A Career in Geograpy Essay - 525 Words

Much of my passion for Geography is derived from the fact that it depicts relevance to all aspects of society. It is dynamic in a sense that my perception and understanding is constantly evolving with the growth in understanding and perception. What intrigues my further pursuit of geography is how Geography unlike other subjects has direct links to both human and physical attributes. By further pursuing geography at a higher education level, I wish to enrich my understanding of the wider significance of issues being faced and how it affects society on a local and global level. It is important to identify and understand the interconnecting aspects of the world around us and apply such knowledge towards a more sustainable future. Geography†¦show more content†¦Geographers are known to be outgoing and eccentric. Participating in various outbound activities such as AYP and Green fingers has given me a greater understanding of the beauty and fragility of physical geography, whil e developing my various attributes including leadership, open-minded and a calculated risk-taker. My participation in the Duke of Edinburgh award can be accredited to my pursuit of Geography, by traversing the natural environment I was able to practice several geographical theories and witness the fragility of ecosystems. In Green Fingers, it was the initiative of me and my fellow peers to teach the lower school about the importance of biodiversity protection and the fragility of different biomes. My passion for environmental protection was evident during this period as I instructed at a personal level, this not only improve my general leadership skills as well as my confidence In promoting ideas that might seem aggressive but beneficial. I believe by integrating the knowledge of subjects such as Design Technology, Physics and Geography it is possible to greater understand the theories around us while being able through practical application to tackle many pressing issues concering the 21st century society. Physics have given me a greater understanding for the physical processes that occur in nature and how numbers can be used to describe processes and reactions , I feel that this can accredit my understanding of

The Effects Of Cutting Down The Rainforests - 1009 Words

Three to six billion trees are cut down each and every year! Deforestation is a huge problem in the rainforests. Because these forests are home to much of the Earth’s species of life. Covering 30 percent of our land forests provide homes, protection, and oxygen for humans and other wildlife in the forests. There are 7.125 billion people that count on the benefits provided by the forest, which is: food, clothing, traditional medicine and shelter. If something isn t done soon to reduce our carbon footprint, we will not have forests of any type to soak up the carbon dioxide(CO2) in the atmosphere. No more pencils no more books no more teacher s dirty looks! If we continue to cut the trees down at the rate we are, this saying will hold true in the near future. The most dangerous effects of cutting down the rainforests is the loss of animals and plants which is caused by the loss of their natural habitat. Seventy percent of the earth s animals and plants live in forests/rainforest, and many can’t survive the deforestation that destroys their homes. The trees of the rainforest that provide shelter and protection for all living organisms also provides the cover that helps regulates the temperature. The removal of the protection of the cover through deforestation would allow a more dangerous variety of temperature from day to night. Forest fire, clearing for agriculture, and logging for timber to build houses are all ways of deforestation. Deforestation will affectShow MoreRelatedDeforestation as a Global Issue Essay1448 Words   |  6 Pages problem. I have been asked to write an assignment on the effects and causes of the deforestation-taking place in the Amazon rainforest. During this assignment I shall investigate the following topics:  · Why has deforestation taken place in the Amazon rainforest?  · Can the government of Brazilsolve this major  · Before and after destruction issue?  · What are the developments in the rainforest?  · What are the negative consequences of deforestation? Read MoreDeforestation Is A Global Issue1630 Words   |  7 PagesIntroduction Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest is the cutting or burning down trees. Two main reasons the Amazon rainforest is being cleared is for raising cattle and growing crops (Figure 1). This is because the production of beef and soy has increased.1 The Amazon rainforest is located in countries throughout South America. The area this report will look at is Brazil, which is the largest country in the region. The majority of deforestation in the Amazon takes place in Brazil.2 There areRead MoreEssay on Amazon Deforestation1462 Words   |  6 PagesHernandez Dr. Katy Koch Writing 101: Research Paper 11 March 2010 Amazon Deforestation The Amazon rainforest the largest tropical area in the world, a vast and humid area where thousands of species of mammals, fish and insects have been unidentified by human; thus being the largest rainforest in the world, it is also the largest area of deforestation where football fields after fields are taken down a minute. The Amazon Deforestation being a growing issue amongst society in this generation can beRead MoreEssay The Human Impact on Rainforests1203 Words   |  5 PagesImpact on Rainforests Human Impact on Rainforest is it a necessity? Rainforest are the beautiful gift of Mother Nature. It consists of the most magnificent species and plants in the world. 4.2% of the world’s animals live in the rainforest. This statistic it self shows how bad it would be to destroy such essential part of the worlds biodiversity. Nevertheless there are still huge advantages of deforestation. But does this mean 2.47 acres of rainforest should beRead MoreEnvironmental Issue: Tropical Rainforest Deforestation1624 Words   |  7 PagesIn all rainforest regions in the world, deforestation has become a major problem. The rainforest is arguably the most complicated and largely interwoven ecosystem on land. However, this treasure is being lost and demolished day by day, the land being cleared away for the pure interest of money making, in the process of deforestation. Not only are thousands of species of organisms being driven to extinction, but we are also effectively eliminating any chance of studying many of the species. AlsoRead MoreDeforestation Essay1071 Words   |  5 Pageshas resulted in 80 percent of Earth’s forest cover being cut down (Deforestation Statistics). Although the lumber harvested from these rainforests across the world serve important purposes, I do not believe it is worth the price nature has to pay. The bottom line is this: Deforestation of the worldâ€℠¢s rainforests is not worth the price paid. Rainforests are home to countless species of animals, many of which are endangered. By tearing down trees in enormous quantities, humans are destroying the homesRead MoreWorld At Risk Assessment : Describe Aspects Of A Geographic Issue Essay1453 Words   |  6 Pagesit is happening, why it is happening, who it involves, how it effects people and the environment. You must include a map showing the location of the issue (you may find one on the internet or construct it yourself). You may include any other visuals such as photos, diagrams, cartoons. Global warming, waste, and pollution are big problems, but deforestation is one of the biggest. Deforestation is when large amounts of trees are cut down because of human wants. The leading cause of deforestation isRead MoreTragedy of Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest Essay1243 Words   |  5 Pages The Amazon rainforest in Brazil is the world largest rainforest with over 30 million different species of plants, animals and insects. The rainforest used to cover of the earths surface but today only covers . This is mainly because some parts of the forest are being rapidly deforested because the forest is so useful to so many people. Deforestation provides benefits for many different companies which wish to make large amounts of money. Also Brazil owes largeRead More The Controversy of Deforestation Essay1347 Words   |  6 Pages The affect of environmental issues occur everyday and in particular deforestation is becoming a highly ranked subject. From animals to the human race, the alacrity of trees that are cut down affects every individual in a variety of ways. Not only do people need to help the planet but they need to help themselves and further generations to come, such as children and grandchildren because these natural resources that are being taken away from society are as well shaping the future. For comprehensibleRead MoreCauses of Deforestation Essay579 Words   |  3 PagesCauses for Deforestation The Rainforests are being destroyed, daily at alarming rates. The deforestation is caused by three main factors: Commercial Logging, Non-commercial Farming Operations and Commercial Agricultural Development, there are also many minor factors, but the biggest of these is Cocaine production. Many sources pinpoint commercial logging as the primary culprit in tropical rainforest destruction. Logging damages the rainforest directly through the removal of commercially

Han vs Mauryan Free Essays

The Chinese Han Dynasty vs. The Indian Mauryan/Gupta Empire The Han Dynasty of China and the Mauryan/Gupta Empire of India in 206 B. C. We will write a custom essay sample on Han vs Mauryan or any similar topic only for you Order Now E to 550 C. E had many social and cultural differences which made them unique societies, but their political structure and form of government seemed to borrow ideas from each other. The social aspects of both empires had a lot in common because gender-roles, family and relationships were looked at in the same way. During the Mauryan/Gupta as well as the Han Dynasty, women were subservient to men and families relied on patriarchs. In both empires there were close knit villages, landowners had power and merchants took second role in the social system. However, the two had their differences. The Mauryan/Gupta Empire put emphasis on caste while the Han Dynasty was based on a social structure. The Mauryan/Gupta Empire’s caste system was an important social bond and a crucial part of the political structure. At the top of the system were the priests, then the warriors and rulers, followed by the merchants, skilled traders and minor officials, after that were the unskilled workers and finally the â€Å"untouchables†, who were outcastes and barely considered as people. The strict caste system provided a network of rules by which people could regulate their lives and activities and also promoted public order which helped politically. The caste system was so strictly enforced that no one could intermarry or be moved up a class so it determined where you would be for all your life. The caste system also played a role in religion which encouraged the use of a caste system rather than people look down upon it. On the other hand, the Han Dynasty relied on a highly structured system of classes. The most powerful was the emperor, the nobles and the military officers, who made up the first class. Next came the farmers and peasants who made up the second tier. Lastly, the third class was made up of merchants, commoners and servants. This system differed greatly from the Mauryan/Gupta Empire because it was far less definite; the assigned social class for each person dictated their social status but not their wealth or power. This Chinese structure also stressed on level of education rather than where you were socially unlike the Indian system. Even though many of their values were mostly the same, the development and transformation of social structures made them completely different. The Han Dynasty and Mauryan/Gupta Empire were developing similarly in science and technology during this time period. Advances in astronomy and medicine in both civilizations included the calculation of the motion of planets, bone setting, plastic surgery and personal hygiene. Studies in mathematics also came about in the Han and Mauryan/Gupta Empire. In spite of the fact that they were sharing technological advances, the belief systems, philosophies and religions differed greatly between the two. The Mauryan/Gupta Empire had lively art, which included many epic poems, and primary religions that suggested unpractical, otherworldly beliefs. The practice of Buddhism and Hinduism flourished during this time because the great ruler, Ashoka, spread Buddhist values and accepted and honored Hindu principles. These religions had practices that could be considered out of this world because of the belief that there are divine forces and beings. On the contrary, the Han Dynasty had restrained art, and separate, more practical belief systems. These belief systems did not have a belief in any supernatural or godly forces but served as lifestyle guides. Confucianism, a philosophical system from the teachings of Confucius, spread because it focused on righteousness and morals rather than gods. Belief systems in the Han Dynasty were formed based on the needs and views of the people. Whereas, the belief systems formed in the Mauryan/Gupta Empire were made to unite humans with the divine. The political structure and forms of government of the Han Dynasty and Mauryan/Gupta Empire shared many of the same ideas. Both had bureaucracies with groups of specialized officials and a centralized government. They were also the same because they had a form of autocratic rule so there was government by a single person that had authority over all others. The two were also the same when it came to expansion; they both expanded their borders during this period. Though there was one big difference, the Mauryan/Gupta had large, strong armies and utilized them while the Han Dynasty had a small army and didn’t feel it was necessary to even have armed forces. Although their ruling styles were very similar, the militaristic values set them apart. The Chinese Han Dynasty and Indian Mauryan/Gupta Empire borrowed government direction and approach from each other but did not influence each other socially or change their cultural identities. During the time period of 206 B. C. E to 550 C. E, the Persian Empire was also taking form. Similarly, this empire had bureaucracy, supported and formed religions and expanded territory. Today, China and India both have heavy influence on the world due to their cultural and technological exchanges connecting them to all parts of the world. How to cite Han vs Mauryan, Essay examples

