Animal Farm/V for Vendetta Essay

In many great texts concerning the politics, it can be observed that the context in which the piece was created greatly influences the ways in which values and themes are presented and the form in which it is produced. Major ground shaking events have the power to transform paradigms of individuals and whole societies, and in turn morph and influence the themes a text created in the same time period implores. Warner Brother’s 2005 film â€Å"V for Vendetta† and George Orwell’s 1945 novelette â€Å"Animal Farm† both deal with concepts present in the political climates of their times and the problems associated with them; the cost of apathy towards injustice, propaganda and its influence, and the crippling aspect of fear. The representation of the themes present in the two texts contrast and compare in many ways due to the diversity in the contexts under which each was created and the universal continuity of the themes present. Read more: Us constitution tyranny essay Orwell’s 1945 text was created at the end of the Russian social revolution that left the once optimistic Russian people in tatters and under the boot of a brutal fascist regime, while the Hollywood movie was created post 9/11 in a time where people turned to their government for protection from unknown threats, willing to sacrifice their liberty for safety. It was situated in a future dystopia as opposed to Animal Farm’s historical setting and warned of what could be the outcome of choosing to blindly follow the neo-conservative politics of film’s time such as Bush’s and Thatcher’s parties. Both texts make political statements that are influenced by the historical and personal context of their creation and contrast and compare greatly in form and values. Primarily, the theme of apathy, and the cost of silence is explored similarly in the two cross-generational texts. Written after the solemn failure of socialism when applied to a practical setting, Orwell pessimistically recounts the outcome of the apathy that Russian citizens expressed in the face of blatant corruption in his fable, â€Å"Animal Farm†. Orwell’s novel is written in the form of an allegory, which recounts the events of the Russian revolution as though it took place on a British farm, and uses various types  of animals to symbolize the different classes of the soviet union (Molly the horse represents the bourgeoisie, Boxer, the proletariats). Animal farm sets out to become a utopia where â€Å"all animals are equal†; working together under the inspiration of a Marxist boar named major (who represents the revolutionary leader Lenin), the animals drive out their human oppressors in a violent rebellion. The pigs take power on the farm due to their à ¢â‚¬Å"superior knowledge† and leadership qualities. Though as the pigs become corrupted by their power, it soon becomes clear to the animals smart enough to comprehend the concept of corruption, that things aren’t as they should be. They become aware of the pig’s greed; they hoard food that should be shared evenly amongst all animals, they twist the truth to better suit their political motives, and they change the constitution of animal farm without public consent. Few animals possess the ability to comprehend that the pigs do not wish to help the public, and Benjamin the donkey comes to be the most prominent advocate for apathy in the novelette. He is one of the smartest animals on the farm and is not fooled for a second by any of the pig’s ruses that work so effectively on the others. He remains neutral to any conflict seen in animal farm; when the hens stage a coup to stand up against their oppression and are subsequently executed, not a word of protest is spoken, and when asked for his opinion on any debate only replies â€Å"donkeys live a long time† to cryptically cynical way of saying â€Å"it all ends up the same†. Benjamin is passive to any change whether it is good or bad; in the honeymoon phase of the revolution in which the pigs express plans for equality and freedom for all, he remains sceptical. He is cynical to any positive outcome as he has believes only that the cycle of power and corruption will repeat its elf, as it has in the past. His silence in the face of the pig’s corruption is broken only at the novel’s climax as his friend Boxer is driven off to the â€Å"knackers† in a truck the other animals believe to be transporting him to the vet. â€Å"Fools! Fools!† he shouts furiously, â€Å"Fools! Do you not see what is written on the side of that van?