The Economic development of Russia 1929-1945 Essay

The Economic development of Russia 1929-1945 - Essay Example 1929-1945 was possibly the greatest transformative period of time in Soviet history; partly due to the occurrence of the Second World War lasting from 1939-1945 and partly due to its leadership. During this period, Stalin combined his hold on power and was allowed to rule with liberty, establishing his â€Å"revolution from above† on the Soviet people1. His rule extended from 1922-1952 and was therefore responsible for majority of the economic transformation at the time. He substituted the New Economic Policy (NEP) instituted by his predecessor with a highly centralised planned (command) economy. This launched a period of collectivization and industrialization that caused rapid transformation of the USSR into an industrial power from an agrarian society. The initial disruption in agriculture unsettled food production and contributed to the disastrous Soviet famine of 1932–1933, which in Ukraine was known as the Holodomor2. Afterwards, in a period that continued from 193 6 to 1939, Stalin established a movement against suspected enemies within his administration - the Great Purge – during which hundreds of thousands were executed. In August 1939, a non-aggression pact was signed by Stalin and Nazi Germany that distributed their power and territory within Eastern Europe, causing the invasion of Poland later in September of that year. Germany later dishonoured the agreement and in June 1941 initiated a substantial invasion of the Soviet Union. In spite of numerous territorial and human losses, Soviet forces succeeded in halting the Nazi incursion following the decisive Battles of Stalingrad and Moscow3. After overwhelming the Germans on the Eastern Front, Berlin was captured in May 1945 by the Red Army, effectively ending the Second World War for the Allies in Europe. Consequently the Soviet Union arose as one of two acknowledged world super-powers, the United States being the other4. This aim of this paper is to analyse the events that occurred

Hydrogen Fuel Cells The Fuel Of The Future Environmental Sciences Essay

Hydrogen Fuel Cells The Fuel Of The Future Environmental Sciences Essay Ever since the beginning of the human era, there has been an ever growing necessity for energy. Energy is the most basic aspect of human development. From lighting and communication to cooking and transport, quick and easy access to energy makes the modern way of life possible. Currently, planet earth is addicted to inefficient, polluting, and non-renewable sources of energy such as coal and oil. These energy sources allow for the unequal distribution of the benefits of energy. Some communities may receive the wealth and cheap energy that coal and oil bring, while others receive only polluted streams, acid rain, and deadly toxins. Fortunately, there is an answer to this problem: hydrogen fuel cells. Because hydrogen fuel cells are an emission-free fuel source, are more efficient than current fossil fuel sources, and have the possibility to create a diversified energy economy, more investments need to be made in this budding technology. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and has been present since the beginning of time. The earths own life-giving star, its sun, is composed almost entirely of this element (Bose and Malbrunot 22). As the smallest element in the universe, hydrogen consists as a diatomic, gaseous molecule with a single proton and a single electron. Hydrogen does not exist in its pure form on the planet, but it is present as a compound in molecules like water, glucose, natural gas, and even oil (Busby). Because it is found in such a variety of sources, hydrogen is the perfect power source for fuel cells. What exactly are hydrogen fuel cells and why will they be the fuel of the future? Hydrogen fuel cells are a mechanical device that convert the electrochemical energy found in a fuel source, like hydrogen, into electrical energy, with the only byproducts being heat and water (Hoffmann 6). In all fuel cells there are two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, with an electrolyte, a membrane capable of moving ions, in between the two (Sorenson 73). During their operation, hydrogen fuel is injected into the anode side, while oxygen, usually from the air, is pumped to the cathode. The hydrogen molecule disassociates, and the proton passes through the electrolyte to join the oxygen, while the electron from the hydrogen molecule travels in an outside circuit, producing electrical current (Brus and Hotek 22). Because of the fact that fuel cells have no moving parts, they are much more efficient than conventional internal combustion engines, which makes them a great investment for the future of the planets energy. In addition, there are multiple types of fuel cells, each with their own sets of merits and each able to be used a different way in todays energy economy. Proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are the most prevalent type of fuel cell today. They deliver a high power density and a low weight to volume ratio (Sorensen 81). Because of this, and their abnormally low operating temperature of 80Â ° Celsius, PEMFCs are ideal for use in cars, buses, and other small scale portable applications. Also, the low operating temperature of PEMFCs allow for less wear and tear on the electrolyte, thereby reducing maintenance costs (Hordeski 145). Although PEMFCs have excellent performance characteristics in vehicles, they do not produce the amount of power necessary for large scale operations, like power plants. Molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs) are the answer to this problem. MCFCs have a higher operating temperature, around 800Â ° Celsius, which allows them to create a much higher amount of energy per unit of fuel. This also makes them difficult to use in portable applications (Kandlikar). In addition, MCFCs can reach efficiencies of up to seventy percent if cogeneration, the capturing of waste heat, is used. This is much higher than the twenty five to thirty five percent efficiencies of coal fired power plants (Brus and Hotek). Because of the large amount of energy produced in MCFCs, their excellent efficiency, and their possible cogeneration applications, they are much better suited for stationary applications, such as power plants, than are fossil fuels. Currently, the main reasons that hydrogen fuel cells are not in more widespread use is the lack of production, delivery, and storage infrastructure. Almost all of the energy infrastructure in the United States, and indeed the world, is geared toward fossil fuels (Busby). With a forward looking investment, the current fossil fuel infrastructure can easily be converted to hydrogen. The first step in creating a reliable hydrogen infrastructure is to invest in renewable hydrogen production methods. Renewable production methods include wind, solar, and hydroelectric. All of these methods produce energy, which leads to the eventual electrolyzing or splitting of water to produce both hydrogen, which is used in fuel cells, and oxygen, which can be captured as a useful byproduct (Hydrogen Energy). One of the main reasons experts such as Peter Hoffmann argue for a more widespread use of hydrogen fuel cells is because they have the possibility to become a zero emission fuel source. Hoffmann recognizes that a future hydrogen economy would consist of hydrogen being produced from clean, primary sources of energy. (8-9). Although the conversion of the existing fossil fuel based infrastructure would cost billions of dollars, citizens of the United States must evaluate whether the continued damage to the planet is worth the cost of switching to a renewable hydrogen based infr astructure. Before switching to a hydrogen based economy, one of the problems that must be solved is hydrogen storage. Hydrogen is an excellent energy storage medium, with energies in the range of 142 MJ kg-1 per unit of mass, but it has a low density (Broom 5). This produces the above mentioned storage problem, because although fossil fuels have a much lower energy content per unit of mass, 47 MJ kg-1, they are a liquid at ambient temperatures, which gives them a much higher density (Farndon). How can the high energy hydrogen be stored in such a way that it gives off the greatest amount of energy per unit of volume, rather than per unit of mass? Multiple options are available, the first of which is storing hydrogen as a compressed gas. Compressing hydrogen results in acceptable pressures, which are around 70 MPa per liter (Broom 5). Compressed hydrogen can also be transferred from dispenser to car in much the same way as gasoline. This makes it both easier and less costly to modify the current gasoline based infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen, although more money is needed to begin to facilitate the transition. The second option for hydrogen storage in the future would be as a complex solid metal hydride. These metal hydrides are transition metals, chiefly lanthanum, which soak up hydrogen like a sponge and then release it when given small amounts of energy (Sorensen). An advantage of these hydrides is that they can store hydrogen at densities higher than compressed hydrogen and gasoline, therefore providing more energy per unit of volume, which allows for smaller storage tanks on vehicles and other portable applications (Ogden). This allows for smaller cars, cell phones, and even power plants. Although the technology of complex metal hydrides is only just beginning to become available, it has great potential for a future hydrogen storage source and now only needs investments to make it become a reality. The only remaining infrastructure necessity for a future hydrogen based economy is a hydrogen delivery system that effectively moves hydrogen from its production source to its destination quickly and efficiently. Fortunately, because of the recent natural gas boom in the United States, this problem may have solved itself. Natural gas and hydrogen are similar: both are a gas at room temperature, both have similar densities, and both can be transported in vehicles and pipelines (Backus 6). Because of their similar properties, it is possible to modify the existing natural gas transportation network to transport hydrogen in place of natural gas. This would result in the quick and easy movement of hydrogen from its production source to its final destination, whether it be a fuel pump, a power plant, or even a cell phone charger (Potera). However, additional investments are needed to convert the natural gas network to hydrogen. One of the most overlooked advantages of a hydrogen based economy are the diverse uses for fuel cells. Commonly thought that their only applications would be in vehicles, fuel cells can actually be used for both small and large scale power generation as well as in vehicles. The most promising frontier is probably large scale power generation. As noted before, fuel cells produce electricity, heat, and water as byproducts (Hoffmann 6). Both forms of energy, the heat and the electricity, can be used to generate power on an industrial scale, making fuel cells far more efficient than fossil fuels (6). Also, hydrogen fuel cells have a possibility fossil fuels never had. They can be used for large scale localized power generation to power homes and neighborhoods. This reduces energy loss that takes place with power plants (153). The size and cogeneration ability of fuel cells makes them a great candidate for the future of the centralized power grid. Another application for fuel cells is in the portable electronics field. Because they produce direct current, fuel cells can be used to power virtually anything that batteries are able to power (Potera). Currently, some companies, like Jadoo Power, are marketing small scale consumer electronics that are fueled solely by hydrogen fuel cells. The fuel cells in these electronics are not only smaller than most batteries, but they also deliver more power for a longer period of time (Hoffmann 154). Because of their size and longevity, the military is beginning to take notice of the potential applications for fuel cells in the armed forces. The military is in need of smaller and lighter power sources for portable devices, and Jadoos technology ideally suits them, says Bob Unger, program manager at Kuchera Defense Systems (qtd. in Potera). Although the prospective applications for portable hydrogen fuel cells are only beginning to emerge, the industry is already in need of investments to kic k-start the development of hydrogen fuel consumer electronics. While both the portable and the stationary applications of hydrogen fuel cells are still emerging markets, the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle is not. Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have been under development since the 1970s, with the main goal of making them cost effective. Currently, approximately 10,000 fuel cell vehicles are on the road worldwide, with the eventual goal of increasing that number to around 500,000 by 2025 (Peter Hoffmann Responds). Advancements in technologies such as complex metal hydrides have reduced the size, cost, and weight of FCVs. It is estimated that if mass produced, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles would cost between 20,000 and 50,000 dollars, which is comparable with the cost of current vehicles (Ogden). Also, FCVs have driving ranges from 300 to 400 miles and refueling times of five minutes or less, which is also comparable with those of the current gasoline powered cars (Brown). So the question now becomes, why are there not more FCVs on the road right now? The an swer to this is the lack of infrastructure, mainly refueling stations. If more investments are made in a hydrogen based economy and its infrastructure, then the possibilities for growth are limitless. Although there are numerous advantages of a hydrogen economy, it is possibly easier to make an argument against the continued use of a fossil fuel based energy economy. Fossil fuels are a polluting, climate-warming, and non-renewable source of energy (Dawson and Spannagle 17). During their combustion, fossil fuels release greenhouse gasses like carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide. In addition to being extreme irritants for people with breathing difficulties, these compounds also cause the acidification of water, often resulting in acid rain, and the death of many organisms that survive in coral reefs (18). The emission of the above compounds also causes a severe depletion in the ozone layer, the high altitude barrier over the earth that protects its inhabitants from the harmful ultraviolet radiation of the sun (17). Because of the amount of harmful pollutants emitted into the atmosphere by fossil fuels, their use should be discontinued in favor of hydrogen fuel cell s. Although the amount of pollutants that fossil fuels emit is astounding, there are other disadvantages of their use. Climate change, which has only part of the international agenda since the 1970s, has continued to gain importance, especially in the wake of natural disasters like hurricanes Katrina, Isaac, and most recently, Sandy (Dawson and Spannagle 3). These natural disasters have also drawn attention to some of the effects of climate change, like rising sea levels and changing planetary climate patterns. There is significant evidence that supports the conclusion that humans, through the combustion of fossil fuels, are warming the atmosphere of the earth, roughly 1.4Â ° F so far. Although that number may seem insubstantial, over the next 100 years, the earths temperature is expected to rise anywhere from 5Â ° F to 14Â ° F if emissions of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide continue at their current rates (Climate Change Basics). For that reason, investments in renewable resource s, such as hydrogen fuel cells, are needed. The final argument against fossil fuels is their non-renewability. Unlike hydrogen, fossil fuels cannot be replenished, and their reserves are currently being depleted. At present, there are an estimated 1.3 trillion barrels of oil left in the world. This is expected to last for no more than forty years. (Dawson and Spannagle 7). Fossil fuels are merely a short fix to the long term energy problem facing the planet. As John and ÇiÄÅ ¸dem Sheffield so eloquently put it, a coherent energy strategy is required, addressing both energy supply and demand, taking account of the whole energy life cycle (1). Fossil fuels are not the solution that the planet needs for its energy crisis. In addition to the numerous disadvantages of fossil fuels, there are many advantages to a completely hydrogen based economy. The first of these is complete energy security and independence. Because hydrogen can be produced from such a wide variety of sources, there is no possibility that one single country, like Saudi Arabia, would control a monopoly on its production (Hoffmann 8). Any country where the sun shines, the wind blows, and there is water can produce enough hydrogen to satisfy its energy needs. If the United States completely switched to a hydrogen fuel based economy, there would be no need to import oil, coal, or natural gas from other countries (Sheffield and Sheffield 7). However, before that transition can come about, more investments are needed in hydrogen fuel cells. Yet another major advantage of hydrogen fuel cells as a future energy source is the lack of emissions. As mentioned previously, hydrogen fuel cells produce only water as their emissions, which is not a greenhouse gas (Benefits). Because of this, water would have no effect on the climate. This is possibly the greatest advantage of hydrogen fuel cells. A fuel cell running on hydrogen emits little to no pollutants over the course of the chemical process (Benefits). Based on data gathered by the United States department of energy, a stationary fuel cell power plant emits less than half an ounce of pollution per 1,000 Kw/h of produced electricity, while fossil fuels create around twenty five pounds of greenhouse gasses and pollutants for the equivalent quantity of produced electricity (Sperling and Cameron 27). Emissions of pollutants from fuel cells are so small that some places in the United States have allowed fuel cells to be exempt from air quality controls (Benefits). Because of the ir low emissions, hydrogen fuel cells should be used in place of fossil fuels in a future energy economy. The final main advantage of hydrogen fuel cells is their excellent efficiency when compared with fossil fuels. Because fuel cells create energy using an electrochemical process and do not combust fuel, they are essentially have greater efficiencies than combustion engines (Brus and Hotek 23). Fuel cell systems today achieve forty to fifty percent fuel to electricity efficiency using only the electricity produced from the electrochemical reaction as power. If cogeneration is used, a fuel cells efficiency can be dramatically increased to between eighty five and ninety percent. Cogeneration can even help reduce a buildings heating costs in the winter by around thirty percent (Benefits). Even fuel cell vehicles are between two and three times more efficient than regular fossil fuel vehicles (Hoffmann 37). Because of their incredible efficiencies when compared with fossil fuel combustion sources, hydrogen fuel cells deserve the money and subsidies that governments currently give to fossil fuel companies. Although hydrogen fuel cells have large amounts of advantages, there is one main disadvantage: cost. The current price for 1kg of hydrogen, the energy equivalent of one gallon of gasoline, is around twelve dollars (Hydrogen Energy). Most citizens of the United States are used to paying three to four dollars for a gallon of gas, which is much less expensive than hydrogen. However, the price of gas fails to take into account the environmental damage associated with fossil fuels. If factored into the price, one gallon of gasoline costs between ten and eleven dollars (Hoffmann 64). Although the initial price of hydrogen may seem high when compared with gasoline, when the environmental damage is taken into account, hydrogen is actually less expensive than gasoline. Since hydrogen fuel cells emit no harmful pollutants, have efficiencies greater than current fossil fuel sources, and can create a diversified energy economy, they need more investments. Planet earth is facing an energy crisis. The human race must grow, develop, and move past old and inefficient ways of generating energy and into a future where clean and efficient hydrogen fuel cells generate energy for eons to come. If this transition into a hydrogen economy can be made, then the human race has utilized an energy source that can power the earth for thousands more years. If not, then the human race may face a bleak future without one of the main essentials for human existence: energy.

