can have on adult personalities. He split the childhood into five stages of psychosexual development. During the first, the Oral stage from 0 to 2 years, the only drive present is the Id. Focused on survival, the Id drives the baby to feed by suckling. Thus the mouth becomes the main source of pleasure. Benson (1999, p52) states that through oral satisfaction the baby develops trust and an optimistic personality.  From 2 to 3 years, the child becomes aware of its bowels and how to control them. Here begins the Anal Stage, as the focus of gratification shifts to the anus aiding with potty training, a vital step to independence and survival, (Benson, 1999, P54). However, withholding elimination goes against the Ids nature of random discharge without regard for consequence. This results in the requirement for an ego to develop, and as such has important implications in the personality later in life, (Cardwell et al, p550, 1997). The phallic stage, from 3 to 5 years, starts when children become aware of sexual differences and become curious about their own genitals. Benson (1999) explains that boys will develop differently to girls from here on. Boys will develop Oedipus Complex and unconsciously experienced a sequence of sub stages. Firstly he will develop a strong desire for his mother. Then, after noticing the strong (sexual) bond between her and his father, he will become deeply jealous of his father and hate him. The boys fear of his father uncovering these thoughts instils a fear of the ultimate punishment, castration. The boy resolves that to avoid castration by pleasing his farther, and at the same time impress his mother, he must become like his father. This is called identification. Girls, having unconsciously concluded that they have already been castrated, do not develop the same fears. Though, since their mother is the same, girls also end up identifying, i.e. adopting their mothers morality and gender roles. This was always rather vague and known as the Electra Complex (Benson, 1999, p56).

Lockie Leonard And Lex And Rory :: essays research papers

Lockie Leonard and Lex and Rory English Lockie Leonard and the film Lex and Rory promote the same issues as each other, especially concerning male/female relationships. The issues are showed differently. The woman is the one who is pressured into having a sexual relationship. In this case it is the male who is pressured into having a sexual relationship. As this happens different views, feelings and emotions are shown by the way they deal with the choices they make.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Both Lex and Rory are presented as particular characters. Lockie is shown as a free teenager, he is not tied down and is able to do what he wants. He is just learning about sex and you need to know. â€Å"It’s time we thought about sex† said his mum. This already shows that Lockie is not ready for a sexually involved relationship. He is the typical stereotyped school boy who is in constant trouble with school teachers. â€Å"Outside, get out of my room before I tear your head off and use for a blackboard duster.† Yelled his teacher. Lex on the other hand is a boy lacking self confidence and has a negative outlook on life. He is classed as a nerd because he studies and takes notice of his future planning. Girls are his problem. He is scared of communication and contact. This is one of his main fears, especially talking. In particular talking to one girl called Dai. Due to this not many people pay attention to him except his one and only true fr iend Rory. Lex is the type of person who is afraid to make the first move, but having a friend like Rory it starts to become easier.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lockie doesn’t change himself to make other people feel happy. He likes who he is and believes in himself. Lockie doesn’t change for people. He feels that people have to like him for who he is and not for who they want him to be. Lockie doesn’t let his popularity come over him. He will not satisfy anyone, if that is not what he wants to do. Lockie is his own person he is the only person who takes control of his body and mind. Lex has problems with coping with who he is. He feels that girls won’t like him because he is noticed as a nerd. He tries to change who he is to become a better presented person.