† The animals can’t read the writing of course, but Benjamin could all along, as he could read Animal Farm’s constitution being changed overnight. Benjamin saw the dark path that the revolution was taking and in its early phases had the ability to turn it around. But the apathy he showed landed all of animal farm manipulated and trapped in a position where resistance  was futile and the pigs could rule with an iron fist. Benjamin was cynical with his belief that â€Å"Life would go on as it had always gone on – that is, badly† but in the same way he was a realist, as in the end of animal farm things di d continue as they always had – badly. It is questionable whether Animal Farm’s revolution, and the revolution of its allegory counterpart would have reached a different outcome in Benjamin, and those smart enough to sense the corruption had discarded their apathy and made their awareness known. V for Vendetta similarly deals with the concept of public apathy in the face of social injustice. Set in a future dystopian England, where a totalitarian government has come to power and dominates all aspects of their citizen’s lives, the film’s protagonist â€Å"V† addresses the masses to stir guilt and inspiration in the hearts of the masses in a public service announcement. On a velvet backdrop to the sound of a nationalistic anthem, he speaks powerfully in a direct mid shot behind a podium to enforce the power of his speech. He outlines the myriad of problems plaguing England in an uncensored speech the likes of which many people in London hadn’t heard since the rise of the Norsefire party, and after asking the rhetorical question of â€Å"How did this happen?† answers â€Å"truth be told†¦if you’re looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror†. V blames the oppressed for letting themselves reach their situation with hopes for gaining order in a world of instability. V for Vendetta’s dystopian London fell to the control of the â€Å"Norsefire† dictatorship by letting itself sacrifice liberty in hopes of safety from unknown threats. The context in which V for Vendetta was created is reflected in the film; a wave of neo-conservative politics had embraced the U.S and Britain under the Bush and Thatcher governments, and it could be seen that post 9/11, xenophobia and prejudice had started to consume and fear monger in society. The film warns of the dark outcome that could eventuate if the populous chose to give in to their fear of the unknown and sacrifice free will for a stable yet domineering establishment. Although diverse in contexts, Animal Farm and V for Vendetta approach the issue of apathy and silence similarly. They both criticise the concept by the portrayal of extremely negative outcomes that lead to create oppressive  dystopias, devoid of free will and justice. Furthermore, Animal Farm and V for Vendetta both deal with the political concepts of propaganda and exploitation in similar ways although hailing from diverse time periods. Animal Farm sees the corruption of an idyllic utopia into and oppressive dictatorship, in which the animals are exploited by their pig oppressors, and influenced strongly by their convincing propaganda. The novel once again aligns itself with factual events that occurred in the midst of the Russian revolution and symbolises them respectively. In the novel, Squealer is â€Å"a brilliant talker† with â€Å"the ability to turn black into white†. The pigs utilize squealer’s persuasive talents to convince the rest of the animals of Napoleons benevolence, justify their monopolization of the farm, and turn Snowball into a public enemy that could be pinned with all of the farm’s failures. Squealer uses the memory and intelligence of the animals against them to exploit them by reinforcing a series of convincing lies, and instilling a powerful maxim; â€Å"four legs good, two legs bad†, in the minds of the less intelligent animals, that could be used as a chant to drown out any logical argument. Squealer’s character corresponds with the Russian newspaper, â€Å"Pravda† which at the time held the power to turn black into white the same way as the pig. George Orwell is making a statement on the power of language to exploit and manipulate the masses in the form of propaganda, and warns us to be critical of political media in light of the events from his life. Similarly, V for Vendetta comments on the media’s power to sway the opinions of the public, and the ways in which governments use it to influence citizens. V for Vendetta is based in a society where free speech is non-existent and censorship washes over all aspects of the media. The single minded force of the media, represented by the bold and domineering â€Å"Voice of London†, allows the government to impose only one â€Å"truth† on the public; only one perspective to any event so that it is the only one to believe. After V’s first November 5th bombing and hijacking of the television station in order to instil hope for a revolution in the populous, Sutler’s government begins to twist and re-fabricate the entire event to make it appear as though V were a terrorist meaning to harm the public. Using  emotive and connotative language; â€Å"A psychotic terrorist†, â€Å"Attacked unarmed civilians†, â€Å"to spread a message of hate†, to attach fear and stigma to the vigilante, whilst glorifying the police force; â€Å"during this heroic raid