Sir Gawain and the Green Knight:The First Swing :: Arthurian Legends English Literature Essays

Sir Gawain and the ballpark KnightThe First SwingIn Sir Gawain and the dark-green Knight, a stranger rides into King Arthurs court with a challenge. This stranger, green in color from head to toe, proposes to play a game with a member of King Arthurs court. This game will be played by each participant taking a blow from a weapon at the hands of the opponent. The person that dies from the hit is obviously the loser. On top of this, the Green Knight offers to let his opponent take the first swing. This sets up the action in the passage beginning with line 366 and ending with line 443. Sir Gawain steps in to take the challenge after King Arthur first agrees to participate himself. Sir Gawain wants to bring honor to Arthur and asks permission to take his place. Gawain knows that he is not the strongest, smartest knight but the release of his life would not be as bad as if King Arthur loses his life. King Arthur agrees to let him enter this game an d gives him a weapon to use against this Green Knight. King Arthur says to Sir Gawain, Keep, cousin what you cut with this day, and if you rule it aright, then readily, I know you shall stand the stroke it will strike after. (372-374) Gawain, with his weapon in his hand, is now urinate to take part in the game. Before the contest starts, the Green Knight goes over the rules of the game again. He says that if he survives the hit from Gawains ax, Gawain must search out where he lives so that he can take his hit from the Green Knight. When the Green Knight tells Gawain he must find the place where he lives, Gawain quickly asks, What is the way there? Where do you dwell? (398) The Green Knight refuses to tell, as this is part of the game. If the stranger survives Sir Gawains blow from the ax, he will tell Gawain his forebode and the name of his dwelling.

Ramsey vs. Fletcher :: essays research papers

As a student at Southern Wesleyan University, I produce acquired knowledge from requisite classes to not only better myself, but also for the better manpowert of my community. I feel, as apart of the human race, that we should detain to strive for an enhanced community by gaining randomness from other humans. However, in order for this greater sense of community to occur, we must realize in that respect ar morals to withstand. Socrates posed the question have we learned how to teach virtue? I believe that it is a work in progress. Although, ethics did not have a primary role in club until the mid twentieth century, I feel that we are making progress leaps and bounds to achieve this remainder in a short amount of time. later on reading ethicists Paul Ramsey and Joseph Fletchers words many questions were raised that would seem to have contradicting answers. Therefore, other ethicists and students are obligated to lean toward one side or the other. In Paul Ramseys preface t o The Patient as Person, we get a clear portrayal of where he stands on ethics today. Ramsey says that it is important to take place the covenant between man and man and man and God. The covenant between man and man is that men need to have a kind of fidelity to each other that is righteous (Pg. 53). For example, when you visit the doctor you, as a patient, have an obligation to charge the doctor. The doctor has an advantage because he/she has been educated in the field of medicine. . You have faith that the doctor will do what is right for the enhancement of your health. Sometimes doctors misuse that aspect of their profession and use it to better science. jam P. Scanlan uses the argument of finding the valuable truth and scientific knowledge which is morally impossible to obtain (Pg. 55). Ramsey responds by saying, These are salutary warnings precisely because by them we are driven to make the most searching inquiry concerning more basic ethical principles governing checkup practice. While becoming a doctor, one whitethorn feel as if they must constantly better the field of health using science. Doctors, Ramsey says, Need to shape moral philosophers (Pg.55). If the doctors do not think morally, wherefore medical ethics will slowly become scoured till there is nothing left. Granted, there are doctors and medical students who have looked at this lieu from a moral perspective, but I believe, as does Ramsey, that doctors will get caught up in the all-devouring(prenominal) appetite of scientific research.Ramsey vs. Fletcher essays research papers As a student at Southern Methodist University, I have acquired knowledge from requisite classes to not only better myself, but also for the betterment of my community. I feel, as apart of the human race, that we should continue to strive for an enhanced community by gaining information from other humans. However, in order for this greater sense of community to occur, we must realize there are morals to with stand. Socrates posed the question have we learned how to teach virtue? I believe that it is a work in progress. Although, ethics did not have a primary role in society until the mid twentieth century, I feel that we are making progress leaps and bounds to achieve this goal in a short amount of time. After reading ethicists Paul Ramsey and Joseph Fletchers words many questions were raised that would seem to have contradicting answers. Therefore, other ethicists and students are obligated to lean toward one side or the other. In Paul Ramseys preface to The Patient as Person, we get a clear depiction of where he stands on ethics today. Ramsey says that it is important to keep the covenant between man and man and man and God. The covenant between man and man is that men need to have a kind of faithfulness to each other that is righteous (Pg. 53). For example, when you visit the doctor you, as a patient, have an obligation to trust the doctor. The doctor has an advantage because he/she has been educated in the field of medicine. . You have faith that the doctor will do what is right for the enhancement of your health. Sometimes doctors abuse that aspect of their profession and use it to better science. James P. Scanlan uses the argument of finding the valuable truth and scientific knowledge which is morally impossible to obtain (Pg. 55). Ramsey responds by saying, These are salutary warnings precisely because by them we are driven to make the most searching inquiry concerning more basic ethical principles governing medical practice. While becoming a doctor, one may feel as if they must constantly better the field of health using science. Doctors, Ramsey says, Need to become moral philosophers (Pg.55). If the doctors do not think morally, then medical ethics will slowly become scoured till there is nothing left. Granted, there are doctors and medical students who have looked at this situation from a moral perspective, but I believe, as does Ramsey, that doctors wil l get caught up in the omnivorous appetite of scientific research.

Nazi-Soviet Pact and Appeasement Essay -- Papers

Nazi-Soviet Pact and Appeasement The Nazi-Soviet was a non-aggression pact signed by the foreign ministers of Germany and Russia on 23 August 1939. When Germany and Russia reached this promise non to fight each other, they made a secret pact to invade and divide Polandand give the Baltic States to Russia. By signing the Pact, Germany was able to invade Poland from the western and the Soviet Union gained the eastern half of Poland as well as the Baltic States as well as gaining time to prepare for war against Germany. why was the signing of the Pact a surprise? The signing of the pact was a total surprise because everyone knew that Fascist Germany and the Communist Soviet Union were political enemies. In addition Hitler had sworn for years that he was the mortal enemy of Bolshevism, so it was not surprising that the Pact came as a shock. During 1939 Stalin had invited Britain to discuss a possible alliance against Germany to prevent Hitler from ca rrying out his plans. At first Britain had refused tal...

A Diamond is Forever Essay -- Essays Papers

A Diamond is ForeverAn Examination into the De Beers MonopolyA Diamond is Forever is one of the most booming slogans of the twentieth century. The advertising slogan belongs to De Beers, the worlds most successful monopoly of trade. A Diamond is Forever has been the center of De Beers effort to establish the stone as the only appropriate gem to symbolize lifetime love and commitment. The slogan, along with the $180 million dollars spent yearly in advertising by De Beers , has been immensely successful as the company continues to remain the leader of its industry a monopoly of the diamond trade.Control of De BeersThe slogan A Diamond is Forever concentrates on a combination of emotion and status. The true genius of De Beers lies in having created a connection between human love and power with something that has no value at all. You crowd appeart eat a diamond, you cant drive it home, you cant make clothes out of it, you cant build houses out of it, yet people are willing to spend a lot of money on a diamond because they feel a connection that a diamond (and their love, power, and status) will last forever. De Beers slogan has and continues to be a success. The idea of engagement continues to result in the purchase of a diamond ring at bottom three years of the slogans arrival on the market an estimated 80% of wedding engagements in the U.S. included diamonds.De Beers success comes from the common conceit that diamonds are indeed rare and valuable. Until the late nineteenth century, diamonds were only found in a few riverbeds in India and in the jungles of Brazil, and the entire world takings of gem quality diamonds amounted to a few pounds a year. This changed when huge diamond mines were discove... ...ss, 1990.Hoovers. De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited. 30 certify 2004.IRIN Botswana Diamonds are not Forever. 28 March 2003. 11 March 2004.Jewelers Circular Keystone. Home Page. March 2004. 30 March 2004Kelliher Muireann. Diamonds are Forever An Ecom etric Investigation. 30 March 2004

Media Texts, Brands, and Identity: For Him Magazine (FHM Magazine) Essa

Media Texts, Brands, and Identity For Him Magazine (FHM Magazine)In this essay I will firstly introduce the magazine I am discussing, and talk about ideas of representations and gender in their issues, and also how it in effect they market themselves as a brand that articulates identity.FHM magazine stands for For Him Magazine its core localise audience is males 25-35. The magazine is produced monthly at the cost of 3.40 per issue.FHM is now on global release as it publishes 27 different editions well-nigh the world in every continent, each with its own unique content. The UK version sells approximately 600,000 copies per month making it one of the most popular magazines in the country. For their company Emap under an umbrella of 58 magazines it is the most popular.Its content varies inside as it is essentially seen as a lifestyle magazine. Every month it has recurring themes of reviews and articles centrally focused around the opposite sex and hobbies the magazine assumes the audie nce has. A way we can look at the notion of identity is through representations given through the magazine. Since the magazines atomic number 18 aimed at hands, we can assume that the magazine has underlying issues about gender. Therefore FHM would interchangeable to express itself through masculinity to create a meaningful get together to its audience. In the following I will show how different custody and women magazines are completely different in content and identity.Contemporary ideas of masculinity and womanhood will be different to those of previous generations. Current themes may be stereotypical but to study it using binary oppositions gives it greater meaning men are seen as masculine, dominant, strong, aggressive, intelligent, rational, and active. Whilst women are the opposed, they are feminine, submissive, weak, intuitive, emotional and communicative. As well as theses factors men and women are also seen to like different things, men like cars, technology, getting drunk and having casual sex with strangers whilst women like shopping, make-up, social imbibinging with friends, and having committed relationships. However, it is also clear that these lists are not truly representative of what men and women are really like. You all probably know a woman who likes cars and can be aggressive or a man who doesnt drink and cries at weepy romantic comedies. These stereotypes exist, to ... ...romotional day where FHM itself confirmed their brand status. Since Topman is Europes biggest mens retail store, they hired it out for the duration of a whole day. They had many attractions as well as the clothes feature. They also had new technology testing, massaging, tasting of alcohol and everything else they magazine stands for. By doing this it influences peoples choices and decisions regarding their lifestyle, by doing so it alters peoples identity. So was this just an identity building process or did it happen because there was demand? I barricade with a quote from Hermann Bausinger who talks about how the new media sphere has evolved, Technology has long since been integrated into the everyday. Tools themselves are distinguished by the fact that they rapidly hit on the character of artificial limbs (1995 537). Brands are now extensions of our bodies.Sources usedBausinger, H. (1995) Media, Technology and Daily Life. London Edward Arnold.Hall, S. (1997) Cultural Representaions and Signifying Practices. London SageHermes, J. (1995) Reading Womens Magazines. Cambridge Polity PressFHM - January 2008 FHM March 2008Marie Claire - January 2008