Bush and Branson: Dichotomies of Power

Jane Jacob’s book, Systems of Survival, discusses two types of ethical or value systems governing our working lives, with each one the complete foil of the other. These two systems describe the framework by which we operate day to day, procuring our needs and securing our own territories. It is interesting to note that while the two systems in question are polar opposites, there are several instances where organizations use a combination of the two.However, it is worth mentioning that while the two are indeed different, both, as products of their own unique environment, are equally necessary and valid to the circumstances in which they arise and within the context of their use. There are times when one system leverages another for its own advantage. The two systems are Guardian Moral Syndrome and the Commercial Moral Syndrome. From their names alone, it is easy to guess their differences from one another. The first model, the Guardian Moral Syndrome, generally refers to people or agencies that are protective or defensive in nature.Examples of guardians are the military and the police, organizations which employ force in order to achieve its goals. The Commercial Model Syndrome is used by commercial or business entities. The commercials use trade in order to advance its interests. The main argument of Jacobs’ book is that our world uses only two methods to acquire resources and those are to trade in an atmosphere of symbiosis, or take another’s resources by force under the pretense of a variety of reasons. As Paquet & Gilles explains, â€Å"Guardian moral syndrome underpinning hierarchical system, and commercial moral syndrome underpinning market-type organizations.(1999, p. 35)In this regard, this paper will try to differentiate the two systems more clearly by citing two famous personalities who embody each system or model and try to explain their actions in light of the values that define each system. Guardian Moral Syndrome: George W. Bu sh It is perhaps unfortunate to be the President of the United States at the time when the September 11 World Trade Canter attack took place. Imagine the burden of responsibility, made more difficult to bear with the whole world watching your every move. George W.Bush, the current President of the United States made the decision to retaliate and take an offensive stance against terrorism, saying that it was a necessary move to protect his country. Soon after the 9-11 attacks, the United States, backed by its international allies waged a war on Afghanistan to free the country from the iron grip of the Taliban rule. By doing so, Bush redefined the concept of terrorism from nameless, stateless entities, to one that is closely associated with the country that is giving them safe passage (Moens, 2004, p. 164).A country that harbors a terrorist shares in the sin and will suffer the consequences of doing so. Up to now, even the face of growing dissent, Bush has continued its war against te rrorism. After Afghanistan, Bush went on to attack Iraq and weed out Saddam Hussein. While he was successful at bringing Hussein down, the long drawn out war in Iraq is hugely unpopular in the United States. Bush is receiving increasingly heated criticism from his own country. From receiving the highest approval rating immediately following the 9-11 attacks, his ratings plummeted to a level lowest in recent history.According to Sammon, Bush defends his position by saying that terrorism is not a criminal offense, but an act of war. (2006, p. 25). It is very plain to see how Bush is exhibiting the Moral Guardian Syndrome. He does not hesitate to use force to advance his own cause. Perhaps encouraged by the success of the Afghanistan campaign, he truly believes that he can rid the world of terrorists. Values such as exert prowess, take vengeance, deceive for the sake of task, be fatalistic, can be seen in Bush’s leadership style.Primarily, it is the unflinching willingness to us e physical force that defines Bush’s presidency. In order to protect his territory and resources, he embraces force and stands his ground. The use of military might to exact vengeance and uphold a way of life holds true with the Guardian Moral Syndrome. In fact, the need for righteous revenge was what galvanized the United States soon after the World Trade Center was attacked, killing thousands of people. Bush capitalized on his country’s united call for justice in order to indefinitely maintain his war against terrorists and extremists.He protects his turf by actively seeking out and eliminating those who threaten his territory and he does so with firm belief in his cause. Bush personifies the guardian moral syndrome because the use of righteous force governs his thoughts and actions. He remains faithful to the cause and is more than willing to pay the price for his advocacy and beliefs. Commercial Model Syndrome: Sir Richard Branson Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Brans on is the owner of the Virgin group of companies. He was born in Surrey, England and is currently the fifth richest man in the United Kingdom.Branson is a high school dropout because his dyslexia was getting in the way of his learning. His teachers, who did not know any better at that time thought he was a slow learner. Whatever shortcomings Richard had in his academic life, he made up with his entrepreneurial spirit, Richard has always been enterprising, venturing into businesses at a young age. He was 21 years when he opened his first record store in 1971. In the 1980’s, Branson’s Virgin record label grew rapidly, spurred primarily by his flamboyant and competitive style. What started out as a small record store is now a globally-recognized brand.A big part of Branson’s early success was the choice of name for his business, but foremost was his passion and faith for what he is doing. He was focused and had his eye on the goal from day one. He leveraged his sma ll successes in order to take on grander undertakings. Fridson describes Branson’s success. â€Å"The unconventionality reflected in Branson’s managerial style is a personality trait that made him a highly successful innovator throughout his career. † (1999, p. 226) Branson breaks the mold of the traditional successful businessman (Nelson and Quick, p. 111).Nevertheless, he is still remains to be a classic example of the commercial moral syndrome and is a good case in point. Among all the values embodied by the commercial moral syndrome, Branson is the epitome of optimism. He had explicit faith in his own success, and the positive expectations he had for himself became a self-fulfilling prophecy, as evidenced by his Virgin conglomerate. Aside from his optimism, Branson is also industrious and efficient, and does not balk at the competition. However, it should be noted that among all of Branson’s traits as a businessman.He best embodies the qualities of th e commercial moral syndrome with his willingness to innovate. Among the precepts of the commercial moral syndrome says that one should be open to inventiveness and novelty. There should be a willingness to try something new and keep redefining the current state of things. Branson, for all his successes, could have just chosen to rest on his laurels and enjoy the fruits of his hard work. But the need to raise the bar keeps him on the top of his game. This perhaps is the hallmark of every great businessman.The willingness to create something new, and accept the risks that go with it are what sets the Branson from the rest of the crowd and is perhaps the main reason for his success. Branson acquires resources and riches by engaging in business under a free market economy, and he expands on his territory by using what he has earned as funds in order to acquire more. He enters into agreements and partnerships to diversify and knows how to invest productively and is optimistic even as he takes calculated risks. Branson is a model for the commercial moral system because he represents all the best that this system embodies.He is perhaps one of the best arguments for this model. Branson has proved that with the right attitude, anyone can be successful businessman, even a school drop-out like he is. Indeed the concept of a dichotomy in business and government entities is dictated by the circumstances wherein they are being used. One model or syndrome is not necessarily better over the other because they were made for entirely different reasons. Guardian precepts are designed to strengthen the individual against fear and weakness, but it should be tempered with a strong sense of fairness and justice.The best guardians are that person who, while believing in the necessity of force, exhausts all peaceful means before using it. Force should always be a last resort, and must never be used to advance any selfish interests. Conversely, commercial precepts are designed for the accumulation of wealth under a free market environment. But it success in a commercial model should be tempered with civic responsibility and the willingness to give back to the community and help those who have not been so fortunate in life. The two people mentioned in this paper does embody the qualities of each system.They are operating within their own zones and are successful in their own right. However, I believe that the world is far too complex to be condensed into a black and white model. While there is no doubt that Jacobs has great insights on how we act to survive and keep our turf, most things in life are not as clearly defined. Depending on the situation, we can be guardians or commercials, or a bit of both. And while the two people discussed here typify one model or another, there is no saying how long will they stay that way and how will they act if their life circumstances were any different, or if something changes in their environment.