Cyber Studies Essay -- Technology Media Technological Papers

Cyber Studies This essay will argue that the influence of new technologies are changing the relationship between the media and their audiences. This concept will be explored by examining the current media communication model and how new technologies influence it’s future. Future media possibilities are raised and the implications of them for the relative industries are discussed. This essay is molded around the idea that these new technologies are giving audiences the power to shape the future of media and it’s capabilities. The premise being discussed involves many participants and factors as it is becoming increasingly difficult to separate them due to technological and communication convergence. Basically this essay will demonstrate how new technologies are allowing consumers to have more control over where, when and how they receive information. Communication and media are one and the same. As media is defined as ‘means of communication to the public; newspapers, TV and radio collectively, (Penguin, 1979). Media refers to the medium by which communication to a particular audience takes place. Traditionally information was communicated through these mediums via a system of centralized dissemination meaning from one source (or relatively few) to many receivers. This was the First (electronic) Media Age and it was due to technological advancements of the time that formed this communication model and introduced the concept of mass media. This remains the model dominating our societies communication today. However technological developments such as the internet and mobile phones are challenging this centralized communication system heralding in a Second Media Age characterized by distributed systems of... ...iously influenced by the advancements and integration of new technologies. Works Cited: American Press Institute. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.american pressinstitute.org/content/4646.cfm Corporate Influence in the Media, media and advertising. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.globalissues.org/HumanRights/Media/Corporations/Ads.asp Garmonsway, G.N. (1979). The Penguin Modern English Dictionary. England: Penguin Books. Media Futures Archive. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.hfac.uh.edu/MediaFutures/home.html Media Magazines Forecast 2005. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http:www.mediapost.com/forecast2005/forecast2004temp.cfm?c=overview The Media Centre at the American Press Institute. (2004). Retrieved September 13, 2004, from http://www.mediacentre.org/

