Hasbro Inc

Hasbro Inc. is currently the second largest toy maker in the United States, ranked only behind Mattel. The company designs and manufactures a diverse line of toy products and related items throughout the world, including traditional board games, electronic and interactive CD_ROM games, puzzles, action toys, plush products and infant products. Hasbro also licenses a number of trade names and property rights for use in connection with the sale by others of noncompeting toys and non-toy products. Novel guide, 2010) The purpose of this paper is to interpret internal and external financial reports and statements. While using the financial reports and statements for decision-making, I will assess the financial activities and their effects on organizational performance. This information will assist in making the decision of whether or not I would become a shareholder and buy the company’s stock. Lastly, the information would assist me with the decision if I would work with the compan y if they had a position that fit my job description. Company Overview Hasbro Inc is one of the leading toys making company in the world.Hasbro Inc is engaged in designing, manufacturing and marketing of games and toys. It offers various different types of games including hand-held electronic, role-playing, DVD games as well as traditional board, learning aids and puzzles. (Gracking, 2007) The company markets its products and services to various customers including wholesalers, retailers, chain stores, discounts stores, mail orders houses, and catalogue stores and so on. The company also license some of its trademark, characters and other property rights to third parties for use in connections with consumer for promotions and sale of its non-competing toys and games.The company operates in the, South America, Asia Pacific, North America and European regions. Hasbro’s headquarter is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and employs about 5,900 people. Hasbro has a long-standing loyalty in conducting business in a mood, which abides by highest ethical and legal standards. Ethical behavior and Compliance are core values of the Company, and are built by regular communications from the other senior officials and Chief Executive Officer. Hasbro is Guide to Corporate Conduct, which implements to all employees globally as well as to Board of Directors, furnishes specific guidance to the Company’s outlook.The Guide is strengthened by a fully built training program, and a well-demonstrated processes by which employees in all locations and positions can report suspected ethical and legal issues, and do so anonymously if they so prefer. Violations in any of the provisions in the Guide will allow and subject employees to potentially upon discipline and including termination of employment. In the areas of environment safety and health at both the industry and corporate levels, Hasbro has a strong commitment to sustainability.Hasbro has rich plan for many years a nd continues to incorporate sustainability objectives into Company’s activities and operations, including a well-established Health and safety management system. The company will seek options to reduce waste, increase efficiency of water, and promote recycling and so on. Affects of external and internal factors The internal analysis of an organization deals with an investigation into its strength and weaknesses by focusing on the factors that are specific to it. The size of the organization affects the quality of appraisal.The external factors in the outside environment include competitors and opportunities. The external environment is dynamic in nature so the slight change in the level of competition and opportunities arising has an important impact on the functioning of the company. (Casey, 2009) SWOT Analysis A Swot Analysis was completed based on information from datamonitor (2009) 1) Strengths – a) Solid brand loyalty b) Long standing commitments c) Proud traditio n in supporting children worldwide through a variety of philanthropic programs. D) Product safety being the top priority 2) Weakness- ) Alike Hasbro, Mattel also commercialises toys in Girls' and Boys' segment, including its renowned  Barbie  dolls and accessories for girls as well.b) Like Hasbro's royalty relationships with the  Marvel,  Star Wars, and  Transformers  franchises to market toys , Mattel has alliances with several profitable franchises, including  Disney Classics,  High School Musical,  Batman,  Kung Fu Panda, and  Dora the Explorer. c) Less innovations and product range as compared to its compititors. 3) Opportunities a) Hasbro Inc. is betting that iPod and iPhone users want 3-D viewing on the go. b) The Hub, the multi-platform joint venture between Hasbro, Inc. nd Discovery Communications will come up with new programmes which intends to entertain, enlighten, educate children and empower their families. c) Partnerships with the U. S. government to develop climate change and waste reduction strategies by our Charter membership in the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders and U. S. EPA WasteWise programmes . 4) Threats:- a) Competing directly with Hasbro's  Playskool  core products, Mattel's  Fisher-Price  and  Sesame Street  brands focus on developmental and educational toys targeted toward parents of infant and preschool-aged children.Hasbro has managed to beat out earnings prospects and expectations despite a 15% fall in earnings to$0. 89 per share. Financial Analysis and Evaluation |Financial diagnostic categories |  Hasbro Inc. |  Mattel Inc. | |   |   |   | |1. )  Ã‚   Liquidity of short-term assets |-Current ratio-2. 4x |-Current ratio-2. 5x | | |-Cash ratio-. 0. 4 |-Cash ratio-0. 25x | | |-Quick ratio-1. 9x |-Quick ratio-1. 9x | |   |   |   | |2. )  Ã‚   Long-term debt-paying ability |-Debt ratio-1. 01 |-Debt ratio-0. 43 | | |-Debt-equity ratio- 40 |-Debt-equity ratio-41. | |   |   |   | |3. )  Ã‚   Profitability |   |   | |   |-Net income/sales (profit margin)-8. 0(5 |-Net income/sales (profit margin)-12. 10 | | |years) |-Net income/assets (ROA)-12. % | | |-Net income/assets (ROA)-10. 5% |-Net income/shareholder equity   | | |-Net income/shareholder equity   |(ROE)-25. 9% | | |(ROE)-28. 5% | | |   |   |   | |4.   Ã‚   Asset utilization/ management |-Total asset turnover-1. 0x |-Total asset turnover-1. 1 x | |efficiency |-Inventory turnover  Ã‚   measures-4. 0x |-Inventory turnover  Ã‚   measures-4. 1x | | |-Accounts receivable turnover-3. 5x |-Accounts receivable turnover-3. 8x | |   |   |   | |5. )  Ã‚   Market measures |-Price/earnings ratio-16. |-Price/earnings ratio-22. 3 | | |-Earnings per common share-1. 57 |-Earnings per common share-1. 50 | Results of Evaluation Hasbro Inc. is a growing company in the consumer non-durables sector and is expected to significantly surpass the market over the next six months with less risk may be less than average. According to (Chen, 2004) the statement of financial such as balance sheet, statement of income and loss and cash flow statement, the following interpretations are : ) As the results and results of financial statements, the gross profit in dollars showed an increase from last five years from 2005 to 2010 at the rate of 1. 6%. The gross profit in terms of net revenue went up to 70 basis point to 21. 0 in the three months ended September 2010.2) The amount of revenue generated from the net income for five years increased to an annual average exhibiting 32. 60. 3) The revenue increased at an average of 13% yearly in the year 2007-2009. In the same year, earnings grew by an average of 18% annually. 4) Earnings mounted up 11% at Hasbro, to $0. 9 a share, as analysts were expecting the toy maker's bottom line to fall from last year's $0. 26 a share. 5) The company has a present dividend yield of about 1. 25% with 15% yearly dividend gro wth over past couple of years. 6) From the period 2007-09, Hasbro has generated the operating cash flow at an average of approximately 12% yearly. 7) Hasbro has a very nice balance sheet with total debt ratio of only 1. 01 8) The ratio of Hasbro's price-to-earnings ratio in multiple to its five-year growth rate is slightly above the average of all stocks. ) The ratio of Mattel’s price-to-earnings ratio in multiple to its five-year growth rate is slightly above the average of all stocks. Result of ratio analysis 1) Long-term debt paying ability is to determine the proportion of debt in total financing. The debt ratio of Hasbro is 1. 01, which means that the lenders have financed 40% of Hasbro’s net assets i. e. capital employed. The total debt equity ratio shows firms total debt in relation to the total dollar amount owners have invested in the firms. 2) The current ration shows the firm’s ability to meet the liabilities or the claims.The liquidity ratios which i ncluding the current ratio, quick ratio and the cash ratio of Hasbro is in a better position to meet the current claims. As the current ratio is showing more than one, which indicates that, the firm has more current assets than current liabilities. However, the liquidity ratio of Mattel is slightly higher than Hasbro. 3) Profitability ratio indicates the firm’s ability to generate returns on its sales , assets and net profit margin. The net profit margin ratio is measured by dividing profit after tax by sales. Operating profit after tax to sales ratio is 8. . Net profit margin ratio establishes a relationship between net profit and sales and management’s efficiency in manufacturing, administering and selling the products. The return on asset for Hasbro is 10. 5% and for Mattel 12. 8%, which implies on the operating performance and ignores that how the firm is financed and taxed. The ROE for Hasbro and Mattel 28. 5% and 25. 9% respectively 4) The asset turnover ratio in dicates how efficiently the firm is utilizing its assets to produce revenue and sales. Hasbro has a asset turnover of 1. 0 times where Mattel has 1. 1 times.Inventory turnover measure indicates whether the inventory is out of line in relation to the volume of sales when compare against industry norms. The Hasbro has 4. 0 times and Mattel has 4. 1 times which shows that Hasbro has more inventories in respect to the volume of sales. 5) The price earnings ratio is the market price of the firm’s common stock divided by the annual earnings per share. Comparing the P/E relative to that of the stock market as a whole or the firm’s competitors indicates the market’s perception of the true value of the company. The P/E for Hasbro and Mattel is 16. and 22. 3 respectively. Assessment of Financial activities and their effects on organizational performance Hasbro Inc has promised to offer three -dimensional content, which will offer a 360-degree experience in virtual travel experience, gaming and entertainment content. Hasbro is confident as it will and says it has teamed up with DreamWorks Animation, whose movie â€Å"Mega mind† hit theatres last weekend, to develop material. Hasbro has diluted its U. S. operations' greenhouse gas emissions by 43. 4%. Moreover, 88% of currently generated waste at the operation sites is being recycled.In work place, Hasbro is one of the first toy manufacturing company to develop and implement a code of conduct for their third party vendors. Today the company regularly checks the vendors to make surety that they are meeting the code so that they understand the company’s products are made in factories with legal, safe and fair conditions. Eventually, in the segment of community relations, in the year 2007 the Company voluntarily donated the amount which is close to $15 million dollars which in turn that helped more than six million children across the globe.These in turn is just another example of the compa ny’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability. The satellite and cable television network will broadcast original programmers as well as content from Discovery’s library of award-winning children’s educational programmers from Hasbro’s elite portfolio of entertainment and educational properties built during the past 90 years and from leading third-party producers worldwide. The Hub will include live- animated action and series, specials and game shows and, and the network will extend its content through a rich and engaging online presence. Final decision and ConclusionHasbro inc is 2nd largest toy makers in United States which has a multi-billion industry showing it has a huge market and demands for its products and services. Their commitments to make and introduce new more exiting products will bring more attention to its stock. Hasbro stock deals with debt and has less than prima 2009. (Data monitor, 2009) I would definitely make an investment in the company, as the industry where it operates is recession resistant. Celebration for the children’s will be going in spite of the downfall in the economy and the great festivals will always be celebrated throughout the year.The demand of the company will never go to nil. Moreover, Hasbro has most suitable and steady dividends in the market. Hasbro currently has a dividend yield of 2. 65 percent . This may not seem to be making any huge difference . but 2. 65 percent compounding quarterly for life will make the portfolio rich. Hasbro has one of the best stocks to in the market so I can take the step to invest as far as growth is pertained. In other words, if you make bigger deal in Hasbro hoping for real growth, the worst outcome that can shape up is that you will have one of the world's best dividend stocks.Moreover, Hasbro may be equilibrated for growth as well. Hasbro is starting to gain revenue by signing profitable deals with Marvel and other entertainment companies . Marvel is yet another bigger company as well, and the deal, which took place between Marvel and Hasbro, will lead to greater rewards for both companies. Standard and Poor's, currently rates Hasbro stock with four stars pointing that and considers it is a good stock to purchase at this time. As far as the Question to work at Hasbro is concerned, I would like to join to the position fitting to my profile.The Reason is as follows: 1. Hasbro has healthy and safety working environments with good facilities and amenities. 2. The working hours and compensation are best in the industry. 3. Hasbro maintains a commitment in sound environmental programmers and various practices. However , the company shall make strict rules for discrimination and subject to abuse, cruel or unusual disciplinary practices. It shall respect its employees and treat with dignity . The various employee’s benefits programmed should be introduced to make a better and cultured working environment with best cod es of conducts.A good working environment with lucrative stock prices always attracts shareholders and people to render their best services.REFERENCES Casey, B. (2009)’. Gaming off the board. License! Global, 12(5), 104-105. Retrieved from: Business Source Complete database. Chen, A. (2004)’. Hasbro plays to win with BPM. eWeek, 21(31), 46-47. Retrieved from: Business Source Complete database. Datamonitor. (2009)’. Hasbro, Inc. Hasbro, Inc. SWOT Analysis, 1-9. Retrieved from: Business Source Complete database. Gracking, A. (2007)’. Hasbro. World Trade, 20(5), 34. Retrieved from: Business Source Complete database. Hughes, L. , ; Petrecca, L. (2000)’. Hasbro consolidates toy account. Advertising Age, 71(49), 64. Retrieved from Business Source Complete database. Jensen, B. (2000)’. Layoffs, losses at Hasbro. Playthings, 98(11), 6. Retrieved from: Business Source Complete database. McGrath, J. (2006)’. Toy company Bandai launches first on line shop to rival Hasbro. New Media Age, 3. Retrieved from: Business Source Complete database Novel guide (2010). Hasbro Inc. Retrieved from: http://www. novelguide. com/a/discover/cps_01/cps_01_00134. html [pic]