the terrorist was shot and killed† to inspire loyalty and pride in citizens. The propaganda aims to turn public the public opinion from anarchy to fear and in turn compliance. V for Vendetta was composed at a time in which xenophobia allowed politicians to blame many faults on â€Å"Terrorists† typically associated with people of Muslim belief. The labelling of someone that the government believes to be a social deviant as a â€Å"terrorist† was a solution to political issues, and this can be seen reflectively in V for Vendetta. Both texts, written in entirely different contexts, deal with the issue of propaganda and manipulation, and have been strongly influenced by historical examples of gov ernment use of these political tools. Both texts in their respective contexts suggest that fear incapacitates the masses from revolting against oppression. They suggest that fear cripples the hearts and wills of those it dominates, and convinces it’s victims that nothing is worth fighting for. Animal farm reflects the tyrannical reign of Joseph Stalin, Russia’s communist dictator that controlled his people through a network of fear tactics that among many things entailed the murder of millions of civilians he believed to be â€Å"enemies of the state†. In the Russian revolution, the oppressed became the oppressors; Stalin’s government rose to power on a just and fair cause, but sullied it by becoming an oppressive dictatorship, hardly different to the one that the people primarily fought to escape from. In Animal Farm, violence and the fear of violence bends the animals of the farm into submission; Napoleon orders the mass execution of those conspiring against him, and by its end â€Å"the ai r was heavy with the smell of blood, which had been unknown there since the expulsion of Jones†. It is ironic that things seem to be just as bad on animal farm as they were in the days of jones, yet Squealer’s propaganda still continues to loom the omnipresent fear of the farmer’s return over their heads as if to say; â€Å"No matter how bad things get, they could never be as bad as they were,† and continually states the rhetorical question â€Å"surely you wouldn’t want jones to come back?†. The Fear of Jones’s return keeps the animals of the farm in submission, and once discarded the animals become  capable of great deeds. Major’s speech inspires and motivates the animals to stand up to their oppressor, by morphing their fear into fury. He does this by declaring that once Benjamin becomes too old he will be sent to the â€Å"knackers†. Orwell criticises fear’s power to cripple and paralyse and suggests that once discarded, people become capable of great feats of justice. Animal Farm expresses the representation o f fear and its ability to cripple by aligning it with the contextual events of the Russian revolution. V for Vendetta addresses the concept of fear and violence in a very similar way in its representation of the totalitarian state of England under the â€Å"Norsefire† party. In light of recent events such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the film details an alternate timeline in which the western world has let governments turn their fear of the unknown against them, and let them unwittingly sacrifice their liberty for promises of stability and freedom. The â€Å"Norsefire† government uses threats of terrorism and disease to reduce the populace into a state of fear, and convince them that they â€Å"need† the government in order to protect them from the outside world, when in fact all they want is absolute power. An example of the Norsefire government’s use of fear to manipulate the public is when they feel their power slipping away in favour of the masked revolutionary â€Å"V† High Chancellor Sutler says â€Å"what we need right now is a clear messag e to the people of this country this message must be read in every newpaper heard on every radio and seen on every television, I want everyone to realize how close we stand to the edge of oblivion. I want every man woman and child to know how close we are to chaos. I want everyone to remember why the need us!† The message resounds with a series of dreamatic television reports showing the chaos of the outside world, water shortage, civil war, disease. The reports however fail to influence public opinion, as they have already been convinced by V that the government will lie excessively to prove their points. V for Vendetta’s representation of the governments use of fear tactics to attempt to persuade public opinions and elude from real issues resonates with political ploys used to convince the public of the threat of terrorism in the early 2000’s by the Bush and Thatcher governments. When support from the public was needed to justify the invasion of Iraq, they used the media to fear monger and persuade the masses. The contexts of animal farm and V for Vendetta deal  similarly with the issue of fear and it’s use by governments to coerce the public.