Media Texts, Brands, and Identity: For Him Magazine (FHM Magazine) Essa

Media Texts, Brands, and Identity For Him Magazine (FHM Magazine)In this essay I will firstly introduce the magazine I am discussing, and talk about ideas of representations and gender in their issues, and also how it in effect they market themselves as a brand that articulates identity.FHM magazine stands for For Him Magazine its lens nucleus target audience is males 25-35. The magazine is produced monthly at the cost of 3.40 per issue.FHM is now on global release as it publishes 27 different editions around the population in every continent, each with its own unique content. The UK version sells approximately 600,000 copies per month making it one of the most popular magazines in the country. For their company Emap chthonian an umbrella of 58 magazines it is the most popular.Its content varies inside as it is essentially seen as a lifestyle magazine. Every month it has recurring themes of reviews and articles centrally cogitate around the opposite sex and hobbies the magazine a ssumes the audience has. A way we can look at the notion of identity is with representations given through the magazine. Since the magazines are aimed at hands, we can assume that the magazine has underlying issues about gender. Therefore FHM would like to express itself through maleness to create a heart(prenominal) link to its audience. In the following I will show how different men and women magazines are completely different in content and identity.Contemporary ideas of masculinity and femininity will be different to those of previous generations. Current themes may be stereotypical but to study it using binary oppositions gives it greater meaning men are seen as masculine, dominant, strong, aggressive, intelligent, rational, and active. Whilst women are the opposed, they are feminine, submissive, weak, intuitive, emotional and communicative. As well as theses factors men and women are also seen to like different things, men like cars, technology, getting drunk and having ca sual sex with strangers whilst women like shopping, make-up, social drinking with friends, and having committed relationships. However, it is also clear that these lists are not truly interpreter of what men and women are really like. You all probably know a woman who likes cars and can be aggressive or a man who doesnt drink and cries at weepy romantic comedies. These stereotypes exist, to ... ...romotional day where FHM itself confirmed their brand status. Since Topman is Europes biggest mens retail store, they hired it out for the while of a whole day. They had many attractions as well as the clothes feature. They also had new technology testing, massaging, tasting of alcohol and everything else they magazine stands for. By doing this it influences pluralitys choices and decisions regarding their lifestyle, by doing so it alters peoples identity. So was this just an identity building process or did it happen because there was demand? I finish with a quote from Hermann Bausinge r who talks about how the new media sphere has evolved, Technology has long since been integrated into the everyday. Tools themselves are distinguished by the fact that they speedily take on the character of artificial limbs (1995 537). Brands are now extensions of our bodies.Sources usedBausinger, H. (1995) Media, Technology and Daily Life. London Edward Arnold.Hall, S. (1997) Cultural Representaions and Signifying Practices. London SageHermes, J. (1995) translation Womens Magazines. Cambridge Polity PressFHM - January 2008 FHM March 2008Marie Claire - January 2008

Lessons in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice Essay

Pride and Prejudice is one of the most popular apologues indite by Jane Austen which was first published in 1813. It is more than a allegory of love which revolves around the lives of the Bennett family and the smashed male visitors of Hertfordshire. Its wide variety of personalities in the story contri furthered to the novels attractive and compelling features which provides several realizations to its s arseers and their view of social class, unification and women position in the nineteenth century which can be attributed to to each one characters personality. The Women and Men of the 19th CenturyThe theme towards courtship and marriage is already explicitly stated in the first sentence of the novel. It is a truth universally acknowledge that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in indispensability of a wife (p. 3). In this initial sentence, Austen prepargons the readers on what to expect. There is a big probability that the story will revolve in a delight ful chase either a husband in search of a wife or a woman in pursuit of a husband. trades union during 18th century was different compared to how marriage is viewed nowadays. It was a challenging and debatable social issue since marriage with love was non a necessity.At that time, marriage consisted of rules and standards that often ignore emotions or feelings. Moreover, community and family were major participants in establishing marriage. From that first sentence, considering the time the novel was created, the readers would expect a witty tone towards marriage and monastic order The novel also portrayed several characters that are stereotypical in the 19th century. The diverse personalities of each character reveals how the era was like for the author and how the emplacement of people were determined through their wealth, fame and g residuumer.Apparently, the primary lesson that this novel has for its readers is the fact that in the past love was not a necessary element of ma rriage. Women were usually seen as mere wives for men. Nonetheless, in Austens story, she make use of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcys conflicting characters to refuse the kind of stereotypical 19th century setting that the novel was set in. The both major characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, were light(a)ly different kinds of people who later proved themselves to be the ideal match for each other.Clearly, the transformation of Elizabeth and Darcys characters were made possible by their own pride and prejudices over against each other. This fact, therefore, illustrates the idea that the character transformation would most likely not occur without the shortcomings and hasty judgments of the two chief(prenominal) characters of the Jane Austens famous novel. It was quite ironic though that the novel also conveys the idea that people do fall in love downstairs the most unexpected circumstances. There is a short line expressed by the female protagonist Elizabet h Bennett which can be considered somewhat explanatory of the strong novel.BooksohNo. I am sure we never read the same, or not with the same feelings (p. 82). This is Elizabeth Bennetts response to Fitzwilliam Darcy when he asked her about her thoughts on books. They were bound on the ball of the Netherland Estate and trying to create a conversation. Based on Elizabeths response and her quick dismissals of the topic that Mr. Darcy brought up, her great dislike towards the wealthy young man was evident. This particular line of Elizabeth Bennett is considered an important line for the novel because it insinuates a symbolic image rather than a literal meaning for the main characters in the story.Her remark about how the topic of books would not be able to create a productive conversation because they probably would bring not read the same book or have the same feeling towards it depicts that their personalitiessimilar or notcan still generate different interpretations. Even the hum an action of the book itself can be considered characteristics that Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy both possess, which caused them to make erratic conclusions about each others personality. The above statement from Elizabeth depicts that the novel primarily focuses on the theme of mis misgivings, mistaken impressions, and lapses in judgment.Thoroughly reviewing the whole context of the story, the diverse personalities of the characters are what made it possible to provide the picture of the lifestyle of English people in the 19th century. Each character is provided a characteristic that is distinct to other characters. Elizabeth Bennett, an evoke character indeed, possesses traits which are very much different from her sisters. Here is one of her statements to Darcy include in Chapter 19 where she rejects him the first time he proposed to marry her and considered to be one of the pivotal turns in the story which caused the change in both Elizabeth and Darcys characterI have no pretension whatever to that kind of elegance which consists in tormenting a respectable man. . . I thank you again and again for the honor you have done me in your proposals, but to accept them is absolutely impossible. . . Do not consider me now as an elegant female, intending to plague you, but as a rational creature, speaking the truth from her heart (p. 97). Elizabeth Bennetts character speaks much of a strong personality which is extremely opinionated and bold. contradictory her younger sisters, she does not allow social status and wealth to interfere with her standards for love.However, in her statement, prejudices toward Darcy are evident for she has already judged him without knowing him well first. However, at the end of the story, she regrets having misjudged the man upon knowing the real Fitzwilliam Darcy. This theme of wrong first impression is very common in the personality of Elizabeth Bennet as she of all time seem to misjudge a mans intent such as that of Darcy and Mr. Wickha m. On the other hand, Darcys character also reveals how wrong he was on his first impression towards Elizabeth.His statement where she declared Elizabeth as tolerable but not beautiful enough to interest him because of her poor social status discloses how soaring he was to avoid being acquainted with such a woman (p. 9). Similarly, he took back his word when he found out how interesting and intelligent Elizabeth was which led him to confess his feelings and offer a marriage proposal. Unfortunately, his first proposal was rejected. Upon the end of the novel, it is reasonable to conclude that Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Darcy actually have similar characteristics which can be considered ironic.Both are intelligent, witty, opinionated, and proud. There are also instances when they have exposed acts of prejudices towards some characters in the story, primarily themselves. Elizabeth deemed Darcy to be an extremely arrogant and proud man when she accidentally heard him say that he was not interested in her due to her poor status in the society. She thought him to be a spoiled wealthy man who is unsociable and selfish. In return, Darcy also showed his prejudices towards her by thinking that she was not right for him because she belonged to the lower class part of the society.Hence, the situation indicates how their unprompted and superficial judgments of each other led them to take back their words and eradicate their pride and prejudices towards each other. They gradually transformed into humble beings who were capable of admitting and evaluate their shortcomings. Thus, two people, even with similar characteristics may not have similar outputs and can still be regarded contradictory in terms of beliefs. Like the characters in the story, all have distinct personalities which enabled them to decide the way they did.If Elizabeth did not hastily judged Darcy in the first place which led her into rejecting his first marriage proposal, Darcy would not have humbl ed himself into further pursuing Elizabeth despite her initial rejection. He would not have rescued her family from social disgrace and reveal his true nature. Simply put, Elizabeth would not have change her opinion about Darcy and most probably reject him still. She would not have fallen in love with him and change her ways of being filled with prejudices.The following scenarios created a huge impact in the maturity and development of the characters in the story which proves that the transformation is indeed dependent on the characters actions and decisions. Upon understanding the difference between the main characters personalities, it is important to note that the focus of Darcy is to win Elizabeth heart to marry her. It is all about marriage from the start of the novel until the end. Austen made it really clear for women in the 19th century how big an issue it was to find someone rich and reputable to marry.Elizabeths mother had seemed to push them into marrying by taking them t o social balls where rich men were most likely to come and select a wife. Conclusion Clearly, the arguments stated above identify the concept that Elizabeth and Darcys character transformation would not have been possible without their mistakes and initial false impressions of each other. This validates the fact that their development as individuals is highly rooted from their decisions and hasty judgmentsor rather their own pride and prejudices.In addition, Austens ability to inculcate the stereotypes on the characters produced an image of the status of marriage and courtship in the 19th century. It becomes clear to the readers that there was too much consciousness and pressure on the physical attributes and reputations of women than in men. Men were more highly regarded than women as women only seem to officiate as partners to men in marriage. The fact that there were balls where men can choose the women they want to marry is already an indication of the restraints that society p uts on women. They are merely intended for domestic purposes only.