Heroes Character Analysis

Who is Nicole Renard? Nicole Renard is an innocent young girl who is not only Francis’ first and only love but also the victim of Larry LaSalle. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Quotation ‘That would be nice. ’ Means? When she agrees to go to the cinema with Francis she transforms him. She offers him attention and affection that he has lack in his life so far.She enjoys his company and teases him playfully because he is so shy. ‘Stay close to me. ’ ‘Why didn’t you do something? ’ These words on the night of the civic reception indicate that she is†¦ In the aftermath of the assault Nicole becomes †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ She feels betrayed by Francis and has contempt for his †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. ‘Why did you come here today? ’ These words perhaps indicate †¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. Examiner’s tip: writing about Nicole Nicole is flattered by the attentions of Larry. How do we know this? How does she show she enjoys her friendship with Francis? How is her relationship with Francis emotionally different to her relationship with Larry?Francis sees her as a fantasy figure; Larry sees her in a very different way. What is the effect? Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who is Larry LaSalle? Larry is a mysterious youth worker who has the ability to find and develop the talents of young people; however, beneath the surface there lies a dark and unpleasant side. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? AO1) I must generally refer to relev ant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Quotation ‘A tall slim man stepped into view, a lock of blond hair tumbling over his forehead, a smile that revealed dazzling moviestar teeth. ’ ‘†Good morning,† he said. â€Å"My name’s Larry LaSalle. †Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ ‘He was our champion and we were happy to be in his presence. ’ ‘He applauded her, his eyes looking deeply into her, as she lay at his feet. ‘†What’s the matter? † Larry LaSalle asked. ’ ‘We have to keep the world safe for these young people – they are our future. ’ ‘Sweet young things. ’ ‘Does that one sin of mine wipe away all the good things? ’ Means? Larry is established as an attractive and glamorous figure. It is as if he has stepped down from the cinema screen as he will appear to do again later. This makes him a natural centre of attention. Right from the start Larry is out to create an impression. What role does Larry have immediately? What might Larry enjoy about this?He wins the respect and the devotion of all the young people because he is good at the things they admire. As their hero they believe that he can do no wrong. What is the effect of this? Larry’s behaviour towards Nicole is an important indication of the way he regards young women. What might this body position tell us about him? Use the words dominant and submissive in your answer. Larry has positive qualities. Thinking of his relationship with Francis, what are these? This is an indication of the way Larry always tries to say the right thing.Nicole must confront this hero – explain why this is ironic. What do these words reveal about Larry’s character? This comment might indicate that Larry does not accept the full extent of what he has done. Why does this quote suggest this? Examiner’s tip: writing about Larry Remember there is an essential dilemma at the heart of Larry’s character. Can we ever take anything he say says at face value? He appears to lack sincerity and honesty. He undoubtedly did many good things I his work as we see in chapter 5. However, can they ever excuse his behaviour as a serial abuser of women?What are the manipulative elements of Larry’s character in his ‘grooming’ of Nicole? How are you aware that it is difficult to accept anything that Larry says as the truth? How is everything he says or does designed to create an effect? Robert Cormier encourages us to look beyond Larry’s physical appearance – it changes through the novel. What are the feelings Cormier encourages us to see in him beneath both appearances? Always remember that Larry sees himself as a creative figure. In fact, he is destructive. Explain this in your own words. Can I critically respond to t he text, ‘Heroes’? AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who is Arthur Rivier? Arthur, another ex-serviceman and local boy, was once a star baseball player for the Frenchtown Tigers and Francis remembers regarding him with admiration for his sporting prowess. When he first appeared in his uniform, Francis wants to emulate him. Arthur recognises Francis but agrees to keep the secret. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Key Quote: Arthur Arthur: ‘No heroes in that scrap-book, Francis. Only us, the boys of Frenchtown. ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes ’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Point Explain Arthur’s character How does Arthur deal with the trauma of war? is used in the novel as a representative of all the soldiers who have suffered. Arthur appears to be positive about the future. There is a moving portrait of Arthur as a drunk. Arthur draws attention to the cruelty of war. What mask does Arthur hide behind? What does Arthur reveal here? What does he say war turns young boys in to? Who is Mrs Belander? Mrs Belander is Francis’ landlady in Frenchtown Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Key Quote: Mrs Belande r Mrs Belander: ‘Poor boy. ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Point Explain Mrs Belander represents the attitude of the townspeople towards war veterans.Her home is a refuge for Francis, the only place he appears at ease. The character of Mrs Belander is used as a structural device as she is the person who unwittingly lets Francis know that Larry LaSalle has returned to Frenchtown. What is this? What effect does this have? Why does Cormier use Mrs Belander for this role? She is part of Francis’ past. Why role does Mrs Belander have in our finding out about Francis’ past? Examiner’s tip: writing about Arthur and Mrs Belander Although they have contrasting characters, Arthur and Mrs Belander represent the essential good n ature of people in Frenchtown.They both respond to Francis with understanding and offer their support to him with sympathy and respect. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who is Joey LeBlanc? Joey is a friend of Francis and they sometimes went to the cinema together. He would get in trouble in school by talking out of turn. The things that Joey says are an important commentary on the action.Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Key Quote: Joey Joey: ‘Better watch out, Mister LaSalle. Francis has got your number. ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Point Explain Joey is a confident boy who is the complete opposite to Francis. He lives in Francis’ memory as a lively prewar boy. He died in the war. His comments about the Wreck Centre and Larry create a sense of apprehension. He suggests Larry is not what he seems. His death at Iwo Jima shows us the indiscriminate nature of war. What effect does this have? What role does Joey therefore have after the war? What is this literary technique called and why Cormier use it? What do I mean by indiscriminate nature of war? Who is Enrico Rucelli? Enrico was a close wartime comrade of Francis.He shows great courage and is used by Cormier to illustrate some of the horrors of war. He suffered sever injuries, losing both his leg s and his left arm. Although they are very different personalities, Francis and Enrico are united by their terrible injuries and their suffering. He displays a certainty about his future plans which Francis does not. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Key Quote: Enrico Francis: ‘Sometimes I think he talked so much to cover up the pain. ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Point Although he does not appear in the main action of the novel, his comments, as reported by Francis, are very significant? He is the first to inform the reader that Francis was awarded the Silver Star, of which Francis is ashamed.Despite the face that he has severe injuries, he still teases Francis. Although he is outwardly cheerful, his sense of despair adds to the atmosphere of the novel. Explain Why and how? Why did Cormier give Enrico this task in the novel? What does this tell us about Francis? How? He regards himself not as a person but as something which should be disposed of. What effect does this have on the reader? Examiner’s tip: writing about Joey and Enrico The purpose of these characters is to show the awful effects of war on ordinary young men. What is the effect? They entered the war out of a sense of duty but it destroyed them.They are victims, their potential destroyed forever. For Francis, the dead and the maimed always exist in his mind. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasi ngly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who is Dr Abrams? Dr Abrams was the doctor who treated Francis for his facial injuries and he appeared to have had some influence on the way Francis thinks about his disfigurement. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Key Quote: Dr Abrams Dr Abrams: ‘Great strides have been made in cosmetic surgery†¦Look me up when you’ve a mind to. ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Point Dr Abrams does not appear i n the main action of the book, but his conversations form part of Francis’ memories. Dr Abrams’ comments to Francis create a grim humour in the opening chapter. His positive attitudes about the future contrast with those shown by Francis. His words add to the direct and shocking way in which Francis describes his injuries in the opening of the novel. Dr Abrams’ address and telephone number represent hope and the future. When Francis burns them in Chapter 10 it reflects Francis’ sense of despair. It is significant that at the end of the novel Francis suggests the possibility of finding Dr Abrams’ address again.Explain Why is this important? What is the effect of this humour? What effect does this have? How? What effect does this have on the reader? Why is it significant? Who is Marie LaCroix? Marie Lives in the same apartments as Francis and provides a link between Francis and Nicole. Marie acts as a confidante for Francis as he reveals to her that he like Nicole. Towards the end of the novel readers learn that Marie has continued to provide a link between the two as she has informed Nicole about Francis’ Silver Star for bravery. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who is Sister Mathilde and Sister Gerrude? Sister Mathilde is a figure from Francis’ past who had an influence on him when he was at school. Francis visits her in Chapter 15 to ask for information about Nicole. It is significant that she reminds Francis that everyone has secrets. Sister Gertrude was one of Francis’s teachers. As he prays in St Jude’s Church in Chapter 1, it is Sister Gerrude’s words which come into his head.Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Key Quote: Sister Mathilde Sister Mathilde: ‘I hear you served your country well. You have made us all proud. ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Who is Uncle Louis? Uncle Louis cared for Francis after the death of his parents. It is possible that Francis inherited his quiet personality from Uncle Louis, who is described as ‘a silent giant of a man’. Although he provided a home for Francis, cooked his meals and gave him a weekly allowance, he seldom spoke to him apart from asking about his day at school. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘ Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Key Quote: Uncle Louis Francis: ‘the loneliness of the tenement drove me to the Wreck Centre. ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who is Mr Laurier? Mr Laurier, the owner of the drugstore, is another figure from Francis’ past. Francis enjoyed working in his store, particularly stocking the candy cases. It is a result of this job that Francis becomes closer to Nicole as she buys weets ad talks to him about books. Mr Laurier’s drugstore is a meeting point and an informal news centre for the people of Frenchtown. He comments significantly on the way young men are trained to kill. People can keep up to date with the progress of the war as they read the newspapers or listen to his radio. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Key Quote: Mr Laurier Mr Laurier: ‘A kid graduates from high school, gets six weeks of basic training with guns and grenades†¦and five months later†¦he’s fighting the Japs or the Germans. ’ to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) Can I critically respond I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who is Louis Arabelle? Louise is Francis’ opponent in the fin al table tennis match. Louis lost the match, ensuring that Francis won the championshipCan I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who are Norman Rocheleau, Eddie Richards, Erwin Eisenberg, Blinky Chambers, Jack Smith, Sonny Orlandi, Spooks Reilly, Billy O’Brien and Henry Johnson? All of these were wartime comrade of Francis and, with the exception of Norman Rocheleau, were all members of his platoon. They are mentioned in Francis’ nightmare in Chapter 3 and all either dies or received injuries in the war.When Francis considers what it means to be a hero in Chapter 17, these are the men he thinks about. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly a nd increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Who are Amran Telliere, Joe LaFontaine, George Richelieu, The Strangler? These men are regulars at the St Jude Club where the war veterans meet. The Strangler is the bartended who keeps a scrapbook of Frenchtown heroes in which both Francis and Larry LaSalle figure.Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Revision 1. Where did Larry work before he arrived in Frenchtown? Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Revision 2.Wh at happened to George Richelieu in the war? Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Revision 3. Who says, ‘Is that his real name? ’ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Revision 4.Whose words does Francis hear when he prays in St Jude’s Church? Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Revision 5. What career does Nicole suggest Francis should follow? Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;Revision 6. Why does Francis believe that he is a failure? Start: Francis is a lonely and isolated child. His view of himself is changed dramatically by his relationship with Nicole and by his involvement with the Wreck Centre. However, when she is attacked †¦ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Revision 7. In what ways is Enrico Rucelli important in the novel?Start: Enrico is important because he helps to create the mood and atmosp here which surrounds Francis. His horrific injuries show †¦ Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements; Grade Booster Answer this longer practice question about the plot/action of the novel: Q: Write about the role that Joey LeBlanc plays in Heroes.For a C grade: write about the character of Joey. Show that he is an opposite of Francis. Write about their friendship and Joey’s cheeky confidence. Show the contrast in attitude they have to Nicole. Indicate that Joey says things which allow Cormier to comment on the action and set doubts in the reader’s mind. Write about the Wreck Centre and Joey’s attitude to Larry. For an A grade: make sure you do all of the above, as well as referring to his death in the war and what it represents.Show how his comments create a sense of foreboding and apprehension. Use well-chosen quotations. Show how Cormier deliberately uses him at key moments in the novel to punctuate illusions and suggest that things might not be what they seem. Can I critically respond to the text, ‘Heroes’? (AO1) I must generally refer to relevant aspects of Heroes I should discuss thoroughly and increasingly thoughtfully characters/relationships I could consider and suggest experimental ideas and judgements;

