Wednesday, July 31, 2019

Ibuprofen and Acetaminophen Essay

Organic chemical compounds contain a vast number of isomers, molecules with the same molecular formula but different atomic arrangement, of which there are three types: structural, geometric and optical. The most closely-linked of isomers are optical isomers, which differ only by the three-dimensional placement of the molecule’s attachments, which renders its mirror images to be non-superimposable. The presence of optical isomerism within a molecule is determined by the existence of a chiral centre—a carbon atom with four different groups (see Appendix, figure 1). Pure optical isomers have identical physical properties such as melting point, boiling point and density, as well as identical chemical properties; thus there are only two ways that they can be distinguished: their interaction with other chiral substances and their interaction with plane polarized light. An enantiomer (one out of a pair of optical isomers) rotates plane polarized light in the opposite direction of which the other enantiomer rotates the plane polarized light, of equal magnitude (see Appendix A, figure 2). An enantiomer that shifts plane polarized light to the left is given the prefix â€Å"L† (levorotatory) or â€Å"S†, while an enantiomer that shifts plane polarized light to the right is given the prefix â€Å"D† (dextrorotatory) or â€Å"R†. Despite their physical and chemical similarities, optical isomers are known to have substantially different behaviours within the human body. This is due to the fact that enzymes and receptors in the body are stereospecific, meaning that they can interact with one enantiomer of certain molecules and not the other. For instance, the human body can only break down D-glucose (dextrose) for energy but not L-glucose, and can only utilize L-amino acids rather than D-amino acids. While one form of a stereoisomer may be beneficial, the other may be ineffective or even harmful, in some cases. Thus, it is crucial that optical isomerism is taken into account during medicinal drug development and usage. For example, the sedative thalidomide was available in Europe in the 1960s for purposes of alleviating morning sickness in pregnant women. However, the drug was sold as a racemic mixture, which contains equal portions of both enantiomers (this would not shift plane polarized light as the two enantiomers shift in different directions),  and while R-thalidomide (see Appendix A, figure 3) works effectively as a sedative; S-thalidomide can cause genetic damage leading to mutation of the fetus. Consequently, 12 000 infants were born worldwide with malformation of the limbs. To further illustrate the importance of optical isomers in drug action, the drug ibuprofen can be explored. Ibuprofen is a drug used for anti-inflammatory purposes such as pain relief, fever and swelling reduction, and is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Derived from propanoic acid in the 1960s by a pharmacy chain called Boot’s UK Limited, ibuprofen was initially launched as a treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Technical Achievement in 1987. It is currently available under a variety of trademarks such as Advil, Motrin, Nurofen, and Brufen, among others. Ibuprofen works by inhibiting the enzymatic action of cyclooxygenase (COX1 and COX2) within the body, which catalyzes the conversion of a compound called arachidonic acid into prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are locally-acting hormones that cause swelling, heat, loss of function, fever and pain, collectively known as inflammation, at a site of injury through the accumulation of white blood cells. Through inhibiting this reaction, painful symptoms can be reduced or eliminated. The IUPAC name for ibuprofen is 2-(4-(2-methylpropyl) phenyl) propanoic acid. It is a carboxylic acid which also contains a phenyl group (see Appendix A, figure 5). Due to its chirality, ibuprofen has two enantiomers (see Appendix A, figure 6): S-ibuprofen, which rotates plane polarized light to the left and is pharmacologically active, and R-ibuprofen, which rotates plane polarized light to the right and has no anti-inflammatory effect (and is thus inactive as a drug, since . However, ibuprofen is sold on the market as a racemic mixture. Thus, a dose of ibuprofen contains only 50% of the active enantiomer, S-ibuprofen. Nevertheless, R-ibuprofen undergoes species-specific chiral inversion within the body, in which approximately 60% of R-ibuprofen is converted into S-ibuprofen. The mechanism of the inversion is through an enzyme, alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) that is present in the liver, the kidney and gastrointestinal tract. A  substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) r eaction must take place (see Appendix B, figure 1), which results in the complete conversion of every molecule of one enantiomer to the other. In this case, only R-ibuprofen is converted into S-ibuprofen (see Appendix B, figure 2). The benefits associated with ibuprofen use include its efficiency as a NSAID in decreasing inflammation, in addition to be non-addictive and affordable. However, ibuprofen often causes stomach irritation, and can impede concentration and cause drowsiness. It may also result in a variety of adverse side effects (see Appendix C, figure 1). An alternative to ibuprofen is the drug acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol. Acetaminophen, (see Appendix A, figure 7), is commercially available under brand names such as Tylenol and Anacin (see Appendix A, figure 8). It works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins. It does not, however, have any anti-inflammatory action and thus only targets tissue of the nervous system—easing pain without being directed towards the root of the problem. Acetaminophen is known to cause fewer side effects than ibuprofen; however for a list of side effects, see Appendix C, figure 2. Acetaminophen does not have a chiral centre, and therefore does not have any optical isomers. Both drugs are used to relieve headache pains and fever; however their varying properties impact their function and effectiveness in treating specific symptoms. The solubility of ibuprofen in water is 0.0002M. Although its carboxyl functional group is highly polar, the large non-polar component greatly decreases its overall polarity. As â€Å"like dissolves like†, ibuprofen does not dissolve well in water, which is polar. To solve this problem, ibuprofen is reacted with the amino acid lysine (see Appendix A, figure 9), which together forms the salt ibuprofen lysinate. Ibuprofen is then released into the bloodstream in which the reaction can reverse. On the other hand, acetaminophen is highly soluble in water; with a solubility of 0.091M. Because it contains an amide and an alcohol, there is a substantial degree of hydrogen bonding resulting in high polarity (see Appendix A, figure 10). This allows the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream effectively. Ibuprofen has a pKa (acid dissociation constant) of approximately 4.43, while the pKa of acetaminophen is 9.51 and 25 °C, making ibuprofen more acidic. Because neutral substances pass through bodily membranes more easily, acetaminophen is more easily absorbed. Acetaminophen also has more acid stability. Administered orally, an ibuprofen capsule has an enteric coating, which prevents stomach acid from breaking down the drug before it reaches the small intestine, where it is absorbed. A film coating is used on a tablet of acetaminophen, which protects the tongue from the contents, as well as protecting the contents from moisture and light. Within the body, the film can be broken down by saliva or stomach acid, and the way in which the drug is absorbed is not affected. Appendix A: Images Figure 1: Molecule with a chiral centreFigure 2: Plane polarized light beamed through a filter. The two enantiomers shift light in opposite directions. Figure 1: Type of isomer vs. molecule melting and boiling point Type of Isomers Molecules Melting Point and Boiling Point Structural Isomers butane 2-methylpropane MP: -140 °C BP: -1 ° C MP: -159.6 °C BP: -11.7  °C Geometric Isomers cis-butene trans-butene MP: -138.9  °C BP: 3.7  ºC MP: -105.5  °C BP: 0.9  °C Optical Isomers L-2-butanol D-2-butanol MP: -115  °C BP: 98-100  °C MP: -115  °C BP: 98-100  °C Figure 3: The two optical isomers of thalidomide. R-thalidomide works effectively as a sedative, while S-thalidomide can damage the fetus. Figure 5: Skeletal diagram of ibuprofen, with the functional group labeled Appendix A (cont’d): Images Figure 6: Optical isomers of ibuprofen; S-ibuprofen is on the left and R-ibuprofen is on the right Figure 7: Skeletal diagram of acetaminophen, with the functional groups labeled Figure 9: Skeletal diagram of the amino acid lysine, which is reacted with ibuprofen in order to allow it to ultimately dissolve into the bloodstream Figure 10: Polarity of ibuprofen vs. acetaminophen Appendix B: Reactions Figure 1: The process of a substitution nucleophilic bimolecular (SN2) reaction Figure 2: â€Å"The mechanism of the enzymatic [chiral] inversion of R-ibuprofen (42) into S-ibuprofen. At first, the carboxylic acid is converted into an intermediate thioester (43a) by acyl-CoA ligase†¦ [This] is then converted to the opposite configuration by an epimerase, and the resultant thioester (43b) is hydrolyzed by a hydrolase, releasing S-ibuprofen.† Appendix C: Tables Figure 1: Side effects of ibuprofen Mild side effects include: upset stomach, mild heartburn, diarrhea, constipation; bloating, gas; dizziness, headache, nervousness; skin itching or rash; blurred vision Serious side effects include: chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance; black, bloody, or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; swelling or rapid weight gain; urinating less than usual or not at all; nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash; bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or severe headache, neck stiffness, chills, increased sensitivity to light, and/or seizure (convulsions). Figure 2: Side effects of acetaminophen Mild side effects include: drowsiness Serious side effects include: low fever with nausea, stomach pain, and loss of appetite; dark urine, clay-colored stools; or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) liver failure (with overdose) Bibliography CHAPTER 5: RULES FOR SPECIFICATION OF CHIRALITY. (n.d.). University of Illinois at Chicago-Chemistry. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from tigger.uic.edu/~kbruzik/text/chapter5.htm This source is credible because it is a university website. Chemistry in your cupboard | Nurofen . (n.d.). Royal Society of Chemistry | Advancing excellence in the chemical sciences. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.rsc.org/learn-chemistry/resources/chemistry-in-your-cupboard/nurofen/3 This source is credible because it is a reputable educational society in Britain. Clancy, C., Farrow, K., Finkle, T., & Francis, L. (2002). McGraw-Hill Ryerson chemistry 12. Toronto: McGraw-Hill Ryerson. This is credible because it is a textbook used in class. Cohen, J. S. (2007, December 4). The Little-Known Dangers of Acetaminophen.Life Extension. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/dec2007_report_acetaminophen_02.htm This is credible because it is health journal from a reputable organization. Ibuprofen. (2013, July 18). Livertox: Clinical and Research Information. Retrieved October 10, 2013, from http://livertox.nih.gov/Ibuprofen.htm This is credible because it is from the United States government. Open Notebook Science. (2013, October 10). Solubility of ibuprofen in organic solvents. Retrieved October 8, 2013, from http://lxsrv7.oru.edu/~alang/onsc/solubility/allsolvents.php?solute=ibuprofen This is credible because it is an educational institution. 1C – http://www.fda.gov/ohrms/dockets/ac/02/briefing/3882b2_06_international%20ibuprofen%20foundation.htm 2C – http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/dec2007_report_acetaminophen_02.htm http://books.google.ca/books?id=9xYuQKZSDkIC&pg=PA205&lpg=PA205&dq=how+is+r-ibuprofen+converted+into+s-ibuprofen&source=bl&ots=D4iuQfKoyT&sig=WS9y5uMJa0Hr68Og5FhkJr73OfQ&hl=en&sa=X&ei=WcZVUoqJDpCi4APKyoDoBg&ved=0CFcQ6AEwBQ#v=onepage&q=how%20is%20r-ibuprofen%20converted%20into%20s-ibuprofen&f=false 2B – http://books.google.ca/books?id=Zgx13oMZaYUC&pg=PA363&lpg=PA363&dq=how+is+r-ibuprofen+converted+into+s-ibuprofen&source=bl&ots=sWD8D0j8HI&sig=L_5r42H68KotX

Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Informative Speech Essay

A List of Informative Speech Topics: Pick Only Awesome Ideas! Just when you thing you’re way past through the question â€Å"How to write an essay?†, another one comes. That’s the thing students desperately Google like â€Å"What is a informative speech?† – and, believe experts, this is something you’ll definitely need some professional help in. Informative speaking is a speech on completely new issue. Tell your audience something they have never known! Now that you know the answer to the question â€Å"What is informative speaking?†, it’s time to check a great informative essay topics list – check the modern concerns and issues to deal with! A List of Informative Speech Topics: Healthcare and Medicine. First of all, check the informative essay topic ideas on health – that’s the hottest ticket for this season! The Variety of Healthy Lifestyle Choices: It Is Time to Take Care of Yourself; The Connection between Health and Happiness: Playing the â€Å"Glad† Game; Modern Health Care: New Issues, Approaches and Technologies; Mental Hygiene: Taking Proper Care of Your Brain; Healthy Eating vs. Eating Disorders: What Causes Anorexia and Bulimia and How to Fight Both; Healthy Habits and How to Acquire Them: Be Careful What You Eat; Healthy Child Development: New Trends and Theories. Holdd on – there’s a bunch of other topics for informative essay ahead! A List of Informative Speech Topics: Teaching. Education Issues In case you’re looking for a couple of informative topics for presentation of an educational issue, consider the following suggestions: Education in America vs. Education in Europe: The Differences and the Similarities; What Makes Education Important: The Praise of Literacy; Education and Unemployment: The Reasonability of Studying; The Difference between Education and Personality Development; Education Helps to Reach the Career Goals†¦ and Shape Them; Technological Advances in Promoting a Better Quality of Education; Current Issues in Education and the Means to Solve Them; Education in the Groups of ESL-Speakers: Challenges and Solutions. With these informative presentation topics, you are always on top! A List of Informative Speech Topics: in the Rhythm of Waltz. Among the most popular informative speaking topics, the ones concerning music must be really exciting. So why don’t you try some of these ideas: Musical Instruments and Character Peculiarities: The Melancholic Prefer Violins; The Role of Music in Society: A Means to Spur Creativity or Calm People Down? Music Therapy and Its effects: Another Panacea for the Humankind; Music as a Mixture of Art and Industry: the XXI Century Pop Culture; Musical Theater as the Most Unforgettable Experience: Something You Never Knew about It; The Most Notable Person in the Music History: Changing the World in a Moment; The Tendencies in the Music genres Development: XXI Century; Musical Expression: Definition and the Modern Interpretation. A List of Informative Speech Topics: What Makes Your Mouth Water In case you’re looking for the essay topics and ideas concerning nutrition, there’s a plenty of wonderful speeches for you to choose: The Most Exotic Food Ever: A Snapshoot of the World Culture; Food Additives, Their Effects and Threats: Be Careful What You Eat; Food Chains: the Mechanisms, the Efficiency and the Revenues; Providing Food Security: Learning What Meals Consist of; Food Habits in Different Countries: Learning the Peculiarities of Etiquette; Food and Nutrition: The Differences and the Similarities between the Two; Food Resources in Impoverished Countries: Solving the Problem. Follow these informative writing prompts, and you’ll create incredible essay writing topics! A List of Informative Speech Topics: Essay and Thesis Samples. Writing an essay, you’ll need a thesis– one of its most important elements, so take a glance at the thesis statement examples below: Thesis Statement #1 Because of the increasing impact which the R’n’B and Indi genres has on the audience, it can be suggested that the main tendency of the XXI century music is going to be a cross between the two. Thesis Statement #2 Despite the abundance of the information concerning the threat of environmental pollution, it is not the latter, but the lack of resources which is likely to threaten the humankind. Finally, check this excerpt — one of the best informative essay examples you can ever come across! [†¦] In the XXI Century, there is hardly a single sci-fi idea which has not been turned real yet. Even the craziest idea ever, the concept of invisibility was finally put into practice. However, despite the numerous achievements of the humankind, the ability to turn people or things transparent is yet a dream. However, with the help of the recent developments the dream is likely to turn into reality in the nearest future. The first issue which needs clarifying is the difference between invisibility and transparency. [†¦] Congratulations – now you’re ready to write the informative speech of your dream!

Monday, July 29, 2019

The Bribery Scandal at Siemens AG Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Bribery Scandal at Siemens AG - Case Study Example The practice of bribery is perceived advantageous to parties involved since it enables them acquire business gains without having to meet expected standards, developing relationship with foreign officials or being favored by potential customers. In other instances, they can also benefits from reduction of the payouts involved, thereby resulting to increased profitability for the company. Other benefits derived by these companies from the practice of bribery are such as opportunity cost since money offered as a bribe in not considered to be in productive use. Siemens AG was involved in a case of corruption that involved bribery in 2006 and 2007, whereby this scandal involved company’s employees, who had established slush fund meant for facilitating acquisition of contracts. For instance, Siemens managers were convicted of embezzling company funds amounting to six million pounds in order to bribe foreign officials to acquire a contract involving natural-gas turbine (Akana, 1). H owever, the perception of the executives towards this case was that getting involved in bribery practice was worth it, since the employees were willing to break the law in order to gather huge profits. Other employees argued that this act was not a violation of any laws since it did not result to any personal gain; instead, it was aimed at enhancing Siemens’ positioning strategy. Nonetheless, their notions were not rational since breaking the law can never be for the right purpose; thus, despite, focusing on the benefits that to be derived from practice of bribery for the Company. Question number 2: Was the Board right in not extending Kleinfeld’s term even though he had performed well and was not personally implicated and explain? What virtuous and/or virtuous behaviors did he show with observable facts? Decision of board whereby they failed to extend Kleinfeld’s term can be considered personal due to lack of rational reason associated with the bribery scandal. This judgment is made based on considerations of the challenges that Kleinfeld was faced with as the CEO willing to rescue the company from the bribery scandal in order to sustain their growth. On the other hand, Kleinfeld had gained confidence on issues such as labor and management in the Siemens AG. Besides, there is need to understand that the scandal caused by bribery practice was not entirely Kleinfeld’s fault; in fact, employees were the once involved in the practice. The entire company should have taken the blame; instead of laying the whole burden on the CEO. The board should have considered that engagement into these practices was due to the influence increasing competition among companies, hence these illegal payments aimed at winning international contract was the only option for these employees in the emerging economies. Furthermore, Kleinfeld was not directly implicated in the scandal; thus, by the fact that he was responsible for behaviors of the employees, thi s case was out of his control. In fact, Kleinfeld was unaware of the unlawful practices that employees were engaging in within the company. In addition, the practice of bribery was hard to notice since there was commonality of spending funds amounting to four hundred and twenty million and they were unnoticeable or unquestionable (Akana, 1). Kleinfeld’