Japanese Society Yakuza

It is said quite often that Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, what I comparing to Germany or opposite countries can confirm from my own experiences. With only 19. 177 per 1,000 slew got Japan 34 in a world offense ranking, while Dominica rates 1, unite Kingdom 6, USA 8 and Germany 11. ( linked Nations, 2000) Nevertheless japanese families, in our case homestay families, argon all the time in my view ex eonratedly concerned almost safety, wherefore you could think, that this is just useless talk. But the Yakuza , the japanese Mafia is famous all over the world with Kobe and Osaka having the highest crime rate in Japan.Especially in movies, the Yakuza argon shown as the japanese equivalent to the italian Mafia, but in personal interviews with my former hostm early(a) and other japanese colleagues Yakuza were often played down and even depicted as nice and helpful. In the city i live Kobe is the headquarterof the Yamaguchi gang (), the largest Yakuza group wit h over 20000 fellow members. They acutally go for a large fragment of Japan and other countries. (Blathwayt, 2008, p. 41) Sometimes i see them when i go shopping or to the Kobes Mosque, because the headquarter of a gumi is around this bea and I as rise up as other japanese people got used to them.It is quite belatedly to gain them, because they stick out as buffed, tattooed (sometimes you can see that it is protrude from the shirt), wearing shades (even at night) and having expensive cars. But of course like ein truth other Mafia, they control popular, semi-legal or illegal businesses like prostitution, drugs, protection racket and swordplay. However there seems to be a big influence by the Yakuza on Japanese society. In this report, i allow foring examine, what kind of influence the Yakuza involve on the Japanese society.In doing so i will take a look at parts of the sex industry, daily and business life, as well as in other aras like random smaller criminals as for ex ample japanese biker gangs called Bosozoku and even normal teenagers next door. First of all i will start with the history of the Yakuza, why and how they developed and try to find here possible parallels of a influences on the modern society. Furthermore in the third part of the report, i will write about my personal experiences and experiences of friends and acquaintances, because such statement often say more than just dry facts.I will cheeseparing my essay with a conclusion and try to give a forecast about whether the Yakuza will continue to exist the way it does today or whether it will change, as every society developes dynamically and continuesly. a. Origin of the Yakuza The word Yakuza means eight (ya), nine (ku) and three (za) and allegorizes a combination of numbers, that is considered to be the worst playscript at a Japanese card game called Oicho-Kabu and though is worthless. (Parkanian, 2010,p. 15) The origin of the Yakuza is not clearly to allocate.Some people say th at they are descendents of crazy off-the-wall samurai called kabuki-mono in the 17th-century, who were very conspicuous because of their outlandish clothes and hair styles. They besides spoke a luxuriant slang and carried long swords in their belts. Those servants of the shogun, became leaderless ronin (wave men) and eventually instead thieves and gangsters during the Tokugawa era, an long period of peace in Japan. (Hill,2003,P. 37-40) Others claim their origin to be the gambling syndicates called Bakuto in the Edo period.They were people of humble birth, too, like farmers, craftmen or merchants, who addled their jobs and then had no other choice than entering the gambling syndicates. As mentioned before there was an extended time of peace during the Tokugawa Period in which to the highest degree all policemen were former samurai. Therefore there was a high tension between both parties, for example the Yakuza were called wannabe samurai without glorifying the way of the warrior (Bushido) and treated very condescending. thus a kind of Robin-Hood-Image came up and that was the first steps into a solid influence on Japanese Society.During the Meiji Period their importance increased when a subject area hero called Jichiro, the boss of a gambling organization, got high merits because of his alignment to the emperor during the conflicts of the Meiji Restoration. After the end of the occupation period and the appreciativeness of Japan as monarch state in 1952, a rebuild of the Japanese economy and national structures began, so the Yakuza reacted with a buildup of their own economic activities tool, focusing especially in gambling and the construction industry. The consequence was gang fights between the different Yakuza gangs.The state answered with a persecution, which led into a higher concentration of power on the three main(prenominal) Yakuza gangs Inagawa-kai, Sumiyoshi-kai and Yamaguchi-gumi. In the 70s and 80s, when Japan got into a recession because of the famous bubble economy, the Yakuza took advantage of the situation to get access into the fiscal sector. Protection money extortion of stock corporations followed. In addition to that, there was a change of generations in the big syndicates during in the 80s, thus again all-fired gang fights were the consequences, but the situations changed as well. Blathwayt,2008,p. 36-41) For example younger Yakuza tended to break the old rules and standards by using fire arms and being more violent creation one reason, why Yakuza organizations were banned by the government. In 90s the Yakuza were still legal and their headquarters could be easily find. It was even possible to recognize the group those headquarters offices belonged to and their position in the structure of the group.Yakuza bosses were at news conferences and on TV, they had their own newspapers and even visited the police for congratulations at New Year. Gunther, 1999) It was easy to recognize an influence of the Yakuza o n Japanese society, especially in the financial or construction sector in in the beginning times. But how is the situation today, about 10 years later on they were banned. How are they structured today, if as mentioned before a kind of development, respectively change, were coming up? And what are Japanese people thinking about them? b. Their role in todays Japanese society First of all Yakuza look different from the average Japanese guy. One sign are the tattoos, which is a taboo in Japanese Society.For me it was not really possible to wear a tank top during the summer without catching everybodys attention. Referring to Bruno(2007) the Yakuza members to a fault favor tattoos, but theirs are elaborate body murals that often cover the entire torso, front and back, as well the arms to below the elbow and the legs to mid-calf. Dragons, flowers, craggy landscapes, turbulent seascapes, gang insignias and abstract designs are typical images used for yakuza body art. The application of t hese extensive tattoos is painful and can take hundreds of hours, but the process is considered a test of a mans mettle. Another sign is the famous yubizume, the amputation of the last articulatio of the little finger, if a yakuza severely disappoints his boss. The next mistake would lead into an amputation of the second joint of the little finger and later moving on to the next finger. Beyond all, a yakuza k straightaways what to do if his boss gives him a knife. (Kaplan and Dubro,2003,p. 14) As a Yakuza there is also no space in Japanese Society, but the mafia is quite more accepted as in other countries like for example United States.Yakuza have an increasingly influence on politics and politicians by supporting them financially or with services like extort people to vote for them. For the Yakuza bodied extortion is a very profitable business and the shareholders meeting men called Sokaiya are highly involved. Bruno(2007) describes it as follows Sokaiya will buy a small number of shares in a company so that they can attend shareholders meetings. In preparation for the meeting, the sokaiya gather damaging information about the company and its officers secret mistresses, tax evasion, dangerous factory conditions, and pollution are all fodder for the sokaiya.They will then contact the companys management and threaten to disclose whatever embarrassing information they have at the shareholders meeting unless they are compensated. If management does not give in to their demands, the sokaiya go to the shareholders meeting and raise hell, shouting down anyone who dares to speak, making a trigger-happy display of their presence, and shouting out their damaging revelations. In Japan, where people fear embarrassment and shame much more than physical threats, executives commonly give the sokaiya whatever they want.But Japan is also a society where directness is considered rude, and even the criminals make their threats known in a circuitous, outwardly polite man ner. Threats come in many disguises. Some sokaiya pose as business magazine publishers who encourage their targets to take out ads or buy subscriptions in exchange for favorable reportage about the company. Since these sokaiya will follow through on their threats and print a magazine or newsletter filled with condemning articles, company executives usually give way up rather than face the bad press. Another sokaiya scam is to set up booster clubs that solicit donations for non-existent causes.They also throw gala events to which the invited businessmen are expected to bring cash gifts for their hosts. Such events have been known to net more than $100,000 in a single night. The sokaiya have also organized truelove pageants for the purpose of shaking down corporate sponsors, and sokaiya golf tournaments come with pricey entrance fees for their corporate players. These corporate racketeers have also been known to sell blocks of tickets to subject field events at grossly inflated pri ces. Anything to extort money out of legitimate companies in the most polite and indirect way possible. The intention is therefore to control them after the vote and to avoid a minding in their business by the state. They are often chastise wing nationalistic and even the cars with big loudspeakers of right parties are often driven by Yakuza members. With prohibition of the Yakuza, the conspicuous behavior alleviated. Former offices are now placements for loans or jobs and although the Yakuza are officially called Boryokudan (violent groups), violence is usually the last resort regardless of whether legal businesses like loan lending or placement services or illegal businesses like drugs, prostitution or gambling. Takahashi,2009,p. 40-43)Certainly the yakuzas standards decreased when recruiting new members. While about 60 % of all Yakuza descend by Burakumin, offspring of the impure people of the feudal age of Japan, most new members currently come from the bosozuku (speed tribes), known for their love of motorbikes. (Takashi,2009,P. 43) Yakuza, who treasure their ancestral ties to the old samurai reject the term and consider it an insult. So the Yakuza remain the nighttime of Japanese society, while their image are getting worse. When I asked surrounding people only two of them had contact with them and draw them as very olite but arrogant as well. Their friends are Yakuza and studied Law in an university, but then started a career at a Yakuza organization after graduation. They said that Yakuza are very friendly especially to foreigners, except you are getting involved into their business. Two Mongolian guys, who I met, told me that one of them kicked a Yakuza member during a quarrel in an izakaya. When the police and other Yakuza member arrived later, they said to the Mongolians that if they wouldnt pay 50000 yen, they would find and kill them.And that in front of the police men, who didnt want to get involved in this business. This kind of controversy m ixture of gratefulness (when the Yakuza helped Japanese people after the big earthquake in 1995 earlier than the Japanese government) and fear, tolerance but no acceptance is a very interesting situation in Japan. But situations are changing. While in other Mafias, in which a member is a member for life and this short-term career can have severe repercussions, former Yakuza are becoming now salary men.There are even companies who offer jobs and rehabilitation programs for former Yakuza, who want to change their life. (Bruno,2007) Conclusion As we could see, there is an influence as well as transition of the Yakuza to Japanese Society. Complaints of Japanese citizens about Yakuza activities increased considerably, although there are still feared, the acceptance is getting lower and lower. Some people are fighting back by banishing yakuza social clubs from their neighborhoods or forbidding Yakuza to enter local Onzens (public hot springs or spas) or gyms.In addition to that, yakuza or ganizations are haveing in force(p) problems to recruit new members, because a Japanese boy from a well-protected good family doesnt tend to start working at an underground organization. The author Bruno (2007) described the situation with much apropos Today they could be more activeand more carefulthan ever, broadening their bases, infiltrating new territories and working new scams. Like the legendary ninjas of ancient Japan, they can be everywhere and nowhere, but theyre always lethal. References Blathwayt, W.,2008, Yakuza bared The changing face of Japanese organised crime.Bruno, 2007, The Yakuza, online Available at http//www.trutv.com/library/crime/gangsters_outlaws/gang/yakuza/1.html Accessed 21 January 2011Gnther, H., 1999, Yakuza die Japanische Mafia?, online Available at http//www.japonet.de/j-impressionen/yakuza.html Accessed 21 January 2011Hill, P., 2003, The Japanese Mafia Yakuza, Law, and the StateKaplan, D. and Dubro, A., 2003, Yakuza Japans Criminal UnderworldPark anian, J. 2010, Game male child Glossary of Japanese Gambling GamesTakahashi, K. 2009, Capital punishment Japans yakuza vie for control of Tokyo.United Nations, 2000, Seventh United Nations Survey of Crime Trends and Operations of Criminal justness Systems online Available at http//www.nationmaster.com/graph/cri_tot_cri_percap-crime-total-crimes-per-capita Accessed 21 January 2011