Dreaming Time Essay

When’s the last time you dreamed? In fact, the last time sleep occurred is the correct answer. Most people believe that they don’t dream, only because these individuals can’t recall dreaming as an event. In J. Allan Hobson’s book, Dreaming, it explores how dreaming is influenced and how it affects the individual, how dreaming is associated with REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep and the importance of it, and also why sleep is so essential for human beings and other mammals to experience. Sleep is correlated with dreaming, making dreaming a phenomenon essential to living. Dreaming is an interesting subject, and may also seem interesting while happening; though many don’t remember the events within them. What is dreaming, someone might ask? Dreaming is basically the brain’s activation throughout the sleep cycle. This was not discovered from looking at the content of the dream, like many of us look forward to, such as the images and scenarios our mind creates; but rather a more formalistic approach on the study of dreams. By using more scientific methods to analyze and define the dreaming state, research has improved drastically over several years, however, it failed to become an actual science. â€Å"My consciousness is as clear as a bell. In fact, I see–and feel–everything in this dream with a surreal intensity†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Hobson 25.) In this quote given by the author, he was describing how he had felt during the dream he shared within the text. People who are interested in the content of dreams should read this book, as Hobson gives away a few logs in his own dreaming journal. Hobson mentioned how he had felt as if imagining the dream were actually happening because it seemed so vividly clear. In fact, so clear it seemed like reality. His dream was about a red car smashing into a wall, and then finding himself with his son’s bloodied knees and all in a locker room. He associated this vision with his son previously being in a car accident, where indeed the car was red, and his son did infact have a damaged leg. Events that happened prior to the dream may affect the content within the sleeping hallucination. Night terrors or nightmares may also have this same effect on the dreamer. These kind of dreaming states can be associated with traumatic events in ones life. This may cause an effect on the individual to get caught up in this unpleasant scenario and result in awakening. Dreams may also be affected through external interference. In a sleep lab, using certain smells, scientists jump started the patients to experience a specific smell in the dreaming state. There are many factors that can affect the dreaming state an individual experiences. The factors that affect the dreaming state of an individual are also internally significant. â€Å"Not that dreaming occurs exclusively in REM sleep. It doesn’t. REM sleep just happens to provide the most ideal condition for its occurrence.† (Hobson 38.) Through this quote provided by Hobson, he is saying that through Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, dreaming is most ideal and this is a common time for dreaming to occur. If someone wants to learn about this certain subject of dreaming, they should consider read the content of this book. Dreaming is important such as REM sleep is to daily function, because both are essentially linked to each other. REM sleep takes place at about 90 minute intervals throughout a sleep cycle, taking up to two hours per night. This kind of deep sleep is essential as it is necessary for development. It is known that at infancy an individual needs much more REM sleep rather than in adults. This makes sense because at this young of age is when the most development occurs. With this statement, it does not mean that as aging occurs that REM sleep isn’t necessary because throughout life development is an ongoing process. As early as at 30 weeks gestation does the fetus develop the ability of REM sleep. Although dreaming is associated mainly with this specific type of sleep, does not say whether fetuses, infants, or even animals dream as it can only be confirmed vocally by the individual. It is only assumed through body movements and facial expressions, such as when a baby frowns or a dog may run in their sleep for example, that dreaming is an occurring event. A study also found that in children, REM sleep happened right away in the sleep cycle of a child, but the same not true for adults. Although dreaming is commonly taken for the misconception that one does not dream entirely altogether, it is at the fault of no recall whatsoever. In sleep lab studies, when one is woken at the time that REM sleep happens to be occurring, it is more likely for the participant to remember their dream; linking mainly REM sleep to the state of dreaming, rather than NREM sleep or right before awakening. Now that it is safe to say that dreaming is associated with REM sleep, can we confront the question of why it’s so important to be in that deep state of sleeping. As mentioned before, REM sleep is essential to development in an individual. â€Å"To read, to write, to listen, and to tell, I need a good night’s sleep. And, recognizing that fact, I try my best to get it.† (Hobson 79.) Even represented in this quote from Hobson does he express the importance of sleep. A lot of people don’t realize the beneficial aspects of a good nights rest, and people should read this book as to gain insight about it. REM sleep helps regulates thermoregulation, which is a necessity for the the body in order to survive. REM sleep also stores important memories and content, throws away old stuff, makes room for the new stuff, and keeps us from going crazy in reality by doing so in our dreams. In many studies, analysis shows the link between lack of REM sleep and daily performa nce. In a rat study, they deprived rats of their REM sleep, results showing that their thermoregulation was off balance and they hurdled to the warmest corner of their living areas. They also eventually died off from infection due to the lack of their ability to properly function. In other tests, they deprived humans of their REM sleep as well and there are reports of individuals going insane after 72 hours straight because they were denied the ability to go crazy, as you could say, in a dreaming state. After so long without this sleep may an individual start to hallucinate. In other studies, people were put to test by recording their performance on a game. When they had first played it they had all improved on it, but after going to sleep, which only half of them got REM sleep, the half that didn’t get it tended not to improve or decrease in skill, while the half that got a good nights rest improved in skill. These studies all show that REM sleep is obviously credited on daily performance and overall health necessary for survival. So the question is, how much sleep is considered adequate enough? That has many factors on it’s own, from climate, social customs, and even by an individuals personal experience. No amount of sleep is considered not to be normal as it varies from person to person. There are short sleepers (4-6 hours) and both long sleepers (8-10 hours). Time for sleep fluctuates, such as weight does, and some can go on very little sleep and function very well, while others go on lots of sleep while still not yet at their performance peak. The body and mind are both miraculous systems, and can compensate very well for themselves, but without adequate time spent sleeping, an individual may not function as well as they would normally refreshed. So many people take sleep for granted, as do so many others go throughout life not recalling their dreams, and even some living in a nightmare all their own, waking in terror. The science of sleep has come a long way since it was first discovered, and it is sure to develop substantially more over the course of time. Knowing what dreaming is, how it is affected and how it affects a single person, how dreaming relates to REM sleeping, and knowing the importance of dreaming to an individual mammal, are we then allowed to incorporate that knowledge into one’s own life. A way to apply this information to my own life may be figuring how much sleep is adequate for myself each night in order to function to the best of my ability, and to remember subject and test material at a more favorable level. This application appears satisfactory to myself as it may seem to many other individuals, taking the study of this subject matter not just into consideration, but also appreciation. Works Cited Hobson, J. Allan. Dreaming: An introduction to the science of sleep. New York: Oxford UP, 2002. Print.

Support for Imperialism Declined From 1880-1902

In the late 19th Century, following on from the ‘Scramble for Africa', Britain continued the aim of expanding her empire through the process of imperialism from the period 1880 to 1902. ‘New imperialism’ is an expression used to demote a change in attitudes to empire in the last quarter of the 19th century. However imperialism is said to mean ’the wish to maintain the unity and increase the strength of an empire which contains within its limits various more on less independent states.’The reason for new imperialism was to reinforce the idea of a white self government; as well as to increase Britain’s empire, by 1900 Britain had taken control over 1/5 of the world’s land. However, it has to be noted that there were significant fluctuations in popularity during this period such as after the outbreak of the Second Boer War. The rapid expansion or empire came of a time when the electorate had been significantly widened. It also came at the t ime of the revolution of the popular press. Now printing techniques made newspapers, magazines and books cheaper and more commonly available.90% of the population are illiterate. Since many newspaper owners were staunch imperialists, many newspapers focused on imperial issues, as so many of the population was illiterate it could be argued that the idea of imperialism was mostly for those of the upper and middle classes; this is backed up by the fact that the working class resented the concept of imperialism as it was seen as a distraction from their work and wages. Support was particularly strong in upper-class public elite groups, such as the landed aristocracy, and among middle-class businessmen.There is, however, a debate about the extent to which the mass of the working class supported imperial ideology. Teaching the values of the empire was not continued. Imperial lessons were taught in the schoolroom, pupils would learn about the supremacy of the royal navy, the name of the co lonies and trade routes, schoolboys stressed patriotic themes. Frowning literacy amongst the young ensured that children especially boys – war the targets of a large range of magazines and novels produced in the 1890s and early 1900s.Many of the stories produced during  this period were set in distant parts of the British empire and were designed both to excite the imagination and to reinforce a sense of patriotism and duty, stories like this appeared in magazines such as Boys Own Paper, Chums, Pluck and Union Jack. It was during the 1880s that youth organisations with military style structures and patriotic, imperialistic values were first set up (boys brigade was set up in Glasgow 1883). One of the most popular forms of entertainment in the late Victorian and Edwardian period way the shows put on by music halls.These shows were designed to appeal to a predominantly the middle/upper class audience and many had a strong imperialistic and patriotic theme (the term jingoism, meaning ‘extreme patriotism’ came from a music hall song). British people living in the late 19th century were subjected to many indirect forms of indoctrination. Towns were full of billboards advertising products and services, which often used imperial images; thus increasing the appeal for the imperial message.Some of the most enthusiastic of such working-class demonstrations came during the Boer War of 1899-1902, this method of protest was known as mafficking. When news of the relief or Mafeking reached Britain in May 1900, there were huge demonstrations throughout the country. Some historians have argued against the view that the mass of the working class was fervent imperialists. Price, for example, many members of the working class volunteered to fight in the Boer war in an effort to escape poverty rather than because they supported the cause.Similarly, Peeling, argues that, just because music hall songs were jingoistic, it does not mean the audience fully support ed the views expressed as the presence of a product does not presume its acceptance. For some liberals there was the moral issue of using force to spread British international power. It was not until the Boer war the anti-imperialism gained a significant political voice. The Boer war was a turning point regarding support for imperialism as, it was the first time the brutality of Britain had been seen so vividly.Families were herded into concentration camps and approximately 110,000 were killed; from this we can see that the support for imperialism changed due to the impact it had on other people which ultimately led to a mass of loss support by the British public and politicians. From about 1880, Britain adopted a more aggressive form of imperialism and there was extensive support for this amongst and their extensive support for this amongst the British. Support was particularly strong within the conservative party and amongst the working classes.The working class was less easily co nvinced of the benefits of patriotism. The empire may have provided some employment but it did not lead to high pay and increasing prosperity. Economic issues were particularly significant in shaping enthusiasm for imperialism. Many elements of Chamberlain’s vision of a great global empire with Britain at the centre, they were taken up through the media and popular entertainments central to his thinking was the notion that Britain was helping the uncivilised and racially inferior native people this image appealed to the majority of people in Britain.In 1880 Gladstone became Prime minister; after winning the election in 1879 and therefore replacing Disraeli, the conservative. As Gladstone travelled throughout England highlighting his policies to the public, it is evident that his ambitions were that to be supported by the public. Furthermore we must recognise that Gladstone was one of the first politicians who saw the importance of speaking to the electorate;this was not only because times were changing but also because a higher percentage of the population were getting the vote as a result of the reform acts.An example of this would be the 1832 act which enabled women to vote. The 1900 general election, (Khaki) resulted in a conservative victory and a continuance of conservative rule. It appeared as I popular support lay with the government that had taken Britain into a war against the Boers. But there was considerable media coverage of the brutality of the war. The extensive international opposition to Britain’s methods weakened support for imperialism at home. Many working-class men volunteered for military service to escape poverty not because they wanted to show their patriotism.Also, several politicians mainly from the left did not agree with the concept of imperialism as to them it was just the preservation of capitalists. In conclusion, although there was a rapid increase in the support for imperialism due to the several sources such as bo oks, schools and entertainment in facilities such as music halls, from 1880-1902 the policy’s impression on the public began to change due to other factors such as because of the Boer war’s brutality as well as because of capitalists at the time who were seen as draining the countries resources.