Sunday, July 28, 2019

Operations Management in Action in Wal-Mart Term Paper

Operations Management in Action in Wal-Mart - Term Paper Example In addition, Wal-Mart is one of the most financially successful organizations worldwide, as well as topping the list of the biggest private employer companies, having more than two million workers. The Walton family controls up to 48% of Wal-Mart as its founding member was from the said family. Wal-Mart, whose headquarters is in Arkansas, has its shares publicly traded in the New York Stock Exchange since 1972 under the code NYSE:  WMT. The company’s main revenue earner is its grocery retailing business, which generates up to 51% of the company’s entire sales. In 2009, for instance, Wal-Mart’s grocery business generated impressive sales of up to $258 billion. In addition to running the Wal-Mart stores, Wal-Mart also operates the Sam’s Club retail warehousing units in the US (Frank, p. 14). Wal-Mart’s Operations Wal-Mart’s operations are based on the divisional structure, which encompasses three distinct divisions that are Sam’s Club, Wal-Mart Stores US and Wal-Mart International. These divisions are then split into different simplistic retail formats that include, among others, food and drugs, apparel stores; supercenters discount stores and general merchandise. While for the most part, Wal-Mart has had successful operations in the UK, South and North America, and China, its operations have been largely unsuccessful in nations such as South Korea and Germany. Wal-Mart has over the last years engaged in massive campaigns aimed at boosting its operations and efficacy by buying off companies such as Vudu, an entertainment company, in 2010. In addition, up to 40% of product range available in Wal-Mart stores comes from private label brands, although Wal-Mart also produces its own goods through contracts with other manufacturers such as Cott Beverages. Wal-Mart’s divisional operation structure entails separate and semi-autonomous divisions within the single corporation. As earlier cited, these include Samâ₠¬â„¢s Club, Wal-Mart Stores US and Wal-Mart International, Wal-Mart Realty and Superstores. All these divisions have individual goals and missions which are aligned to the overall mission of the entire group. The divisional operation structure of Wal-Mart entails an overall CEO who is also the chairman (Mike Duke) of the board of directors and under him there are directors and managers who oversee operations in individual company divisions. All organizational functions of the company are grouped into divisions, and each division contains all necessary resources it requires. Wal-Mart’s divisional operation design is based on both geographical and product basis where stores in different nations are grouped in a single division and stores dealing in certain products or services are grouped in another division (Stevenson, p. 154). In Wal-Mart’s operations, all divisional managers are tasked with overseeing the daily control and decision-making regarding individual stores. In addition, divisional managers are held accountable for divisions’ success or failures. All divisions have their own sales, marketing, engineering and accounting departments. This operational system is marred by a number of problems that will be highlighted in the subsequent section of this paper. Operations Management Problems Wal-Mart faces a number of critical issues as a result of its divisional opera

Saturday, July 27, 2019

Construction safety and health Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Construction safety and health - Assignment Example Safety brings financial importance to the company. This is because a safer working environment has an effect on the project goal indirectly and directly. Lost costs, insurance cost, workers compensation claims, and legal fees are cut in a work setting that is safe. Indirect costs involved includes lost productivity that occurs when the employees shift their attention to the incident (Barling & Fronde, 2010). Maintaining safety reduces the schedule interruptions that minimize cost. Additionally, a safer working environment boosts the morale of employees, which later, increases efficiency, productivity, and profit margins. This is associated with less staff turnover, improved quality of work, and fewer absence of staff. Therefore, when employee implements and stick to the safety program, the company will incur a less cost-effective decision. When workers implement healthy and effective safety programs, less illness and injury rates will be expected in the company. Also, safety benefit extends to protecting the reputation of the company. When a lot of time is lost, the quality of services will be poor; will lead to client dissatisfaction. It is important to maintain workplace safety. When it is overlooked, workers will be left exposed to

Friday, July 26, 2019

Dance Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Dance Paper - Essay Example ce also occurs in various forms like the jazz walk, the toe rise, the pirouettes, the ball change, the pivot step, and the contraction, which is characterized by a contracted torso, a back curved outward and the pelvis pulled forward. Jazz dance occurs in repetitive forms characterized by syncopated rhythm, or an interruption of the regular dance rhythm, which is characteristic of the rebellious character and distinct identity of jazz dance (Feliksdal, 2004). Overall, the elements of jazz dance help to create a type of dance that is full of energy and at the same time revealing the themes of surprise and rebellion through its syncopated rhythm. On the other hand, ice dancing, is made up of the long, short, continuous and tranverse axes. The continuous axis is the most important as this is the â€Å"imaginary line running around the ice surface that serves as the basis for the dance pattern,† and which are joined at each end by a semi-circle (General Terminology, 2012). This is the strict path of the ice dance. The forms are creative but formally and gracefully executed. These include the lifts where the man will hold the lady high and in a creative manner. There are also spins, where the couple or the lady rotates at least three revolutions and changes feet positions. Moreover, there are twizzles, where the ice dancers turn at least four revolutions while moving across the ice (Farris, 2012). These forms then repeat in several patterns. Original steppings as well as positions and timings may be set but the dancing couple may modify the spins, lifts and twizzles, and may modify the starting positions or location of t he dance relative to the axis (General Terminology, 2012). Overall, the elements of the ice dance help each other create a dance of numerous creative and graceful moves but with strict discipline. When it comes to the general characteristic of the dance, modern dance usually focuses on the â€Å"natural and spontaneous or uninhibited,† which means that

Critically analyse the role of public service broadcasting in Essay

Critically analyse the role of public service broadcasting in maintaining democracy in one nation-state with which you are familiar. (Best the UK) - Essay Example Most of the public radio and TV stations in the US for instance are licensed as non-commercial broadcasters, although they have some undertones of commercial advertising. This is contrary to the situation in other countries where public broadcasters can transmit commercials unabated (Blumler, 1992) The UK Broadcasting Research Unit in 1985 (quoted in Negrine, 2002) outlined the conditions that have to be fulfilled by public service broadcasting. Firstly, public service broadcasting should have a universal geographical presence accessible to all without any discrimination. Negrine (2002) argues that this is only attainable by setting up member stations across the country or having the broadcaster use sufficient transmitters capable of nationwide broadcasting. Similarly, public service broadcasting should cater for all interests and tastes as is the case of BBC, putting into considerations the plight of minority groups, Negrine further notes that public service broadcasting should demonstrate national identity and community meaning by airing local programmes from within the country other than importing shows from abroad. There is a strong tradition of public service broadcasting in United Kingdom. Study findings indicate that the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was established in 1922 as cited in (Harrison & Woods, 2001). In addition to BBC, Harrison & Woods further note that there are other four more registered channels in the UK namely Channel 4 which is a state-owned commercial public service broadcaster, a Welsh language broadcaster in Wales named S4C and two other commercial analogue broadcasters, ITV and Five which have significant public service obligations that are imposed as part of their licence to broadcast. All the four television broadcasters in UK provide five nationwide analogue terrestrial television channels. Moreover, it is cited that there are two TV channels operated by BBC namely BBC 1 and BBC 2. Further

Thursday, July 25, 2019

HR Outsourcing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

HR Outsourcing - Essay Example The boom in information technology coupled with expanding internet solutions, especially in the fast advancing countries like China and India, opened up avenues for outsourcing at a much lower wages. Thus facilitating recovering of losses incurred during recession. Outsourcing has given the unique opportunity to the companies and organizations to concentrate on their core mission thus widening the scope of research and advancement which is more creative and financially lucrative in the long run. Outsourcing of jobs has precipitated the process of globalization. It has given a new meaning to the word which had hitherto included placement of human resource in multinational environment. Today one need not actually go to foreign soil to work but the reverse has become a virtual reality indeed! Foreign work place in domestic environment has become a reality through fast speed broadband. The whole process has greatly helped in developing mutual trust and understanding between the countries and hugely contributed towards job opportunities and employment across the globe. The process of outsourcing has created jobs for thousands of aspirants in developing and under-developed countries. It has also provided and helped to overcome the prejudices of racial and cross cultural values and misunderstandings, amongst the employees and employers alike. The employees of the outsourcing units have gained considerable knowledge about the wide ranging issues and areas of professional competencies. The employees of the outsourced units too have been able to improve and improvise their professional competencies as outsourcing of mundane and routine work has provided them with more opportunities to focus on their own core competencies. According to P.F.Drucker, ‘access to information represents the basic precondition for success of a firm’ (Drucker, 1998). Access to information is vital part of organizational management processes as it

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

Social Welfare to Student Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Social Welfare to Student - Research Proposal Example Nevertheless, several of the undergraduate students consider social welfare policy to be disinteresting (Popple & Leighninger; Woik, Pray, Weismiller & Dempsey). Some of the students like working only with people and families and are not interested in macro-level issues. Some others do not have enough experience in tackling with the major troubles, thus they have to be striving with the thinking of incompetence to comprehend social welfare policies. Still others find that it is difficult to apply policy structures to the political, economic and socio-cultural complications which are a part of the social welfare troubles. There is a theory that by using experimental styles for teaching students about the social welfare policy, they would be able to attain more knowledge and skill regarding their work on social and economic justice matters. In this study a comparison of two kinds of ways will be presented. One way is by teaching about social welfare policy as a service learning course while the other incorporates social welfare policy into the learners' class experience. This study has been undertaken in order to provide the teachers and students with the information regarding the methods of teaching about the issue at hand. This was the motivation. Through this they can discover the ways of teaching effectively. Many know about the students' disinterestedness in matters regarding social welfare policy. ... Several of the teachers have seen this for themselves and have noticed how such feelings may rise to such heights that they do not allow the learner to absorb the new information, employ logical structures, and reflect on the probabilities for social action. Although these troubles are troubling a survey for the graduates revealed that they feel that their education did not help them as much in social welfare policy as it did for doing direct service (Anderson & Harris, 511-512). Service learning is being noticed a lot in social work partially because of the experimental pedagogy of service learning is congruent to the social work's feasible focus, and both stress on the requirement of addressing the social difficulties. Initiating at the position at which the patron is a hallmark of social work practice which is strengthened in service-learning programs prerequisite that the society and not the leaner is the one defining the difficult and the actions which they would carry out so as to tackle with it (Jacoby & Associates; Weigert). Likewise, service learning modules, for example social work, are defined through a meaning of reciprocity and empathy in people's relations (Enos & Troppe; Eyler & Giles; Rhoads). Furthermore, service learning stresses on consideration together with the act so as to allow the students to raise their consciousness and to challenge their rulings concerning the social troubles like poverty, tyranny, and communal prejudice. This syste m promotes the stress of social work on morals explanation and its augmented dedication to tackle the issues of communal and monetary unfairness. In spite of there existing a match between service education and social work, there are not many social welfare policy modules that