The Board of Directors †Roles and Responsibilities

The Board of Directors government agencys and responsibilities The circuit cards key purpose is to ensure the companys prosperity by collectively directing the companys affairs, whilst collision the appropriate interests of its shareholders and stakeholders. The objects of the company are defined in the Memorandum of Association and regulations are laid out in the Articles of Association. Appointment of conductors The ultimate control as to the composition of the senesce of directors rests with the shareholders, who can always appoint, and more importantly, sometimes dismiss a director.The shareholders can also fix the minimum and maximum number of directors. However, the circuit board can usually appoint (but not dismiss) a director to his office as well. A director may be dismissed from office by a majority vote of the shareholders, give upd that a special procedure is followed. The procedure is complex, and legal advice will always be required. Role of the board of direct ors Boards can be helped greatly by focusing on four key areas Establish vision, mission and values Determine the companys vision and mission to guide and set the thou for its current operations and future development. Determine the values to be promoted throughout the company. Determine and review company goals. Determine company policies Set strategy and social system Review and evaluate present and future opportunities, threats and risks in the external environment and current and future strengths, weaknesses and risks relating to the company. Determine strategic options, select those to be pursued, and decide the bureau to implement and support them. Determine the business strategies and plans that underpin the corporate strategy.Ensure that the companys organisational structure and capability are appropriate for implementing the chosen strategies. Delegate to management Delegate post to management, and monitor and evaluate the implementation of policies, strategies and business plans. Determine monitoring criteria to be used by the board. Ensure that internal controls are effective. Communicate with senior management. physical exercise accountability to shareholders and be responsible to relevant stakeholders Ensure that communications both to and from shareholders and relevant stakeholders are effective. Understand and take into account the interests of shareholders and relevant stakeholders. Monitor relations with shareholders and relevant stakeholders by gathering and evaluation of appropriate information. Promote the goodwill and support of shareholders and relevant stakeholders. Responsibilities of directors Directors look after the affairs of the company, and are in a position of trust. They might abuse their position in order to profit at the expense of their company, and, therefore, at the expense of the shareholders of the company.Consequently, the law imposes a number of duties, burdens and responsibilities upon directors, to restrain abuse. Much of company law can be seen as a balance between allowing directors to manage the companys business so as to make a profit, and pr withalting them from abusing this freedom. Directors are responsible for ensuring that proper books of account are kept. In some circumstances, a director can be required to help pay the debts of his company, even though it is a separate legal person.For example, directors of a company who try to trade out of difficulty and fail may be found guilty of improper trading and can be made personally liable. Directors are particularly vulnerable if they have acted in a way which benefits themselves. The directors must always exercise their powers for a proper purpose that is, in furtherance of the reason for which they were given those powers by the shareholders. Directors must act in good faith in what they honestly believe to be the best interests of the company, and not for any collateral purpose.This means that, particularly in the event of a conflict of interest between the companys interests and their own, the directors must always privilege the company. Directors must act with due skill and care. Directors must consider the interests of employees of the company. Calling a directors meeting A director, or the secretary at the request of a director, may call a directors meeting. A secretary may not call a meeting unless requested to do so by a director or the directors. Each director must be given reasonable notice of the meeting, stating its date, time and place.Commonly, seven days is given but what is reasonable depends in the last resort on the circumstances Non-executive directors Legally speaking, there is no distinction between an executive and non-executive director. Yet there is inescapably a smell that the non-executives role can be seen as balancing that of the executive director, so as to ensure the board as a strong functions effectively. Where the executive director has an intimate knowled ge of the company, the non-executive director may be expected to have a wider perspective of the world at large. 2The chairman of the board The articles usually provide for the election of a chairman of the board. They empower the directors to appoint one of their own number as chairman and to determine the period for which he is to hold office. If no chairman is elected, or the elected chairman is not present within five minutes of the time fixed for the meeting or is unwilling to preside, those directors in attendance may usually elect one of their number as chairman of the meeting. The chairman will usually have a second of plaster bandage vote in the case of equality of votes.Unless the articles confer such a vote upon him, however, a chairman has no casting vote merely by virtue of his office. Since the chairmans position is of great importance, it is vital that his election is clearly in accordance with any special procedure laid down by the articles and that it is uniquely minuted this is especially important to avoid disputes as to his period in office. Usually there is no special procedure for resignation. As for removal, articles usually empower the board to remove the chairman from office at any time. Proper and clear minutes are important in order to avoid disputes.Role of the chairman The chairmans role includes managing the boards business and acting as its facilitator and guide. This can include Determining board composition and organisation Clarifying board and management responsibilities Planning and managing board and board committee meetings Developing the effectiveness of the board. Shadow directors In many circumstances, the law applies not only to a director, but to a suggestion director. A shadow director is a person in accordance with whose directions or instructions the directors of a company are accustomed to act.Under this definition, it is possible that a director, or the whole board, of a holding company, and the holding com pany itself, could be treated as a shadow director of a subsidiary. Professional advisers giving advice in their professional person capacity are specifically excluded from the definition of a shadow director in the companies legislation. RCW 5/11/2000Sources Standards for the Board, Institute of Directors The Independent Director, IoD/Ernst Young Running a limited company, David Impney Nicholas Montague, Jordans 2000 Brefi Group Limited http//www. corporatecoach. co. uk/

Marxism, Crime and Deviant Behaviour Essay

When looking into the sociology of crime and deviance it is near impossible to avoid countless references back to Marxism, a theory which looks at society from a booking perspective. * This particular theory argues that the ruling classes which we have come to know as the bourgeoisie use the agencies of the state (the political system, police force, criminal cleanice courts etc) to drill control over the proletariat. This changes the agencies of the state into agents of repression. * Societys norms and determine stem from those of the privileged and powerful and primarily serve their interests. * These norms are then forced onto the poorer/weaker members of society, the values of which tend to be exploitative of these groups.* What is considered criminal and deviant behaviour within society as far as Marxism is concerned has been decided by the rich and the powerful. The laws in any given society can clearly reflect this point. * In recent capitalist societies norms and values of the bourgeoisie succeed and are effectively imposed on the proletariat. This is reflected in the laws and rules of a capitalist society in various forms. * A number of sociologists would argue that an example of the laws reflecting the norms imposed by the bourgeoisie is transparent within society as a result of the amount of laws which concern or address the issues of property in capitalist societies. This point puts accent mark on importance of owning private property as a basis of wealth.Taking these points into consideration we can deduct that Marxisms strengths include its ability to break down crime and deviant behaviour as originating from the economic structures of society as it includes the relationship between the bourgeoisie and proletariat. Marxism makes it clear that criminal behaviour isnt just an issue concerning the poorer classes of society but also those higher up the social and economic ladder.These crimes are commonly known as white collar crimes, Marxism makes it evident that this type of crime can be equally if not more damaging to society than the more common examples of working class crimes such as burglary, assault etc. A weakness of Marxism is that it is often criticised for over-emphasising the economy as the biggest, if not main cause of crime and deviant behaviour. An example of this is feminists being faultfinding of Marxism for failing to explain or recognise gender as a factor. It is also greatly criticised for ignoring ethnicity and race as factors.

