Selling to Cynics

Summary – Shock advertising Generation X is society’s trendiest group, it is realistic and under the age of thirty. Advertisers have recently discovered this segment and are willing to sell directly to them now, but also would like to start a relationship that goes beyond this generation. The problem is that Generation X doesn’t trust advertisers, they are aware of the fact that there are companies willing to sell them products they don’t want. These companies are desperate to reach this new segment with the help of advertisement agencies who speak â€Å"their language†.Tim Delaney made the advertisement for Pepe jeans, which is an advertisement with the darker values of generation X, as it shows disturbing images and alienated teenagers. Pepe Jeans wants to dissociate itself from the corporate culture. They think their advertisement did not offend their targeted audience, as the idea of how negative or dark these thoughts are, are in the eye (or mi nd) of the beholder. Jiro Ejaife from â€Å"don’t tell it magazine† wanted an advertisement based on the â€Å"amusing† violence in cult movies. Their advertisement shows a teenager being shot repeatedly.He made the advertisement intentionally over the top, and thinks the question of morality should lie with the church, family and schools. The test viewing shows that teenagers disagree about the violence used in this advertisement. Some think the advertisement is unacceptable, others are not offended, as nowadays there is much more violence in movies. The advertisement industry is disputing the use of â€Å"Shock advertising†, and the moral cause of this new tactic, as advertising doesn’t only sell a product, but also sells behavior and attitude with the same efficiency.Adrian Holmes of Howard-Spink advertising is one of the acceptable advertisers, he thinks it is in the moral interest of the country and the commercial interest of the industry that these â€Å"shock advertisers† should be brought into line. These types of advertisements give ammunition to the anti-advertising lobby, which will use it against all advertisers and curtail whatever creator freedom they still have. Christopher Ogden of the advertising standards authority relies on the self regulation system where advertisers themselves behave responsibly. The authority itself however would act hard if the advertisers use anti-social advertisements.The idea of Professor Malcolm Mc Donald of the Cranfield School of management is that advertisers who chose for short term sensational game always lose in the long run, as there are not only the shareholders to please but also other stakeholders like employees, pressure groups, etc. Finally Geoffrey Ellerton of midland bank thinks the more you target and advertisement very specifically for a particular market niche like the teenage audience, the greater the risk that you give any other audience the idea that the o rganization is not for them but for a younger aged group.Midland bank uses an advertisement which shows an adolescent person leaving his parents to live on his own. Test viewing has shown that teenagers are indifferent to this kind of advertisement as it did not make an impact on them. We can conclude that the advertisement business is caught between two worlds, the moralists and the mainstream on the one hand and a young market with entirely different ethical ideas on the other hand. Generation X might just turn their backs to the advertisers.

Ethics in ICT Education: Utilizing Mobile Gadgets in Teaching and Learning Process Essay