View of God in the New Testament Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

View of God in the New Testament - Term Paper Example The promise of a coming Messiah was awaited hoping that He would free people from the bondage of exile, and of subordination. But God had other plans of freedom in mind. It had been some two thousand years ago when a man named Jesus changed human history on earth. He was born in a carpenter’s household, in a manger, by a virgin. He was the prophecied Messiah as the Christian community holds upon. He is known for turning water into wine, for calming the storm and for producing food enough to feed the five thousand. He did not deny the case of Him being God himself—in human form. And with Jesus’ claims, was sentenced to die. He died the most shameful death a man could ever have during their time, a death on a cross. The story does not end there. After three days in the tomb, Jesus is resurrected back to life, he shows up to his disciples, he still eats with them, serves them food, and preached some more. It’s theological significance marked the victory of th e human race against death, against sin, against bondage, and everything else in between. He is soon then raised up into heaven after forty days upon his death and resurrectionand is presently seated at the right hand of God, the Father. The whole story can be of two natures. (1) This person named Jesus was a total lunatic who claimed He was God, a make believe story fanatics have made up to appease their fear of the afterlife—as some would say, or, (2) He changed the eternal destiny for each and every human being’s soul by purchasing with his own life and blood, as how prophecies foretold. â€Å"He has healed the blind, made the lame walk, raised the dead, and preached the good news to the poor.† (Mark) Though the question arises, why is this story still relevant to any of the estimated 7 billion people on earth in the 21st century, including me? And what would this mean for the daily habitual routine of an average American? The story may have been told a trill ion times. Some may have been twisted by some, improvised by many, and forgotten by a million, yet, its claims of being the most historical shifting event have ever offered in the Spiritual sense. It turned around, again in theological aspects, how people would and/or could actually relate and describe a divine. This story of Jesus actually changed the way the whole world can and/or will ever have to relate with the God who was viewed as a distant, angry God hundreds, and even thousands of years before the coming of Jesus Christ. The event gave being to the blueprint of the idea of a God to realting to a sinful human being. In Jesus, a fullness of how a God would walk, talk, act, weep, speak, and mourn was revealed. Jesus was, as described in the Bible, â€Å"is the image of an invisible God, the firstborn over all creation...†. It was a revelation of a diety made tangible and can be grasped. In the study of His life, He is presented as the mediator between man and God, makin g Him equal with God, at the same time, a full human being. He is presented as the Incarnate Person of the Trinity that stands in mankind’s place, this means that when God looks at the human race, He sees the person Jesus Christ instead. The doctrine of the God in the New Testament was a God shown in the person of Jesus Christ who was the sacrificial Lamb that paid the debt of mankind’s sin. This makes the whole difference as far as the Old and the New Testaments are concerned. Jesus is the mark that draws the

Philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Philosophy - Essay Example This kind of explanation was and is still lacking in the traditional medication though they are recognized to some extent in the contemporary medication. Generally, medication would be considered to be scientifically relevant. In science, there are three principles that must be fulfilled by any happening considered to be in it domain, the principle of obeying natural laws, that is the law of gravity, replication, and falsifiability (Ellis, 127). In simpler terms science dictates that it has no preference and do not behave differently in any place and when performed by anybody. This concept is clearly manifested in the way vaccines are used. Whether a vaccine is used in Kenya or in Canada for example, it will have the same effect on the individuals that have used it. That explains why vaccines have been used to get rid of disease like measles and small pox all over the world. There operation can be fathomed both in common science and in the scientific perspective. In the interest of u nderstanding science both in fact and common sense, it is prudent that we unravel the following; Before a vaccine is made and licensed to be used publicly in the mitigation of a disease spread, it has to pass through a definite scientific sequence. From the initial proposed project, evaluation of the efficacy and feasibility, cost, animal trial, human clinical trial which is the last stage before licensing after having proven effective. This chronology justifies and attempts to answer all the possible questions that can be asked about vaccines. In addition to this, vaccines are not compound in nature, they are rather specific and do take care of only one infection. This is justified scientifically because every disease causing pathogen referred to as antigen do have specific vaccine target points known as paratopes (Lefebvre, 222). These antigenic points have different orientation in every antigens and it explains why vaccines are specific in nature. The same applies to the drugs, w hich target specific physiological repair to render normalcy. The kind of justification made above is conspicuously lacking in homeopathy, which is considered as a form of medication. Thesis statement Human physiological processes are identical and once subjected to any external treatment will behave more or less the same. There are no selective behavioral tendencies that can be exhibited by different individual subjected to same treatment based on the cultural or social orientation. In this regard, all substances that are used in the body to reverse a physiological departure expressly owes us the responsibility of unequivocally accounting for the logics behind the proposed effect, otherwise it will be a matter of taking jokes too far. In pursuit of the above statement, I refuse to believe in the efficacy of homeopathy as a way of medication. The justification is stated below. The concept of Homeopathy In the 18th century, Samuel Hahnemann discovered homeopathy. Its concert then and now remain absolutely the same, it proposes that if a substance is able to cause symptoms when occurs in large doses, the diluted concentration of the same substance do reverse the occurrence of the symptoms. A classical example is; when large dose of mycobacterium tuberculosis is