Battle Royal By Ellison Essay Example For Students

Battle Royal By Ellison Essay After I read the story Battle Royal by Ralph Ellison, I could not restrain my thoughts about issues of morality and what it has to do with reality, from clashing in to one another in my mind. As these two completely different ideas were pushing me to the brink of madness, my mind began to click. At this point I came to the realization that a persons reality, that is that persons mental reflection of the society and/or time in which he or she lives, is consistent with that persons morality or standards of right and wrong. I realize that my concept of a persons reality being consistent with morality is quite confusing. I also accept the fact that there are always exceptions to rules. The story Battle Royal is the key in understanding and seeing the relationship between morality and reality. The characters in this story, namely the grandfather and his grandson, reveal to us their individuality, principles, morals, and ethics. Doing so they unfold a map that reveals their mental reality. Because their principals, morals and ethics reveal to us their mental reality, then their mental reality discloses the reality of the society in which they live. Battle Royal is a story about a black boy that is psychologically wakened when he overhears what his grandfather says on his deathbed to his father. Our heros journey toward the light truth is started a long time ago. However in the beginning he is unable to get on the right course, due to the wrong advice he is given by different people; he says it as All my life I had been looking for something, and everywhere that I turned someone tried to tell me what it was. I accepted their answers too, though they were often in contradiction 223. Because each time that he accepts their advice he is little by little pushed off the right track. It is not until he realizes that he is searching for himself, and instead of asking others questions, he needs to ask the questions to himself. Once he discovers whom to turn to, he begins a long and difficult journey in which he realizes that he is a unique person. He puts it as, I am nobody but myself 223. This means that he is unique and he is who he is, black. However before he comes to this enlightenment he discovers that he is an invisible man 223. He marks himself invisible because in the society in which a person is unheard and unseen by others he is invisible. At that point our young friends problem is clear. He is a black boy in a White mens world, in which he is not seen or heard. Yet he still does not know what to do about it until he hears his grandfathers words to his father: Son, after Im gone I want you to keep up a good fight. I never told you, but your life is a war and IÂ  have been a traitor all my born days, a spy in the enemys country ever since I give up my gun back in the Reconstruction. Live with your head in the lions mouth. I want you to overcomeem with yeses, undermineem with grins, agreeem to death and destruction, letem swoller you till they vomit or bust wide open. Learn it to the younguns. 223 These last words that his grandfather speaks are the chain-breakers that set the young boys mind free. These are the wo rds that guide him on the right path to the realization of who he is, and how he needs to start thinking and acting. However, this path that his grandfather sets him on, is one that presents many mind-tormenting problems. This boy and all like him live in a white dominated society, and the white men in the society can be seen as the puppeteers. In his society the black people are chained down in a reality in which the white dominating society imposes certain morals or principles by which the black community needs to act. .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 , .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .postImageUrl , .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 , .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7:hover , .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7:visited , .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7:active { border:0!important; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7:active , .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7 .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .uf75de27b2a87b6c804fb418348b465f7:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Animal Farm and 1984 Comparison EssayHowever unlike the people around him, he is able to break the chains that imprison his mind and see how things really work. He first gets a true sense in what kind of society he lives when he is invited to give his graduation speech at the battle royal. A battle royal is a sort of a barbarous boxing match in which black boys with blindfolds are forced to fight each other for the entertainment of certain towns men. Our hero is also made to participate in this activity. I was shocked to see some of the most important men of the town quite tipsy, he says when he sees who is there. They were all there-bankers, lawyers, judges, doctors, fire chiefs, teachers, merchants. Even one of the more fashionable pastors. 225. After the fight, in front of that drunk and perverted crowd of white influential males he is going to present his graduation speech, a speech that address Social responsibility 231. At the end of the story we finally see how his morality becomes constant with the reality that he lives. The night after the Battle Royal he has a dream. In it he hears his grandfather give him instructions to read a note that is in the briefcase which was given to him as an award. The note read, To Whom It May Concern, Keep this Nigger-Boy Running 233. This is the point that he realizes that the nice things he has been given are not for his benefit, but he is being about with these gifts. From all this he now knows for a fact that he lives in a society that does not except him as a person, but rather more like an animal that does not disserve any human rights. Because this society is his reality, he now needs to alter his moral ideas so it will compliment his newly realized reality.

Article Related To Cultural Pluralism Example

Article Related To Cultural Pluralism Example Article Related To Cultural Pluralism – Book Report/Review Example Cultural pluralism and its realities 28 May Summary In the article, â€Å"Japanese International Female Experience of Discrimination, Prejudice, and Stereotypes,† Bonazzo and Wong (2007) examined the experiences of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes of Japanese students. They interviewed four Japanese international female college students who came from a predominantly white university. Findings showed that they experienced overt forms of discrimination and prejudice, stereotyping because they are Asian, stereotyping because they are Japanese, and they mainly coped with discrimination through avoidance. These participants were amazed that modern Americans had backward knowledge of and attitudes to Asians and the Japanese. Personal OpinionI believe that this article shows that racial prejudice and discrimination continue to exist in modern American society. The two kinds of stereotyping, both â€Å"positive† and â€Å"negative,† hurt the prejudiced group. F or instance, the participants felt that as Asians, they were stereotyped as â€Å"overachievers.† This might create pressure on them, which will only stress them further, instead of inspiring them to study hard, or to demonstrate their individualities. Furthermore, what if they are not overachievers? What if some Japanese are actually gifted in sports and prefer being better in volleyball than getting A’s in school? Prejudice does nothing positive for these people, because we erase the ability for people to have identities that are separate from the stereotypes we ascribe to them. We cannot promote cultural pluralism in our lives, if we hold racial prejudice in our thinking and emotions. We should treat people as individuals and not assume that stereotypes apply to all.Relation to ClassThis article is related to our class and concepts, because it shows that racism exists in the United States. It comes from prejudice about people, which are preconceived judgments about people with similar characteristics. Prejudice can result to hidden or overt discrimination, both of which are bad for society, because they divide people, instead of motivating them to interact with one another. Discrimination can also be physically and/or emotionally damaging. People who discriminate turn into bullies who hurt the â€Å"other.† They are also harmed because they do not take advantage of diversity, such as learning from these differences. People who experience discrimination are particularly harmed, because they feel threatened and anxious. They are forced to acts of silence or violence, because discrimination demeans their identities. This article, hence, portrays the concepts of prejudice, discrimination, and stereotyping, which are attitudes that do not co-exist with a culturally pluralistic society. ReferenceBonazzo, C. & Wong, Y.J. (2007). Japanese international female students experience of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes. College Student Jou rnal, 41 (3), 631-639.