In a technology-driven and digital society, getting information quickly is important to both instructors and students. The expansion and everyday use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) have made it possible to quickly and instantly find information, share ideas among peer groups, allow instructors to easily interact with their students, and provide them with enabling platform for research and exploring new ideas. According to FBI-Internet Crime Complaint Center, Nigeria ranked third in the world after US and UK, in internet fraudulent activities. Yet, there is no cyber security law to checkmates these issues locally. Thus, government should work closely with the ICT community (NCC, NITDA, NigComSat, Galaxy backbone,Telecoms firms, and Consultants), in conjunction with legal community, to enact appropriate cybercrime laws. The write-up, bring to light the importance and application of mobile gadgets in learning process, issues associated with using mobile devices and ways to combat them. Keywords: Digital society, learning, students, instructors, education, mobile gadgets. Introduction: Mobile gadgets and phones can be a double-edge sword; the two can be used as a source of many benefits, for instance, the ease with which digital information can be analyzed, transmitted, and shared among numerous people and groups. On the other hand, they can be used to create ways of breaking laws or taking benefits away from others. For example, sending unsolicited e-mails is one of the compelling ethical issues raised by contemporary mobile gadgets users. Generally, information and communication technology (ICT) and the used of mobile gadgets are applied for the good of humankind; however it can also be abused and used as a tool for felony (L&N Long, 2005). Thus, the evolution of mobile gadgets have generated intense controversy and raised serious issues about information and communication technology ethics. An ethical individual accepts and lives by a set of moral principles and values. These principles define what is socially accepted as â€Å"good† and on the other hand what is â€Å"bad†, until today society continues to raise questions about what is or not ethical in the used of information technology gadgets. These issues are so important to our society, to the extent that educators see it as core subject that shall be integrated into college curricula. Educators believe that, if members of the society are made aware of the consequences of their actions, then there would be only fewer(marginal) people that will be motivated to commit computer crimes, contaminate systems with false information, post pornographic material to the internet, or abuse sanctity of intellectual property (K & J Laudon, 2003). . Ethics, Education, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT): Ethics in information technology â€Å"can be defined as the moral conducts and decisions confronting individuals, groups or institutions engaged in information and communication technology (ICT) practices (Martin M. 2009). It could also be defined as the study of moral ideals, character, policies and relationships of people and institutions involved in the activities of information and communication technology (Martin M. 2009). Whereas; educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using, and managing appropriate technological processes and resources (AECT, 2004). Conversely, information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be defined as a set of technological tools and resources used to communicate, create, disseminate, store and manage information. These technologies include internet, tablet computers, smart phones, and broadcasting technologies such as radio and television (Kukulska-Hulme et. al. 2005). The use of ICT (mobile gadgets and phones) for a range of different learning processes has been the prime concern of every right-thinking individual in this era. It is realized that, mobile gadgets and phones could add a completely new dimension to the teaching and learning process due to a wide range of attributes, such as being portable, ubiquitous, pervasiveness and the functions such as voice, video and data services, camera, video, radio, and the internet connectivity (Kukulska-Hulme et. al. 2005). Besides, Bressler, D, et.al. (2007) states that youth should be the target and first priority user group of mobile based teaching and learning, because research showed that teenagers and college students have a higher interest in every mobile phone activity than any other age group. Research Questions: This text endeavor to address the following questions raised by mobile gadgets and users: I. What ethical, social, and political issue arises by the uses of mobile technology gadgets? II. What are the specific codes of conduct that may be used to guide decision about cybercrime? III. Why do contemporary mobile gadgets pose challenges to the protection of individual rights and intellectual property? IV. How do mobile gadgets affect everyday life of instructors and students? V. How could mobile gadgets allow continuous access to education and reach marginalized groups of a society? RQ1-What ethical, social, and political issues arises by the uses of mobile technology gadgets? Ethical, social, and political issues are closely linked together. The ethical dilemma we may face in our academic system typically is reflected in social and political settings of the society (K & J Laudon, 2003). Let’s imagine our society, in which we are all living before the advent and penetration of mobile gadgets as a calm pond, an ecosystem in partial equilibrium with individual, society, and political institutions. Under this condition, everyone knows how to act in this pond because social institutions (family, colleges, polytechnics, universities, and organizations) have developed well-honed rules of behaviors and these are backed by laws developed in the political zone of the society that stipulate different do and promises appropriate penalty for violation any of the laid down policy and guiding principles. Now, information technologies development tosses a rock into the pond. The forces and pulsation as a result of tossing rock (mobile gadgets evolution) into the ponds, which is a powerful shock of new information technology revolutions that hit our social systems which is more or less (at rest or partial equilibrium) and thus generates positive and negative pulses. Suddenly, individuals, and society are confronted with new situations often not covered by the old laws (rules and code of conduct of the nation). The figure below portrays moral dimensions that connect ethical, social and political issues (K & J Laudon, 2003). Figure 1: Moral Dimensions (Ethical, Social, & Political) Issues Related To Mobile Gadgets: Excerpt from: Essential of Management Information Systems, Fifth Edition. Information /Property rights and obligations: what information rights do individual or institutions posses with respect to the information about themselves? What can they protect? How will traditional intellectual property be protected in a digital society in which accounting of ownership is difficult? Accountability and Control: who will be held responsible and liable for the harm done to individual, institutions and collective information and property rights? System and Life Quality: what services should we demand to protect individual rights and the safety of the society? What services and practices are supported and accepted by the society? RQ2- What are the specific codes of conducts that can be used to guide decision about cybercrime? Cybercrime can be referred to as the use of mobile gadgets or computers and internet to commit illicit act. Cybercrime (computer assisted crime) includes e-mail scams, hacking, distribution of hostile software (viruses and worms), denial of service(DoS) attacks, theft of data, fraud and impersonation, online auction fraud, phishing, child pornography, espionage (theft of trade secrets), cyber contraband and so on (Uwaje Chris, 2009). With the proliferation of mobile gadgets that allow easy access to internet and online resources, it becomes more disturbing because the cyber space, through which these crimes are perpetuated, is not defined by political or geographical boundaries, thus enacting or amending laws to curb them becomes a challenge. According to FBI-Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3 report, 2009), Nigeria ranked third in the world after US and UK, in internet fraudulent activities. Yet, there is no cyber security law to checkmate these issues locally. Similarly, Ewelukwa (2012), lamented that various legislative bills before the National Assembly, aimed at preventing cybercrime, have been neglected by the lawmakers including â€Å"The Computer Security and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Bill 2005 sponsored by the Executive failed to become law (Ewelukwa, 2012). Ewelukwa (2012) further stated â€Å"Other related legislative bills that have not yet been passed by the National Assembly include the Cyber Security and Data Protection Agency (Establishment, etc) Bill 2008, Electronic Fraud Prohibition Bill 2008, Nigeria Computer Security and Protection Agency Bill 2009, and the Computer Misuse Bill 2009. Cyber security entails all measures taken proactively to prevent and ensure safety from cyber attacks and related crimes. Cyber attacks vary and evolve on daily basis with advances in ICT gadgets. Therefore, government should work closely with the ICT community (NCC, NITDA, NigComSat, Galaxy Backbone, Telecoms firms, Experts and Consultants), legal community, to enact appropriate cybercrime laws, and expedite action to sign the aforementioned bills into laws. Thus, would boost the nation’s image before the online community and globally. RQ3- Why do contemporary mobile gadgets pose challenges to the protection of individual right and intellectual property? Ethical issues have long preceded the evolution of information technology, they are the abiding concerns of every society everywhere on earth, nevertheless, information technology has raised and heightened ethical concerns, put stress on existing social arrangement, and made existing law obsolete or severely crippled. There are three key technological trends that are responsible for these ethical traumas (K & J Laudon, 2003): I. Increases in Computing Power: Everyday people are getting possession of different mobile gadgets for their day to day undertakings (research works, businesses, leisure and entertainment), due to invention of high powered gadgets with varieties of features made available by the manufacturers. II. Advancement in Data Analysis & Declining Data Storage Costs: it is clear that with contemporary information systems technology and data analysis techniques, one can assemble and combine myriad pieces of information about an individual much more easily than in the past. For instances, information about an individual such as credit card purchases, telephone calls, magazine subscriptions, video rentals, mail order purchases, banking records, local, state, and federal governments(including court and police records), can all be gathered and mined properly. III. Networking and advances in Internet: sharing and accessing large quantities of data over the internet, open the possibility of mining large pools of data remotely using mobile gadgets, and thus permitting the invasion of privacy of others. RQ4- How do mobile gadgets affect everyday life of instructors and students? ICT and mobile gadgets in schools, colleges and universities have affected everyday life of both instructors and students, either in positive or negative directions as pointed out below: Students can record homework and assignments on their phone calendar. Help instructors to monitor their lecture schedules. Use of camera functions in geography and physical sciences subjects to records things and report back to class. Some teachers learned to teach in different ways with an emphasis on independent study, and thus incorporated mobile gadgets in their lessons. Disruption during lectures in cyber- bullying one another using text and blackberry messaging(BBM) Spiteful comments or spreading malicious gossips. Some students used mobile gadgets (for fashion) to chase opposite sexes RQ5- How could mobile gadgets allow continuous access to education and reach marginalized groups of a society? It would be very difficult or impossible for the conventional (class-room) delivery method of education to provide continuous and educational opportunities for majority members of a society. ICTs and mobile gadgets have the answers and potential to help reach this objective. They are portable, pervasive, personal, affordable, ubiquitous, and interactive and hence, instruction can be delivered anywhere and at anytime through it. Moreover, it is an aid to formal and informal learning, it supplement and enrich formal schooling, make learning more accessible, personalized and flexible for students everywhere. And thus holds enormous potential to transform the delivery of teaching and learning process. Mobile devices can overcome geographic, social, and infrastructure barriers to reach populations, and marginalized groups by providing them with access to further learning and development. These devices facilitate distance learning in situations where access to education is difficult or interrupted because of geographical barriers. And therefore, m-learning or mobile learning, offers modern ways to support learning process through mobile devices, such as handheld tablet computers, MP3/MP4 players, smart phones and mobile phones. And thus, a mobile gadget is not only a device, but a door to greater education and continuous interactive learning process. Advantages of using Mobile Gadgets: Students, teachers, and researchers have many reasons to consider using mobile gadgets, since these devices are one of the most versatile electronics gadgets in the market today. Besides the obvious communication advantages, mobile phones have features, such as cameras and internet accessibility, that can help students and researchers in all aspects of their learning processes, from their studies to their social and professional lives and practices. Kat Stafford (2013) stated in his write-up some advantages of mobile phone to college students, among which are: emergency communication, parental connection, studying and research, capture memories, social and professional networking and organization. Issues and Crimes Associated with Mobile Gadgets: As cell phones have rapidly become ubiquitous in everyday life, the issue of cell phones in school has become a hotly debated topic. Many disadvantages also exist concerning student cell phone use, Rebecca Richards (2012), mentioned few such as: causes distractions, exams cheating, e-mail scams, pornography and cyber contraband. Recommendation: Provision of redundant internet services (both wired & wireless) in our various institutions of learning using technology such as WIFI, or WIMAX, to facilitate learning processes using ICT gadgets. Universities, polytechnics, COEs, and other institution of learning should use proper network administrative tools to police students over inappropriate use of services provided to them; it can equally ban and restrict access to ALL social networks that can cause distractions to their studies. Use of software tools like web anonymizers (such as Psiphon, Surfola, Silent Surf, and Merletn) to hide user tracks from their predators. Every institution should review its code of conducts to include contemporary netiquettes, so that students and researchers are made aware of the cause of actions of every crime they committed. Likewise, at national level government should work closely with the ICT community (NCC, NITDA, NigComSat, Galaxy Backbone, Telecoms and IT firms, Experts and Consultants) and Legal community to enact appropriate cybercrime laws, and expedite action to sign all the legislative bills before them into laws. Conclusion: While there are enormous benefits to be gained out of mobile gadgets in terms of m-learning, enrichment, portability and flexibility in using ICTs throughout formal educational systems, there is even greater value to be gained in using the mobile technologies to increase access to millions of instructional resources who are currently outside the educational footprints. A combination of mobile technologies and relevant applications softwares, have the potential to overcome the barriers of time, distance, and allow adult education for those who have not been properly educated and now wish to be informed, well educated, trained or enlightened. It is apparent that ICTs offer opportunities not available previously to educators, using tools such as e-mail; Webinar, audio-video, computer–conferencing, both synchronously and asynchronously. With aid of ICT and appropriate set of application tools, a very rich interactive and learning environment can be created that allows learners to dictate their pace of learning, or place of learning. While the ICT tools empower our communities, they need not take away the role of the instructors or research supervisors; instead, students, firms, researchers and instructors should come together for a common purpose, work collaboratively with clearly defined roles on a shared platform to attain the set objectives of any kind. These communities encompass all levels and sectors of human endeavor, from basic education to postgraduate studies, from teacher training to business studies, and from non formal studies to language instruction, companies and research institutes. However, only infrastructure, fiscal resources, and policy support, would inhibit exploitation of this potential. And thus, an ICT world is an exciting planet of continuous learning process. References: AECT (2004). â€Å"Association for Educational Communications and Technology† Retrieved from: http://ocw.metu.edu.tr/file.php/118/molenda_definition.pdf visited on 05-04-2013. Bressler, D, et.al.(2007). â€Å"Information and Communication Technology in Education, Retrieved frm. http://www.schoolnet.lk/research/mobile_phones_for_teaching_learning_science/ visited on 07-05-2013. Ewelukwa (2012).† Wanted: A law on cyber security† Retrieved from: http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/35334-wanted-a-law-on-cyber-security.html , visited on 07-05-2013. IC3,(2009). â€Å"Internet Crime Complain Center 2009†Retrieved from: www.ic3.gov/media/annualreport/2009_ic3report.pdf , visited on 19-04-2013. Kukulska Hulme et.al .(2005). â€Å"Innovation in Mobile Learning: a European Perspective† Retrieved from : http://www.schoolnet.lk/research/mobile_phones_for_teaching_learning_science/ , visited on 19-04-2013 Kat Stafford, 2013). â€Å"Use of Cell Phones and College Students† http://www.ehow.com/list_5961606_advantages-cell-phones-college-students.html, visited on 07-05-2013. Laudon K.J, (2003). Essential of Management Information Systems, Fifth Edition, Chapter 5: Ethical and Social Issues in the Digital Firm, P. 142-143 Long L.N, (2005).Computers Information Technology in Perspective, 12th edition, Chapter IT ethics, Crime, and Privacy. P. 278 Martin M. (2009).Ethics in Engineering, 3rd edition New Delhi: MC Graw-Hill P.2-3 Rebecca, Richards (2012). â€Å"Use of Cell Phones and College Students† Retrieved from: http://www.ehow.com/list_5961606_advantages-cell-phones-college-students.html, visited on 07-05-2013. Uwaje, Chris (2009). â€Å"Cyber Crime: Its Implications for Internet Business Growth In Nigeria† Retrieved from: http://techtrendsng.com/cybercrime-its-implications-for-internet-business-growth-in-nigeria/, visited on 15-05-2013.

