Monday, September 30, 2019

How Matters Stand About Chinese View of Marriage Essay

Usually the couple’s marriage was arranged by their parents in old society, and the couple did not have right to choose their lover. In old society, divorce was immoral. Divorce was injurious to morals, even would affect their future. The couples were forced these pressures from public opinion and family that they could not divorce. Therefore, many couples were forced to keep their unhappy marriage all their live. As the progress of the society, present people have changed their ideas about marriage. They will not be forced from public opinion. They have right to choose their own love. Present Chinese are no longer bound by the old concept. They can follow their own will to find their own happiness. When their marriages are unhappy, they do not think about the pressure from public opinion to divorce. Naturally, the divorced rate in the present is higher than past. Present society give people a lot of freedoms, and give people more choices. Increasing of divorced rate is become normal. On the one hand, it reflects the progress of social civilization; conversely, what are present people seek the love and how do the people view about marriage? Through two aspects by women and men, maybe people can understand present’s Chinese view of marriage. Many women seek their lover and measure the men is good or not, they are just through the men’s wealth and position. Therefore, the women go into wealth life but poor life of the mind. A man’s wealth and position can improve this man’s ability. However they cannot represent completely all of the man. Women compare looking for boyfriends to buy stock share. They hope their boyfriends are potential stocks and hope their boyfriends become good performance stocks in the future. However, looking for this kind man, it exists huge risk. There is an old Chinese saying goes, a woman are afraid of marrying the wrong man. Even if the woman wipes her eye for looking for her boyfriend, they are still disappointed frequently. The results make them want to look for new lover. The men look for girlfriend as buying stock share. Most men recognize first they look for girlfriend because of the woman’s good looking. It is good thing for women have a good looking. However, everyone will be old, and nobody can keep their good looking all of their life. Good looking looks like a stock share that will become devaluated. In fact, a man lives with a good looks woman for whole life. Finally, the man will feel tiresome to face the woman who was even good looks someday. Someone has more high expectations for his or her loves; he or she will disappoint more about his or her marriage. Before the couples marry, everyone wants to show his or her partner the best side, and they have a high forgiveness and tolerance to their partner. However, after they marry, they lose a lot forgiveness and tolerance to each other. Then, they will have more disputes and complained. Finally, they will face separation and divorce. There are very famous writer ever said in China,† marriage is like a siege, the people outside of the city want to go in, in the same time, the men inside the city want to get out. † This sentence is best life’s portrayal for present couples. However, people should believe the everlasting love. The society is progressing; the human being is developing, in such great time, men should choose their partner resonantly. Everyone should ask for himself or herself: do you love your lover? What do you like your lover? Can you live with your lover for whole life? In the present society, most people believe true love still exist in the life. Actually, true love is in everyone’s heart. If you pay your love sincerely, and pursue your love constantly, your true love will be found in the end by you. If you love your lover truly, and you will try to pay for your happy life, everlasting love will be in your side. Believing yourself, where has love, happiness is in there. In the other words, when you have a positive View of Marriage, you will have a happy marriage. . A) what is the Sapir-Whorf Theory? Useful, important or not? The Sapir-Whorf theory â€Å"The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis is a theory put forward by the American anthropological linguists Sapir and Whorf (and also a belief held by some scholars). It states that the way people view the world is determined wholly or partly by the structure of their native language. (2) The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis consists of two pa rts. i. e. linguistic determinism and relativism. Whorf proposed first that all higher levels of thinking are dependent on language. Or put it more bluntly. Languages determine thought, i. e. the notion of linguistic determinism. Because languages differ in many ways, Whorf also believed that speakers of different language perceive and experience the world differently, i. e. relative to their linguistic background, hence the notion of linguistic relativism. † I think it is useful. When people learn second language, people can understand very clearly that if you want to learn very well, you should learn grammar, memory the words and the sentences, and you should learn the background of the culture too. Therefore, through The Sapir-Whorf hypothesis, it teaches people how to learn a new language very well that people are not only memorize the words and the sentences, but also people should learn the culture of the language. B) what is a culture universal? Cultural universals are anything that is part of every culture, but varies from culture to culture. For example, marriage, most of the people will marry, but different country or different area has different culture of marriage. C) What were they actually thinking about naming the seven dwarfs? In this story, the seven dwarfs’ names are Doc, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Happy, Dopey, and Grumpy. Their names represent their each characteristic. Happy represent he is hopeful and he likes laughing. Doc seems he knows everything, so he is their leader. Therefore, through their name, people can easily know everyone characteristic. D) Why do most people obey most of their culture’s norms most of the time? Because the family and society direct influence, most people usually obey most of their cultures norms. A culture’s norms represent a nation civilization culture. Cultural norms can alter the expression of aggressive behavior. So, people obey their culture’s norms most of the time that are good for the people having a positive view of life. It is positive for people’s lives. However, if we judge other people whose ways of showing emotions are different according to our own cultural norms, we may make the mistake of â€Å"reading† the other person incorrectly. 3. Nature vs. Nurture in here Some people think the intelligence is from nature, some people think the intelligence is from nurture. In China there are words that are â€Å"human nature is kind at the beginning of human being’s lives. I think the environment and experience where people live are most important than other factors. Only through eating education between China and American, people can find the difference between Chinese children and American children. Chinese attach importance to eat. The old saying in China is â€Å"people regard food as their pr ime want; food is the necessity of human. † Chinese parents love their children, especially on meal. First, they just want their children eat more, and the kids eat more their parents will be more glad, but the parents don’t care about whether or not their children like it, and the children have been full. The parents coax their children to eat more. Moreover, when children don’t want eat and go to play, their grandparents try to reach behind the children for feeding them. American parents concerned with their children eating too, but they are not as good as Chinese parents. I have never seen American parents always feed their children. They let their children eating by themselves, and do not care about their clothes are going to be dirty. American parents do not force their children for eating. They know vegetables are good for their children’s healthy. They ask for their kids to eating, but if their kids insist not to eat, they will not force them again. They do not very care about whether or not their kids are full. I have never seen American family that when their children are full, the parents coax their children eating more. The kids just put the silver then left the dining table. American parents’ attitudes and way of their kids eating reflect a core objective of children education in the United States. That is, the parents train their children ability of independent thinking. The kids can decide which food they like and do not like, or make sure they are hungry or full. Because the kid is fond of play, he or she misses time for eating. He or she will bear the consequences by themselves that he or she will be hungry. That is themselves choice. When the kids really fell unwell with hungry, they will do not repeat doing that. American likes to say that making mistakes is an essential process when the kids grow up. The basis of this concept is that American parents think that they are equal between the parents and their children. They respect their kids’ thinking, Even though the thinking is insignificant. American parents think that their children’s lives belong to themselves, and they can control their live by themselves. No matter now or the future. Therefore, American parents train their children capacity for independent living from early age. Therefore, the children do not want eating vegetable; they can do not eat it. When children say they are full, they can do not eat anymore. About American parents do these ways for their children, Chinese parents think American parent do not care about their children’s state of be hungry or full and state of nutrition, even fell the parents mistreat their children. From another standpoint, Chinese parents think the kids are so young. They lack experience of their live. The children do not have ability to make a correct choose. Therefore, Chinese parent think they must represent their children to make a correct choose. It is not correct that children do not like eating vegetable. The parents must force their children eat it. When the children have just eaten a little bit, and then say they are full, the parent must force their kids eat more until the parents fell their kids have been full. Chinese parents always think the children know things a little. The parents cannot allow their children do anything that the parent think are wrong. Chinese parent think if they agree their children who do not want for eat or do not like this kind food, they will be a poor diet even die. American and Chinese kids grow up in two different living environments, so they made they have a very different character. When they were kids, American children knew what they need, what they want, whether or not be full. When Chinese kids were young, they know that adult know more than them. Therefore they should obey their parents. American kids believe in speaking their mind. When they are full, they say they are full. If they do not like vegetable, they do not eat it. They are confidence by themselves, and they know their parents trust them enough. Chinese kids know it is wrong to cheat their parent. Sometimes even though they said are true, they are still not easy be trust by their parents. So they only can do with their parents requested. In the result, when the two countries kids are grow up. American kids prefer saying, I know, I will. Chinese kids prefer saying: I obey. I am my parents’ darling kids. American kids eat are not good than Chinese kids. American kids like to live by themselves. They have more ideas that belong to themselves than Chinese kids. Finally, they can invent a lot of new things. Chinese only can do that their boss demand. All in all, I think environment shape personality. There is no person who bore clever absolutely. The person’s environment and experience decide his or her level of intelligence. 4. The film The Gods Must Be Crazy. How and why do they relate to the course? Be complete. It is a movie with not only entertaining but also education. The movie comes into our eyes with a Bushmen and a narrator tells us what kind of people they are: friendly and without any knowledge about the world not far from their Kalahari desert. When they see a plane they think it is a strange bird or even a god. One day a pilot throws a glass bottle out of his airplane and the thing is found by the Bushmen. They have never seen anything that smooth and hard as this object and they find it very useful. They think it is a gift from the gods. The problem is that the gods have given only one objected and for the first time they have to share something that is very hard to share. For the first time they feel emotions such as anger and jealousy. It is decided that the thing is an Evil Thing and must be thrown off the earth and Xixo one to do that. In the meanwhile we have met Andrew in the bushes playing cards. We don’t know how all these stories come together but that is not a bad thing. It only to show us the differences between people, In the heart the most gentle place is undergone thoroughly Soviet sincere and nicely is being moved. We have the most beautiful chaste mind originally, was we lost it. We have chosen our comfortable life, as far as possible seizes us to need, therefore gave up pure and happy. We chose have siege oneself in the lock with the wall in, was defending our property, the thin number, has while convenient locked our heart. Therefore we gave up free and the natural air. We chose the style of speaking to be graceful, have an easy-going manner. But simultaneously we gave oneself have taken to bring with the serious social shackles. These days high ground are extravagant, enjoyed sunlight and the sentimental day recklessly is discarded crazily by us. In the primitive clan and tribe the human is simple, is good, between human and human harmony happiness, this is one kind of near ideal paradise countryside madrigal -like life. Because but we also watch in the movie triumphant to be unable with the outside person to communicate, has brought many â€Å"the trouble†. Inside this has a question to have to ponder similarly, how â€Å"they† should both maintain own fine tradition in the modern society, and can integrate to in the world which changes with each new day? At the same time, undeniable, the civilized step needs to continue to make great strides forward; On the other hand, the modern civilization cannot become buries human own sharp weapon, therefore while humanity more and more civilize, must maintain humanity’s natural disposition.

