Teacher Effectiveness Essay Example for Free

Teacher Effectiveness EssayIn the initial perceptions cover up I selected confidence and patience as the person-to-person attributes most germane(predicate) to impelling article of belief, and total paper knowledge and outlining clear and consistent expectations as the two most important classroom strategies to over solely effective principle. Various research studies into effective doctrine have put that personal attributes, teaching and learning strategies and classroom management every last(predicate) play a material role in overall teacher effectiveness.It has been found that teachers who exhibit socially just personal attributes such as c be, compassion and empathy for all students are most effective. Teachers who are ? lively in employing a range of teaching and learning strategies that are heavily based on student-teacher and student-student interaction are also found to be effective. In terms of classroom management, effective teachers are competent to ou tline and stick to a clear set of high expectations for all students. These findings correlate with my initial perceptions to carrying degrees. dapple all the initial perceptions bear some relevance, generally speaking, factors and influences that make up effective teaching involve a much broader set of criteria than just patience, confidence, subject knowledge and expectations. The personal attributes of teachers is shown to be a significant factor in overall teacher effectiveness in a number of studies. Generally speaking, teachers who are socially just and have a genuine concern for all students have been found to be the most effective.This is a much broader conception of personal attributes than what was identified in the initial perceptions of teacher effectiveness, that of confidence and patience. The keen ambition to care for, respond to and develop the talents of all students is repeatedly referred to in studies as world a significant determinant of overall teacher effectiv eness (Dinham, 2004, OECD, 1994, Batten, 1993). Such an ambition requires a number of personal attributes, one of which would include patience. In all teaching frameworks, teachers will inescapably face a range of abilities, skills and personalities.If teachers are rattling committed to caring for and developing all students equally they will inevitably require patience each in terms of the rate at which students understand the concepts and information being presented to them as well as the manner in which students act and respond to both them personally and to the work they are presented with. However, while patience is a definite requirement in the care for all students, thither is a broader set of attributes that are needed to achieve this ambition.Teachers who exhibit socially just attributes such as honesty, empathy and compassion are much likely to genuinely care for and develop all students, thereby making them more effective (Dinham, 2004). Significantly, these attributes will also play a significant role in providing a safe learning environment for all students, one of the three central components of the Quality Teaching Framework (NSW Quality Teaching Framework). Teachers who are reflective, willing and able to adjust and improve and to set an example of honorable conduct for their students have also been found to be effective (OECD, 1994).A willingness and ability to reflect and adjust, as well as to provide a moral example for students depends significantly on the personal attributes of the teacher. Confidence is relevant to these attributes as in order for the cognitive process of self reflection and moral modelling to be successful, teachers must first be confident enough to engage in the process. For example, if a teacher does not possess confidence in their own moral beliefs and reasoning, they will be unable to model them for their students in any effective manner.However reflection and moral conduct requires more that just confidence. Ul timately it requires outward looking behaviour in an attempt to achieve positive relationships and a culture for success (Dinham, 2004). special(prenominal) teaching and learning strategies as they are implemented in the classroom bear a significant impact on overall teacher effectiveness. In terms of my initial perceptions report, thorough subject knowledge was identified as being of great importance for overall teacher effectiveness.The role and relevance of thorough subject knowledge is acknowledged as dependant upon overall teacher effectiveness to varying degrees (Darley-Hammond, 2000). The Darling-Hammond study (2000) found mixed support for subject progeny knowledge as a determinant of effective teaching. The study showed that the greater time spent in teacher training courses and in subsequent master key development, on method areas and pedagogical development in specific methods, increased overall teacher effectiveness.While this doesnt relate directly to specific subjec t knowledge, limit knowledge undoubtedly supports pedagogical knowledge, thereby making it relevant and influential. A student focussed, interactive approach that draws upon a range of specific teaching strategies is consistently found to be most significant in terms of effective teaching and learning practices within the classroom (Batten, 1993, Brophy and Good, 1986, OECD, 1994, Ayers et al. , 2004). Brophy and Good (1986) describe ? active teaching as being a central component of overall teacher effectiveness.By active teaching they are referring to an approach that relies heavily on student-teacher and student-student interaction, restricting the amount of time spent on independent instruction and unsupervised hind endwork (Brophy and Good. 1986). The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Quality in Teaching, Paris Report (1994) supports this assertion in their report findings, stating that effective classrooms generally implemented teacher led activities wi th considerable interaction between the students and the teacher.Both studies acknowledge whole class discussion, closely monitored host work and effective questioning as part of the teacher led interactive approach. Each of these studies acknowledged class discussion and effective questioning as integral to the ? active teaching approach. Such skills involve the ability to effectively pose a combination of open and closed questions, questions that are based on recall and reflection and questions that allow for differences of opinion and interpretation in order to encourage meaningful discussion (Wragg and Brown, 2001).Such techniques allow students to personally engage with material, thereby making the work significant to students, one of the three components of the NSW Quality Teaching Framework. It is doubtful whether this would be able to be effectively achieved without a thorough knowledge of the content to which the teacher would develop questions and discussion about. Ayres et al. (2004) in their study regarding effective HSC teaching found that teaching and learning strategies that were dynamic and varying, for example lessons that progressed from presentations, to discussions, to interactive seat work and to some independent work, were found to beeffective.The study also found that the more effective teachers were willing to choose more difficult offspring options and would change their chosen topics regularly. In order for teachers to effectively teach the difficult options, or continuously change their chosen topic in order to uphold their motivation, they would need to possess thorough knowledge in their subject. Therefore, while specific subject knowledge may not be an overwhelming component of effective classroom strategies, those that are deemed most effective would not work without the teacher first possessing thorough knowledge of their subject.Classroom management is the third component that is found to be most influential in overall teach er effectiveness. In my initial perceptions report I chose outlining clear and consistent expectations as an effective teaching strategy in order to increase the chance of student behaviour consistency. This initial perception seems to be supported by various studies regarding teacher effectiveness. The OECD report (1994) describes effective classroom management as providing a safe and orderly classroom where a set of high expectations are explained to and understood by students.In Margaret Battens (1993) study of individual Victorian teachers who had been deemed to be effective teachers, such practices as refusing to talk over students, carrying out outlined consequences such as giving more work to students who misbehaved and clearly and firmly stating to students to change their behaviour when they were not following classroom expectations, were often employed to manage an orderly and safe classroom for all students.All such strategies involve my initial perception of outlining cl ear and consistent expectations of students, and if carried out effectively, support the creating supportive environments element of the NSW Quality Teaching Framework. Effective teaching depends upon a broad range of criteria relating to socially just personal attributes, a broad ranging and interactive set of teaching and learning strategies and high classroom expectations.inside the range of this criteria patience, confidence, subject knowledge and consistent expectations undoubtedly bear some influence, however there are many other factors that also bear significant influence. References Ayers, P. , Sawyer, W. and Dinham, S. (2004) ? Effective teaching in the context of a Grade 12 high-stakes external examination in New South Wales, Australia, British Educational explore Journal, Vol. 30, No. 1 pp 141-165. Batten, M. , Marland, P. and Khamis, M. (1993) Knowing How to Teach Well Teachers Reflect on Their Classroom Practice.ACER Research Monograph No 44. Hawthorn ACER. (Chapter 3 pp. 18-33) Dinham, S. (2004) ? The Influence of lead in Producing Outstanding Schooling Outcomes in Junior Secondary Education, AESOP Report, School of Education, University of New England, Australia. Darling-Hammond (2000) http//eppa. asu. edu. epaa. v8nl Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (1994) Quality in Teaching, Paris OECD (Chapter 4 pp. 34-71). Wragg, E. and Brown, G. (2001) Questioning in the Secondary School, 2nd Edition, London RoutledgeFalmer. (Chapter 3 pp. 27-39).