Reasons for Surfing the Internet Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reasons for Surfing the Internet - Essay Example   For younger people, the Internet is very important in terms of the opportunities it creates to socialize. People can stay in contact with their friends, follow events in their friends’ and families’ lives, meet new friends and even join communities of similar people, with the same beliefs and ways of thinking (Finn, 2009, website). They also join social networking websites such as Facebook in order to remain current with their social groups. This is the first category of reasons for surfing the Internet according to this essay, but importantly, it does not only apply to younger people: socializing on the Internet also applies to all groups of people, no matter their age. Older people use Facebook and other more business-oriented networking sites such as LinkedIn to grow their connections to people in the same industries as theirs, or in the same social circles as theirs. Many families stay in touch via technology such as Skype, when they cannot physically be togethe r. They have conversations across the world and are able to see each other and communicate more effectively via the Internet. There are also very legitimate sites for people to meet each other for relationships, such as dating sites, or less specifically for emotional relationships, community forum sites, where people who have common characteristics can meet and share ideas in cyberspace. This category of people who use the Internet is therefore wide, and cuts across age, status and nationality groups in society.... They have conversations across the world, and are able to see each other and communicate more effectively via the Internet. There are also very legitimate sites for people to meet each other for relationships, such as dating sites, or less specifically for emotional relationships, community forum sites, where people who have common characteristics can meet and share ideas in cyberspace. This category of people who use the Internet is therefore wide, and cuts across age, status and nationality groups in society. While there is some danger for people in that they could meet sexual predators or con artists in this way, the Internet still provides a major source for many people of the need to socialize with others. A second category of reasons for Internet surfing is due to the amount of information that can be found on the World Wide Web. From students at schools and universities, to professional people and businesspeople, many people use the Internet to find the information that they n eed to do what they need to do. Very credible sources of academic knowledge are available on the Internet and more and more universities and schools are advising students to do research in this way. While some sources are not well-substantiated, many academic journals, the best magazines and newspapers, encyclopedias, and textbooks can all be sourced on the Internet. This method of research definitely saves time, and makes it possible for people to keep up to date with knowledge in their fields, complete academic courses and even find out how to repair their cars! Although not strictly Internet surfing, it is even possible for people to publish their research and writing on the World Wide Web. This group of

The British Constitution Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The British Constitution - Essay Example It is also mostly embedded in the written form through various statutes, judgments and treaties apart from the conventional principles. In countries like the USA whose democratic origin has been very recent, writing constitution for a new country after their independence from British rule was a necessity. But, parliamentary democracy in Britain has a very long history and the Parliament of UK is one of the oldest democratic institutions in the world. After the merger of the Parliament of Scotland in 1707 and Ireland in 1801 with the English Parliament, it has been known as the Parliament of the United Kingdom.   The country has an established judiciary system with a long history and the system has been evolving over the period of time mainly based on precedents in the legal landscape.   Parliamentary sovereignty is the fundamental principle of the un-codified British Constitution. There were controversies at the time of UK’s accession to European community based on the con cerns that law-making functions could eventually be transferred to the EC Commission and the Council of Ministers. After the accession of the UK to European Economic Community, European common law has gained preeminence in the UK which is inevitable. In Thoburn v Sunderland City Council [2002] it was observed â€Å"All the specific rights and obligations which EU law creates are by the ECA incorporated into our domestic law and rank supreme: that is, anything in our substantive law inconsistent with any of these rights and obligations.... In Thoburn v Sunderland City Council [2002] it was observed â€Å"All the specific rights and obligations which EU law creates are by the ECA incorporated into our domestic law and rank supreme: that is, anything in our substantive law inconsistent with any of these rights and obligations is abrogated or must be modified to avoid the inconsistency†.   (Baili, 2002) But, it is important that the EU law for this purpose should originate from and authorized by the Parliament. It was asserted in the case that there is nothing in the ECA which allows the Court of Justice, or any other institutions of the EU, to touch or qualify the conditions of Parliament's legislative supremacy in the United Kingdom. In the Thoburn case there was criminal conviction of Steven Thoburn, a green grocer and other defendants for various offences inter alia calibration of weighing machines and the use of unapproved instruments or measures. In such cases which deal with constitutional issues, politica l and legislative implications are also involved. Drewry, G. (2007, p.112) states â€Å"the political and parliamentary implications are every bit as important as the legal ones. Both (one of which is Thoburn’s) cases, in their different ways, were concerned with important areas of national and European public policy, and with legislation that is a product of political processes’. The written constitutions in such cases are likely to pose adaptation problems as the issue covers various aspects of international importance and cross border activities. The establishment of European Court of Justice and its growing significance in the legal system of the United Kingdom and the supremacy of EC law in the event of conflicts with the UK laws have caused a great deal of discussions and

Eco-Design's Cultural Context Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Eco-Design's Cultural Context - Essay Example All these factors have merged together to enforce a more compliant design of built environments and human processes. This paper will present the cultural context of â€Å"eco design† or ecological design as presented by Ken Yeang and other proponents of green or eco design. Discussion Ecological design emerged from the threat of industrialism as towns turn to cities and populations exploded. Social problems escalated as natural resources become depleted or damaged beyond repair. This called for emergency actions that pushed considerations for life outside of the earth. An early advocate for ecological design was African ecologist John Phillips who coined â€Å"the biotic community† as a holistic approach to ecology (1968, 17). It further provided links between individual actions and the dynamics of an entire biotic community. Philips introduced the holistic approach to architects and planners and the need to include ecology and all forms of life in their designs. It was said that Ian McHarg who wrote Design with Nature (1969) was influenced by Phillips and the lectures of Walter Gropius in Harvard who warned his students of the human greed that has interfered with the biological cycle of human community and the organic social structure (29). Gropius told his students to â€Å"love and respect the land almost religiously,† (Gropius, 1945, p20). He stressed that humans must act appropriately for survival and as true agent in evolution. Phillips enumerated the causes of the ecological crisis as the reckless laissez-faire economy, individualism, Western capitalist greed, chaotic urbanization, fragmentation of social structures, and lack of planning. His proposal was the oriental approach: non-anthropocentric, implicit but orderly planning, and respect for the biotic community. From here, McHarg promoted science-based modernist architecture and planning that integrated respect for nature such as that of the Tennessee Valley Authority in a time w hen space exploration was the trend globally, linking the moon traveller’s perspective of the Earth as a whole and not the westernized compartmentalism. McHarg’s proposal was for a landscape design of an organic community of plants, insects, fish, animals and birds that would allow human consumption based on the self-sustained capacity of the capsule equivalent to the self-sustained cabin. It mandates an inventory of the environment with energy as the currency thereby determining limitations, allowable and prohibited changes, and determination of stability and instability (McHarg, 1968, 93). He advocated a need for designers and architects to fit in well with the ecological system through their landscapes and buildings with design adjusted on the basic human needs. Enlightened but guided by space explorations, the 1970s had ecological designers adopted space technologies, analytical tools, and ways of living for a respite from the doomed industrial society: space cabin -like structures that could allow men to survive once Earth has become a dead planet like Mars. It was an ecological future outside of Earth exemplified by closed, artificial, liveable environments in space (Anker, 2005, 529). By 1969, the New Alchemy inspired by McHarg was launched with the slogan, â€Å"To Restore the Lands, Protect the Seas, and Inform the Earth’

Beslan incident and the evaluation of the consequences Essay

Beslan incident and the evaluation of the consequences - Essay Example When Gorbachev dissolved the communist party and formed the Common Wealth of Independent States (CIS) this gave most of the Soviet Socialists states their independence but the economical relationship still existed. Russia’s economy was in a state of total disarray in the mid 90’s and the economy almost collapsed in the 1997 when the Russian government had to stop the trading of the rubble on the international market, when the September 11 attacks took place, the United States of America retaliated with attacking Afghanistan and this caused major changes in the world, the oil rich countries received a shock and as if Afghanistan wasn’t enough the USA followed it up by attacking Iraq and hence the oil prices rocketed sky high and this is what helped Russia the most because its economy started recuperating on the back of rising oiling prices. This was a major point because Russia is now able to repay debts before time and has since been able to throw around its weig ht on the political scenario that is quickly developing and evolving into a multi polar stage rather than being just uni-polar with Britain and Russia being the countries that have been able to voice their concerns and also do something to follow up with those voices. In 1994 the first Chechen war was fought and due to a lack of planning from the Russian military they had to face a lot of casualties and were demoralized very early into the war, it last 2 years and after that a peace treaty was signed. This treaty was not able to guarantee any peace and the second Chechen war started in 1999 with Russia showing its might and bombarding the area using its air force, followed up by a ground attack and hence they were successful this time around in capturing Chechnya. In February of 2000 the Russians were finally able to capture Groznyy but the fighters of different militant groups vowed to keep up the resistance till death or freedom and

Plagiarism in Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Plagiarism in Education - Essay Example The students will be trained accordingly to fulfill the immediate requirements. But due to immense pressure from different quarters students and seasoned professionals tend to plagiarize. Though most of the people want their original work to be published, but due to strict deadlines they fear of missing the deadline. Here they commit the mistake of copying others materials that what we call plagiarism. The most important thing is to realize the responsibilities towards the society and taking up those responsibilities, which is an indication of a good citizen. Non-plagiaristic work is an indication that makes every citizen to know their responsibilities and utilize them properly. The best way to overcome plagiarism is teach students about its effects at very early age. Make students believe that they can be creative and willing to work hard. The best way to make a student understand is the use of pictorial description. Students can easily learn by watching a movie or pictorial description on the subject. Written tests should be conducted regularly so that students can assess their performance. If they get a lower grade teachers should help them through counselling or any other possible way.

Educational Differences as a Result of Governmental Measures Essay

Educational Differences as a Result of Governmental Measures - Essay Example If education is not taken seriously, it can have very stark outcomes. The educational differences actually start this discussion which can culminate in a number of ramifications. When children are treated differently as per their educational realms, they have a sense of inferiority complex attached to their personalities. They believe it is their right to be on par with the very best and the authorities concerned should ensure the very same (Sharp, 2011). However, this sadly happens, which opens up a plethora of problems for society at large. Since educational differences become manifested within the lives of the people as well, it is only natural to think of it in a very serious manner. When the educational differences are understood from a narrowed down perspective, one finds out that the issue stems from the very top. The role of the government in chalking down proper policies and formulating rules is a missing ingredient of this discussion. They should do their homework well so that there are no anomalies which come about all the same. However, this rarely happens which essentially means that the children are left behind and they lack in having a positive attitude within the varied spheres of the society. The government can enact such measures and coin regulations which will have a direct impact on the educational realms that exist within any society of the world. There must never be a difference, to begin with, such a discussion. This is because education is a right of everyone and no one can deny the very same to anyone (Author Unknown, 2012). What is even more distressing is to know that the educational differences take the backburner of a number of policy mat ters.