Solving Quadratic Equations

While the ultimate goal is the same, to de end pointine the value(s) that hold line up for the equivalence, solving quadratic equation polynomial comparabilitys requires much more than simply isolating the varying, as is requisite in solving linear equations. This piece entrust come online the assorted types of quadratic equations, strategies for solving severally type, as well as other methods of solutions such as end the material and using the quadratic equation convening. Knowledge of compute in undefiled self-colored trinomials and simplifying radical expression are needed for this piece. lets take a look Standard Form of a quadratic equation Equation ax2+ bx+c=0Where a, b, and c are integers and a? 1 I. To solve an equation in the shit ax2+c=k, for roughly value k. This is the simplest quadratic equation to solve, be induct the middle term is missing. Strategy To isolate the square up term and then take the square root of twain sides. Ex. 1) Isolate the square term, divide both sides by 2 Take the square root of both sides 22=40 222= 40 2 x2 =20 think ab let on in that location are two possible solutions x2= 20 modify radical Solutions x= 20 x= 25 (Please refer to previous instructional materials changeing radical Expressions ) II. To solve a quadratic equation arranged in the form ax2+ bx=0.Strategy To constituent the binomial using the greatest common factor (GCF), rig the monomial factor and the binomial factor pair to zero, and solve. Ex. 2) 122- 18x=0 6x2x-3= 0 cypher using the GCF 6x=0 2x-3=0Set the monomial and binomial satisfactory to zero x=0 x= 32Solutions * In some cases, the GCF is simply the variable with coefficient of 1. III. To solve an equation in the form ax2+ bx+c=0, where the trinomial is a perfect square. This too is a simple quadratic equation to solve, because it factors into the form m2=0, for some binomial m. For cypher instructional methods, select The Easy Way to Factor Trinomials ) Strategy To factor the trinomial, influence each binomial equal to zero, and solve. Ex. 3) x2+ 6x+9=0 x+32=0Factor as a perfect square x+3x+3= 0Not necessary, but valuable step to show two solutions x+3=0 x+3=0Set each binomial equal to zero x= -3 x= -3Solve x= -3Double root solution IV. To solve an equation in the form ax2+ bx+c=0, where the trinomial is not a perfect square, but factorable. Similar to the last example, this is a simple quadratic equation to solve, because it factors into the form mn=0, for some binomials m and n.Strategy To factor the trinomial, set each binomial equal to zero, and solve. Ex. 4) 22-x-6=0 * Using the factoring method from The Easy Way to Factor Trinomials, we need to find two number that multiply to give ac, or -12, and extend to give b, or -1. These value are -4 and 3. Rewrite the trinomial with these two determine as coefficients to x that add to the current middle term of -1x. 22- 4x+3x-6=0Rewrite middle term 22- 4x+3x-6=0 2xx-2+ 3x-2= 0Factor by che mical group x-22x+3= 0Factor out the common binomial (x-2) x-2=0 2x+3=0Set each binomial equal to zero x=2 x= -32Solutions V.To solve a quadratic equation not arranged in the form ax2+ bx+c=0, but factorable. Strategy To combine like harm to one side, set equal to zero, factor the trinomial, set each binomial equal to zero, and solve. Ex. 5) 62+ 2x-3=9x+2 -9x -9x 62- 7x-3= 2 -2 -2 62- 7x-5=0 * To factor this trinomial, we are feel for two number that multiply to give ac, or -30, and add to give b, or -7. These values would be 3 and -10. Rewrite the trinomial with these two values as coefficients to x that add to the current middle term of -7x. 62+ 3x-10x-5=0Rewrite middle term 62+ 3x-10x-5=0 3x2x+1-52x+1=0Factor by grouping Careful factoring a -5 from the second group 2x+13x-5=0 Factor out the common binomial (2x+1) 2x+1=0 3x-5=0 Set each binomial equal to zero x= -12 x= 53Solutions Now that we have explored some examples, Id like to take this time to summarize the strategies ut ilize thus further in solving quadratic equations. Keeping in mind the goal is to isolate the variable, the format of the equation will dictate the strategy used to solve. When the quadratic does not have a middle term, a term with a power of 1, it is best to first isolate the squared term, and then take the square root of both sides.This essentially will result in two solutions of oppositeness values. For quadratics that do not have a c-value, arrange the equation so that ax2+ bx=0, and then factor using the GCF. Set the monomial, or the GCF, and the binomial equal to zero and solve. When the quadratic has one or more ax2s, bxs, and cs, the like terms need to be combined to one side of the equation and set equal to zero forwards determining if the trinomial can be factored. Once factored, set each binomial equal to zero and solve. Keep in mind while combining like terms that a mustiness be an integer greater than or equal to 1.The solutions to cases such as these may result in a double root solution, found when the trinomial is factored as a perfect square, or two unique solutions, found when the trinomial is factored into two unique binomials. There may be other cases where a GCF can be factored out of the trinomial before factoring occurs. Since this unit is focused on solving quadratic equations, the GCF would simply be a constant. The next example to illustrates while its helpful to factor out the GCF before factoring the trinomial, it is not imperative to do so and has no impact on the solution of the quadratic equation. VI.To solve a quadratic equation in which there is a GCF among the terms of a trinomial. Strategy (A To determine the GCF between the terms of the trinomial once it is in standard form, factor out the GCF, factor the trinomial, set each binomial equal to zero, and then solve. Ex. 6A) 122- 22x+6=0 262- 11x+3=0 * To factor this trinomial, we are looking for two numbers that multiply to give ac, or 18, and add to give b, or -11. These values would be -9 and -2. Rewrite the trinomial with these two values as coefficients to x that add to the current middle term of -11x. 262- 9x-2x+3=0Factor out the GCF of 2 from each term 3x2x-3- 12x-3=0Factor by grouping 22x-33x-1=0Factor out the common binomial (2x-3) 2x-3=0 3x-1=0Set each binomial equal to zero x= 32 x= 13 Solutions Strategy (B) To factor the trinomial, set each binomial equal to zero, and solve. Ex. 6B) 122- 22x+6=0 * To factor this trinomial, we are looking for two numbers that multiply to give ac, or 72, and add to give b, or -22. These values would be -18 and -4. Rewrite the trinomial with these two values as coefficients to x that add to the current middle term of -22x. 122- 18x-4x+6=0 x2x-3- 22x-3=0Factor by grouping 2x-36x-2= 0Factor out the common binomial (2x-3) 2x-3=0 6x-2=0 Set each binomial equal to zero x= 32 x= 26= 13Solutions * beak in Ex 6A, since the GCF did not have a variable. The purpose of factoring and setting each binomial equal to zero is to solve for the possible value(s) for the variable that result in a zero product. If the GCF does not have a variable, it is not possible for it to make a product of zero. With that said, in later topics there will be cases where a GCF will include a variable, leaving a factorable trinomial.This type of case results in a possibility of three solutions for the variable, as seen in the example below. 3xx2+ 5x+6=0 3xx+2x+3=0 3x=0 x+2=0 x+3=0 x=0 x= -2 x= -3 At this point we need to transition to solving quadratics equations that do not have trinomials that are factorable. To solve these types of equations, we have two options, (1) to polish off the straight, and (2) to use the Quadratic Formula. Essentially, these two methods yield the same solution when left in simplified radical form. For the remainder of this unit I will o the following * Explain how to complete the Square * appropriate examples utilizing the Completing the Square method * Prove the Quadratic Formula startin g with Completing the Square * Provide examples solving equations using the Quadratic Formula * Provide an example that parallels all three methods in this unit * Provide instructional strategies for solving quadratic equations VII. How to Complete the Square Goal To get xm2=k , where m and k are real numbers and k? 0 For equations that are not factorable and in the form ax2+ bx+c=0 where a=1, 1.Move constant term to the side opposite the variable x. 2. Take 12 of b and square the result. 3. Add this term to both sides. 4. Create your perfect square set equal to some constant value k? 0. VIII. To solve quadratic equations using the Completing the Square method. Ex. 7)x2+ 6x-5=0 * Since there are no two integers that multiply to give ac, or -5, and add to give b, or 6, this trinomial is not factorable, and therefore, Completing the Square must be used to solve for x. x2+ 6x+ _____ =5+ _____ Move constant to the right x2+ 6x+ 62 2=5+ 62 2Take 12b, square it and add it to both sides 2+ 6x+9=14Simplify x+32=14Factor trinomial as a perfect square x+32= 14Take the square root of both sides x+3= 14Simplify x= -3 14Solve for x Solutions Ex. 8) 22+ 16x=4 * Before proceeding with Completing the Square, notice a? 1 and the constant term is already on the opposite side of the variable terms. First step must be to divide both sides of the equation by 2. x2+ 8x=2Result after division by 2 x2+ 8x+ _____ =2+ _____ Preparation for Completing the Square x2+ 8x+ 82 2=2 + 82 2 Take 12b, square it and add it to both sides x2+ 8x+16=18 Simplify x+42=18Factor trinomial as a perfect square +42= 18Take the square root of both sides x+4= 32Simplify x= -4 32Solve for x Solutions At any point during the solving process, if a negative value exists under the radical, there will be NO REAL SOLUTION to the equation. These types of equations will be explored later once the imaginary number system has been learned. IX. Quadratic Formula The Quadratic Formula is another method to solving a q uadratic equation. Lets take a look at how the standard form of a quadratic equation can be transformed into the Quadratic Formula using the Completing the Square method.Ensure a coefficient of 1 for x2 by dividing by a, and move the constant term to the right ax2+ bx+c=0Standard Form of a quadratic equation ax2a+ bxa+ c a= 0 a x2+ b ax+ c a= 0 x2+ b ax= c a * The square of half of what is now the b term, or the middle term, is 12 b a2= b2a2= b24a2 Complete the Square Get common denominator on the right Factor trinomial as a perfect square Take the square root of both sides Simplify Solve for x Quadratic Formula x2+ b ax+ b24a2 = c a + b24a2 x2+ b ax+ b24a2 = 4ac 4a2 + b24a2 x2+ b ax+ b24a2 = -4ac+b24a2 + b 2a2= -4ac+b24a2 x+ b 2a2= -4ac+b24a2 x+ b2a= -4ac+ b22a x= -b 2a -4ac+ b22a x= -b b2- 4ac2a X. To solve quadratic equations using the Quadratic Formula. Ex 9. ) 22- 8x+ 5=0 a=2 b= -8 c=5 Substitute survey Subtract Simplify radical Simplify fraction Solutions x= -b b2- 4a c2a x= 8 -82- 42522 x= 8 64 404 x= 8 244 x= 8 264 x= 4 62 Ex. 10) 2x=5-42 * Notice this equation is not in the standard form for quadratic equations. Before identifying the values for a, b and c, the equation must be arranged in ax2+ bx+c=0 form.After adding 42 and subtracting 5, we get 42+ 2x-5=0 a=4 b= 2 c=-5 Substitute Evaluate Add Simplify x= -b b2- 4ac2a x= -2 22- 44-524 x= -2 4+808 x= -2 848 x= -2 2218 Simplify fraction Solution x= -1 214 As in Completing the Square, if a negative value results under the radical, theres NO REAL SOLUTION. XI. Compare all three methods learned Factoring Completing the Square Quadratic Formula Ex. 11) 42- 8x-5=0 * Two integers that multiply to give -20 that add to give -8 are -10 and 2. x2- 10x +2x-5=02x2x-5+ 12x-5= 02x-52x+1= 0 2x-5=0 2x+1=0x= 52 x= -12 Ex. 11) 42- 8x-5=0 * First step is to obtain a coefficient of 1 for the x2 by dividing both sides of the equation by 4. x2- 2x- 54= 042- 2x- 54=0x2- 2x=542- 2x+ _____=54+ _____x2-2x+ 22 2 =54+ 22 2 x2- 2x+1=54+12- 2x+1=94x-12= 94x-12= 94x-1= 32x=1 32x= 52 x= -12 Ex. 11. ) 42- 8x-5=0a=4 b= -8 c= -5x= -b b2- 4ac2ax= 8 (-8)2-44-52(4)x= 8 64+80 8x=8 1448x= 8 128x= 208 x= -48x= 52 x= -12 XII. Instructional StrategiesThis is such a tremendous unit that builds on the familiar skills like solving equations, while setting up the transition to exploring the graphical nature of quadratic solutions. Check out universe Strategic in Solving Equations Part I & II to learn more about the flexibility in equation solving. Students have quite a bit of flexibility in solving quadratic equations as well. This unit follows the factoring lessons in most curriculums very closely. Essentially, the only new material in this unit is the Completing the Square and the Quadratic Formula.It is imperative that you teach this unit in a progressive nature as I have situated out here, starting with what bookmans are familiar with, adding one layer at a time to arrive at the more complex equations as illustrated in Examples 7 10. Throughout the beginning of this unit, pose questions to students such as * Does the equation have a middle term, or does the equation have a b term? * Is the equation in standard quadratic form? * Is there a greatest common factor? * Is the trinomial factorable? * Can the trinomial be factored as a perfect square? How many unique solutions does the equation have? Encourage students to ask these questions back to you or other students as equations are solved in class. This will cause students to slow down and think carefully about the type of equation they are solving. With that said, there is usually more than one tone-beginning to solving most equations. Take for instance Example 11. Even if the equation is factorable, the Completing the Square method and the Quadratic formula can be used to solve the equation however, it may not be the most efficient method.Often students will gravitate towards the formula because they are comfortable with mindless substitution and computation thats involved with a formula. Needless to say, they quickly realize they must be meticulous weaving in and out of the steps so not to lose a sign or simplify incorrectly. In many cases, taking the scenic route, or the more elaborate method of solution, will cause careless errors throughout the solving process. The goal is for student to learn the process of examining what they have been given and proceed with the method of solution that makes sense for the given equation.To advertise this type of analysis and discourse, provide opportunities for students to showcase these skills. One activity is to group students in 3s, provide them with a quadratic equation to solve, have each student demonstrate one of the methods of solution, and then decide as a group which method was the most efficient or strategic. When presenting to the class, have each student explain why their method was, or was not the most efficient. In a class, this could be 10 or more equations solved. Dont incertain away from including equations that are missing terms or equations that are not in standard form.These might prove to be more difficult, since they are required to think more carefully about what they have been given, but they are very valuable learning tools. Following this activity, provide students with an equation, and without requiring them to solve using constitution and pencil, have them explain, either verbally or in written form, which method they think would be the most strategic or most efficient. Keep in mind, there is room for opinion in these responses. Simply listen and evaluate students thought process as they explain. Skills such as these are invaluable and will help create well rounded mathematical thinkers.