Infantile Amenisia essays

Infantile Amenisia essays Our brains are constantly at work processing and retrieving information. However, we become frustrated when we cannot readily retrieve information that we have stored in our brains. The inability to remember can occur for a number of reasons that range from simple forgetting to phenomena like Infantile Amnesia. Infantile Amnesia is described as an adults inability to remember events before the age of two or three. This phenomena has proven difficult to test because your memory is in a constant state of reconstruction, (Rupp, 1998, p. 171). That is your memories are influenced by past events, and current perceptions about yourself. Therefore, you may remember events only in a way that it is congruent with your current perceptions of yourself, and current relationships. Rupp illustrated this: Grown children who clash with their parents may find memories of childhood plastered over with new impressions the past becomes gloomier and more dismal; recollections of past injustices loom large. (Rupp, 1998, p.172) Hindsight bias is also a factor in both adult and childhood memories. Hindsight bias occurs when our memory of how certain we were about the accuracy of an event is altered. If an event is recounted that is similar to the memory that we have we tend to become more confident remembering events in a much more positive light. If our memory is found to be false, we quickly remember ourselves as being cautiously doubtful about the event in the first place. Therefore, it is clear that our memories are quite susceptible to error. Sigmund Freud, father of the psychoanalytic school of thought had a different interpretation. Freud contended that it was necessary to repress early childhood memories. This necessity stemmed out of the need to repress anxiety-producing sexual and aggressive memories related to a childs parent or parents. Freud thought that repression of these memories was essen ...

Doryphoros by Polykleitos essays

Doryphoros by Polykleitos essays Sculptors of the Early and High Classical Grecian periods in art strived for perfection in creating the human form. They combined such features such as regular facial features, smooth skin, and particular body portions into an ideal of perfect beauty. Much as modern day advertisement has idealized the slender model as the new perfect female form. One such artist of the time was named Polykleitos of Argos. He was a well-known sculptor and art theorist. His aim in sculpting was to produce the perfect human figure using a mathematical equation to sculpt the body parts. It is believed that he used a basic unit ratio to measure the rest of the body parts. He set down his theory on the human for in a treatise known as The Canon and created a larger than life size sculpture he named Doryphoros and is now called The Spear Bearer. Unfortunately nobody knows exactly what that unit of measurement was because neither his treatise nor his statue survived the centuries. The Spear Bearer was created out of bronze, a popular medium at the time because of the ability to show more movement in bronze than in marble, which was the traditional medium. The Spear Bearer was one of the earliest statues to be show in the fully developed contraposto position. Earlier Greek artisans came up with the idea of contraposto. This is where all the weight of the figure in question appears to put all its weight onto one leg. This technique makes Doryphoros appear to be relaxed but a certain tension is there and he is ready to spring into action at a moments notice. Polykleitos combined this with a system called chiastic balance or cross balance where there is an active-passive sense of balance. The right arm of The Spear Bearer is relaxed and languid at his side while the left has tension from holding the spear over his shoulder. His right leg the opposite of the right arm and tensed t ...

6 Ways to Seriously Improve Your Networking Skills

6 Ways to Seriously Improve Your Networking Skills When you have been job hunting, you may depend on networking with people you know to help you get the type of position you want. However, by improving your networking skills, you can use untapped resources and be more proactive in your job search. Being proactive can help you reach your goal of a job more quickly. 1. Send a MessageOver the years, you may have met a number of people you can include in your networking search and now, in addition to searching job sites, you are networking through friends, business contacts and others that you know. However, those people may not know what type of job you are looking for and what you do. By sending these people a short email or calling to ask if they will keep an eye out for job opportunities in your niche, you can widen your job hunt.2. Join Groups in Your FieldJoining groups related to your field and alumni associations and their hosted events give you an added opportunity to network. Former classmates who are in the same field can prov ide potential leads on jobs. Groups with hosted events let you widen your range of acquaintances, and that may give you new leads on jobs. You might even consider doing a volunteer speaking stint to get your name and expertise more widely known.3. Check Social MediaChecking Facebook, LinkedIn and other social media sites is a good way to reconnect. In addition, you can look at friends of these colleagues to find possible new connections and ask them for an introduction to expand your job search base. You probably have a number of friends on Facebook. Tell them you are job searching, and enlist their aid to put the word out. Engage in sites such as LinkedIn Events and Eventful to find helpful events to aid your job search.4. Add to Your Networking StrategyAlthough you can’t go around flinging your business card at everyone you meet, it is a good idea to take some along. When you’ve had what you consider a helpful conversation with an individual, handing over one of your business cards and expressing interest in working for his or her company can be helpful.5.Don’t Make It All About YouWhen you are helpful to others, they are more likely to be helpful to you. Don’t make it all about you, but listen well and show an interest in what others are saying. Contacts will be more likely to think of you if you have a friendly relationship that has been built on trust.6. Practice Your SpeechJust as you would practice a speech for a hiring manager, practice asking job contacts to help or recommend you for a job. You don’t want to take up too much of someone’s time because that can make you look desperate, and keeping your speech short and appealing but to the point can be a good idea. Keep an eye on the other individual’s body language before asking for help. An open individual with positive body language is more likely to assist you.Good networking is one way that you can conduct a job search. Another good way to job search is to have it done for you. TheJobNetwork does exactly that by searching around the clock to find job listings and sending them to you by email. After you fill out your qualifications and job interests, you can start receiving job matches to find the perfect job for you. To get started, sign up for job match alert.

Confectionery Market Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Confectionery Market - Assignment Example This is a comprehensive statement by MINTEL a marketing intelligence company. This explains the sudden exceptional performance of Cadbury as an impact if the overall chocolate confectionary industry sector. However, questions to be asked at this juncture are: The issue at this pointy in time for Cadbury is to sustain this growth.pattern. However, according to statistics, on one hand it would be able to match tis growth on the other hand other segments are offering greater returns. According to Industry Reports on 2006 Product Announcements and Sales "In 2006, thousands of new confectionery and snack products debuted tempting taste buds of consumers everywhere. 2,910 new confectionery products debuted, and Chocolate: 1,478 "Confectionery sales continue to cluster around major holidays, with Halloween leading sales in 2006 and Easter a close second. Halloween secured its lead with a 2.8 percent growth overall, while Easter stood out in 2006 posting a 7 percent sales increase thanks to a late April celebration. Also making gains, the winter holiday season and Valentine's Day both posted a 1 percent increase in 2006 and ranked third and fourth in overall holiday sales respectively."- www.whatsnewiningredients.com The above statement depicts a new trend in marketing that is of event marketing. All over the world companies are finding events the best way to market their products to the right audience. As for confectionaries, these are impulse products most consumed after reminder advertising, brand awareness on special occasions and events. It is thus no surprise that then sales increase by 1% due to Valentines day. New Product Development "Top trends driving product releases of 2007/08 include flavor fusions, international influences, artisan palate, sweet benefits, simply sugar-free, originally organic, reinventing classics, the dark side and child's play" (www.whatsnewiningredients.com) "Focussed attention in the premium and dark chocolate sectors of the market, which is providing strong growth opportunities. In April, Cadbury Schweppes relaunched the Old Gold dark chocolate brand and added a 70% cocoa variant. As a result, the brand grew 36% in Australia and by over 80% in New Zealand" (www.scoop.co.nz) Dark Chocolate segment: " In July, a new premium chocolate range was launched under the Cadbury Eden brand, positioning the business to tap into this fast growing segment of the market Our second half innovation program continues to build momentum with the exciting launch of Cadbury Eden into the premium chocolate segment"(www.snoop.co.nz, National Confectioners Association) It can be seen from the above statistics that the dark chocolate segment is an upcoming segment for Cadbury. Another segment that has a high potential is the organic food segment. Segmentation The various market segments that Cadbury brands are catering to are: - Cadbury gift boxes- for valentine gifts and for special occasions -priced higher. Cadbury Freddo-sells at a low price for kids to afford it. Cadbury 500 g bar with 10% more chocolate is for families with many