Fashion, popular pleasures and media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Fashion, popular pleasures and media - Essay Example The essay "Fashion, popular pleasures and media" talks about media, fashion and popular pleasures. The anguish in choosing the reading material for the aware and modern women helps define the difficult relationship between feminism and fashion. Even though she has an aversion towards the way women are portrayed in media but she herself is an active participant in the utilization and enjoys clothes and shopping. A six-year-old Sally and an eight-year-old Billy are sitting in front of the television enjoying their favorite programs. Suddenly an advertisement disrupts their favorite television show. The advertisement shows a woman cleaning a kitchen with a product that looks to be easy and enjoyable to use. The woman is smiling while she does her chore as she turns towards the camera and states on how quick the product helped her to clean the kitchen. Both Billy and Sally sit patiently through the advertisement and wait for their show to restart. They do not pay any attention towards th e advertisement. This is a scene that takes place at every household. Even though the time span is very short but the social impact is way beyond our imagination. A lot of individuals live their lives without being aware that how there advertisements shape their lives and how their roles get socialized. Advertisements places genders into given set roles and help perpetuate gender stereotypes. Gender representation has always been vital in order to understand what it actually means to be male or female. In the images provided to us in the patriarchal mass media surrounding us, it is always supposed that it has been encouraged to mould oneself according to a set ideal. For women, it means passivity, elegance, beauty, and good domestic ability. While for a man it means being aggressive, competitive and business minded. Now in the 21st century however, these ideas no longer seen important in order to be accepted into a society. Now, women are often self-reliant and career focused while a lot of men feel that it is their right to express themselves and indulgence themselves, to love and be loved. The new woman and new man are present in the contemporary society but the representation in advertisement is otherwise. As it is seen in the media, the role of women is highly limiting and stereotypical. Association of women with specific domestic roles has been solidified in advertisement. Women have been portrayed not as decision makers but as domestic providers who are dependent on men and are sex objects. Even though the number of offensive advertisements has declined but women are still seen as belonging to the private life of their homes. Women have to play multiple roles. One dimension is the fulfillment of her home duties and the other being a complete sex object. Early on, in the beginning of the nineteenth century, media provided a very clear cut distinction in roles of gender and the different variations within which they are exhibited. The typical

Corporate Social Responsibility Adds to Brand Value Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility Adds to Brand Value - Essay Example The relationship between CSR and brand value can be characterized as quite close. The specific relationship is reviewed in this paper. Particular emphasis is given on the potentials of CSR to add brand value. The literature published in regard to this subject has been reviewed. The studies reviewed indicated that CSR has a key role in adding brand value. However, the above role is not standardized in firms worldwide. Rather, it is depended on the position of each firm in the global market, the organizational structure and the local culture and ethics. Indeed, consumers worldwide are not likely to be equally affected by the performance of an organization in regard to CSR, even if the value of the organization as a business unit is highly influenced by the level at which CSR rules are incorporated in the organization’s strategies. 2. Corporate social responsibility and brand value 2.1 Corporate social responsibility – overview In order to understand the involvement of CSR in adding brand value, it is necessary to describe the context of CSR, as developed in modern organizations. In accordance with Hennigfeld et al. (2007) the corporate social responsibility can be described as an activity of ‘undertaking business in an ethical way in order to achieve sustainable development, not only in economic terms, but also in the social and environmental sphere’ (Hennigfeld et al. 2007, in Mead and Andrews 2009, p.429). In other words, corporate social responsibility, as part of organizational environment, can be characterized as a framework of rules aiming to secure that the operations of a particular firm is ethical, as referring to the labour laws, the environment and so on. The CSR framework of each organization is usually based on the local ethics, laws and culture. However, when the firm operates in the global market its CSR rules need to be also aligned with the international laws and principles governing various organizational activities. T he plan of CSR within modern organizations is presented in Figure 1, Appendix. Through the specific graph it is clear that CSR defines the relationship between the organization and its stakeholders, including the customers, the government and the communities. The level at which these relationships are developed or not affects the firm’s image in the market, including its brand image. In practice, it has been proved that CSR is used as a tool for promoting brand value. At the first level, such trend can be understood since CSR affects the firm’s image in the market, including its brand image. However, the terms under which CSR can be involved in adding brand value are not quite clear. The context of the use of CSR for adding brand value is described below, referring to the practical implications of the relationship between CSR and brand image. 2.2 How corporate social responsibility adds brand value Branding is closely related to CSR. Their relationship can be described as follows: firms that have been found to violate the law in regard to labour relations or the environment are not likely to be welcomed by consumers in the developed countries (Visser, Matten and Tolhurst 2010). The activities of the above firms in the developing countries would be also negatively affected. Indeed, producers in these countries would not trust such organizations and would prefer to

Illiad and Odyseey Greek Mythology about the Soul Essay

Illiad and Odyseey Greek Mythology about the Soul - Essay Example The underworld was ruled by Hades, and all souls after physical death went there. Greek religious beliefs were not written down in parchments but were orally passed on from one generation to another. In every culture, epical stories were created, basing on religious beliefs, and exchanged through word of mouth so that the thoughts and beliefs took deep roots in society. While philosophy was hard for the average human being to understand, fictionalized accounts were easily comprehended. Heroic stories had the power to pass on values and moral to people rather than scripts intended to preach religion. Narratives based on adventures of brave and idealistic protagonists, therefore, became popular among masses and the authors interlaced such sagas with religious and philosophical thoughts in a manner accessible to ordinary people. Thus, Iliad and Odyssey, the two epics by Homer, have a strong influence not only on Greek culture but also on their religion. Homer’s â€Å"Odyssey† is an account of Odysseus’ return to Ithaca from the Trojan War. It narrates his adventures and how he overcame the wrath of Poseidon, with the help and blessings of Goddess Athene, daughter of Zeus. Odyssey concentrates on the happenings in Odysseus’ native land, Ithaca during a twenty year period when he was away from his motherland, and the tribulations suffered by his faithful wife Penelope and son Telemachus. Finally, after a long and arduous struggle, Odysseus returns to his land, with the help of the goddess Athene, and is reunited with his wife and son. He also succeeds in killing all the suitors who wanted to marry Penelope during his long absence from Ithaca. As was the contemporary practice prevalent during that time the dead were not buried but cremated. The practice of building â€Å"a mould with all the proper funeral rites† was also practiced. (Homer, 1991. p.12, line 293).  

Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 10

Questions - Essay Example Economics on the other hand views sustainability in relation to value because Economics fundamentally examines the relationships between ends and scarce means. Hence, the scope of Economics covers the ability to maintain a financial worth of the products and services over a period of time when they are demanded and needed by constituents of the society and the community. This has to do with elements and aspects of behavioural matters and behavioural techniques that are used by the various constituents as a means of examining and evaluating various variables to identify the way people seek to maximise their ends in relation to the resources available at every point in time. Hence, the position taken by Economics is one that utilises aspects of the rational human being and how s/he seeks to maximise returns of a given stock of resources as opposed to the natural science approach which uses scientific methods to estimate the stock of natural resources without the inclusion of human sent iments and human expectations. Neoclassical Economics is about the use of various aspects of rationality to attain maximum returns from a given level of resources. Thus, the neo-classical Economists argue that the rational consumer must seek to attain the most from a given level of inputs whilst the rational producer also produces the highest volume of products with a given volume of stocks. Thus, in viewing this, neo-classical Economics are meant to provide a framework within which people will gain the most from what they utilise or seek to use. Thus, the two concepts and the two ideas are synthesised to suggest that neo-classical economics seeks to support a position where the society work to attain the most from the environment. Social and Ecological complexity on the other hand asserts that there must be some degree of sensitivity to the consumption of natural resources and in utilising aspects of the natural environment. Hence, the consumer will have to ensure that he