A Comparison between Fyodor Dostoevsky’s Crime and Punishment and Vladimir Paral’s Essay Example for Free

A Comparison between Fyodor Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment and Vladimir Parals EssayFyodor Dostoevskys classic, Crime and Punishment, and Vladimir Parals Lovers and Murderers describe a world of score, dejection and profound humanity unhappiness. The two authors explore moralistic humbledion and the exigency of mankind, as ruled by lust, jealousy and immoral instincts. As it shall be seen however, the two novels differ considerably in the way in which they treat the guinea pig of crime, as well as in their point of view and the t sensation of the biography.Thus, Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment is centered on the idea of moral equivocalness. The Russian author uses an omniscient point of view in order to recount Rodyon Raskolnikovs experiences before and after he commits the murder. The t integrity of the taradiddle is serious and meditative, as questions of piety and justice are interspersed throughout the fifty-fiftyts and dialogues in the novel. Vladimir Parals Lo vers and Murderers treats the theme of murder in conjunction with that of be intimate.The narrative enters a world full of promiscuity and violence, focu sliminessg on a great number of characters and the interactions among them. Unlike Dostoevskys book that focuses on the portrait and experiences of the main character, Parals work is pertain with the coterie of voices. Moreover, the point of view shifts frequently from the omniscient narrator to the outset person narrative, sometimes within the same phrase. Lovers and Murderers is a grotesque mosaic, with a discontinuous narrative and a satiric tone.While Dostoevskys work raises questions of morality and social justice, Parals novel represents the spectacle of human life with resignation. There is no ethical shutting to Parals analysis of human life and character he chooses to describe the dynamic of humanity in its bleakest and most ironic aspects. For Dostoevsky, human life is excessively full of coincidences and accidents. Although, the limit between right and wrong is relative, ultimately, the novel emphasizes the belief in punishment and redemption.In Parals novel, at that place is no clear border between innocence and guilt the characters are all fanatics, consumed by passions, jealousy and greedy cravings. Significantly, love and violence intermingle throughout the novel, marking the majority of the relationships among diametric characters. Paral shows therefore that human interaction is never completely transparent people devour and are devoured sadistically by destructive relationships. Instead of ending in merger and harmony, each affair ends in destruction and crime.In Crime and Punishment there is the possibility of salvation and the triumph of love. Lovers and Murderers shows murder to be the companion of love, with no possibility for moral cleansing. Both novels therefore analyze morality in the context of the dynamics of society, emphasizing the interactions among different characte rs but with different conclusions. Sin and morality are seen as paradoxes in Dostoevskys work, but, ultimately sins can be redeemed after having been committed.Parals novel illuminates the tableau of human relationships and the relativity of moral principles very differently all the characters are fallen men and women, who abuse or are abused by another(prenominal)s. Dostoevskys Crime and Punishment is concerned primarily with moral paradoxes, exemplified through the stories of various characters. The central story, that of Raskolnikov, is paradoxical. The protagonist is an super unretentive student, who struggles with his enormous debts to his landlady and with constant hunger and misery.A proud and noble character, Raskolnikov is hag-ridden by his unjust and humiliating social standing. Despite his intelligence, he bonks poorly and is constantly besieged by material concerns. As the novel opens, Raskolnikov has already true the philosophy that would lead him to murder he mus es that there are superior men who should be able to punish others for their sins. Interestingly therefore, the murder is intended as a punishment of the mean pawnbroker, in the name of social justice.The first part of the novel captures Raskolnikovs inner tension as he struggles to describe right from wrong. There follows the critical moment of the actual, double murder and afterwards his punishment and final redemption. The cyclical nature of his experience is symbolic Dostoevsky points here to the paradoxes of morality. Raskolnikovs act of murder is in itself meant as a punishment and may seem right in its context. To enhance the ambiguity however, Dostoevsky arranges for a double murder the circumstances force the protagonist to kill Lizaveta as well, the pawnbrokers innocent sister.The novel offers yet other instances of moral ambiguity, such as the saintly and innocent Sonia who is forced to become a prostitute in order to earn money and save her hungered family And because I saw, young man, I saw Katerina Ivanovna, in the same silence go up to Sonias little bed she was on her knees all the evening kissing Sonias feet, and would not get up, and then they both fell asleep in each others arms together, together yes and I lay drunk (Dostoevsky 30).Her mother in law, who had antecedently maltreated her, is now grateful and reverent towards the girl. Sacrifice and benevolence are therefore accepted and appreciated in the novel. Her father, Marmeladov, is another example of moral ambiguity a hopeless drunk, he is a good man who loves his family yet cannot conquer his own vice in order to save them. Marmeladovs employer overly acts generously, although he does so in vain he offers him his job back, despite his dependence on alcohol, out of pity for his family.Throughout the novel, morality is questioned, but there is sufficient evidence of the existence of good alongside with evil. The ambiguity that Crime and Punishment describes is one of form rather than substance. In Parals Lovers and Murderers morality is for good mixed with sin. Women and men, coming from the dregs of society as well as from its highest ranks, live in utter disorder and promiscuity. Innocence and guilt are uncomplete relative nor circumstantial. Significantly, the book is divided in numerous fragments bearing two alternative titles Conquerors and Besieged.In Parals vision, the world is not divided in right and wrong, but rather in abusers and abused. These basic roles are moreover easily interchangeable. The relationships seemed to be weighed on a scale, which always tips in favor of one of the partners. The relationship between Alex Serafin and Dasa is a relevant example Alex conquers and even enslaves the rich cleaning lady but he is eventually rejected by the same adult female that seemed totally dependent on him. The world of the inhabitants of building 2000 is devoid of moral principles and reasoning.The men and women are driven scarcely by impulse s of self-gratification. Their affairs are rampageous and each partner, either abused or shameful, derives selfish pleasure from the communion. Love is rapacious, lustful and possessive Love is prey and everyone longs for his own destruction lets not want them to expose the necks themselves(Paral 187). If Raskolnikovs world is marked by sin and punishment, Parals characters pursue their own pleasure and interests without having to pay for their deeds.Raskolnikov murders the two women in his pursuit of justice, without deriving any in-person gain from the deed, despite having found a considerable fortune in the ladies flat. In Parals novel, murder is only perpetrated as a crime of passion. In the case of Borek and Zita, murder is even gratuitous. The comparison between their story and that of Julien Sorel and Madame de Renal in Stendhals Red and Black, is extremely significant. While in Stendhals morality is extensively explored, Borek and Zitas affair is devoid of any compunctio ns of guilt despite the fact that Zita is a married woman.The place between love and murder is very thin one of the partners is always the hunter who chases his victim. The moment when Borek finally conquers Zita and possesses her body is very relevant. The man feels that, instead of amiable thoughts he develops murderous ones, without being able to discern between the two categories anymore I realized I was standing there like a murderer, insane because as a murderer I could not act otherwise, even though I had come as a lover, like a murderer or a lover, insane because I no longer saw any difference (Paral 188).If Crime and Punishment discusses moral ambiguity, Lovers and Murderers comments on the ambiguity of love and murder. Sexuality is always mixed with sadism and violence in Parals novel, so as to emphasize the fact that love is in fact abusive and possessive rather than disciplined and saintly. Marriage itself is a failure in the novel. An early scene in the novel points t o the ultimate moral degradation of the characters. Thus, the poor working woman Madda pays a visit to Frank in his rich and sumptuous apartment.When he asks her to put on a wedding dress as part of the ritual of lovemaking, the woman muses on her previous sexual degradation and you dont have to apologize for madman anything, my earlier lovers wouldnt even take my clothes off, or even their own, a white wedding dress to church Ive made love with the dirty strap of mournful overalls between our bodies (Paral 32). Ironically however, her romantic hopes are bitterly deceived by her heartless partner.Instead of offering the wedding dress as a symbol for love and purity, he uses it as part of a humiliating trick when Madda is dressed and kneeling before him, Franks wife enters the room and it becomes clear that the woman was only used as amusement by the rich couple. In Parals world the beautiful dreams disintegrate very fast. Lovers and Murderers shows that moral choices and principles have to be settled among people and thus no intention or action is definitely pure.Raskolnikov acts in the name of a higher principles, which he sees as dominating I didnt kill a human being, but a principle I killed the principle, but I didnt overstep, I stopped on this side. I was only capable of killing (Dostoevsky 389). Raving with a guilty conscience, Raskolnikov tries to convince himself of the moral justifications of his deed. He didnt kill another human being, his violence was directed solely against an erroneous principle. Besides Raskolnikov, the novel abounds in generous characters.For instance, Dounia, Raskolnikovs sister is willing to sacrifice her own happiness in a marriage she does not desire, in order to help her family. When the same Dounia is accused of trying to attract her employer and make him commit adultery, she escapes by her own generosity and nobility. Moreover, it is the employers wife that actually mends the girls reputation after having marred it, by s howing the proof of her innocence to the world. There is no redemption