The Best Trees for Landscaping a Subdivision

The Best Trees for Landscaping a Subdivision If youre trying to add some greenery to your yard or subdivision, there are dozens of excellent trees from which to pick. The best are robust, native varieties that provide shade and color without requiring too much maintenance. Before making your final decision, study the characteristics of the trees below to determine which one is best suited to your needs. What Makes a Good Landscaping Tree The best trees for landscaping are those that are native to North America and thrive within large geographical ranges. These hardy varieties will endure through the years and support other plants and wildlife. Exotics, while beautiful, tend to have one of two problems: they either go on to develop health problems (becoming insect-infested, diseased, and brittle) or they become a green scourge that threatens native trees and plants. Sometimes they have both problems. These trees also become very large and require significant space to support them. The Best Trees for Landscaping The trees below all make great yard trees within the limits of their potential habitats and growth constraints. They come highly recommended by horticulturists and landscapers. Red Maple:  The red maple is native to Americas east coast. Arthur Plotnik, in The Urban Tree Book, writes that it has become one of the Nations favorite- if not the hardiest- street trees.Yellow Poplar or Tuliptree:  Known for its unique leaves, which become quite colorful in the fall, the yellow poplar is found throughout cities across America. Horticulturist Michael Dirr says that it is hard not to bump into a tulip tree in the course of ones horticultural travels.Red and White Oak: Among the 600 or so oak species, Arthur Plotnick writes, an elite few of these, in the right place at the right time, have inspired the kind of awe and legend attached to gods and heroes. Such trees are mainly of the white oak group.Flowering Dogwood: Found in the eastern United States and southern Ontario, the flowering dogwood is famous for its small red and white flowers. Guy Sternberg, author of Native Trees for North American Landscapes, says it may be the most spectacular flowering tree nativ e to our region. Sycamore: A hardy tree with dark reddish brown bark, the sycamore is found in the eastern and central United States.American Elm: Another tough tree, the American elm is, in the words of Guy Sternberg, massive, long-lived, tough, easy to grow, adaptable and blessed with an arching, wine-glass-like silhouette, making it the perfect street tree.River Birch: Unlike other birches, the river birch has excellent heat tolerance, making it perfect for warmer climates in the southeastern United States.American Holly: According to Michael Dirr, the American holly is considered the finest tree-type evergreen holly. Over the years, more than 1000 cultivars  have been named. No Tree Is Perfect Remember, all yard trees have both good and bad characteristics. It is a rare tree that will satisfy your needs throughout its entire lifespan on a given site. A tree can outgrow its original purpose very quickly or grow into its intended purpose very slowly. Understanding this concept is the key to proper tree planting in your yard. It is extremely important for you to understand that your tree needs early attention after planting and correct care as it matures. You may permanently harm your tree through incorrect placement or improper care.

Unemployed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Unemployed - Essay Example Moreover, the individuals must be â€Å"seeking work† using different strategies to secure paid employment or become self-employed. In addition the individuals have to be â€Å"Currently available for work† in that if work was available they would take it or are willing to become self-employed. The â€Å"without work† criterion distinguished between the employed and the unemployed and it literally means being is situation where a person is lacking work or not being employed is a specific period. Therefore, persons without work are those who have not been working during the time of reference. For example, if a person was engaged in any sort of work even if casual, during the reference period, they are considered employed. Therefore, they do not suit the definition of unemployment even if they were seeking other forms of employment. The other criteria â€Å"current available for work† and â€Å"seeking work† are used to distinguish the unemployed persons from the economically inactive. For example, an old person who have retired cannot be considered unemployed since they are not currently available for work and are not seeking employment. Therefore, the unemployed are those within the economically active age and lack work, are available to do work, and are seeking for work (Hussmanns, Mehran and Varma 95-100). Mankiw and Taylor (564) argue that the â€Å"unemployed person is someone who is without a job and who is willing to start work within the next two weeks and either has been looking for work within the last four weeks or was waiting to start a job.† Therefore, a person who has not been making any efforts to get a job cannot be considered unemployed. Moreover, if a person has other commitments at the period of survey, for example pursuing academic goals, he or she cannot be considered unemployed. Those people with work and are seeking for some other form of work cannot also be considered as unemployed (Mankiw and Taylor 562-565). Conclusively, the

The Battle to be Top Dog PetSmart vs. Petco Essay

The Battle to be Top Dog PetSmart vs. Petco - Essay Example This created the popularity of the company and improved the customers trust in the benefit of the company. Handling competition is not an easy job and it needs committed resources of manual labor, system, and financial plan. Any trail off from a company would lead in decline of market share and profit. This made the Petsmart advance, widens its market thus included services such as, adoption, training, veterinary, grooming, day care, and more so pet hotel. . The article illustrates how Petsmart has vastly managed to strike equilibrium between being wholly alert on availability and pricing, which is highly vital in competing with strong merchandisers and looking into value added- services. The previous year the company groomed 7.5 million dogs, a 16% increase over the year before. It provided 378,000 training classes, another 16% increase. Overall, services are to generate $450 million sales this year, about 10% of the companys $4.5 billion total, but representing 26% annual growth since the initiation of the strategy in 2000. The structure of the company itself is a competitive strategy since it pleases the sight of the customer and the pet. For example, the inner dà ©cor was in blue color, decorated with brick and sliding to be attractive to the public. Petco uses a highly different approach compared to Petsmart. It Diversifies its market products Moreso for other animals not necessarily pets products. It recently introduced a â€Å"reptile rendezvous†. This Includes, the demonstration of products, and the photo contest. This strategy has improved its income since the effectiveness of the program pleases customers. Although petco has not embraced the services aggressively like Petsmart, it features grooming services and more so providing doggie day care at various locations. These Strategies have made it succeed thus withstanding the stiff competition from the Petsmart. Other sources say

Demonstrate how to show not tell the action Assignment

Demonstrate how to show not tell the action - Assignment Example The troops trudge towards the opposite end of the terminal. Their walk is characteristics of the surprise appreciation at this morning hour. Everyone is now afoot. A handshake offered, with an accompanying smile. The looks tell of pride and gratitude in this ecstatic moment of appreciation. As they walk down the momentary alley, feelings are kinetic. The memories of the previous onslaught thaws by the warmth of this moment. As majestic as they may seem, the chill is infectious. A heroic aura blended with a show of homecoming is all a troop can experience. The magnetic moment is impetuous and the child looks on, savoring the enigma of the moment. She cannot quite comprehend the unspoken elements held so closely by the moment. As the proceeding fades down the terminal, the lingering telltale of gratitude is characteristic of both parties. The general looks back at the unfamiliar faces made fleetingly clear by the momentary bond of appreciation. For a moment, the feeling of service to t he country stands worth the take. It is the Budweiser moment of

Characteristics of Tabloid Newspapers

Characteristics of Tabloid Newspapers What is common between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky, Paris Hilton, Poonam Pandey and Rakhi Sawant. If one has to answer this question from a mere factual point of view, he might falter. This is due to the fact that all these people (and many more like them) strike the common chord of the term Tabloidization. Defining tabloidization might be a little difficult, but if we want to check it out from a birds eye view, it will be the massive changes that have taken place in mainstream media over past few years. The factual meaning, however, comes from the word tabloid, which refers to a particular size used by the British newspapers (23.5 in by 14.75 in). Because of the extensive use of such sized newspapers, we can say that the British print media is tabloidized, quite literally. The typical form of tabloid is marked by two major and distinct features: it devotes relatively less importance to issues of economics, politics and society and focuses more on diversions like sports, scandals and popular entertainment. This new category of journalism and media is believed to be of great consequence, atleast to the practice of journalism at large and it is important to understand the reasoning behind it. In this article we will try to understand how the tabloids function, the historical background and the effect it has on the serious media and on the society. Historical background: The existence of tabloids can be traced back to the first part of the 20th century in Britain. United States and rest of the Europe were a little late to catch up but during the late 30s and post world-war 2 eras, tabloids started to grow here as well. The Daily Mail and Daily Mirror, published by Hammersmith and Rothermere, were the first tabloids in Britain, which were soon followed by the likes of The Sun, published by the Murdoch group and currently Britains highest selling tabloid. In other developing countries, like China and India, the tabloid movement is growing and the growth has been especially rapid in last 10 years or so. Historically, tabloids have existed alongside other quality papers, so to say. But, in recent years, we have been experiencing a glaring gap between serious media and tabloids. We will be using the term serious media only as to be able to emphasize tabloidization as a phenomena which is not looked upon in a very positive manner, specially because of the features mentioned above. Characteristic features of tabloids: One of the main characteristics of tabloids have been that they have always been brash and loud, they have used sensationalism as a medium to engage the readers and give preference to anything and everything that arouses and titillates public interest. The most interesting part about tabloids is that the journalism covers the nuances of the fantastic and the crazily invented which the consumers are not only aware of but also accommodate the same in their reading strategies. Sex, scandals, celebrity, nightlife, glamour, horror, sting operations and probing into the personal lives of people are the areas frequented by the tabloids. Another common aspect across all tabloids is the extensive use of posters and photographs, and usually the reporting lines are used as fillers. Most of the tabloids publish pictures of naked/semi-naked models on page 3 or 5 (Mid-day have them on page 2, known as the Mid-day mates). And other prominent stories include crime, sex, sensational news items, parties, celebrity remarks etc. however, it is wrong to assume that they dont carry other serious news such as politics, economics and other news of national interest, but the tone used is highly personalized and the reporters are opinionated. Such reporting does not provide any scope of objective and analytical reasoning being reported and fostered. Probably the only thing it efficiently does is to teach people to take sides. During the times when a media agenda needs to be set, tabloids will usually do the most myopic possible job. And it doesnt end there; tabloids also have the tendency of juxtaposing reality and fantasy in order to arouse interest and even at times, mislead their readers. There are recorded instances of these tabloids carrying reports of alien attacks etc. The Sun went as far ahead declaring the first inter-galactic treaty being made when they carried a cover page picture of ET shaking hands with President Clinton. Reasons, Consequences and Effects: If we analyse tabloidization from a simple perspective, we will see that it is actually a very simple phenomenon. It is only a transition being driven by market forces from being driven by public agendas. But, if someone has to analyze it in a deeper way, then one must understand the political, economical and social reasons behind the growth of this trend. Tabloidization has coined new terms, junk food and rag sheet for example, but what we can see is the fact that all these have derogatory connotations, primarily due to the fact that issues that concerns the citizen are thrown on the back-burner, while scandal, entertainment and lifestyle has taken the centre-stage. This has definitely harmed the relationship between mass media and politics and current affairs. We will look into a few reasons behind it phenomenon. People want media to be more personalized, more interactive, and by juxtaposing the serious news and the tabloid, private and public spheres are getting connected constantly. This also portrays the shift in peoples outlook and justifies the declining audience for traditional news agenda. Media itself has become more and more corporatized, which had lead to shaping of news in order to be able to cater to the taste of audiences. Like any other corporate business, revenue maximization has given way to the populist agenda. It has become a trend in the competitive industry, especially in a free market. Declining circulation is another major concern. The increasing use of internet news, which massively deploy the tabloid strategy. The worst possible effect of tabloidization is that it fails to serve the prime function of journalism, which is to inform the people about the issues which concern the public interest. As a direct consequence of tabloidization, we can see the change in priority in terms of time-slots; prime-time is no longer news and current affairs, it more about creating a spectacle. Even though the classical definition of journalism does not talk about covering and reporting facts related to politics, economy or other issues of public interest only, they can even choose to cater to the section of people who are looking for content that suits popular taste and public interest. But tabloids are not only accused of sensationalizing news and blowing things beyond proportion but also for publishing and broadcasting information which is not verified and an unbiased opinion is seldom offered. This defeats the very purpose of journalism where the journalist should be seeking the truth and should not be offering a story tailored to suit the preferences of the readers/viewers and advertisers. Justifications: Despite having such negative connotations, there are justifications as well. Some believe that tabloidization (like talk shows) is a boon as they present different lifestyles and cultures which help in human integration. And some argue that is offers an alternative reality and helps utopian and emancipating fantasies. On a very Indian context, it can be compared to the existence of channels like Aaj Tak and India TV, who are actually thriving despite the fact that they are nothing but tabloidized version of news channels. People prefer tabloids as hard news is at times difficult to digest and its impersonal nature doesnt interest them. Tabloidization and journalism: The definition of Conclusion: It is very difficult to reach a common consensus and brand tabloidization good or bad. On one hand, it is almost utopian to expect private media corporations to behave like public service units, especially in a consumerist world, and on the other hand we can debate whether the right of reader/viewer to truthful information is being violated or not. On a broad level, news agenda being more entertainment driven is understandable, but it becomes unacceptable when news is transformed into an entertainment package. The tabloids are engaged at the level of our deepest needs for safety and security and they constantly make us feel vulnerable (Sansani, for example). This is done in order to capture the attention and drive the public agenda through the media agenda. The fact that one third of American still believe that Saddam Hussain was responsible for the September 11 attack, is a glaring example of their success. It might have been better if the tabloids would only have existed alongside the serious news, but unfortunately (or fortunately!!) the line between the two seems to be blurring, and with the dropping demand for traditional media and astronomical rise in media consumption through the digital mediums, the situation will only become more complex. To conclude, we can only say that tabloidization follows the mantra of: Tickle the public, make them grin, The more you tickle, the more youll win