Sunday, September 29, 2019

Supervisors: Human Resource Management and Performance Appraisals

Introduction Performance appraisals benefit the company in a variety of ways. On the flip side, they can also create difficulties if they aren’t completed correctly. Many problems within the company can arise when supervisors haven’t been properly trained on appraisals. On a bigger note, companies can also be placed in legal trouble if appraisals are done incorrectly. To avoid these issues, the Human Resource Department needs implement training to the supervisors who conduct performance appraisals. ProblemsEmployee Development Using performance appraisals for developmental purposes is one of the greatest uses of them. Employees need to be aware of their strengths and weaknesses in order to produce the best results for the company. Improvements in performance will only occur if the manager has proactive discussions and shows the employee how to make improvements. In this case, Hubert isn’t helping Harriet by fibbing on her performance appraisal. She will continue to â€Å"slip† on her duties because she might not be aware that she is doing it. Reviewing a negative performance appraisal can be a very difficult task, but needs to be done to help the employees develop within the organization.Rating employees the same on the appraisals will not benefit the company at all. Not only is he hindering Harriet’s development, but it probably doesn’t keep Neil motivated. If his performance is outstanding, his rating needs to reflect that. Hubert should be able to tell him how valued he is to the company and how much his performance is appreciated. Retaining good performers is easier when these positive performance aspects are communicated to them. When done correctly, appraisals help to increase employee development and keep valuable employees motivated.Administration UsePerformance appraisals are also used for administration use, an example being what the case represented. The way Hubert is conducting appraisals will not help manag ers when it is time to determine pay increases, decisions need to be made about promotions, transfers, and demotions, or if disciplinary actions lead to termination (Mathis & Jackson, 2011). Now that it is time to make demotions, the appraisals need to help with decisions.These appraisals are not accurate due to Hubert lack of correctly evaluating both supervisors (Mathis & Jackson, 2011, Case: Supervisors). Since there is no documented differences between the two supervisors, the appraisals are useless for administration use. â€Å"An appraiser should be required to provide justifications for the ratings in addition to appropriate documentation and information† (Smith, 2012). The company is going to have to let the better performing supervisor go in order to avoid legal issues. This could create some negative impacts for the company because the appraisal process wasn’t being implemented correctly.Legal IssuesDisparate Impact or TreatmentDiscrimination can either be in tentional or unintentional; either way it is illegal. Performance appraisal need to show an absences of disparate impact and treatment (Mathis & Jackson, 2011). Using the scenario from the case, Harriet could file a lawsuit for discrimination is she were to get demoted or laid off during the reduction in force. Since there is no documented differences in their performance, Neil should be let go due to the seniority Harriet has over him. There could be grounds for a lawsuit if Hubert decides to demote or laid off Harriet.She could claim that they fired her because of her gender, and there would be no way for the company to prove that she was the poorer performer. There have been similar cases like this. â€Å"Adverse impact statistics have also been used successfully in â€Å"Disparate Treatment† cases to support an individual’s claim of race or gender discrimination† (Ducham, 2013). The importance of training manager correctly and evaluating the appraisal system s comes to light in this case.Supervisor TrainingIt is important for companies to properly train their supervisor avoid legal issues with performance appraisals. These appraisals are very beneficial to the company and training of them should be stressed by the Human Resource Department. From the situation that occurred in this case, it seems as if Hubert hasn’t had any training on performance appraisals. To avoid situations like this from happening in the future, Hubert and all supervisors/department heads need to be trained on how to do these appraisals correctly.Mathis and Jackson (2011) pointed out some key topics that Human Resources should focus on when conducting training on appraisals. For this company, training how to communicate positive and negative feedback, when and how to discuss training and developmental goals, and how to avoid the common rating errors should be addressed (p. 347). ConclusionHubert has created a problem for this company, but has showed the impo rtance of proper training on appraisals. The company needs to evaluate their training procedure and make the appropriate changes. With a good training program in place for supervisors, the company will be able to avoid future problems with appraisals.

