A Literary Analysis of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

This paper analyzes   the novel Frankenstein. It is subdivided into two parts. The first part is a thematic analysis of the novel and the second part is a discourse analysis of the novel. Specifically it seeks to answer the following: what are the major themes of the novel; what are the discourses contained in and articulated by the novel?Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus is a famous novel by Mary Shelley. It was completed on May 1817, when Mary was just nineteen years of   age. It was made while she and her husband Percey Bysshe Shelley were on their summer vacation with Lord Byron in the Alps (â€Å"Frankenstein† ). With the best writers in England, Mary offered her contribution to the literary classics, the famous Frankenstein novel, which became famous in two genres: Science Fiction and horror (Milner, p.149).Thematic Analysis of FrankensteinThe novel Frankenstein is centered on four major themes: ignorance versus knowledge, injustice in world, in a feminist viewp oint—equality of men and women, and murders explained from the viewpoint of the murderers. Among many other themes, these four, in my opinion, are the major themes and therefore should be expounded.The novel was written in the early phase of the industrial revolution (â€Å"Analysis of Frankenstein†), that is, when science and technology was initially progressing. From this premise I can say that the novel is an attempt to criticize the existing social condition, that is to say, the novel criticizes the progress of science and the acquisition of knowledge. Shelley’s  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   use of the character Victor Frankenstein, the medical doctor who created a being more superior to the present race of men, explains my point. Even though Victor is knowledgeable enough to create life, he is still bounded by his imperfections. He created a killing monster instead—The Frankenstein Monster. This suggests that science could unravel the m ysteries of nature, but knowledge is still too dangerous for man to acquire. The novel suggests that knowledge is dangerous like when Victor discovered the mystery of life. knowledge is a monster.Furthermore, the novel suggests that some knowledge should be kept secret from men. Some knowledge do more evil than good, as the novel suggests. It says that ignorance is good. Knowledge is evil (â€Å"Remarks on Frankenstein†).The other title for Frankenstein, The Modern Prometheus, is suggestive of the theme of this novel. Prometheus is a mythological character who gave fire to men to keep them warm (â€Å"Prometheus gave fire to Men†). But Zeus punished Prometheus for doing so. Prometheus received an eternal punishment. In connection, the fire symbolizes knowledge. In the myth, knowledge is forbidden to men just like in the novel Frankenstein. The fire can warm, but it can also kill just as knowledge can. The novel criticizes the scientist most especially, in their empiric al quest for knowledge.The character of the Monster serves dual purpose in the novel, as far my first and second themes are concerned. First, the character is a concrete articulation of knowledge. It is the product of Victor’s study and experimentation. And so, it symbolizes the fruit of knowledge. In the novel, the monster was depicted as ‘ugly, abhorred, and disgusting’ and a killer. What does it say about knowledge? It suggests that knowledge is also ugly, abhorred and disgusting—a killer, too—a monster.The second function of the Monster character in the novel points at the second theme of the novel—injustice in the world. First instance is when Victor created a lone monster, without a companion. It lamented saying that â€Å"†¦Even Satan had his companions, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorred† (Shelley, p. 130). This points out that there is injustice committed to the Monster. Secondly, V ictor denied the monster a companion when the monster pleads for it. It pleads:My vices are the children of a forced solitude that I abhor, and my virtues will necessarily arise when I live in communion with an equal. I shall feel the affections of a sensitive   being, and become linked to a chain of existence and events, which I am now excluded.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   (Shelley, 147)Instead of creating a lady monster, Victor destroyed every little chance that the monster have of waiting for his lady companion by destroying the monster he was about to give life to.Third, there is injustice in the world when the monster experienced ostracism because of its appearance. It was drawn by villagers away and was forced to live alone, and excluded from humanity (â€Å"Frankenstein†).The theme on equality between sexes, in my opinion, is evident in the novel when the Monster pleads Victor to create a lady monster. There was no hint in the novel that the monster will dominate the la dy monster because all it wanted was to have a companion whom ‘it shall feel affection to’ (p.147). The novel did not hint at the superiority of men over women, as far as the character of the monster is concerned.Lastly, the most obvious theme of the novel is murder. But in this case, there was no negative presentation of crime because the murders were explained from the viewpoint of the murderers. The murderers were presented to have logical reasons for committing the crimes [this is unique] (my emphasis). Let us take for instance the first murder case—the murder of   Victor’s brother.Although the novel may have presented a ‘shallow’ reason why the monster murdered Victor’s brother, that is, victor’s brother recited a litany of epithets to the monster, it somehow explained the reason behind the murder. The monster was too sensitive with its appearance that’s why it has over reacted to the epithets.Another murder was com mitted when Victor destroyed the lady monster he was about to give life to. Victor is also a murderer. His reason was that if he let the lady monster live, he will bring tragedy to the world by ‘producing a race of devils’. Victor’s course of action was paid for by the monster’s killing of Victor’s fiancà ©e—Elizabeth. It was the price Victor has to pay for his murderous act.One good point about this novel was that it has presented murder from the viewpoint of the murderer. Shelley has produced characters with realistic motives, that is, the characters were driven by logical reasons for committing the crimes. This is something good about this novel.In conclusion, the novel Frankenstein or The Modern Prometheus was centered on four major themes: ignorance is good and knowledge is evil; injustice in the world; equality of men and women; and murders as explained from the viewpoint of the murderers.A Discourse Analysis of the novelDiscourse theo ry of Foucault can be applied to the Frankenstein Story. Foucault defines discourse as a way of thinking shared by a particular group of people at a particular place and time producing truth and power and controlling actions. It is a lived way of thinking deeply inculcated into individuals. Individuals become the subjects of discourses (Foucault, pp 21-30 ).Applying the theory of discourse, let us examine the discourses or ways of thinking which the story of Frankenstein articulate. What kinds of discourse are inculcated into individuals by the novel Frankenstein?Man as God and the Dawn of Scientific RevolutionThe story exemplifies man as a God. The giving of a life to an inanimate object is an act only reserved toa God. Yet in the story, man created life through Victor’s creation. It suggests an era where science has triumphed. It suggests that science could be a god, in this respect. It suggests that Science can offer man the impossible– that man can be a god.Just li ke in the literary text, the movie Shelley’s Frankenstein (dir. Branagh) explicates the dawn of scientific revolution. Below is an excerpt of the conversation between Clerval and Victor:Frankenstein:   Sooner or later, the best way to cheat death will be to create life.Clerval: Now, you’ve gone too far. There’s only one God, victor.Frankenstein: No, leave God out of this. Listen, if you love someone, they have a sick   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   heart, wouldn’t you give them a healthy one?Clerval: impossible.Frankenstein: No it’s not impossible, we can do it, we’re steps away. And if we can do   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   that, if we can replace one part of a human being, we can replace every part. If we can do   Ã‚  Ã‚   that, we can design life. We can create a being that will not grow old or sicken. One that   Ã‚   will be stronger than us, better than us, one that will be more intelligent than us, more civilized.†From the above, we can see that what was ‘impossible’ like a giving of a healthy heart, has become a possibility in the contemporary times. Heart transplant is a commonly practiced surgery these days. And it was made possible by science. The Frankenstein novel provides this transition.Even the creation of the monster symbolizes the triumph of Science. From this story of Frankenstein, we see that Science is like a God. Science can give life, too.Imperfect Beings and Unjust WorldIt is said that we can never be perfect like God. Whatever we do, we are still incomplete and imperfect. It is only God who is perfect. This way of thinking is also exemplified by the story of Frankenstein.Victor, a medical doctor and the creator of the monster, abhorred his very creation. In his attempt to create a being superior to human race, he had created a monster instead. This suggests that man, in his efforts, cannot create a being more superior to him. Victor has labored days and nights to create a being , yet a monster, instead, breathed to life. Even the monster itself abhorred his condition.Hateful the day when I received life! I exclaimed in agony. â€Å"Accursed Creator! Why did you ever form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust?†¦Satan had his companion, fellow devils, to admire and encourage him, but I am   solitary and    abhorred. (Shelley, p.130)Similarly, God created men in his own image and likeness, but then we are not like God who is perfect. More over, with imperfect beings came the imperfect and unjust world.Because of the grotesque appearance of the monster, the villagers attacked him. Everyone was disgusted by mere seeing the monster. Because of this, the monster too became malevolent to humans. It experienced injustice from the world.Remember, that I am thy creature; I ought to be thy Adam; but I am rather the fallen    angel whom thou drivest from joy for no misdeed. Every where I see bliss, from which I alone   am irrevocabl y excluded. I was benevolent and   good; misery made me a fiend.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Make me happy, and I shall again   be virtuous (Shelley, p.100)Another form of injustice made on the monster is thru Victor’s destruction of the lady monster. The monster had promised to live in peace and live in wilderness with his wife, the lady monster. The monster said:My vices are the children of a forced solitude that I abhor, and my virtues will necessarily arise when I live in communion with an equal. I shall feel the affections of a sensitive   being, and become linked to a chain of existence and events, from which I am now   Ã‚   excluded (Shelley, p.147).It was injustice to give life to a being, and let it suffer without even a friend, a loved one,not even anybody.In conclusion, the novel Frankenstein articulates the following discourses: man can be a God through Science; man is always imperfect; and the world is unjust.ConclusionThe horror science fiction of Shelley entitled Frankenstein, as my arguments pointed out, is a critique of the existing social condition of Shelley’s time—that is—the onset of industrial and scientific revolution.The novel is centered on the four major themes, namely; ignorance is good and knowledge is evil; injustice in the world; equality of men and women; and murders as explained from the viewpoint of the murderers.Frankenstein also articulates the following discourses or ways of thinking: that man can be a god through Science, and that man is always imperfect just as the world is always imperfect.Indeed, the novel has shown us that knowledge and science can bring chaos to man.Works CitedFoucault, Michel. Archeology of Knowledge and the discourse on Language. Trans. Smith,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Sheridan A.M. USA: Tavistock Publication Limited. 1972Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, dir. K. Branagh (Tristar, 1994, 118 mins)Milner, Andrews. Literature, Culture and Society . London: UCL press, 1996Prometheus gave Fire to Men. No date published. A Hand-out in Mythology Class.Remarks on Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus; A Novel. No date published. April 21,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   2007.Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus. M.K. Joseph (ed) Oxford: Oxford   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   University Press, 1980