Brave New World Essay -- essays research papers

Brave New World There is a great deal of evidence that supports the idea that we, in the twenty first century, are headed toward the society described by Huxley in Brave New World. Such things as advances in technology, government yearning for complete control, and an uncontrollable world population are many of the reasons Huxley’s world might become our own. Scientific advancements in technology are made everyday. The Bokanovsky Process is one of these advancements that could possibly be made. It is not impossible to create 96 embryos from one egg. This is based on the premise of cloning. In Huxley’s world, cloning is a reality, as it is today. Many advances in the cloning system are being made everyday and "mass production" of people is not an impossibility in the near future...

Organization Learning and Development Essay

Organizational performance depends upon human resources, knowledge and skills of employees. Organization learning and development determine overall success of organizational performance and market position of a company or firm. Changes occurred in technology, marketing, and numerous management techniques, some of which are concerned with human problems. Most of the changes are made in a rather disjointed or piecemeal manner. Following Revans (1980) learning in an organization must be greater than or equal to the rate of change in the environment. The approach emerging today is to use the growing body of ideas and systematic thought to consider innovatory ideas on organization and to adopt a more systematic comprehen ¬sive look at problems, so that we look at the whole instead of looking at separate parts. In modern environment, individuals have a lot of freedom, apart from certain laws of society, but when they join an organization their freedom is restricted and their effort must be joined with those of others to achieve organizational goals through learning and development practices. Change cannot occur if employees do not have sufficient knowledge and skills necessary for new organizational environment. Following Argyris (1977) â€Å"organizational learning as the process of detection and correction of errors† In his view organizations learn through individuals acting as agents for them† (cited Malhotra 1996). In this case, organizational learning becomes a change agent for the organization. Following Polanyi, Nonaka and Takeuchi (1995) identify two types of knowledge, â€Å"tacit knowledge† and â€Å"explicit knowledge†, which influence organizational learning and development. Employees need to acquire tacit knowledge and explicit knowledge in order to meet individual and business goals. Some administra ¬tive apparatus is needed through which managerial authority is exercised. Therefore a hierarchy is formed which issues policy statements to ensure any discretion that individuals may have in their work is exercised in the spirit or attitude of the organization. Without tacit and explicit knowledge, an organization is not able to meet rapidly changing environment. This requirement is somewhat, although not exclusively, dependent upon the first. The level of involvement of employees in the learning process will be necessarily substantial. For the innovation of new ideas to be successful a high degree of integration is needed between all concerned (e. g. engineering, production management and marketing). Organizations that are too rigidly structured may find integration of all necessary activities very difficult (Armstrong 2001). Nick Bontis et al (2002) states that stock and flow of knowledge affect three level in organizations: personal, team and organizational. Direct business needs, which have been identified from the study of the organizational situation might best be met in part by some form of training which cascades down the organization. Selection in such cases is likely to be on a broad basis, because the judgment has already been made that most people need this training. Although there might be discussion with line managers, particularly on who should attend first, selection ul ¬timately should be a central decision, and should be compulsory (Senior, 2001). Following Flood (1999) knowledge and learning allow employees to be better positioned in organization and give them a chance to survive and prosper in different environments. Revans (1980) is right stating that learning in an organization must be greater than the rate of change because learning and development open new opportunities for organizations and allow the staff to meet the criteria set down: persistence and great personal desire to master this knowledge. On the other hand, knowledge develops such important skills as the ability to analyze and synthesize information about the clanging environment. In this situation, employees take into account universal concepts and experience of other people trying to solve his/her life problems or trying to find solution to these troubles (Schuler 1998). Without new knowledge, employees depend upon their own life experience and are limited by prejudices and life scope. Learning cultivates human creativity and helps it to flourish. Organizational learning and development help to create new practical knowledge on the basis of the existing one making employees free from old technologies and views of their peers. Following Weick (1991): â€Å"organizations are not built to learn. Instead, they are patterns of means-ends relations deliberately designed to make the same routine response to different stimuli, a pattern which is antithetical to learning in the traditional sense† (cited Malhotra 1996). Without organizational learning and development, organizations could not benefit from outside worlds depending on their limited world perception. Freedom of choice is the main priority given by education and knowledge. They can choose without knowledge but their choice would be accidental and cannot guarantee the best solution to the problem you are faced with. Organizational learning and development help organizations to get in touch with the society and others which also a key to freedom (Mayo 1998). In the book â€Å"The Fifth Discipline†, Senge (1995) explains organizational development and performance through system theory. Organizations are affected by environment and have a structure which has both formal and informal elements. The analysis of structure will cover how activities are grouped together, the number of levels in the hierarchy, the extent to which authority is decentralized to divisions and units, and the relationships that exist between different units and functions. Senge states that systems thinking method helps organizations to transform their activities and become a learning organization (Organizational Learning and Information Systems 2007). Five disciplines include â€Å"building shared vision, mental models, team learning, personal mastery, systems thinking† (Senge 1995, p. 56). These principles are crucial because these factors allow organizations adapt to changing environments. So, without active learning and development organizations will not be able to compete on the market and adapt changes. Learning process should be prier to change. Bearing in mind the need to take an empirical and contingent approach to organizing, as suggested above, the aim of learning could be defined as being to optimize the arrangements for conducting the affairs. â€Å"A systems orientation is evidenced through common language producing thinking that encourages greater interdependency thus allowing for cross-functional thinking and abilities to be drawn into a productive whole† (Barker, Camarata, 1998, p. 4). To do this, it is necessary, as far as circumstances allow, to: clarify the overall purposes of learning – the strategic thrusts that govern what it does and how it functions; define as precisely as possible the key activities required to achieve that purpose; group these activities logically together to avoid unnecessary overlap or duplica ¬tion. Following Goh (1998) â€Å"Learning organizations not only encourage these practices but also have mechanisms or systems that allow them to happen. Part of this knowledge transfer involves learning successful practices from other organizations and competitors as well† (p. 5). As Katz and Kahn (1964) wrote: ‘Systems theory is basically concerned with prob ¬lems of relationship, of structure and of interdependence. As a result, there is a considerable emphasis on the concept of transactions across boundaries – between the system and its environment and between the different parts of the system† (Katz and K ahn, 1964, p. 48). According to this theory, all organizations have some learning and development which influence market position and innovative approach to performance. Structures incorporate a network of roles and relationships and are there to help in the process of ensuring that collective effort is explicitly organized to achieve specified ends (Mayo 1998). Most employees require much practice to create professional skills and knowledge. Organizations are continually dependent upon and influenced by their environments. The basic characteristic of organizational learning is that it transforms inputs into outputs within its environment. The components of organizational learning include the importation of energy, the throughput, and the systems as cycle aspects of organizations (McNamara 2007). Organizational learning and development include key organizational processes – an organization’s ‘task’ environment includes suppliers, markets and competitors; the wider environment includes factors such as public attitudes, economic and political systems, laws etc; employees and other tangible assets – people, plant, and equipment; formal organizational requirements – systems designed to regulate the actions of employees (and machines); the social system – culture (values and norms) and relationships between employees in terms of power, affiliation and trust; technology – the major techniques people use while engaged in organizational processes and that are programmed into machines; the dominant coalition – the objectives, strategies, personal characteristics and internal relationships of those who oversee the organization as a whole and control its basic policy making (Reed 2001). If organizations are unable to prepare their staff to a coming change, they will be inevitably left behind. Revans is right stating that learning in an ‘organization must be greater than or equal to the rate of change in the environment’ because organizations depend upon the learning and development as a part of change. Following â€Å"as the relationship changes and becomes more complex, the need increases for a relation-based learning organization using communication at all levels and through its various forms† (Barker, Camarata 1998, p. 4). The overall purpose of organizational learning and development is to ensure that the staff is able to achieve success in changing environments. In this case, organizational learning and development can be the source of the organizational capabilities that allow it to learn and capitalize on new opportunities. Ensure that the staff obtains and retains the skilled, committed and well-motivated workforce it needs. This means taking steps to assess and satisfy future people needs and to enhance and develop the inherent capacities of people – their contributions, potential and employability – by providing learning and continuous development opportunities (Nonaka, Takeuchi 1995). It can also involve the development of high performance work systems which enhance flexibility and include â€Å"rigorous recruitment and selec ¬tion procedures, performance-contingent incentive compensation systems, and management development and training activities linked to the needs of the organization† (Mayo 1998, p. 49). An understanding of organiza ¬tional processes and skills in the analysis and diagnosis of patterns of organizational behavior are therefore important. Organizations need to be able to understand the patterns of behavior that are observed to predict in what direction behavior will move (particularly in the light of managerial action), and to use this knowledge to control behavior over the course of time. Effective managerial action requires that the manager be able to diagnose the system he or she is working in. According to Goh (1998): Skill and knowledge acquisition are obviously useless unless they can be transferred to the immediate job by the employee. It is even better if this knowledge can also be transferred to other parts of the organization to solve problems and energize creative new ideas. Part of this knowledge transfer involves learning successful practices from other organizations and competitors as well† (15). Barker and Camarata (1998): underlines that: â€Å"personal mastery is the continual process of growth and development needed for creative work for both the individual and organization. Learning in organizations occurs only through the learning that individuals acquire â€Å"(4). The organization must do all it can to explain why change is essential and how it will affect everyone. Moreover, every effort must be made to protect the interests of those affected by change. Resistance to change is inevitable if the individuals concerned feel that they are going to be worse off – implicitly or explicitly. Management of change will produce that reaction. In an age of global competition, technological innovation, turbulence, disconti-nuity, even chaos, change is inevitable and necessary (Senior, 2001). In sum, learning in an organization must be greater than the rate of change in the environment, because only in this case organizations able to compete on the market and create skilled workforce. Organizational learning and development can be seen as a part of change process which allows organizations to foreshadow coming changes and possible problems. Learning should be greater than the rate of change, because organizations welcome the challenges and opportunities if they have strong human resources and skilled workforce. They are the ones to be chosen as change agents. Reference http://www.brint.com/papers/orglrng.htm