Disapprobation of Pornography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Disapprobation of Pornography - Essay Example The stigma on pornography basically lies on the negative effect it may leave on the viewer. Indeed, one of my main concerns when it comes to porn is how sexual predators could use it to their advantage. â€Å"In 1970 the U.S. Commission on Obscenity and Pornography essentially gave nonviolent pornography a "clean bill of health," concluding that such materials did not have any demonstrated effects of a damaging personal or social nature.† (Check, 159) However, as pornography became more and more acceptable to society, the level of violence and brutality have increased. Disturbing issues have also arisen such as women’s degradation, gender/racial stereotypes, and juvenile pornography, The violence and bondage scenes in some porn movies, for instance, could send a wrong message or be perceived incorrectly. We must remember that while there is no established definitive causal link between pornography and crime like rape, one study pointed out that "if a person has relatively aggressive sexual inclinations resulting from various personal and/or cultural factors, some pornography exposure may activate and reinforce associated coercive tendencies and behaviors." (Malamuth, Addison, & Koss, 2000, p. 81) Another alarming aspect of pornography is the use of young children in pornographic materials. It scares me to think of the young lives in dysfunctional homes; how are they are taken advantage of, and how they can turn to porn for money or even attention. While there are laws in the US that impose harsh penalties on offenders in this area, the advent of technology and the internet almost render them inutile. A pimp making juvenile pornographic materials can be safely tuc ked in a country with no anti-pornographic laws and yet could make his wares available online to anybody around the world.