Busness Writing Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Busness Writing - Assignment Example 3 Steps of Communication Planning The first stage when one has to consider when one intends to convey information using written communication is planning. This basically involves analyzing what one intends to communicate to others. This stage is subdivided into four phases (Thill &Bovee 82). Firstly, one has to come up with a statement of purpose where one examines the specific opportunity or problem thoroughly which he or she intends to communicate. This should be done in order to avoid wasting time on unnecessary information when communicating. The second phase of this step involves gathering information emphasizing on what the audience needs. Ones you establish these needs, only information that is relevant to the audience should be considered. The third phase involves selecting the medium in which one intends to convey the written information. One should consider various mediums instead of a specific one to ensure flexibility. Examples of mediums of conveying written communicatio n include published documents and reports among others. When selecting the medium or channel which one intends to use, factors to consider include, who the audience is, importance of the message, feedback required, and the cost incurred. Finally, the last phase of planning involves organizing information acquired in order for it to support your main ideas. Writing The second stage involves the primary composition of what one intends to communicate. The writer should sensitize on the audience’s needs making sure that they communicate in a non-biased, polite and clear way. One should begin by writing a draft copy of what they intend to communicate making sure that they organize their information into an introduction, body and a conclusion. Using strong words is beneficial since it ensures the information being conveyed is coherent and impactful because it ensures that their information is taken with a lot of seriousness. One should also control the tone of their communication t hroughout their communication with regard to the situation in which the written communication is being done. Revising The final step in written communication is revising and proofreading the draft copy converting it into the final message. When one is producing the final message, one needs to organize the information in the message in layouts and designs that are both attractive and effective. This ensures that the message has a both professional and a friendly look. However, one should be careful not to change the written communication from formal to informal since this is easily done by the use of wrong layouts and formats (Thill &Bovee 80). Comparison of the Advantages and Disadvantages of Oral and Written media Oral media is characterized by various advantages over written communication. In oral communication, feedback is spontaneous unlike in written communication where feedback takes quite some time. A good example is letters which quite long to be replied since it involves po st offices and messengers. Another advantage oral media has over written communication is time saving as it is fast and convenient unlike written communication which involves a long process. Oral media is advantageous since incorporates a personal touch helps in building a good working environment which can be beneficial to a business organization. Written media is characte

Money & Banking Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Money & Banking - Assignment Example It has been stated that the measurement problems occur especially during the business cycle contraction where the values are understated. Unemployment rate is understated due to a number of reasons. First off, underemployment is not regarded as unemployment, but is instead viewed as being employed. In tough economic times, job cuts are common in many organizations. Many people subsequently seek out jobs that do not utilize their full skill and knowledge potential (Horvitz 33). Though these jobs are temporary income earners to cater for the person’s daily need, the Bureau of Labor Statistics view these people as fully employed and does not count then against the national rate, leading to massive understatement. If a person who used to take home $140,000 each year has to take a job that offers $22,000, it is unfair to consider this person as employed (Horvitz 47). New entrants into the labor force are not considered unemployed. If for instance, a stay at home mum seeks out employment due to harsh economic times and fails to get employed, she will not get counted as unemployed by the authorities. There exist people under the age of sixteen who have taken up jobs to assist their families. Since they are below the age of 16, they are not counted as employed and if they fail to find work, they do not count as unemployed either. This adds up to massive understatement of the unemployment rate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics only considers one unemployed if you are actively involved in job hunting. Individuals who are jobless and are no longer searching for work are not counted as unemployed. They are therefore not included in the unemployment values rolled out every month, a phenomenon that without a doubt leads to understatement by massive margins (Horvitz 77). Some workers have had to involuntarily take up job sharing, working less hour shifts

Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation Essay - 7

Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation - Essay Example The first thing to be realised is that Thornhill is at greater risk for reoffending perhaps because of some inadequacy in his current life in conjunction with his previous history (Laureate International Universities, 2012). The period between Thornhill’s previous offence and current offence is around five years indicating a period of calm in his life. It is highly likely that some stimulus such as perhaps problems with his girlfriend are bothering Thronhill and causing him to reoffend. It would be unadvisable to look into Thornhill’s case without a fresh forensic psychologist review. Based on the review provided by the forensic psychologist, it could be seen if Thornhill requires community support or time at a regular detention facility to solve his current problems (Laureate International Universities, 2012). The presence of long knives at the home of Thornhill provide for the possibility that the offender might use these in order to inflict violence and possibly murder his girlfriend especially when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In order to preclude such a possibility, it would be advisable to send a Domestic Violence Officer (DMO) to the house of Thornhill and his live in girlfriend to find out if violence has occurred or is suspected. Given the nature of Thornhill’s unfaithfulness, it is likely that his girlfriend may refuse his entry into the house. However, this is just a possibility as yet and the DMO can discuss this issue with the girlfriend as well. In case that the live in girlfriend does not wish to accommodate Thornhill, it would be advisable to provide her a security plan since Thornhill might attack her out of rage. However, in case that she allows Thornhill back, she should still be given a security plan to contact the police as soon as she is threatened by the offender. If Thornhill’s girlfriend does

Criminal Justice Trends Evaluation Research Paper

Criminal Justice Trends Evaluation - Research Paper Example The crime levels involving cases of robbery, homicide, illegal drugs and other violent crimes statistically increased based on research data (Shaw, van Dijk, & Rhomberg, 2003). Anent to social injustices concerns are problems too on sex trade, (inclusive on problems on prostitution and pornography where the flesh trade considered consenting adults as ‘victimless crimes’ that are subject of ‘moral panics’) and of white collar crimes that ranges from forgery, corruption, identity theft using electronic devices, and money laundering. It’s unfortunate that white collar criminals, when caught, are not served with penal sentences but are only required to pay for the damages done to victims. Aside from the preceding prominent crimes, the United States is also confronted with crimes that have magnitude effects to civilian communities and to the state. Terrorism along with so called white collar crimes are also considered to be criminal offences, though sociol ogists consider the aforementioned to be ‘political crimes’ (Mueller, 2013). ... group, use of radiological threat, falsification of documents and other entailing effects that could victimize large number of civilian populace (National Counterterrorism Center, 2013). The Federal Bureau of Investigation likewise stated in its reports based on collated information from law enforcement agencies that there is an increase of 1.9 % of violent crimes in the last six months in 2012 (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). These violent crime cover murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. With regards to the property crimes, there is an increased of 1.5 percent in 2012 compared to the reported statistics in 2011 that include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Bank crimes statistics also showed that in 2011 alone, there are 5,014 robberies, 60 burglaries, and 12 larcenies which looted about $ 38.3 million dollars of cash and other valuable properties (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Only 20% of t hese cases are recovered or solved by law enforcement authorities (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). According to statistical records, there are 6,088 persons involved in varied bank crime cases but only 3,263 persons are identified, of which 1,229 of 37% are involved in narcotics and 583 persons or 18% are recidivists of robbery, bank burglary and bank larceny cases (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Aside from the increase of statistics on crimes, the advancement of information technology also made it easier for the commission of crimes since most of the transactions are done online and the criminals’ coordination or communication hasten their networking or their plans of carrying out their criminal designs (U.S. Department of Justice, 2013). Crimes can be undertaken by

Annual Report for Firm F Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Annual Report for Firm F - Assignment Example There are a lot unmet vehicle needs in the market and Firm F aims at filling this market gaps in accordance to its available resources. Pricing strategy The company did not have a specific product strategy. However, customer based pricing and competition based pricing have been used for the past 5 years. Using the customer based pricing; Firm F has had the flexibility of charging different prices to its different customers which either fell or rose depending on the size of the customer’s wallet. The customer target for Firm F includes people of different sizes of wallet though they have a common need. Therefore, exceptionally high sticker price was tagged on each car after which information about a prospective buyer was collected to gauge how the buyer is price sensitive. If the prospective buyer as found to be price sensitive, a negation on the price was done otherwise, the car was sold at the price given on the sticker. High price for cars leads to high demand and high sales for these target groups. The vehicle industry is highly competitive and so Firm F had to use competition based pricing as its pricing strategy. In this strategy, the firm checked out on the competitor’s prices and then set the price of its cars about the same level or lower with the main of attracting more customers hence increased sales. The idea behind the use of this strategy is that when the price of the cars is set close to the price of the rivals, the firm does not risk losing its market share to its competitors. In future, the firm plans to use customer based pricing strategy as it is more profitable than the competition based strategy. Products strategy The firm did not have any specific product strategy. However, when the company started in the first period, it preferred to work on the up grading of its existing cars after which it launched another car named Falier in the second period. The firm has also three new cars during the last 2 to three periods and in betwe en the periods, the firm was busy trying to do minor and significant upgrades on its cars. Upgrading of the cars was a product strategy used by the company to improve the features of its cars in comparison with those of its competitors, and this mainly to avoid losing its market share to its rivals. In the beginning, Firm F had some cars like Fantasy, Fish and Fast which existed and later produced other cars like Flop, Farce, Fizzle and Falier. This product strategy was also aimed at meeting the tailored needs of its potential customers. The firm plans to continue producing new products in future to enhance its performance. The organization’s outlook and plan for the next 5 years Given its current customer segment, Firm F has a potential for growth. For example, it has a large customer base when it comes to enterprises. Enterprises have different needs when it comes to the variety of cars needs for its business operation. This is an opportunity for Firm F to design new produc ts which will suit the changing needs of its customers. Firm F has a capacity of increasing its production to meet the increasing needs of its products. When it comes to pricing, the competition based pricing may be a business threat. This is because other competitors may be using the same strategy hence reducing the price of their products below the new price set by the firm. At the end of the day, the firm may end up making losses. The fact that