The Nude in Weatern Tradition essays

The Nude in Weatern Tradition essays The depiction of the nude female model by a male artist in oil painting has played a significant role in the western tradition over the last 500 years. The oil painting of the female nude is subject to the artists interpretation of her form. She is affected by the artists desire for his model, as well as his art and she is torn between the artists inability to be both lover and painter. Hubert Damischs The Underneaths of Painting helps the reader understand the importance of the male painters imaging of the female form. By analyzing Balzacs Unknown Masterpiece, Damisch uncovers several tangents to the unique relationship between artists and the women they create on canvas. Balzac tells a tale of the truth behind the creative process of an artist and the way he perceives his vision when finally completed in oil. Poussin is a young painter who doesnt quite understand how the concepts of desire and love will affect the perception of his model, and lover, Gilette. He soon embarks on a journey that takes him underneath the paint: Under the paint and as its truth, instead and in the place of the so-called picture, the exchange assuming its last true face: a woman for a picture and a woman for what forms (or ought to) its subject. It is at this point in the picture where the subterranean, archaeological presence of the woman reveals itself, that something is given to see, something that can be spoken, that can be named, something moreover alive, delectable, a foothold for desire; in a word, something that looks at us unlike the inexpressible wall of paint that holds it captive, (Damisch 202). There are many layers of paint put on to one canvas, but the image isnt visible right away, she must grow through the brushstrokes. When the last brush of paint tou ...

Looking At The Social Care Policy For Kids Social Work Essay Essay Example

Looking At The Social Care Policy For Kids Social Work Essay Essay Example Looking At The Social Care Policy For Kids Social Work Essay Essay Looking At The Social Care Policy For Kids Social Work Essay Essay Lynne Berry, good quality service starts with good quality preparation. The GSCC are working with universities to guarantee that tomorrow s societal workers are clear about the criterions they are expected to run into, animate public assurance in societal attention and are able to work successfully with co-workers from other professions ( GSCC, 2003 ) . Harmonizing to Campbell ( 2007 ) , A spokesman from the Department for Children, Schools and Families, which is responsible for kid public assistance, said: In response to the Victoria Climbie enquiry, we have well strengthened the model of jurisprudence, counsel and back uping systems to assist maintain kids safe, and that work is go oning. Tragically we know some kids still suffer maltreatment and disregard. Despite the cosmopolitan support for the purposes of Every Child Matters policy, there are still kids that faux pas through the net. In May 2007, one -month- old Luigi Askew was beaten to decease by his violent male parent. Social workers and constabularies were accused of In decision, whilst researching Every Child Matter it is important to recognize most alterations in legislation/Act/polices to protect kids derive from weaknesss by both professionals and household members to protect kids. Victoria Climbie s decease was wake up call for practicians and professionals who are supposed to be safeguarding and protecting kids s public assistance. However it is of import to indicate that, over the centuries the public assistance province has tried to safeguard kids and statute law have invariably been put topographic point to forestall such conditions. Legislation is cardinal to developing policies for practicians to work within and protect both service users and professionals. Guidelines that assist to working more efficaciously with households are continually germinating in order to accomplish better results. Need to make a thorough enchantment cheque and grammar cheque. Be really careful about doing affectional statements in an academic essay and besides when you make planetary averments make certain that you can grounds these non merely with media soundbites or/and relations positions which whilst valid for them may non be representative of the full image. The fact is that the UK has one of the most successful kid protection systems in the western universe There is and has been rather a batch of good work done in this areaaˆÂ ¦..

Things Fall Apart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Things Fall Apart - Essay Example It is through this maze that Achebe directs his readers, using the Igbo viewpoint, traditions, and lingo to emphasize a harmony of common human values even to those who criticize African cultures of their prejudiced and untold beliefs (Obaze & Momah). Achebe’s Things Fall Apart is perceptive and very opinionated. Achebe has to be credited for his mysterious capacity of writing a novel that not only deals with history, but with the present and future, foreseeing things to emerge.  The novel is educational and conventional as well as biased, sociological, and historical. While its argument is the poisonous collision of Umuofian religion with the introduced foreign government of the colonizers, it also validates that at the same time as African culture, and literature may have been manipulated by European culture, similarly, European culture has also gained from African cultures (Obaze & Momah). Captivating as it is, the novel’s title of Things Fall Apart is confusing, for the reason that Umuofia does not really fall apart. It does not stand with Okonkwo and oppose change with hostilities, but fittingly adjusts for survival. Umuofia people or Igbo tribe are constantly searching the common sense of what they do and why, measuring up to the neighboring communities, and history. In Things Fall Apart, the only thing that falls apart is Okonkwos life, because of his stubbornness to adapt. The Umuofia people adapts and changes with the world, unlike Okonkwo who prefers to stay behind and