Ethics Case Study

Jerry McCall is an office assistant for Dr. Williams. Jerry has received training as both a medical assistant and clear mulish nurses (LPN). During the time the receptionist is out to lunch Jerry is covering for her. Jerry is faced with a common problem in the health care field today. Jerry has been asked to call in a replenish for diazepam to a pharmacy for a enduring. This paper pass on address why Jerry is not qualified to refill any prescription(prenominal) medication. If Jerry is protected if a lawsuit is filled.Jerrys decision is a tough one, legal and ethical issues and advice will be provided for Jerrys use. Jerry has received training as a medical assistant and a LPN and has gained knowledge about prescription drugs. Jerry knows that with his training he is not allowed to refill a prescription medication. Jerry knows that Valium is an addictive drug. Jerry is not allowed to refill this prescription because he is not a medical doctor, dentist, or a psychologist.Jerry h as training for a LPN and knows that no issue what causa of medication a enduring is asking him to refill he is not allowed to. If there are no more refills on the prescription nursing bottleful the merely thing Jerry can do in this position is to schedule the enduring for an appointment with the atomic number 101. The patient is asking for a refill for Valium nevertheless could excessively ask for a refill for high blood pressure medication. If the patient has to call because he or she is out of refills on the prescription bottle unavoidably to renew the prescription which can only be done by a medical doctor.The doctrine of respondent superior is defined that the employer is probable for the employees actions (Farlex, INC, 2011). If a lawsuit is filled Jerry may possibly be protected. The reading did not state if Jerry carried his own malpractice insurance or just relayed on his employers insurance. If Jerry does cave in his own malpractice insurance he would know that his insurance will pay an attorney to represent him before the Board of Nursing (Mackay, 2006). Jerry could have a lawsuit filed on him if he does refill the Valium and possible even if he does not refill it.Knowing more about the choice Jerry do and what caseful of malpractice insurance he carried would help to answer the question (if a lawsuit is filed would Jerry be protected? ). For anyone in Jerrys shoes it is hard to force back advice and expression that the outcome would be for the best interest of the organization. Jerry needs to understand that he could lose his job and nursing license. Jerry should explain to the patient that he is not allowed to refill prescription medication and he should explain to the patient that he is also that the aware of the situation that he is flying out of town.Jerry should tell the patient that by making sure that he or she was prepared for travels ahead of time. After Jerry gets off the phone with the patient, he should go see Dr. William s and explain to Dr. Williams what happened among the patient and himself. In conclusion if more health care professionals put into practice the concept of non-maleficence which is embodied by the articulate, to first, do no harm, or in the Latin, phrase primum non nocere (McGraw Hill information and engineering science Dictionary2011). If more health care facilities considered non-maleficence to be the main or primary consideration (to done harm) winning in consideration that it is more important to protect all patients for their safety and wellbeing instead of enthusiastic practitioners being more prone to using treatments that they intrust will do the most good, without first conducting an adequately evaluation on the patient to ensure they do no harm to the patient (McGraw Hill perception and applied science Dictionary2011).A great deal of has been done to patients as a result of inadequate evaluations. Therefore, it would be more important to do no harm to a patient tha n it would to do good so, my advice to Jerry would be to tell the patient that he cannot call in the prescription and assure the patient that he will let the physician know of the patients needs and the physician can take care of them as soon as possible (McGraw Hill Science and Technology Dictionary2011).Ethics Case StudyJerry McCall is an office assistant for Dr. Williams. Jerry has received training as both a medical assistant and Licensed practical nurses (LPN). During the time the receptionist is out to lunch Jerry is covering for her. Jerry is faced with a common problem in the health care field today. Jerry has been asked to call in a refill for Valium to a pharmacy for a patient. This paper will address why Jerry is not qualified to refill any prescription medication. If Jerry is protected if a lawsuit is filled.Jerrys decision is a tough one, legal and ethical issues and advice will be provided for Jerrys use. Jerry has received training as a medical assistant and a LPN and has gained knowledge about prescription drugs. Jerry knows that with his training he is not allowed to refill a prescription medication. Jerry knows that Valium is an addictive drug. Jerry is not allowed to refill this prescription because he is not a medical doctor, dentist, or a psychologist.Jerry has training for a LPN and knows that no matter what type of medication a patient is asking him to refill he is not allowed to. If there are no more refills on the prescription bottle the only thing Jerry can do in this position is to schedule the patient for an appointment with the physician. The patient is asking for a refill for Valium but could also ask for a refill for high blood pressure medication. If the patient has to call because he or she is out of refills on the prescription bottle needs to renew the prescription which can only be done by a medical doctor.The doctrine of respondent superior is defined that the employer is liable for the employees actions (Farlex, INC, 2011). If a lawsuit is filled Jerry may possibly be protected. The reading did not state if Jerry carried his own malpractice insurance or just relayed on his employers insurance. If Jerry does have his own malpractice insurance he would know that his insurance will pay an attorney to represent him before the Board of Nursing (Mackay, 2006). Jerry could have a lawsuit filed on him if he does refill the Valium and possible even if he does not refill it.Knowing more about the choice Jerry made and what type of malpractice insurance he carried would help to answer the question (if a lawsuit is filed would Jerry be protected? ). For anyone in Jerrys shoes it is hard to take advice and feel that the outcome would be for the best interest of the organization. Jerry needs to understand that he could lose his job and nursing license. Jerry should explain to the patient that he is not allowed to refill prescription medication and he should explain to the patient that he is also that the aware of t he situation that he is flying out of town.Jerry should tell the patient that by making sure that he or she was prepared for travels ahead of time. After Jerry gets off the phone with the patient, he should go see Dr. Williams and explain to Dr. Williams what happened between the patient and himself. In conclusion if more health care professionals put into practice the concept of non-maleficence which is embodied by the phrase, to first, do no harm, or in the Latin, phrase primum non nocere (McGraw Hill Science and Technology Dictionary2011). If more health care facilities considered non-maleficence to be the main or primary consideration (to done harm) taking in consideration that it is more important to protect all patients for their safety and wellbeing instead of enthusiastic practitioners being more prone to using treatments that they believe will do the most good, without first conducting an adequately evaluation on the patient to ensure they do no harm to the patient (McGraw Hill Science and Technology Dictionary2011).A great deal of has been done to patients as a result of inadequate evaluations. Therefore, it would be more important to do no harm to a patient than it would to do good so, my advice to Jerry would be to tell the patient that he cannot call in the prescription and assure the patient that he will let the physician know of the patients needs and the physician can take care of them as soon as possible (McGraw Hill Science and Technology Dictionary2011).