Sony company Essay Example for Free

Sony company Essay One of the most recognized brand names in the world today, Sony Corporation, Japan, established its India operations in November 1994, focusing on the sales and marketing of Sony products in the country. In a span of 16 years, Sony India has exemplified the quest for excellence in the world of digital lifestyle becoming the country’s foremost consumer electronics brand. With relentless commitment to quality, consistent dedication to customer satisfaction and unparalleled standards of service, Sony India is recognized as a benchmark for new age technology, superior quality, digital concepts and personalized service that has ensured loyal customers and nationwide acclaim in the industry. With brands names such as BRAVIA, VAIO, Tablet, Handycam ®, Cyber-shot, Walkman ®, Xplodâ„ ¢, Sony hi-fi, Memory stick ® and PlayStation ®, Sony has established itself as a value leader across its various product categories of Audio/Visual Entertainment products, Information and Communications, Recording Media, Business and Professional products. Sony India is one of the most recognized consumer electronics brand in the country, with a reputation for new age technology, digital concepts and excellent after sales service. In India, Sony has its footprint across all major towns and cities in the country through a distribution network comprising of over 10,400 dealers and distributors, 270 exclusive Sony outlets and 23 direct branch locations. Sony India also has a strong service presence across the country with 255 service outlets. Manned by customer friendly and informed sales persons, Sony’s exclusive stores ‘Sony Center’ are fast becoming the most visible face of the company in India. A distinctive feature of Sony’s service is its highly motivated and well-trained staff that provides the kind of attentive and sensitive service that is rare today. Sony is committed to ensuring that both the products and the marketing activities employed truly make a difference to people’s lifestyles and offer them new dimensions of enjoyment. Relentless commitment to quality, continuous dedication to customer satisfaction and unparalleled standards of service is what differentiates us from countless competitors and reflects a true image of all that is Sony. HISTORY It was in 1946 that Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita together with a small team of passionate and committed group of employees started to build â€Å"Tokyo Tsushin Kenkyujo† (Totsuko), or â€Å"Tokyo Telecommunications Research Institute† into the billion dollar global conglomerate that it is today. The main objective of the company was to design and create innovative products which would benefit the people. From early attempts at creating products like the rice-cooker to the later success of creating Japan’s first magnetic recorder, the innovative company went on to create other hit products which won the company widespread recognition and international acclaim as a truly global company known for its quality and innovative products. Significant product milestones included Japan’s first transistor radio (1955), Trinitron colour television (1968), Walkman personal stereo (1979), Handycam videocamera (1989), PlayStation (1994), Blu-ray Disc recorder (2003) and PlayStation 3 (2006). The company name of Sony was created by combining two words of â€Å"sonus† and â€Å"sonny†. The word â€Å"sonus† in Latin represents words like sound and sonic. The other word â€Å"sonny† means little son. Used in combination, Sony is supposed to represent a very small group of young people who have the energy and passion towards unlimited creations and innovative ideas. With the far-sight of expanding worldwide, it was in 1958 that the company formally adopted â€Å"Sony Corporation† as its corporate name. Easy to pronounce and read in any language, the name Sony, which has a lively ring to it, fits comfortably with the spirit of freedom and open-mindedness. FORMATS AND TECHNOLOGIES Sony has historically been notable for creating its own in-house standards for new recording and storage technologies, instead of adopting those of other manufacturers and standards bodies. The most infamous of these was the videotape format war of the early 1980s, when Sony marketed the Betamax system for video cassette recorders against the VHS format developed by JVC. In the end, VHS gained critical mass in the marketbase and became the worldwide standard for consumer VCRs and Sony adopted the format. While Betamax is for all practical purposes an obsolete format, a professional-oriented component video format called Betacam that was derived from Betamax is still used today, especially in the television industry, although far less so in recent years with the introduction of digital and high definition. Sony launched the Betamax videocassette recording format in 1975. In 1979 the Walkman brand was introduced, in the form of the worlds first portable music player. 1982 saw the launch of Sonys professional Betacam videotape format and the collaborative Compact Disc (CD) format. In 1983 Sony introduced 90 mm micro diskettes (better known as 3.5-inch (89 mm) floppy disks), which it had developed at a time when there were 4 floppy disks and a lot of variations from different companies to replace the then on-going 5.25 floppy disks. Sony had great success and the format became dominant; 3.5 floppy disks gradually became obsolete as they were replaced by current media formats. In 1983 Sony launched the MSX, a home computer system, and introduced the world (with their counterpart Philips) to the Compact Disc (CD). In 1984 Sony launched the Discman series which extended their Walkman brand to portable CD products. In 1985 Sony launched their Handycam products and the Video8 format. Video8 and the follow-on hi-band Hi8 format became popular in the consumer camcorder market. In 1987 Sony launched the 4 mm DAT or Digital Audio Tape as a new digital audio tape standard. In addition to developing consumer-based recording media, after the launch of the CD Sony began development of commercially based recording media. In 1986 they launched Write-Once optical discs (WO) and in 1988 launched Magneto-optical discs which were around 125MB size for the specific use of archival data storage. In the early 1990s two high-density optical storage standards were being developed: one was the MultiMedia Compact Disc (MMCD), backed by Philips and Sony, and the other was the Super Density disc (SD), supported by Toshiba and many others. Philips and Sony abandoned their MMCD format and agreed upon Toshibas SD format with only one modification based on MMCD technology, viz EFMPlus. The unified disc format was called DVD which was marketed in 1997. Sony introduced the MiniDisc format in 1993 as an alternative to Philips DCC or Digital Compact Cassette. Since the introduction of MiniDisc, Sony has attempted to promote its own audio compression technologies under the ATRAC brand, against the more widely used MP3. Until late 2004, Sonys Network Walkman line of digital portable music players did not support the MP3 de facto standard natively, although the provided software SonicStage would convert MP3 files into the ATRAC or ATRAC3 formats. In 1993, Sony challenged the industry standard Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound format with a newer and more advanced proprietary motion picture digital audio format called SDDS (Sony Dynamic Digital Sound). This format employed eight channels (7.1) of audio opposed to just six used in Dolby Digital 5.1 at the time. Unlike Dolby Digital, SDDS utilized a method of backup by having mirrored arrays of bits on both sides of the film which acted as a measure of reliability in case the film was partially damaged. Ultimately, SDDS has been vastly overshadowed by the preferred DTS (Digital Theatre System) and Dolby Digital standards in the motion picture industry. SDDS was solely developed for use in the theatre circuit; Sony never intended to develop a home theatre version of SDDS. In 1998, Sony launched their Memory Stick format; flash memory cards for use in Sony lines of digital cameras and portable music players. It has seen little support outside of Sonys own products with Secure Digital cards (SD) commanding considerably greater popularity. This is due in part to the SD formats greater throughput (which allows faster recording and access), higher capacities, and significantly lower price per unit capacity compared to Memory Sticks available at the same time. Sony has made updates to the Memory Stick format with Memory Stick Duo and Memory Stick Micro. Sony and Philips jointly developed the Sony-Philips digital interface format (S/PDIF) and the high-fidelity audio system SACD. The latter has since been entrenched in a format war with DVD-Audio. At present, neither has gained a major foothold with the general public. CDs are preferred by consumers because of ubiquitous presence of CD drives in consumer devices. In 2004, Sony built upon the MiniDisc format by releasing Hi-MD. Hi-MD allows the playback and recording of audio on newly introduced 1 GB Hi-MD discs in addition to playback and recording on regular MiniDiscs. Recordings on the Hi-MD Walkmans can be transferred to and from the computer virtually unrestricted, unlike earlier NetMD. In addition to saving audio on the discs, Hi-MD allows the storage of computer files such as documents, videos and photos. Hi-MD introduced the ability to record CD-quality audio with a linear PCM recording feature. It was the first time since MiniDiscs introduction in 1992 that the ATRAC codec could be bypassed and lossless CD-quality audio could be recorded on the small discs. Sony was one of the leading developers of the Blu-ray Disc optical disc format, the newest standard for disc-based content delivery. The format emerged as the market leader over the competing standard, Toshibas HD DVD, after a 2 year-long format war. The first Blu-ray players became commercially available in 2006. By the end of 2007 the format had the backing of every major motion picture studio except Universal, Paramount, and DreamWorks The Blu-ray formats popularity continued to increase, solidifying its position as the dominant HD media format, and Toshiba announced its decision to stop supporting HD DVD in 2008. Now, all major studios support Blu-ray and release their films on the format. CORPORATE INFORMATION Finances Sony is one of Japans largest corporations by revenue. It had revenues of  ¥6.395 trillion in 2012. It also maintains large reserves of cash, with  ¥13.29 trillion on hand as of 2012. In May 2012, Sony shares were valued at about $15 billion. The company was immensely profitable throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, in part because of the success of its new PlayStation line. The company encountered financial difficulty in the mid- to late-2000s due to a number of factors: the global financial crisis, increased competition for PlayStation, and the Japanese earthquake. The company faced three consecutive years of losses leading up to 2011. While noting the negative effects of intervening circumstances such as natural disasters and fluctuating currency exchange rates, the Financial Times criticized the company for its lack of resilience and inability to gauge the economy. The newspaper voiced skepticism about Sonys revitalization efforts, given a lack of tangible results. In September 2000 Sony had a market capitalization of $100 billion; but by December 2011 it had plunged to $18 billion, reflecting falling prospects for Sony but also reflecting grossly inflated share prices of the dot.com years. Net worth, as measured by stockholder equity, has steadily grown from $17.9 billion in March 2002 to $35.6 billion through December 2011. Earnings yield (inverse of the price to earnings ratio) has never been more than 5% and usually much less; thus Sony has always traded in over-priced ranges with the exception of the 2009 market bottom. In April 2012, Sony announced that it would reduce its workforce by 10,000 (6% of its employee base) as part of CEO Hirais effort to get the company back into the green. This came after a loss of 520 billion yen (roughly US$6.36 billion) for fiscal 2012, the worst since the company was founded. Accumulation loss for the past four years was 919.32 billion-yen. Sony plans to increase its marketing expenses by 30% in 2012. 1,000 of the jobs cut come from the companys mobile phone units workforce. 700 jobs will be cut in the 2012-2013 fiscal year and the remaining 300 in the following fiscal year. On 9 December 2008, Sony Corporation announced that it would be cutting 8,000 jobs, dropping 8,000 contractors and reducing its global manufacturing sites by 10% to save $1.1 billion per year. Environmental record In November 2011, Sony was ranked 9th (jointly with Panasonic) in Greenpeaces Guide to Greener Electronics. This chart grades major electronics companies on their environmental work. The company scored 3.6/10, incurring a penalty point for comments it has made in opposition to energy efficiency standards in California. It also risks a further penalty point in future editions for being a member of trade associations that have commented against energy efficiency standards. Together with Philips, Sony receives the highest score for energy policy advocacy after calling on the EU to adopt an unconditional 30% reduction target for greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Meanwhile, it receives full marks for the efficiency of its products. In 2007, Sony ranked 14th on the Greenpeace guide. Sony fell from its earlier 11th place ranking due to Greenpeaces claims that Sony had double standards in their waste policies. Since 1976, Sony has had an Environmental Conference. Sonys policies address their effects on global warming, the environment, and resources. They are taking steps to reduce the amount of greenhouse gases that they put out as well as regulating the products they get from their suppliers in a process that they call green procurement. Sony has said that they have signed on to have about 75 percent of their Sony Building running on geothermal power. The Sony Take Back Recycling Program allow consumers to recycle the electronics products that they buy from Sony by taking them to eCycle (Recycling) drop-off points around the U.S. The company has also developed a biobattery that runs on sugars and carbohydrates that works similarly to the way living creatures work. This is the most powerful small biobattery to date. In 2000, Sony faced criticism for a document entitled NGO Strategy that was leaked to the press. The document involved the companys surveillance of environmental activists in an attempt to plan how to counter their movements. It specifically mentioned environmental groups that were trying to pass laws that held electronics-producing companies responsible for the clean up of the toxic chemicals contained in their merchandise. EMPLOYEE SATISFACTION Employee Data The addition of employees of its mobile communications business, included in the scope of consolidation effective from fiscal year 2011, was offset by substantial personnel reductions at production sites in the East Asia and Asia/Pacific regions (i.e., excluding Japan) accompanying the implementation of production adjustments. As a consequence, as of March 31, 2012, the Sony Group had approximately 162,700 employees on its books, down 5,500 from the previous fiscal year-end. Sony Corporations headcount peaked at 23,000 in 1993, after which it remained fairly consistent at approximately 17,000. As of March 31, 2012, Sony Corporations headcount was approximately 16,000. Composition of Sony Corporations Directors and Corporate Executive Officers ELECTRONICS Sony Corporation is the electronics business unit and the parent company of the Sony Group. It primarily conducts strategic business planning of the group, research and development (RD), planning, designing and marketing for electronics products. Its subsidiaries such as Sony EMCS Corporation (6 plants in Japan), Sony Semiconductor Corporation (7 plants in Japan) and its subsidiaries outside Japan (Brazil, China, England, India, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand and United States) are responsible for manufacturing as well as product engineering (Sony EMCS is also responsible for customer service operations). In 2012, Sony incorporated rolled most of its consumer content services (including video, music, and gaming) into the Sony Entertainment Network. Sony produced the worlds first portable music player, the Walkman in 1979. This line fostered a fundamental change in music listening habits by allowing people to carry music with them and listen to music through lightweight headphones. Walkman originally referred to portable audio cassette players. Sony utilized a related brand, Discman, to refer to its CD players. It dropped this name in the late 1990s. Sony sells many of its computer products using the VAIO brand. Sony entered again into the global computer market under the new VAIO brand, began in 1996. Short for Video Audio Integrated Operation, the line was the first computer brand to highlight visual-audio features. Sony faced considerable controversy when some of its laptop batteries exploded and caught fire in 2006 resulting in the largest computer-related recall to that point in history. In a bid to join the tablet computer market, the company launched its Sony Tablet series in 2011. The machines run on Google Android software. Sony offers a range of digital cameras. Point-and-shoot models adopt the Cyber-shot name, while digital single-lens reflex models are branded using Alpha. The first Cyber-shot was introduced in 1996. At the time, digital cameras were a relative novelty. Sonys market share of the digital camera market fell from a high of 20% to 9% by 2005 Sony entered the market for digital single-lens reflex cameras in 2006 when it acquired the camera business of Konica Minolta. Sony rebranded the companys line of cameras as its Alpha line. Sony is the worlds third largest manufacturer of the cameras, behind leaders Canon and Nikon. Sony used the LCD WEGA name for its LCD TVs until summer 2005. The company then introduced the BRAVIA name. BRAVIA is an in house brand owned by Sony which produces high-definition LCD televisions, projection TVs and front projectors, home cinemas and the BRAVIA home theatre range. All Sony high-definition flat-panel LCD televisions in North America have carried the logo for BRAVIA since 2005. Sony is the third-largest maker of televisions in the world. As of 2012[update], Sonys television business has been unprofitable for eight year. In December 2011, Sony agreed to sell all stake in an LCD joint venture with Samsung Electronics for about $940 million. On 28 March 2012, Sony Corporation and Sharp Corporation announced that they have agreed to further amend the joint venture agreement originally executed by the parties in July 2009, as amended in April 2011, for the establishment and operation of Sharp Display Products Corporation (SDP), a joint venture to produce and sell large-sized LCD panels and modules. Sony also sells a range of DVD players. It has shifted its focus in recent years to promoting the Blu-ray format, including discs and players. Sony produces a wide range of semiconductors and electronic components including image sensors, laser diodes, system LSIs, mixed-signal LSIs, OLED panels, etc. The company has a strong presence in image sensor market. Sony-manufactured CCD and CMOS image sensors are widely used in digital cameras, smartphones, tablet computers. Sony Ericsson distinguished itself with multimedia-capable mobile phones, which included features such as cameras. These were unusual for the time. Despite their innovations, SMC faced intense competition from Apples iPhone, released in 2007. From 2008 to 2010, amid a global recession, SMC slashed its workforce by several thousand. Sony acquired Ericssons share of the venture in 2012 for over US$1 billion. In 2009, SMC was the fourth-largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world (after Nokia, Samsung and LG). By 2010, its market share had fallen to sixth place. Sony Mobile Communications now focuses exclusively on the smart phone market. Launched in 1994, the first PlayStation gained 61% of global console sales and broke Nintendos long-standing lead in the market. The console has become the most successful of all time, selling over 150 million units as of 2011[update]. Early on, poor sales performance resulted in significant losses for the company, pushing it to sell the console at a loss. It later introduced the PlayStation Move, an accessory that allows players to control video games using motion gestures.Early on, the format was used for movies, but it has since lost major studio support. Sony released a disc-less version of its PlayStation Portable, the PSP Go. The company went on to release its second portable video game system, PlayStation Vita, in 2011 and 2012. Sony Online Entertainment operates online services for PlayStation, as well as several other online games. In 2011 hackers broke into the PlayStation Network online service, stealing the personal information of 77 million account holders. ENTERTAINMENT Sony Pictures Entertainment, Inc. (SPE) is the television and film production/distribution unit of Sony. With 12.5% box office market share in 2011, the company was ranked 3rd among movie studios. Its group sales in 2010 were US$7.2 billion. The company has produced many notable movie franchises, including Spider-Man, The Karate Kid, and Men in Black. It has also produced popular television game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Sony entered the television and film production market when it acquired Columbia Pictures Entertainment in 1989 for $3.4 billion. SPEs television division is known as Sony Pictures Television. For the first several years of its existence, Sony Pictures Entertainment performed poorly, leading many to suspect the company would sell off the division. In July 2000, a marketing executive working for Sony Corporation created a fictitious film critic, David Manning, who gave consistently good reviews for releases from Sony subsidiary Columbia Pictures that generally received poor reviews amongst real critics. Sony Music Entertainment (also known as SME or Sony Music) is the second-largest global recorded music company of the big four record companies and is controlled by Sony Corporation of America, the United States subsidiary of Japans Sony Corporation. The company owns full or partial rights to the catalogues of Michael Jackson, The Beatles, Usher, Eminem, Akon, and others. In one of its largest-ever acquisitions, Sony purchased CBS Record Group in 1987 for US$2 billion. In the process, Sony gained the rights to the catalogue of Michael Jackson, considered by the Guinness Book of World Records to be the most successful entertainer of all time. In 2004, Sony entered into a joint venture with Bertelsmann AG, merging Sony Music Entertainment with Bertelsmann Music Group to create Sony BMG. In 2005, Sony BMG faced a copy protection scandal, because its music CDs had installed a controversial feature on users computer that posing a security risk to affected users. In 2007, the company acquired Famous Music for US$370 million, gaining the rights to the catalogues of Eminem and Akon, among others. Sony bought out Bertelsmanns share in the company and formed a new Sony Music Entertainment in 2008. Since then, the company has undergone management changes.