Line, Staff and Human Resources Management Authority

Line, Staff and Human Resources Management Authority What does it take to get the right organizational design for Human Resources? In today's constantly evolving environment, developing an organization that makes the right decisions, while directing others’ work and giving orders requires having line and staff authority in place. In this essay, we will explain what authority is and explain the difference from line authority and staff authority. Also we will explain what type of authority human resource managers have. So what is authority?Authority is â€Å"the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine† (Dictionary. com, n. d. ). Power is the ability to get things done either to enforce one’s own will or to enforce the collective will of an organization. This tells us that all managers have some form of authority. Now, let us distinguish between line authority and staff authori ty. Line authority gives management individuals the formal power to direct and control immediate subordinates. Staff authority gives managers the right to advise, recommend, and counsel other managers and employees.It is a communication relationship with management. It has an influence that derives indirectly from line authority at a higher level. According to Dessler (2008), line authority creates a superior-subordinate relationship and staff authority creates an advisory relationship. The authority of human resources is delegated by the top management of organizations. How much authority it derives from top management is a policy matter. With today's workforce becoming increasingly diverse and organizations doing more to maximize the benefits of the differences in employees, human resource managers are key players.Organizations are relying on managers to get the people who get the job done, and of course, make the company money. Human resource managers have three fundamental funct ions: 1) line function – directing activities within the department and related areas while having implied authority, 2) coordinative function – coordinating personnel activities and 3) staff functions – assisting and advising line managers. In conclusion, line, staff and human resources personnel must work together closely to maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.To ensure that line, staff and human resources personnel do work together productively, management must make sure all groups understand the organizational mission, have specific objectives, and realize that they are partners in helping the organization reach its objectives.References Authority. (n. d. ). Dictionary. com Unabridged. Retrieved July 18, 2010, from Dictionary. com website: http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/authority Dressler, G. (2008). Florida International University. In G. Dressler, Human Resources Management – 11th ed. (p. 4). Upper Saddle River, N J 07458: Pearson Prentice Hall.