Tuesday, July 23, 2019

Leading and Managing Change Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Leading and Managing Change - Essay Example ictoria police was among the largest organizations in the state that served the public sector and had more than thirteen thousand people working for it to serve more than five million people. It operated three hundred and twenty stations while operating on an annual budget of more than a billion dollars. Dealing with family violence was one of the most difficult and challenging attributes of police work in this area and accounted for almost a third of all the police callouts (Alexander and Seddon, 2002, p. 89). The police had to take a just and artificial position when they were called to an incident and mainly put their attention towards quelling the situation through separating the couple. Attempts by the officers to do more were not successful in some cases since some of the victims withdrew their charges. Breaking these kind of fights was not considered to be a core part of police work. Although the Victoria Police had a unit that was dedicated to dealing with sexual offences as well as child abuse, family violence was dealt with as part of normal police duties and officers had varying attitudes concerning these cases. Some thought that family violence was not very serious and that the victims provoked the offenders. The situation is further complicated when the victims reside in the remote areas those from native cultures and non-English speakers experienced more hurdles (Barclay, 2007, p. 37). The police did not always develop sensitivity to circumstances a victim was in as a result of the male culture that prevailed. The manner in which the police dealt with the victims on their initial encounter greatly determined whether they would report subsequent cases and pursue charges. The new Police Commissioner, Christine Nixon made the announcement that three main areas namely burglary, auto theft and violence against women would be the areas that she will focus on (Sarre, Das and Albrecht, 2005, p. 229). The commissioner created a team that was supposed to

Monday, July 22, 2019

Comparison of the poems Half-caste and Not My Business Essay Example for Free

Comparison of the poems Half-caste and Not My Business Essay John Agard and Niyi Osundare have both written poems that protest about events or attitudes of people. Agard is From the Caribbean where the population is made up of people from lots of different races. Therefore he is used to being around people of mixed race and will know from first hand experience how horrible it can be to be called only half a person. Osundare has got a good point to make here which is that if people see something going on that is wrong but does not directly involve them, they should do what they can to stop the wrong doing rather than leave it as it may well be them someday and there could be no one to save them. You never know. The first poem is about the term Half-Caste which the poet: John Agard, objects to as he thinks that it makes us think of people of mixed race as only half a person instead of a whole person or individual. The next poem Not My Business is about the violence used by the state authorities against the people of Nigeria. The poet: Niyi Osundare believes that you should stand up for what is right, regardless of whether it bothers you at that specific time. Not My Business is said to echo this statement: First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews and I did not speak because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. The statement is by Pastor Martin Niemoller it is very much like the poem Not My Business not only because of what is said, but also because of how it is structured. In the first three stanzas what is happening is happening to someone else, not the narrator. However in the last stanza what is happening is happening to the person in the story, either I or the Narrator. In Half-Caste The poet want us to realize that the term is such a stupid one and he wants the people who use it to realize this and change their attitudes towards people of mixed race. Also the structure of the poem is good as he uses humour at the beginning to catch the readers attention and then explains the stupidity of the term. Osundare believes that it is peoples indifference and detachment from what is going on around them that is allowing the terror to go on. The repeated phrase about what business of his is it is indented which shows a distance from what is going on or a detachment. Agard writes phonetically as to the way he would speak the poem, it is one of those poems that needs to be spoken to get the full meaning. He speaks in a patois and uses calypso rhythm and rhyme, which is an example of how English and African dialects have combined and are now a key feature of the poets Caribbean culture. Not My Business uses a repeated phrase which is just saying What business of mine is it etc. This is also indented and therefore shows distance from what is going on in the paragraph. This use of language is a good way to show this distance. This poem says a lot about peoples cultures, not only Nigeria, but people are like this all over the world, and it says a lot that people wont stick up for what is right just so long as it does not bother them. Both of these poems had a lot to say and they have said it in a strong and down to earth kind of way. The first used humour to get peoples attention and then had a go about the term Half-caste. However the second just used three examples and then showed that a problem will get much worse if it is left and oppressive regimes are not nice things and people need to stick up and fight against them!