Criminal Justice Trends Evaluation Research Paper

Criminal Justice Trends Evaluation - Research Paper Example The crime levels involving cases of robbery, homicide, illegal drugs and other violent crimes statistically increased based on research data (Shaw, van Dijk, & Rhomberg, 2003). Anent to social injustices concerns are problems too on sex trade, (inclusive on problems on prostitution and pornography where the flesh trade considered consenting adults as ‘victimless crimes’ that are subject of ‘moral panics’) and of white collar crimes that ranges from forgery, corruption, identity theft using electronic devices, and money laundering. It’s unfortunate that white collar criminals, when caught, are not served with penal sentences but are only required to pay for the damages done to victims. Aside from the preceding prominent crimes, the United States is also confronted with crimes that have magnitude effects to civilian communities and to the state. Terrorism along with so called white collar crimes are also considered to be criminal offences, though sociol ogists consider the aforementioned to be ‘political crimes’ (Mueller, 2013). ... group, use of radiological threat, falsification of documents and other entailing effects that could victimize large number of civilian populace (National Counterterrorism Center, 2013). The Federal Bureau of Investigation likewise stated in its reports based on collated information from law enforcement agencies that there is an increase of 1.9 % of violent crimes in the last six months in 2012 (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). These violent crime cover murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. With regards to the property crimes, there is an increased of 1.5 percent in 2012 compared to the reported statistics in 2011 that include burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Bank crimes statistics also showed that in 2011 alone, there are 5,014 robberies, 60 burglaries, and 12 larcenies which looted about $ 38.3 million dollars of cash and other valuable properties (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Only 20% of t hese cases are recovered or solved by law enforcement authorities (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). According to statistical records, there are 6,088 persons involved in varied bank crime cases but only 3,263 persons are identified, of which 1,229 of 37% are involved in narcotics and 583 persons or 18% are recidivists of robbery, bank burglary and bank larceny cases (Federal Bureau of Investigation, 2013). Aside from the increase of statistics on crimes, the advancement of information technology also made it easier for the commission of crimes since most of the transactions are done online and the criminals’ coordination or communication hasten their networking or their plans of carrying out their criminal designs (U.S. Department of Justice, 2013). Crimes can be undertaken by

The Republican Presidential Candidate's Stand on Stem Cell Research Paper

The Republican Presidential Candidate's Stand on Stem Cell - Research Paper Example This topic was once again brought to center stage because of Newt Gingrich's declaration as published in The Washington Post that he would ban embryonic stem cell research and also question the IVF practices (Tumulty, Karen, Gingrich Wows to Ban Embryonic Stem-Cell Research, Questions In Vitro Practices). His statement then led me to wonder about what the stand of the other 2 leading Republican presidential candidates would be on the issue. The answers I found were quite troubling. It would appear that save for Mitt Romney's limited knowledge of stem cell research, none of the GOP candidates actually understand the reasons behind the need to federally fund any stem cell research and as far as any of these candidates are concerned, scientific and medical advancements directly tied to stem cell research are a work of the devil and will not bring anything to our society. They believe that stem cell research is actually a method by which a child can legally be murdered by those around hi m. It saddens me to think that these candidates are so lost in their own world that they cannot see how stem cell research is actually a gift from science, not a tool of death. Through the years, the stem cell research debate has become one of the divisive arguments within the GOP. One which has their presidential candidates taking opposing sides, all with the intention of keeping their private and religious supporters happy and their campaign funds at a steady amount. However, the time has come for the Republican party to decide whether they are going to have candidates who represent the will of the people and the needs of many, or the religious aspect which is fast losing ground and support in an era when religious beliefs no longer hold as much power over the people as it did in the past decades. Of the three current frontrunners of the Republican party presidential race, two of them hold true and dear to their party standards while only one has chosen to be his own man and repre sent the actual will of the people on the issue. The two who stand for the traditional Republicans are Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum, while the modernist who sees the whole picture and not just party guidelines is Mitt Romney. With Newt Gingrich, the current 2nd placer in the GOP primaries declaring that he shall continue to prevent the further growth of stem cell research due to his misguided belief that stem cell research destroys an unborn child's life, he has shown the public the kind of traditional candidate that he is. One who does not see into the future and only lives in the past. A remnant of a political era long gone. This is a statement to be held as true since he declared to the flock of followers at the Baptist Church in Winterpark, Florida that: ... embryonic stem-cell research amounts to â€Å"the use of science to desensitize society over the killing of babies.† (Tumulty, Karen, Gingrich Vows to Ban Embryonic Stem-Cell Research, Questions In Vitro Practices) By making such a declaration, the public may be led to believe that should Mr. Gingrich be elected to the White House, the scientific and medical community will suffer a significant setback in the research and development of disease prevention and cure. It is easy to see why he would make such a declaration, he is after all a Catholic convert and is a staunch pro-life supporter as well. Mr. Gingrich's sentiment is one which is familiarly echoed by the 3rd ranked GOP presidential cand