Catfish and Mandala Essay

Andrew Pham, author of Catfish and Mandala, is on a journey of self-exploration. Family dysfunction, the illusions of the past, and the inability to move forward and find meaning to life when living between two cultures, are all catalysts’ for Pham return Vietnam. Contrary to being welcomed with open arms, Andrew is referred to as Viet-kieu when he is in Vietnam, a derogatory term meaning Vietnamese-American. Vietnamese people feel that the Viet-kieu abandoned everything about their culture when transplanted to America. This is an additional layer to the struggles Andrew faces. Andrew’s life is fractured into many pieces. His family is plagued with deep-seated hostility and trauma that developed long before his birth. From the abuse his father endured as a child and then transferred to his own children, the family decay after the Vietnam War, and the displacement of his family to America, Andrew has no sense of identity. Andrew is troubled with the duality of being Vietnamese and American and feels if he returns to Vietnam he will find meaning for his life. He does not assimilate to either culture and his anxiety grows as he tries to find a place to belong. Pham reminisces on his childhood, and includes deep memories of his other family members as well. The fissure in his family stems from the physical abuse and inability for the entire family to merge the two cultures and adapt together. The damage from the violence moves like a virus through the family, branching off and taking victim after victim. Chi-Minh, Andrew’s transsexual brother, cannot rise above the hardship and kills himself. Through out the book, Andrew goes back and forth giving the reader insight into Chi-Minh conflicts. Andrew never moves past Chi-Minh’s death and writes about his last moments with his brother,† It was my season of unraveling. And his as well. I couldn’t remember all, what he said. Nor what I said. Maybe he wished I’d said something. And I him. Perhaps we should have shared our troubled hearts. But in the end – My long-staying memory – I heard only the wavering catch in his voice† (334). Pham regrets not being able to open his heart to Chi-Minh, and overcome the emotional disconnect of the Vietna mese culture. Chi-Minh struggles to maintain a healthy existence and find life meaning. Sex change aside, Andrew blames the Vietnam War, family dysfunction and abuse, and a forced move to America as reasons for Chi-Minh’s short life and suicide. He draws parallels between his own struggles and Chi-Minh’s inability to create a life in America. The trauma of Chi-Minh’s death is an emotional vehicle for Andrew’s bike journey to Vietnam. As Children, Andrew and Chi were brutally beaten by their father. Even as a teenager, Chi survived a dreadful caning that resulted in her running away. Later, Andrew’s father recants his temper and wishes he could have â€Å"been more like an American father† because â€Å"They know how to cherish their children† (320). Andrew watches his own father struggle with being Vietnamese in an American society. He was use to a father who had a â€Å"survival instinct† and â€Å"refused victimization† (321). His brothers are homosexual, this is a point of embarrassment for Andrews father. Andrew tries to explain how they are successful and happy, but the definition of successful and happy are vastly different in the two countries, with his father being â€Å"Old-World† (321). Andrew realizes his entire family has trouble converging Vietnamese and American cultures and he is not the only victim of the abusive and dysfunctional life. In his preparation to bike across Vietnam and absorb the country that he believes keeps the roots of his existence; he is unaware of the drastic changes since the Vietnam War. Andrew remembers Vietnam through the eyes of a child and the memories are mostly happy and quite biased. Pham’s illusion of the past leads him to an emotional awakening while traveling and he compares current-day Vietnam to a prostitute. Vietnam has been reduced t o poverty in most places. Andrew remarks, â€Å"Saigon was thick with almsfolk, every market, every street corner, maggoty with misshapen men and women hawking their open sores and puss-yellow faces for pennies† (106). Although his description is putrid, Andrew weeps for the poor. Having sympathy for the impoverished is an American way of thinking, and this is a point of shame for his family that he stays with in Vietnam. Crying is seen as weakness in men. The reader sees the internal struggle that continues as Andrew tries to â€Å"be Vietnamese† or to â€Å"be American†. Andrew is repulsed by the cold hearts of his Vietnamese family members, and then ashamed for having ill feelings against his family. Andrew believed he would find his identity with the Vietnamese people and his life would move forward with strong meaning and purpose. Andrew goes through life living for his parents, living for the happiness of others, and in this neglects to find his true self. Before his ride to Vietnam , he rode to Mexico, then through the coast of America, and through Japan for 45 days. His physical journey mimics his stagnant and redundant state. He was wandering, living a superficial life. Andrew held the stress of the first-born son, to make his parents proud. He became an engineer, just as his mother told him he would do when he was four. He acted the role of the â€Å"Good Oriental employee† (25). Andrew recalls, â€Å"My father said ‘Good’ to me twice in my life. I showed him the glowing congratulatory letter from the national honor society†¦and for landing a cushy engineering post at a major airline† (24-25). As he travels, Andrew speaks as an American, and as a Vietnamese man. Chapter two begins with Andrew stating that he is â€Å"Vietnamese-American† (10). He lists out his likes and dislikes, implying that he has a strong sense of self. The reader soon finds out this is superficial. Andrew proclaims all of this to set up where he is now and gives a brief family history of the stark difference of where he came from. When he arrives to Vietnam, he is ready to embrace the culture and be Vietnamese. On the plane Andrew is divided by his feelings toward the Vietnamese as they fight for toys that have spilled, â€Å"Mortified by the Vietnamese’s behavior and equally dismayed that I feel an obligatory connection to them, I sink deeper in to my seat, resentful, ashamed of their incivility† (64). This is the beginning of the conflict Andrew faces about being American yet being from Vietnam. Instead of finding his way, his identity, value for his life, he is engorged with a larger paradox of emotion. Who is Andrew X. Pham? This is the question that Catfish and Mandala tries to answer by using memories and events of the past and journey of the present. A chasm opened in his family when they all integrated into American culture through very unique ways. The family inadvertently makes the journey of self-exploration difficult for each other, with Chi-Minh’s being virtually impossible. Abusive treatment of the children acts as a symptom of the disorder and illusion of self through out the entire family. Andrew writes his memoirs in a rhythmic motion swaying back and forth through past and present, in hopes of finding who he is to be in the future. Andrew is torn between being Vietnamese in America, and American in Vietnam. He is afflicted with living a placid half-life, never socially accepted by either society, and forced to carve his own path and make his own statement of self. From Vietnamese immigrant, to respected engineer, and now famous author and food critic, Andrew has found a way to merge the Vietnamese and American cultures to fit the mold of Andrew X. Pham, the Original. Works Cited Page Pham, Andrew X. Catfish and Mandala. New York: Farrar, Stratus and G, 1999. Print.

Problems in School Essay

Education is the most important factor for the development of human civilization. It is one of the ways that can help us to achieve our goals in the future. However, there have been many problems raised throughout the year in regarding to what our school system should be practicing to improve education. These problems consists of self-discipline, longstanding bullying and the case about school uniforms should be lessen in order to have a positive dispositions on education. Discipline and balancing is important in a student’s life. Sometimes, the person who has the freedom to do anything she wants will have the tendency to lose self-discipline and balance between extracurricular activities and academics. There was a time in my life when I thought I would not be able to finish high school because I got distracted by the social life around me. We could only be young once, as the clichà © goes. Indeed, I truly lived my teenage life to the fullest, to the point of over-living it. In fact, I was still in my early teens when I started going steady with my social life than school. My mother had a hard time straightening my head. However, the consequences of my actions had sadly taught me a lesson. I failed some of my classes when I was in freshman. Also, I joined volleyball and cheerleading in my junior year which completely gave me a hard time catching up with our lessons. I was forced to attend the after-school tutoring. Stumbling upon of having no discipline and balance between school, sports and social life are regrettably sad. Yes, I have a lot of learning, and acknowledge that school must be prioritized. Second, bullying has a real negative effect on the victim’s life. Those who are constantly bullied can be pushed to the breaking point, where they could end up hurting themselves or others. I have a school mate back when I was senior, and he had trouble coping with things since his parents got divorced. Over the last few months, he has neglected his school works, and gotten a few face piercing that were prohibited in our school. A few of his classmates have become hostile towards him because of the sudden physical changes, and his lack of social etiquette. The controversy have suddenly escalated as they have pushed him onto the ground, kicked him in the stomach, and locked him in the bathroom. Also, a few of the school jocks were standing in the hallway joking around when they spot their smaller classmate struggling to carry his school books. One of the jocks sticks his foot out and deliberately tripped the boy. They all laughed and called the boy names such as, â€Å"clumsy† and â€Å"dork†. Bullies pick on students who they think are physically weak, and unpopular with their peers. So, whether bullying comes in many different forms: both from cyber bullying to physical bullying, it is consider wrong and it has to stop. Lastly, clothing has become a way of self-expression on how a person dresses, and it usually reflects on their personality. The most common issue is some students being harassed by other students for the way they dress, and how they appear. When I was sophomore, gang violence has become a big concern throughout my high school. Gangs choose colors to wear which lets people know to which gang they belong to. Students, who do not know of this issue, wear that certain color during dress down day, and some of them got hurt because they were not aware of the specific gang colors. Then, I noticed all students nowadays must go out and have the new fashion trends, and style. However, not all parents are able to go out of their way to buy their children clothes. So, uniforms save not only the students for getting harass base on what they wear, but also for the parents who are already busy working to give and support our necessities. Uniforms cause children to be more civilized and mature in what they are doing. It is great for schools to implement a policy on school uniforms because it provides more focus to learning, reduces peer pressure, and increases school pride. Attitude can alter every aspect of a person’s life, including his or her education. Student’s attitudes on learning determine their ability and willingness to learn. Furthermore, it is never too late to improve our educational system. Every school should be more advance and provide a good learning environment first because a highly effective school profoundly enhances student’s prosperity.

Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Exam - Essay Example However, bullying also takes other, more indirect forms, such as gossiping, spreading rumors and other psychological forms of harassment. It is this type of bullying which is common in colleges. It has to be accepted that â€Å"the sad reality is that bullying and harassment affect millions of students on college campuses† (Holt). Bullying now takes many forms on a college campus: intimidation, hazing, and even cyber-bullying. Anti-harassment laws are necessary in colleges because of the new wireless culture, to signal zero tolerance for bullying and to ensure a positive impact on all stakeholders. The spread of wireless technology has changed the culture on college campuses. It is no longer sufficient that â€Å"Virtually every college in the country is required by federal law to have strong rules banning discriminatory harassment† (Lukianoff). These federal laws largely belong to the last century. The very nature of college campuses has changed in the past decade due to wireless technology. It is clear that bullying and harassment no longer deal only â€Å"with stalking, vandalism, telephonic harassment and threats† (Lukianoff).  With the spread of wireless technology and students’ constant interaction on social networks, the problem of bullying and harassment has also taken on more serious dimensions. ... College campuses must reflect larger society in order to function as true environments of learning. Anti-harassment laws must keep pace with the changing times in order to remain effective. It is only when colleges are bound by clear anti-harassment laws that they can firmly signal their zero tolerance for bullying. Institutes of higher learning must be clearly seen to encourage a positive, supportive atmosphere where students know that bullying will not be tolerated, where students know they can go to adults for help, and where there are clear consequences for bullying. When it is made compulsory for colleges â€Å"to distribute their anti-harassment policy to all students, including instruction on what students and administrators should do if an incident of harassment occurs,† bullying will be controlled (Holt). Spelling out the college’s commitment to an anti-harassment position will stop bullying.   This can be done by making colleges â€Å"publicly recognize tha t bullying is a real problem and have a policy to deal with it† (Holt). Only a compulsory anti-bullying policy will move college authorities to being proactive on this issue. Otherwise, there will be a tendency for teachers to tolerate or ignore bullying and even to look down on victims as not being ‘man enough’ to take it in their stride. Authorities need to be active in preventing bullying on campus. An anti-harassment legislation will ensure that teachers and administrators make it a part of their duty to intervene in bullying. When colleges are required to prevent bullying and harassment, all the stakeholders will benefit. The victims of bullying often carry scars for life. This is

Homeland Security - Capstone Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Homeland Security - Capstone - Essay Example Ten years later, we are still looking for answers although much speculation and some verified facts have come out for public viewing since then. There are things we know for sure now – and then things we can only wonder about because there is no one available to answer the questions that only the dead know. But we have been able to piece some pieces of information together, only to come up with more questions, some of which we really dont want to ask because the answer could mean we were betrayed by our own government who did not heed the warning signals. For instance, Phillipine intelligence had indicated to the United States that there was an attack being planned to hit the Twin Towers and other well-known sites. The plot, Project Bojinka, was known about as early as 1995. â€Å"Project Bojinka was known by the CIA, and the FBI. It was described in court documents in the trial in New York of Ramzi Yousef, and Abdul Murad for their participation in the bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993† (Ahmed, 2002). Additionally, FBI agents were aware of suspicious Arab-Americans learning how to fly planes in certain parts of the country. Special Agent Robert G. Wright Jr. said the Offices of the Directors of the FBI threated Wright with criminal prosecution if he said anything to the media about the prior knowledge the FBI had of the attacks against the United States, (Vernon, 2002). Special Agent Wright was demoted to doing paperwork at a desk in the office, and was scheduled to testify against the FBI for not saving thousands of innocent people of September 11, 2001, (Vernon, 2002). The purpose of this study has been to determine if there were any precautions we could have taken ahead of the event that would have prevented such an occurrence. We then look at what we have done since the attack to prevent further occurrences of terrorism

International area study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International area study - Essay Example The significance of the slave trade made historians feel the need of coming up with literature on the practice. Numerous literature pieces have been written with different scopes on slave trade. For instance, some pieces are written by slaves, by the slave traders and by the slave masters. This particular paper will analyze two literature pieces: one by Mary Prince, a slave and the other by John Barbot who was a slave trader. Additionally, the paper will also analyze the significance of historians in distributing the moral responsibility of the slave trade. The narration by Mary Prince is done by a slave. The story is a narration of the slave’s life in the hands of her masters. Mary Prince was a slave to more than one master since her birth (230). She was born of a slave mother, what made her an automatic slave (Prince 230). At a young age, Mary Prince was not subjected to hard labor like the rest of the slaves. Her role as a child was to ensure that the duties given by her ma sters or her mother were done. As years progressed under her master, the duties given to her became more complex like taking care of the master’s children. However, in this particular narration, her first master had a polite wife who took care of her as her own. She developed a connection with her master considering her status at the farm as a slave. Indeed, this was a rare relationship (Prince 231). It is evident the master was a cruel man, and spent time away from home which gave her wife an opportunity to be nice to the slaves (Prince 282). As she grew older, she was sold to a neighboring farm which also had a polite master (Prince 282). She acted as a guardian to a master’s child after which they became close. Apart from these two farms, Mary Prince was exposed to cruelty in other farms as she was subjected to hard labor and mistreatment (Prince 289). It is at this juncture of the narration that the real perspective of the slave trade is displayed. At one point in the narration, Mary gives a description on an elderly slave who died after being thrown in a thorny bush by her master (Prince 289). She also narrates when she had to be tied with their hands and flogged till they shed flesh from their back (Prince 289). From this narration, the reader is able to get a glimpse of the slave trade on the view of a slave. Other written stories are based on scholarly literatures. The narration by Mary gives the real picture of the situation inside slave farms. Additionally, the fact that she was traded from homestead to homestead is a clear indication of how insignificant slaves were to their masters. The narration by Mary Prince also explains the tribulations of slaves in a detailed perspective in terms of raising families and slaves and losing children to their masters. The narration by Barbot is neither based on a slave nor a master. The story is a report of a slave trader. The account also focuses on the origin and destination of slaves from the Atl antic to Europe. Barbot starts the narration of his account by highlighting trading specification in the Atlantic (Barbot 181). Apart from precious stones, the author cited slaves as the most valuable commodity in the Atlantic trade (Barbot 181). Slave trade in the Atlantic was a chain or an organization by major European dynasties. The slaves mostly originated from West Africa (Barbot 180). Upon arrival, each trader would mark their slaves with a hot iron as a mark of ownership. Purchasers of slaves in the

Rational Choice Theory.What is rational in rational choice theory Essay

Rational Choice Theory.What is rational in rational choice theory - Essay Example The factors which derive the utility vary from individual to individual. Rational Choice theory is derived from the theoretical approach of Microeconomics. The rationalizing factor can also be called as the factor which can maximize the happiness or the satisfaction level which an individual derives after consumption. The study of this theory can also be used to determine the long term and the short term results that could be derived from the utilization or the consumption of the product (Archer and Tritter, 2000). This report will be structured to analyze the Rational Choice Theory. The complete theory will be analyzed and discussed relating to the impact of rationality on the choices which the consumers make. The theory and the concept of rationality will be critically analyzed to conclude the relevance and the application of the Rational Choice Theory. The Rational Choice Theory framework studies the societal and the economic factors of a society which determines the level of util ity which the individual determines. Both the factors mentioned are pivotal in determining the level of utility which the individuals derive. The word rationality and the postulates of the Rational Choice Theory differ from each other. Rationality is defined as the sane behavior of the individual to derive maximum utility from the product that is consumed. Rationality differs from Rational Choice Theory because the act of balancing the cost and the advantage that the consumer derives from the use of that product is counted as rational even if the decision made is inappropriate (Zafirovski, 2001). Rationality classifies the decision which is considered to be sane by the complete society but the Rational Choice Theory classifies the utility on the basis of satisfaction derived by the individuals irrespective whether the decision is right or wrong. This factor has been contradicted and debated by most. This report will highlight the importance of understanding the concept of the theory to reach to a conclusion. For this the theory will be critically assessed and commented (Zafirovski, 2001). RATIONAL CHOICE THEORY AND ITS EMPHASIS The emphasis of the Rational Choice Theory is to gain maximum understanding of the human behavior. The postulates that have been proposed in the theory are very vital for deriving the concepts of economics. The use of this theory is not limited only to economics but its application can be prominently admired in disciplines like sociology, political sciences etc. where human behavior plays a very vital role. By studying the behavior of the individuals the choices which they make and their preferences for particular products can be studied (Brinton and Nee, 2001). Assumptions of Rational Choice Theory To summarize the Rational Choice Theory it can be said that the individuals try their level best to make the best buying decisions which they can under the circumstances which they are facing. The assumptions for the application of the theor y are (Carling, 1991): 1. The human behavior and their action are destined for a purpose. The decision of the individual is to sight a goal that is to be achieved. 2. The decisions which the individuals make are prioritized. These set of priorities vary from individual to individual. 3. The decisions made by the individuals are on the basis of rationality. The level of preference of the products varies from individual to individual. This variation is subject to the factors like the utility derived from the consumption of the product, the cost variation of the alternates that are available, the option that is selected is considered to be the best way of maximizing the utility. 4. Social involvements of the individuals