A Visual And Verbal Narrative

Malia Wittgenstein had finally made up her mind; she would pursue a promising job offer, with Starcom Fashion Design Company in Washington as a personal assistant to the director. Malia was willing to leave behind her usual life in Newcastle UK.Her lover; Jethro who was a Chef in a renowned Newcastle hotel, was not happy about her decision but he could not control her considering the fact that she had caught him flirting with a prostitute in a local pub. Jethro, had apologized profusely but Malia seemed to think that he was treating her that way because she was jobless at the time.Malia sat in the sitting room staring at the two bags she had packed for her departure. Emotions overwhelmed her, as she thought of her usual life in Newcastle. Malia had built all her life around Jethro but his betrayal in a drunken stupor had neutralized all her trust in him.As she stared at their portrait on the wall, so many emotions were running through her, she loved and hated him at the same time. Sh e smiled at the memories of good old times and shed tears when she remembered their latest scuffles with Jethro. Malia seemed to be sure that all she needed was to get away from Newcastle, and prove to Jethro that she could turn around and make it in life.She looked at a painting hanging loosely on the wall depicting a girl in pursuit. The painting seemed to collude with what she was going through and felt so much in touch with the painting. Suddenly she felt nostalgic and was not sure if she should go or not and tears filled her eyes.Malia was not sure if she was making a mistake or not by leaving Newcastle and more so if she was wrong about Jethro and if he really meant his love to her as he had promised earlier in a bid to try and coarse her not to leave him.She had decided to leave today because Jethro would be busy at work and would not try to stop her to leave through his sweet tongue. She cried and sobbed with a heavy heart not trusting if she could leave the life she had so much gotten used to. When she finally calmed she took a paper and a pen and wrote a letter to Jethro:To my first love,I never knew the meaning of love until I met you Jethro. You were the first man to take away my innocence and I don’t regret it because then I knew I loved you and you loved me. When my parents died and I lost everything, God brought you to my life and you have been the only family I have ever known.I am still hurting because you cheated on me the other day. I don’t know why, but I want to hate you so much yet I can’t because I still love you so much. Why did you hurt me so bad? Is it because I am jobless unlike you? This new job offer in Washington is promising and I think it will make me happy and that’s why I want to leave and let myself be.I hate to confess this but I don’t know if I will ever be able to get you out of my mind Jethro. Please don’t try to stop me because I won’t let you. I have to leave now don†™t worry I will get in touch after sometime. Jethro? Do you really love me as you are professing? Am I the woman of your dreams and are you certain that you really want to marry me as you told me last night?From your Cherry,Malia

Irving Fisher

BIOGRAPHY 20. 1  Irving Fisher  (1867 -1947) Irving Fisher was born at Saugerties, New York, the son of a Congregational minister. As did his father, Fisher studied at Yale. Mathematics was his favorite subject. He won first prize in a math contest even as a freshman; his doctoral dissertation,Mathematical Investigations in the Theory of Value and Prices  (1892), was a landmark in the development of mathematical economics. This dissertation won immediate praise from no lesser figures than Francis Y.Edgeworth and Vilfredo Pareto, two renowned economists. Some 55 years later, Ragnar Frisch (eventual winner of the 1969 Nobel Prize in Economic Science) would say about Fisher: â€Å"He has been anywhere from a decade to two generations ahead of his time †¦. it will be hard to find any single work that has been more influential than Fisher's dissertation. † It is no wonder that Fisher was a full professor of political economy at Yale within seven years of graduation. He s tayed there during his entire career.Fisher's main contributions lie in the theory of utility and consumer choice, the theory of interest and capital, and the theory of statistics (index numbers, distributed lags). These contributions are reflected in such works as  The Nature of Capital and Income  (1906),  The Theory of Interest  (1907),  The Purchasing Power of Money  (1911) -a great pioneering venture in econometrics – and  The Making of Index Numbers  (1922). In the  Making of Index Numbers, Fisher tested many of the formulas introduced in this chapter by the criteria also discussed here.The few formulas that got superlative ratings (such as the  Edgeworth index  and Fisher's own  ideal index) include quantity (or price) weights from  both  of the time periods or geographic areas involved in the price (or quantity) comparison that is being made. However, the inclusion of two sets of weights tends to make the construction of such indexes costly , which is the major reason why these highly rated indexes are rarely used. (One exception: The Bureau of Foreign Commerce of the U. S.Department of Commerce calculates monthly quantity indexes of exports and imports using Fisher's formula. ) The works cited above established Fisher's reputation as the country's greatest scientific economist. As such, he served as president of the American Economic Association and was a founder and the first president of the Econometric Society. He also played a major role in the establishment of the Cowles Foundation (now at Yale) as a means to nurture mathematical and quantitative research in economics.