Cult Practices in Cyprus During the Late Bronze Age

Cult Practices in Cyprus During the Late Bronze Age Assess the evidence for cult practices on Cyprus during the LBA (Late Bronze Age). There is a variety of evidence for cult practices on Cyprus during the LBA although it is often difficult to interpret and scholarly opinion of the significance or meaning of any particular piece of evidence may vary widely. In absolute terms, the LBA on Cyprus approximately covers the period from 1650-1050BC, some six hundred years, and in relative terms is divided by Steel into the phases LC (Late Cypriot) I-IIIA (Tatton-Brown 1997, 91; Steel 2004, 13). The later phase down to c1050BC, traditionally termed LCIIIB, may be considered a transitional Bronze/Early Iron Age. Such a considerable amount of time offers considerable scope for change in religious thought and practice, which may be more or less visible in the archaeological record, and although some material change through time may be observable, any interpretation still poses the danger of imposing a possibly non-existent uniformity on the material. A lack of any written references such as inscriptions, dedications or other t exts to deities in LBA Cyprus further complicates matters (Tatton-Brown 1997, 62). Nevertheless, the archaeological evidence usually discussed in terms of religious or cultic beliefs and practices in LBA Cyprus seems to fall into several interlinked categories: clay figurines, architectural remains (eg of sanctuaries) and artefacts, such as statuettes, imported pottery or bucrania, found in association with those architectural remains. The identification of any particular deities has been fraught with difficulty, but several bronze statuettes, the most well-known being known as the Ingot God and the Bomford figurine, are often thought to represent Cypriot or sometimes foreign gods and to show a link between cult and metalworking. This essay shall therefore examine these in turn, focussing on LCII and LCIIIA in particular. There are various types of figurine from LBA Cyprus and as with figurines from elsewhere, their interpretation and significance is disputed. Considering the earlier stump and plank type human figures, Tatton-Brown (1997, 62) suggests that whether they were fertility charms or goddesses ‘in practical terms their function would have been the same’. It is perhaps appropriate to bear this in mind with the LBA figurines. Karageorghis (2001, 323) has noted two types of female symbolism in the religious iconography of LBA Cyprus: one type of nude female figurine holding or supporting her breasts first appears on Cyprus in the Chalcolithic and continues down to the sixth century BC (see Tatton-Brown 1997, 49, fig. 49); another type, the kourotrophos (or boy-feeder; see Tatton-Brown 1997, 62 fig. 67 for an early plank-shaped kourotrophos) appeared firstly in the LBA and was also present in the Aegean as well as Cyprus. The former are sometimes known as ‘Astarte’ type figures, after the Syrian goddess. This emphasis on female characteristics such as breasts and genitals, as well as the feeding infant or infant in arms, is certainly suggestive of an interest in fertility and the feminine aspect, often thought to be represented by a ‘Great Goddess’ of Cyprus. Although there is no textual evidence regarding female deities from LBA Cyprus, much later fourth century BC dedications at Paphos refer to ‘Wanassa’ – the ‘Lady’, which seems to be an old title known in the LBA Linear B record of mainland Greece (Tatton-Brown 1997, 63). Greeks knew this goddess as Aphrodite or the Cyprian in the eighth century BC while Cypriots knew her as the Paphian, from the religious centre at Paphos. Whatever the female figurines represent – and they may not even represent goddesses, it has nevertheless been concluded that anthropomorphic clay figurines ‘are not a typical element of LC cult equipment in LCII or LCIII’ but become popular towards the end of the LBA (Steel 2004, 205, 211). Indeed, it seems that especially at Enkomi in LCIIIB, in the Sanctuary of the Ingot God, smaller and larger figurines (wheel-made with upraised arms) became especially popular, perhaps representing worshippers and deities. The larger figurines seem to be related to Cretan examples (Karageorghis 2001, 325). Most of the 120 figurines were deliberately broken, which may be indicative of changes in cult practice at this time (Webb 1999, 107). Anthropomorphic figurines are not the only type of figurine that may be related to cult practices on LBA Cyprus. Another key type may be the bull figurine. Steel (2004, 178) suggests that ‘most LC cult sanctuaries are equipped with at least a single terracotta bull figure.’ Hadjisavvas (1989) describes the tentative identification of two sanctuaries and a household cult area at Alassa-Pano Mandilaris from LCIIC-IIIA, where in total more than ten bull figurines were found on floors (see Hadjisavvas 1989, 38 fig. 3.6). Evidence of metalworking and a miniature ox-hide ingot were also found associated. Since bull figurines tend to be found on the floors of sanctuaries rather than deposited in pits (bothroi) or wells, Webb suggests they served as cult equipment rather than offerings (Webb 1999, 219). Bucrania had appeared on clay sanctuary models from the Early Bronze Age testifying to the longstanding significance of the bull in the Cypriot mindscape (Preziosi and Hitchcock 1999, 202) and the LBA figures emphasise the continuing importance of the bull in LCIIIA cult practices, reflected in the finds of cattle bones and skulls at sites such as the Sanctuary of the Horned God at Enkomi (Steel 2004, 205). It may be significant that at several sites, including the Sanctuary of the Double Goddess at Enkomi, no bull figurines were found. The focus of communal ceremonial activity seems to have changed in LCIIA from the extramural cemeteries that seemed to dominate the ceremonial of LCI to sites specific to religious activity – sanctuaries, that now appear in the archaeological record (Steel 2004, 175). There are notable examples of specialised cult centres from LCIIA at Myrtou-Pighades, Athienou and perhaps Ayios Iakovos-Dhima and in LCIIC-IIIA at the urban centres of Kition, Enkomi and Palaepaphos (Steel 2004, 176). As seen above, the religious nature of a place may often be suggested by the finds associated with it, such as bull figurines or miniature ingots, supposing that they are a specialised assemblage distinct from domestic assemblages. Particular architectural features or installations, such as horns of consecration (a feature from the Aegean, particularly Crete), altars and a cult room, may also be used to identify LC sanctuaries. The remains of sacrifice, stores cult objects and images and specialise d prestige and religious objects, such as figurines, bucrania and imported pottery should also be indicative of a sanctuary (Knapp 1996, 75-6 cited in Steel 2004, 175). However, the identification of cult buildings is not always straightforward since as Webb (1999, 11) points out ‘there appear to be few artefacts or architectural or locational indicators exclusively diagnostic of cult activity. Virtually all object types, with the probable exception of horns of consecration, are found in domestic and funerary as well as apparently ritual contexts’ and there is a danger of circular argumentation. Bearing in mind the problems of identification, Webb (1999, 157-6; 166-88) has nevertheless suggested a number of characteristics of LC cult buildings. Such buildings are mostly rectangular and freestanding and incorporate an enclosed courtyard or temenos. They tend to be laid out on an east-west axis and often comprise two or three units of rooms – the hall, sometimes supported by rows of pillars, the cella or adyton and a vestibule. A range of internal installations may be present, including: benches, for storage and display; hearths, often with burnt animal bone suggestive of sacrifice; stone podia for food and drink offerings or the display of votives or cult equipment; stone platforms or altars with horns of consecration, as at Myrtou-Pighades; terracotta larnakes or bathtubs and pits or bothroi, for the disposal of debris from sacrifices. Also characteristic of LCII cult places are faunal remains of sheep, goat, cattle and deer, perhaps in the form of ash and burnt bone, the remains of sacrifice and feasting. The main function of cult buildings may have been to house the deity and any ritual or public assembly may have made use of the courtyard or temenos area (Webb 1999, 162). There may have been restricted access to particular areas reflecting the specialised role of religious functionaries, as in other ancient Near Eastern societies. Keswani (1993, 74) has commented that what is striking about LC religious sites is their diversity in architectural form, which might argue for the existence of independent local polities. However the relationship between religion and its expression in material terms, let alone the relationship between religion and politics, is unclear and, to use an analogy, the similarity of Gothic cathedrals or Christian churches across various countries does not reflect political unity. Furthermore, whether the modern scholar’s distinction between cult building and non-cult building reflects any particular distinction bet ween sacred and secular that may or may not have existed in LBA Cyprus is moot. Turning now to the artefacts that are often found in the sanctuaries, Steel (2004, 177) notes that in contrast to the variety in architecture, the cult equipment of LCII sanctuaries is fairly uniform. Although she comments that this may suggest ‘a certain degree of uniformity of cult practices and religious beliefs’ it should be borne in mind that material similarities and even similarities of ritual action do not necessarily betoken similarities in religious belief – the number of religions ancient and modern that utilise, for example, ritualised drinking (eg Christianity), while having very different sets of beliefs, should warn us of this. That said, the cult equipment is largely made up of ceramics that suggest certain features of cult practice. Liquid containers are common finds, especially Base Ring carinated cups which may have been used for wine consumption during feasting, for pouring libations or both (Steel 2004, 177). The pottery in these contexts is u sually fine Cypriot ware with some Mycenaean imports, mainly in the form of kraters, probably for mixing wine. Some Mycenaean rhyta, often conical vessels used for pouring libations, have been found, for example at Myrtou-Pighades and Kition (see Preziosi and Hitchcock 1999, 201 fig. 134) and a locally made imitation in ivory was found at Athienou, although they may not have been fully incorporated into Cypriot ritual (Steel 2004, 178). Other vessels such as Mycenanaean kylikes may have been used for libation ceremonies. The ceramic focus on drinking seems reminiscent of the mainland Greek LBA palace of Pylos, with its storerooms full of drinking cups. Another shared feature is the practice of using miniature votives, either ceramics or ingots, such as at Alassa-Pano Mandilaris (Hadjisavvas 1989, 38). Apart from ceramics, Steel (2004, 178) also mentions the presence of objects that may have been used in divination: incised ox-scapulae, astragalis and worked shells, and other valuabl e items such as faience, ivory, glass, alabaster, bronzes and sealstones, which may have been involved in competitive display, at least on the urban sanctuaries. Three of the most famous and enigmatic bronze finds, perhaps representing deities, are the Ingot God from Enkomi, the unprovenanced Bomford statuette and the Horned God from Enkomi, all of which would seem to belong to LCIIIA (Carless Hulin 1989; Steel 2004, 180, 205 plate 25). The Ingot God is a warrior with a horned helmet, holding a small round shield and spear. He appears to be standing on a characteristically shaped bronze ox-hide ingot. The Bomford statuette resembles an ‘Astarte’ figurine but also seems to stand upon an ingot. Many interpretations have been offered, including suggestions that the Ingot God is a Babylonian or Levantine god (Nergal) or the Greek smith-god Hephaistos; others have linked it with Syria-Palestine or the Aegean (Carless Hulin 1989, 127). The Bomford figurine, reckoned to be a local Cypriot goddess, has been assumed to be the consort of the Ingot God, since it also stands on an ingot, and thus Carless Hulin (1989, 127) has suggested that its identification must be seen in light of that figure. While these two figures have posed significant problems in interpretation and in particular origins as deduced from style have been a major concern of those examining them, they do seem to show a connection between religion and metalwork (Steel 2004, 180). This is not entirely surprising since such a link is suggested by the miniature ingots from cult areas mentioned above at Alassa-Pano Mandilaris or those from Enkomi, some with inscriptions. Further representations of ingots have been noted that seem to show them in a ritualised sense – ie being carried in a procession (unless this is mere transportation or loading), on sealstones, and in combination with human figures, trees and bucrania, the association of which would seem to indicate ritual significance (Knapp 1986, 37). Another link between religion and metalwork is shown by the physical proximity of cult and metalworking areas. This was the case at Alassa-Pano M andilaris (Hadjisavvas 1989, 41) and can be seen clearly at Kition-Kathari (see Steel 2004, 179 fig. 6.13) as well as many other sites. Hadjisavvas (1989, 41) concluded that there was a relationship between elite control (priesthood/priest-king) of craft production and trade in copper and other commodities and between cult and metalworking. As with drinking, the relationship seems reminiscent of that of Pylos as a specialised production centre with close links between production, storage and religious/political authority. The Horned God has also been classed as a warrior god (Steel 2004, 205), though it does not possess the military accoutrements (the spear and shield) of the Ingot God. The impractically horned helmet may in fact be arrogating or representing some aspect of the bull divinity in human aspect. The sanctuary of the Horned God at Enkomi in fact revealed cattle bones, skulls and possibly traces of an Aegean bull’s head rhyton that might be taken as supporting this conjecture. Although these three bronze figures are commonly referred to as gods, the problem of interpretation nonetheless remains. Do the statues represent deities and were they venerated? Are they votives or substitutes for worshippers or individuals? Perhaps they were simply items of cult equipment used in ceremonies, perhaps revealed during ceremonies of divine appearance or the enactment of myths. Their deposition seems to suggest deliberate closure ceremonies (Steel 2004, 206), suggesting that these rituals and stat uettes are tied to specific times in LBA Cyprus and presumably responded to specific social needs. Thus it is perhaps unwise to draw period wide generalisations from such evidence. Another type of evidence appearing in LCIII that should be mentioned briefly is the terracotta masks from the urban sanctuaries of Enkomi and Kition (Steel 2004, 204). These have been divided into anthropomorphic and demonic types, both of which are slightly less than adult life size. Some have traces of paint and eight of the anthropomorphic masks show a bearded male with cut-out eyes and a closed mouth. The demonic faces are deeply grooved. The masks have been interpreted as ritual objects worn during rites of passage from childhood to adulthood – the demonic masks representing the wild state of childhood and as masks used in mythological re-enactments connected to metalworking (Steel 2004, 205). This essay has attempted to outline and assess the evidence for cult practice in LBA Cyprus. Inevitably not all of the evidence has been mentioned here but it is hoped that reasonable coverage has been given to the main points. It has shown that while there is much evidence linked to cult in the LBA, such as figurines, sanctuaries and specialised artefacts, their interpretation is often problematic. Even when it is fairly certain that items may have been involved in cult in one way or another, any more specific comment is often impossible, even when deciding if a figurine represent a divinity. It has also been demonstrated that to link variety in architectural form to any interpretation of the political geography of LBA Cyprus may be problematic, since the wider relationships between material and non-material remain obscure. Furthermore, the essay examined the significance of several bronze statuettes, usually taken to be divinities, and the problems in their interpretation as well a s the novel terracotta masks that appear in LCIII. On the other hand, it has been shown that there seems to have been lively religious activity on LBA Cyprus that involved drinking and feasting using particular ceramics and in particular places, the pouring of libations and sacrifice of animals, as well as the deposition of valuable items. There seems to have been a particular reverence for bulls and their imagery as well as the female aspect represented by figurines and the Bomford statuette, as well as a significant link between metalworking and religion, as demonstrated by both the proximity of cult and metalworking areas and the presence of miniature ingots. Another important aspect of LBA Cypriot religion seems to be the willingness to incorporate features from outside Cyprus, the Cretan horns of consecration, for example, rhyta, Mycenaean cups, kraters and the like and the ability of Cypriot religion to change over time. References Carless Hulin, L. 1989. The identification of Cypriot cult figures through cross-cultural comparison: some problems. In Peltenburg, E. (ed.) 1989. Early Society in Cyprus. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, pp127-39. Hadjisavvas, S. 1989. A Late Cypriot Community at Alassa. In Peltenburg, E. (ed.) 1989. Early Society in Cyprus. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, pp32-42. Karageorghis, V. 2001. The Great Goddess of Cyprus Between the Aegeans and the ‘Etrocypriots’. In Laffineur, R. and Hagg, R. (eds.) 2001. POTNIA. Deities and Religion in the Aegean Bronze Age Aegaeum 22. Gà ¶teborg: Gà ¶teborg University pp323-27. Keswani, P.S. 1993. Models of Local Exchange in Late Bronze Age Cyprus. BASOR 292: 73-83. Knapp, A.B. 1986. Copper Production and Divine Protection: Archaeology, Ideology and Social Complexity on Bronze Age Cyprus. SIMA Pocketbook 42. Gà ¶teborg: Paul Astrà ¶ms Fà ¶rlag. Preziosi, D. and Hitchcock, L.A. 1999. Aegean Art and Architecture. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Steel, L. 2004. Cyprus Before History. From the Earliest Settlers to the End of the Bronze Age. London: Duckworth. Tatton-Brown, V. 1997. Ancient Cyprus. (2nd edition) London: British Museum Press. Webb, J.M. 1999. Ritual Architecture, Iconography and Practice in the Late Cypriot Bronze Age. Jonsered: Paul Astrà ¶ms Fà ¶rlag.