David Abram Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

David Abram - Essay Example Abraham goes ahead to state that once human beings accept their bodies, they perforce recognize that they are also animals. Despite the uniqueness in mankind, its place is not above the animated world but instead in its midst. He also disagrees with the view that perception is the act of hearing, being aware or seeing something as perceived remains static, but instead its an interaction between one body and others or things, where there is a sympathetic or symbiosis relationship. He then discusses language which is rooted in the experience of senses. In a nutshell, Abram’s work presents a complex, detailed and good work that defines the existence of humanity. It throws a spanner on the complacency of the perceived truths and replaces them with thoughts that if they are not understood, they will remain open questions. He refers to it as a turning inside out resulting to loosening of the psyche from the confinement of human sphere. Simone de Beauvoir In her study, Ethics of Ambi guity, Simone de Beauvoir begins by presenting the characteristics of oppression, which includes; it removes the oppressed from community members believed to be in authority and can influence decisions and also aims towards the reduction of the oppressed to the status of an object. In his work, he believes that manipulation desire is one of the main ways through which oppression is exercised. Just like Sartre, she holds that the destruction of passion or desire will have a negative consequence for the creation of life and have a purpose in it.

PUMPING IRON IN Saudi Arabia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PUMPING IRON IN Saudi Arabia - Essay Example This encourages the participants. Another purpose the author wanted to issue in this case is about gender. The gymnasium is occupied by men only. This raises a major concern about the health fitness of the women. All the participants in the gymnasium were men. The author has also raised religious issues involved. The author has clearly presented the picture of the Gym in question. He begins by describing the location of the gym. The author has also provided information on the charges that one needs to pay in order to become a member. Then, the author proceeds to describe the facilities that are found in the Gym. The Gym is packed with high quality exercise machine (Dyatt 2009). However, the author emphasizes on the fact that the equipments are old and the surfaces are peeling off though clean. The author has also revealed the uniqueness of the 10th Street from the fact that it observes the religious aspects carefully. For instance, the rights are put off and the door closed during the prayer of Saleh (Dyatt 2009). The lights are put off and the door locked automatically even if workout is in the middle. The author has also revealed that failure to observe these rules can lead to loss of license. When the lights are off, the carpets are out between the exercises machines after which the faithful faces Mecca in rows for prayer (Dyatt 2009). Meanwhile, other people would continue to work out quietly besides them. Both groups are expected to proceed harmoniously. The author have also emphasized that working out in the darkness is really interesting. It motivates people as it exaggerates the appearance of the people. The strong looks stronger in the darkness (Dyatt 2009). The author has also introduced the gym manager who is also a weight lifter. He is a friendly man who is interested in every attendant. He is determined to help the new weight lifters. The author has also revealed

Person Centred-Care Essay Example for Free

Person Centred-Care Essay It’s important to promote person centred values as no individual is the same and everyone’s needs are different. Therefore we need to show that we have taken into account the individual as it will make them feel more valued and appreciated. It gives a personal touch to our standard of care. Another reason for the importance of promoting person centred values, is to make not just the service user feel valued but also make the families feel that we are taking on board their knowledge and understanding of the service user, in order to give him/her the best care possible. Consent: see more:define person centred values nvq 2 Consent is giving permission to do something, with an individual either taking part in an activity or accepting some kind of care or treatment. It is a legal requirement that consent is established before any intervention or caregiving activity takes place. Establishing consent is one way care workers can demonstrate they respect the individual and the individual’s personal dignity. Consent can be given in a number of ways; verbally, in writing or through actions. You may also have informed consent, such as perhaps by raising an arm to be supported when dressing, and thereby imply consent. Informed consent is given when the individual understands what they are consenting to. If we’re unable to gain consent you will go to the person allocated such as a social worker, next of kin (family) or advocates/solicitor.