CAD Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

CAD Summary - Essay Example He did not undertake aerobic exercises and ate foods rich in cholesterol. NIH (2012) notes that the overall amount of cholesterol is higher than 240 mg/dL, less than 40 mg/dL for HDL, and more than 190 mg/dL for LDL in CAD. (Ondrus, et al. (2013) opine that CAD results from obstruction of the coronary arteries and supports the genetic and environmental factors causing the disease. Besides, Kakouros and Cokkinos (2014) add and say that smoking as my father did could hasten plaque formation, which hinders supply of oxygen to the cardiac muscles. The patient could have an electrocardiogram and ultrasound as tools for screening. On the one hand Rumberger (2011) asserts that the ultrasound detects any changes in the arterial pressure due to obstruction. We (2010) indicates that the importance of the tool is that it is non-invasive and it can be utilized in subclinical arteriosclerosis screening if the condition is advanced. On the other hand Douglas, Garcia, & Haines (2011) is utilized in aiding asymptomatic clients; hence, because my father was exposed to the causative factors, then an ultrasound screening of the carotid plaque can be conducted. Platts and Javorsky (2010) stipulates that ultrasound screening decreases the risk linked with other tools used in screening. The electrocardiograms would come in handy in the determination of the electrical levels of the heart of the patient in order to assess its function-ability that aids in assessing if there are other illnesses affecting the patient. Ondrus, T., Kanovsky, J., Novotny, T., Andrsova, I., Spinar, J., & Kala, P. (2013). Right ventricular myocardial infraction: From pathophysiology to prognosis. Exerimental and Clinical Cardiology, 18(1), 27-30. Platts, D. B., & Javorsky, G. (2010). Comparison of fluoroscopic versus real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiographic guidnance of endomyocardial biopses. European Journal of Echocardiography, 34(32),

Business Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Business Report - Essay Example These recommendations have focused on the marketing strategy of the business, where correct advertising and marketing have to be done. This is to make sure that all target customers are gaining access to this information. The other recommendation is on the competences of the management and staff, where proper training should be carried out, as well as, proper scrutiny of their skills before recruitment. The report also presents information on customer relations and job satisfaction of the employees. Table of content 1.0 Executive summary 2.0 Introduction 3.0 Marketing strategies 4.0 Internal and external environment 5.0 Training and orientation 6.0 Products and brands 7.0 Pricing decisions 8.0 Recommendations 9.0 References Introduction The brand product mix is done in light of four business tools which include price, product, promotion, and place (Onkvisit, 2008). When these four tools are properly utilized and proper balance struck among them, it ultimately leads to success of the business. Sheraton hotels has great prospects for continued growth, and on that base, this report has explained on the steps to be undertaken for these hotels to continue attracting, retaining and maintaining competitive advantage. It also goes further to advice on the management styles and the overall welfare of the employees. Marketing strategies According to Hawkins (2004), marketing strategies should be done in line with the changing culture, lifestyle, demographic factors and technological advances. The strategies adopted should be dynamic given that, the world is constantly changing hence the need to keep them up to date with current trends. It was identified that the technological advancement has changed ways in which customers used to be reached. Before embarking on the choice of the method to use in reaching out to customers, one has to consider different strategies, isolate those that are most efficient, and avoid those that may utilize the hotels money without adding any impact into the business. The advertising and marketing, in this case, should be directed more on the use of modern advertising methods that are worldwide and popular to many people. It has been noted that Sheraton hotels targets tourists from abroad, upper class customers and, large businesses that seek to hold conferences and meetings. This, therefore, calls for marketing strategies that will reach out to these customers (Onkvisit, 2008). Internet marketing is the most popular form of technology in the modern society, and takes place in three facets which include web marketing which take the form of websites and online advertising, mobile marketing, and social marketing. Due to advances in technology, most tourists search for accommodation and places of visit before their departure. The conference rooms are also booked in advance by the secretaries via the internet. With this in mind, the business should focus on opening up a website which is accessible 24 hours, and has the capac ity to offer these basic customer needs, as well as, availing the required information to customers. Internal and External environment Sheraton hotels have a competitive advantage over their competitors. The hotels are located strategically in the main cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and others making them easily accessible. The hotels have a high reputation abroad and have established networks with American express and three different airlines. The hotels are also stimulated by increased