Human Rights and Guantanamo Essay

In 2004, the Supreme Court ruled that Guantanamo verbalize detainees, most of whom have been held in the camp for years, may ch tot anyyenge their detention at the camp in Ameri puke federal courts. (Medrano, 2006) While this is good news, at the onset this revealed a major flaw in the years-long operation of camp proscribed Delta, the US prison camp in Guantanamothe violation of basic human rights, a major ethical concern non only in Guantanamo but all over the world. A typical cell at Guantanamo, sources say, is like a prison cell in the US, with the standard clothing and toiletries. Because most detainees are Muslims, each cell comes with a Koran, prayer beads, and an arrow pointing to Mecca. Each day even commences with a Muslim call to prayer. ( large number Delta Guantanamo call for, 2004) So w present is human right violation here? Human rights dictate that every prisoner has the right to remain silent, undergo a fair trial, be given the basic necessities in life, be d ef closure against all forms of abuse, be able to exercise religious freedom, and be presumed innocent until proven guilty, among others. These are things that are mostly not enjoyed by the inmates at Guantanamo. To begin with, detainees at Camp Delta have been incarcerated there for years without undergoing trial. Most of them have been picked up from the streets, majority from Afghanistan. Some were turned over or pointed at as terrorists in exchange of the dollar rewards.Secondly, torture and physical abuse have been reported. Suicide cases were also existent. Thirdly, prisoners are virtually living in solitude, having no rights to family click or to live communally. They are also not entitled to exercise the right to remain silent. On the contrary, they are interrogated everyday each week for hours by the military. These after the government branded the detainees enemy combatants but not prisoners of war.Thus, the detainees were deemed to be not entitled by he provisions of the Geneva Convention. But this was reverse in 2006, when a decision was made that the detainees are entitled with full protection of the Geneva Convention, changing the fate of the hundreds left at Guantanamo Bay camp. (Sources Rights betroth for Guantanamo detainees, 2006) Ethics dictate that human rights should be followed and respected by everyone, towards everyone. Whether terrorists or not, these detainees are entitled to fair and proper treatment by their captors including such conviction that they are proven innocent and released, or proven guilty and elevated to a higher penalty. But the discussion of whether the treatment of the prisoners at Camp Delta, Guantanamo Bay is right or vilify is highly subjective, and because self expression is a human right it is worth to respect every persons mountain on the situation. However, the years of struggle for freedom by the prisoners in this prison camp in Cuba are all justifiable. If we look at the issue in light of usefulism, w e go forth be given the two sides of the coin. The first side is that of the mountain who are benefited by operation of Camp Delta and many other US prison camps all over the world. In this side, the inhumane treatment of the prisoners is right because it benefits themmakes them felicitous. It makes them happy because they are able to champion their country and their government against people who plot against terrorism in the United States.It makes them happy because they are doing something noble and worthwhile. It makes them happy that they are getting even with people who may have played a part in the killing of many terror victims in the 9/11 attacks and many other terror attacks around the world. If they stop operating Camp Delta and close it down, it will reverse their emotions and give them the negative perception in return. This impending incuring of sadness makes shutting down Camp Delta wrong, as the utilitarian will say. On the other hand, the situation does not make the hundreds of prisoners and their families happy. Their negative (sad) perception of the situation makes it wrong, as utilitarianism claims that whatever pull up stakess in the reverse of happiness is wrong. psychological self-conceit agrees. It asserts that a persons ultimate aim is ones own welfare. It may appear that psychological egoism speaks about selfishness. The surmise says that in fact people are always thinking about their own means and ends all the time. This can be seen with the Guantanamo prison case in hand clearly.In the Guantanamo Bay camp, self welfare was always on cue. Many situations in many news reports and coverage insist on the justice behind this theory in Camp Delta, and egoism was practiced by the authorities and the prisoners alike. Every guard, prisoner, officer, and all others act according to what will benefit themselves and their welfare more.While military personnel may be there for the service of the country, the government, and the countryme n that they are representing, it can also be claimed safely that they are there for the benefits that creation a military person gives them and their family. The prisoners may say that they are innocent because they are really innocent, or because they fear that they will be killed if they say something or establish a connection with terrorism. Likewise, the real terrorists may admit what they know and give information for hopes of being freed or being treated more humanely. each(prenominal) of them are acting towards what they think will result in a more positive state for themselves. For instance, the suicide attempt of some prisoners is a result of their desire for a better state. They feel that they are in such a bad situation in the Guantanamo camp that death, be it self-inflicted, is the way out for them to achieve a better life than what they are receiving in prison.Reports saying that prisoners who cooperate and state information about terrorism are given particular(prenom inal) rights to live communally though under strict control are another reflection prisoners may be revealing information to receive the privilege. The guards are in turn giving the privilege to encourage the prisoners to speak up, and because they want the information.There were also cases that have been reported where prisoners are given cups for good discretion and cooperation, but many prisoners used these cups to throw urine or stool to guards guards were quick in disciplining these prisoners in return. (Camp Delta Guantanamo Bay, 2004) In light of psychological egoism, the action and reply of both the guards and prisoners were theoretically correct as they aim for the welfare of themselves. The prisoners feel maligned, and they wanted to get even.They do this by throwing the cup of their waste to the guards. In return, the guards feel maligned too and will take an action to take control over the prisoners and their action, be it physical or psychological abuse. A matter of p ride, and they are all results of ones desire to save his own welfare. In this light, the action-reaction chain ongoing at Guantanamo are all legitimate and justifiable.So in totality, can the treatment of the detainees at Camp Delta be concluded as inhumane? Are they really not exercising human rights there at Guantanamo Bay? Again, at first thought, yes and no. The answer depends on who is answering the question. A person who values national security and justice for terrorism victims more will rejoice over events at Guantanamo Bay. On the other hand, a person who values parity and human rights more will most likely be moved by the events at Camp Delta and be dismayed. However, two philosophical theories assert that what is happening out there in Camp Delta, Guantanamo Bay is wrong and worth ones dismay.Kantian deontology states that right and wrong is determined by action, so an action is right or wrong regardless of its consequences. The ends do not and cannot justify the means. In a scenario or situation, an assessment of the situation itself is needed to know if it is right or wrong, and even if it made for the positive end if it is wrong it remains wrong.Likewise, a right move despite the negative end still remains right. In the case of treating the Guantanamo prisoners without regard for human rights, it should be assessed if the treatment is right. Ethically speaking, it is wrong because it violates and gives no regard to human rights. Sure, the treatment of these prisoners may lead to useful information about terror attacks and may garter combat terrorism altogether. Sure it may promote world peace. Sure it will bring justice to terrorism victims. But all these do not matterthe violation of human rights is ethically wrong. In light of virtue ethics, Camp Delta is treating its prisoners inhumanely. The government and its guards set aside patience and humility and hurt people without concrete evidences that these people have anything to do with the ter ror plots and attacks. The concern for security and to aid the nations injured pride for having been targeted by many self-made terrorist attacks overshadowed the value of the human person, and that of brotherhood. Utilitarianism states that the events at Camp Delta in Guantanamo Bay Cuba is right and wrong depending on which side of the fence a person is in, and if the events make him happy or not. Psychological egoism seconds this, as a person values himself and aims to protect his welfare. On the contrary, Kantian deontology and virtue ethics state that the prisoners at Camp Delta are indeed being maltreated because, primarily, the action itself is wrong and despite the arguments on expected positive results it is still wrong.Second, the actions against the prisoners act against established virtues. But ism and theories aside, ethics dictate that prisoners be treated with respect and be given due process. If the authorities can do this, the majority will be happy, egoism takes its course positively, actions will be deemed proper, and virtues will not be violatedand there will be no argument about human rights violations at Guantanamo, or anywhere else, ever.ReferencesCamp Delta Guantanamo Bay. 2004. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from http//www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/09/16/60II/main573616.shtmlMedrano, M. 2006. Supreme Court Rejects Appeal of Guantanamo Bay Detainees. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from http//abcnews.go.com/US/LegalCenter/story?id=1851981&page=1Sources Rights wassail for Guantanamo detainees. 2006. Retrieved March 31, 2007, from http//edition.cnn.com/2006/LAW/07/11/guantanamo.geneva/index.html

Executive Summary Essay

Posted by Petra at 143 PM No comments Wednesday, January 9, 2008 9. Pricing Price is the amount of money a buyer has to sacrifice in ordination to get what he/she wants. Pampers tends to make their products available to wide range of customers, so their expense essential too be affordable, reasonable and relatively low. Ive already mentioned that Pampers makes constant improvements of the products, but also ofthe production subprogram with new technology. That makes possible lowering of the price with noback step in the products quality.P&G by and large uses the strategy of price reductions on recognized brands, cost control throught the organization, and introduction of economy-priced products worldvide. Pampers often uses price promotion mix by giving coupons and temporary discounts togenerate higher sales. Price promotion mix is generally used to reinforce the basic price mixwhich includes fixed prices and terms of payment, whereas price promotion mix representsadditional re ductions in order to tempt customer to buy. For example, Pampers coupons are given in some stores on the register when a customer buyscompetitors productsThis is a way in encouraging potential customers to join the crew and discouraging them in buying competitors products Pampers also uses non monetary promotions in order to avoid contractions in customers qualityperception and to enhance brand loyalty. Pampers must be careful with its pricing decisions be suit the demand for diapers isrelatively elastic nowadays. That means that sudden change of prices can belittle the demand in the extent that higher profits wouldnt be able of covering that.The biggest cause of this sensitive situation is the presence of competition with similar, slightly differentiated products.