Analysis of Aristotles Poetics in conjunction with Sophocles Oedipus Rex

Analysis of Aristotles Poetics in conjunction with Sophocles Oedipus Rex The philosopher Aristotle gave the very first definition of a tragedy. Because of Poetics, lecture notes taken by one of Aristotle's students, one knows the definition of a tragedy. From what we know to be true in history, scholars furiously debated the definition of a tragedy. These scholars discussed the best tragedies and the worst ones. The scholars debated the definition and components of a tragedy. The definition of a tragedy results in many interpretations. Therefore, thousands of years of furious debating yielded nothing and wasted precious oxygen. However, according to Aristotle the greatest tragedy is Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Aristotle must have held this tragedy in very high regard because the Poetics is based on Oedipus Rex. What makes Oedipus Rex a tragedy? To understand how this play is a tragedy, one must examine the inner machinations of the Poetics, the mindset of Aristotle, and the glorious Golden Age of Greek civilization.Oedipus and the Sphinx of Thebes, Red Figu re Kylix...Oedipus Rex is a tragedy because it contains all the components as defined by Aristotle.A tragedy must have a catharsis to take the reader's soul through a roller coaster ride of feelings. An analogy of a dark cloud of rain cleansing a house makes a good comparison for the catharsis. This sentence symbolically represents the catharsis or cleansing of the emotions that arouses pity or fear in a tragedy (Aristotle XIV 1). The catharsis in Oedipus Rex is when Oedipus is "as piteous as he appears in the final scene with Creon" (Weigel 1601). The placement of the catharsis results in many contradicting emotions flurrying. These emotions all mix to represent the catharsis. The emotions create a whirlwind of feelings. At first, the people of Thebes think he is god, and then Jocasta commits suicide. These actions represent the spectrum of emotional discharge.To capitalize on the reader's emotions the catharsis should be used in concordance with recognition and reversal. These eff ects leave the reader longing for a resolve. The inclusion of a catharsis with the recognition is directly reflected for "[O]ur knowledge allows us to fear the final revelation, but also to pity this man as his past is gradually and relentlessly uncovered to him" (Weigel 1600). This also adds a element of dramatic irony which is the affect of the reversal. Oedipus confirms the dramatic irony by saying the knowledge "...came to me on a wind that seemed favorable. Ah, I feel the stab of these sharp pains and with it the memory of my sorrow" (Sophocles 93). Oedipus's recognition occurs when the messenger inadvertently tells him his real past. In this one scene, Oedipus life turns around. Triumph collapses to despair and ultimately suffering; "The tremendous excitement of this passage is partly due to the fact that what Oedipus 'recognizes' is the reversal: 'the best form of recognition is coincident with a Reversal of the Situation as in the Oedipus,' says Aristotle (XI 2)" (Fergusson 17). The emotions the catharsis, recognition, and the reversal have triggered is now tripled as hope turns to despair and ultimately death.The result of Oedipus's trouble stems from several ignorant decisions. Aristotle defines hamartia as "error of judgment" (Aristotle XIII 3). The denial of Tiresias presents the root cause of all Oedipus's troubles. This fault causes Oedipus to accuse Tiresias of starting up "...such a story!" (Sophocles 23) and thinking he "...will get away with this" (Sophocles 23). Oedipus makes several key bad decisions. Oedipus also makes a fatal mistake by starting the frantic search throughout the city. Oedipus tries to find the murderer of Laius by madly questioning the dwellers of Thebes. Of course, no one comes forth of the crime because Oedipus himself is the murderer (Sophocles 14).The relevance of fate remains a powerful element in Greek civilization and Greek drama. Symbolically, the power of fate represents the power of the gods. Fighting fate may b e viewed as an aspect of hamartia, but it is not so. Hamartia is error in choice, but if we are fated to decide on a choice is that hamartia? Hence, fate is separately treated. Oedipus denies fate to justify his own intentions. Although Tiresias warns Oedipus that he is the killer he seeks, Oedipus denies his own fate to justify finding the "real" criminal (Sophocles 22-23). Even Jocasta admits he is an "Ill-fated man. May you never find out who you are" (Sophocles 78). His actions cause his misfortune and the misfortune of his family. This is an important component of a tragedy. It sets the tragic hero up for a scene of suffering. Oedipus gives himself "bodily agony, wounds, and the like" (Aristotle XI 6).Oedipus Rex employs several mechanisms from Aristotle's Poetics. A tragedy must contain the elements mentioned in the paper. Each one of the components of a tragedy complements each other to complete the tragic effect. Without the recognition, the reversal is nonexistent. This is just one of the many examples of interdependence. Proving Oedipus Rex is a tragedy is important because of the basis it creates for other tragedies to follow. This tragedy withstands the test of time and now stands as a testament to Western literature. In these manners, Oedipus Rex is truly a great tragedy.