Saturday, September 28, 2019

Lifting the Veil Essay

The general reasoning of the Court in this area of Veil Lifting the Corporate veil has been confusing and, at times, contradictory: Discuss The question requires an analysis of whether the parent company (A); will be liable for the claims against its subsidiary, (b): in other words, whether the corporate veil can be lifted in this group structure. Both the parent company and its subsidiary are incorporate which have been legally formed. A company once incorporated, is a separate, and distinct legal entirely from the people who set it up: The Veil of incorporation is created by the principle of separate legal personality and that limited liability which are established in Salomon v Salomon & Co Ltd (1897) A company, once incorporated is a separate and distinct from the people who set it up. In a company limited by shares, a member’s liability for the company debts is limited to his subscribed shares. The courts are very protective of the Salomon principle and only lift the Veil in a small number of exceptional cases at common law and by statute. As there are no clear rules or guidelines for lifting the corporate veil, it is correct argued that this area of law is confusing, contradiction and difficult to rationalize. Example: in Solomon v Solomon& Co Ltd (1897): In a company limited by shares, a shareholder is not liable for the company’s debts. As (A) hold shares in (b) , it enjoys the protection of limited liability in respect of debts of (b), if the corporate veil could be lifted and the separate legal personality of (b) be ignored, (a) would be liable for claims against (b). The court may lift the corporate veil if the corporate group structure is used as the: example in Adam v Cape Industries plc [1990] Cape Industries plc (cape) was an English mining company and its products were marketed through its subsidiary companies in the United State. A number of workers suffered from inhaling asbestos. The question can Cape mother company in England be liable for the subsidiary in the state. The judgment in Adams v Cape Industries Plc [1990] has significantly narrow the ability of the court to lift the Veil in case, subsidiary companies were incorporated in the United States of that the parent company in the United Kingdom could avoid future asbestosis claims in the United State. The Court  of Appeal reviewed this complex area of law and concluded that the Veil could only be lifted in three circumstances.. The only way that the veil of incorporation would be lifted by the Court was only in thee circumstances, (i) view cape group as a single entity, (ii): find the subsidiary as a mere faà §ade, (iii) the subsidiary were agents for cape. The Court exhaustively examine all the three possibility (i): find the subsidiary as a mere faà §ade First, the veil may be lifted when the corporate structure is a mere sham or faà §ade concealing the true fact. It is difficult to clearly define mere faà §ade or decided whether the arrangements of a corporate group involve a faà §ade. In Adam v Cape the Court of Appeal held that the company structure was a faà §ade when it had been used by a defendant to evade limitations imposed on his conduct by law or when it had been used to evade rights which third parties already possessed against him. In Gilford Motor Co v Horn [1933] A former employee who was bound by a covenant not to solicit customer from his former employers set up a company to do so. The defendant formed the company as a device to avoid liabilities in breach of his pre-existing legal duty and the Veil was lifted . Jones v Lipman [1982]: The Veil was lifted when the company was set up by the defendant to avoid specific performance in relation to transfer of land. The Court described the company as a device, a sham, a mask which he hold before his face in an attempt to avoid recognition by the eye of equity. The defendant formed the company as device to avoid liabilities in breach of his pre existing legal duty and the Veil was lifted. The company structure is a faà §ade only when it has used by a defendant to evade limitations imposed on his conduct by law ; Example in Jones v Lipman [1962];  Mr. Lipmann had entered had entered into a contact with Mr. Jones for the sale of land. Mr. Lipman then changed his mind and did not want to complete the sale. He formed a company in order to avoid the transaction and conveyed the land to it instead. He then claimed he no longer owned the  land and could not comply with the contract. The judge found the company was but a faà §ade and granted an order for specific performance. But the of Appeal in Adam Court in held that each company was a separate legal entity from its shareholders and the presence of the US subsidiaries did not automatically amount to the presence of the English parent company. (ii): view cape group as an Agency: Secondly, the Court may lift the veil if a express agency relationship exist between a company and its shareholders, or between a parent and subsidiary company in a group structure. Although a company is a separate legal entity instead an agent of its shareholders, it is possible that there is evidence of day to day control and that an agency relationship can be established on particular facts. It is, however, difficult to prove an agency relationship without express agreement. Somme guidance is provided in: Smith, Stone & Knight Ltd v Birmingham Corp [1939] In order to maximize the amount of compensation, the parent company argued that the subsidiary carried on the business as its agent. It was held that whether there was an agency relationship was a question of fact in each case, such as who was actually carrying on the business, who received the profit, who was actually conducting the business and who was in effective and constant control of the business. As the subsidiary was operating on behalf of the parent company the court lifted the Veil on the basis of the existence of an agency relationship. It can be argued that third is not a true exception to Salomon principle it is merely an instance where the normal agency principles applies. In the absent of an express agency agreement or the evidence of day to day control, it is very difficult to establish an agency relationship: In Smith, Stone & Knight v Birmingham Corporation [1939] In Smith, Stone and Knight Ltd v Birmingham Corporation (1939) All ER 116, Atkinson J lifted the veil to enable a subsidiary company operating business on land owned by the holding company to claim compensation on the ground of agency. The parent company held almost all the shares in the subsidiary and profit of the subsidiary were treated as the profits of the parent was in effective con troll of the business and also the personnel who conducted the business and also appointed the personnel  who conducted the business. It was held that whether there was an agency relationship was a question of fact in each case, such as who was really carrying on the business, who received the profit and who was in effective and constant control of the business. The veil was lifted in this case on the ground of any agency relationship. Although (a) hold all the shares in its subsidiary and all the profit flow back to it, there is no evidence of day to day control of an express agency agreement. It is therefore unlikely that the court would consider (b) as the agent of (a): (iii): view cape group as a single entity 🙠 Single economic Unit): Third, in relation to the debate on single economic unit, Lord Denning in: DHN Food Distributors Ltd v Tower Hamlets LBC (1976): Argued that a group of companies was in reality a single economic entity and should be treaty as one. This view was disapproved by the House of Lords in: Woolfson v Strathclyde Regional Council (1979) Which held that the Veil would be upheld unless it was a faà §ade, In Adam v Cape held that, whether or not this is desirable, the rights to use a corporate structure in this manner inherent in our corporate law. The fundamental principle is that each company in a group of companies is a separate legal entity possessed of separate legal rights and liabilities. The Court, however, will ignore the distinction of particular statutory or contractual provisions, the meaning of which is disappointingly unclear. There is controversy as whether the Veil can be lift in the interest of justice. This idea of lifting the corporate Veil in pursuit of justice was championed by Lord Denning in: Wallesteiner v Moir [1974] It is held in Adam v Cape that the Veil cannot be lifted merely in pursuit of justice. Another ground for lifting the Veil is where the Country is at war and it is in the Country’s interest to do so. Daimler v CRT (1916) : The application of this category is limited and it is more about politics than law. In addition to the examples at common law, the courts may lift the Veil and hold individuals shareholders or directors liable for the company’s liabilities according to statutory provision. Section 761 of the companies  Act 2006, for example, reauires that the directors of a public limited company be jointly and severally liable to indemnify the other party in respect of any loss or damage suffered by reason of the company failure to comply with the provision that company should not trade before its registration. According to section 213 of the insolvency Act 1986 on fraudulent trading, the Court may declare that any person, who carries on the business with the intention to defraud the company assets. Lord Diplock in: Dimbleby v National Union of Journalists [1984] States that the statutory provision must be in clear and unequivocal language The judicial approach towards lifting the corporate Veil is still unclear and lacks precise guidance despite the judgment in Adam v Cape. The Courts appear to proceed on a case-by-case basis in deciding whether to lift the corporate Veil. The few number of examples at common law and in statute reflects the court reluctance to ignore the Salomon principle which are the foundations of company law and have promoted the economic growth. This theory was first put forward by Lord Denning in:  in the case DHN Food v Distributors’ Ltd v Tower Hamlets (1976); who agreed that a group of companies was in reality a single economic entity, and should be treated as one; the court was entitled to look at the realities of the situation to lift the corporate veil. The Court in Adam rejected the argument by stating that there was no general principle that all companies in a group of companies were to be regard as one. The fundamental principle is that each company in a group of companies is a separate legal entity with separate legal rights and liabilities. The disapproval of the single economic unit theory was confirmed in the case Ord v Belhaven Pub Ltd (1998): where the Court did not allow a plaintiff with a claimed against one subsidiary company to substitute the parent company as defendant merely because the group might be a single economic units. Lord Denning in the Court of Appeal examined the major single economic units’ case where group structure were as single entity. It found that the case all involved the interpretation of the statute or a document. The Court reject the argument that cape was the group should be treat as one; and  confirm the principle of Salomon. It can be argued, therefore, that the group structure of (b) and its subsidiaries is legitimate and it is very unlikely that the court will hold the parent liable on the ground of fraud, sham or mere faà §ade. Conclusions Given the judicial reluctance to ignore the Salomon principles, it is highly unlikely that the court will hold (a) liable for the claims against (b) on the basis that the group structure is a mere faà §ade, or there is an express agency relationship between them or that they should be treated as one economic unit

Friday, September 27, 2019

Book review Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Book review - Essay Example It is noteworthy that advancement in computers has also transformed the communication landscape. Computers are presently being used in information exchange in any form. This has created advancement in information technology globally. This paper appreciates that people comprehend the history of computing differently because some opinions are informed by traces of information available today of what happened in the past while others viewpoints are informed by issues about computers that are of interest today. Therefore, it presents a timeline on the history of computing according to my own understanding. History of Computing: The Timelines The 14th BC – 1800’s – Abacus and the Slide Rule Abacus remains one of the most primitive machines purposefully developed to aid people in computations. The machine has been on use several centuries even after better-designed devices started coming into the market. Around 17th BC a device that worked even in a more interesting wa y to assist in calculations was generated. The Slide Rule worked manually in doing calculations. Its components included a simple ruler and an impermanent piece that had graduations of parallel logarithmic ranges (Turner, 2006). The greater need to make computations even more easy generated more interest among scholars leading to additional innovations. Blaise Pascal another mathematician designed Pascaline. The mechanical calculator, which acted as an adding machine was developed in 1642, further facilitated the creation of Pascal programming language. 1800’s - Difference Engine and Analytical Engine Charles Babbage also developed what was famously called a â€Å"Difference Engine† in 1830’s. However, later it designed another device â€Å"Analytical Engine.† Both of these designs had five important components that have remained key features of modern computers. The Engines had an input device, component that stored numbers to be calculated, a processor that computed numbers, a component that controlled all machines’ tasks, and finally a component to generate processed numbers. Herman Hollerith also developed the first ever device using electricity to compute numbers in 1890’s. 1900 – 1950 – Computing Machines The period between 1900 and 1950 also saw major computing advancements taking place. Howard Aiken in 1932 started working for IBM and developed the Harvard Mark 1 an electromechanical engine that borrowed massively from Babbage’s Analytical Engine. The period around 1939 saw Atanasoff Berry and Clifford Berry of Iowa State University expanded the computing world by creating the first device that worked electronically. The machine used a binary system in calculations and used different components for processing numbers and storage. Further, in 1943, in order to emerge superior during the British war, many vacuum tube computers emerged and were used to disable the German codes; thus, led to en d of the war faster (Black, 2001).   The machines were named Colossus Mark 2. In 1946, John Mauchly and Presper Eckert both expanded the ideas behind Colossus in order to come up with Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer, ENIAC that emerged as the world’s all-purpose computer (Black, 2001). John Von Neumann further developed ENIAC to create an Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer, EDVAC that generated computers that are more superior. 1950 – 1970 – Punch Card Technology The computing world welcomed the first computers to be commercially supplied to the markets.

Thursday, September 26, 2019

What does the future hold for stem cells in relation to tissue Essay

What does the future hold for stem cells in relation to tissue engineering - Essay Example Stem cell researchers have in the recent past been involved in elucidating the effects of mechanical factors in tissue generation and engineering with regards to stem cell biology, especially as this field is still poorly understood (Pavlovic & BaÃŒ lint, 2013: p7). Stem cells possess immense potential in the field of tissue engineering. Potential hopes for future regeneration of damaged or diseased tissue are partially dependent on the use of various intricate combinations of stem cells with growth factors and scaffolds (Pavlovic & BaÃŒ lint, 2013: p61). In order to mimic the natural development of tissue in the lab, researchers require appropriate topographical and biochemical cues in a manner that is spatially controlled. Therefore, the future of stem cells in tissue engineering is dependent on the use of nano-technology, in this case nano-topography, in order to influence the behavior of cells. This includes various behaviors like proliferation, attachment, and differentiation that play vital roles in engineering of tissues. Majority of the research into stem cells and tissue engineering is currently focused on biochemical and biomechanical signals and cell adhesion and how these cooperate to enable tissues, cells, and organisms to adapt t o changes within the environment. In the future, it is possible that mechanical forces like mechano-sensing, cell matrix adhesions, cell-cell adhesions, and cell proliferation can be controlled using nano and micro-fabrication tools (Pavlovic & BaÃŒ lint, 2013: p62). This will allow researchers to understand the manner in which these processes enable cells to respond to their environment. Stem cells also have the potential to allow cellular nucleus control, which will be essential in tissue engineering. The size and morphology of the cell nucleus has emerged as a potential genome function mechanistic regulator, which means that it is a crucial