Stress: Effects on nursing staff

Stress: Effects on nursing staff Job stress has become an increasingly common outcome of todays dynamic life. Stress in the workplace is better understood as the psychological state that represents an imbalance or inconsistency between an employees perceptions of the demands and their ability to cope with those demands. Most jobs consist of situations or events that employees find stressful; however, some jobs encounter more job-related stress than others. It is now an established fact that the profession of nursing is full of stress and challenges. Female nursing staff faces crying and dying patients on daily basis. The tasks performed by them are almost mundane and unrewarding. If measured by normal standards, nurses job is disgusting and distasteful, degrading and frightening (Hingley, 1984).  [i]   The ILO has commissioned a manual on the job stress and its prevention among female nursing staff entitled work relating stress in nursing, controlling the risk of health by Dr. A. Griffiths, Professor S. Cox, due to its great significance. (ILO, 2001).  [ii]   1.2) THE MAIN SOURCES/CAUSES OF JOB STRESS AMONG NURSES: The job of female nurses is daunting and daring. Everyday multiple and conflicting demands are imposed on nurses by their supervisor, managers, administrative staff and others. Such situation usually leads to work burden and role conflict. The role conflict is inherent in the job of female nurses due to goal oriented demands put on them such as getting patients better very early. The nurses are given the task of providing emotional support and relieving stress of dying and crying patients. Role conflict is common among nurses looking after those patients who are critically ill and dying. It is worth mentioning here that intensive care unit and critical units of our hospitals attracted particular attention these days. Here, the female nurses faces, on daily basis, stark suffering, grief and death. It is now universally accepted that health care in the current era suffer high rate of violent behavior. In recent times, many research studies have measured and determined the effects of job stress on health and well being of nurses in the hospital settings and elsewhere. Job stress detracts nurses from qualitative working lives, enhances psychiatric morbidity and contributes towards physical illness, such as musculoskeletal problems and depression.  [iii]   1.3) International council of nursing (ICN,2001) has reported that if we want to develop an optimum environment for the production of stress, a lot of stressors, we would include, would be obviously recognized by female nurses as events in the hospital settings which they confront on routine basis. The stressors are long hours, unpleasant noises, sights, undue quiet, sudden shift from intense to mundane tasks, time pressure, no second chance, and enclosed environment etc  [iv]  . 1.4) Stress usage in its historical perspective. Stress is a recent term used frequently and generally after 1950s. It is semi-psychological term, always refers to hardship and coercion. In Middle English destress, in Latin stringere- to draw tight. In physics, stress is the internal distribution of a force exerted on a material body, resulting in strain. During the year 1920s and 1930s, stress is used in psychological circles; here it is mental strain or unwelcome happenings. The advocate of holistic medicine refers stress to harmful environmental agent, the implication of which is illness. Following Hans Seyles laboratory experience during 1930s, a new scientific usage of stress developed. Stress is the state of organism as it responded and adapted to the environment. Seyles theories of universal non-specific stress response attracted great interest in the academic circle in physiology. Seyle endeavored to assimilate stress to the non academic physician as well, by writing a good piece entitled stress of life for general public. A thorough and detailed study of job stress would help employees achieve health and happiness by successfully responding to challenges and problems of the modern globalized world. Eustress is the positive stress as against destress which represents negative stress. Stressors are the causative events/ stimulus. A large amount of research has been conducted during the late 1960s and early 1970s, to establish a link between stress and diseases of various kinds, stress and decline in performance. To better address the critical issue of stress, research on stress in medical circle has become a focal point during the recent years. By 1990s, job stress has become significant segment of modern sciences, in all areas of physiology and human functioning. Focus, recently, developed on stress in certain settings, such as stress in work environment. And stress intervention and stress management techniques were developed (how to cope or handle stress). Stress may be viewed as perceived difficulties in life or a way of referring to hurdles, impediments and eliciting sympathy without being explicitly confessional, just stressed out. Stress includes a wide rang of outcomes, from mild irritation to intense and severe problems that might give real breakdown of health. Generally any event or situation between these extremes could be termed as stressful. The most critical and extreme situation result in burn out and the implication is post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), an anxiety disorder that can develop after exposure to one or more frightening and terrifying events that result in great physical loss. PTSD is a critical and ongoing emotional reaction to an extreme psychological trauma. It is associated with some occupations such as emergency human resource departments, police personnel and army men etc. These type of stressors may include events as someone actual death, threat to patients life or someone else, serious physical injuries or partial or total disablement, threat to psychological integrity, over whelming usual psychological defenses coping. Sometimes, it may result from profound psychological and emotional trauma apart from any physical harm. Often, however, the two are combined. Life is full of stressful events. We frequently confront challenges and obstacles, and sometime the pressure put on us is very hard to cope with. When we are definitely unsure of how to meet demands set for us, we experience stress. It is worth mentioning here that in small amount stress can be a good thing. It can give us the push, we need, motivating us and to concentrate and remain conscious, focus and alert.  [v]   Stress keep us on our toes during presentation or it stimulate us to curiously study for exam and stay focused when we would be rather in cinema. But when the stress become too hard and the lifes demands exceed our capabilities to handle, then our physical and emotional well being is threatened. We always consider the stressors as being negative, such as rocky relationship, death of near one, over work, an exhausting schedule etc. However, anything that compels us to accommodate and to cope can be a stressor. Stress includes as well, positive events such as promotion, transfer to new post, getting married and changes etc. Regardless of whether an event is positive or negative, if the changes it brings strain, our handling ability and adaptive resources are stimulated, the implication is the subjective feeling of being stressed and the biological stress response of the body. The sources of stress are manifold. Our stress may be associated to outside factors such as working environment, conditions of the world, family affairs etc. Sometime, stress may be the outcome of our own irresponsible behavior, unrealistic goal, negative perception, and attitude etc. The causes of the stress are highly individual. What we think stressful is associated with many factors, including our personality outlook on life, problem solving skills and social support system of our society. Sometimes, that is stressful to us may not be stressful for others. For example, our morning journey may make us worry that traffic jam will make us late, others, however, may find the trip relaxing because they allow more than enough time and enjoy talking, viewing and listening to music or reading books. (NIOSH 1987)  [vi]   Stress experienced by the masses in our modern and industrialized society mainly originates in the Enterprises; much of the stress that originates elsewhere affects our behaviour and performance in this enterprises-spill over effect. Stress means different thing to different peoples. From the perspective of layman, stress can be described as feeling tense, anxious or worried or having the blues. Scientifically such feelings are indication of the stress experience, an intriguingly complex programmed response to perceived threat that can have negative or positive implication. The term stress has been defined in multiple ways in the research and professional literature. All the definitions can be placed in two categories, stimulus and response. According to stimulus definition, stress is an event, situation or characteristic that result in potentially disruptive circumstances. In physics, stress refers to the external force applied to an object, for example a bridge girder. The response is strain, which is the impact the force on the girder. In a response definition, stress is seen partially as a response to some stimulus, called a stressor. A stressor is a potentially harmful or threatening external event or situation. Stress is more than simply a response to a stressor. However, in a response definition stress is the consequence of an interaction between an environment stimulus (a stressor) and an individuals response. That is, stress is the result of a unique interaction between stimulus condition in the environment and an individuals predisposition to respond in a particular way. (Ivancevich, 2001)  [vii]   1.5) Stress Defined:- One of the complicating issues in understanding stress is the fact that it has been defined in a multitude of ways. An adaptive response moderated by individual differences, that is a consequence of any action, situation or event that places special demands on a person.( Ivancevich,Olekalns,2008)  [viii]   Stress is a psychological and physiological response to events that upsets our personal balance in some way. These events or demands are known as stressors.(NIOSH, 2010)  [ix]   Stress is the general term applied to the pressures, people feel in life.(Newstorm,Devis, 2002)  [x]   Any adductive demand caused by physical , mental or emotional factors that requires coping behavior(Bohlander,Snell, 2004)  [xi]   A dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an opportunity, constraints or demand related to what he or she desires and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important.( Robbins, 2001)  [xii]   Stress is a complex pattern of emotional states, physiological reactions and related thoughts in response to external demands.(Greenberg, Baron, 2000)  [xiii]   The interaction between individual and environment characterized by physiological and psychological changes that cause a deviation from normal performance. A situation where in job-related factors interact with a worker to change his or her psychological and/or physiological condition such that the person is force to deviate from normal functioning.(Bernardin, 2003)  [xiv]   Some environmental force affecting the individual, which is called a stressor. The individuals psychological or physical response to the stressor. In some cases, an interaction between the stressor and the individuals response. Stress is a dynamic condition in which an individual is confronted with an Opportunity, demand, or resource related to what the individual desires and for which the outcome is perceived to be both uncertain and important.(Robbins, Timothy, 2007)  [xv]   (11) Behr and Newman define job stress as a condition arising from the interaction of people and their jobs and characterized by changes within people that force them to deviate from their normal functioning.(Pfeffer, 1992)  [xvi]   (12) When a person is confronted with a situation which poses a threat or demand, and perceives that she or he does no have the capability or resources to match or exceed the stressor, the imbalance that results at that point in time is termed stress.( Luthan, 2005)  [xvii]  ) (13) An Individuals adaptive response to a situation that is perceived as challenging or threatening to the persons wellbeing.(Mc Shane, Travaglione, 2004)  [xviii]   (14) Stress is an individuals physiological and emotional response to stimuli that place physical or physiological demands on the individual and create uncertainty and lack of personal control when important outcomes are at stake. (Samson, Richard, 2003)  [xix]   (15) Stress is the excitement, feeling of anxiety, and/or physical tension that occur when the demands place on an individual are thought to exceed his ability to cope. (Hellriegel, John 2004)  [xx]   (16) Stress is a negative emotional state occurring in response to events that are perceived as taxing or exceeding a Persons recourse or ability to cope. (Hockenbury, 2003)  [xxi]   For our purposes, we think it is useful to view stress as the response a person makes and to identify the stimulus conditions (actions, event or situation) as stressor. This allows us to focus our attention on aspects of the organizational environment that are potential stress producers. Whether stress is actually felt or experienced by a particular individual will depend on that individuals unique characteristics. Furthermore, note that this definition emphasizes that stress is an adaptive response. The great majority of our responses to stimuli in the work environment does not require adaptation and thus are not really potential sources of stress. In the context of our stress definition, stress is the outcome of handling something that places special demands on the individual. Special here means unusual, physically or psychologically threatening, or outside an individuals usual set of behaviors. Starting a new assignment, changing bosses, having a flat tier, missing a plane, making a mistake at work, having a performance evaluation meeting with the boss, giving a speech all of these are actions, events or situations that may place special demands on individuals. In that sense, they are potential stressors. Not all stressors will always place the same demand on all people. In order 0f an action, event or situation to result in stress, it must be perceived by the individual to be a source of threat, challenge or harm. If there are no perceived consequences good or bad there is no potential stress. At least three additional factors play a role in determining whether what an individual is experiencing is likely to result in stress. These factors are; importance, uncertainty and duration. Importance is related to how significant the event is for the individual. For example, let us suppose that an employee is facing a job lay-off. The more significant or important that event is to the individual, the greater the stress potential. If the employee expects such an event to be followed by a period of prolonged unemployment, it will probably be viewed as a more important event than if immediate employment is assured Uncertainty refers to a lack of clarity about what will happen. Rumors of an impending lay-off may be more stressful for some people than knowing for certain that they will be laid off. At least in the latter case, they can make plans for dealing with the situations. Frequently, not knowing places more demands on people than knowing, even if the known result is perceived as negative. Finally, duration is a significant factor. Stressor can be either acute or chronic. Acute stressors are major events in our lives that have a relatively short time frame. Getting married, losing your job or failing in exams are all events that leave a big impact on us, but they do not endure overtime (we do not fail an exams every day). Chronic stressors have a less profound impact on us when they occur, but we are exposed to them on an almost continual basis. They are represented by daily hassles that fit with seyles representation of stress as the wear and tear of every day life. Such things as shopping, cooking or finding a study space in the library are all minor irritation that we face on an almost daily basis. They may not affect us at a time, but their affect slowly built over time. Generally speaking, the longer special demands are placed on us, the more stressful the situation. Giving an unpleasant job assignment that lasts for only a day or two may be mildly upsetting, whil e the same assignment lasting for months may be excruciatingly painful. Although there are some acute stressors in the workplace (job loss or transfer, promotion or demotion, and entering or leaving the job market), most of the work place stressor are better thought of as daily hassles. 