What Are The Pros and Cons of Job Hopping

What Are The Pros and Cons of Job Hopping The jury remains out on job hopping. Most people agree that the stigma is mostly gone, particularly if you’re in the unique brand of circumstances that makes it the wisest move for your career. But there are still pros and cons- even if you think it’s all good or all bad. Job Hopping ConsEmployers might hesitate. If you have a track record of loving and leaving, so to speak, employers might be hesitant to hire you. Or worse, they might put you on the chopping block first if or when lay-offs are in order. At least before you’ve had a chance to prove your loyalty in this Basically, they fear you’ll jump ship at the first sign of trouble. And, to be fair, they have no counter evidence!Lack of satisfaction. If you don’t stick around long enough to really get stuck into a company and reap some of the slow-release long term benefits of loyalty, you’ll miss a potentially truly enjoyable part of your career.Relationships are in danger. Gaining exper ience by job hopping might get you a bunch of bullets on your resume, but it won’t necessarily get you a good recommendation and it won’t help you build the kind of relationships that make for a long and successful career. The last thing you want to do is give the impression that you’re unreliable.Greener grass syndrome. If you get into a pattern of job hopping, you might start to fall victim to the trap of always thinking that the grass is greener in some other job or other career. Try to find a place to settle down when you can and when that would be appropriate. Otherwise, you’ll develop a long list of shallow experiences and expertise, and never reap the sweet rewards of loyalty.  Job Hopping  ProsFinding yourself. If you’re not entirely sure what you want to do with your life, a few job hops early on can actually be very useful in saving you valuable time. Just be mindful to figure out what you like and start pointing yourself in that dire ction with some force and purpose.Variety is fun! They don’t call it the spice of life for nothing. You get that many more opportunities to make sure you find the right fit- as well as a fresh take on things with each new company. But remember, the novelty wears off very quickly. Make sure to get accustomed also to the routine of working a job for more than a few months.Networking, networking, networking. You can amass a truly powerful network by job hopping. Just make sure you’re actually making lasting connections and not just blowing through people for the sake of it.A cash increase. Jumping to a new position, when done right, almost always ends up with you making a bit more money- often more than a routine raise.You’ll grow as a person. You’ll meet more people, you’ll work in a broader range of diverse fields and institutions, and you’ll be exposed to a much wider variety of information and resources. This can really build your versatili ty, and indeed, your attractiveness as a long-term hire in the end, provided you shape your experience mindfully.

Business law - chinese trade and investment law Essay

Business law - chinese trade and investment law - Essay Example Significantly, in accordance with the principle of the balance between rights and duties, once China joins the WTO, China is said to be able to enjoy a "most favoured nation status" (Chen 2000). China's interest in WTO according to Chen (2000) is thus - ".the multilateral, stable and unconditional most favoured nation status provided by the WTO members and the achievements gained by other countries and regions from trade liberalization, [the participation] in the formulation of international trading rules, and [utilization of] the WTO's multilateral dispute solution mechanisms to safeguard China's rights and interests" According to the Fact File of the World Trade Organization (2005), the WTO is the only global international organisation dealing with the rules of trade between nations. Its goal is to help producers of goods and services, exporters, and importers conduct their business through agreements, negotiated and signed by the world's trading nations and ratified in their parliaments. Established on 1January1995, and created by the Uruguay Round negotiations (1986-1994), the organization is based in Geneva, Switzerland where 148countries (on 13October2004) are members. It has a budget of 169million Swiss francs for2005 and is now headed by Pascal Lamy as Director-General. The Fact File (2005) furt... Will joining the World Trade Organisation assist or hinder China's Development From the perspective of Rao (2001), a Chinese biotechnologist and food scientist, yes, China's joining the WTO in the long run will assist its development. Speaking before the WTO, he said China is aware that in so doing, some of its domestic food manufacturers will be hurt or damaged, just as others will not be. The Chinese government are also aware there could be initial shocks in agriculture and food industry, but in the long run "will be converted into a powerful driving force for its development." There are two views over the past years regarding China's accession to WTO: the optimistic view and the pessimistic view. The optimistic view reasons that the availability of cheaper supply food ingredients with higher quality after China's joining the WTO will give competitive edge to Chinese food industry in the international market (Rao 2001). In addition, the optimists say, China's membership will promote the rule of law in the country, undercut state power in controlling the lives of people, and accelerate China's transition from a command economy to a market economy. China's entry will also help modernize accounting, banking, legal, telecommunications, and transportation systems of the country, at the same time reduce corruption, favouritism, and local protectionism (Yu 2001). On the other hand, the pessimistic view says freer international trade and investment will strengthen the competitiveness of foreign food business in China, shrinking the domestic market for manufactured foods on account of the unavoidable decrease in Chinese farmers' income from low productivity. They say this will