Students, Taxpayers Forced to Pay for Abortions on College Campuses Essay

Students, Taxpayers Forced to Pay for Abortions on College Campuses - Essay Example The report elicited much outrage from pro-life activists and taxpayers across the nation who wished for this hole in the federal legislation (put in place to stop taxpayer funding of abortions) plugged. Before one can comment on the validity of either the pro-life or pro-abortion viewpoint in this situation, it is important to understand the legislation in question namely, the Hyde Amendment. Passed by the Congress in 1976, the Hyde Act is a legislation that removes abortion from the healthcare services provided to low income groups by the federal government through Medicaid (ACLU, 2004). The only exception to this law was made in cases of rape, incest or when the woman’s life was endangered by a physical disorder, illness or injury. Though the act has to be renewed every year, it is quite clear in its stand that federal funds are not to be used to fund abortions. The Act was adopted by most states as were subsequent similar legislations that permitted insurance companies to r efuse cover to patients for abortions or counsel and referrals related to abortions. In addition to poor women, the act also affected Native Americans, federal employees and dependents, Peace Corps volunteers, federal prisoners, military personnel and their dependents and disabled women relying on Medicare. The study on healthcare in universities by Students for Life of America (SFLA) examined the systems in 200 universities across the states with regard to university sponsored or subsidized healthcare plans. With data retrieved from the Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System (IEPDS), SFLA discovered that a number of universities (such as in North Carolina) required students to have healthcare plans and automatically enrolled them in plans that covered elective abortions (SFLA 2011). To be precise, 33.5% of the schools surveyed made it mandatory for students to have healthcare coverage, 97% of these offered school sponsored healthcare plans, 44.3% of this segment offered pl ans that included cover for elective abortions, and 44% of these schools automatically enrolled their students in these programs. Also, 33% of the 200 schools automatically enrolled the students in school sponsored plans to their accounts and 57% of these plans covered elective abortions (SFLA 2011). While one might argue that the university was being responsible and considerate in ensuring that medical problems and especially unwanted pregnancies did not interfere with the education of their students, there were many who found it hard to digest. There were two main reasons for this, one being that the healthcare plan was believed to encourage carelessness among youngsters, counteracting decades of sexual awareness campaigns and the second being that this provision was in direct contradiction of the Hyde Amendment and other similar legislations. Grants such as the Pell Grant offered to students use federal funds provided to universities to bridge the gap between the economic capacit y of the student and the actual fees of the course. Since some of these universities include their health plans in the students’ fees by default, it indicates that the federal funds are indirectly used to pay for health insurance that covers elective abortion

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

Critically assess the implications of Social Contrant Theory (SCT) for Essay

Critically assess the implications of Social Contrant Theory (SCT) for relations between the individual and state - Essay Example overnment and state in the current times, and provides a strong justification of the limitation of the power of the state against the citizens, and the corresponding authority of the people to establish a government that will serve the common good and embody the people’s ideals and aspirations. Thomas Hobbes’ political philosophy of social contract theory is outlined in the hypothetical State of Nature. In his Leviathan published in 1651, he articulated on a particular theory of human nature that gives a rise to a particular view of morality and politics (Gauthier 1988). He rejects the theory of Divine Rights of Kings, indirectly refuting Filmer’s claim that a king’s authority is invested in him by God, enjoys an absolute authority, in which the basis of political obligation lays in an individual’s obligation to obey God absolutely. Hence, this theory of Filmer, which Hobbes rejects in his social Contract theory, states that political obligation is subsumed under religious obligation (ibid). Rather, Hobbes argued that obligation and political authority are dependent upon the individual’s self-interests of members of society who are taken as equals of the others, with no single individual given an absolute authority to rule over the rest, while at the same time, poses that if society is to survive, the Monarch (Sovereign), must be given absolute authority (Baier 1994). Hobbes describes the human being as exclusively self-interested and reasonable, possessing the rational capacity to pursue his dreams as maximally as possible. He argues that man’s reason does not evaluate their given ends; rather it merely finds the way to the things Desired, describing rationality as purely instrumental (ibid). It is from these premises that Hobbes is able to construct a provocative and compelling argument for why individuals would tend to be willing to submit themselves to a political authority. He explains this through his discussion of the State of Nature, in which

Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Interview on play development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Interview on play development - Essay Example I also did not go to school, but at age 5 and 6 I played many games, such as the Hunter (similar to hide and seek), Carrom (similar to snooker), marbles, and hopscotch. Because I did not go to school, I could only play games with the neighborhood kids. At home my sisters and my cousins all liked to play the Hunter game. But in the neighborhood, most kids either played marbles or hopscotch. I mostly liked playing with marbles. Also, the Carrom game was fun to play with the board. During my free time I would just help out around my home with any chores that needed doing. At home I would play with my sisters and cousins, but outside I would just play with the neighborhood kids. I was able to develop strong relationships with my relatives and also neighborhood kids because of playing these games with them. I think that the fun that I had contributed to the good relationships I had with many kids. Adults had no say in what we played because mostly the kids just came up with new ideas abou t what games to play. When I got married and moved to Egypt at the age of 14, I did not play as much as I used to when I was a child. Simple activities such as washing clothes and sweeping the house became normal to me. I think that children play much differently today than when I was a child. Now there is more technology so kids don’t have to think too much about what games they can play. One bad thing about this is that it can cause tension among kids, which reduces friendships. Kids these days don’t talk as much when they play because they are always looking at a screen. When I was young, talking and telling stories was an important part of play. I wish that children these days would be required to use their brains more when it comes to play. Too many people have tried to make things easier for kids by not making them think first. I am proud of the games that I

Monday, September 23, 2019

Why did Muslims fight each other during the first century of Islam Essay

Why did Muslims fight each other during the first century of Islam (seventh century C.E.), and how did they justify it - Essay Example They were easily turned against each other with the help of false rumors spread by troublemakers which indicates that they lacked that brotherhood and harmony for which Islam was popular in the life of Prophet Muhammad. The Battle of Jamal or Battle of the Camel is a very important example of tension between the Muslims during the first century of Islam. This is probably the most notable and unfortunate war of the 7th century and took place in 656 at Basra, Iraq. The Muslims fought among themselves in this war due to false allegations promoted by Kharijites (Lapidus 66). Kharijites were former Muslims who gained prominence in Iraq in the late 7th century. They first supported the leadership of Imam Ali and went on to reject it later. They were not happy with the authority of Imam Ali and secretly resented him. When Imam Usman, the third Caliph, was assassinated at the hands of the rebels sent from Egypt to Medina, rumors spread that the murder happened on instruction of Imam Ali. Some historical sources also suggest that Imam Usman’s burial was not attended by Imam Ali which is a factor that might have worked to reinforce the rumors (Lapidus 65). His untimely death remained unavenged under l eadership of Imam Ali who became the fourth Caliph of Islam. This factor coupled with rumors spread by Kharijites about Imam Ali worked to hugely anger Prophet Muhammad’s wife Aisha (Lapidus 66). So, she gathered a large number of Muslims to overthrow Imam Ali’s caliphate and his supporters. The Muslims stood against each other in this war which led to death of a large percentage of Muslims. This war was started by Aisha because the killers of Imam Usman were not arrested. She was also against the appointment of Ali as the fourth Caliph. Imam Ali’s supporters were also extremists and did not try to negotiate affairs. There was a lot of bloodshed as Aisha and her supporters were defeated and Muslims fought Muslims for the first time in this war. The