Agustine and Aquina's justifications of the exercise of social and Essay

Agustine and Aquina's justifications of the exercise of social and political ruling - Essay Example ix). St. Thomas Aquinas was born in the early 13th century, of an affluent family, with direct blood lines to the ruling royal families of the day (Dyson, R.W., 2002, p. xvii). He began his religious training as an oblate, at the Benedictine monastery in Monte Cassino (p. xvii). Later, in 1245, became a member of the Dominican order, and furthered his education at the University of Paris where the German theologian Albertus Magnus introduced him to the study of Aristotle. In 1248 he followed Albertus to Cologne (p. xvii). It was earlier, however, while at the monastery, that Thomas studied Aristotle (p. xvii). Two great men, philosophers, separated by hundreds of years, whose interpretations and writings on political theory continue to influence the thinking of great men, women, religious, and political leaders today. This brief essay is an examination and comparison of the two schools of thought as they pertain to the governance of society socially and politically. The paper will rely on the works of St. Augustine, using his City of God as translated by Marcus D. D. Dodds (1950), and St. Thomas Aquinas’s Political Writings translated by R.W. Dyson (2002). To read either work without the benefit of a modern translation would be, at best, a slow and difficult endeavor that could perhaps, for some, take a lifetime. Under the guidance of the translators, we can gain a sense of the political ideologies of both Augustine and Aquinas. St. Augustine watched as the world around him spun out of control and into chaos, culminating with the fall of Rome, in 410 A.D (Dodds, p. ix). Rome’s fall brought crashing down the myths that Rome would last forever and rule the world (ix). It would have been a time when scholars, like Augustine, would be formulating thoughts and ideas, influenced by their philosophical teachings and interpretations, about world leadership and political and social manifestations of corruption and

Sales Role Play Report Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

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4.1 Strategic Management Practices Research Paper

4.1 Strategic Management Practices - Research Paper Example ation of the policies, the human resources for the achievement of the policies as well as the time with which the policies are expected to be achieved (David & Thomas, 2014). In the current health care structure in the United States, the stakeholders have transformed the management principles used to govern the health system delivery with the aim of achieving universal coverage for health. In an attempt to understand the health system and the strategic organization model behind it, this paper will explore the external environment of health care organization both in the United States and outside the United States through analysis of recent articles. According to U.S. Department of Health adn Human Services, (2012), the current goal of health care organizations in the United States is to transform the health care system to ensure achievement of better values and improvement of health. To attain these goals, the organizations delivering health services must demonstrate efficiency, adopt new payment models, develop adequate care coordination with the external environment as well as improve quality for better health. According to this article, health care finance in the United States is a current issue that is of importance both to the citizens and to the government. In the current economic market, the economy of United States is slowly recovering, thus there will be increased pressure on the health care organization to increase efficiency to ensure valuable service to the citizens who seek health care through payment programs such as insurance cover. For long-term financial sustainability, health organizations must thus bend the cost curve and maintain global competitiveness in delivery of the services. According to Longworth (2011), maintenance of ethical standards in the delivery of healthcare services is the main point of association between health care organizations and their external environment in the united states. According to this article, it is evident

Quit Smoking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Quit Smoking - Essay Example Statistical facts within the United States reveal that smoking is one among the leading preventable causes of death. The reason I choose this paper is that it explicitly states the side effects associated with direct smoking. In addition, it offers solutions necessary to enable addicts free themselves from this bondage. Furthermore, the message on this document will play a significant role in aiding those that have started smoking in the near time. On the other hand, it will discourage potential smokers. Apart from performing the function of warning, it widens the knowledge base about the effects of direct smoking. Consequently, this will allow a drastic reduction in the number of smokers globally with considering the current statistical trend. The act of smoking indirect tobacco or any other hazardous substance from the environment, makes one a second-hand smoke. In other words, second-hand smokers are also known as passive smokers. Effects arising from one being a passive smoker are not as harmful compared to those of direct smoking. Some of the effects that passive smokers are likely to encounter include premature deaths, increased chances of one to suffer from lung cancer, and from heart complications. Among children, it might also result to untimely death and ear complications. The document also provides the necessary solutions for non-smokers to avoiding these effects. The purpose of this web-document is to perform an educative role to both the smokers and the passive smokers. It has clearly illustrated some of the side effects associated with being a passive smoker. This report will make it possible for a smoker to protect the health status of the passive smokers. Similarly, the non-smokers will be able to avoid smoking zones or being around a burning cigarette. The report has offered effective solution that will ensure the health issues are a priority. Furthermore, through this document the smokers are expected to be more responsible in terms

Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 †A Book Analysis Essay Example for Free

Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 – A Book Analysis Essay In his book, Fahrenheit 451, author Ray Bradbury highlights the power and importance of obtaining knowledge through books but decries the impact that technological innovations, particularly the television, pose in stifling intellectual and creative development. As a science fiction book that was first printed in 1953, many readers particularly literary critics and students correlate the book to state censorship and subsequent cultural decay presaging the eras following the book’s publication. Indeed, it can be easily gleaned from the main character’s occupation as a book-burning fireman that the book burning per se may be emblematic of   a common situation that most societies have found themselves grappling with – specific stages in nations’ histories whereby basic inalienable rights and freedoms were suppressed. Literary censorship, in particular, has been a recurring theme in many great works of literature. In real life, censorship is something that most governments have resorted to for varied reasons other than as a means of quelling what they categorize as rebellion or insurrection, and in almost every instance, books that echo the sentiments of many great nationalists or radical-thinking individuals have borne the brunt of censorship laws. Some analysts point out that in Ray Bradbury’s book, Fahrenheit 451, â€Å"The book burning is not a government mandated censorship Instead, it is a society-built degradation of the written word. Society has rejected the black and white messages bound in leather and paper† (Przybyszewski).   The author himself does not dispute this observation. Whether it is art imitating reality or the other way around, Fahrenheit 451 is a successful attempt in making readers including those who got to read the book generations after its initial publication ponder on key social and political issues like censorship, even if the author himself had clarified that his novel â€Å"is actually about how television destroys interest in reading literature† (Oleck, par. 1). A lover of the written word, Ray Bradbury hails from humble beginnings in Illinois, which set the stage for his profound yet realistic insights, searing views and cunning overall approach to his subject matter. He was born on August 22, 1920 in Waukegan, Illinois; studied in a Los Angeles High School in 1938, and furthered his education by working nights in the library and pounding away at   typewriter keys and selling newspapers in Los Angeles by day (â€Å"Ray Bradbury Biography†).   It can be noted that Fahrenheit 451, in many ways, pays homage to Bradbury’s Waukegan hometown.   It is in this locality that he developed an enormous and lasting appetite for books and a love for libraries, something which is continually described in his book. As Bradbury himself narrates: From the time I was 9 up through my teens I spent at least two nights a week in the   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   town library in Waukegan, Ill. In the summer months, there was hardly a day I could   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   not be found lurking about the stacks, smelling the books like imported spices, drunk   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   on them even before I read them (Moran). Based on the author’s personal narrative, one clearly sees how he obtained the characteristic ease in describing to readers a well-stacked library, and how he skillfully let some of his characters express forceful sentiments about books not just as a storehouse of knowledge and cultural heritage of nations, but as instruments to guide man in living and making decisions about the future. Ray Bradbury’s Waukegan roots likewise armed him with first-hand knowledge and distinct style of writing about a specific subject matter as firefighters. As another writer gathering from Ray Bradbury’s musings in writing Fahrenheit 451: Bradburys wary respect for fire can be traced back to his Waukegan youth, where he   Ã‚  Ã‚   would pass the firehouse on his way to and from the Carnegie Library and end up   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   writing down his descriptions (Moran). Ray Bradbury’s remarkable style is indeed something which has not escaped discerning book readers and analysts. â€Å"While a lesser writer would have to content himself with beating the reader over the head with description and exposition, Bradbury is able to make his nightmare world real with economy and subtlety. The horror never grabs you by the throat as in a Stephen King novel; instead it creeps into your soul almost unnoticed† (Wright). Content-wise, what American writer Ray Bradbury sought to impress on his readers is the fact that humanity stands to be strangled by the very forces – or trappings of modern living   that had originally been conceived to make life better. Bradbury makes a very good point in singling out television as the piece of equipment that most people have been overly relying on, and it comes at a very huge price: a stifled intellectual development. Indeed, of all the new modern conveniences or gadgetry the world has ever seen, one medium of communications which remains all-powerful or influential to minds and attitudes of people of all ages is the television. It is evident that Bradbury possessed remarkable foresight in ascertaining early on that people are bound to be enslaved. One of many insightful reviews about Ray Bradbury and his book states: Bradburys novel — or novella, really — is an inspired criticism of what we now call   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   the information society, and the yawning chasm it is creating in our collective soul.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In it he managed to predict with frightening accuracy such current social pathologies   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   as the dumbing down of popular entertainment and education, our growing addiction   Ã‚  Ã‚   to empty sensory stimulation, the rise of random violence among youth, the increasing anomie and alienation among everyone (Wright). Indeed, it takes a meticulous eye attuned to his surroundings for a writer to realistically depict current real-life situations as well as future scenarios. One important point that Ray Bradbury stressed in Fahrenheit 451 is that most of the time, people’s enslavement, whether by societal forces or modern technological advances, do occur from their own volition or free will. â€Å"It’s ordinary people who turn away from reading and the habits of thought and reflection it encourages. When the government starts actively censoring information, most people don’t even bat an eye† (Bradbury 183). It is true, of course, that in the present society, there are many cases of jaded individuals – especially ordinary citizens who wield little or no power to go against the powers-that-be – who initially protest but end up allowing circumstances like government   restraints on media/information to prevail or take place.   It is, however, an inescapable fact that many freedoms, like free speech and expression of ideas through books, are not absolute. This is something that advocates of censorship keep harping on. Introspection will show that in many ways, people, during these increasingly complex times and informational bombardment, do succumb or let government impose controls as the latter may deem morally and socially and politically fit. In doing so, it becomes a clear case of the antagonist turning into an ally. In societies which do a good job of balancing interests and rights, this may be permissible. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. There are people may rant and do nothing, but there are some individuals who even band together to form a coalition or cause-oriented group/association to bat for what they perceive as just. To their minds, the words of 18th century political theorist and philosopher Edmund Burke, of letting evil triumph if good men do nothing, may be ringing loud and clear. Reverting to the other main issue tackled by the book, which is the tendency of people to allow themselves to be enslaved by new technology and turn away from the many virtues of reading books, this is a universal problem pervading modern societies today. Ray Bradbury may have crafted decades ago a concise book about a dystopian society, but its message reverberates up to the present age, when gadget-toting new generations turn to books only when school requires them to, or when a bestselling book-turned-movie or escapist adult novels catch their fancy. In effect, the firemen’s task of burning books in the novel is actually a metaphor for the way a society’s citizens allow themselves, or their knowledge and future, to be stunted.   â€Å"The firemen are rarely necessary. The public itself stopped reading of its own accord† (Bradbury 87).