Reviewing Personal Development Through Reflective Practice Social Work Essay

Reviewing Personal Development Through Reflective Practice Social Work Essay The road up ahead unnoticed was damp in strong rain let loose against a grey sky that hung in desperation. Then shouts shook up the vicinity as a short craggy boy came in view, just enough to be seen chasing after a grown man. Dark skinned he perspired of fear while he threw large stones in the direction of his pursuit. His father straddled along howling while doing the same. The chase moved on almost reaching the street corner when the grown man abruptly turned about, drew out a long knife and unsurprisingly took in the direction of the boy. Five weeks before today, I had at my desk a 13 year old girl admitted for sexual abuse which occurred in an out of campus activity over the weekend, and involved two boys ages 14 and 15. I took up the intake interview for document support for criminal charges. The girl was an obvious difficult untrue to her shattered self, torn between betrayal and the worth of protecting friendship. I was in some sort of conflict myself, appalled with the clinical findings, and given the ages of these children involved. Both accused and the victim belong to families of lower income brackets with parents working in the informal sector. Later at night what first came to mind was a concept put forward by Reginald Revans in the 1940s that People had to be aware of their lack of relevant knowledge and be prepared to explore the area of their ignorance with suitable questions and help from other people in similar positions. Revans developed on the idea individuals successful with self development are those in adversity who struggle to understand themselves. The formula prescribes L = P + Q where L is learning; P is programmed thought or what is taught or read knowledge and Q is questioning to create insight. Apparently what I hoped to attempt, if any, was to learn in the execution of my task. In my circumstance as a social worker in child protection for disadvantaged communities; many deep, painful thoughts had me that I questioned if I could make sense of it at all. But work itself, frequent with disordered and dysfunctional children and families, brought me to understand the importance of perfecting the tool of reflective practice. Reflection nourishes the soul as it is a tough discomfort to take issues of the self to the fore. Whatever else is said of it, the tool can elicit insight and appreciation, and develop certain faculties of the mind. It is through reflective practice that I am competent and confident to work positively toward the best outcome in the interest of child with whom we work. This I began to write a few lines every night about my tasks, thoughts, fears, and achievements which helped me to focus and determine the real issue. Reflective practice is an element of learning through the involvement of self in exploring ones responses in an experience (Boud, Keogh and Walker, 1985). One must begin by understanding the purpose and definitions of reflective practice well explained in the writings of Johns and Freshwater (1998). The process requires methodical recording events and experiences in diaries and journals (Zubbrizarreta 1999 and Tryssenaar 1995), or professional development diaries to return and improve interpretations (Clouder 2000). The method is taken further by Gillings (2000) in placing emphasis on a sincere commitment to self enquiry and a readiness to change through honesty and openness. This argument is supported by Atkins (2000) by determining self-awareness of temperament and conviction as essential to the reflective process. Ann is a transferee to the university where she easily became friends with gang groups. One weekend she was invited to come join a swimming event on June 28, 2008. After swimming these teenagers decided to drink and others took a dose of marijuana. Ann managed to get too drunk that was left behind with two boys who promised to take her home. Ann was raped that night. The activity held outside campus was not led by the academe that jurisdiction and responsibility is argued. L O G I thought it would be a sweeping case for it concerned eleven minors of the same campus, having managed to access liquor and drugs. I believed there was neglect and unkindness on the part on all participants of the activity for leaving a vulnerable girl to the care of bullish boys, and passed judgment that this was some fraternity issue. Because I knew of the forensic evidence and laboratory results, it was difficult to let go. As I struggled with myself, I discovered the later developments in reflective practice threshed that individuals reach a limit reflecting alone, unaided (Boud, Keogh and Walker, 1985) and that there is more benefit to adopt reflective practice in a group setting or one-to-one forum through supervision (Fisher 1996). Other articles refer this as a guided reflection or learning sequence by studying ones feelings that an evolving of ideas and appreciation spills out. Mann (2008) presents shared reflection to reap benefits of continuity, trust, peer support and an opportunity to reframe. Possible harmful outcomes in spite the aim to provide self direction are also expressed in other works 1-busy work, 2-lack of impact, 3-rejection by clients, 4-misplaced confidence, 5-reflection without learning, 6-intellectualizing reflection, 7-inappropriate disclosure. The article points out that shared reflection is enabled by free expression of opinion when there is a common perceived usefulness of the activity and prior reflective practice experience. However the actual implements of shared reflection could differ as to organizational climate and allocation of time for reflection. But with the many work constraints, shared reflective activities was not possible at the moment. I adamantly guided Ann to pursue a criminal case. A complaint against the boys was filed in the court under IS No 08-1777. However, with the law protecting minors below 16 in place, the prosecutor dismissed all criminal charges with reason that these boys are below age of maturity. It was not long that these kids are back in campus. Inquiries on the incident were in sequels which the small institution claiming lack of jurisdiction had nothing to do and nothing more could be done. Cruelly enough, the boys taunt Ann in campus that she reports to her father who in return assaults one offender. Anns father is charged for frustrated murder and child abuse on the boy still not proven guilty. L O G I was totally devastated with the fact offensive sexual conduct shall pass without incarceration or remorse, seeing that the laws that protect children in conflict a twist. In as much as the boys are exempt from criminal liability, differentiation between wrong and right and the admittance of fault is not examined. While the state protects these boys from punishment, the state did not protect Ann. Gillian Ruch (2008) points out that there is more literature on definitions of reflective practice, when less thought is given to the conditions to facilitate its development. Insofar as this tool recognizes complexity and  uncertainty inherent in social work practice, there should be more emphasis on the need for practitioners to work within safe, clear, collaborative and communicative working practices that are interdependent -in respect reflective practice. Ann fell into depression; thinks it was her fault (she was too drunk) because she allowed the boys to abuse her. She caused all the troubles (her father beat up one of the boys who files a child abuse case against him and the fraternity wanted to avenge) She inflicts pains on herself (wrist slashing), ran away from home and seeks refuge from gangsters. Smokes, drinks, had some theft issues and turned promiscuous. L O G I felt responsible in some way for this behaviour and inadequate for not being able to do more. I though hard of ways to develop a positive self and positive self image for Ann. I involved too deeply with the family, encouraging parents to seek out opportunities to praise, reinforce, and recognize accomplishments. It consumed me, trying to get Ann to an improved ability to trust others in a developed sense. Models of reflective practice originate in different fields of study, typically depict an iterative process but are not explicit of the role of emotions. A simple model of reflection is to return to the experience and take feelings into account by recognition of emotion, attending to the feelings and developing a new perspective (Boud, Keogh and Walker 1985). Behaviour Ideas Feelings Returning to experience à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Utilizing positive feelings à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Removing obstructing feelings Re evaluating experience New perspectives on experience Change in behaviour Readiness for application Commitment to action Experience(s) Reflective processes Outcomes Looking at my case from a critical perspective, I have prepared a simple log. L O G What was I trying to achieve? I wanted badly to help Ann who was a naughty smart, completely lost in the age of adolescence. Why did I respond as I did? My frustration is coupled with the knowledge of several studies that have shown that as age increases in disadvantaged communities, boys have more liberty than girls to explore outside the home (e.g. Jones et al., 2000). And because these disadvantaged communities are less safe, the decline in a girls independent activities has crippled the overall growth of society. What were the consequences of that for the patient, others, myself? I have given my all to this case, but have time and fund constraints with the volume and limited manpower of our organization. Ann was sent to the Center for the Prevention of Child Sexual Abuse, another NGO with structured methods on handling child sexual abuse cases. How were others feeling? I came to meet the members of the childs family, who struggled through the issues and difficulty at hand. On the other part, the families of these boys manifested a displaced confidence. How did I know this? I kept in constant communication with the mother until a year after that I left work. Why did I feel the way I did within this situation? I knew that I could have done more. And I believe there is a need to evaluate the legislation. Did I act for the best? The constant weight of workload pressure and prioritization is often of concern to us as child protection workers. What knowledge did or could have informed me? Policy developments like these are important to be placed in the fore to promote better understanding of the real levels of risk to children in the various forms of social interaction. Does this situation connect with previous experiences? Not particularly, although admittedly I was drawn into this case. How could I handle this situation better? I should have been upfront with the family of the legislations in place such that the matter would be dealt with outside legal perspective. What would be the consequences of alternative actions for the patient/others/myself? There should have been a coordinated approach, assigning each child to a social worker effectually collaborating findings and cure for child disorientation. How do I now feel about this experience? Anger. I felt consumed by this experience and sore. Can I support myself and others better as a consequence? Yes. I have learned to distinguish the limits of my work and the level of attachment I can allow myself. How available am I to work with patients/families and staff to help them meet their needs? I extend myself in certain situations that compel or affected me more than the work should. Social work in disadvantaged communities is hefted with several constraints, if not stressful to a practitioner. A serious dilemma is that child protection and community is particularly influenced by poverty and other forms of inequality. It can be said that a harsher impact of transnational integration would be an increased number of anxious people, so much more in poorer communities, where support systems are unsurprisingly ineffectual with a shorthanded social workers group. In these depressed areas, where the core family unit is continually stressed, abuse easily coughs up. Adolescent sexual abuse is an experience relating to a broad spectrum of challenges across social work development, with suicide as the most severe outcome where much is lost. Other post trauma behaviours common are sexual risk-taking and substance misuse, depression, anxiety, and panic aggression and delinquency. With the escalating figures on abuse, my department puts up response to the WID (Women in Development), WAD (Women and Development) and GAD (Gender and Development) programs of the Government. It is among five pilot projects focused on women, children and family, catering a broad geographical coverage with mandate as Training Center. We use a total management approach particularly in severe cases of violence. We work closely with networks such as the Anti Child Abuse Network (ACAN, a national network), Gender Equality and Development (GEAD network in the city of Baguio) and the Regional Organization of Gender Focal Point (ROGFP). The department six years in existence is established through British funds. This concluded in 2006 leaving behind a vacuum in the handle of Family Needs-and-Risk-Assessment of victim survivors, including other forms of help (coordinating temporary shelter and home visits). My work as a social worker involves entering the lives of children and families in distress, conflict or trouble. To do so requires theoretical competence and self awareness. Reflective practice ensures that my motivations and past experiences are used to enhance our practice and to help me recognise our impact on others. With it I am also able to establish boundaries when working with children that I have become less assuming, although it does take experience, time, and skill. Noticeably, it has reduced my negative experiences as a service provider. I have the ability to step back and look at the bigger picture we are able to work more effectively with a service user. Reflection ensures confidence that our responses arise from the clients situation rather than our past or needs (Lishman, 2002). It prompts the evaluation of practice and gives way to opportunities to learn from experience by identifying what worked well and what may need to change. Reflective practice helps us to keep our commitment of continuous