Sunday, September 22, 2019

Plato’s Dialectical Method Essay Example for Free

Plato’s Dialectical Method Essay Plato’s method is presumably taken from that of Socrates, who wrote nothing down. Socrates believes, in the early dialogues, that he â€Å"knows nothing. † This is an irony, meant to be juxtaposed to the elite of Athenian society who are convinced of their own wisdom and knowledge on specialized subjects such as rhetoric, argument, literature, generalship, etc. In the early dialogues, Plato initially has Socrates speaking from a position of â€Å"ignorance. † That is, from a position where he claims to know nothing, permitting himself just a series of questions that are designed to lead his opponent into absurdities, proving, so to speak, that his opponent knows only conventional wisdom–images of knowledge–rather than knowledge itself. The Platonic project is to reveal the Truth, the forms of being that exist behind the ever-changing panoply of sense impressions, accepted â€Å"truths† and the opinion of either the masses or the powerful, and often both. Hence, it makes perfect sense that Plato’s project will begin with dialogues such as the Apology and the Euthyphro, both showing Socrates not providing any positive doctrine, but stripping bare the accepted wisdom on the relevant topics of crime and punishment, or piety and faith. Before Plato can provide his positive doctrine, he must first show that the accepted wisdom–images given by mass society or the elite, or both–are false, and exist solely in the realm of opinion, that of the natural or conventional worlds, rather than the truth, the world of the forms, beyond space and time, beyond sense impression, apprehensible only though the mind. Khan (1996) gives us a hint as to the importance of the dialectical method. The dialogue form used because Plato has an â€Å"acute sense of the psychological distance that separates his world view from that of his audience. † (66). And further, â€Å"philosophy is essentially the practice of spiritual liberation by which the rational psyche prepares itself for a successful voyage back to its transcendental homeland† (66). The world of late Athens, just prior to the conquests of Philip and Alexander, is one of petty crime, worldly glory and political manipulation, hardly the arena for the development of a powerfully transcendent form of philosophy. Hence, the early dialogues are a preparation, the first movement forward away from the changing fortunes of Athens, and the changing natural world that keeps most men in intellectual chains. The point is not to lose one’s audience. For, early on in Socrates’ career, for him to have unloaded the full content of the Republic or even the Laws onto a highly corrupt Athenian society would have been disastrous. Socrates might not have been executed, but considered a madman and banished. Hence, early on, and even, to some extent in the middle dialogues, Socrates is struggling with worldly-wise men to get them to see the nature and ground of their craft, rather than its service to the state, to social advancement or even the advancement of their ego. In Plato’s Apology, Socrates is presented to the literary world as a martyr, a martyr against mass appearances and a fighter for the existence of Truth, which he claims (39) is really not possible to reach, and belongs only to the divinities of Olympus. What passes for truth is not truth, but is a reaction to mere appearances, the world of opinion, of doxa. A philodoxer is one who exists solely in the realm of sense impressions, those impressions that can be manipulated by those in power and ingrained into the psyche by mass opinion. Of course, in modern times, mass media would be the very source of the philodoxer’s alleged knowledge. In attacking the worldly-wise of Athens, Socrates admission of ignorance also derives from the idea that he has no specific area of expertise (Khan, 89). In other words, while it is true that his opponents are experts in their various fields, and hence should be approached concerning any question about those fields, Socrates seems to have none at all. His â€Å"field† simply is the tripping up of his opponents who do not think systematically, but think according to the present utility of their areas of expertise. Furthermore, while Socrates feigns ignorance, he, as Khan has written â€Å"never denies that he has practical good sense and moral excellence† (Khan, 90) He sees around him a once glorious Athenian society, set on solid ground by Solon centuries earlier, no longer on solid ground. The tyranny of the 30 created a situation–or reflected a situation–where power, and hence opinion, became the only true goods. One’s skill, ones arete, exist solely to bring the user worldly gains, both for himself and the city. But this situation leads to moral degradation, since the only reason to have virtue is to prove one’s usefulness in glory, to gain praise and promotion. This is the backdrop to the rise of the sophists, a group of pseudo-philosophers who claim to have knowledge, but this just amounts to the manipulation of socially crated images to appear to have knowledge. The sophist can make any argument they are paid to, because truth either does not exist, or is not useful in all circumstances. The sophist is valuable because self-promotion is their specialty, and hence, they receive the venom of Socrates. Hence, when Socrates is speaking of a certain craft, a certain form of practical excellence, he insists that he must be speaking of the same object as his opponent. Hence, in the Euthyphro, Socrates and his opponent are not speaking of piety in the same way. The are not speaking of the same thing. Socrates is speaking about piety in a way that includes all specific incarnations of the phenomenon. While Euthyphro, as a good Greek at the time, speaks of it in terms of its utility. Hence, they are not talking about the same thing, which permits Socrates to continually thwart his opponents. They are speaking on two different planes, one Truth, the other, use, or truth (small â€Å"t†). While Truth is utile, utility does not exhaust it, and even if it did, they are speaking of â€Å"use† in two very different ways. For Socrates, as in the Apology, one should never do evil, even if it is immediately utile. While the â€Å"timocrat,† one who lives for earthly glory, might do evil (something cowardly, or mercenary, etc) for the sake of gaining immediate glory and fame. Socrates holds that all evil is inutile, though not in any worldly way, but because, slowly but surely, it turns the soul bad, hence the soul begins not to know truth from falsehood. All is power, all is crass utility. In response to the utilitarian idea, Socrates says to his accusers: â€Å"a man who is good for anything ought not to calculate the chance for living or dying; he ought to consider whether in doing anything he is doing right or wrong–acting the part of a good man or bad† (40). Socrates is claiming that goodness is beyond utility, that he is morally good, and finally, that the common opinion that goodness is utility is false. In the Apology, Socrates affirms; â€Å"young men of the richer cases, who have not much to do, come about me of their own accord. They like to hear the pretenders examined. . . .they are plenty of persons, as they quickly discover, who think they know something, but really know little or nothing. . . (33). This is behind the charges against Socrates. Socrates, speaking of himself and his mission, says to the judges â€Å"I am that gadfly that god has attached to the state; and all the day long and in all places I am fastening upon you, arousing, persuading and reproaching you. (43). Many things are said here about his method. A. Socrates says nothing about any positive philosophy. This is not the point. He is not unaware of the utility of the crafts that he takes apart in debate, but, for the good of the city, he is forced to make his opponents realize the true ground of the goodness of their craft. B. Socrates sees Athens in trouble. The tyranny, the mass democracy and the predictable rise of sophistry means that power and only power (whether military, financial or persuasive) is operative. If this is true, than moral goodness will be prostituted to the state. In the long run, this will lead to the destruction of the state and its famed liberties, since moral goodness will be defined as loyalty to one political faction or other, each faction seeing Athens as a means to financial or political advancement. Not real city can function with those sorts of divisions. Hence, Socrates, unbeknownst to his opponents, is a true patriot, seeking the moral betterment of his people. C. By â€Å"god† it is likely that Socrates means â€Å"world of forms. As Khan said earlier, the usage of common terminology is a strategy where he may gain acceptance. By the use of â€Å"god† he is talking about ultimate Truth (which he alone serves) in language that the common folk of Athens could understand. It is possible that Socrates viewed the Olympian pantheon as a popularization and â€Å"folkloric† method of understanding the forms. *** When Socrates is grilling the unfortunate but well intentioned Euthyphro, there is a passage from Socrates that strongly hints that his negative approach is leading, at some future time, to the positive ideas of the forms. Socrates says to his opponent, speaking of pious acts â€Å"The point I should first wish to understand is whether the pious or holy is beloved by the gods because it is holy, or holy because it is beloved by the gods† (12) Outside of the Crito, this is the most suggestive passage in the early dialogues concerning a foreshadowing of later, positive doctrine. Here, Plato is giving, in sharp relief, the distinction between the Platonic idea of Truth and the common, utilitarian Athenian view. The sophist would claim that the former is the case. That something is holy because it is loved by the gods. The power of the gods is accepted as arbitrary and unquestioned. Hence, the only thing to do is to is to figure ways to place them, and hence acquire various profits in so doing. That is the opposite of what we call Platonism. What is more important is the critical part. Instead of merely accepting that what his holy is holy because the gods love it, one must find out the nature of the holy, to which then the gods then must conform. Nothing is more Platonic than this distinction. The first is reflective of the power hungry Athenian state. The famed politicians, bankers and priests want power, thus, if you are a citizen, you do what you can to please the powerful, and hence become famed yourself, and promoted through the system. This is the world of power and prostitution. Power and profit are taken as good in themselves, and hence the powerful are off the intellectual hook. Platonism is reflected in the idea that there is a concept of power, and, beyond that, the Good by which power is thus justified that would force a ruling class to conform their behavior to. Once the philosopher can provide an outline of this Goodness in relation to power (the Republic and Statesman), or the mode of being that a ruling class must conform to, then one’s life can be called rational (politically speaking). This passage in the Euthyphro then, points to a much later development in Plato’s ontology: There is a Good that the Gods love. The only reason the Gods love it is that it is Good, hence the gods (assuming Plato believed in them) are to be emulated only because of the Good, not because they are gods. The political ramifications of this are staggering, and it is easy to make an argument that the political ramifications of the question of piety (especially given the nature of the charges against Socrates) are designed to reorient the mind of Athenian youth to the Good, rather than to power. The powerful seek to define the good for themselves, invariably, of course, defined as what is in their own interest. Hence, if this terrible state of affairs is to be avoided, the nature of the Good must be outlined. But in these early dialogues, only hits are being dropped.