Sunday, July 21, 2019

Racial Discrimination in UK Criminal Justice

Racial Discrimination in UK Criminal Justice A growing awareness of the systemic and institutional biases built into the criminal justice system has given rise to much research focused on the specific types of inequalities produced. From the disproportionate incarceration of particular groups, to law enforcement measures designed to target specific communities, the criminal justice system in the U.K. has faced a growing number of criticisms related to its perpetuation of discrimination based on race. In this essay, I review and evaluate the evidence on whether there exists widespread racial discrimination in the U.K.s criminal justice system (CJS). First, a review of the historical context is presented, followed by a discussion of some of the major challenges identified in the CJS with respect to racial discrimination and bias. The problem of overrepresentation is then reviewed, followed by a focused discussion of how discrimination manifests in U.K. criminal justice institutions. It is argued that despite important reforms and some progress having been made, racial discrimination remains embedded in U.K. CJS institutions, and can be seen across multiple levels of operation, including search, arrest, prosecution, and sentencing. Historical Context A review of the historical context in Britain is helpful for understanding the current challenges related to discrimination in the countrys CJS, as well as more longstanding issues related to racial discrimination across the U.K. overall. Perhaps the most flagrant example of racial discrimination on the part of the police has been illustrated in historical use of the so-called sus law. Officially, the sus law was a term to refer to Section 4 of the Vagrancy Act (Cloake and Tudor, 2001). This section of the Vagrancy Act, first passed in 1824, was a popular tool used by police in Britain to routinely arrest young men of colour, absent any evidence of their having committed a crime (Cloake and Tudor, 2001). Thanks to its widespread abuse, the law was eventually struck down in the 1970s (Cloake and Tudor, 2001). Police often used the law to justify the arrest of any young black man they deemed suspicious (Cloake and Tudor, 2001). The law served to create mistrust between Britains black c ommunities and police, and would eventually culminate in widespread rioting during the 1980s (Denham, 2007). Besides the use of the sus law to unfairly target young men of colour, media coverage of certain social phenomena have functioned to construct black communities as in a state of disorder, and being prone to crime (Rowe, 2012). Black and minority ethnic (BME) communities, along with young Muslim men, in particular, have traditionally been otherised in the mainstream media and depicted as a criminal threat (Rowe, 2012). The notion that young men in these communities constitute an inherent gang threat has also been depicted in various media portrayals (Rowe, 2012). For example, during the Milltown disorders in 2001, the media constructed Asian immigrant communities as inherently criminal, and as posing a growing threat (Rowe, 2012). The Milltown disorders have been cited as a prime example of conflict between different racial groups in contemporary Britain (Keith, 2008). Explanations put forward for the unrest have included poor engagement between the community and the police (Rowe, 201 2). Media coverage and police discrimination have intersected to increase the divide between visible minority and majority communities in Britain. Over time, the recognition of certain longstanding tensions and difficulties between racialized communities and the police in Britain has helped lead to efforts designed to uncover root causes of problems. Following a series of serious riots in Brixton in 1981, the government ordered an inquest to understand the root cause of the unrest (Ponsaers and Devroe, 2012). The inquiry was led by Lord Scarman, and the inquest would eventually produce the Scarman Reports (Ponsaers and Devroe, 2012). These reports detailed the complex interplay of economic, social, and political forces involved in riots and unrest (Ponsaers and Devroe, 2012). Lord Scarman advanced a series of recommendations designed to help address what was then identified as systemic racism in the criminal justice system (Ponsaers and Devroe, 2012). As part of recommendations, Scarman noted the need for an independent review body to examine complaints made against the police (Ponsaers and Devroe, 2012). Despite recommendations being advanced on thorough research, and being aimed toward addressing the root causes of growing racial unrest and division, Scarmans main recommendations were never enacted (Ponsaers and Devroe, 2012). As a result, discriminatory treatment continued, and riots persisted as an ongoing problem in certain areas home to marginalized communities. This shows a storied history of racial discrimination intertwined in the history of Britains criminal justice system. An understanding of contemporary challenges with respect to widespread discrimination must be grounded in knowledge of the historical context that has functioned to reproduce particular inequalities and injustices. Specific Challenges in the Criminal Justice System Todays discrimination-related challenges in Britains CJS exist against a backdrop of longstanding inequality, exclusion, and racism. In four key areas of Britains CJS, significant racial discrimination can be observed. Institutional and structural biases built into the systems and values underpinning criminal justice in Britain results in a variety of inequities at different levels of operation. An inequality in outcomes in areas of search, arrest, prosecution, and sentencing, poses a broader risk to the continued functioning of Britains CJS overall. There is a pressing need to address systemic discrimination as a means of not only restoring confidence in the system, but also addressing existing inequalities functioning to undermine police effectiveness. Stop and search is one area of the U.K.s CJS that has been subject to claims of discrimination and racial profiling. Historically, the stop and search program has been a source of significant controversy; following the release of the Macpherson Report in 1999, it was revealed that the police were overwhelmingly targeting visible minorities in stop and search interactions (Llewellyn, Agu and Mercer, 2010). Indeed, throughout the 1980s and 1990s, young men of colour were the most frequent target of police stops and searches (Llewellyn, Agu and Mercer, 2010). When it was revealed that police were systemically targeting visible minorities, police largely curtailed its use (Llewellyn, Agu and Mercer, 2010). It is noted, however, that since the 7/7 bombings, use of stop and search has once again increased; this has been cited as a broader trend toward securitisation in the wake of the attacks (Parmar, 2014). As part of this process, Muslim communities in the U.K. have now been disproportio nately targeted by police (Parmar, 2014). At the same time, media portrayals have reinforced notions of Muslim communities as being inherently connected with criminality (Parmar, 2014). This process has mirrored the othering of black communities historically in Britains CJS. Based on DNA samples collected at the time of arrest, black men are overwhelmingly overrepresented in terms of their numbers of arrest, particularly when compared with the Asian and white populations in the U.K. (The Stationery Office, 2010). The data show that 27 percent of the U.K.s black populationÂÂ   have their DNA stored in the national DNA database (The Stationery Office, 2010). This is compared to just six percent of the countrys white population, and just nine percent of the countrys Asian population (The Stationery Office, 2010). These numbers show that even today, black men are far more likely to be arrested than white or Asian men in the U.K. The research has confirmed that the root cause of the overrepresentation of black citizens in the U.K. CJS is their overrepresentation in arrest and prosecution (Hood, 2008). Moreover, the research has shown that black defendants are more likely to receive longer sentences than their white counterparts (Hood, 2008). These findin gs reveal a CJS where racial discrimination is widespread and pernicious. The Problem of Overrepresentation The problem of overrepresentation in the CJS is manifested differently among the diverse BME population. Socio-economic status is a key factor in shaping the experiences of black males with the CJS in Britain; different groups and communities have tended to experience different levels of socio-economic success and integration (Alexander, 2010). For example, the research has demonstrated that families of Pakistani and Bangladeshi descent have tended to face higher risks of poverty; conversely, black Caribbean communities and communities of African descent face a higher risk of educational problems which can reflect their marginalization (Alexander, 2010). For some communities, a significant level of marginalization and isolation from the broader society has led to a kind of polarisation and tribalisation (Alexander, 2010). For other communities, the experience is markedly different. There is thus a need to recognize the diversity inherent in the experiences of different communities. W hile overrepresentation is clearly a problem in the U.K.s CJS, it is potentially dangerous to essentialise diverse groups on the basis of broad trends and statistics. A Nuanced Explanation of Discrimination A nuanced understanding of the root causes of discrimination in the U.K. system is needed for advancing effective policy responses. Indeed, while there are a disproportionate number of black men represented in the U.K.s CJS, the same is true for Canada and the United States, as well (Warde, 2012). Systemic and institutionalized racism, built-into the structures and norms underlying social institutions like criminal justice systems is a complex and multifaceted issue that cannot be explained or addressed through a singular focus on any one particular cause. Rather, adopting an intersectional and nuanced approach can help to explain both how racial discrimination persists at different levels of Britains CJS, as well as how it interacts with other institutionalized and historic forms of discrimination. The importance of considering the broader historical context, particularly for those with certain identities racialized by the CJS in Britain, cannot be ignored. Institutionalized slavery and the legacy of the slave trade represents an important factor to consider when attempting to explain institutionalized discrimination. It has been argued that the intergenerational effects of slavery have left many immigrants already fragile (Burke, 2015). Upon their encounters with institutional racism in Britains CJS, powerful consequences can result. These interactions can open existing wounds and drive deep division and mistrust for the police. The consequence here is that communities are made less safe, while the legitimacy of law enforcement is undermined. This helps to illustrate the pernicious effect of discrimination; not only are individuals unfairly targeted for arbitrary reasons, the public is made less safe as a result of greater division between some communities and the police. Conclusion It is clear that widespread racial discrimination persists in the U.K. CJS. Black men are dramatically overrepresented at the levels of stop and search, arrest, and prosecution. Moreover, these citizens tend to receive longer sentences than other defendants. While different communities may experience different levels of discrimination, racial discrimination in the CJS represents a pressing threat to public safety. As long as institutional bias continues to exist within the CJS, and minority communities are unfairly targeted, the public will face serious risks. Going forward, a commitment to address the root causes of racial bias is needed. References Alexander, C. (2010). Culturing poverty? Ethnicity, religion, gender, and social disadvantage among South Asian Muslim communities in the United Kingdom. In: S. Chant, ed., The International Handbook of Gender and Poverty: Concepts, Research, Policy, 1st ed. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, pp.272-277. Burke, A. (2015). The extent of conflict between being black and being British. Criminal Justice Matters, 101(1), pp.6-9. Cloake, J. and Tudor, R. (2001). Multicultural Britain. 1st ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Denham, J. (2007). Young black people and the criminal justice system. 1st ed. London: Stationery Office. Hood, R. (2008). Discrimination in the courts?. In: B. Spalek, ed., Ethnicity And Crime: A Reader: A Reader, 1st ed. Berkshire: Open University Press, pp.54-63. Keith, M. (2008). Between Being and Becoming? Rights, Responsibilities and the Politics of Multiculture in the New East End. Sociological Research Online, 13(5). Llewellyn, A., Agu, L. and Mercer, D. (2010). Sociology for social workers. 1st ed. Cambridge: Polity. Parmar, A. (2014). Configuring ethnic identities: resistance as a response to counter-terrorist policy. In: C. Phillips and C. Webster, ed., New Directions in Race, Ethnicity and Crime, 1st ed. London and New York: Routledge, pp.118-138. Ponsaers, P. and Devroe, E. (2012). On how a failing government creates an intrusive police force. In: E. Devroe, ed., Tides and currents in police theories, Issue 25; Issues 2012-2014, 1st ed. Antwerp and Portland: Maklu Publishers, pp.115-134. Rowe, M. (2012). Race Crime (Key Approaches to Criminology). 1st ed. London and Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications. The Stationery Office, (2010). Legislative Scrutiny: Crime And Security Bill; Personal Care At Home Bill; Children, Schools And Families Bill Twelfth Report Of Session 2009-10 Report, Together With Formal Minutes And Written: House Of Lords Paper 67 Session 2009-10. 1st ed. London: The Stationery Office. Warde, B. (2012). Black Male Disproportionality in the Criminal Justice Systems of the USA, Canada, and England: a Comparative Analysis of Incarceration. Journal of African American Studies, 17(4), pp.461-479.