How has Iranian Cinema Destabilised the Political Structure Dissertation

How has Iranian Cinema Destabilised the Political Structure - Dissertation Example From the research it is clear that Iranian cinema has survived complicated transformation and oppressive restrictions that corresponds with the tumultuous socio-political experiences of the country itself. Emerging from one restrictive regime and entering yet another era of restriction, Iranian cinema has suffered through various degrees of oppression ranging from rejection by Islamic clerics on the grounds that Iranian films are instruments of Western corruption to simple rejection on the grounds that Iranian films do not portray Iran in an idealistic light. At the same time, Iranian cinema has also been utilized by Islamic clerics and regime leaders as a propaganda tool to influence popular thought and behavior. Despite the socio-political challenges, Iranian cinema has gained a reputation characterising it as among the world’s â€Å"most innovative national cinemas†. The success of Iranian cinema is largely attributed to its advanced artistry and its socio-political narratives. Contemporary and more especially, post-revolutionary film-making in Iran presents a mirror image of daily life and social and political issues in Iran. Thus the new Iranian Cinema has been described as capturing and sharing an â€Å"open image† of Iranian society and politics. Thus it has been argued that contemporary Iranian cinema has essentially humanized the people of Iran for both national and international audiences. ... nema 31 The Green Movement 42 Arab Spring 45 Bibliography 48 Filmography 50 Introduction Iranian cinema has survived complicated transformation and oppressive restrictions that corresponds with the tumultuous socio-political experiences of the country itself. Emerging from one restrictive regime and entering yet another era of restriction, Iranian cinema has suffered through various degrees of oppression ranging from rejection by Islamic clerics on the grounds that Iranian films are instruments of Western corruption to simple rejection on the grounds that Iranian films do not portray Iran in an idealistic light. At the same time, Iranian cinema has also been utilized by Islamic clerics and regime leaders as a propaganda tool to influence popular thought and behaviour (Gregory, 2008). Despite the socio-political challenges, Iranian cinema has gained a reputation characterising it as among the world’s â€Å"most innovative national cinemas† (Blankson & Murphy, 2007, p. 14 4). The success of Iranian cinema is largely attributed to its advanced artistry and its socio-political narratives (Ridgeon, 2000, p. 3). Contemporary and more especially, post-revolutionary film-making in Iran presents a mirror image of daily life and social and political issues in Iran. Thus the new Iranian Cinema has been described as capturing and sharing an â€Å"open image† of Iranian society and politics (Chaudhuri & Finn, 2003, p. 38). Thus it has been argued that contemporary Iranian cinema has essentially humanized the people of Iran for both national and international audiences (Zeydabadi-Nejad, 2010, p. 1). It can therefore be argued that the humanized image of the people of Iran by the aesthetic and realistic representations of social and political issues have worked together to destabilise

Moral dilemma of whether euthanasia is ethically acceptable Essay

Moral dilemma of whether euthanasia is ethically acceptable - Essay Example This paper weighs in on the ethics of euthanasia as it applies to elderly people near death and suffering, and in the context of such people being in nursing homes and hospices, being administered end of life care. My own experience visiting, interacting with residents and workers, and reflecting on those experiences at Brandon Woods is the mine of concrete experience on which I intend to draw insights into the ethics of euthanasia. This paper situates the discussion of the ethical acceptability of euthanasia in such elderly care settings from the perspective of at least three normative theories of ethics: Kant’s, utilitarianism, and cultural relativism. Ð ¡ultural Relativism:Cultural relativism basically posits that cultural perspectives color what is moral and ethical, and so people from one culture differ from another in terms of what they deem to be moral and ethical, or immoral and unethical. In other words, this perspective takes off from the observation in the natural world, that societies have differing takes on what is right and wrong, so that what is right and wrong in one culture may be at odds with how people in another culture view what is right and wrong. The texts give the example of the Eskimos, for instance, who have differing views on marriage, sex, infanticide, and taking care of the elderly from the west. The text further give the example of two differing cultures having differing takes on what is right and wrong when it comes to disposing of their dead fathers, with one culture practicing what the other culture deems to be immoral and unethical, and vice versa. The practices are eating the dead and cremating them. At the heart of cultural relativism is the position that morality is something that is arbitrary, or at most the result of how different cultures form their opinions about what is right and wrong. In this sense there is no absolute right and wrong, and that everything is a matter of practice, as well as of opinion. The fla w from this conclusion is also made evident in the text. Two or more cultures with differing ethical beliefs do not necessarily rule out the existence of an absolute moral and ethical standard. For instance, that one culture deems eating the bodies of their dead fathers unethical, and that another deems burning the remains of their dead fathers unethical, does not mean that there is no absolute moral and ethical standard with regard to disposing of the remains of dead fathers. It is just that two or more cultures differ in their beliefs. Similarly, that Eskimos differ in their beliefs from western society about marriage and selectively killing children does not mean that there are no absolute ethical standards concerning killing infants, and concerning swinging partners and leaving old people to die in the cold. For another example that drives home this point, that one culture views the world as flat rather than round, or that one culture deems the world to be created rather than be ing the product of evolution, does not mean that there is no absolute truth with regard to the roundness of the earth, or the validity of the proof of evolution theory. The problems with cultural relativism are compounded when one takes off from the premises of the theory and then pursues their logical consequences to the end. For instance, if morality and ethics are relative, then one culture is no better than the other, and there can be no talk of ethical or moral progress. There is only the relative belief of one culture as the basis of ethical judgment. This conclusion flies in the face of historical developments that see morality and

Agenda Setting Essay Example for Free

Agenda Setting Essay Agenda Setting Patricia Wigington Grand Canyon University COM 126 Introduction The mass media today, no longer reports public opinion, it drives it. This paper discusses how mass media sets the agenda, and what impact this had on the issues that emerged during the 2008 presidential election. According to Donald Shaw and Maxwell Combs, agenda is a theory to describe now the news media can have a considerable impact on shaping the publics opinion of a social reality, on influencing what people believe are important issues. (ShawMcCombs, 1977) Agenda Setting Media consolidation is one thing that contributes to agenda-setting. As the number of newspapers dwindles and radio and TV stations are sold to one or two conglomerates, the news is in effect being censored because it reflect only the viewpoint of a single organization. If conflicting views are never even mentioned, the public is never aware that there is an entirely different side to the issue than the one being presented. It requires persistence to find out the facts of an issue, and people may not make the effort. Then too, the media itself has changed dramatically in recent years. Many people now get their news from digital media including the Internet, but the flood of electronic information may not make them more knowledgeable, just more informed about issues they may not consider important. Marshall McLuhan once famously argued that the medium is the message; David Considine twists it slightly, to the idea that the â€Å"medium is the massage,† and that we are all being worked over by the media, in particular younger people (Considine, 2009, p. 65). Today’s technology, people using several electronic devices simultaneously, practice widely known as multitasking (Considine, 2009). Time Magazine wondered, however, if people are â€Å"too wired for their own good,† and whether modern media were contributing to â€Å"students’ reduced attention spans, making it harder for educators to reach and teach them† (Considine, 2009, p. 65). There is a legitimate question as to whether this environment of electronic noise and constant communication makes them â€Å"active and informed citizens† or merely â€Å"spectators moving from one distraction to another† (Considine, 2009, p. 65). The answer seems clear when Considine reveals that despite the fact that in 2006, the number of young people ages 18-29 in the U. S. was 50 million, only seven million voted in the mid-term election (Considine, 2009). In other words, they have access to information but don’t transform that information into knowledge or political action. Younger people are a volatile population when it comes to voting. They become wildly enthusiastic for a particular candidate such as Ron Paul or Howard Dean, but fail to show up at the polls (Considine, 2009). Barack Obama was able to energize this group on his own behalf and that of other Democratic candidates: â€Å"Exit polling from the January 2008 Iowa caucus for the Democratic candidates showed a record turnout among eighteen-to twenty-nine year olds, who heavily supported the theme of change promoted by Senator Barack Obama† (Considine, 2009, p. 66). Now of course they seem to have disengaged again and organizations such as Democracy for America and Moveon. org are actively working to re-energize them and get them to the polls in November. Part of Barack Obama’s success in the 2008 election was due to his savvy use of electronic media (Considine, 2009). He was able to â€Å"use new technology to reach and energize voters; his campaign built a substantial database and achieved record-breaking fundraising† (Considine, 2009, p. 66). It also seems logical that part of his appeal is that he does know how to use Twitter and FaceBook, and that he tweets personal messages; his electronic presence immediately makes his opponent look old and out of touch. He further endeared himself to young voters and â€Å"reaffirmed his commitment to communication technology when he insisted on keeping his personal Blackberry† (Considine, 2009,p. 66) The tendency of the media to set agendas was clearly shown in the summer of 2009, when electronic forums such as YouTube and Twitter, along with traditional outlets such as newspaper columns, took up the health-care debate and buzzed about such ludicrous and inaccurate items as â€Å"’death panels,’ socialism, Hitler and fascism† (Jones McBeth, 2010, p. 29). These scare tactics, which are all completely false, were used to try and discredit both the reform effort and the President, and are a clear example of the way the media sets an agenda. Picking up on the hysteria of the far right, the media repeated the lies without doing any fact checking, leading commentators to wonder â€Å"how these ideas rationally relate to the debate over reform† (Jones McBeth, 2010, p. 329). The fact that these crazy notions were not only given credence but reported widely, and continue to appear in the media, show how powerful such things can be â€Å"in shaping public opinion and ultimately in shaping governmental action† (Jones McBeth, 2010, p. 329). The misleading claims about â€Å"death panels,† the idea of Obama being Hitler and leading the country into a Socialist government are all â€Å"elements of larger policy tall-tales that were intentionally used by opponents of health-care reform attempting to derail President Obama’s reform. Obama’s supporters countered these lies with stories of their own: personal accounts from Americans who, for various reasons, were priced out of the heath care system or even denied care (Jones McBeth, 2010). The use of narratives is a powerful tool in setting the political agenda in the United States. One study found that although TV and internet users had a common agenda (the use of electronic media), their â€Å"ranked agendas† differed greatly from the ranked agendas of the media themselves (Brubaker, 2008). That is, the TV watchers and internet users were not interested in the programming or information that was being presented to them: â€Å"The overall general media audience ranked 10 or the 11 public affairs issues significantly different than presented by the media† (Brubaker, 2008). TV watchers and internet users were interested in â€Å"important public affairs issues,† but the agenda they were following â€Å"significantly differed from the agenda that medium was showing them’ (Brubaker, 2008). This implies that the media â€Å"are not powerful in setting the agenda of important public affairs or political issues. People have particular issues they feel are important, regardless of what the media present† (Brubaker, 2008). This seems to be at odds with the idea that the media sets the agenda. and people simply put up with it. With regard to the 2008 Presidential election, the agenda presented by the media was that of the war in Iraq, but it was quickly displaced by concern about the economy; an agenda driven by consumers’ interests, not those of the media (Agenda setting and the Obama election, 2010). But this source claims that the media set another agenda, a highly visible but totally unnecessary one, that of race. Barack Obama is black, and that became a major issue in the election: â€Å"The measurement of Obama’s potential success didn’t lie in whether or not voters were willing to vote for a black candidate, but whether or not voters, more specifically white voters, could view Obama, or blacks in general, as leaders (Agenda setting and the Obama election, 2010). Had the media been more concerned about Obama’s positions and qualifications and less about the color of his skin, the entire election would have been conducted on a much higher level. This source also notes that the racial issues was studied in swing states like Ohio, where it was deemed to be extremely important (Agenda setting and the Obama election, 2010). In one study, Ohio was measured for â€Å"favorability between candidates in the areas of republicans, democrats, independents, men, women, whites and blacks;† it was found that a vast majority of black voters, as many as 90%, favored Obama, no matter what their previous voting record or party affiliation was (Agenda setting and the Obama election, 2010). The question raised by this result is whether our society â€Å"is the way it is because of the media, or is the media a direct reflection of the way society is †¦ In the case of Obama for President, the media clearly allowed race to chase to the top of the list of exaggerated issues that never should have been a part of the presidential election in the first place† (Agenda setting and the Obama election, 2010). In response to the popularity of Obama, the Republicans tried to set the media agenda to focus on issues such as Iraq and health care, arguing that race should not be consuming the attention focused on it (Agenda setting and the Obama election, 2010). But Republicans also tried to set an agenda favorable to them by introducing Sarah Palin as their vice presidential candidate to appeal to women voters; setting the agenda worked in Ohio, where pollsters noted a shift among women of all races who were not previously affiliated with a particular party (Agenda setting and the Obama election, 2010).