1.6) THE GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME (GAS) Stress includes both psychological and physical components. Dr. Hanss Seyle, the pioneer of stress research was the first to conceptualize the psycho physiological responses to stress. Seyle consider stress a non-specific response to any demand made upon an organism. He labeled the three phases of the defense reaction that a person establishes when stressed as the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). Seyle called the defense reaction general because stressor had effects on several areas of the body. Adaptation refers to a stimulation of defenses designed to help the body adjust to or deal with, the stressor. And syndrome indicates that individual pieces of the reaction occur more or less together. The three distinct phases, which can be seen in exhibit no.1, are called alarm, resistance and exhaustion. The alarm stag is the initial mobilization by which the body meets the challenges posed by the stressor. When a stressor is recognized, the brain sends forth a biochemical message to all the bodys systems. Respiration increases, blood pressure raises, pupils dilate, muscles tense up and so forth. If the stressor continues, the GAS proceeds to the resistance stage. Sign of being in the resistance stag include fatigue, anxiety and tension. The person is now fighting the stressor. While resistance to a particular stressor may be high during this stag, resistance to other stressor may be low. A person has only finite sources of energy, concentration and ability to resist stressors. Individuals are often more illness-prone during periods of stress than at other times. The final GAS stage is exhaustion. Prolonged and continual exposure to the same stressor may eventually use up the adaptive energy available, and the system fighting the stressor becomes exhausted. It is important to keep in mind that the activation of the GAS places extraordinary demands on the body. Clearly, the more frequently the GAS is activated and longer it remains in operation, the more wear and tear there is on the psycho physiological mechanisms. The body and mind have limits. The more frequently a person is alarmed, resist and becomes exhausted by work, non-work or the interaction of these activities, the more susceptible he or she becomes to fatigue, disease, aging and other negative consequences. (Ivancevich, 2001)  [xxii]   Stage 1 Normal level of resistance Stage 3 ALARM REACTION The body shows the changes characteristic of the first expose to the stressor. At the same time, its resistance is diminished. Workplace example: A request by a manager to submit a budget in 3 days RESISTANCE The second stage ensures if continued exposure to the stressor is not compatible with adaptation. Resistance increase above normal. Workplace example: Flying off the handle at a meeting because the budget was still unfinished time is passing with no budget work occurring. EXHAUSTION The third stage follows long continued exposure to the same stressor, to which the body has become adjusted. Eventually adaptation energy is exhausted. Workplace example: No sleeps, insomnia, worry about the budget. Totally and physically exhausted. Stage 2 Exhibit no.1 1.7) THE CAUSES OF STRESS The causes of stress, which may rightly be called stressors, include any environmental condition that place a physical or emotional demand on a person. There are numerous stressors in organizational settings and other life activities. Exhibit no.2 lists the four main types of work-related stressor: Physical environment stressors, Role-related stressors, Interpersonal stressors and Organizational stressors. 1.7.1) STRESSORS INHERENT IN PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT (PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT STRESSORS) The physical environment of organization contains some physical environmental stressors; safety hazards, poor lighting, and excessive noise etc. For example, a study of textile workers in a noisy plant found that there level of stress decreased measurably when they were supplied with ear protectors. Another study reported that clerical employees experience significantly higher stress level in noisy, open office than in quiet areas. Physical stressors also include poorly designed office space, lack of privacy, ineffective lighting and poor air quality. 1.7.2) ROLE-RELATED STRESSOR In this concept of role related stressors, employees have difficulty in assimilating and reconciling or performing the multitude roles that they play in their life. Main role-related stressors are; Role conflict, Role ambiguity, Workload Task control: Role conflict Accordingly, when masses confront competing demands role conflict occurs. An employee may have two roles that are in conflict with each other (called interrole conflict) or may receive contradictory messages from different people about how to perform a task (called intraoral conflict). Role conflict also occurs when organizational values and work obligations are incompatible with personal values (called person-role conflict). For example, a recent study described how Australian managers experience the stress of people-role conflict when they observe unethical practices involving partners located in other countries. Work related stressors Physical environment stressors Role-related stressors Interpersonal stressors Organizational stressors Non-work stressors Individual Differences stress Consequences of distress Physiological Heart disease Ulcers High BP Headaches Sleep disturbance More illness Psychological Job dissatisfaction Depression Exhaustion Moodiness Burnout Behavioral Lower job performance More accidents Faulty decisions Higher absenteeism Workplace aggression Exhibit no.2 1.7.2.2 Role ambiguity When workers are unsure of meeting job responsibilities, performance, expected level of authority and job conditions, role ambiguity is said to exist. This tends to occur when people enter new situations, such as joining the organization or taking an overseas assignment, because they are uncertain about task and social expectations. 1.7.2.3Work load-work under load providing small amount of work or assignment to workers that do not match their talent is a stressor. However, work overload is the most common stressor these days in our dynamic organization. Employees are required to perform too much work in too short time. Long hour work leads to unhealthy lifestyles, which in turn, cause heart disease and stokes. This is a concern in Singapore and Hong Kong where cultural values encourage long work hours. Work hours in Australia are also creeping up, with almost one-third of the workforce clocking in 49 hours or more per week. Work overload is such a problem in Japan that death from overwork has its own name karoshi. 1.7.2.4) Task control employees feel more stress when they have no control over their assignment, performance and pace of their activities. Work is potentially more stressful when it is paced by a machine, involves monitoring equipment or the work schedule is controlled by someone else. This is the reason why techno stress-stress caused by information technology-has become one of the leading health hazards in the workplace. Australian now identifies e-mail as their biggest source of stress. One-quarter of British managers also say that email is creating stress. Over two-thirds of employees in large American companies feel overwhelmed by the incessant demands of electronic communication. 1.7.3) STRESSOR INTERPERSONAL These include ineffective supervision, office politics and other conflicts with masses. High turnover of front-line staff at Australias Commonwealth Bank is apparently partly cause by stress from increasingly angry customers. One survey indicate that 88 per cent of call center employees in Australia say that they have high or extreme level of stress, mainly due to angry customers and unsupportive management. Its one thing dealing with one angry costumer on the odd occasion, but when you are dealing with people like that all day, it is tough, says JAG Marketing executive Jonathon Gross, who has worked in a call center. Teamwork is a potential interpersonal stressor. A study of West rail, the government-owned rail transportation company in Western Australia, revealed that employees experienced higher stress when they were formed into work teams. Sexual harassment is another powerful interpersonal stressor. Victims of sexual harassment experience trauma (especially from rape or related exploitation) or must endure tense colleague relations in a hostile work environment. Moreover, they are expected to endure more stress while these incidents are investigated. 1.7.3.1) Workplace violence Another serious interpersonal stressor is the rising wave of physical violence in the workplace. In the United States, one thousand workers assassinated on job each year and two million other experiences lesser forms of violence. But the international labor organization reports that the highest incidence of workplace assaults and sexual harassment isnt in the United States; it occurs in France, Argentina, Romania, Canada and England. Workplace violence is less common (or less reported) in Pacific Rim countries, but it is significant stressor in some industries. New Zealands department of work and income has banned 170 people from entering its offices because of their violent or intimidating behavior. All 260 nurses who responded to a survey in New South Wales had experienced some form of violence at least weekly; many cited incidents involving lethal weapons. Employees have usually symptoms of severe stress, when experiencing violence, or after traumatic events. It is not uncommon for these primary victims to take long-term leave. Some never return to work. Workplace violence is also a stressor to those who observe the violence. After a serious workplace incident, counselors work with many employees, not just the direct victims. Even employees who have not directly experienced or observed violence may show signs of stress if they work in high-risk jobs. For example, one study reported that the greater cause of work-related stress among British bus driver is their perceived risk of physical assault. 1.7.3.2) Workplace bullying Although less dramatic than workplace violence, workplace bullying is becoming so common that it is considered as more serious interpersonal stressor. It has become enough of a concern that some Scandinavian countries have passed laws against it. Humiliating behavior, intimidating or offensive attitude that insults and ridicules or degrade another workers at organization is better refer to work place bulling. People with higher authority are more likely to engage in bullying or incivility towards employees in lower positions. What studies here in Australia and around the world are showing is that significant source of workplace stress is bullying-intimidating behavior from employers and bossy attitude. Workplace bullying produces stress and its physiological, psychological and behavioral consequences. Australian studies estimates that almost three-quarters of victims experience or seek counseling for depression, fatigue, sleep disorders and higher blood pressure following incidents of bullying. Workplace bullying also imposes enormous costs on organizations. Australian research has found that victims take an average o HRM: Strategic goals and objectives HRM: Strategic goals and objectives INTRODUCTION This assignment will find out answer the question which is that do u think the linking of HRM with strategic goals and objectives by any organization will help to improve business performance and develop organizational cultures that foster innovation flexibility. Besides it will illustrate the objectives of strategic HRM in the organization and how they influence competitive advantage of organization. Companiesare as good as their staff. The demand to maximise the potencyl of the company and their manpower by clever people management and organisational growth is a dutyaccomplish through the HR area. It is the aim of a company to be successful and to turn a profit. It is necessary for people to play a crucial role in succeeding this objective. The aim of this assignment is to supply an apprehension of the relevancy of HR strategy that advocates the business strategy to the task of HR department a company. Several growing companies believe that Human Resource (HR) supplies them competitive advantage. It was seen by many companies that competitive advantage can be found by quality manpower or employees and culture. Ä °t evaluates the long-run performance of a company. Strategic HR assures that staff of a company helps to its success with their abilities and performance. Traditional HR is related to carrying out of rules and techniques such as recruitment, staffing,assessment. But linking the general HRM and the companys strategy gives HR department more background to increase the skills of their manpower and concentrate on the vision and mission. Human Resource Management The overall aim of HRM is to contribute companies succeed their tasks which are vitally seen in terms of efficiency by its people. HRM emphasises on the importunity of gettting dedication to the companies task and values with emphasis on the need for strategic adjustment, which is the combination of business and HR strategies. Nevertheless , different opinions to the strategic management of human resources are likely. This is a kind of managing andcontrolling the manpower so as to get a competitive advantage. However , it emphasises on the human issues of HRM as valuable assets, by stressing on communication, motivation and leadership. It can be seen as a typical way of leading people, one that focuses on the value of staff as investigationsto be improved by the company. The accent is one which has the involvement of management focused on assuming a planned approach which is intimately incorporated with business strategy. â€Å"The interpretation of HRM is based on incorporating either a soft, developmental humanist approach or a hard, situational contingent approach† (Liao, 2005) In a perfectcompany one would adopt it to be well- adjusted and incorporated with all people partaking the organisational purposes and working together as a team. This concludes that the distinction between the two approaches was not and still is not a precise one. Human resource management policies and rules might affect the recruitment process, in that people could be afected to apply for jobs if the organization becomes considered for its good human resource management approach. On the other hand, poor human resource management practices might rise sales.