Assessing The Agritourism Potential For Rural Tourism Essay

Assessing The Agritourism Potential For Rural Tourism Essay Development is critical and essential to the sustenance and growth of any nation. The main goal of each and every country is to reach development of the country. The term development encompasses the need and the means by which to provide better lives for people in a country. Itincludes not only economic growth, although that is crucial, but also human development providing health, nutrition, education, and aenvironment. However, in executing development is a complex issue and the basic perspective of it is equates development with economic. According to the United Nations Development Programme (2009) development is to facilitate a valuable long and healthy lives, to be knowledgeable, to get opportunities to use the resources needed for a good level of living and to be able to take part in the community life. Gboyega (2003) captures development as an idea that embodies all attempts to improve the conditions of human existence in all ramifications. implies improvement in material well being of all citizens, not the most powerful and rich alone, in a sustainable way such that todays consumption does not imperil the future, it also demands that poverty and inequality of access to the good things of life be removed or drastically reduced. It seeks to improve personal physical security and livelihoods and expansion of life chances. Thus, development aims at improving important aspects of peoples lives such as livelihood, security, environmental, physical and mental well being. Enhance in knowledge, experience and resources is helped people to build a better life. The goal of development is to expand the capabilities of people to live the li ves they choose to lead (Amartya Sen 1999). It is most defined with their active participation. Development is different from growth. It has broader and deeper meanings. Economic growth is necessary but not sufficient condition for development and hence it can be viewed as a multi-dimensional phenomenon. The major dimensions of it include the level of economic growth, standards of education, quality of housing, level of health, distribution of goods and services, and access to communication (W orld Bank Ingredients for development and economic growth are capital formation, human resources, natural resources, and technology/entrepreneurship. Capital formation is essential to invest in sectors with high economic output, saving capital, investing in infrastructure creates jobs directly indirectly by attracting investors. Human resources are a key to development in any country. There is need to develop a mechanism to address lack of health facilities, lack of education, poverty, malnutrition, and disease. Human resource development is important if people are to make use of ICT for development. Natural resources are crucial in development. Development activities need to be harnessed more of their natural resources. It is imperative that they should improve farming techniques and develop better land ownership methods. Technology and entrepreneurship are important developing countries to improve the know-how and know-what. Openness to ideas is important if any economy is to develop. The fo rmation of regional and international blocks encourages technology and entrepreneurship Development should be a sustainable long-term condition for humanitys multidimensional well-being. It has been clearly explained in the Rio Declaration, of United Nations Conference in 1992, held in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil as; Humanat the center for sustainable development. They are entitled to productive life in harmony with nature called equitable and balanced, meaning that, in order for development t, it should balance the interests of people, same generation and among generations, in three major interrelated areas social, and environmental and economic. Sustainable development equity, opportunities for well-being about objectives. Not all the countries in the world have same level of development. While developed countries have reached higher level of development or standard living due to better standards in their societies, developing countries have faced several issues and challenges along their way towards development Developed countries are countries whose lives are patterned industry and have some specific characteristics like higher level of average per capita income, level of education, life expectancy of the population and al so low level of population growth rate and death rate. Life style is based on the market economy and economic activities are mostly related with industry sector as well as export oriented. Furthermore, majority of the population lives in cities and there i s relatively higher level of health of the population. Countries that have Human Development Index (HDI) of or over are in the category of developed countries. According to th e IMF index of HDI released in 2011, there are 47 cou ntries in the and classified as possessing a Very high human development On the other hand several common negative characteristics can be seen among developing countries as well. These are preventing the development of those countries. Low living are manifested qualitatively in form of low incomes , inadequate housing, poor l education, low life and work expectancy, many cases, a general malaise and hopelessness are some of them. Moreover, low levels of productivity in many areas like labour productivity, agriculture or farm productivity. In addition, low level industrial development, high unemployment, small domestic market, small amount of disposable income and uneven regional development, problems in institutional changes , credit and banking, honest s and the restructuring of educational. Most of the developing countries population growth by high birth rate but declining rate Rural development in developing countries Rural development is an integral part of the national development of a country. Rural development actions mostly to the social and economic development of areas (Chigbu, 2012). Especially in developing countries, very high emphasis has rural development, aiming to gain equitable and balance development throughout the country. Rural Development concerned with economic growth and social justice, improvement in the living standard of the rural people by providing adequate and quality minimum essential. The present rural development poverty alleviation, livelihood opportunities, provision of infrastructure facilities programs of wage and self-employment Rural development process of improving life and economic wellbeing in relatively populated areas (Malcolm, 2003). Although rural development has on the exploitation natura lresources such as agriculture and forestry, due to changes in production networks urbanization have changed the areas. Increasingly, and recreation resource extraction and agriculture drivers (Neil and David, 2009). The need for approach a wider perspective has created on a range of development goals creating incentive for agricul tural or businesses. Education, physical infrastructure, infrastructure all play role developing regions (Conn, 1996). Rural development emphasis on locally produced economic development strategies (Malcolm Furthermore, rural development is the ways to improve the participation of the rural people as to meet the required need of the rural area. As people themselves in their rural development. When development is concerned, in one point of view it can be explained as the development consists of a wide variety of new activities such as production of high quality and region specific products, nature conservation and landscape management , agritourism and the development of supply chains (Knickel Renting, 2000). These new activities in rural areas mean new income sources to local people. Therefore it doing diversification and utilizing multi-functionality of agri culture and formation of agritourism can be used as a strategy to enhance rural development Rural Development and national development in developing countries In developing countries, the rural development is one of the most important factors for the growth of the national economy. Desai (2009) recorded Rural Development is an important segment of national development. Developing countries are primarily agriculture-based countries and majority of the population are in rural areas. Agriculture contributes for a significant share of the gross domestic product (GDP) of those countries Agriculture, mining, forestry, handicrafts, fisheries, poultry, diary and rural tourism are the primary contributors to the rural business economy of developing countries However, in many developing countries sufficient amount of investment in rural sector doesnt take place (United nation, 2011). The rural sector not able to contribute its full potential for the national development. For example, in the Asia-Pacific region governments implement strategies, including fiscal policies, which are the rural sector in general. Policies affecting the livelihoods development of producers and producers areas (United nation, 2011). As a consequence of the biased polic ies allocations government most concerned unable promote agriculture and rural development provision of timely and production services areas making lesser contribution for the national development (FAO, 2003). Not only in Asia-Pacific has this problem existed in other regions of the world as well. The countries of the Caribbean need to invest in rural communities econo mic contribution development is officially believed, according World Bank report recently. The report evaluates the rural sector on poverty reduction, environmental degrada tion both in the rest of the economy, as the public policies that ts contribution to development (Viveros and Morrison 2005). A study of Onyemelukwe (1981) on the assessment of the performances of the rural the typical African country Nigeria in national development contexts has found out the critical role of the sector and the system effects of inadequate equipment of the sector for such role. The Nigerian situation is used to illustrate the prospects and the problems of the rural sector in most African countries Rural sector in Sri Lanka is mainly consisted of farming community. The agriculture sector is the cornerstone in Sri Lankas economy with more than of the population living in rural areas depending on agriculture for their livelihoods. Currently this sector contributes to about 18% of the Domestic Product (GDP) and 30% of the employment (Central bank of Sri Lanka, 2011). Therefore, without taking into consideration agricultural development, we cant even imagine rural development in this country What is Agritourism In general, agriourism is the practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area or areas used primarily for agricultural purposes. In particular, it refers to farm enterprises and community events that showcase the activities and produce of rural families and the agricultural heritage of farming regions to travelers. Agritourism provides rural experiences to travelers with the goal of generating revenues for farmers and surrounding communities. These experiences typically include a wide range of attractions and activities that take place in agricultural areas Important ingredients of agritourisms rural experiences include open spaces, low levels of urban or industrial development, and opportunities for visitors to directly experience agricultural, pastoral, and natural environments. Moreover, agritourism is a type of rural tourism. It is a combination of two complex industries; agriculture and tourism, to open up alternative income sources for the farmers as well as surrounding community (Wicks and Merrett, 2003). Brscic (2006) has explained agritourism as a of tourism which takes place within the family farm that symbolizes a specific form of business, giving a number of benefits to the families involved, with multiple impacts on the socio-economic relations and the space in rural areas. It is a form of farm diversification aiming some benefits from exiting farm resources. Agritourism can be also explained that gives as an activity, enterprise , which help or business that combines most important characteristics of agriculture, industry investment and tourism that helps and provides an experience that stimulates economic activity and community income. Relationship between agritourism and rural development Several research findings in many developed countries have shown that agritourism as a possible rural development strategy. For example, Haghiri Okech (2011) discovered role of the agritourism in developing the economy of rural areas in the province of Newfoundland. According to Topcu (2009), agritourism is a new element for rural development in Turkey. Agritourism as an effective vehicle for development in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan (Dernoi, 2002; Weaver and Fennell, 1998). Study of Hightower (2011) is being used as a catalyst for additional income and triggering economic growth in rural areas. Disez, (1999) revealed represents and innovative activity taking place within the framework of rural development in Massif Central region in France, agritourism is the best way for the preservation of traditions and customs in the rural areas, supplying a sustainable rural development. In some countries like Italy, Spain, Greece, Austria, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Ireland and Norway it is a growing sector with the policies of the governments aiming to benefit from it as a regional development instrument (Demirta? Topcu, 2007; Frater, 1983). Rural tourism benefits to local areas by bringing visitors to the region, increasing awareness for agricultural products and showcasing produce to the local regional community. It can also provide incentives for local heritage and conservation groups to preserve unique heritage landscapes and built heritage. Most studies have highlighted the multiple benefits that agritourism brings to the farm, local communities, agriculture heritage and natural resources (Fleischer and Pizam, 1997; Busby and Rendle, 2000; Ventura and Milone, 2000; Sharpley, 2002; Wicks Przezb? rska, 2005; Fleischer and Tchetchik, 2005; Mitchell and De Agritourism Research conducted in developing countries A small number of researches have been conducted in some developing countries in Asia. Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and India are examples of such countries. When South Asian countries are concerned, the number of research is very few. India is the country leading in agritourism in this region According to Tiraieyari and Hamzah (2011) in Malaysia, there are potential benefits of agritourism for farmers and local communities in general. Further indicated that agritourism as an economic development instrument has great potential to contribute to rural development as Malaysia is one of the tourist countries with great potential to develop agritourism. As per the national Council of Agriculture and fisheries (COA) of Taiwan, after registering a huge and wide decline of GDP in 2001, 173 Farms had been soon established for tourism sector and this created the development of rural Taiwan such as chi-ching Shwei-Li in (Murangwa, 2 010) A recent research study on agritourism in Thailand discovered that agritourism has been utilize the agricultural holdings produce for such as scenery from paddy fields and farm lands , food and fibre from products (vegetable, fruit, e from local products, accommodations from farm stay or vacated property to gain local development in area As reported by the South East Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture ( SEARCA), in Manila Philippines, could be a nich? tourism product that would help improve farm incomes provided a well-planned program is put in place. It will consolidate initiatives in agriculture and tourism sectors nationwide that contribute d to poverty reduction, natural resources management, and rural development in Aguiba. A research in Chitwan District in Nepal found out the importance of agritourism for the rural development in Nepal. Agritourism is the concept of diverting the tourists to those rural areas, where there is range of agricultural activities, services and amenities provided by farmers and rural people attract both internal as well as international tourists in order to generate extra income for their business. The living standard of the farmers and rural poor can be raised by identifying high value-low volume crops, which have comparative advantages and by optimally utilizing the available resources for sustainable development (Maharjan, 2008). However, the available literature evidence that our neighboring country India engaged in agritourism successfully. According to the research on Agritourism the potential for sustainable development and growth explore the scope for developing agritourism in India has been conducted by Raghunandan et al.,(2010). This research has concluded that pot ential for Agritourism in India to grow into an important source of income for the rural population if the development is focused on integration and participation. Furthermore, Agritourism has been identified as a source of generation of alternative income for farmers and local employment opportunities, reduction of gender bias and accelerate growth rate by Chadda and Bhakare (2010) based on their research on Socio-Economic Implications of Agritourism in India Agritourism in Sri Lanka Evidence on only one study related to agritourism and rural development of Sri Lanka was found as a result of the vigorous literature search during the study. One study i s the research conducted by Senanayaka and Wimalaratna (2010) about agritourism and rural development in Sri Lanka. Special reference to Nuwara Eliya District. They have found that the economic problems as well as development potentials remain in areas side by side in the country. Only a small fraction of the vast rural agritourism resource base is being utilized by the industry now with little or no benefits to rural people. Dedicated research work on agritourism will promote the sector with the participation of policy makers, communities and private investors on a sustainable manner while trickling down a reasonable fraction of the benefits to the rural people. This would diversify their agricultural livelihoods and improve their income and living standards As per the literature review, agritourism in most of the countries has a short history and it is at the developing stage (Maumbe, 2012; Bernardo et al., 2007). Several countries have the research findings mainly based on preliminary research and pilot studies. Therefore, there definitely a need for future research to verify the preliminary findings of these researches especially in developing countries. Moreover, several researchers have shown that agritourism ha s lots of strengths and opportunities for the improvement of rural areas and rural development. However those researches have been conducted in specific condition which is unique to that particular country itself. Therefore, generalization of the findings to other countries is not so valid specially, for developing countries having lots of variations in geographical, political, economical and environmental conditions. Not only the differences among the developing countries, there are several regional level differences within a country. Furthermore, in a country, rural areas are different from each other. Thus, testing the level of contribution of the rural development at provincial level is the best way to identify the real potential of it. Since a very few number of research have been conducted at provincial level in developing countries, there is a need for lots of research of this kind. Even though in Sri Lanka there may be potential in this regard, no sufficient research have been conducted in this field. Therefore, this kind of research is highly important. Problem statement Sri Lanka is a developing country and there is a need to enhance the living condition of the people by developing the total economy of the country There is a gradual, but comparatively slow increase in GDP in the country for several years (Figure Figure 1.1: Improvement of the GDP from 2002 to 2012 Source: Central Bank of Sri Lanka Sri Lanka tourism has contributed to the growth of total economy for several years. However, due to existing civil war during 2008-2009, tourism being faced a declining trend. Alon g with ending the war in 2009, tourism industry restated to flourish and contribute for the significantly. As a result, by now it is one of the main contributors of the national income of the country and expects to have further growth in future. The total annual direct contribution of Travel and Tourism GDP in 2011 was LKR219.7 (3.4% GDP). This is future based forecast to rise by 5.6% to. This figure has primarily reflects the economic activity really generated through the industries such as hotels, restaurants, parks, travel agents, airl ines and other local and foreign tourist transportation services (excluding commuter services). The average gross direct contribution of travel and tourism is expected to grow by 5.7% per annum to of GDP) by 2022 Figure 1.2: Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP from Source: World Travel and Tourism council Moreover, travel tourism generated 236,500 jobs directly in 2011 (3.0% of total employment) and this is forecast to of total employment). This includes employment by hotels, tour operators travel agents, airlines, sea line and other passenger transportation and helping services (excluding supportive services). It includes, for example, the prent activities of the restaurant, hotels, villas, and leisure industries directly and highly supported by tourists. By tourism will account for 293,000 jobs directly, an increase of 2.2% per annum over the next ten years. Figure1.3: Travel and tourisms contribution to employment opportunities from 2011 Source: World Travel and Tourism council Rural sector performs a significant contribution for the national development in the country. About 70 percent of Sri Lankas population lives its rural areas. In rural areas, main sectors that are helping for rural development are agriculture, forestry, fisheries, mining, art and craft and rural tourism. Among these sectors, the most important one is agriculture. A large number of people in the rural sector engaged mainly agriculture and allied activities. Agriculture sector can generate regionally equitable economic growth, rural livelihood improvement, and food security through efficient production of commodities for consumption for agro-based industries. Since agriculture sector has multi-functionality, it can link with other sectors like tourism and form new opportunities for local and regional development. Considering the experience of other developing countries in Asia, it can be assumed that there will be a potential for agritourism for the rural development in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this study will answer the question does agritourism represent a significant and viable rural development tool in Sri Lanka. Objectives of the study The broad objective of this research is to explore the potential of agritourism for rural development in Sri Lanka with special reference to demand, supply and impacts of agritourism issues. Specific objectives of this research are To find out the current supply of agritourism in the To study the government policy interventions in tourism and agritourism sector of the country To identify and assess the visitors needs and satisfaction of and demand for agritourism of the country To find out the local residents attitude towards impacts of agritourism economic and contribution of agritourism for rural development and also To study the national and provincial level support to the development of agritourism as a sector of rural development To recommend ways and strategies to development of agritourism in Sri Lanka as a sector of rural development Conceptual Framework The aim of this research is to study the agritourism and its contribution for the rural development in the country. The main agritourism are agritourism providers, visitors, local residents and the government. Figure1.4 shows the relationship of the stake holder in agritourism and how agritourism links with rural development Agritourism providers supply the agritourism. They can be farmers, private sector companies or organizations. Agritourism supply can be conducted by adding tourism activities to the existing farm and arranging facilities for the visitors to come to the farm, see those activities and get knowledge about them, spend leisure time at the farm. In supply agritourism three things are important. Things to see (farm animals, fruits, vegetables, Herbal plants) activities to do (feeding animals, milking cows, harvesting crops, climbing trees, picking fruits, threshing paddy) farm products to buy (yogurts, curds, fruits, vegetable, jam jelly Visitors can be local or foreign people those who are ready to buy the agritourism services. They make demand for agritourism. They come to visit the farm to see things, get a rest, enjoy farm activities and sometimes study on farming, Farm stay for few days, visit surrounding villages, buy local art and craft items, see cultural shows perform by local people and pay for the farm goods and services they consumed. In this way agritourism provider can earn extra income and other returns from agritourism which is the main aim of providing agritourism. Improvement of the level of income and living standard of the agritourism providers (especially farmers) is the main aspects of agritourism business. Other important point regarding agritourism is the presence of other tourism attractions in the area. Other tourism attractions can act as a motivational factor for visiting agritourism operation. Moreover, proper government interference through correct rules and regulations are essential to operate the agritourism industry smoothly Also, on the way, visitors can buy local products of nearby local residents, can visit other interesting places in the village like religious places cultural sites, national parks, forests, waterfalls, traditional festivals, folk games. In this way, visitors can interact with local residents of the area. These interactions create economic, social-cultural and environmental that impacts for the rural development of the area. Furthermore local residents can sell their products and labour to agritourism operation and ear n some money. Enhancement of the level of income and living standard of local residents are the other aim of agritourism along the way to rural development. The other important factor is the government attitude towards agritourism and intervention to rural areas where agritourism operations are available. Especially provincial and local level governments have responsibility to enhance the condition of the area up to a good stand making it suitable for conducting tourism activities. So that, provision of infrastructure facilities such as road system, transport facilities, water, electricity telecommunication to the area have to be taken place. Not only that, banking facilities, safety and security, medical facilities for the area also needed to be provided. In this way, provisions of infrastructure facilities directly help for the rural develop of the area Figure 1.4 Conceptual Framework of the Scope and Limitations of the Study This study has covered important aspects such as the supply of agritourism (number of destinations, scale of operation, available facilities, number of visitors, length of stay etc). Demand for agritourism (demographic information of visitors, nature of their demand, visitors satisfaction towards agritourism, demand function) information of local residents (impacts of agritourism on them, their attitudes towards agritourism development) and policies related to agritourism development in the country. Agritourism is a business process. However, aspects like establishment, management development, improvement, marketing and promotion of the operations are beyond the scope of this study There were few limitations in this research. This is a small-scale research conducted at local level with four types of stakeholder; operators, visitor, local residents and government officials within only few districts without the whole country. In terms of operators, analysis like benefit cost ratio, IRR of agritourism etc., could not be done as they did not want to disclose financial information due to tax problems. With regard to agritourism visitor s, comparatively a low number of visitors were included in the study. The sample size resident is also comparatively low. The study was totally based on a cross sectional data, not the longitudinal data Organizing the Dissertation This dissertation consists of seven chapters. Chapter one presents the background of the study, problem statement, objectives, conceptual scope and limitations of the study. Chapter two explains about tourism and agritourism. Introduction to tourism, definitions, industry, initiation of and development of agritourism have been discussed. Chapter three is focused on rural development Introduction to rural development, definitions of rural development, relationship between rural development and agritourism, agritourism, activities involved in agritourism, history of agritourism have been explained in detail. Chapter four explains the methodology. Different research philosophies, approached, designs have been explained at the beginning. After that justification of research approaches and designs related to this study have been presented. Then, introduction to research study area and the research designs have been explained in detail. Chapter five discusses about Sri Lanka: tourism and development. Detail introduction to Sri Lanka in general and tourism in the country in particular have been presented. Furthermore, information about tourism policy and needs for agritourism policy in the country have been discussed at the end of the chapter. Chapter six devoted to present the research outcomes. Present situation of supply of agritourism in the country, different suppliers available facilities, agritourism activities, strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of agritourism have been discussed as the first section of this chapter. Then, profile of visitors and their satisfaction level towards available products and services are presented as the second section of this chapter. Thereafter, demand for agritourism, visitors awareness, desire on agritourism and factors affecting the demand have discussed as the third section. Furthermore, evaluation of the perception of local residents towards different impa cts of agritourism in country has been done as the forth section and finally, government officials attitude towards impact of agritourism for the rural development in the country and national and provincial level support to the development of agritourism as a sector o f rural development have been explained in detail. Chapter seven is the last chapter. At the beginning of the chapter conclusions of the study have been presented and it is followed by the recommendations of the study.