and generosity in Parals novel.The characters act upon their personal interests, without considering each others feelings. The life that the characters lead is the life of a jungle, where there are no rules other than personal survival and gratification They live only for the fulfillment of their eternal appetites like animals running free in a jungle. For pleasure alone like the courtiers of Louis XV (Paral 164). People are not concerned with judgments of value and with ethical principles. Paral introduces his readers to the psychological jungle of humanity, where people follow only their instincts.In Crime and Punishment, on the other hand, Dostoevsky explores sin and crime from a religious and ethical perspective. As critic Alfred Bem notes, Dostoevsky proceeds from the idea of a feeling of the original sin present in all minds To understand Dostoevskys thought one must allow for the presence in the human for eland of a feeling of sinfulness as such, freelancer of the existence of any concrete crimewhat we might call the feeling of original sin. We can assume, then, that the feeling of sin, of guilt can be present in the psyche unaccompanied by any consciousness of crime (Bem 59).Hence comes the moral ambiguity of the characters however saintly in their morality and character, they can succumb to sin because the seed is already planted in the human psyche. Parals world is in like manner dominated by sinfulness, but, in this case, the characters lose their nobility. They are all fallen, abject people, who live by their instincts rather than by principles. Moreover, Raskolnikov performs an experiment more than an actual murder. He wants to apply his philosophical theory to reality and see its effects.Dostoevsky captures here the shopping centre of humanity and its inherent rejection of murder. Ultimately, Raskolnikov is unable to commit his crime in complete cold bloodedness, despite t he solidness of his arguments and theory Perhaps no work of literary productions presents so graphically a man testing and living, psychologically and even physiologically, a theory. Raskolnikovs theory, it will be remembered, is that crime is accompanied by sickness, by a loss of willpower and self-control, unless it is committed for sufficient reason by an extraordinary man, in which case it is no crime. (Shaw 142).It is not so with Parals murderers they virtually live in a jungle, where, besides instincts and passions, there is only pathos without real substance. The point of view and the tone chosen by the two authors are also relevant. Raskolnikovs story is told objectively, from an omniscient perspective. This narrative technique does not obscure the characters inner turmoil, however. Dostoevsky pairs his omniscience with indirect speech, a device which helps to reveal the submarines thoughts and emotions. Raskolnikov often speaks to himself and, in this way, Dostoevsky giv es us access to his unmediated reflections.For instance, he muses on his motivation for committing the murder, wavering between the feeling of guilty and the excuse he finds for his behavior I am putting my little brick into the happiness of all and so my heart is at peace. Ha-ha Why have you let me font? I only live once, I too want. Ech, I am an ? sthetic louse and nothing more, he added suddenly, laughing like a (Dostoevsky 389). Raskolnikov is hence a criminal and an aesthete at the same time. While his crime is horrendous, his purpose gives it meaning to a certain extent.As Julian Connolly remarks, the way in which Dostoevsky decided to use the point of view in the novel is very significant Dostoyevsky had originally intended to write an account of murder from the perspective of the murderer himself. As he worked on the project in November 1865, however, he concluded that such a perspective might be too limited, so he chose an omniscient, third-person narrative mode instead. Yet traces of the original design remain much of the novel offers direct insight into Raskolnikovs impressions and experiences. (Connolly 144). Thus, the authors decision to mingle omniscience and first person narrative shows that he was preoccupied to investigate the moral dimension of his characters as well as the psychological one. His technique ultimately merges psychology with philosophy. In Parals case, the frequent shifts of viewpoint, allow for a curious exploration of the stories from the inside and outside simultaneously. Moreover, Parals story is told fragmentarily, with an alternation of voices and points of view.The narrative shifts from the author to an interior monologue of one of the characters without warning, in the course of the same phrase. This provides readers with marks as to actual events and also to the thoughts of the characters at the same time. The novel features a great number of different narrative voices, as each of the characters introduced is also gi ven a monologue. This technique enhances the novels mosaic structure and its grotesqueness. The characters interior monologues moreover show them to be egoistic and impulsive.Most of their speeches are delirious and self-centered. The tones of the two works also differ and influence the readers perception of the stories. Dostoevskys tone is serious and restrained, way on the events, the psychology of the main character and the numerous implications of the experiences described. Paral, on the other hand, uses irony, black humor and pathos is order to describe the events in his book. Lovers and Murderers is therefore pen as a black comedy, transmitting the author purpose of satirizing humanity in its pettiness and abjection.The two novels deal with the common themes of murder and punishment, but do so in very different ways. Crime and Punishment investigates ethical, religious and psychological consequences of a crime, with an emphasis of humans liability to sin and moral ambiguity in the context of a society. Lovers and Murderers, on the other hand, emphasizes the human world as a grotesque spectacle, driven by the uncontrolled instincts and petty interests of men. Dostoevskys work analyzes and questions, while Parals observes and mocks. Works CitedAlfred L. Bem, Guilt in Crime and Punishment. Readings on Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Ed. Tamara Johnson. Trans. Robert Louis Jackson. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1998. 58 64. Connolly, Julian. An Overview of Crime and Punishment. Exploring Novels. Gale, 1998. Dostoevsky, Fyodor. Crime and Punishment. recent York Vintage Classics, 2008. Paral, Vladimir. Lovers and Murderers. Trans. Craig Stephen Stevens. New York Catbird Press, 2002. Shaw, J. Thomas. Raskolnikovs Dreams. Slavic and East European Journal 17, no. 2 (1973) 131-45.

Analysis Of A Christmas Carol

Analysis Of A Christmas CarolThe title of this novel is A Christmas Carol, which is written by Charles Dickens. In this novel, the main character, grouch, has a callous personal. He doesnt recognize poverty, kindness, and love. During nights, he faced the four ghosts, who were trying to teach him life lessons. After that, he realizes money is not the only thing that matters in the world. skinflint learns a great deal about himself and the world him as a result of the visits by the enlivens.Marley is Scrooges former business partner, but he died seven days ago. Marleys face came up to Scrooge on Christmas Eve to warn him. The warning is about Scrooges cruel actions towards mint. Unless he changes his ways, he will be wearing the plumping chains. Marley hopes to save his old partner from suffering a similar fate. He is symbolized by the big chain, which is partly made up of money cases and keys. The chain represents prehensile and evil deeds on the earth. Scrooge learned that he will also have to wear big chains, if he doesnt change his actions on the community. He found out about needs in this world and the real job of mankind is to involve in the community.The Ghost of Christmas Past is the first spirit to visit Scrooge, and has a childs body with a shining head. The Ghost of Christmas Past is the soul of the disagreement of Scrooges youth and old age. A beam of light introduction from his head is to show the truth about his past. Scrooge tried to put out the light when he feels that he is unable to hold the memories that the ghost is display to him and he said I dont know what to do As he cried and said again I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a school-boy. I am as airheaded as a drunken man. A merry Christmas to every-body A happy New Year to all the world Hallo here Whoop Hallo With the presentation of Scrooge past, the ghost makes him realize that he has changed considerably from who he was when he was young. T he ghost also makes him realize what he is capable of doing about society. It makes him recognize the good people living in the society, such as Belle and Fezziwig.The Ghost of Christmas Present, who has a magic torch, shows Scrooge the homes of Bob Cratchit and Scrooges nephew, Fred. As the time passes the ghost, who was young when he first became discernible to Scrooge, seems to total older. The ghost represents how plenty is the resources, which includes joy, around the society. His torch is in the shape of the Horn of Plenty and when he sprinkles the magic juice on the people, they ar filled with the kindness and joyfulness. In both homes, the family members think about Scrooge, although he hasnt been good to either his clerk, or his nephew. Seeing that, Scrooge learned there atomic number 18 people, who care about him, and how he is isolated from society. He also got to realize that a person can be living jubilantly without necessarily get rich. Scrooge figured out that wa nt and ignorance are dangerous for the society.The Ghost of Christmas Future is partly invisible, come to Scrooge and he said Ghost of the Future, as he exclaimed, I fear you more than any spectre I have seen. But as I know your purpose is to do me well, and as I hope to live to be another man from what I was, I am prepared to bear you company, and do it with a thankful heart. go out you not speak to me? but the ghost shows Scrooge about what happens when he dies and also brings the warning of his pitiless death, which is reflected by his past actions. It made comparison surrounded by his death and the regretful death of Tim. Scrooge realizes there are only a few people who mourn for his death. On the other hand, he sawing machine a lot of people mourning for poor little Tim. Scrooge learned that in this world, a person shouldnt expect more than what he or she puts into society. Finally, Scrooge gains knowledge of how he must change to become a more generous person if he wants to live as happy as little Tim.The results of the visits by the spirits, Scrooge learns about himself as well as the world. It is valuable to read this book because it gives the reader knowledge on greediness. It also shows how important it is to live happily during a life span. This book is important to me because I want to make my life model little Tim. They live very happily during his short life time.