Choicepoint and Sony, an Ethical Analysis Essay Example for Free

Choicepoint and Sony, an Ethical Analysis Essay Ethics refers to what comes off as right or wrong to an individual’s conscience .The internet age has brought about new ethical issues, not only for an individual but for the society as well as it has eased anonymous manipulation and distribution of information, creating new and easier paths for committing crimes like piracy, identity theft, infringement of an individual’s privacy etc. In this paper we will be analyzing the Choice-point case and the ‘Sony data breach ‘case from an ethical point of view. (Laudon Laudon, 2010, p.128) Background: The ChoicePoint Data breach: On September 27 of 2004, ChoicePoint,a company that aggregates and stores personal information, suspected that some of its small business customers were involved in suspicious activities and informed the police. (Paine, Phillips, 2008)On February of 2005, ChoicePoint only notified those residents of California whose data had been leaked to the illegal customers, since a certain law in California requires it. A protest from the public, however, forced the company to notify the details of the breach to the other involved parties residing in the other states. The swindlers who scammed ChoicePoint had created over 50 accounts with previously stolen identities over the course of a year or even longer. (Pantesco, 2006) Look more:  the issues concerning identity theft essay Changes in business practices (Otto, Anton Baumer, 2007): ChoicePoint made numerous changes after the 2004-2005 data breach. The company closed the 50 fake accounts and made a policy to refuse any faxed business licenses in the future .The Company formed a new policy, that all nongovernmental organizations need to be re-credentialed in order to do business with it, and increased its procedures in verifying the identity of the company. More stringent and better business policies in ensuring the safety of their customer’s data, for e.g. partial masking of social security numbers were employed. The company continued its investigations of its databases for further indications of foul play and brought in outsiders to assess and rectify their practices. The Sony Data Breach: The Sony data breach was a result of an intrusion from an outsider party, causing an outage in the PlayStation Network and Qriocity’s services between 17th April 2011 and 19th April, 2011.A confirmation from Sony revealed that pieces of personal information had been stolen from each and every 77 million accounts. This breach resulted in Sony shutting off the PlayStation Network for 23 days. (Hirai, 2011) Sony stated that the chairman of the company had submitted explanations wanted by United States House subcommittee regarding the attack and that they were taking some measures to prevent further breaches. When questioned about the delay in making the breach public, Sony explained that they’d sought help from outside officials to conduct an investigation in order to comprehend the nature and magnitude of the incident; and hence forensic analysis and investigation had caused the delay since they wanted to have all the necessary details before making the breach public. On May 14, 2011, Sony released a security patch called PlayStation 3 firmware version 3.61 requiring users to change their password upon signing into their account in the PlayStation Network. (Seybold, 2011) Compensation: In compensation for this outage, Sony announced hosting of special events for their users. Sony wanted to appreciate the loyalty of the customers who stuck to using Play Station network and didn’t look for other alternatives. Hence Sony announced an extension of free 30 days of its various services for its existing users. Also, few of their games in the PlayStation network were made free, though these games are available only in some regions or countries. In addition to that Sony also offered one year’s worth of â€Å"free identity theft protection’ to all of its customers. (Wesley, 2011) Ethical Analysis According to Culnan and Williams (2009, p.679),the two aspects of morality that are principal to the relationship between information aggregators and information providers are vulnerability and avoiding harm. Aspect of Vulnerability Analysis: Since the customer gives away his data in exchange for something in return, he loses control on how that information would be used in the future.(Culnan Williams, 2009, p. 681) The firm that is aggregating the data has the duty to exercise caution in protecting the consumer’s vulnerability, not only for the sake of the customer but also to build its own reputation. However, in the cases of both ChoicePoint and Sony breach, the consumers were vulnerable. Individuals whose data ChoicePoint and Sony stored lacked knowledge about the risks posed by Choice Point’s credentialing procedures or the way personal information was stored by Sony. Aspect of â€Å"Do No Harm† Analysis: Most ethicists are of the opinion that data aggregators have the minimum duty of doing no harm whenever there is an issue concerning information privacy rights (DeGeorge 2006; Goodpaster 1987; Marcoux 2003; Valesquez 2003 as cited in Culnan Williams, 2009), even more so when their treatment of the consumer’s sensitive personal information makes the consumers unnecessarily vulnerable. (Culnan Williams, 2009, p. 682) In both the cases of ChoicePoint and Sony Data breach however, the ‘DO NO Harm’ principle was violated and moral responsibility was clearly absent in the behavior of the officials of these firms. (Culnan Williams, 2009, p. 682)ChoicePoint’s questionable intentions in delaying the notification of the breach to the public and the fact that ChoicePoint only bothered to search records that were leaked within 15 months to the date of the search ,until pressurized, were criticized heavily.( Evers, 2005)Further investigations revealed that ChoicePoint had been subjected to a similar scam in 2002.( Paine, Phillips, 2008) The fact that ChoicePoint could be duped so easily within two years proved that ChoicePoint hadn’t done anything to improve its practices since the last breach. Similarly, Sony also had a delay in notifying the users of PlayStation network about the breach. The public disputed Sony’s reason for its delay by speculating that, if Sony judged the situation to be so grave that it felt the need to shut down its PlayStation network, then they should have warned the public without any delay as well. Moreover, Sony failed to give any concrete reports regarding the breach and merely stated that they cannot rule out the possibility of a ‘username or password ‘leak. One more thing to be noted is that the fiends could have possibly gotten information like email addresses and first names of the customers who had consented to receiving information about new deals or products from Sony or its partners.Now, there is a pretty good chance that the fiends might send emails in the format of a Sony webpage template and extract valuable information from those customers. Hence this breach indirectly paved the way for more unintentional breaches in the future. (Eddy, 2011) According to, (Laudon Laudon, 2010,p.135),the basic Concepts of ethics are as follows: Responsibility: where the individual or the organization should accept the duties, costs and obligations for the decisions that it made. Accountability: where the organization should be aware of what decision is taken by whom. If it is impossible to find out who was responsible for what action then that organization is basically incapable of ethical analysis. Liability: this basically extends the concept of responsibility to legal actions where the affected individuals should be able to get compensation for their damages. Analysis : In my opinion, both ChoicePoint and Sony showed half-hearted ethics on these incidents as a whole. While Choicepoint did inform officials about the breach as soon as it found out, yet it only felt necessary to inform the public because of the California law. The people in the other states were notified because of public outcry. Also limiting the search results for leaked records to only 15 months prior to the date of the search just because it was necessary by the law was another mistake on ChoicePoint’s part. Thus ChoicePoint violated the ethical concepts of responsibility and accountability yet they seemed to have understood their mistake when they were making changes in their policies and practices after the 2004-2005 breach, and were willing to take corrective actions. But it is debatable whether ChoicePoint’s corrective measures were taken to save its own business or whether it genuinely cared for the affected individuals. Similarly, though Sony did do necessary investigations, it failed to concretely identify which parties had been affected or what kind of information have been stolen. Similar to ChoicePoint, there was a delay in notifying the public regarding the breach. Hence, there is a dearth of responsibility and accountability from Sony’s side as well .The compensations given can similarly be argued to be a ploy for keeping itself in the market. While, ChoicePoint and Sony offered free credit monitoring and free identity theft protection respectively for one year, they disregarded the possibility that the thieves might lie low and take advantage of the stolen information after the passage of a year. Hence these companies showed half-heartedness in being ethically liable as well.

Positivism Theory Essay Example for Free

Positivism Theory Essay Positivism, (also referred to as ‘empiricism’) is often used to indicate that this approach to understanding criminality is scientific. The term positivism (or in its more sophisticated form Logical Positivism) is often used to refer to an approach that asserts it utilizes science or the scientific method (their version of science) to understand the causes of criminality and thus the solutions to solving it. Positivism is an epistemological position or a theory of knowledge which assets that science is based upon theories that have been induced from and only from empirical evidence or the evidence of the senses (hence the term ‘empirical’ or that which can be experienced by the senses). Positivists reject any evidence that cannot be objectively experienced or observed such as that derived from tradition, faith, magic, religion, philosophy or any other form of knowledge or belief that does not have an empirical basis. Thus they want to explain criminal behaviour by reference to causes that can be observed or measured. Causes have to be material and observable – biological positivists look at biological observables such as anatomical abnormalities, identifiable genetic or gene patterns, bodily movements etc. Psychological positivists will also look at biological observables but will add behavioural factors, child rearing practices and brain abnormalities that cause identifiable behaviour outcomes. Many modern scientists have virtually discredited positivism in favour of what we call the hypothetico-deductionist approach or a falsficationist approach. This approach begins with theoretical conjectures (or hypotheses) and then seeks to prove or disprove them by means of empirical evidence. However, whatever the differences in method both positivism and hypothetico-deductionism seek empirical evidence for their theoretical positions. Implicit in these approaches is the idea that the scientist is an objective disinterested observer of natural events with no preconceptions about them. In the case of physics these natural events or laws are said to be found in nature itself as, for example, in the study of such phenomena as the movement of the planets around the Sun, the effect of gravity on the tides and the phenomenon of the seasons created by the movement of the Earth around the Sun. In these cases the object of study is seen as governed by universal natural laws which the scientist has to discover. When this approach is applied in the human or social sciences we have to understand our object of study (i. e. human beings or societies) as also governed or regulated by rules that the scientist has to discover. Thus Biological Criminologists will use data from such sources as twin studies, family studies, genetic patterns, biochemical aspects and so on anything that can be studied by means of objective’, methods and which may throw up some biological explanation of that behaviour or a principle or a law that explains that behaviour. It follows that in positivist criminality, criminals are identified as certain kinds Of human beings who are governed by events or natural phenomena that have been set in place by something external to them and, in a sense, beyond their control. Thus criminals do not make decisions about their criminal behaviour they are, as it were, caused to behave in this way by factors that operate in a sense, behind their backs. Thus, so-called abstract views of human nature such as that they are rational and use reason in making choices about their actions have to be discarded as a cause of behaviour in favour of non-rational causes such as determination by such things as biological inheritance or forms of social conditioning or, in many cases, a combination of both (as in Eysenck). Positivists aim is to identify those with criminal tendencies or those already classified as criminals and use them as their data base. Their goal is to ascertain what has caused their criminality and then to look for ways of correcting such criminality or, even better, to ascertain those with tendencies for criminality (before hopefully they commit a crime) and to put some preventative measures in place. Biological positivists generally look for biological causes generally in genetic inheritance. A well know example is that of Klinenfelters Syndrome where a study of known criminals identified was said to be an extra y chromosome.

Nike Nature Of The Business Marketing Essay

Nike Nature Of The Business Marketing Essay Nike Incorporation is the worlds leading sporting goods manufacturer. The company produces the sports goods all-encompassing: clothing, footwear, sports equipment and so on. The company headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. Nike with its impressive performance impresses its founder; Bill Bowerman once said the sentence: As long as you have a body, you are world athletes, and Nike will continue to develop grow. Before the company became Nike, the original name of the company is Blue Ribbon Sports on January 25, 1964. The company then officially became Nike Inc. on May 30, 1978. Nike has been provided the best products to every athlete around the world. The language of movement is the Nike language. The company committed always to create every chance to show themselves after three years. Nike knows: The best products are only produced by the use of advanced technology. So, by the way, Nike put a lot of manpower and material resources for the research and development of new products.   Years ago, a lot of high potential athletes and sports teams around the world have been sponsored by Nike. The Swoosh logo and trademarks of Just Do It are highly recognized. Nike Nature of the Business NIKE, Inc. is a worldwide marketing which engaged in development and design for footwear, equipment and accessory products. It is approximately 18,000 retail accounts by sells its products in the United States. Nearly 200 countries are through a combination of independent distributors, licensees and subsidiaries. Although a few of the products are worn for leisure purposes, NIKEs athletic footwear products are still in specific designed for athletic use. All equipments for men, women and children have been designed and created by the company. Either is indoor or outdoor activities, NIKE have a good market shoes or clothes such as tennis, golf, football, volleyball, wrestling, aquatic activities, hiking and others. Active sports apparel like most of these categories are sold by NIKE, for athletically lifestyle inspired apparel. Objective of the Nike Nikes main objective is to build up all athletes of every different of level of ability to their potential with advance the products. Indeed, it is to create job chances for provide value in its shareholders apart from the competition. Besides that, their aim also is to maintain the costs down which driven by the intense competition. By the way, a lot of other companies also operate these low-wage countries within the athletics industry according on cost reason. Because of difficulty due to less developed countries, their ability is easily moved to become economically dependent on the corporations. Strategies of Nike There are four main categories of strategies of Nike to continue develop growth in this along the years. They are financial perspective, customer perspective, internal perspective, and learning growth perspective. Financial Perspective Growth strategy Focus on Emerging Markets (i.e. BRIC) Products in new niche activities New customer segments Productivity strategy Increase Asset Utilization : increase employee by 5% Reduce Operational Cost Customer Perspective Maintain Product Leadership Provide high quality innovative products Improve Customer Relationship and Service Launch 250-300 Nike retail outlets in next three years Improve image Nike Community for welfare manufacturing workers Align incentives of workers Internal Perspective Follow Cost Out strategy Reduce marketing spent 11% of revenue only, focus on local sport heroes Integrate New Segments Markets and their attributes with current processes like customer Improve Innovation Cycle With smarter and more intelligent customer feedback mechanisms through e-channels Implement CSR Expand its alliance with other non-profit organizations to work together Learning Growth Perspective Retain and Train key employees Ensure attrition rate is between 2-3% Improve IT Assets Enhance CRM, e-channel, social media platform Invests 2-2.5% Rev in IT Systems Create a customer centric culture Executive team to provide a strong and visionary leadership Targeting Market Nikes targeting market is for those who like the higher quality sporting goods, especially footwear. Therefore, Nike focuses on creating premium consumer experiences on product innovation, brand leadership and elevated retail presence. Nike also target market for their shoes, clothes, and other accessories are males and females, especially among 18 and 35 years old. Nike Company has expanded and dominated in the international market. Size of Nike The size or range of the Nike Company is increases throughout the years. The total number of employees of Nike Company is about 38000 people around the world. In 2009, the  company  had a net income of around $1.49 billion. They have offices in 45 different countries. Besides that, the number of Nike stores globally is 700 around the world. Types of products sold Nike Company has a wide range of sports equipment. The first products that Nike produce is track running shoes. Besides that, Nike also offers a range of shoes for sports like, tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, football, bicycling, volleyball, cheerleading, hiking and others. They manufacture  casual clothes, running clothes, yoga clothes, tennis clothes (dresses and skirts),  thongs, socks, caps, aquatic gear, duffel bags, sunglasses, skates, bats, gloves, womens sport bras, ice skates, roller blades, roller skates, protective gear, hockey sticks, hockey jerseys and many more small accessories. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Zoom_elite_2.png/220px-Zoom_elite_2.png Nike Pro Core Compression Nike brand, athletic shoes Nike brand, Tennis(Girls shorts) Services Nike Company has a great service which known as NIKEiD. It is a service that allowing customers to customize the products purchased from Nike. It must be through the online purchased. Besides that, The NIKEiD studios give customers have a great personal experience to work with. For iPhone and iPod Touch was released from the NIKEiD App on the iTunes App Store on 14 October 2009 to allow users to search products. Nike PhotoiD service is by taking picture or image with their mobile and sends to Nike so that new software designed will analyze the image, and then based on it designing a shoe. After that, an image of their desired shoe will be received by the customer. Lastly, they can choose to save the image or purchase the new design. Strengths and weaknesses of Nike Strengths Weaknesses Brand recognition High product quality Effective marketing strategy Capacity of innovation Strong distribution chain Strong RD Strong customer relationship Overseas manufacturing dependency Decreasing United States market share High product price compared to Adidas Currency exposure Medium retail presence Competitors Adidas is the major competitor to Nike Company. Adidas is about to launch a new innovative campaign praising the Team Spirit in sports. Any company that produces athletic footwear or athletic apparel is a  competitor  to  Nike such as Puma, Reebok(now is owned by Adidas), Asics, Under Armour, and so on. However, according to graph below, Nike Company is the best sells compete with others. http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/TabBar/BldCirc/circlgif/fig17.gif Financial Model of Nike Since year 1997, Nike Companys revenues had plateaued at around $9 billion. Net income had fallen from almost $800 million to 580 million. However, market share in US athletic shoes had fallen from 48%, in 1997, to 42% in year 2000. It adverse effect of a strong dollar had negatively affected revenue. The management is concerned about the top-line growth and operating performance. To boost revenue, the company would develop more athletic-shoe products in the mod-priced segment- a segment that Nike had overlooked on the recent years. The company has also planned to push its apparel line. The company has planned to exert more effort on the expense control. Long term revenue growth target is 8%-10%. Earnings growth target is 15%.