Saturday, July 20, 2019

Migration Out of Appalachia :: Interview Description Essays

Migration Out of Appalachia Many people who experienced it can tell about the impact that the migration out of Appalachia had on people in the 1950’s. One person that has told his story about the migration is Gary Hicks, who is currently a pump foreman for the City of Elizabethton. Born in 1939, Gary is now over 60 years old. He graduated high school and entered the real world in the 1950’s. At that time finding a job wasn’t very easy for anyone in Southern Appalachia. In a tape-recorded personal interview, he told of his migration experience and a search for a job. Lack of work forced many people in Elizabethton in the fifties to search for jobs in the more industrialized North; however, they found Detroit disappointing. Gary told of when he experienced the lack of work directly. He said, "Back when I got out of high school in the fifties just about everybody was leaving here and going to different places to find work." He also told how this made him feel: Well, it felt like I was gonna have to hit the road cause I was gonna have to find work. I worked at a service station during the time I was going to school and to make any money you needed to have work at the plants down here, which is North American Rayon or Bemberg. If you didn’t have a job there, why you didn’t have a very good job. With little to no work available, people were looking for jobs elsewhere and many were looking in the big cities. One reason for the migration was the economic problem many people in Appalachia were facing (Brown 70). It seemed many of them had no choice but to leave their poverty stricken lives in search of a better economic way of life (Brown 61). Industrialized towns became very appealing to them (Brown 61). Opportunities were much greater in the larger cities (Brown 61). They knew that industry meant jobs and money, and Appalachia wanted to be a part of it (Brown 73). These things influenced Gary to move to Detroit where he came to realize that a great difference in wages was occurring between Elizabethton and Detroit. Gary said: Started out - I don’t remember what I started out but I was making $2.10 there at that time, and that was good wages for back then cause I didn’t start making that again until after I left up there and come back here.