Individualism in China: TV Case Study

Individualism in chinaw ar TV Case StudyIndividualism Transition in Chinese Cultural Values Through A Case Study of TV Show exceedingly missIntroductionIndividual, the term by it ego means something or someone unique. Thus, Individualism is a revolution which tends to power the remedys of an individual. In countries like America, such a send is find outed. The volume thither wish that t here should be enough personal outer space for every individual without cosmos disturbed by name of any sorting of authority or power as well. But the extreme verso finis or pr performice prevails in China, which can be shortly called as collectivism. Here, neither the thought of individual nor their wish is given privilege. It is because they believe in group thought and they strive together for group success. If in case any individual in a group is having opinion mismatch with that of the group, and so the individual is expected to suppress the thoughts without disturbing the groups acti vities. (Pratt, D. D.1991) Such a practice could also be viewed as forcing a common thought upon everybody. But this is their farming and they grant been practicing it for quite long years. We read to word that they got used to it.Now, in the recent past a TV place called passing girls has been commenced and succeeded as well. It is a talent reality submit which brings out the talents of an individual to the sight of everybody by giving them a suit open platform. A nonher inte stay puting fact about this order is that, it is the public who judge the prove. They vote for their favorite star of the show and thus the winningsner is selected. But it is been condemned by the commentators that the topnotch girls show is kindling the single ruling amidst the collectivism practitioners. Many have get rollinged protesting against the show fearing that the show may disturb the Chinese culture. But on the other hand the public started enjoying the frolic. They be well-chosen to vote for their stars. (Ding, Y. 2008)China is a country which always value team success. Simply speaking, they follow collectivism. They give much immensity to group thoughts than the individual opinion. This practice is strictly followed by them in the name of culture. Chinese good deal have not practiced direct election. But recently the situation has changed because of the Super young lady show in China. It is condemned by the analysts that this show has initiated amidst people individualism. Let us discuss whether the show is really spreading individualism among the Chinese youths.The Chinese culture A HistoryChange has been the most prominent fixings characterizing the world of today. Every second of our life is changed as discoveries and inventions galore the place we live on. This kind of transformation is not unused to the least. It has been a constant factor right from man finding fire to the scientific revolution, travelling from bullock-carts to modern cars, fro m eating anything to standardizing the meal we take, the world has almost seen everything.Each change in overturn was diversified among several groups of people based on their idealistic values, the ethical principles they followed and their welfargon match to their geographical region. These diversified changes slowly developed as heathenish demeanor of that servingicular group. Then there came a maneuver where all the diversifications attained saturation. In the end, preferably of these changes governing the cultural behavior, it turned out the direct opposite way where cultural behavior dominates the changes. (Songhua, F, n. d)For now, the cycle has turned again. Its almost a revolutionizing act if a person does the direct opposite of what their culture intends them to do.Chinese culture gives the Chinese people their basic identity. They have certain core values which are exclusive and consistent, and these are fashioned by a impost of four thousand years of history an d maintained by the same(p) language as well. Considered to be one of the oldest cultures, the Chinese culture has a vast and tralatitious history. Several groups of people, each having their aver unique traits have shaped and nurtured the Chinese traditions and practices. It has evolved through with(predicate) diametrical ages constantly but has always maintained its true identity. ( Destiny Culture of China,1998)Being the most populous country in the world, and the geographical landscape covering major part of Asia, there were as many as 56 groups of people who followed unique culture in ancient China. (Constitution, 1982) As clip passed by, each of the groups lost their identity and their culture got erased with duration. Chinese culture is well influenced by Confucius, who is a Chinese philosopher. The teachings of Confucius are called by the name Confucianism, which stress the importance of individuals education based on morals so that the moral virtue of the state forg et be raised. (Downs, 1971)China-present ScenarioIn the current scenario, China is considered to be the fleet emerging super power engaging itself to compete at the top most level in almost all fields starting from subscriber line to space research. Its economic transition is increasing exponentially when compared to other countries. In such a spicy paced world, the time spent for conserving the true traits and habitat of Chinese culture is often neglected. Given the exposure to television and internet services, already doubts have risen among several quarters about the sustainability of the age old heritage. The different cultures exposed to people through these commercial mediums have fascinated the current generation of people to explore the then unassailable cultures leaving them unfazed by the declension of their own culture. (Child, J., David, K. 2001).Individualism A theoryOyserman, Coon, et al.s (2002) through their extensive analysis on individualism and collectivism suggest that Individualism can be considered as a stand-alone construct for analyzing cross-cultural comparisons. They suggest that individualism as the core reason for the extensive differences society, emotions and individual behavior. Individualism can be considered to be the most critical factor for beating a personality of oneself. Mcrae (2001) also suggests that a countrys decision to explore and try out new things depends on their individualistic reputation. Since every person contributes to the success of a country, this statement does offer a fruitful thought about individualism and its effects. The thought of exploration and trying new things is termed to be an all-important(prenominal) characteristic of individualism as it leads individuals to form new descents based on their needs and tasks. Also, the relationship life is not formed on the basis of solidarity and people often entangle themselves in new relationships, which is completely opposite to Chinese culture.an other(prenominal) important characteristic of individualism is that it plays an integral part in the well being of an individual. The individual may be fully satisfied with the right to choose their own purpose and their own vision in their life. They enjoy complete satisfaction of what they are performing. This is one of the reasons that individualistic countries produce droves of inventions and new kinds of activities every now and then. battalion are allowed to explore in their own ways. (Lam C 1997) On the other hand, though individualism allows people to have their own relationships, it also lends to an increase in the number of divorces in an individualistic country. But then, by all means, people are satisfied in both ends with their relationships and they enjoy complete freedom. People following individualism provide high importance to their leisure activities compared to other nations. It has been confirmed through reports that individualistic people tend to fool self a nalyzed decisions based on their own experiences instead of carrying out tasks suggested by others. (Schimmack, Radhakrishnan, et al., 2002)Collectivism versus individualismBasically Chinese people value collectivism alternatively than individualistic opinion. There is no difference that numerate to race, class or community. Their focus is upon the opinion or claim of a group or association. They always demand that a group is more important than an individual. This at times led to suppression of self opinion and interest for the welfare of the group as a whole. Thus collectivists must be able to do sacrifice. But the interesting fact about this is, pure land is a form of collectivism. (Jhuener,2006)On the other hand most American countries have developed individualism. They believe, without protecting individuals right, there is no sense in protecting an individual. Thus individualism is described as a revolution which protects an individuals right which in turn protects a man fr om the other and thus it protects the state as a whole. It opposes collectivism saying that it denies an individual his or her right to life. Moreover they efflorescence against the collectivists that they are poisoning the country. Also they condemn that the ability and efforts of some men are been sacrificed for the sake of others. (Wong, E. Y. 2001)David Brooks, a newspaper editor, has analyzed about the striking behavior of the mentality of the collectivists and that of the individualists. He cites an interesting employment. If we show the image of a fish tank to an American, he ordain focus the biggest fish in the tank and exit start explaining about it, whereas if the same image is shown to a Chinese person, he will view the tank as a whole and will start explaining about the backgroundual behavior of the group of fishes inside. Brooks says (2008) An American in popular looks into the category but a Chinese will look into the context. Also Brooks (2008) explains the beha vior of people in collectivised countries and individualistic countries asPeople in individualistic countries tend to overestimate their skills whereas those in collectivistic societies under estimate their skills. People in countries like China will always tend to contribute more for group efforts.Scientist too has supported his thoughts. They say relationship is the key to happiness. People living in groups tend to flourish whereas those living alone tend to depression and they even commit suicide.Super fille the showAny country which gets a feel of something attractive and something they could get attracted too would welcome it with open hearts. Such is a scenario with the television show, Super Girl. It is basically a Chinese version of American Idol TV show. When the show first started in 2005, it attracted as many as 400 one million million people from China, almost equaling the population of US and UK totaled together. It is a female contested show, where any girl irrespec