Effects of Divorce on Children :: Papers

Effects of Divorce on Children Divorce has become an unquestionable remedy for the miserably married. Currently, the United States has the highest divorce rate in the world. Every year in the US approximately one million children experience divorce which, is about one in every three children (Amato 21). The effects of divorce can be tremendously painful for both children and adults. Children of divorce are more likely to suffer from behavioral, social, academic, and psychological problems than children raised in two-parent families. The actual separation of the family will be the initial crisis that a child must deal with but many issues such as economic hardship, moving, and other major issues may follow. Sarah McLanahan, a leading divorce researcher at Princeton University, has identified moving as one of the most damaging effects of divorce for children. That is because the children lose invaluable ties to friends that may be able to help them cope with the new stress they are faced with. McLanahan and Gary Sandefur conclude that up to 40% of the increased risk of being a high school drop out is attributed to moving as a result of divorce (Chira 01E). The short term effects or divorce vary depending on the age and sex of most children. Boys and girls handle the break-ups with different emotions for example, some get angry, some feel sad, and some may experience feelings of rejection. Preschool age children, ages three to five, many times react with feelings of anger and sadness. Many of the preschool age children will regress after the initial shock of the separation. Signs of regression could be once again asking for a security blanket, bedwetting, returning to thumb sucking, needing help feeding themselves, or hitting their siblings. The children in this age group are more anxious and insecure than a child growing up in a two-parent home (Teyber 11). The majority of the children in the preschool age-group have abandonment issues and fear that since one parent has left the home that the other may move out as well. As the children get older the effects the divorce has on them is different but no less traumatizing. School aged children between the ages of six to eight seem to have an especially difficult time dealing with their parents splitting up. Generally, the boys in this age group tend to be more bothered than the girls.

The U.s School System :: essays research papers

When one is a student, it is ever so simple to criticize the way that schools are conducted. The ideas of students towards their schools may be somewhat misguided by their varied emotions and attitudes for their school. However I believe that my thought out reforms for the American school system, are not only objective, but valid.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  For many students, going to school is more than just part of the daily routine. A lot of students see their role in school as a stepping stone not only to their future life, but to their future success. Some people in the school however do not even feel the slightest bit of pressure to do well in school. These people are satisfied with mediocrity. Possibly even worse, some are careless towards not only their on education, but neglectful towards the schooling of others. I think that such students who are not only disruptive, but destructive, should not be dealt with such a severity, that they will either realize the error of their ways or that they do not belong in a public school. Through my few years in high school, I have noticed some students who are always breaking rules. And for some of these students, they are so regularly in trouble that the standards for their behavior is lessened , being permitted to break small rules because the standard for their behavi or is lessened. This is a excellent example, why I believe in not only stern punishment, but set disciplinary action. A student should not be allowed the chance to break rules simply because that is just the way they are. Their bad habits will never be corrected, when they are not expected to act properly   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I haven't really had a great relationship with teachers, in the sense that I felt that they were able to give me good one on one assistance if needed. This however is not the fault of the teacher. Cities have a problem of expanding without planning. Oviedo for example, is possibly going to be a prominent city in the state of Florida. Even now, we are starting to see a major boom in not only population but development. I am not sure however, that I can say that the city is correctly planning for this development, if at all. Roads will need to be widened. Irrigation, and sanitation will need to be carefully managed.