Friday, July 19, 2019

Significants Of Soviet Unions First Atomic Bomb :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In 1949, the Soviet Union exploded their first atomic bomb. This event was so significant because it began the great arms race. The arms race in effect was the beginning of the Cold War. The events that led up to and followed the soviets first atomic bomb changed the United States of America forever. Everything from the fear of Russia launching a nuclear attach to paranoia of espionage.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Julius and Ethel Rosenburg fired up the C.I.A.’s paranoia of espionage. They were both married and joined the Communist party in 1939. They later dropped out so they would be able to help their party in 1942. They did this so they could get jobs at U.S. Army Signal Corps. This is were they got their information that they gave to the Soviet Union. They apparently passed on classified info on the construction of the atomic bomb. Info that would have taken the Soviet Union many more years to learn on their own.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The explosion of the first atomic bomb by Russia started an arms race between the Soviets and the United States. This was a time when the Soviets and Americans where trying to out due each other in the production of defensive or offensive weapons. Each one tried to come out with bigger bader weapons than what the other had. Most people blame the race on the U.S. but the threat of a Soviet attach was very real. Therefore the U.S. is intitled to outdo them any way they can.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The cold war was then brought about. The cold war reached its peak in the 1960’s, when an American U-2 spy plane got photos of Soviet missle sites in Cuba. When this was discovered. The fear of an nuclear war became feared. America was hanging by a sting on wheather or not they should act or not.

Problems Of Modernization In Developing Nations Essays -- essays resea

Problems of Modernization in Developing Nations The economic situation which exists in the developing world today, is the result of the relationship between the modern, and developing nations of the world. Modernized nations benefited from this relationship because it gave them access to natural resources. However, because of this relationship, many developing nations now suffer from severe problems. These nations are attempting to change the situation in which they struggle. A political cartoon I have recently seen illustrated the economic relationship between the industrialized world and the developing world. It shows that the industrial nations, The United States and Europe, are located in the northern hemisphere. On the other hand most of the developing world, Central and South America and Africa, are found in the southern hemisphere. The "well fed", well dressed individual holding the industrialized world indicates that the modernized nations of the world are prosperous, and have a high standard of living. The skinny, poorly dressed individual holding the developing world indicates that the developing nations of the world are not prosperous, and have a lower standard of living than do industrialized nations. Both individuals are supporting each other in such a way that if one is removed, the other will fall. Without resources to use, industry would not be able to maintain its existence. Likewise, without a market for their resources, or the products of indus...

Thursday, July 18, 2019

Huck Finn in Education Essay

For education to serve its purpose of helping students develop an understanding of themselves and the world around them, it must provide uncensored information and ideas. Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn undoubtedly supports that goal of education. The classic novel discusses issues regarding society’s greed and cowardice through a young boy’s, Huck Finn, perspective. Huck Finn is born into the American, white south during the mid 1800s when slavery and racism towards blacks was the norm. He is influenced by his surroundings to believe that slavery is right. The â€Å"civilized† adults dictate to him the nature of blacks as property. However, as a rebellious adolescent, Huck runs away from his home and journeys down the Mississippi river with a black slave named Jim. Across this adventure, Huck develops a different set of morals from his culture and slowly comes to view Jim as a person and a friend. America’s past white, southern cult ure is a testament to the gruesome reality of society’s ability to institutionalize its selfish nature. Mark Twain emphasizes in a genuine manner the ignorance of America’s slave-holding past and the importance of questioning the morals of society and as such, the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is worthy of belonging in compulsory education. Unlike many other novels, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn delivers an unromanticized depiction of the racist, white south and slavery in the early part of American history. As seen through his characters, Mark Twain is not afraid to show the true nature of racism present in the 1800s. One of the most unsympathetic characters in the book is Pap, Huck Finn’s drunkard and abusive father. Pap’s dialogue contains the image of the thoughts of the average racist southern man in America during that era. In one instance, Pap says: â€Å"Oh, yes, this is a wonderful govment, wonderful. Why, looky here. There was a free nigger there from Ohio – a mulatter, most as white as a white man. He had the whitest shirt on you ever see, too, and the shiniest hat; and there ain’t a man in that town that’s got as fine clothes as what he had; and he had a gold watch and chain, and a silver-headed cane – the awful- est old gray-headed nabob in the State. And what do you think? They said he was a p’fessor in a college, and could talk all kinds of languages, and knowed everything. And that ain’t the wust. They said he could VOTE when he was at home. Well, that let me out. Thinks I, what is the country a-coming to?†(35) Pap’s words clearly show the hatred he has towards blacks and his belief of white supremacy. He finds the idea of a black man, even a half black man, having the right to vote, a stable job, and an education, absolutely repulsive. This prejudicial perspective of Africa Americans was as common as the modern belief that slavery is wrong. In fact, though slavery in the United States was abolished after the Civil War, the intrinsic racism in America would not be truly called to question until the mid to late 1900s, more than a century later. The inability of white Americans to come to terms with black rights is a portrayal of the wrongs of society. Society is not perfect and young members of society should understand that in order to later on change society for the better. Education in America should provide insight to the hardships of African Americans, and the struggle of Jim living in a society filled with minds like Pap exemplifies the struggle and history of Black Americans. Furthermore, in Pap’s statement is the word â€Å"nigger†. Throughout the entire novel, Mark Twain controversially used the derogatory term over 200 times. Many feel that the use of â€Å"nigger† causes the book to be unacceptable in compulsory education. However, a more accurate view would be that the word â€Å"nigger† is not used in the novel for the purpose of demeaning blacks; rather the word is used to make the story accurate to the time. Words get their meaning from the intent of the speaker. Twain’s intent was not for the word to criticize blacks as it is well known that Mark Twain was an advocate against slavery and racism. He used the word because back in the 1800s, the normal word for slaves was â€Å"nigger†. By using the word, Twain painted a realistic picture of the southern culture of America. Although other books exist that discuss the nature of slavery without the term, for example, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, books like Uncle Tom’s Cabin are not as effective of delivering a view of the past. In Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the slave Uncle Tom is unrealistic for a slave of the time period. He speaks in an educated manner, and his obsession with religion turns him into an allegorical religious figure. Uncle Tom’s characterization takes away from the true battle of slavery in the south. On the other hand, Jim in Huck Finn is characterized more realistically. He speaks in a lower class way, and his journey with Huck for freedom depicts slavery and racism in that era. The book does not hide the sad truth of bigotry and the dehumanization of African Americans. Instead the book highlights it and educates students the history of American slavery. Moreover, the character of Huck Finn goes through a journey that expresses the important idea of an individual going against society’s rules to act on an unhindered set of morals in order to do what is right and good. Young teens often end up conforming to society in order to fit in. This conformity creates a loss of new and innovative ideas. Twain poses an important lesson of individuality and questioning society. Huck Finn is a boy living in a world where all his adult guides would tell him that befriending a black man and helping free a slave would be completely immoral. Born in such a culture, Huck accepts the view as the truth. Black people are bad. His conformity can be seen when he says: â€Å"Conscience says to me ‘What had poor Miss Watson done to you, that you could see her nigger go off right under your eyes and never say one single word? What did that poor old woman do to you, that you could treat her so mean?†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ I got to feeling so mean and so m iserable I most wished I was dead† (91). Instead of pitying Jim’s status as a slave, Huck pities Miss Watson for losing a slave. This illustrates slavery’s prominence and integration into society, along with Huck’s own ignorance and inability to shake off society’s influence. Society’s strong grasp on Huck is similar to modern pop culture’s grasp on teens. Every day, the media bombards the youth of America images of what is right and wrong. Sometimes society gives off the wrong message. For example, the attitude towards rape in America is society being wrong and the youth following the rape culture without questioning. Students should learn from this novel to stand up for their conscience as Huck does as the story progresses. Through involvement with Jim, Huck discovers Jim’s humanity. This discovery of blacks being human just like whites leads Huck to a higher moral understanding. Huck writes: â€Å"It was a close place. I took . . . up [the letter I’d written to Miss Watson], and held it in my hand. I was a-trembling, because I’d got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it. I studied a minute, sort of holding my breath, and then says to myself: â€Å"All right then, I’ll go to hell†Ã¢â‚¬â€and tore it up. It was awful thoughts and awful words, but they was said. And I let them stay said; and never thought no more about reforming†(207). When Huck tears the letter up, he is actively going against society and the white southern culture. This change is a depiction of not only the message of fighting society’s corruption, but also of Twain writing his opposition to slavery and racism. He calls out from his narrative for people to strip away their cultural influences. The influence of society can be harmful and slavery is a prime example. The whole of the south fought to uphold slavery, when today, the thought of legal slavery in the US is unthinkable. Mark Twain’s novel educates people to stand up for freedom from societal influences. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic American piece of literature that should be part of compulsory education. The book contains a strong message and a realistic portrait of the time era. Mark Twain does not cover up information. He narrates it in a compelling story. Students learn from this novel the flaws of society and the importance of questioning ideas through a young boy and slaves’ adventure away from slavery and societal rules.