professional development and reinforces the importance of the attitude and keeps accountability at the forefront of our practice (Thompson, 2002). A crucial aspect of reflection is being able to use the criticism faced and utilize it-that is, turn the situation on its head, and learn something positive from it. Schon (1983) has explained, professional knowledge is grounded in professional experience. L O G In one time I consoled the mother of this young girl by telling her not to worry because this circumstance will make her stronger and wiser. And she snapped at me in disappointment that it was the least of her interest to gain strength and wisdom at the expense of her child. For long I was in moral conflict over the case. More so because it was a strong issue in the area of my work and to circles I involved in. Contradictions from interest groups mounted, many simply for the benefit of group funding among others. It was very sad because those hurt from the occurrence could not be helped. Deep inside me I questioned if we did protect the child and should be protect a child who abuses another child. The reflection of my inner conflict is drawn in the tree below. Child Protection RA 7610 Anti Child Abuse It was devastating and I was frustrated. Do the most significant and influential ethical theories deny the existence of natural rights? I should have been upfront with the family of the legislations in place such that the matter would be dealt with outside legal perspective. Action is wrong because it ignores Anns rights. In as much as the boys are exempt from criminal liability, differentiation between wrong and right and the admittance of fault is not examined. While the state protects these boys from punishment, the state did not protect Ann. Ann fell into depression; inflicts pain on herself (wrist slashing), ran away from home and seeks refuge from gangsters. Smokes, drinks, had some theft issues and turned promiscuous. Have I failed to protect and preserve public interest because of a selective indifference to information, understanding, and knowledge that bear on the preservation of human values and the solution of problems ? Should policy developments as this important be examined to promote better understanding of the real levels of risk to children in the various forms of social interaction? It consumed me, trying to get Ann to an improved ability to trust others in a developed sense. On the other part, the families of these boys manifested a displaced confidence. Is policy effective with the harsher impact of transnational integration and increased number of anxious people, so much more in poorer communities, where support systems are unsurprisingly ineffectual with a shorthanded social workers group. With all confusion, it was my constant reflective practice that held me through. I then took upon myself to pursue that this tool as a functional process to be performed at individual level by members of the team and in case conferences. The specific objectives include: (a) Increased awareness of RA 7610, Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act and RA 9262, An Act Defining Violence Against Women and Their Children, providing for Protective Measures for Victims, prescribing Penalties therefore, and for other purposes; through reflective practice methods and approaches focused on the family as a basic social unit, and extending to schools, universities, workplaces and the communities. (b) Reporting reflection after conducting immediate extensive treatment and protection and preventive psycho-social services through testing and treatment, advisement and counseling. (c) Shared reflections on particular cases for the containment of severe co nditions that further endanger lives and situations of victim survivors, families and communities. (d) Shared reflection that explores potential roles of victim survivors and families in the reflective practice initiatives for community learning. (e) To log these activities for the advancement of research methods and further betterment of programs and services delivery. At this point I thought it useful to reframe the work process. Reflective practice should be central to reframing a process flow of intervention in my department. The revised diagram puts forward the value of dialogue after every process step which could change the difficulties experienced through my individual account (Errington, Robertson 1998). It is thought that reflective practice adopted in a group setting by practitioners should be inextricably linked to social workers settings. The interaction also establishes rudiments of supervision by the department head as suggested in the writings of COT (1997), conducting group reflective practice supports and promotes professional development and continuing education. REFRAMING INTERVENTION CHART Patient with guardian is received by WCPU Social worker Guardian is made to complete the consent form Trauma intake interview if a patient is conducted, discussion with caretakers, companions and relatives Gathering, distillation and relaying of crucial information to the clinician before the interview and exam Collaboration with hospital staff members on-call Physician and social worker interview the Guardian/ caretaker Refers patient and family for temporary shelter, meal, food, financial assistance from LGU Submits and follows up lab specimen results Reflective Practice 1 PATIENT INTAKE Rigorous documentation of interviews, risk assessment and care of the survivors Worker conducts risk assessment for the child and family and decides on a plan of action that best protects the child and the family Refers child to a psychiatrist if needed Coordinates and refers client to other agencies like OSCWD, CPTCSA, PNP and others SW provides advice and crisis counseling 4RISK ASSESSMENT (Social worker) The physician carries out an appropriate forensic interview that is child sensitive, using a developmental approach Social worker listens to interview an transcribes interviews as necessary 2 FORENSIC INTERVIEW The physician and social worker assess and refer patients who require counseling to the psychiatrist Psychiatrist conducts regular therapy sessions for the child until the child shows, significant improvements in diagnosis 5 PSYCHIATRIC CARE Physician performs non-traumatizing medical examination that adheres legal requisites for evidence collection, including colposcopic pictures Physician also examines child for medical problems not associated to the abuse Physician devises and implements a medical treatment plan Assisting the physician in the conducting of the physical examination and gathering of specimen and other medico-legal evidences Social worker passes and follow-up laboratory request. Refer lab results to physicians concerns and informs patient Contact and get food from dietary for the patient as needed When necessary, referrals are made for medical services not provided by WCPU 3 MEDICAL EXAMINATION When summoned, WCPU physicians appear in court to provide expert testimony about the findings 6 COURT TESTIMONY Reflective Practice While the work of Gillings (2000) guides reflection of feelings to deliberately evaluate the experience, it is expected that a particular situation is adequately analysed and that the development of an action plan follows. By reframing the process flow, there is better chance that a holistic action plan evolves each time shared reflection takes place and additional information integrated to the case. This requires that professional development diaries (Clouder 2000) become part of the workflow, where documentation of group reflections preserves the learning experience for the reference of future learning groups. Importantly, each group reflective practice should begin with the understanding of what the team is trying to achieve. The sensitivity articulated by Atkins in Burns and Bulman (2000), is that there must be commitment and willingness to listen to the views and insights of other practitioners. By so, it allows for new posits for practitioners to apply in the handle of new expe riences. In effect, an individual member presents a challenge and has these views and perspectives provoked by questions of fellow practitioners, and share the process leading to appropriate actions. It is an application of the work of Kristina Gower (2002) that through the process of shared reflection, an avenue is set for the individual to focus on themselves and what they are grappling at work. It is argued in many writings that shared reflection when practiced effectively and with consistency, enables practitioners to be open with each other and capable of trust. I think it is most needed today where globalisation has caused upon a change in the social structures of communities and social workers are faced with new sorts of challenges. By mere process of jotting down thoughts in a descriptive manner, unloads the emotions held within. What is more is when it is read, it is an act of distancing from self, allowing one to see if our responses were appropriate to the situation. Shared Reflection Session Adapted from National Primary and Care Trust Development Programme 2008 Present your challenge, insight, issue, or question Set members question you constructively to challenge views and understanding, perceptions, and assumptions New insights, understanding or ideas Test actions in the workplace Draw conclusions and mark learnings. Integrate the new knowledge into the practice Bring results back to set. What worked? What did not? Why? Each time group reflection is carried out, a new interaction or form of reflection occurs, or individual reflection is deepened. The chart below depicts continues growth expected of dialogues amongst practitioners. Proper recording of the analyses, conflict and interaction must be ensured for future growth of the department. By and large, globalization altered the traditional roles in society that sense of community is hard to come by. The greater impact however falls on less developed nations where close family ties have tangible effects on income sources, equally personal growth. While conventional theory avers family as the fundamental social institution, it is opposed by the changing times. The present phenomenon sees the family unit split on a massive scale leading to less safer communities for the child. Because it is so, reflective practice intertwines with the practice of social work. Interactions in delicate matters of family, and in situations of discomfort, it is essential that social workers maintain reflective practice to unearth insights as much as for the interest of self preservation in pressing issues by constant self awareness. While practice is located within the ancient tradition of experiential learning and in the recently defined perspective of situated cognition, both return us to the basic comprehension that not all problems are of equal dimensions. What is more is not the scope or dimensions of the problem but the significance of the problem to the child we work with (Osterman, 1993). This is reinforced in the manuscript Changing Lives review of social work by Peter Lewis, where it relates the emphatic need for more reflective practice. Appointed director of childrens services at Haringey, a first response was to send off social work staff on reflective practice courses at the Tavistock Clinic (cooper, 2010). Of course, a huge obstacle to reflective practice and clearly widespread in England comes with the tightening budgets, even when studies have increasing shown the relevance of reflective practice as an essential part of social work decision making. That is the sheer volume of the work and its impact, as a social worker, one is stressed and overwhelmed that is likely to overly identify with a child at work or with the parents. As a result it becomes difficult to maintain objectivity and stand back. Kim Poupart (2010) relents that People get stirred up by child protection work. For example, if someone is forced to look at slides of abuse it is painful for them to see. Unless they can reflect about how upset and angry they feel they will be unable to manage their feelings in relation to the work and decisions they need to make. The study elaborates on the important elements of reflective practice which allows for a deeper understanding of: (1) The role emotion plays in decision-making, (2) Patterns finding the evidence for gut feelings, (3) Confirmation biases or reluctance to abandon a pre-formed opinion, (4) Attribution error on attributing behaviour to personality traits rather than the context, and (5) Hindsight error. While reflective practice in social work cannot be disguised, credence on personal attributes should be upheld. These personal attributes contributing to the perfection of reflective practice are: values, perception of the world, self-perception, emotional status and interaction with the external environment (Maree C, 2010). The observed skills leading toward such competencies are developed at early portions of the profession. Course curriculums have incorporated cognitive-structural theories, human development theories, and exhaustive study of postmodern writings on reflective practices in group and individually. Neil and Sue Thompson (2009) suggest that At the heart of reflective practice is the idea that our actions should be informed by a knowledge base that we engage with actively. In which case responses are not by routine or by habit but rather through sincere and considerate understanding of the situation faced, thus ensuring the practitioner sees beneath the surface of thing s. In conclusion, reflective practice contributes to professional development and in a manner quite difficult to measure. Particularly in my case, it was the source of great strength with the several difficult decisions and challenges unearthed in child protection work. I could honestly say that this case was a moral challenge since it compelled implementing a law that I do not think is entirely good. Similarly, we run the risk of reinforcing existing inequalities and potentially oppressive processes in the absence of proper reflection and reflective practice. In some organizations, this is seen to come in the way of work, especially to traditional bosses who think that adding processes is an upshot of not having enough work to do. Through reflective practice I come to appreciate All things equal, I strongly believe that it there are good choices and better outcomes for children when reflection is performed. I see things differently.