tive of our background origin and other expatiate can participate in it and showcase her talent. The show was conducted in a hierarchical round order, where each round filters the number of candidates and only the best of the lot enter the final round. (China Daily, 2005)The 2005 season saw more than a hundred thousand applicants. Everyone was given 30 seconds to perform on stage and in the administer time they have to impress the judge with their talent. Out of the entire competitors, three were filtered for the final round. They battled it out in one of the most exciting shows that entire China has never see. (China Daily, 2005)The exposure was so much that during the final show, almost every Chinese voted for the contestants to show their support. The major feature that attracted people towards the show apart from the glint display was that the people were in turn played the role of the judges. It involved voting through SMS and other services. This made everyone feel as if t hey contribute towards the option of the winner and this in turn motivated each individuals spirits. (Ding, Y. 2008)One of the major factors of individualism that affected the Chinese culture through this show was neither the Government, nor the troupe had any sort of role to play in its success. Its an ultimately new thing for the people of China.The reason for that is, prior to this show, the only entertainment that was given to people through television was Spring Festival show, conducted by the organization itself. And this show was continuening under strict supervision. Only the party people were allowed to view it, the rest were all watching through television alone. In fact, they were allowed only to watch, not even to participate. Rest of the shows that got aired was all soldiery programs, bashing out all kinds of military anthems and stuffs. And so, in short, with this show, the party and the government were neglected all together. For, the people, any kind of informat ion and policy from the government regarding the show wouldnt have consequenceed anything. Hence, there was no show as universally accepted as this show was. (Hutong, X. 2005)The country till then had never favored any individual pop star to turn media towards them and gain popularity. So, when the three young lads, in their early 20s, rocked the stage with confidence and superiority, the whole nation appreciated and amazed. It was a freedom of liberty, a freedom of manifestation to many individuals to show their talent to all in a way they have never done before. (Hutong, X. 2005).This is the most popular as well as the most sensational show as well. But then, it is been condemned by the politicians that this show is offending the traditional custom of China. Inevitably this show has flare up the nationalists to debate upon the democracy in China. Generally the success of TV shows lies upon the comments of certain analysts who could be political commentator. Thus they took in th eir hands to post-mortem about the sensational show. Yardley, J. (2005).Rise of individualismSince the time when China became as Peoples Republic of China in 1949, Collectivism has been their policy. It still remains the same. It does not have direct elections to select a person to run the country. On this point of view, the Super Girl show has provided the people a new form of election where individual voting matters. It just totally opposes the cultural values of China. (Junbo, J. 2009).It follows the footsteps of individualism which leads to the path of democracy in a non-democratic country. This is the point where the show attracted envys from all corners on a political perspective. As soon as the show gained popularity, the politicians criticized it to be ridiculous and rudimentary, obstructing the growth of Chinese culture and mentioned it as promoting individualism. (Quing, M. 2005).The change in cultural values towards individualism did not stop with entertainment channel al one. The mindset of the people was some other major factor that got changed. In China before Super Girl, people were not given an opportunity to vote. This in turn lead people disabled to execute their freedom to pursue their own course of life. In all ways, the government or the path came in their way. After this show, people have an opportunity to exercise their right to participate, execute their will. (Li, B. , 2005).The other change brought about by this show is that the excitement and joy experienced by the people during the show, displayed that people are ready to move away from the idealistic values followed by the communist party. Though this seems to be just a view of people, many critics believe that it has led to a new phenomenon emulating the civil society, where individual people can be given the higher priority rather than the society. Starting from the end of the 20th century, there have been innumerable divisions within the society based on social and cultural valu es. Zhu Dake (2005) has even mentioned about this,The Super Girls let us see that when the media can grasp public opinion, it can generate a knock-down(a) force. I feel that public opinion will be the most productive force in 21st century China.Role of mediaComing to the part the media played in this, the Super Girls show has showed that how powerful media can be. It has given a solid strength and consequence to the people that media has the power to change the face of the nation. It has the power to raise the sound of the public, no matter how big the government is. Also, with the advent of internet really making its way into each and everyones lives, the right to express individual view as gathered maintenance and people are starting to use it.Super Girl-Show for allBefore the show was aired, every activity performed in the country was gradually developing a split between the different levels of society. The elite and rich people of China had a better say in each and every act ivity than the under-privileged. This was bout out to be a major factor cultivating caste and ethnic group differences. The arrival of this show smashed up such theories that were existing and that were been practiced. It open the air stating a firm statement that the country and participation is for all. (Lynch, D. 2005)Super Girls the three finalists and their spirit of individualityOut of the several thousands of people who competed in the Super girl show, three girls were selected in the final. They were Li Yuchun, Zhou Bichang, Zhang Liangying. Out of the three , Li Yuchun emerged as the winner with almost 3.5 million votes. What helped her , irrespective of our weak voice was her personality and undeterred attitude and motivation to succeed. These are the traits of individualism. She had a, very much look of boyish hair style and a smile that could lead molarity other people smile. Her main characteristic that made her the youth icon of 2005 was her astounding capability t o enthrall the public and her fearless competitive nature. She was determined to win the competitions and was ready to show her self-identity. She was an ordinary person with no identity till the show was conducted. Later on, she became the heartthrob of many youths, instilling individualism in many of them. in time aft(prenominal) several months of performing, all the three of them continued to improve their singing skill the way handled the public and popularity was phenomenal. Chinese culture was basically related with valet inner feelings and nature. They do not care about the outer looks. But then, through this show, the girls were dressed and prepared like Westerners. The Westerners got this trend only because of individual exploration. They were not afraid of the society for what they were wearing and in-turn led them to different findings. The same principle was followed here by the super girls, leading them to advertise the individualistic love for dresses to general publ ic. They advertised themselves as an example of individualism. The culture of westerners is being imported by the girls but nonetheless, the girls have modified it to their own culture and traditions. (Robertson 1995) An example is the fast nutrition processing identified by U.S but then, the Chinese followed it and created their own menus according to their culture. The girls served as the best examples of global advertising and cultural change.Super Girl answer from governmentAs a result of the pressure scenarios created by the show, the government, on 2007, banned people from casting their votes through messaging and internet. In addition to this , the government also changed the show timings in such a way that it is not shown in prime time and as a result there system be as much viewers as there were in 2005. They have also placed rules on who all could participate in the show. ( Kim, N, 2009 )This is in response to their thought that the contenders are turning out to be bad role models for the current and future generation. They wanted even the dressings and hairstyles of the participants should be strictly in line with the traditional culture of the society. (Bao,. X.J., 2006). Rules were proposed to an extent that they decided to ban the show. But the show went on in 2009 with all these restrictions and is expected to continue.Some critics who are in favor of the show believe the amendments in media rules to be a first step of success against the government. They are also of the opinion that with appropriate and planned teaching, people can be cognizant of the democratic values and can influence democracy to be started in the country. They pose the view that the people of US were not born with the talent of choosing right leaders, it came to them only in practice as part of their lifestyle. They believe that such thing could happen with China if practiced for twenty dollar bill years. ( Ning, Q., Ning, C.T.K. 2002)Super Girl-benefits in different f ieldsApart from democracy, this show has been a revelation in providing quality contents to the public, the method of operations being so contemporary, changing the ideal work ethics followed by the orthodox people. In terms of social values and society, the program was able to meet the demands inherent in common people. It helped them satisfy their desire to exercise their rights. In terms of financial changes, this show provided revenue like never before, thus increasing the economical elevation of the country from entertainment industry too. (Xinhua., 2006)Super Girl Negative RemarksAs a show, society wise, it didnt cause any problem. But due to its huge popularity, the show gathered crowd wherever it got telecasted. As a result of it, the law men had a tough time to handle the crowd. The crowds near the stadium were mordant to enter and the law men had to use their sources to get rid of them. The whole situation had become unruly. The politicians later on took this