Saturday, September 21, 2019

How Gender Inequality Is Explained Sociology Essay

How Gender Inequality Is Explained Sociology Essay How has gender inequality been explained? (Answer with reference to a range of theories and approaches) Critically assess the attempt of one of the feminist group to overcome gender inequality. Social stratification A system by which a society ranks categories of people in a hierarchy (Macionis and Plummer: 2005: 190). Social stratification is common in different aspects throughout society and throughout history some of the most substantial categories affected are class, race, disabilities, sexuality and globally. However this essay shall be investigating the stratification by gender, referred to as gender inequality. There are many reasons for the disparity of gender circumscribed by its underlying social, legal, political, economic, and cultural characteristics (Rives and Yousefi 1997:1). Gender stratification categories people in regard to their sex, this can be defined as anatomical differences and physiological differences between male and female for example the difference in chromosomes, sex organs and hormones. The word gender has been socially constructed through the means of a stereotype and ideology of the social role, identity, position and behaviour of male and feminine through different institutions and aspects like the media, religion, culturally and historically. Up until the era of Suffragettes in the late 19th Century women were always deemed lower than men and inequality was highly significant society it was fundamentally a patriarchal society. The traditional preconceptions were that men were strong, intellectual beings that were the hunter gatherers and providers for their household. Whereas, women were passive objects that would cook, clean, cater for their husbands wants and desires, and doing nothing more than bear and raise children. To the woman he (God) said, I will greatly increase your pain in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for you husband, and he will rule over you. (Genesis 3:16). This interlinks with religion and reiterates traditional and religious view from The Bible. There are a substantial amount of reasons why there is clear gender inequality in society, this essay will assess and show the many theories into the existence of this. Biological determinism is a theory that asserts that males and females appearance, mental and general behaviour and position on the social hierarchy is all in relation to their genetic make-up and genes, the differences between male and females socially is dependant on the fact of them being different sexes alone. The Evolution of Sexes written by Geddes and Thompson shows a generalisation of a biological determinist analysis of gender. They claim that social, psychological and behavioural traits were caused by metabolic state. Women supposedly conserve energy (being anabolic) and this makes them passive, conservative, sluggish, stable and uninterested in politics. Men expend their surplus energy (being katabolic) and this makes them eager, energetic, passionate, variable and, thereby, interested in political and social matters. These biological facts about metabolic states were used not only to explain behavioural differences between women and men but also to justify what our social and political arrangements ought to be. Due to all these factors it is apparent biological determinism theorists that gender stratification is fate, females are meant to be inferior to males and this cannot be fought or changed in society and therefore is highly beneficial. Functionalists would argue that gender stratification is universal and positive for society. A key functionalist thinker Talcott Parsons explained how the differences in the sexes (gender) have provided complementary roles for both male and female (Instrumental and expressive), and how the difference in roles which are biologically based helped traditionally integrate society. He believes that gender differentiation and the understanding of division of labor means social stability. Women labeled expressive by Parson should typically be in control of the family units be the emotional support, take care of the household chores and the security and well being of the children. Opposed to men, labeled instrumental whose role is to connect the family to the larger world primarily by participating in the labour force(Macionis and Plummer 2008:381), work and focus on issues outside of the internal family unit. Parson theorises that gender identity is social, formed through numerous means of social control and is needed for both male and female to gain appropriate skills to succeed in life. The knowledge of these specific skills and understanding of the difference of gender identities to the opposite sex (expressive and instrumental)are in a sense indoctrinated so that, for example if a male is not deemed instrumental he is therefore unattractive and is rejected by the expressive women. This clear distinction of the division in the family unit ensures harmony in the family and thus benefits society on a whole Functionalists view the potential for social disorder only when all of the aspects of traditional gender stratification are disturbed. (Schaefer and Lamm 1998). During the 20th Century there were huge upheavals in the traditional view of women and their roles and the view of a predominately patriarchal society they were living in. Women now wanted to be able to work and have an education, not deemed less able due to biological determinism and be treated equally, which gave birth to a collection of huge movements in sexism and inequality and also different views with in feminism (Liberal, Socialist/Marxist and radical). One point that is evident throughout all the different interpretations of feminism is that women have not been seen as equal throughout the social structure. Liberal feminists do not see womens oppression as part of large system structure but however believes that biological determinism as a source for inequality within the political and justice realm as completely barbaric. There may be some slight procreative differentiation but that should not be any differences in relation to the law, politics, employment or educational institutes, they believed the only way of reformation was through the reform of these institutes. Liberal feminists believe in the rights for every individual woman in society. Socialist/Marxist feminism is adopted through two major writings, Firstly in Engels writing in 1884 The origin of the family, private property and the State and through Marxs conflict theory evident in the Communist Manifesto, which is a struggle between the oppressors (capitalists/ bourgeoisie) and the oppressed (working class) to maintain an equal social structure one needs to overthrow capitalism. Beasley wrote that the base-superstructure model of society, that is, social relations- including those related to sexual inequality- are conceived as crucially shaped by the economic base of society, rather than ideas and attitudes (Beasley 1999:61) Marxist Feminists believed the only way to end this patriarchy was through social revolutions against capitalism for equality. As males dominated the means of production and owned all the property women Engels contended were alienated due to the economic reliance on their husbands. Engels links the modern oppression of women to the instituti on of private property. Correlatively , he argues that the economic system of capitalism draws women into the public workforce and thus sets the conditions for their equality (Carver and Steger 1999:254) The only way women would be able to throw the unfair justice of capitalism would be to be free of marriage, laundry, cooking, childcare and childbirth and reforming the structure of the family. So that women can get full-time jobs through revolting equaling out the inequality in gender. This essay has briefly summarised the main theories and some brief approaches of gender inequality, Radical feminism is similar to that of Marxist feminism but more extreme, it is similar in the aspect of it fundamentally believing that the oppression and control of women is to do with how Capitalism promotes gender exploitation. Women are segregated into a sex class and therefore should stick together. Radical feminists believe that the only way for gender equality is the complete eradication of patriarchal society and any aspect of society that males dominate, this is the only way for female liberation. Radical feminists believe women are oppressed through their ability to reproduce and the sexualisation by men, they should be seen as the enemy. The only way women can free themselves is through any aspect of association with males, this includes not having heterosexual relationships and not producing off spring in order to liberate. Alice Echols and Ellen Willis wrote about radical feminism in their book Daring to Be Bad: Radical Feminism in America that Radical feminism was a political movement dedicated to eliminating the sex-class system(Echols and Willis 1989:4) The sex class system also included the sex-role system which sees marriage, family, prostitution, and heterosexuality as repressive. They believed gender inequalities root cause was sexual oppression, women need to gain control over their bodies/biology and relatedly to value and celebrate womens bodies(Beasley, C 1999:55) . This interlinks with a psychoanalytic feminist such as Sigmund Freud where he shows that gender is embedded in language and through sexualisation and thought from the earliest state of childhood. This is through the penis envy theory, this is when girls realise they dont have a penis and from being attached to her mother, finds a stronger attachment to the father. She accepts her inadequacy and subordination in society by accepting her mothers values and containing her craving for her father. According to many theorists Radical feminism is also about generating widespread support for campaigns around issues such as rape, domestic violence and sexual harassment (Dean 2011) as well as the promotion of contraception, sterilization and abortion. The word radical in itself holds factors for criticism; this is an extreme view that has many factors that can be deemed incorrect. You cannot categorise all women into a sex class as there is no substantial evidence that supports the idea of this. How is it possible that all women just because of their biological similarities are the same, and can be generalised so flippantly? It doesnt entail any other aspects such as culture, psychological, class or economic factor in a way of determining gender construction.Radical feminism not only ignores important differences among women but also reproduces exactly the stereotypical vision of women and men (Beckham and DAmico 1994:80) Isnt this exactly what radical feminism is fighting against, the generalisation? Radical feminism ignores legislations like the Equal Pay Act 1970 and The Sexual Discrimination Act 1975 and how politics are constantly changing in regard to sexism and the maltreatment as women as a class. Radical feminism suggests that society should be matriarchal, this would continue the process of gender inequality but just the other way round. Another limitation of radical feminism is that instead of promoting marriage it does the opposite, that women should be rid of all these stereotypical roles, this in a way promotes promiscuity and even unhealthy relationships. Radicalism is damaging to society as a whole because society cannot reach its maximum potential if one group is more domineering than another.