â€Å"Effective recruiting is essential to an organizations financial future†(Dessler). Human resource managers should actively improve training and aid line managers in the performance appraisal process.Managers should actively revise employee performance to supply feedback to staff and address performance subjects. Performance appraisals should be indifferent and focused on essential performance issues.Managers should ma ke a point staff understand what is expected of them and the demand of their job. HR Strategy and Business Strategy First of all ,strategy will be defined and how it connects to human resource management. Strategy is obtaining from where we are now to where we would like to be; it may be demonstrate or inexplicit in organisational behaviour. Schneider (1994) has suggested that in â€Å"the soft approach, effective HRM is seen necessarily to involve a focus upon fostering employee motivation, commitment and development.† Thus, HR strategy is connected to organisational strategy. Ä °fdefinitions will be looked. Business strategy could be described as those people who work an organisation that find ways to place their business duties through the use of controlling the planning environment and to fully use the future use of the capital and human assets. Nevertheless, HR strategy could be described as the procedure of joining tactics, programmes and purposes within an overall model, planned to improve to meet a companies duties. Because of that, it is saidthat HR strategy should play an important role in improving the companies competitive advantage and not only as a way to contribute the business strategy but also to improve it is a right supposition to the extent of both going hand-in-hand to succeed the companies main purposes and objectives. Of all the demand related to the above, HR strategy could be vindicated by business strategy. HR strategies will be considered by management as of little relevancy to the real duties of the business without business strategy, and it will leave the HR function in a difficult position, however it might have a important role in the delivery of the long-term future plans of a company. All the determinationsif becoming HR or business could be incorporated at a strategic level therefore all aspects and demand are introduced by making new opportunities for what is hold thinkable. Human resource strategy has got too many topics. Because of that , it is difficult to describe human resource strategy. The centre of HR strategy is a kept up focus on the people who work for a company.A HR strategy is vital for keeping quality customer satisfaction,being loved and continuing high quality staff and assuring kept dedication from the staff to steady develop the company. It means that the growth of strategies to appeal the right people to the organisation with the right abilities and competences and strategies to continue them only they are enrolled.Key issues in attracting and continuing staff are Recruitment and Selection, Rewards and pay, Training and development and appraisal management.The main purpose of any HR strategy is to make the highest value company. Ä °t is explained what HR strategy and why organisations should improve a HR strategy.For many organisations there is a essential situation to improve a HR strategy because of the risingly rivalry business globalization. HR strategy educesthe desire to fully work the capacity of people as a opportunity of competitive advantage but also to meet the needs of HR practioners.The only real source of sustainable competitive advantage for many companies is letting loose the power of its people, people and procedures not only supply unbelievable competitive advantage, they are also difficult to copy or buy in. The factors which should be considered by management In performing the work, the manager should think the strategic elements of the organization system. These elements are individual element, formal organization element, informal organization element and The Role and Status Patterns element. Internal factors Ä °ndividual factors: which include attitudes, feeling, and personality traits, motives and other variables that help determine individuals behavior Formal organization factors: are the formal structure, the hierarchy of authority, the communications channels, and the pattern of relationship that it supplies together with is objective, policies, process and other management devices that help to develop and facilitate its system Informal organization factors: it involves the standards and behavioral forms that are enforced upon by its staff by the work group. This element also involves informal systems for communication and the processes for short-cutting formal methods. The Role and Status Patterns factors- are those that are made by both the informal and the formal companies, and by the backgrounds and the behaviors of the people who work these companies External factors Economic factors The price level and general interest rate will influence top managements decision on main problems.â€Å"Because financial resources are scarce, management must allocate them in ways that would yield the maximum return. each Porterian competitive strategy involves a unique set of responses from workers or ‘needed role behaviours and a particular HRM strategy that might generate and reinforce a unique pattern of behaviour†(Schuler and Jackson, 2002 The competitive climate also influences management strategy. Legal factors Statue, common or administrative law curbs business operation. FactorsImposed by Trade Unions Technological factors SAMPLES FROM COMPANIES It is crucial to search how organizations human resource management (HRM) improves to highly skilled, loyalty staff and influence companys performance, therefore resulting in important competitive advantages. It may be important to clarify the strategy throughout the hierarchy to every employee (Huang, 2001). MARK SPENCER Eventuality-based approach to HRM is often known as a necessary part of a cost-minimisation strategy. Nevertheless , in MS it is adviced that for a successful carrying out of changes, there is a more need of soft approach for the medium term success, when everyone who works in the company needs to get together and see the importance of the changes. Bergenhenegouwen (1996) states that the concept of core competences goes beyond this in a search for those few activities that underpin competitive advantage For MS the dedication of senior management and the appointed heads of the business units to HRM are important to organizations effective procedure. It could be necessary to have the information and abilities essential to carry out a believable HRM programme within the company.() For a medium term success, MS should think the following HRM approaches: A clear apprehension and dedication of the management to the attractive change shouldkeep any struggles and operational roadblocks; Good active and attractive leadership will have to come about and be contributed by the managers of MS. It is also important to think as teamwork in make decision procedure. The staff have to be incorporated into the change process management; To be more service-focused company, MSwould have a look at a culture of communication because of thatpeople could use the advantage of ateamwork for the advancement and the companys success. Therefore , MS has to put a great accent on development of social communication abilities of all organisational staff; Staff participation is possible to advocate to a signified of obligation and property and, thus, organisational dedication and commitment. â€Å"The norms and beliefs that increase mark spencers skill to get, see, and return signals from the environment into internal organisational and behavioural change will promote its survival, growth and development†( http://www.ivoryresearch.com/sample13.php) SAMSUNG HRM could make an attractive influence on organisational performance in many ways, these are: improve and successfully carrying out high performance work practices, especially those interested in job and work design, flexible working, imagination, staff improvement, reward and giving staff a voice. develop a clear vision and adjust of values and assure that it is enclosed, imparishable, collective, measured and managed. improve a attractive psychological contract and means of rising the motivation and dedication ofstaff. develop and carrying outpolicies that know the essentials of people and make a great place of work supply support andrecommend to line managers on their role in carrying out HR policies. Mc donalds McDonalds runs in so many countries, HRM should be conscious of the different employment and contract laws, culture, currency differences, and staff costs all over these countries. The extension plans for India must not influencethe company critically when the operation guidelines and policies already exist. When the company increases into new countries they should think other subjects such as uniform and eating habits, certain religions do not eat certain products, other cultures enforce dress code, all these subjects should be considered by the HRM to assure the arrangement of right policies. Because of dropping sales there are plans to change the image and culture of the company; showing new decor, uniforms and packaging. Unless HRM have included the staff in the planning stage of these changes, they will come across great difficulty in getting cooperation; staff should buy in to changes. Ä °n spite ofthe mc donalds does have training facilities around the country studying staff on these changes. Consumers might also protest to this image change. The meeting of healthy foods might cause problems, staff will should be re-trained, which might cause staff missing, andrise training costs. A few of the stores located in city centres are setting facilities to let the customer linking to the Internet. The HRM will have to embed policies to assure right usage of the Internet; and improvements to assure that wrong websites are not possible. TOYOTA Toyota looks for to improve human resources by the action of making things. toyota thinks that development of human resources providespassed on of values and perspectives. Ä °t can be seen that business expansion is related to strategic human resource management. Ä °t has become priority concept. â€Å"Toyota is building both tangible (a new learning facility) and intangible (course content) structures relating to team member development that ensures a secure and steady flow of qualified human resources to conduct Toyotas global business in the 21st century†.( http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/environmental_rep/03/jyugyoin03.html) Toyota has described the needed qualifications of professional staff for office and engineering positions, and shaped human resources who are able to perform day-to-day activities and enlarge their abilities in technical positions. Company-wide training is went on based on employee qualifications, as well as specialized training for individual d ivisions, language training, and special knowledge and skill training TARGETS Pepsico is training store managers in merchandizing techniques to help rise store sales as well as sales of Pepsico. â€Å"Unifi helps consumers with their efficiency appraisal systems, making their customers more competitive andA thus better able to buy Unifi products.† Mercedes gave training mechanics in service by the United States so as that Mercedes can advise 24-hourgiving service anywhere in the United States. Nissan Motors and HondA Motorsadvise busy training programs to their parts suppliersso asto increase the quality of their goods.McDonalds advises comprehensive training to their franchise owners. Thrust Thecase of Lincoln Electric is an instance of the using of HRM practices to rise the performance of production and thereby lower the cost of the electric motors and arc welders. People Express Airlines is similar example of, a cost/efficient thrust. Unifi, McDonalds, and Honda help in the HRM practices of their consumers, distributors, and suppliers, respectively, so as to help them sustain costs down as well as to make sure a rivalry, and thus enduring, set of customers, distributors, and suppliers. IBM can make itself different than rivals by providing programming training for customersemployees. Staffing The American Productivity Center in Houston makes use of its staffing practices to get a rivalry advantage. Moreoverit assists its staffing practices with coherent training practices. The Baltimore Orioles also get differentiation by their staffing practices, this time with their suppliers. Appraising â€Å"At Emery Air Freight, the company was losing $1 million yearly because employees on the airport loading docks were shipping small packages separately rather than placing those with the same destination in one container that. would be carried at lower rates by air carriers.†( http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~schuler/mainpages/GainingCompAdvantageHRMpractices.pdf) Compensation People Express Airline and Lincoln Electric, who use Financial benefit practices to get a cost/efficiency competitive advantage, TRW and the Hewlett-Packard Company use compensation to drive their search for innovative products and services.At Hewlett-Packard, attempting behavior is irritated in project leaders by trying more rewards to their achievement CONCLUSION To sum up, improving a HR strategy is active for companies in todays competitive business environment. The different approaches to HRM strategy in this assignment are not always practical as in reality. In reality when companies are improving a HR strategy they will make possible somewhere between the â€Å"hard† and â€Å"soft† approach.Another point is that evatulaty should be thought, as HR, strategies should be contingent with the companies subcultures.The following concepts should be thought whether the HR strategy a company espouses is to be influence.Different human resource practices should be consistent and accompaniment each other.There should be a fit between the consistent sets of human resource practices and other systems within the organisation.The human resource systems need to be in line with the business or competitive strategy of the company.