as one of t he reasons for bashing at the show. The condemnation was not a major one and it was forgotten as time passed by. Another issue that occurred was that the selection round was not done properly and there were complaints from some of the participants that though they performed well, they were eliminated and some kind of discrimination is done for selection based on some issue. All this has not been given strong evidence till now and hence the complaints were not taken seriously. These were some of the black marks which happened during its course time.Personal perspectiveOn a personal point of view, life is just a matter of mental perception. One can find a sea of change in life if the view of the same problem is just changed from its current perception. The people who come to participate in the competition are from different traditions and origins. Before they could perform, one could see their culture and tradition being exposed to others, either by themselves, or through their chara cteristics.Such traditional culture takes a dump when they perform and get publicized after some success. Their individualism takes the front stage leaving out the collectivism and Confucianism. They are prompted to be self-aware, self conscious, care about themselves and neglect the so called cultural collectivism. This can be seen in two ways. This either affects their own cultural development or in a positive note, helps them liberalize and understand their own self rights. It is obvious that both cannot be achieved simultaneously. (Bodde, D.1957)Apart from the contestant point of view, the other factor that comes in here is the democracy and direct election. In my view, I dont see any kind of relation between the Super Girl show voting system and democracy. Yes, I understand, it is one form exercising ones right to participate. It gives you pleasure that you performed something that could change the fate of other person. But the change doesnt have the magnitude that a democracy election would have over an entire country. (Zhou, R. 2005).This being one view, one other point of view is that this could be seen as a democratic seed sown in a communist land. People tend to exaggerate this simple thing into such a huge issue that it got concerns from the government itself and led to the restriction on the show itself. Here, I have to mention that Chinese people have thrown sand on themselves. They have seen something new, some new change being happening, which they could capitalize on and make it scale greater heights. Instead, they tried to expose the democratic alliance that it minutely had, into a full blown issue and it showed the effects of it. (Jakes S. 2006) It is not possible here to suggest a predicament on whether the democracy interpreted through the show is valuable, deep and thought provoking. There is no compromise on whether it kindled the thought or not. Some people would go for a yes, some would go for a no but there can never be a unanimous dec ision for this issue. (Time,1954).People all of a sudden forget the mere existence of the central government and without any message or communication from the top level governance they just started forming groups and started enjoying by their groups. They have merely forgotten the presence of a top level institution in the country. They were living in their reel life rather than their real life. (Ding, Y. 2008).harmonize to D.D Pratt (1991), transformation from collectivistic nature of human being to individualism involves transformation of personality. This in his view is done in terms of perceptual, rational and moral knowledge. On Chinese point of view, it is about perfection and education. Hence their view was fully center on Confucianism, and their human nature was limited in its view. With the advent of this show, it is shown that the Chinese have found about the innumerable forms that a human nature relationship can take in its entirety. Hofstede, G. (2001).The major highlig ht of the show that specially characterizes individualism is the way each one is given the freedom to express themselves, how they are given the freedom to express their emotions, there inside thoughts, irrespective of their tradition. The show showed that culture is just nothing but sharing between one another and the resulting boundaries that develop to individual groups.When people from different culture, from different walks of the society are pitted against each other, they make their own assumptions about others only based on their own culture that is their values and principles they follow. These are only reasonable from their point of view, not from others. Hence, these conceptions take a dig when they do something wrong, which in turn, leads them to do self conscious work and that is, individualism. So, self-conscious nature gets into them once they enter the show itself. This in turn affects the already inherent cultural values inside them. (Ding, Y. 2008).The other reason s that I could state for the analysis of individualism in Super Girl show is that it is not only providing the current generation youth, a role model to look for , or a principle to follow for, but the fact is the feel of warmth, a fresh charming wavelength flowing between the contestants and the youth. They give high priority to this warmth, higher than their friends higher than their colleagues and most importantly, higher than the model set created on a moral basis by the Chinese government. The other factor is the psychological factor. The youth are able to get psychologically inspired through this show. Psychological inspiration involves , a belief in inside to follow their goal, a head start to achieve their goals and an attitude, that can take success or failure no matter what comes, taking both in a positive way. So, for all these aspects, the culture of the Super Girls can be used as an instrument in shaping up their career. (Yan, Y 2000)An apt example for this scenario c ould be, the application of rules and regulations in an apt manner can be followed by other rule making or governing institutions. People who feel are lagging in educational career, can concentrate on their extra-curricular talents with this show as an inspiration. So, this show gives the self confidence to the youth and in the process applies self-realization.Another example that could be provided is how even the under-privileged people can learn from the Super Girls, the ability to persist until the goal is reached. It gives them the confidence not to rest until the limelight is achieved. (Zan, Z.2009). According to Ha Jin, an acclaimed writer, The Chinese youth have changed their own perception. They think about themselves differently. They are self-worthier and they have started to think in terms of earning money for themselves to achieve their purpose. He feels that people are no more thinking that individualism is a bad factor and they are appreciating itConclusionIt is a fact that the Super Girls show has sown the seed of individualism in China. This situation can be compared to a drowning person who gets air mixed with carbon dioxide. It is obvious that the person will try to take as much air as possible without caring the level of carbon dioxide. The same has happened in China. But, this cannot be exaggerated by any means. Though the show is running for a period of 6 years, the amount of individualism impact it had upon the Chinese youth is very minimal. Individualism is a complicated issue and is directly related with the development of the nation. China, being the fastest developer in the world is yet to come in terms with the individualistic nature of U.S on cultural perspective. The national differences are going to continue to be prevalent between these nations. No matter, how many different numbers of shows come, the domination of traditional collectivism in historic China is not going to be replaced by individualism any time soon.ReferencesHofs tede, G. (2001). Cultures consequences (2nd ed.). Beverly Hills, CA Sage.McCrae, R. R. (2001). Trait psychology and culture Exploring intercultural comparisons. Journal of Personality, 69, 819846.Oyserman, D., Coon, H. M,. Kemmelmeier,M. (2002). Rethinking individualism and collectivism Evaluation of theoretical assumptions and meta-analyses. Psychological Bulletin, 128, 372.Pratt, D. D.(1991) Conceptions of Self within China and the United States Contrasting foundations for adult education.international journal of intercultural relations. 15. 285-310.Robertson, Roland (1995), globalization Time-Space and Homogeneity- Heterogeneity, in Global Modernities, Mike Featherstone, Scott Lash, and Roland Robertson, eds.. Thousand Oaks, CA Sage Publications, 45-46.Yan, Y (2000), Of Hamburger and Social Space Consuming McDonalds in Beijing, in The Consumer Revolution in Urban China, Deborah S. Davis, ed., Berkeley, CA University of California Press, 201-225.Lam C.(1997) A cultural perspecti ve on the Chinese Adolescent Development. Child and adolescent social work journal, 14(2), 95-115.Li, B.(2005). clean education in transition The values conflict in China. Studies in Philosophy and Education. 12, doi10.1007/BF01235475Ning, Q., Ning, C.T.K.(2002). Chinese Students Encounter America. Honk Kong Hong Kong University Press.Bodde, D.(1957) Chinas cultural tradition, what and whither? Source problems in world civilization. London Rinehart.Schimmack, U., Radhakrishnan, P., Oishi, S., Dzokoto, V. Ahadi,S. (2002). Culture, personality, and subjective well-being Integrating process models of life-satisfaction. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 82, 13131329.Ding, Y. (2008). A critical comparison of American Idol and Super Girl A cross-cultural communication analysis of American and Chinese cultures. Retrieved from http//cardinalscholar.bsu.edu/377/1/Yding_2008-1_BODY.pdfZan, Z.(2009). Paradise and paradox on the Super Voice Girls elementary news on popular cu lture, youth, media and state politics of contemporary China. Retrieved from https//dspace.library.ubc.ca/dspace/bitstream/2429/7872/1/ubc_2009_spring_zhang_zan.pdf(n.d)(198

Social Networking Sites In Election Campaigns Media Essay