Friday, September 20, 2019

Life And Health Insurance In Malaysia Economics Essay

Life And Health Insurance In Malaysia Economics Essay INTRODUCTION Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) took over the supervision of the insurance industry in 1988. The primary reason for the move was to enable an integrated approach in the regulation and supervision of major financial institutions, in view of the growing convergence of crossholdings and integration of interests between banks and insurance companies. The economic environment may have a profound effect on the growth of the insurance industry. In Malaysia, the performance of the insurance industry in 1998 was affected by an economic downturn. The total and non-life premium income declined by 2.1% and 9.7% respectively whereas the life premium income experienced a lower positive growth rate of 4.6% in 1998 (1997: 13.5%) (BNM, 1999-2000). In line with the sustained economic recovery, the life insurance industry rebounded strongly to register an impressive double-digit premium growth in 1999, soaring well above pre-crisis levels. The performance of the insurance industry showed an improvement in 1999 following the recovery of the Malaysian economy. The combined premium income of the insurance industry recorded a growth of 8.5% (1998: -2.1%) to reach RM11,829.9 million (1998: RM10,902.9 million). The life sector has been the major contributor accounting for RM7,152.7 million (1998: RM6,217.2 million) or 60.5% of the premium income, while the remaining balance of RM4,677.2 million (1998: RM4,685.7 million) represented premium income generated from the general sector. Premium income of the industry as a proportion of nominal gross national product (GNP) increased to 4.2% in 1999, compared with 4.1% in 1998. BACKGROUND OF RESEARCH In Malaysia, BNM Annual Report that been issued yearly regularly indicate policies and development of insurance market in Malaysia. to implement policies and measures to prepare the industry for the challenges posed by the new requirements of the new economy and the increasingly more liberalised market environment. Several measures were initiated directed at improving market penetration through the promotion of new life insurance products and in order to do that the process of formulating and identifying strategies need to be done to enhance the marketing channel for life insurance business so that it can achieve the desired penetration level and raking in all the advantages given by positive economic environment. In order to do that, first step that need to be taken is to identify which macroeconomic variables that really positively significant to the demand of life and health insurance market and from there on best formulation and strategies can be initiated to create accurate resu lt on the demand of life and health insurance market. Efforts were also made by Bank Negara Malaysia to enhance the discipline and standards of conduct amongst life insurer in Malaysia. Problem Statement Statistical data from BNM has shown that due to economic downturn in 1998, the performance of insurance industry in Malaysia reportedly experienced negative growth of -2.1%. Generally, it shows that economic environment may possibly have direct influence on the performance of insurance industry in Malaysia as a whole. The combined premium income of the insurance industry recorded a growth of 8.5% in 1999 following the economic recovery situation. The life and health sector has been the major contributor accounting for RM7,152.7 million or 60.5% of the premium income, while the remaining balance of RM4,677.2 million represented premium income generated from the general sector. However, despite the vast potential for growth given the relatively low market penetration in Malaysia, domestic premium income to GNP was comparatively lower than that observed in more saturated markets. This research need to done so that it can specifically identified which macroeconomic variables that really effect the growth of life and health sector in Malaysia in order to ensure that it can contribute clearly to developing pricing strategies to achieve a specific sales target for life and health business. Macroeconomics is the study of the behavior of the overall economy and economic models normally consist of variables such as real GDP, inflation, price and population density. This study attempts to examine the relationship between macroeconomic variable to performance and demand of life and health insurance industry in Malaysia by using the LS analysis to prove that certain key macroeconomic environment may have a profound and significant effect on the growth of the life and health insurance market. As in the context of Malaysia, few studies has been carried out to seek evidence of the relationship between macroeconomic variables and performance of life insurance industry from Malaysia perspective but various studies comes out with various results as they are using different period of data and did not include health insurance data like this research and also holds different and various macroeconomic variable. Study by Lim and Haberman (2002) indicate major findings of this study that the savings deposits rate and price change in insurance are two important macroeconomic variables associated with the demand for life insurance in Malaysia. Study conducted by Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) indicate that income has a positive relationship with life insurance demand. Life insurance becomes more affordable when income increases. They examine two types of income variable in their study, namely GDP and income per capita. Income per capita is defined as the GDP divided by the size of the popul ation but on the other hand, their finding also show an insignificant positive relationship between inflation rates and the performance of life insurance. Economists use these type of data and variables to measure the performance of an economy and the focus on macroeconomic variables in this paper are, price of the life and health insurance product, inflation rates, income per capita and population density. This study is to further examined the direct linkage between these economic environments and whether each one of key variables (price of the life and health insurance product, inflation rates, income per capita and population density) has direct influence on the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. Research objective The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of various macroeconomic variables towards performance of life and health insurance market in Malaysia.. The specific aims of this study are: To determine which various macroeconomic variables that might have influence on the performance of life and health insurance market in Malaysia To examine the relationship of each macroeconomic variables ie price of the product, income per capita, inflation rates and population density with the performance of life and health insurance market in Malaysia To identify which macroeconomic variables that influence the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia the most. To suggest the most suitable and appropriate strategies that can be used to improve the performance of life and health insurance market in Malaysia by using all the advantages given by positive economic environment Research Question How to determine which macroeconomic variables that influence the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia? Is there any relationship between each macroeconomic variables ie price of the product, income per capita, inflation rates and population density with the performance of life and health insurance market in Malaysia Which macroeconomic variables that influence the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia the most? What are the most suitable strategies that can be suggested to improve the performance of life and health insurance market in Malaysia by using all the advantages given by positive economic environment? Significance of Research/ Contribution to the body of knowledge There is no unique and integrated theory for life insurance demand. Research on the impact of macroeconomic variables towards performance of life and health insurance industry in Malaysia very scanty at best. Very little (if at all) is understood about the. urgent need for research focusing on the Malaysian industry and the Malaysian economic environment, which is unfamiliar to most readers. Hence, important impetuses for this research are established. 1. The Government This research is important for the government to formulate policies, acts and regulations for the improvement on the best strategies available in a suitable economic environment in order to develop and guide healthy demand on the insurance industry as a whole. 2. The University/ Academician This study will be used for reference and information for the students and academician who learn on insurance area, risk management or other related fields. Students and lecturers can have an extra knowledge on information provided by the researcher. 3. Management team of Life insurer in Malaysia This research is important for the management team Life Office especially if changes or corrective actions are required due to the changes in various economic environments occur in Malaysia or globally. Hopefully, this research can help the management team of Life insurer in Malaysia able to implement and generate new strategies with regard to the suitable current economic environment. 4. General Public Public must know the factors that influence their purchase decision of life and health policy offered in the market. Besides, they also need to be alert and aware on the coverage offered by Life insurer in Malaysia. This research will help them to really identify the needs to buy life and health product and there is also a growing awareness among Malaysians of individual responsibility in financial planning hence it directly will affect the demand of the said industry. 5. The Researcher By completing this research, the researcher has experienced and being exposed to view the economics side on the insurance industry as a whole and specifically on life and health sector which the researcher have never attempt before. It is a researcher attempt to view as a macroeconomists attempt in order to explain the economic side of this sector and to devise policies to improve its performance as economists use different models to examine different issues. Thus, other researcher might need the information to make their research in the future. CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW The performance for insurance is influenced by many factors and economic factors might be one of them. For example, inflation rate, income per capita and price of the product may affect the performance for insurance in a country. A number of studies have examined the effects of macroeconomic factors on the performance for life and health insurance. Among them are the studies conducted by Cargill and Troxel (1979), Babbel (1985), Browne and Kim (1993), Outreville (1996) and Rubayah and Zaidi (2000). The macroeconomic factors investigated in these studies are highlighted and discussed in brief below. Financial Development. The findings of Outreville (1996) indicate that the level of financial development directly affects the development of life insurance sector. However, the findings are not statistically significant. Two different proxies have been used as a measurement for financial development. The first one is the ratio of quasi-money (M2-M1) to broad money (M2). This is an indicator for the complexity of financial structure. The second one is the broad definition of money (M2). It is an average value over four years. M2 is regarded as an adequate measure for the financial development in developing countries because banking is the predominant sector in the financial market of developing countries. Income. Lewis (1989), Hakansson (1969), Fischer (1973), Fortune (1973), and Campbell (1980) have shown that the demand for life insurance is positively correlated with income. As income increases, life insurance becomes more affordable. In addition, the need for life insurance increases with income as it protects dependents against the loss of expected future income due to premature death of the wage earner. According to prior research (Beenstock, Dickinson, and Khajuria (1986), Browne and Kim (1993), Outreville (1996) the ability to pay insurance premium has been argued to be related to the level of income. This is because, when there is an increase of income levels, there follows a need for a financial instrument to absorb the individualà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s surplus funds and to enable them to accumulate wealth. This shows the income level significantly affects the demand for life insurance. Two different measures have been used for disposable personal income in the study of Babbel (1985). The single-year income is used as a proxy for human capital and the three-year moving average income is used as a proxy for permanent income. The income variables are the real amounts of aggregate disposable personal income. The nominal income values are deflated by the yearly average indices of personal consumption expenditure deflator to render the nominal values in constant dollar terms. . The conclusion from Cargill and Troxel (1979), Babbel (1985), Browne and Kim (1993), Outreville (1996) and Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) verified that life insurance demand has a positive relationship with income. It shows when income increase, it can create more opportunity the life insurance becomes more affordable for people. In the study of Browne and Kim (1993), disposable personal income refers to the national income. It is defined as when the depreciation (capital consumption) and indirect business taxes have been taken away from GNP. National income is a more accurate measurement of disposable personal income for a country than GNP or GDP because national income is the income earned by the various production factors; it is refer to Browne and Kim (1993). Meanwhile, Outreville (1996) relates the income variable in his study as the real disposable income per capita. GDP is used as the basis for the disposable personal income. The income variable is expressed in linear form and in logarithmic form. On the other hand, Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) identified GDP and income per capita have been the two types of income variable in their study. Income per capita is defined as the GDP divided by the size of the population. In the initial stage, both the GDP and income per capita are found to have a positive relationship with the demand for life insurance but are not significant. It is only when stepwise regression analysis is applied in the later stage that GDP appears to have a significant positive relationship with the demand for life insurance but income per capita has been aborted. This is because income per capita contains the element of GDP and therefore multicollinearity exists because the two income variables are highly correlated. Inflation. If income has a positive relationship with demand for life insurance, it is different when Browne and Kim (1993) and Outreville (1996) did their research to find relationship for inflation. From their research, it shows that inflation has a significant negative relationship with life insurance demand. Inflation gives a diminishing effect on the amount of insurance purchased in a country. Consequently, it makes the value of life insurance eroded. As the result, it leads to the situation where insurance become less desirable good. High inflation tends to cause the purchasing of life insurance to be less attractive because of the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, Cargill and Troxel (1979) and Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) have revealed different result. Their findings are not in line with the findings of Browne and Kim (1993) and Outreville (1996). Measured up to between these two research, it has found Cargill and Troxel (1979) comparatively defined savings model (i.e. the model that takes into account the changes in policy loans besides the changes in life insurance reserves/savings and dividend accumulations) produce a significant result with the expected negative sign for this variable. It shows a week relationship between life insurance savings and price expectation. Meanwhile different with the findings of Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) it shows between inflation rates and the demand for life insurance has a significant positive relationship An average inflation rate for the last eight years, Browne and Kim (1993) has used an average inflation to represent the expected inflation rate. Meanwhile, Outreville (1996) uses a weighted average of realised price changes over the last five years as a measure of anticipated price change. Therefore, in Cargill and Troxel (1979) the price expectation in the study refers to the percentage changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a period of 14 months. Moreover, Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) used in the same way apply the CPI as a basis for the anticipated rate of inflation in their study. A part from the research, in Cargill and Troxel (1979) the price expectation in the study refers to the percentage changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over a period of 14 months based on the data contained in the Livingston Survey that have been revised by Carlson. Similarly, Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) use the CPI as a basis for the anticipated rate of inflation in their study. Interest Rate. The findings on the relationship between interest rates and the demand for life insurance are questionable. Cargill and Troxel (1979) examine two kinds of interest rates in their study: the competing yield on other savings products and the return earned by life insurers. The findings on the competing yield are inconsistent. However, the competing yield tends to be negatively related to life insurance savings. A higher interest rate on alternative savings products tends to cause insurance products to become less attractive as a savings instrument. The yield on newly issued AAA utility bonds is used to represent all the competing rates of return on alternative savings products. Cargill and Troxel (1979) include the current and twelve-quarter distributed lag variables of competing yields in their study. The lag variables are included to reflect the delayed reactions of savers towards new information regarding interest rates on savings because changes in interest rates are assumed to produce a lagged response. Likewise, the findings on the return earned by life insurers are mixed. However, the return earned by life insurers is frequently positively related to life insurance savings. Life insurers earning a higher rate of return tend to attract individuals to purchase insurance from them. The yield on industrial bonds placed privately with a representative group of life insurance companies is used as a proxy for the return earned by life insurers. It is the new money rate of return earned by the life insurers, not the average rate of return on the invested funds. Similar to the competing yield, the current and twelve-quarter distributed lags of the return earned by life insurers are included in the models to investigate the immediate and lagged responses of changes in interest rates on life insurance demand. Outreville (1996) has shown that the demand for life insurance has not determined by the interest rate such as the real interest rate and the lending rate. The real interest rate is obtained by subtracting the anticipated inflation from the current bank discount rate. For the meantime, there are three types of interest rated, which are the personal savings rate, short-term interest and current interest rate has been identified by Rubayah and Zaidi (2000) The personal savings rate and short-term interest rate are found to influence significantly and negatively the demand for life insurance, despite the fact that the current interest rate is found to have no significant effect on life insurance demand. The personal savings rate refers to the interest rate offered by banks on normal savings, the short-term interest rate refers to the interest rate on three-month Treasury Bills, and the current interest rate refers to the base lending rate on bank borrowings. Price of Insurance. From Babble (1985) and Browne and Kim (1993), the findings reported with respect to the effect of price on the demand for life insurance are consistent in the both studies. The price of insurance is significantly and inversely related to the demand for life insurance. A high insurance cost tends to discourage the purchasing of life insurance. The various insurance price indices in the study of Babbel (1985) are the net present cost per 1000 present-valued unit of insurance expected to be in force over any arbitrary time horizon selected based on the published policy values for a male of age 35. Specifically, the price index refers to the ratio of the present value of expected premium cost, net of dividends and accumulations of cash values, per 1000 present-valued unit of indemnification benefits expected to be received, in excess of the actuarially fair cost. Two different discount rates, namely the yields of 10-year prime grade municipal bonds and double-A-rated corporate bonds, are used to discount the expected future cash flows from the policies. Browne and Kim (1993) use the policy loading charge as the price measure. It is the ratio of the life insurance premiums to the amount of insurance in force. In fact, it is the cost per dollar of life insurance coverage. Theoretical Framework INDEPENDENT VIARABLES (IV) Income per Capita Performance of Life and Health Insurance in Malaysia Price of the Product DEPENDENT VARIABLE (DV) Inflation Rates Population Density Figure 1.6.1: Theoretical Framework Sources: Adapted from Shimp, T.A (2003); Pitta, et. Al. (2006); Rowley, (1998); Ndubisi, N.O., and Chew, (2006) Hypotheses Ho : Income per Capita is not significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. H1 : Income per Capita is significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. Ho : Price of the Product is not significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. H1 : Price of the Product is significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. Ho : Inflation rates is not significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. H1 : Inflation rates is significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. Ho : Population density is not significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. H1 : Population density is significantly related with the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY All data in this study are secondary in nature. Secondary data is used in finding the resources for this study. Secondary data are statistic not gathered for the immediate study at hand, but for some other purpose. The data related to the demand for life insurance are obtained from the following annual reports: the Annual Report of the Insurance Commissioner and the Annual Report of the Director General of Insurance. The researcher has gathered the external information from various types of annual reports: Monthly Statistical Bulletin, Economic Report, Annual Insurance Report of the Bank Negara Malaysia. Materials obtained online are gathered from the official websites of BNM and Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE). Besides, the sources like books, newspapers, journals and internet that were relevant to the research topic were used. All the sources have been referred throughout the findings and analysis of the research. Researcher will analyze the data gathered to proof the evidence that various macroeconomic factors influenced the growth and performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. Scope of the study Basically the scope of this study focuses on the macroeconomic variables ie income per capita, inflation rates, price of the product and population density that effect the performance of life and health insurance in Malaysia. There are lots of other macroeconomic variables that can be contributed to the economic growth of Malaysia but this research shall only involved four key factor as for the remaining balance of variables can be included in the future studies as an extension from this research.The research area for this study is from Malaysia perspective only and the time frame shall be from 1998 to 2008 only. Data Analysis E Views version 6.0 applications were used by the researcher to analyze the data that have been gathered throughout the research process. The data need to be analyzed in order to obtain accurate answer for the question. The Multiple Regression Model will be used to predict the relationships in the construct. The Regression assumptions with respect to autocorrelation (independent of residual), normality (residual is normally distributed), homoscedasticity of error terms, multicollinearity of independent variables will be verified before making any interpretation of the statistical results.