Prayer in School Essay -- Religion Argumentative Argument Papers

Prayer in School As the bell rings you walk through the lunchroom doors. It seems just like any ordinary day. You smelled the mystery lunch as soon as you walked in, you fought your way into the lunch line, and you saw the principal escorting some troublemaking kids from their tables. But wait, those kids weren't the usual trouble makers. They were the kids that always follow the rules and even pray before lunch. Was this some kind of alternate universe? No, they were actually in trouble. No one ever paid it much attention but praying in school was against the rules. Why is it that our school system is so concerned with students that pray when there are students with problems that deserve much more attention? Students should not be punished for exercising the religious beliefs. Religion is a part of life, it always has been and it always will be. I believe that prayer should be allowed in school because it is a constitutional right, it encourages morals and values and students showing dev otion to their religious practices doesn't hurt anyone. The Downfall of a Nation There were times in this country where religion was mandatory in the public school curriculum. However, as early as the 1850?s the Superintendent of Schools in New York stated that prayers could no longer be required as part of public school curriculum. The Cincinnati Board of Education decided in 1869 that "religious instruction and the reading of religious books, including the Holy Bible, were prohibited in the common schools of Cincinnati.? By 1962/1963 the United States Supreme Court had prohibited bible reading and school organized prayers. In the past the Supreme Court had consistently ruled against religious practices in the public... ...nity Today. July (2003). 03 Oct. 2003 2. Annie Laurie Gaylor. ?The Case Against School Prayer?. 1995. Freedom From Religion Foundation. 03 Nov. 2003. 3. Unknown Author(s). School Prayer Case History. 2003. School-Prayer.net 03 Nov. 2003 . 4. Unknown Author(s). School Prayer. 26 Sept. 2003. Internet Infidels. 03 Nov. 2003 http://infidels.org/library/modern/church-state/prayer.html 5.Unknown Author(s). The Constitution. 10 Nov. 2003 http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.billofrights.html

Ruling Ideologies :: essays research papers

Core Studies 3 Casilda Adames Take-Home Exam November 16, 1999 The ruling ideology dealing with welfare is a negative view among the majority of Americans. It states that welfare recipients are lazy people who have lots of children and collect checks for a long period of time. This statement is believed mostly among higher-class people because they feel that if they can work hard for their money, welfare recipients can do the same, and not live off other people’s money. Charles Murray supports the statement â€Å"welfare policies encourage poor women to have more children† in one of his books, but is proven wrong by careful studies and demographics. It has been studied that welfare has almost no effect on bearing children. These studies show that younger women are more likely to be poor and their poverty makes their children poor. American adults by far are more unequal in wealth and income than any other industrial society as well as the declining incomes of young men since the mid-1970s. Many young men cannot afford to keep their children out of poverty or decide not to the handle the duties or responsibilities of marriage, leaving young mothers and children even poorer, leading them to depend on welfare. According to a New York Times article dated 2/29/92, there are fewer children receiving assistance from welfare and are not just being lazy but and collecting checks, but actually getting off welfare. This ruling ideology that most of the American society supports leads to the lack of wide political support and budget-cutting of means-tested programs. These mean-tested programs are available only to those people who can prove that they are poor. Only Social Security and Medicare, both Universal programs, have largely survived cutbacks in recent years because it is widely accepted throughout the American society. The reason it is accepted in the American society is that everybody contributes to social security and everybody benefits from it. As stated before many people in the American society do not want to support the welfare people because they are perceived to be lazy bums, who just collect checks and have lost of children, which persuades people’s attitudes to not support these means-tested programs including welfare. AFDC has been repeatedly cut and will continue to decline as long as federal governments transfer responsibility for welfare to state governments which aids the American’s ideology that help to the poor must be â€Å"limited, conditional and unpleasant† so that people get off welfare and acquire jobs.

Everyone’s Opinion

Opinion refers to someone’s point of view which cannot be proved to be true. Opinion also refers to judgments that are made by professionals regarding their belief. In law the word is used to refer to the various reasons that persuade judges to reach certain conclusions and make judgmental decisions. It is usually difficult to verify whether an opinion is true or false because there is no certainty about it and for this reason, opinions are not factual. (dictionary. reference. com). Everyone has his own opinion regarding various issues that affect everyday life, such as politics, the economy, social life, the world and unknown phenomena such as the existence of supernatural beings and life after death. Some of the opinions are based on cultural values, how an individual is socialized and how these factors affect the personal life of someone. Due to the diverse nature of opinions, some deserve respect from others while others do not deserve any attention mainly because they are baseless and hold no water. Some of the opinions that deserve to be respected include public opinion, opinion polls, and normative opinions. Idle opinions and personal baseless opinions do not necessarily merit respect but can sometimes be respected when they refer to important issues. Public opinion can be defined as the consensus of adult citizens pertaining to an issue or an agenda that touches their day to day lives. Opinion polls are usually conducted to get public opinion on important matters of the state that affect the economy, market trends and policies that determine governance. Such opinion polls deserve a lot of attention because they determine the kind of decisions that development stakeholders make in order to make progress economically and socially. Feedback from public opinion polls is a way of measuring the success or failure of the relevant institution. A good illustration is the opinion poll which was conducted in America on why nuclear energy should be supported. This poll was conducted on 2nd – 4th May 2003. The results showed that the majority of the citizens supported the usage of nuclear energy by two thirds. More than 70% agreed that nuclear energy licenses be renewed and more plants should be erected to increase energy supply. These numbers were even higher when the same poll was conducted in 2001 after some areas like California experienced power shortages. Such feedback offers the nuclear industry the necessary support from the general public to carry out its projects. Such kind of projects plays an important role in promoting development and boosting the economy. The opinion of the 30% who were against this development also cannot be ignored because their views could be of much benefit to the nuclear industry if considered as constructive criticism to improve the industry’s performance. Scontia: Why Americans Support Nuclear Energy: Development and Characteristics of Public Opinion in the U. S) Opinions that are not constructive in nature should not be given much attention because they are not beneficial. They are comprised of views that people don’t really believe in. Idle talk that happens during work or in the evening after work in blogs, and chatrooms quickly vanishes away. It is just that people want to engage in idle discussions. Idle opinion was first observed by Robert Webb when he went to the United Kingdom to feature some advertisement of Apple Mac He faced considerable criticism from people who should have been doing better things. These opinions were also not sought from them and they did not really believe in them (http://www. idleopinion. com/). The illustration above is a good example of opinions that should not be respected since they do not add any significant value to the matter at hand. Ignoring it is what is required and concentrating on work or matters of importance and general public interest should be the way forward.