Health Promotion Strategies: Sexual Health and Chlamydia

Health Promotion Strategies: Sexual Health and Chlamydia Sexual Health Chlamydia This essay seeks to discuss a topical health promotion issue in the United Kingdom and to explore the topic in terms of current research findings, support mechanisms currently on offer and the role of the nurse in promoting health and well being. Relevant health promotion models, terms relating to health and health promotion will also be analysed. Primarily the focus will be on sexual health promotion of sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia, its effect on young people including barriers that are inhibiting sexual health promotion. Rationale for choosing sexual health and targeting young people has been the increased concern by the government to promote sexual health in young people necessitated by the rise in figures of sexually transmitted infections. The Department of Health (DoH, 2008c) acknowledges that due to new evidence from research, sexual transmitted infections (STIs) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are causing a wide range of illnesses and are a significant cause of long term and serious disability in the United Kingdom. It goes on to mention about the arrival of HIV epidemic in the 1980’s, high infection rates and risky sexual behaviours as the reasons for increased concern among health professionals, the government and the public (DoH, 2008c). Chlamydia is the most common STI diagnosed in genitourinary medicine clinics in England with high prevalence among young men and women under 25 years old. The highest rates are among the 20-24 year age group in men and 16-19 years in women (DoH, 2008c). Because of these reasons the government has targeted chlamydia for sexual health promotion through published reports and implementing educational programmes with the help of different public bodies and organisations. Prior to that, ‘pilot studies of opportunistic screening for genital chlamydia’ were carried out in Portsmouth and Wiral between 1999 and 2001, and they revealed high figures of chlamydia infection (DoH, 2008b). DoH (2003) reiterated that another reason why chlamydia had been targeted was because of serious health problems associated with it since it is asymptomatic and at least three quarters of women and half of men with the infection have not been treated. Furthermore, one in ten young people are unaware of the infection. Chlamydia is known to cause pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic pregnancy and infertility in women and in men it can cause arthritis, epididymitis and Reiters Syndrome (DoH, 2008c). The anticipated change in the National Health Service (NHS) in dealing with sexual health matters was facilitated by the government through programmes such as the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV which was implemented in 2001 in conjunction with the DoH and the NHS. It outlined among other issues the need for a National Chlamydia Screening Programme which was subsequently established in 2003 with the aim of controlling chlamydia in young adults, detecting and treating the infections thereby preventing further infections and complications associated with it (DoH, 2008b). In 2005 there was a re-launch of the National Chlamydia Screening Programme in collaboration with the Health Protection Agency to raise awareness of Chlamydia amongst young people by offering free confidential screening, a website with factual information on chlamydia which also addresses some commonly asked questions (DoH, 2008c). This in itself indicates some failings in the programme between the time it was first established in 2001 until the re-launch in 2005. Nevertheless, this also shows the commitment of the government in promoting sexual health by aiming to improve the services and continuing to try different ways of reaching out to the public. It is interesting to note that the idea of health promotion was initiated as early as 1977 with targets and legislative policy and guidance being put in place but little seems to have been done practically. Kart (2000 p.6) mentioned that ‘In 1977 Health for All by the year 2000 was launched at the 30th World Health Assembly. This policy initiative formulated a range of performance indicators by which progress towards better health might be judged, such as reduction in rates of disease, increased levels of nutrition and improved primary healthcare.’ One can certainly conclude that the battle is still ongoing and much more practical interventions to facilitate sexual health promotion calls for serious consideration. However, Johnson et al, (2001) agrees that HIV and STI transmission is a major public health challenge. Davey et al (2001) sought to obtain views from the public on the definition of health. Their definitions included health as the absence of disease, as physical fitness, as energy, as a social relationship, as function and as psycho-social well-being. Davey et al (2001) concluded that the differences in definitions were influenced by sex differences and age groups. The World Health Organisation (1986) emphasised health as a two-way process of critical consciousness raising, clarifying values, exploring attitudes, educating policy makers and taking control over one’s own health. This definition seeks to empower the individual who is in need of assistance by giving them the opportunity to identify and learn from their experience alongside professional support. Evidence has proved the ambiguity of the term health promotion. Many authors have defined health promotion in various ways. Terms such as health education and public health have been used in place of health promotion but conflicts still arise in terms of what is to be included in the definition and what has to be excluded. Tones (1994 p. 14) defined health promotion as ‘health promotion = health education x health public.’ While French (1990) questioned the exclusion of disease management as a way of promoting health. Most authors agree that health promotion cannot be discussed without mentioning health education in the process. Perhaps, it should be acknowledged that the two work effectively when used concurrently. Health education also emphasizes the large part of health promotion offered by nurses, as their intervention seeks to empower the patient with knowledge. Kartz et al (2000) described health education as a form of communication that offers knowledge and skills essential in making healthier choices through behavioural changes that will benefit the wider community. The Department of Health asked the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE, 2007) to produce public health guidance on interventions to reduce the transmission of chlamydia, including screening and other STI’s including HIV reduce the rate of under 18 conceptions, especially among vulnerable and at risk groups. This guidance focuses on one to one interventions to prevent STIs and under 18 conceptions. In 2004 the DoH on behalf of the government published a report by Tony Blair titled ‘Choosing Health: Making healthy choices easier.’ This white paper explained how the government intended to support the public in making informed healthy choices and tackling the causes of ill health without discrimination. It also aimed to set realistic goals and offer ongoing health support into the 21st century. The government also initiated the accessible services provided by adults who feel confident working with young people through youth services such as Young People’s Development Programme and outreach services with a particular focus on those who are experiencing or are at risk of experiencing, poor outcomes because of mental health problems or substance misuse (DoH, 2004). Furthermore, the government provided  £300 million in support of the White Paper: Choosing Health as a constructive measure to sexual health promotion and introduced a reduction in value added tax for condoms if one has to buy them (DoH, 2004). Due to inadequate access of specialist sexual health, the DoH (2008a) introduced the Evaluation of One-Stop Shop (OSS) model of sexual health provision for different specialist care under one roof for easy accessibility and effectiveness of services. However, there was much debate on the issue with some professionals welcoming the idea while others did not think that this would make much difference after considering costs and opening times of different clinics. Measor et al (2000) points out the discrepenses in policies or lack of consideration when it comes to making policies that involve young adults such as the lack of a clear national policy. This has had a number of negative effects on sexual health promotion. The result has been a confused mix of messages for adolescents about sexuality. A research done by Blenkinsop et al (2004) on adolescents highlighted that young people were not in agreement with the government’s view of the rights of parents over children. They challenged this view of the balance of power between the generations. However, the children acknowledged the need for adults to be involved in sexual health promotion but the vast majority preferred to discuss sexual concerns with teachers, nurses and other health professionals. On the other hand, the children expressed their right to withdraw if they suspected that information was going to be shared with their parents, which is a breach of confidentiality. Confidentiality and trust should be guaranteed and where possible maintained at all times and this is in accordance with the NMC code of professional conduct (2008). Some cultures need to depart from traditional health communications and beliefs that do not permit sexual health issues to be discussed with a parent as the DoH (2003) highlighted cultural differences, stigma, discrimination, inequalities and poverty as barriers to sexual health promotion. An important aspect that parents have to keep in mind is to refrain from the blame culture, being judgemental or dominating conversations when their children seek advice on sexual matters. The government through the document ‘Choosing Health’ intend to develop new ways of supporting the parents of teenagers so that they feel equipped to help their children make informed choices, particularly on sensitive issues such as sex and relationships (DoH, 2004). Some Primary Care Trusts have begun to implement the government’s plan by involving young people in projects that offer communication on sexual health through magazines. In Manchester Your Life magazine which covered sexual health issues has published and distributed over 7,000 copies of the magazine through Manchester Secondary schools, attracting a positive response from both pupils and education professionals. The response of young people towards the magazine was exceptionally overwhelming (DoH, 2004). There seem to be more need to change behaviour now than ever before. Dines et al (995) points out that there is research evidence of increased risky sexual behaviour mostly amongst young people and also across the population. NICE (2007) elaborates on behaviours that increase the risk of STIs as including drug and