favorable Networking Sites In election Campaigns Media Essay mesh is fast growing discourse tool these day with numerous tender networking sites operating and eminent personalities posting their thoughts on them and communication with throng. It is becoming the average of election communication as policy-making fall aparties across the world atomic number 18 logging on to the meshing and it is impacting the governmental system and voting behaviours. An interesting phenomenon in governmental communication is the use of tender networking sites like Facebook, You Tube and Friendster, that argon being employ as a means of election footraceing.The study focuses on use of fond media in political campaign and communication in past at different countries and how these can be implemented in Indian scenario and what would be its types and benefits.Table Of Contents approach 2Past Cases ( Use of SNS in EC ) 6Benefits 9Presence in India 10Conclusion 12IntroductionSocial network ing sites are online services or platforms that focus on building and reflection social relations among people. They proved to be a fundamental communication tool in every aspect and a limitless source of randomness campaign outline. Their effectiveness to gather and communicate a targeted political message, raising the stakes in strategy and aggressive social media battle helps in election campaigning. The use of social networking sites in political parties spans across increased media exposure, funding, participation and has increased mobilisation and enthusiasm in numerous recent political campaigns.Social networking sites has become fast and low cost communication tool and enables quick and easy approach path to political instruction among authorization users. Campaigning managers use these sites as an effective way for recruiting new employees and other campaigning strategies.From past two decades social networking sites and systems is been apply in political campaign ing and dialogues. In year 1996 electronic mail and social networks was widely used as source of communication among political parties and groups of people. During year 2006 at Belgian elections catchphrase Think was circulated among people through with(predicate) Myspace so as to stimulate people in treatments and thought around voting preference and load-bearing(a) people to reconsider voting for right party. In the same year a survey was conducted on Myspace users over 18 years of age and it was open up that they were three times more likely to take part in an online political discourse than tralatitious way.In year 2007 it was found out that 40% of all social networking usershadused Myspace and Facebookas a source forpolitical informationin the United States (US) and20%of people usedthese sitesto discover the political interests of their friends.It has beensuggestedthat Myspace is so effective that it should be a key part to any campaign strategy.Barack Obama has successfu lly used Twitter, Myspace, Youtube and Facebook as an effective tool in communicating and mobilising people. He spends around $2 million in election campaigning and building a social networking site known as MyBarackobama.com. Republican companionship also used social networking sites in 2008 elections to promote earth-closet McCain.There is with child(p) potential for political parties to raise large sums of notes in footling periods of time apply social networking sites through micro-fund-raising. The use of micro-donations not only enable candidates to raise funds rapidly it gives a sense of involvement andparticipation to those who have donated, no matter how small the amount. In the year 2008 US presidential election $55 million was raised in one calendar month and 80% of which were online donations.With social networking sites political campaigning add to a visibility to politicians personal and professional life. It leads to accountability and risk. As they can enter anywhere and these could be uploaded anytime which goes around like a disease among people and can be used for political gains. These political strategies were used in American government. Another incident related to same is that some parties even hire people who not only keep track of their accounts but also of competitors account and keeps on uploading and distributing much(prenominal) video content through Youtube. . An example of thishigh-level of exposure can be seen in the 2006 US election cycleasone senator was filmed making a racial slur, which was uploaded to YouTube and it became the most viewed video. This increased exposure of political candidates adds another dimension to political campaigning of smear campaigning of opposition candidates with ease. small-arm political parties may not have the level of control over the content that is distributed but these social networkingsites have facilitated anincreaseinthe rate of political participation.As these networking site s create an easily accessible medium for people to find, distribute and absorb. Evidence from a number of studies supports the theory that the net income has beneficial effects on online political involvement. Internet use encourages higher levels of political participation for example, forwarding e-mails with political content, online voting, and so forth. And online communications through social networking sites canaid in political engagement. YouTube and other social media sites allow campaign strategies to easily target limitless voters with great communication power. According to a Pew Internet and American Life study, 46% of American voters have used the Internet, text messaging or email for political mobilisation, discussion and to access political news and information and 35% of people in the US watched political videos on YouTube.In 2008 presidential elections in US new technologies feature with these social networking sites have been used as to advertise to potential vot ers and their mobilisation. The demographic for the internet has widened and social networking is no longer just for young people. In year 2006 over 50% of American YouTube and Myspace users were 35 years or older, and the proportion of 12 to 17 year olds were declining. Social networking sitesdo not just represent a young demographic.politically engaged peopleand political participation is increasing throughout the community through the use of social networking sites.Thus, social networking is playing a substantial image in political process in recent years. Not only it has been effectively utilised by political parties of western countries in the campaign cycles, political issues groups and otherwise unrepresented minorities, but also as a means of open and uncensored communication for citizens in countries with oppressive government control over other media conduits. The use of these online tools has seen a shift in the funding models of political parties through the highly effe ctive use of micro-donations. These sites have expanded the reach and the true of strategically targeted communications by political parties to potential voters.There is an increase inpolitical participationand people garner a greater sense of part through the use of social networking sites and social media, influencing involvement with political parties in the greater community.Social networking sites have proven to be a powerful political tool and we can only expect that it will grow limitlessly alongside the political machine.Past Cases of Social Networking Sites as a tool in Election CampaigningKenya ElectionsIn Kenya elections in year 2006 these social media such as Myspace, Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Flickr etc. is been used in mobilising and sharing and gathering of information and raising the money in restricted time. It was also seen social media as a way to get involved in political parties response to mainstream media. During the Kenya post-election crisis people mobil ised a website called Ushahidi for people to collaboratively report where violent clashes has taken place. Perspectives and commentary on the post-2006 election crisis in Kenya were seen in online networking sites as a way to criticise the media and government and it was found that views and discussion topics seen in social networking sites were much more diverse that seen in mainstream media.Internet and Social Networking Sites in Election CampaignsGabriela Womens Party in Philippines wins the 2007 ElectionsPhilippines also embarked on using Internet, social networking sites and the mobile phones for their 2007 elections. Gabriela Womens Party (GWP), among others, was one of them. Given the limited funds for mass forms of communication, the party made use of new communication technologies, in particular, the Internet and social networking sites like YouTube and Friendster along with its website, to augment traditional campaign techniques. The (GWP) won two seats, making it the firs t and only womens group in the country to advance such a feat in the party list group contest (Alojamiento, 2007).Maximizing YouTubeYouTube and Friendster are very popular among young female Internet users in the country. It was only logical for the GWP to turn to these sites to expand their networks and establish their presence among Filipino voters. Political advertising is an obsession among politicians in the country especially when it comes to TV advertising. All parties make efforts to be ontelevision and spend the maximum amounts on advertising. Television advertising being expensive, the GWP after a few commercials on television, extended this kind of advertising to YouTube by uploading a video endorsement of Angel Locsin, a young local celebrity.Use of Social Media in US Over the past two decadesonlinesocial networkingsites andsystemshavebeeneffectivelyusedto increase politicaldialogue. In 1996 email was widely used across social networks as a means of facilitatingpeople and groups for political purposes .In 2007 it was estimated that40% of all social networking usershadused Myspace and Facebookas a source forpolitical informationin the United States (US) and20%of people usedthese sitesto discover the political interests of their friends.Barack Obama successful used Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Facebook among others to communicate and mobilise people. He also had a $2 million dollar custom campaigning and social networking site built called MyBarackobama.com (Walmsley 2008 Crow 2008 Talbot 2008).The Republican party used social networking sites during the 2008 to promote candidate John McCain, even at 71 years of age, which demonstrated their understanding of the importance of its use. Political parties are now actively engaging with social networking sites as part of their campaign strategies.Political campaign strategies have successfully used social networking sites to increase campaign funding. Howard Dean, in 2004, was the first US politician to e xplore the monetary value in using the Internet as part of his campaign strategy. He successfully used the Internet to facilitate small donations online instead of the traditional big fund-raising events. During this same year Democratic Presidential candidate John Kerry raised $80 million in online donations. Within two months of creating a MySpace rapscallion during the US 2006 election cycle one Republican candidate raised donations by 20%The Barack Obama campaign during the 2008 US presidential election raised $55 million in one month 80% were online donations and 90% of those were under $200 each. This was before he had run a single fund-raising event .Social