Human Resource Planning in Healthcare

Human Resource Planning in Healthcare The most important resources in healthcare is the human beings. Equipment such as machines and devices are essential parts in healthcare. However, it requires the expertise and commitment of a human being to fully utilize their features in the delivery of care. This is the reason why human resource planning is vital in the provision to any healthcare establishments. The human resource policy has many objectives: to entice, hire, retain and improve proficient employees and develop a constant healthcare learning organisation. The main focus of all healthcare personnel is the client or the patient itself. There are many personnel involve in the process of providing the best healthcare services. In the medical aspects: physicians, nurses, healthcare assistant, med-techs, pharmacists, and resident doctors are the direct provider of outpatient and ward care for patients. While the admin, public staffs, laundry, food caterers, electricians, and other maintenance personnel are also involve in the success in providing safety in delivering care to the clients. Planning is indeed an important thing to do for all these personnel for them to work effectively on rendering best service towards their patients. These are the three ways on how to improve human resources: Work system: The goal of a work system is to obtain cooperation and collaboration among all employees. Healthcare personnel seek for a better system so that their deeds will have favorable outcome without wasting much time on activities. Employees may feel important as they participate on such activities. On the other hand, tasks or activities that are forcedly delegated to them can build doubt as they believe of not owning it. In order to be a part of the system, employees must participate actively in the planning. This will create efficiency on the workforce as they work together regardless of what department. These are some examples of an effective work system: Organize a team either short-term or long-term. Examples would be the infection control, waste management, and quality control team. Encourage further higher education, offer staffs greater responsibilities and help them to determine trainings that they need. Rotation of nursing and nursing attendants to avoid boredom in work. Also emphasize the importance of multi-tasking. Management in performance system: each employee must work according to their job description. The performance of each employee is evaluated towards their target in a timely manner; this helps employees to achieve their targets annually. Reward practices: the reward system is either monetary or non-monetary. An example of monetary rewards are promotion of the position, special increase in the salary, and long service awards. Non-monetary awards are given through formal or informal letter or a simple gesture of tapping the back of an employee in front of other employee as a sign of a job well done. Proper communication: a sense of unity in an organisation is present among workers who have proper communication on their superiors and subordinates. Recruiting and selective hiring of new staffs: during the recruitment process, the hospital or the company must identify the work requirement and at the same time during the interview, attitude and aptitude survey of the applicants must be completed. Moreover, there should be a transparent explanation to the applicant about his future growth upon staying in the organisation. Lastly, an induction process must be handed to the new employee of the working environment in order to have familiarity of the situation. Employee development through training and education: there must be a continuity in learning and development process for employees. Employees are trained with the following aspects: technical (proper handling of equipment and devices), managerial (the ability to handle work environment), and behavioral (the proper attitude in a given situation). The training program has two goals: the short-term and the long-term; the former aims on achieving client’s satisfaction and reducing time cycle while the latter is aimed on having a more efficient technology. These trainings are provided to achieve the ultimate goal of healthcare, to provide safe and best service to patients and family members. There are various trainings provided for the staffs in the Kindly Residential healthcare. Physicians, nurses, and technicians are offered with a continuous medical education. This is to render effective health teachings to their patients. Also, healthcare assistants are trained on proper waste disposal, oxygen therapy, and proper use of HOIST. The training programs provided by the company is not enough to measure the effectiveness on the performance of employees. In order to determine the effectiveness of the training program, there must be an evaluation process. During evaluation, factors that are monitored closely must have a direct link with the well-being of the client. Factors like the rate of occurrence of illness and death, feedback of the client and family members, quantity of re-admission having the same medical problem and most of all is to retain the trust and confidence of the client towards the healthcare. The well-being and satisfaction of the workers: the satisfaction of employee is vital to the motivation on the whole organisation. The following aspects make a big contribution on the satisfaction of employees: The work environment: The working environment is one of the essential aspect in providing satisfaction for the workers. A safety environment by enforcing precautions creates a healthy environment. Employees may work freely because they know they are safe and they have the proper gadgets or devices to protect them as they carry-out their tasks. Such precautions are: emphasis on proper waste disposal, compulsory annual check-ups and vaccination should be done, and continuous research on unsafe practices. The work climate: Awareness programs and accessible facilities are provided for workers by the company in order for them to feel proud because they are taken good care by the organisation as they render service to their clients. These are some programs that improve the work climate: health awareness program, awareness of AIDS program, mess hall, fitness gym, education and library access. The satisfaction of an employee: the satisfaction of an individual worker is difficult to achieve. There are only few hospitals who are successful on making their employees satisfied. The human mind is very dynamic; people may not be contented on what they achieve because of the belief that they can do more. Therefore, expecting an employee to become satisfied on the company’s facility is far from the truth. However, the organisation collects feedbacks by doing a formal or informal assessment process and correlate these results on determining improvement priorities. Through this action, it makes the worker feel that the organisation or management is very sincere regarding their concerns.

Using VotanWeb to Buy an Existing Website :: Sell Websites Buy Websites

Using VotanWeb to Buy an Existing Website Reprinted with permission of VotanWeb.com Have you considered being your own boss, creating your own financial independence and making your dreams a reality? You're not alone, owning your own website is the new "American dream". But the reality is that buying a website is a serious financial and personal commitment that requires an understanding of what makes a website successful. All too often, people jump blindly into a new venture. Before they know it, they are overwhelmed by the tremendous workload of starting a website from the ground up. A government survey shows that 80% of new websites fail within the first year. An existing, established website which is purchased by a new owner shows a minimal failure rate. If you have considered owning your own website, buying an existing website has many advantages over building a website from scratch: You can review actual operating results, rather than projected results. You get immediate cash flow from the ongoing website activities. You will have a trained webmaster already in place. You will have established suppliers. You will have established customers and referral business. The seller will train you in operating the website. VotanWeb ranks number one in the sale of existing websites. VotanWeb has over ten years experience of matching the right website opportunity with the right buyer. It's that simple. From understanding the reasons an on-going website can provide a positive cash flow, to the value of an established domain name and customer base to the inner workings of a website. VotanWeb can make your dreams reality. The right website will pay for itself over and over again - let VotanWeb show you how. Unlike the sale of a house or car, the sale of an on-going website is very confidential for both the seller and the prospective buyer.

When Politics Meets Religion Essay -- Essays on Politics

When Politics Meets Religion Much of the history we are taught in grade school and secondary education is filled with stories upon stories of political movements and uprising. The vast majority of these movements had one or two political leaders at the forefront whose ultimate goals included such things as liberating an oppressed people or reclaiming a status taken from a group of people by an outside force. Leaders of such movements have used a wide range of tactics to gain support for their political agendas, but one particular tactic has been so often used by said leaders that this tactic certainly deserves a closer examination. This tactic is religion. No matter what the nature of the movement may have been, so often we have seen and continue to see today how political leaders have made claims that God is supporting their cause. From the Crusades to the recent activities of Al Qaeda, the need for God’s support has been shown to be very important to establishing the legitimacy of a political ag enda. What happens when the political agenda fails to faithfully correspond with the religion it claims as its backing? Is there a relationship between the effectiveness of a political agenda and the faithfulness with which it adheres to the tenets of the religion it claims as its support? Indeed there is such a relationship, and upon closer examination, we will not only see that political agendas that faithfully adhere to the tenets of a proposed religious affiliation tend to be successful, but we will also see why this is the case. We will then consider how this knowledge can be used today to address current instances of oppressive regimes. First, however, let us examine why it is at all desirable for a political leader to ... ...m>. â€Å"Mahatma Gandhi - Indian Spiritual/Political Leader and Humanitarian.† 2 Feb. 2003. LucidCafe. Retrieved 4 Mar. 2003 â€Å"Martin Luther King, Jr. Civil - Rights Leader.† 2 Feb. 2003. LucidCafe. Retrieved 4 Mar.2003 . McClennen, Scott. Lecture. The role of religion in current politics. Fall 2003. Ethics and Development in a Global Economy. Stanford University. â€Å"Statement of United Church of Christ leaders opposing U.S. war against Iraq.† United Church of Christ website. Retrieved 4 Mar. 2003 . â€Å"Toppling Saddam Hussein: Troubling, Unanswered Questions.† Mar. 2002. Friends Committee on National Legislation. Retrieved 12 Mar. 2003 .