Interesting Narrative Essay

â€Å"Who are we looking for, who are we looking for? It’s Equiano we’re looking for. † –those are the words from a chant about the disappearance of an African boy. The disappearance of Olaudah Equiano has become a subject for a national folklore. All along the sixteenth – nineteenth centuries thousands of Africans captured in West Africa had been shipped to be sold in slavery. Many of them wrote about their hard life’s experiences. Precisely in this way, by creating poems and autobiographies, the so-called slave narratives have been born. â€Å"The interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Written by Himself† is one of them. That is a really an interesting narrative. But it is attractive not only because of its plot or author’s writing skills. This became the first memoir of a black slave whose autobiography has been recognized by the public and continued being interesting for millions of people far after its author’s death. â€Å"I had often seen my master and Dick employed in reading: and I had a great curiosity to talk to the books as I thought they did, and so to learn how all things had a beginning. For that purpose I have often taken up a book, and have talked to it, and then put my ears to it, when alone, in hopes it would answer me; and I have been very much concerned when I found it remained silent. † (Equiano 112). These words can be taken out as the main thesis of the research: Equiano showed with all his life that each person, even a slave, is able to reach many significant things in his life. The main aim is to have a great curiosity in â€Å"how all things had a beginning† and strong will. And it is very important for human hearts not to â€Å"remain silent† to other people’s sorrows. There exists a certain problem regarding the authenticity of author’s text. The readers who have bought the Equiano’s book under the Allison’s edition must be aware of that fact that Allison has gathered different parts of Equiano’s autobiography which hasn’t been published by the author. A great deal of text is submitted by Allison, not Equiano. For example, the place in narrative in which Equiano gives references to his marriage. But a few pages earlier Equiano says he is free. Equiano changed the earlier passage when having added the relation to his marriage in 1792 in order to preserve the right cronology. Allison hasn’t taken into consideration that fact. Therefore, it can be seen that the chronology hasn’t been observed in Allison’s edition. Within such a vision the Equiano’s book becomes even more mystical. It sounds like a far and vague voice perceived through another author’s interpretation. Nevertheless, despite of some discrepancies in Allison’s interpretation of Equiano’s narration, the latter remains a masterpiece of African literature. As it was already mentioned, the book in case became a sensation in the literature of that time as that was the first book written by a black man that has been edited. But there are many other points in favor of Equiano’s book. One of them is that this book became a sample of new literature genre – a kind of social protest expressed in a very original way. There are no direct appeals for stopping the slavery in Africa by Africans but at the same time Equiano’s book is a burning request for ending the enslavement of Africans by other nations’ representatives. â€Å"I believe there are few events in my life that have not happened to many† –you can find these words in Equiano’s autobiography as well. Those events are the kidnapping of l1-year-old Equiano and his serving to European slave traders. His book isn’t a result of imagination but proper author’s experiences. Equiano was a member of Ibo nation which resided in Nigeria. When Equiano was eleven he was kidnapped by slave traders together with his sister. He was brought to Virginia and was sold to Michael Pascal there. Pascal changed Equiano’s name to Gustavas Vassa (after a Swedish monarch from sixteenth century). Equiano has passed through many adventures before he bought his freedom in 1776. He continued traveling through American colonies after that but as he still was afraid to be recaptured he went to England where he had been working for Charles Irving – a scientist who was famous for his experiments with slat-water purification. Eqiano was traveling then over Italy, Turkey and even the Artic studying many sciences in the course of that. Equiano’s autobiography was first published in 1789. It was published in two volumes and was entitled â€Å"The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, the African, Written by Himself†. The narrative was declared to be one of the most prominent slave narratives of that time. In this narrative one can find Equiano’s experiences which he acquired being on the board of the slave ship, working as a gunpowder carrier in the Mediterranean or as a barber while going on as a sailor. Thanks to all of those great talents and skills got by himself in the course of his sated life, Equiano became a great intellectual of his age. His autobiography, besides being a brilliant pattern of autobiography, became a classic of the slave narrative genre. Equiano has described his adventures in a very vivacious manner. Besides, his book has been released very timely – that time much attention was paid to negro–slavery society. Equiano’s book became one point in favor of the general hatred that was rising against the West –India planters who had been noted to reveal horrible cruelties directed on their slaves. Speaking about ‘humanity’ in his book Equiano had several purposes in mind. First of all, he meant that the slavery is inhuman. Equiano represents it as a cruel business which results in a great deal of human misery. Of course, Equiano calls for the elimination of slavery in his autobiography. But he tries to reveal the most horrible thing that is the base of European slave traders’ attitude to the African nations. That is the anti-racist idea which was rather a wide-spread one in England of eighteen century. According to this idea African were not fully human beings. Equiano’s book is a great plea for the dissolving of this terrible myth in human’s minds. With a great talent he described a life of a man who had been a victim of that myth -his own life. Taking into consideration the anti-racist intentions of Equiano’s autobiography, there are no denying facts that his book is a considerable political writing as well. A slave wrote a politically considerable book –that is the main Equiano’s paradox of that time which made human’s hearts to pay more attention to the miserable situation of Africans. A black boy, kidnapped by European traders and grew up among them, taught everything he could and wrote a kind of black self-presentation with a strong political meaning. The writing that book was a real feat by Equiano. He was brave enough to create his autobiography after having lived all that through by himself. That was a real proof of that African people were not only â€Å"fully human† beings but they were a great nation whose aspiration for freedom was not less than of any other nation of the world. Olaudah Equiano’s life is a brilliant example of human’s will in its most prominent expression – willing to be free. By that time not too many of slavers’ narrations had appeared. Those were mostly oral narrations by a slave which were gathered by white scientists. Equiano’s narrative was different from those ones. It was different not only because of his writing skills but, first of all, because he has written it by himself and, moreover, he published it by himself. He published it by subscription and by that way he forced many people to pay for his book in advance. Among those people the Prince of Wales and a range of dukes were. Another strong act by Equiano was that he not only had published the book but went on promoting it. He carried out a range of lections in England, Scotland and Wales. By promoting his book he was promoting at the same time the abolition of slavery. He was present at the lections arranged by local abolition committees in many regions. Thus, Equiano managed not only to convert his autobiography in anti-slavery document but converted his whole life into anti-slavery movement. As one can see, the poor slave kidnapped and grown up in slavery resulted to be a wonderful author, publisher, producer and political figure. He showed how an ordinary autobiography of a slave may convert into a strong social and even political movement. Equiano‘s narrative was proclaimed by many critics to be the most remarkable among the books by black writers of the 18th century. Arna Bontemps in his introduction to â€Å"Great Slave Narratives† (1969) characterized Equiano’s narrative as â€Å"the first truly notable book in the genre of the salve narrative†. Equiano became an entire historical epoch regarding the African culture. It has become the base of all African studies. His book will remain an eternal testimony of slavery as a shameful act of humanity. Equiano wrote the autobiography but his main aim was not to make his life famous but to show all the consequences which the violence and aggressiveness may have. The autobiography by Equiano is worth of reading because of many reasons. First of all, the personal skills of the author made his description colorful and dynamic. He managed to quickly learn the language, religion, law and commerce of his enslavers. Thus, he found the possibility to buy his freedom, find employment, travel the world, and become a legitimate advocate for abolition. The horrors that Equiano was forced to face didn’t not break him. He was able to win thanks to a combination of luck, intelligence, and hard work in his character. His ironic sense of humor in narrating his numerous adventures and roles in life indicates that he perceived himself as a survivor. He was aware of all the difficulties that could wait for him and nevertheless was ready to cope with them. In the beginning of narrative the goal of freedom is established, and he then expends all of his energy on attaining it. Equiano wrote his narrative after he had been converted to Christianity. Christianity means spiritual rebirth and this formula certainly was a strong point while structuring his story. It also caused an efficient influence on the readers’ minds. So, the spiritual author’s rebirth also influenced on Equiano’s writing – he wrote his autobiography according to the personal religious, spiritual changes. Equiano is often compared to Robinson Crusoe. Like the famous hero of Daniel Defoe he got into the foreign environment and managed to survive there and carry his will to freedom and happiness through all the difficulties of his outstanding life. That’s why Olaudah Equiano will always remain in human’s hearts as a symbol of freedom and powerful human will. And having passed many years hundreds of people when reading the â€Å"â€Å"The interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, Written by Himself† will say: â€Å"â€Å"Who are we looking for, who are we looking for? It’s Equiano we’re looking for. † Bibliography 1. Olaudah, Equiano. (Edited with an introduction by Robert J. Allison). The Interesting Narrative of the life of Olaudah Equiano, written by himself. Boston: Bedford Books of St. Martin’s Press, 1995. READ EXCERPTS from The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano . . . From Ch. 1: Description of Equiano’s Early Life and the Culture of his People Read online one of the first detailed descriptions ever published of a traditional African culture from the perspective of an African, which makes for interesting comparisons to Part I of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart. The Life of Olaudah Equiano (British Library: African Collections) Extract from: The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavus Vassa, The African. Written by Himself. London: Printed for and sold by the author, No. 10, Union-Street, Middlesex Hospital, [1789]. Vol. 1, Chapter 1, pp. 4-38: http://www. bl. uk/collections/africanolaudah. html From Ch. 2: â€Å"THEY†¦ CARRY OFF AS MANY AS THEY CAN SEIZE† â€Å"My father, besides many slaves, had a numerous family, of which seven lived to grow up, including myself and a sister, who was the only daughter. As I was the youngest of the sons, I became, of course, the greatest favourite of my mother, and was always with her; and she used to take particular pains to form my mind. I was trained up from my earliest years in the arts of agriculture and war; and my mother adorned me with emblems, after the manner of our greatest warriors. In this way I grew up till I was turned the age of eleven, when an end was put to my happiness in the following manner:–Generally, when the grown people in the neighbourhood were gone far in the fields to labour, the children assembled together in some of the neighborhood’s premises to play; and commonly some of us used to get up a tree to look out for any assailant, or kidnapper, that might come upon us; for they sometimes took those opportunities of our parents’ absence, to attack and carry off as many as they could seize. One day, as I was watching at the top of a tree in our yard, I saw one of those people come into the yard of our next neighbour but one, to kidnap, there being many stout young people in it. Immediately, on this, I gave the alarm of the rogue, and he was surrounded by the stoutest of them, who entangled him with cords, so that he could not escape till some of the grown people came and secured him. â€Å"But alas! ere long, it was my fate to be thus attacked, and to be carried off, when none of the grown people were nigh. One day, when all our people were gone out to their works as usual, and only I and my dear sister were left to mind the house, two men and a woman got over our walls, and in a moment seized us both; and, without giving us time to cry out, or make resistance, they stopped our mouths, and ran off with us into the nearest wood. Here they tied our hands, and continued to carry us as far as they could, till night came on, when we reached a small house, where the robbers halted for refreshment, and spent the night. We were then unbound; but were unable to take any food; and, being quite overpowered by fatigue and grief, our only relief was some sleep, which allayed our misfortune for a short time. † –From Ch. II of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa the African (London, 1789). Rpt. Mintz, â€Å"A Son of Africa: Resources for Teachers†: http://www. newsreel. org/guides/equiano. htm [Corresponding to sections of 1814 ed. reprinted in Gates, The Classic Slave Narratives p. 25. ] From Ch. 2: â€Å"A MULTITUDE OF BLACK PEOPLE†¦ CHAINED TOGETHER† â€Å"Olaudah Equiano vividly recounts the shock and isolation that he felt during the Middle Passage to Barbados and his fear that the European slavers would eat him† (â€Å"A Son of Africa†). The European slavers’ â€Å"complexions, differing so much from ours, their long hair and the language they spoke, which was different from any I had ever heard, united to confirm me in this belief [that Equiano â€Å"had got into a world of bad spirits and that they were going to kill me†]. Indeed, such were the horrors of my views and fears at the moment, that if ten thousand worlds had been my own, I would have freely parted with them all to have exchanged my condition with that of the meanest slave of my own country. When I looked around the ship and saw a large furnace of copper boiling, and a multitude of black people of every description chained together, every one of their countenances expressing dejection and sorrow, I no longer doubted my fate. Quite overpowered with horror and anguish, I fell motionless on the deck and fainted. When I recovered a little, I found some black people about me, and I believe some were those who had brought me on board and had been receiving their pay. They talked to me in order to cheer me up, but all in vain. I asked them if we were not to be eaten by those white men with horrible looks, red faces and long hair. They told me I was not . . . . I took a little [wine] down my palate, which, instead of reviving me as they thought it would, threw me into the greatest consternation at the strange feeling it produced, having never tasted such liquor before. â€Å"Soon after this, the blacks who had brought me on board went off and left me abandoned to despair. I now saw myself deprived of all chance of returning to my native country or even the least glimpse of hope of gaining the shore, which I now considered as friendly. I even wished for my former slavery in preference to my present situation, which was filled with horrors of every kind. . . .