alcohol abuse, early onset of sexual activity, engaging in unprotected sex and frequently changing sexual partners. Therefore NICE (2007) recommends health professionals working in general practice, genito-urinary medicine (GUM), community health services (including community contraceptive services), voluntary and community organisations, school clinics to actively facilitate health promotion programmes . Benzeval et al (1995) also highlighted the interconnections of lifestyle and environmental factors, suggesting that action was required to combat inequalities at various levels. Assumptions, different beliefs and values also play an important role in how people react to health promotion as well as prioritising it. However, evidence from research has to be embraced to avoid conflicting ideas and approaches in analysing and implementing the health models individually and in the society. Ewles et al (1999) defined five approaches to health promotion as medical which promotes health by providing medical intervention, behaviour change which encourages attitude and behaviour change by adopting healthier lifestyles, educational which empowers individuals with knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions, client centred which facilitates choice of health actions as identified by the client, last but not the least is the societal approach which seeks to change the physical and social environment to enable choice of healthier lifestyle. One can conclude that these theories are direct input to health promotion which is provided by facilitators of health promotion such as nurses, other health care professionals and teachers. Young people need to learn about behaviour change. Changing behaviour can be challenging, stressful and bring uncertainty in one’s life but support from friends, families and professionals is of paramount importance in convincing the individual that they are doing the right thing. Ewles (1999) further suggests that the individual should implement and adopt behaviour that promotes health. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as cited by Wagner (2008) identified basic needs such as self actualisation, esteem, social, safety and physiological needs. Young people should be encouraged to realise these needs, have a sense of belonging and fulfil love needs through working with families and groups. Self actualisation assists in having a deeper understanding of self through realising personal potential, growth, peak and self fulfilment. Nurses play an important role in facilitating awareness of sexually transmitted infections in young people at an early stage through school nursing. The nurses work closely with children, teenagers, their parents, carers and teachers providing advice and support about health issues such as puberty and sexual health. As Murphy (2004) suggests that nursing intervention aims to control genital chlamydia infections through early detection and treatment. This reduces the chance of onward transmission and prevents the development of complications. NICE (2007) recommend action from health professional to identify individuals at high risk of STIs using their sexual history. Opportunities for risk assessment may arise during consultations on contraception, pregnancy or abortion, and when carrying out a cervical smear test, offering an STI test or providing travel immunisation. Risk assessment could also be carried out during routine care or during registration of new patients. One to one structured discussions with individuals at high risk of contracting STIs offer more privacy, is assuring to the individual and encourages good rapport. The discussions should be structured on the basis of behavioural change theories. They should address factors that can help reduce risk-taking and improve self-efficacy and motivation. Ideally, each session should last at least 15–20 minutes. The number of sessions one can receive depends on individual need. As difficult and embarrassing as it may be for young people, the acceptance of behavioural change should prepare them to take action and ensure their sexual partners also seek help. NICE (2007) remind facilitators of health promotion to ensure that sexual health services, including contraceptive and abortion services, are in place to meet local needs. Services should include arrangements for the notification, testing, treatment and follow-up of partners of people who have an STI. The government also highlighted the need to combat health inequalities by targeting young people from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds who are socially excluded such as those who are in care, disabled, from black and minority groups, with low educational attainment or those who are or have experienced homelessness (DoH, 2004 NICE, 2007). GPs, nurses and other clinicians working in healthcare settings such as primary care, community contraceptive services, antenatal and postnatal care, abortion and GUM services, drug/alcohol misuse and youth clinics, and pharmacies other clinicians working in non-healthcare settings such as schools and other education and outreach centres should take responsibility of health promotion (DoH, 2006). Nurses also have a responsibility whenever possible, to provide one to one sexual health advice on, preventing and getting tested for STIs and preventing unwanted pregnancies by introducing methods of reversible contraception, including long-acting reversible contraception, how to get and use emergency contraception and other reproductive issues and concerns. Another group that seem to be forgotten is the vulnerable young women aged under 18 who are pregnant or are already mothers (NICE, 2007). The unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual who has ill health to perform activities that contribute to health or its recovery that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will or knowledge (McBean, 1992). Nurses must not be judgemental or make assumptions of situations. Young people would benefit from being given time to explore their feelings uninterrupted and the nurse must seek to consider health promotion activities that best suit the individual and offer flexible alternatives as well. Watterson (2003) suggested that affected young people should have influence over the outcome of their health as young people often feel powerless because of the way issues are addressed as nurses at times unconsciously exclude them in decision making. He goes on to say that it is more effective to empower young people by involving them in decision making processes, giving them a voice and valuing what they know and believe about matters that affect their health. This encourages behavioural change by using the patient centred approach model of health promotion. The role of the nurse is to encourage the youths to discuss issues of sexual health with their parents, approach teachers and to provide them with information about services available such as Young People’s Development Programme and National Chlamydia Screening Programme. Nevertheless, parents need to realise the need for open dialogue and creating relationships built on trust. The DoH in 2006 launched a campaign through the website known as the ‘Condom Essential Wear’ to raise awareness of sexual health by encouraging the use of condoms. It encourages safe sex and communication about condoms as means of minimising the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy among young people. However, an independent advisory group (IAG) as cited by the DoH (2008c) found out that of the original  £50 million budget for sexual health awareness campaign only  £4 million had been released. IAG raised concern as to whether enough free condoms were being distributed to recommended places such as GUM clinics, GP surgeries, schools, community contraceptive clinics and youth centres. Consequently, it is arguable that the issue of funding jeopardizes sexual health promotion services to prosper. Nurses need to educate young people on the correct use of condoms. Posters can also be placed in private and public toilets for young people to read and condoms can also be distributed via this channel. In view of GUM clinics, the government mentioned about the prioritisation of the 48 hour GUM access target as one of the NHS top six targets and the access to specialist sexual health services. However, these clinics are not as wide spread as they should be to accommodate and provide services to youth. The recommended quality service is not consistent at both national and local level as stipulated in the 2005/2006 annual report (DoH, 2008c). Opening hours are about an hour and a half for two times a week which is not sufficient or beneficial at all to young adults. This does not encourage young people to come forward because they would have to wait long in the queue and being seen by other people is quite embarrassing for them. This further complicates the problem and better services need to be put in place to encourage increased uptake of sexual health services. To conclude this essay, it can be said that nurses must provide supporting information in an appropriate format to encourage young people to take responsibility for their own actions as far as sexual health promotion is concerned. Cultural differences, age and gender differences can be barriers for health promotion. Nurses should therefore acknowledge these facts and seek to deal with situations accordingly. In this case, the failure or success of this aspect of health promotion is largely influenced by the interpersonal skills of the nurse. Health promotion is also everyone’s responsibility and the government has incorporated community needs in health promotion programmes to try and meet individual needs. REFERENCES Benzeval, M., Judge, K Whitehead, M. (1995) Tackling inequalities in health: An agenda for action. London: Kings Fund. Davey, B. Gray L., Seale C. (2001) Health and Disease: A Reader. Third Edition. Biddles Ltd: Great Britain. Department of Health (2004) Choosing Health: Making health choices easier [Online] Available at: http://www.dh.gov.uk (Accessed 10 May 2008). Department of Health (2006) Condom Essential Wear [Online] Available at: http://www.dh.gov.uk (Accessed 19 April 2008). 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(1992) Definition of Health and health promotion. Britain: The Open College. Measor, L. Coralie, T., Katrina M. (2000) Young Peoples views on sex education. Education, Attitudes and Behaviour. London: Routledge Falmer. National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (2007) NICE. Clinical Guidelines [Online] Available at: http://www.dh.gov.uk (Accessed 5 May 2008). Nursing and Midwifery Council (2008) Code of Professional Conduct. London: NMC. Tones, B.K., Tilford, S. (1994) Health Education: Effectiveness, Efficiency and Equity. London: Chapman Hall. Wagner, K. V. (2008) Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. [Online ] Available at:http//www.psychology.about.com (Accessed 15 May 2008). Watterson, A. (2003) Public Health in practice. Great Britain: Palgrave. World Health Organisation (WHO) 1986. Ottawa. Charter for Health Promotion. Geneva: WHO.