The Mexican-American War, Were We Justified

The Mexican-American war was a war between the United States and Mexico which lasted from April 1846 to February 1848. It stemmed from the United States annexation of Texas in 1845 and from a deviation over whether Texas ended at the Nueces River (Mexican claim) or the Rio Grande (U. S. claim). The war was the most devastating event in Mexican history, where Mexico lost the modern day areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, atomic number 27 and Montana. The Mexican-American spawned out of land lust. The idea of Manifest luck and the promising lands of California, which were coveted by many European nations, led to a war of greed.Even Abraham Lincoln, then a young Congressman, and Ulysses S. Grant, the future Civil contend victorious commander and U. S. President, believed that the invasion of Mexico was not justified. Mexico had rejected a $15 million cash-for-land deal offered by the US. The area included what now covers the states of California, Arizona, New Mexico a nd parts of Colorado and Utah. This territory was Mexican, but only nominally control over the area was slight, and open to intrusion. Irritated at the rebuff, the US struck back in1845 by annexing Texas, a territory long disputed and fought over by both countries.Mexico responded by severing diplomatic relations. U. S. President Polk further provoked Mexico by moving army south to the Rio Grande, a river that historically was considered well within Mexico. U. S. and Mexican troops skirmished across the river, leading Polk to declare to Congress on May 11, 1846, that the cup of forbearance has been exhausted, and that American blood has been spilled on American soil. (Source Eisenhowers So Far From God, pages 49-55) The U. S. -Mexican War is the pivotal chapter in the history of North America.It is the war that sealed the fates of its cardinal participants. For the United States, the War garnered huge amounts of territory and wealth, bootstrapping the fledgling democracy onto th e world stage. For Mexico, the War sent the emerge nation into a tailspin that it is still reckoning with today, one hundred fifty years later. In the United States the US-Mexican War is virtually forgotten, and for good reason, as it is the clearest example of American greed and undiplomatic actions. The Mexican-American War was waged upon Mexico out of pure greed and disregard for international liberty.In conclusion, the United States was unjust in its declaration of war on Mexico in 1846. The U. S. was clouded with dreams of Manifest Destiny. It had a president that was obsessed with fulfilling campaign promises and greed for newborn land. Polk was looking for revenge for the denial of the proposal for buying California as was evident in his pilot reasons for declaring war on Mexico. Also the U. S. provoked this border dispute into the two-year war that it became by on purpose inciting the Mexicans into a fight. All these reasons are the evidence that the US was not justified in declaring war on Mexico.

Malansang Isda by Rosalinda Olsen Essay

Ang hindi nagmamahal sa sariling wika ay masahol pa sa malansang isda is unmatched of the most often quoted of Rizals writings. Why, then, did he redeem his two novels, Noli me tangere and El Filibusterismo in Spanish? In his dedication of theNoli me Tangere, Rizal wrote, I will strive to mul finalely thy condition faithfully, without discriminations. Surely, the matter hero of the Philippines was not somebody who said one niceg and did the opposite.Both novels visualised the companionable and political conditions of the time through characters that represented a cross section of Philippine hostelrythe natives who were c completelyed the Indios, the Peninsusl atomic number 18s or the Spanish who were born in Spain, and the Philippine or the Spanish who were born in the Philippine Islandsimmortalized in the characters of Crisostomo Ibarra and his beloved Maria Clara, Elizas, Padre Damaso, Dona Victorina, and the sinister Padre Salvi. These characters represented the ideal a nd the despicable, the funny and the tragic, the re all in ally comic and the merely ridiculous. in that respect was enough in the novel to satisfy the Filipinos appetite for a good laugh and a love storythe more sentimental, the betterserving as a thin layer to hide the bitter satire. It can be said that Rizals two novels awoke the slumbering political fretfulness of his countrymen so successfully that it quickened the birth of the Philippine Revolution. If this were Rizals aim, which most decidedly was not, he would gift write the novels in Tagalog. non only would this have been understandable to most people in Luzon, it would have secluded the revolutionary intent from the Spanish.As it was, the novels had to be distri anded in secret among the Indios because the Spanish authorities banned those books. Which leads to the headspring of whom his target audience was in, order to answer the first question of why he wrote the Noli me tangere and theEl Filibusterismo in the run -in of the Spanish colonizers. So much has been written about Rizals extreme reluctance for revolution as the solution to the social cancer that was destroying his country, in contrast to his passionate advocacy of education and political re work.Evidently, the Spanish colonizers were Rizals primary target audience, hence, he wrote in their linguistic process. The Indio could have been a secondary target audience, maybe in the hope that the ilustrados would fight for the socio-political reforms that were clearly indicated in the novels. There was no need to reproduce the social conditions of the time to the Indio who knew it only too well and constantly suffered from it. Rizal wrote the novels in Spanish because that was the appropriate language for his intent. voice communication is basically a tool, a way to express ideas and to communicate these, moreover before being a tool, language is first a reflection of ones objective reality. Language is a symbolisation that represent s the material objects in ones environment. If an object does not exist in ones material universe, one would have no word for it. For example, a person in search of grand in a certain argona might show the natives a gold piece and communicate what the natives call that metal and where he could find it.If there is no word for gold among the natives, it either means there is no gold in the area or the natives have not seen or perceive of that metal before. When Rizal wrote the famous lines Ang hindi nagmamahal sa sariling wika ay masahol pa sa malansang isda, he was not referring to language merely as a communication tool that as an expression of ones identity, of ones individual and social consciousness. In the novels, Dona Victorina represents the type of Filipino who rejects her identity as Indio and who would do everything to deny it in every form, particularly in mannerism and language.More than a hundred years have passed since Rizal wrote his two novels just the social an d eco-political structures remain basically the same. Only the ruling fall apart has been changed, Filipinos have replaced the compound masters. At the tip of an inverted pyramid is the very small minority of the power class that consists of the affluent and the Catholic hierarchy. At the top of this pyramid is about 80% of the population that have been assessed by the World Bank-IMF as keep below poverty level. Between these two main groups is the middle class that shows no sign of increase in number.Only a miracle would keep this un inseparable pyramid from toppling over, but that belongs to another article. Undoubtedly, Pilipino (supposedly the expanded and enriched form of Tagalog) is not the language of the power class. Most of them cover English and some prefer to speak Spanish. The hoi polloi can read and speak Pilipino, as it is a required subject in school, but chances are, they speak their cradle tongue among themselves and most of the time, which would be any of the m ajor languages and the numerous dialects.The language of the middle class is an odd mix of English, Pilipino, and their radle tongue. Since language is a reflection of ones identity, could we then say that the Filipinos have one home(a) identity? Without a common identity, there could be no real wizard of nationhood. This is what Rizal meant by that famous quotation that is often quoted but only the surface level. Pilipino is the national language but the preferred working language of government, business, and education as well as the mass media remains English. There would be nothing amiss with this if it were not for the great majority of the population whose knowledge of English is not functional.It is not surprising that government can get away shamelessly with graft and corruption because the multitude have little understanding of what is going on. Clearly, language in Philippine contemporary society is the one big wall that divides the powerful from the masses of poor peopl e, notwithstanding all the calls for people empowerment. One would infer that the entertainment industry, specifically the movies and the television, might be a vehicle for uniting the people because the movies are sedate affordable and one could always go to the neighbors to watch television.Just take a quick look at the commercials most of them are in English. Noontime and evening variety shows are apt(predicate) the worst because the language used by the hosts and participants reflects the jargon of the lost tribe aka Manila people, which is a imposing porridge of English and Pilipino with an even more horrendous lack of grammar or logical syntax. So much for the local anaesthetic role models, lets take a look at the school system. According to a DECS ruling, Pilipino should be the mode of classroom instruction.So far, this has worked, in some fashion, in the elementary grades and to a lesser extent, in the secondary and the tertiary levels. Textbooks in Pilipino have been published and used in the schools, but all the references remain English. In fact, teachers find it impossible to use Pilipino in teaching mathematics, algebra, chemistry, or physics, philosophy, etc. Not surprisingly, the pupil is subjected to a kind of mental lobotomy and eventually their soul is truncated, amputated, or dichotomised.Brave souls who maybe wanted to make a difference in the academe, have attempted to write their undergraduate or graduate thesis in Pilipino. Some succeeded, but one cant help inquire if their theses would ever be taken down from the library shelves to be read and enjoyed. Few would have the courage to admit that they would rather read Rizals novels in English, not just because it would be easier for them but because the Pilipino translations are so antiquated that one would read it only under duress, which is to say, only because the school requires it.The Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia got their independence from their colonial masters at about the same time. All three countries created a national language that would be the expression of the national soul and, thus, be a unifying element. Sadly, Pilipino has not succeeded in being the language of the government and the governed, in contrast to how Indonesia and Malaysia has used their respective national languages. Indonesia does not use Dutch as the language of government, education and commerce.Neither do the Malaysians use English as their working language. An anecdote would beautify this. A friend was on holiday in Kuala Lumpur. One day, she took a cab and, naturally, spoke to the move driver in English. In polite but cold tones, the driver asked her, Madam, why do you gabble in English? We are all Malaysians. Nonplussed, she said she was Filipino and the taxi driver apologized and explained that she looked Malaysian.It might be an excellent thing for Philippine politicians to have experienced this, but then again, they would be more likely to hire a limousin e (at Filipino taxpayers expense, of course) and lose the chance of being told to speak the national language by a lowly taxi driver. Is the Filipino then a malansang isda? Using the isda analogy, the Filipino might well be like a fish out of water, in the sense that Filipinos are supposed to be living in one countrythe big seathat has become an extraterrestrial territory to citizens whose ties have remained regional or tribal rather than national.A fish out of its natural habitat would quickly die and stink. Rizal did not have all the answers to Philippine problems, but he has a lot said it all. For the young, he collected folk stories and legends. For the more mature, he wrote the novels, Noli me tangereand El Filibusterismo, the two long essays The sloth of the Filipino and The Philippines a Century Hence as well as poetry and countless articles. Jose Rizal is the national hero and his portrait is in the lowest denomination of Philippine paper money.Every Filipino knows Rizal, but do they understand him? Those who have read his novels remember only the love story of Ibarra and Maria Clara, the antics of Dona Victorina, and the nonsensical Sisa. High School and college graduates are obliged to take the Rizal course as a requirement for graduation, but how many of them understand the two long essays relative to what is happening in the Philippines today, if they read it at all? Rizal has been iconized and even idolized by a sect that calls themselves Rizalistas, but the Filipino has yet to realize and substantiate his relevance.