[Equiano was then â€Å"put down under the decks† and ] There I received such a salutation in my nostrils as I had never experienced in my life. With the loathesomeness of the stench and the crying together, I became so sick and low that I was not able to eat, nor had I the least desire to taste anything. I now wished for the last friend, Death, to relieve me. Soon, to my grief, two of the white men offered me eatables and on my refusing to eat, one of them held me fast by the hands and laid me across the windlass and tied my feet while the other flogged me severely. I had never experienced anything of this kind before. . . . If I could have gotten over the nettings, I would have jumped over the side, but I could not. The crew used to watch very closely those of us who were not chained down to the decks, lest we should leap into the water. I have seen some of these poor African prisoners most severely cut for attempting to do so, and hourly whipped for not eating. This indeed was often the case with myself . . . . [Meeting some of his countrymen among the chained Africans below decks,] I inquired of these what was to be done with us. They gave me to understand we were to be carried to these white people’s country to work for them. I then was a little revived, and thought if it were no worse than working, my situation was not so desperate. But still I feared that I should be put to death, the white people looked and acted in so savage a manner. I have never seen among my people such instances of brutal cruelty, and this not only shown towards us blacks, but also to some of the whites themselves. One white man in particular I saw, when we were permitted to be on deck, flogged so unmercifully with a large rope near the foremast that he died in consequence of it, and they tossed him over the side as they would have done a brute. This made me fear these people the more, and I expected nothing less than to be treated in the same manner. . . . I asked [my countrymen] if these people had no country, but lived in this hollow place [the ship]? They told me they did not but came from a distant land. ‘Then,’ said I, ‘how comes it that in all our country we never heard of them? ‘ They told me because they lived so far off. I then asked where were their women? Had they any like themselves? I was told they had. ‘And why do we not see them’ I asked. They answered, ‘Because they were left behind. ‘ I asked how the vessel could go? They told me they could not tell, but there was cloth put upon the masts by the help of the ropes I saw, and then vessels went on, and the white men had some spell or magic they put in the water when they liked in order to stop the vessel when they liked. I was exceedingly amazed at this account, and really thought they were spirits. I therefore wished much to be from amongst them, for I expected they would sacrifice me. But my wishes were in vain–for we were so quartered that it was impossible for us to make our escape. † â€Å". . . .At last, when the ship we were in had got in all her cargo, they made ready with many fearful noises, and we were all put under deck, so that we could not see how they managed the vessel. . . . The stench of the hold while we were on the coast was so intolerably loathsome, that it was dangerous to remain there for any time†¦ some of us had been permitted to stay on the deck for the fresh air. But now that the whole ship’s cargo were confined together, it became absolutely pestilential. The closeness of the place and the heat of the climate, added to the number of the ship, which was so crowded that each had scarcely room to turn himself, almost suffocated us. This produced copious perspirations so that the air became unfit for respiration from a variety of loathsome smells, and brought on a sickness among the slaves, of which many died–thus falling victims of the improvident avarice, as I may call it, of their purchasers. This wretched situation was again aggravated by the galling of the chains, which now became insupportable, and the filth of the necessary tubs [toilets] into which the children often fell and were almost suffocated. The shrieks of the women and the groans of the dying rendered the whole a scene of horror almost inconceivable. Happily perhaps for myself, I was soon reduced so low that it was necessary to keep me almost always on deck and from my extreme youth I was not put into fetters. In this situation I expected every hour to share the fate of my companions, some of whom were almost daily brought upon the deck at the point of death, which I began to hope would soon put an end to my miseries. Often did I think many of the inhabitants of the deep much more happy than myself. I envied them the freedom they enjoyed, and as often wished I could change my condition for theirs. Every circumstance I met with, served only to render my state more painful and heightened my apprehensions and my opinion of the cruelty of the whites. . . .† â€Å"One day, when we had a smooth sea and moderate wind, two of my wearied countrymen who were chained together (I was near them at the time), preferring death to such a life of misery, somehow made through the nettings and jumped into the sea. Immediately another quite dejected fellow, who on account of his illness was suffered to be out of irons, followed their example. I believe many more would very soon have done the same if they had not been prevented by the ship’s crew, who were instantly alarmed. Those of us that were the most active were in a moment put down under the deck, and there was such a noise and confusion among the people of the ship as I never heard before to stop her and get the boat out to go after the slaves. However, two of the wretches were drowned, but they got the other and afterwards flogged him unmercifully for thus attempting to prefer death to slavery. . . . I can now relate, hardships which are inseparable from this accursed trade. Many a time we were near suffocation from the want of fresh air, which we were often without for whole days together. This, and the stench of the necessary tubs, carried off many. † –From Ch. II of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa the African (London, 1789). Rpt. Mintz, â€Å"A Son of Africa: Resources for Teachers†: http://www. newsreel. org/guides/equiano. htm [Corresponding to sections of 1814 ed. reprinted in Gates, The Classic Slave Narratives pp. 33-34; 35-36. ] Carey also reprints online Extracts from Equiano’s Narrative, Ch. 2: â€Å"Boarding a Slave-Ship†: http://www. brycchancarey. com/equiano/extract2. htm â€Å"The Middle Passage†: http://www. brycchancarey. com/equiano/extract3. htm From Ch. 2: â€Å"DREAD AND TREMBLING† Olaudah Equiano offers a first-hand account of his arrival in the West Indies in 1756 (â€Å"A Son of Africa†). [Arrival at â€Å"the island of Barbadoes† in the Caribbean:] â€Å"As the vessel drew nearer, we plainly saw the harbor and other ships of different kinds and sizes and we soon anchored amongst them off Bridgetown. Many merchants and planters came on board . . . . They put us in separate parcels and examined us attentively. They also made us jump, and pointed to the land, signifying we were to go there. We thought by this we should be eaten by these ugly men, as they appeared to us. When soon after we were all put down under the deck again, there was much dread and trembling among us and nothing but bitter cries to be heard all the night from the apprehensions. At last the white people got some old slaves from the land to pacify us. They told us we were not to be eaten, but to work, and were soon to go on land, where we should see many of our country people. This report eased us much, and sure enough, soon after we landed, there came to us Africans of all languages. â€Å"We were conducted immediately to the merchant’s yard, where we were all pent up together, like so many sheep in a fold, without regard to sex or age. As every object was new to me, everything I saw filled me with surprise. What struck me first was that the houses were built with bricks and stories, and in every respect different from those I had seen in Africa, but I was still more astonished to see people on horseback. I did not know what this could mean, and indeed I thought these people were full of nothing but magical arts. While I was in this astonishment, one of my fellow prisoners spoke to a countryman of his about the horses who said they were the same kind they had in their country. I understood them, though they were from a distant part of Africa and I thought it odd I had not seen any horses there; but afterwards when I came to converse with different Africans, I found they had many horses amongst them, and much larger than those I then saw. â€Å"We were not many days in the merchant’s custody, before we were sold after their usual manner . . . On a signal given, (as the beat of a drum), buyers rush at once into the yard where the slaves are confined, and make a choice of that parcel they like best. The noise and clamor with which this is attended, and the eagerness visible in the countenances of the buyers, serve not a little to increase the apprehension of terrified Africans . . . . In this manner, without scruple, are relations and friends separated, most of them never to see each other again. I remember in the vessel in which I was brought over†¦ there were several brothers who, in the sale, were sold in different lots; and it was very moving on this occasion, to see and hear their cries in parting. † –From Ch. II of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa the African (London, 1789). Rpt. Mintz, â€Å"A Son of Africa: Resources for Teachers†: http://www. newsreel. org/guides/equiano. htm [Corresponding to sections of 1814 ed. reprinted in Gates, The Classic Slave Narratives pp. 37-38. ] At this point in Ch. 2 of the Narrative, Equiano passionately addresses his European enslavers: â€Å"O, ye nominal Christians! might not an African ask you, ‘learned you this from your God, who says unto you, Do unto all men as you would men should do unto you? Is it not enough that we are torn from our country and friends, to toil for your luxury and lust of gain? Must every tender feeling be likewise sacrificed to your avarice? Are the dearest friends and relations now rendered more dear by their separation from the rest of their kindred, still to be parted from each other, and thus prevented from cheering the gloom of slavery, with the samll comfort of being together, and mingling their sufferings and sorrows? Why are parents to lose their children, brothers their sisters, or husbands their wives? Surely this is a new refinement in cruelty, which, while it has no advantage to atone for it, thus aggravates distress, and adds fresh horrors even to the wretchedness of slavery. † –From Ch. II of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano or Gustavus Vassa the African, 1814 ed. as reprinted in Gates, The Classic Slave Narratives p. 38. Read all of Chapter 2 of Equiano’s Autobiography online courtesy of Africans in America (WGBH/PBS Online): http://www. pbs. org/wgbh/aia/part1/1h320t. html â€Å"The Abuse of Slaves in the West Indies† Read Ch. 5 excerpt from â€Å"Olaudah Equiano: The Life of Gustavus Vassa† courtesy of World Civilizations (Washington State Univ. , 1996, 1999): http://www. wsu. edu:8000/~dee/Equiano. html More selections, also available on the Washington State Univ. web, courtesy of Reading About the World, Vol. 2; ed. Paul Brians and others, Harcourt Brace Custom Books: http://www. wsu. edu:8080/~wldciv/world_civ_reader/world_civ_reader_2/equiano. html â€Å"Equiano Gains his Freedom† Read Ch. 7 excerpt, courtesy of Brycchan Carey: http://www. brycchancarey. com/equiano/extract4. htm â€Å". . . Equiano’s account of his own manumission in 1766. Equiano’s owner, the Philadelphia Quaker Robert King, had in 1765 promised Equiano that he could buy back his own freedom if he ever raised the sum of forty pounds, the price King had himself paid for Equiano. King, who conducted much of his business from the island of Montserrat in the Caribbean Leeward Islands, put Equiano to work on one of his ships. Fortunately for Equiano, this meant that he could earn the money by petty trading, an activity in which he received some encouragement from the ship’s ‘friendly captain’; Thomas Farmer† (Carey). â€Å"The Case Against the Slave Trade† Read Ch. 12 excerpt, courtesy of Brycchan Carey: http://www. brycchancarey. com/equiano/extract5. htm â€Å". . . Equiano’s arguments against the slave trade, in particular, his argument that the trade did not make sound economic sense† (Carey). A 1789 REVIEW of Equiano’s Narrative From the beginning, The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, the African. Written by Himself was a bestseller, in such demand that it experienced some fifteen editions, and attracted reviews in the leading journals of the time. One favorable 1789 review that appeared in London’s The Monthly Review is reprinted here: â€Å"A Review of The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano, or Gustavas Vassa, the African. † The Monthly Review [London] Vol. LXXX, 1789, p. 55152. Gale Literature Resource Center [Online Subscription Database]. The Gale Group, 2004. Central Oregon Community College Library, Bend, OR. 17 August 2004. [NOTE: Gale Literature Resource Center subscription database articles are available online to COCC students!! ] Among aspects of the above 1789 review to notice, is the fact that the anonymous reviewer addresses the question of the â€Å"authenticity† of Equiano’s â€Å"very intelligent† Narrative, suggesting â€Å"that some English writer† may have assisted Equiano in the â€Å"compilement, or, at least, the correction of his book: for it is sufficiently well written. † SIGNIFICANCE OF EQUIANO’S SLAVE NARRATIVE â€Å"The slave narrative is a polemical genre; it makes no bones about it. † –Anthony Appiah, quoted in Ferguson (249). Brycchan Carey outlines the political goals of Equiano’s slave narrative in â€Å"Olaudah Equiano: A Critical Biography†: http://www. brycchancarey. com/equiano/biog. htm According to Carey, to show that a black African had abilities equal to a white European is one implicit political goal encompassed by Equiano’s statement early in his autobiography: â€Å"‘If it affords any satisfaction to my numerous friends, at whose request it has been written, or in the smallest degree promotes the interest of humanity, the ends for which it was undertaken will be fully attained, and every wish of my heart gratified. ‘ When Equiano refers to ‘humanity’ he seems to have several things in mind. Firstly he of course means that slavery is inhumane in that it is a cruel business resulting in a great deal of human misery. He is calling for its abolition. But as well as the overt anti-slavery agenda there is a more subtle anti-racist project going on to dispel some of the racist myths current in eighteenth-century England. Amongst these was an increasingly widespread myth that Africans were either not fully human or were of a less developed branch of humanity. Part of Equiano’s project is to dispel this myth entirely by showing the world that he, in common with all human beings, is quite capable of writing a fine book describing a life which would be considered extraordinary and full of talent and seized opportu.