Thursday, September 19, 2019

Processing a Crime Scene Essay -- Crime Scene Investigation

There are several steps that need to be taken in order to process a crime scene. Some of the steps include: securing the scene, a detailed search, documenting the crime scene, collecting and preserving evidence, and finally releasing the scene. All of the following steps are crucial to avoid any possible contamination or otherwise compromise the scene before it can be released. Few, if any additional opportunities exist when processing a crime scene, so the first time is most pertinent. First responders play a crucial role in the establishment of a crime scene. Upon arriving at the scene, the first responders have checked for living victims and have rendered aid. It’s important to create a perimeter around the crime scene (this can be altered if additional evidence is found outside the initial crime scene). Only emergency personnel should enter and exit from the central entry point to control contamination, by creating an exit point; it helps avoid any excessive traffic through the crime scene. By secure the scene to ensure that no evidence is misplaced or damaged, or otherwise compromised. Do a cursory check of the crime scene to obtain any transient evidence and secure any weapons found at the scene (in this case it was already at the scene with the suspect). Crime scene analysts and investigators communicate with first responders and are quickly briefed on the situation, and now a more thorough search can be conducted. A scene search is necessary to find evidence such as shell casings, biological evidence etc. At the time, a more detailed, extensive search will begin. Investigators have made their initial notations of the scene and created their hypothesis of the crime. The survey is an organizational stage to plan ... ...ditional visits to the crime scene could cause a compromise if entered into evidence at trial. Works Cited Gaensslen, R. E., Harris, H A., & Lee, H. (2008). Introduction to Forensic Science and Criminalistics. New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. . National Institute of Justice (2004, June). Crime Scene Investigation: A Reference for Law Enforcement Training. Retrieved June 3, 2011, from http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/200160.pdf Razzaq, N. Z. (2008). Visual Documentation in Crime Scene Investigations. Retrieved June 3, 2011, from http://policelink.monster.com/training/articles/17221-visual-documentation-in-crime-scene-investigations Technical Working Group on Crime Scene Investigation (2000, January). Crime Scene Invesitgation: A Guide for Law Enforcement. Retrieved May 26, 2011, from http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/178280.pdf

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Homers Odyssey and Dr. Seuss’ Youre Only Old Once Essay -- Odyssey e

Homer's Odyssey and Dr. Seuss’ You're Only Old Once      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   "What animal walks on all fours in the morning, on two legs at noon, and on three legs at night?" The famous riddle of the sphinx that has been pondered for many years; it is a universal issue that affects all people of every nationality, ethnicity, religion, or geographic area. We, ourselves, are the answer to this puzzle and yet we fight this explanation with every tool possible. We avoid it, refuse to admit it, read about it, joke about it, and deep down we often dread growing old. We know that this is an issue in every time period and is addressed by many writers. Growing old does not change, but each age has its own way of dealing with the old. This paper specifically looks at Homer's Odyssey and all the portrayals of old age in this epic poem. I will also look at You're Only Old Once, by Dr. Seuss as a modern example, even though humorous, of old age. Homer's Odyssey is a text that informs us about many components of the ancient world. We can look to this epic poem as a resource on relationships, attitudes, and actions of ancient Greece and the surrounding area. It represents all the values, customs, and feelings that this culture honored. The specific way we will look at this ancient writing is through the study of gerontology; the following questions might be asked. What was the attitude towards aging and the elderly? How was aging represented in this work? Finally, how is aging viewed by different genders, classes, and age groups? Old age is seen through out the poem, and is represented in many different ways. The first time old age is addressed is when Athena comes into the house of Odysseus to see the environment the suitors have created. Th... ...om," where they inform him of all the pills he must take. The catch is that he can not leave until he can repeat al the instructions. This brings up another factor, and that is the social class issue. Some of the older characters are in the lower class, which tend to increase the level of insult. Homer has different characters like the suitors insult others because of their class and age. Dr. Seuss has the doctors ask about the old man's financial state more than once and ask him to sign for all the bills. So in conclusion attitudes towards aging has not really changed through the ages. We all want to grow old gracefully and live to a ripe old age. Maybe someday we will beat that sphinx's Works Cited Homer. 1989. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. New York: Vintage Classics. Dr. Seuss. 1986. You're Only Old Once. New York: Random House. Â