networking sites create an easily accessible medium for people to find, distribute and absorb political information. YouTube and other social media sites allows campaign strategies to easily target limitless voters with great communication power .According to a Pew Internet and American Life study, 46% of American voter s have used the Internet, text messaging or email for political mobilisation, discussion and to access political news and information 35% of people in the US watched political videos on YouTube .This ease of access combined with new technologies enables campaigners to strategically target and customise their marketing approach.Social networking sites enable a more targeted approach to election campaigning. The US Republican 2008 presidential campaign used an internal database, called the Voter Volt, matched with internet searches to advertise to potential voters using social networking sites .These new technologies combined with the use of social networking sites not only increases the accuracy of the campaign message through targeted advertising, it has also helped to increase the size of the audience.During the 2008 US Election new technologiesallowed The Republican National Committee to increase the number of potential voters on their database by 6-fold compared to their 2004 cam paign .The use of these new tools have the added potential to increase mobilisation.Benefits of Social Networking Sites usage in Political CampaigningMass reportageThe biggest advantage that social networking sites provide in an election campaign is of mass coverage with sites such as Myspace, Twitter, Facebook , Youtube, Linkdein , orkut etc.Data table from i strategy labs generating no of users of facebook between age of 18 and 24 are as followsIt can be seen youth between age 18 and 24 using facebook accounts for 40.8% and in middle age group constitute of 16.6%. So political parties targeting youth and middle age group can be benefited if campaigning through these sites.Cost Effective Political campaigning through these sites is very cost effective methods as the cost involved is very low. And in past micro donations can be arranged easily through these sites only. This has been seen in presidential elections in year 2008 taken place ay US.Emergence of new political partiesWith social networking sites as a tool used for election campaign emergence of new political parties can be seen. More of individual politicians are boost and are emerging out in elections. They are reaching to public with their ideas being communicated well using the videos on Youtube or post on cheep or on Facebook account or through blogs with many followers acting as agents and their promoters.Environmental and Societal benefitsThe other benefits associated with campaigning through networking sites are of environmental and societal benefits to general public in all. While campaigning through these sites the major tool of campaigning traditionally that is pamphlets is through emails, posts and blogs. Thus reduction the usage of paper and saving trees. Also society is saved from traffic jams, noise pollutions when campaigning is done on these sites. Moreover while campaigning on these sites an add on feature of more visibility leading to accountability is been ensured, giving a righ t to voters to have all information and then deciding upon the right candidate to vote for.Presence in IndiaPolitical parties in this day and age are now trying to use web as a medium to gain attention of the masses. Employing internet as a strategy to make an appeal to the masses is also being used a host of NGOs and non-profit organizations, such as the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Janaagraha Centre for Citizenship and Democracy and PublicInterest Foundation. These organisations are using internet, alongwith traditional media like radio and television, to dismiss initiatives geared toward raising awareness among the electorate.There are nationwide campaign ensuring to increase transparency in Indian elections by combining information slightly constituencies and candidates. The purpose of these campaigns areProvide information regarding the representatives based on the information they have provided through affidavits to the Election CommissionProvide information abo ut a constituencyGive a chance to the public to give feedback on work done by their elected representativesThe media excitement around the election is being generated by the middle-class urban youth, who believe in bringing about a change. Of late, many Indian politicians have begun considering internet as a viable medium for interactive communication and are,consequently, making their presence felt in the World Wide Web.For instance BJP has launched a website for its prime ministerial candidate and for its chief ministerial candidate as well. Similarly, even the congress party is making use of social networking sites like youtube, facebook, twitter etc. to run social marketing campaigns.Thus, the presence of social networking sites in the indian electoral scenario is spellbound as the political parties now are resorting to online campaigning and voting systems.CONCLUSION The present study and other studies cited in this paper mostly point out to both the importance of new media tec hnologies and the trend towards their exploitation in current political settings. Their maximization for political campaigning should be viewed, however, in the context of where these new technologies operateThough studies have demonstrated that new technologies have been playing significant roles in campaigns in the US, the diffusion of online campaigning in parts of Asia, particularly in the Philippines, is unfolding but at a slower pace.These do not discount the promises of the Internet for political campaigning. If offline conditions change, it is likely that online uses will follow. In the meantime, it is important to look at the Internet as an integral part of a holistic political campaigning strategy, which can complement the use of traditional media and grassroots campaigning by reaching the growing segment of the population using the Internet. Future studies in this survey of political communication would help in understanding how far the applications of the Internet and i ts contemporaries would go in bringing political actors closer to the public and how politics itself would change in the years to come as these new technologies become more sophisticated at the same time societies around the world rise and change

Teen Alcoholism :: Teen Drinking

In 1991, a study by the United States Surgeon Generals office stated that 8 one million million knocked out(p) of the 20.7 million young people in grades 7 through 12 drank alcoholic beverages every week. It went on to say that 454,000 of those youngsters reported weekly binges (Claypool 21). In the United States and completely over the world underage teens are drinking, and it may be because they just dont know about alcohol and its effects (Monroe 56). Underage or teen drinking is a major problem today that is increasing more and more, and something needs to be done to stop this increase and to control the yield of underage drinkers. There are many statistics that show just how big this problem is amongst our youth. One frightening statistic that shows how much this problem has been increasing is that between 1948 and 1988 the pct of teen drinkers increased by 57 pct (Nielsen 47). Many parents may think that their child may not drink until they are much older, besides the aver age age that teenagers try alcohol is between the ages twelve and sixteen (9). Also, a 1995 study taken by the University of Michigan stated that 35 out of 100 high school seniors drank 5 or more drinks at one time at least once during their two week accompany period (Claypool 10). A recent poll by the National Association of Student Councils found that alcohol was the leading school problem and 46 percent of students said it was the schools most serious problem (Monroe 53). This may be because alcohol is very dangerous because it is a poisonous drug that fundament be very addictive (Mitchell 6). In order to help solve this problem of underage drinking we must first try to understand wherefore teens drink alcohol. There are many reasons wherefore a young teen may choose to drink alcohol. A national survey, taken in 1995, showed that 87 percent of parents thought that teens drank because of peer pressure, but 79 percent of teenagers said it was just because they liked the feelin g they got when they drank (27). The main reason and the biggest reason why teens drink would probably have to be peer pressure, but there are many other reasons other than peer pressure why a teen might drink. In addition to peer influences, some experts believe that media depiction of alcohol use in print advertising, television and radio commercials, and pretended television programs such as sitcoms and dramatic series glamorizes alcohol to young people and can influence their decision to drink (Mitchell 28).

Response To: Hiroshma By Berger :: essays research papers

In his essay "Hiroshima," John Berger examines the bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. As he flips through the pages of the book Unforgettable Fire, he begins to relay his own views on the dropping of the A-bomb. Berger suggests his belief that it was an act of terrorism on the Japanese.While viewing the drawings, paintings, and descriptions the victimes of the A-bomb created, Berger starts forming his opinion on the tragedy. He eventually concludes that Japan was a victim of terrorism. However, unlike most terrorists who are from small countries, Japans attacker was the most powerful nation in the world. America, the country that symbolizes peace and freedom, conduct the massacre on thousands of Japanese.Just as Berger states, when American children are taught about Hiroshima, the fact that it was unnecessary is ommitted. Never had I been urged to stop and comtemplate the question of why it happened. Likewise, neer was this topic addressed in my history courses. In f act, I cannot remember one occassion when I was told of the innocent people who became victims of the attack. I, just as all American children, was taught that it was an important event in history. However,it was never once explained to me that it was important because it marked the largest terrorist act in history.As Berger composes his essay, he argues against things that everyone is told are wrong. However, he is one of the few who actually make the connection between the Hiroshima attack and terrorism. His argument is utterly flawless. He defines terrorism and then points out every aspect of this definition in the Hiroshima bombing. From the lack of necessity to the loss of thousands of innocent lives, the Hiroshima incident represents the model terrorist attack.