The Maturation Of Huckleberry Finn Essay -- essays research papers

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn begins with Huck introducing himself. He is wild and carefree, playing jokes on people and believing them all to be hilarious. When his adventures grow to involve new moral questions never before raised, there is a drastic change in his opinions, thoughts, and his views of "right and wrong", and Huck's "rejection of the values of society has tried to instill in him" (Wright 154). By the time the book is over, it is apparent that he has matured greatly since the beginning of the novel. Certainly the people and events Huck comes in contact with through his adventures causes this change, which include: Jim, the Duke and the King with the Wilks' family, Pap and the Widow Douglas, and the time spent with the Grangerfords. The person who affected Huck the most was Jim. Jim was Huck's companion throughout the entire journey. At first Huck considers Jim only as a "nigger" because of the way he was brought up, yet Jim is much more than a stereotypical slave and Huck develops a deep feeling of loyalty toward him. During their adventure together, Huck always feels a duty to reveal Jim's identity as a runaway slave, but is held back when he remembers Jim's kindness and integrity "Jim would always call me honey†¦ and do everything he could think of for me, and how good he always was" (Twain 95). An example when Huck questions his morals and helps Jim is when they are traveling down the river when they come across m... The Maturation Of Huckleberry Finn Essay -- essays research papers The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn begins with Huck introducing himself. He is wild and carefree, playing jokes on people and believing them all to be hilarious. When his adventures grow to involve new moral questions never before raised, there is a drastic change in his opinions, thoughts, and his views of "right and wrong", and Huck's "rejection of the values of society has tried to instill in him" (Wright 154). By the time the book is over, it is apparent that he has matured greatly since the beginning of the novel. Certainly the people and events Huck comes in contact with through his adventures causes this change, which include: Jim, the Duke and the King with the Wilks' family, Pap and the Widow Douglas, and the time spent with the Grangerfords. The person who affected Huck the most was Jim. Jim was Huck's companion throughout the entire journey. At first Huck considers Jim only as a "nigger" because of the way he was brought up, yet Jim is much more than a stereotypical slave and Huck develops a deep feeling of loyalty toward him. During their adventure together, Huck always feels a duty to reveal Jim's identity as a runaway slave, but is held back when he remembers Jim's kindness and integrity "Jim would always call me honey†¦ and do everything he could think of for me, and how good he always was" (Twain 95). An example when Huck questions his morals and helps Jim is when they are traveling down the river when they come across m...

Effects of Divorce on Children Today Essay -- Psychology Sociology Mar

Effects of Divorce on Children Today Divorce and its effects on children are common issues that are on the rise in the world today. Divorce affects more than just the married couple. Children often bear the brunt of divorce, which makes divorce a complicated decision for most parents. Understanding the effects divorce has on a child is important to know exactly why a child acts a certain way. A divorce can affect a child psychologically, intellectually, and even behaviorally. Children can suffer physiologically from things like depression, intellectually by having trouble in school and behaviorally by having trouble in social settings. Legally, a divorce is a single event, but from a psychological standpoint, it is a complicated, multilevel issue. Things like identity confusion, depression, and anxiety are all areas of psychological concern this paper will address. Through this explanation, I will demonstrate the harmful effects divorce has on children. Identity confusion is a main concern of children who have experienced divorce. Often time?s children feel responsible and blame themselves for their parents? actions. Felling guilt for actions that do not pertain to them can have lasting psychological effects. In a study done on effects of divorce, almost half of the participants felt responsible for their parents divorce (Taylor 2001). This study involves interviewing children regarding their views of the parental divorce. It discusses these children?s feelings and gives specific recommendations. The children are asked a series of questions including, ?Do/did you feel responsible for your parents? divorce (Taylor 2001). The amount of children who felt responsible in one way or another totaled 33% (Taylor 2... ... Identity confusion, depression and anxiety are all harmful effects divorce has on children. Feelings of responsibility, sadness, and apprehension about their situations have extremely detrimental and lasting affects on children. These studies show that these are indeed grim realities many children have to face in their daily lives. Parents may be affected by a divorce, but the children are the real victims. References Barker, Philip. ?Family Dysfunction and Anxiety in Children.? Anxiety in Children. Ed. Ved P. Varma. Methuen, Inc.: New York, NW, 1984. 89-104. Fox, Daniel J. ?Children of Divorce: Is There a Personality Component Journal of Divorce and Remarriage 35 3/4 (2001): 107-124. Taylor, Raymond J. ?Listening to the Children: Children of Divorce Speak Out About Their Parents.? Journal of Divorce and Remarriage 35 1/2 (2001): 147-154.

Writing a Thesis Statement about Discrimination

Thesis statement is a statement that conveys the ultimate message, intention or the main argument of your essay. In other words, thesis statement can summarize your whole essay within a single sentence. Your thesis statement will be enough for the examiners about which side or position you are taking in the discussion or debate. For example, in the question of â€Å"do you agree? † type, this statement will tell the reader whether you agree and to what extent. There are chaos surrounding how the thesis statement should be like.It is natural for you to think that this sentence should be long and complex, since it should summarize the whole essay. But as you get more confident with the use of language, you will know that a very short sentence can sometimes state a thesis more effectively than longer ones. Moreover, since the thesis statement is understood or interpreted in the light of the contextual information provided earlier, you might express only the core message in the th esis statement. Therefore, thesis statements can equally be written concisely or laconically.But for that, you should have a superior vocabulary and experience (practice). The thesis statement is usually written at the end of the introduction paragraph. How to write a thesis statement? Thesis statement by itself isn’t any different from ordinary statements. It is unique just because this single sentence can convey the message of the whole essay. Except this special characteristic there’s no any other difference. You do not need to learn any new rules to be able to write thesis statement. More likely, you might be already using such statements in your essays without your conscious knowledge.Now, I’ll present a few obvious examples about how thesis statement can be written! Example 1 James Tan Chuan Xun, Educator in Chief at Future Perfect Education, wrote a thesis statement for the following essay title as: Q. ?†There is little in the 20th century of which we can be proud of† Discuss. There is much to be proud of, much to be ashamed about, and much to hope for in the 20th century. This sentence clearly reflects his overall view on the question. He is aware of the positive developments of which we should be proud of; the negative aspects of those developments of which we should be ashamed about;and despite what happened there still is a need for us to be hopeful and optimistic. From this single sentence we can frame out how his whole essay will look like. We can more or less predict what he is likely to discuss in his body paragraphs. In a nutshell, we can know his overall view on this topic. Example 2 Similarly, here are other examples demonstrating how to write thesis statement: Q. To what extent are racism and other forms of discrimination a problem in yoursociety? While racism is absent, caste and gender discriminations are still huge problems in my society.Here we can easily infer that racism is nonexistent but caste discrim ination and gender discrimination are the burning issues in the author’s society. We can also expect that the author will outline the reasons behind such discriminations as well as justify why the problems concerned are highly intense in his society. This question is seeking answer to two particular questions: ?What kinds of discrimination problems are present in your society? (Identification and justification of the problem. ) ?To what extent are they problematic in your society?(Assessment of the intensity of the problem. Is the problem serious or mild? ) The thesis statement above has concisely answered these both questions. Example 3 Q. Can democracy be imposed or must it grow naturally? Democracy will still be the ‘rule of people’ even if established by imposition, however, for full acceptance of the people it should be allowed to grow naturally. From this thesis statement, we are clear that the author is very positive about democracy. Democracy is the rule of people no matter how we introduce it to a country.People are powered with various rights in a democratic nation and their decision, expressed through voting and/or referendum, on the major issues of national interest is the final one. The author seems to understand these facts about democracy. However, we can infer from his thesis statement that he is also aware of the possible consequences of imposing democracy. In the question, the word â€Å"imposing† contradicts directly with the principle of democracy. â€Å"Can we impose people to be free, even if they don’t want to? † can be an ethical question, a question for debate.Perhaps, the people do not want to take their decision themselves. Perhaps they find it easier, and totally comfortable to follow a dictator. For many reasons including religious, cultural and socio-economic, people might be accepting the rule of a non-democratic leader. In such conditions, they may even retaliate or revolt against any oth er forms of government, especially if imposed by some other people. The author also understands this possibility. Hence, he thinks that if the democracy has to gain full support from people, it should be allowed to grow naturally. ConclusionA thesis statement need not be difficult and complex. In fact, simpler and clearer thesis statements are better as they can communicate your argument more effectively than the difficult ones. Moreover, thesis statements are not that difficult to write if you practice writing them whenever you write a new GP essay. Just be clear in your mind what you are writing and remember that the length or structure of the sentence doesn’t matter. Only what matters is that it should be able to give a big picture of the whole essay. Your thesis statement is your answer to the question in a single sentence.