Perception of Money Laundering in Mauritian Population

Perception of Money Laundering in Mauritian Population Abstract Money laundering is the worlds third largest industry (Jeffrey Robinson (1995)) and may occur almost anywhere in the world. Given the nature of this phenomenon, money laundering has gained in significant proportion. Be they drug traffickers, terrorists, arm traffickers, blackmailers or credit card swindlers, all criminals demand for money laundering. This criminal activity erodes profits of all financial institutions, increases corruption and fuel social injustice. Money laundering has thus serious social and economic consequences that need to be fought against. Many international authorities have made considerable efforts to set up appropriate AML counter measures. Likewise, Mauritius in preserving its reputation has enacted the FIAMLA (2002) and has enforced the FIU to avoid the country being a vehicle of illegal fund. However, money launderers are always a step forward than any law enforcement agencies and organisations. This has been compounded with globalisation and sophisticated technologies. The aim of this dissertation is to assess the perception of money laundering among the Mauritian population. The result from the question-based data collection method used supported that the population do believe in a money laundering economy in the country. However, few of them do know all matters concerning this crime and therefore, more awareness must be drawn. There is still a long way to go for its elimination but things are being done to improve the effectiveness of its combat. Chapter 1: Introduction Background Money laundering exists for centuries but since the 11th September 2001 events, combating money laundering and terrorist financing has became more important. Countries realised it is urgent to combat this sophisticated criminal activity. Money laundering is the process of disguising illegal profits derived from illicit activities without compromising the criminals for them to enjoy from their proceeds without the authorities being able to detect the activities that produced them. Increasing awareness is being drawn for people realise that money laundering fuels crime. Money laundering erodes the economy of ones country and as mentioned by Quirk (1997) its impacts are more measurable than its figure. Money laundering affects individuals, businesses and countries, thus of global concern. 25 years ago, the international community has done much effort to combat this evil. In many countries, efforts made starts bearing its fruits and are now taking importance in many jurisdictions. In fact, if one country does not take action to combat money laundering, it may find itself lagging behind since it will be difficult for it to trade with the rest of the complying world. The latter may fear to trade with a non-complying country due to this element of non-combating money laundering. In effect, the non-complying countrys economic growth may be far behind as compared to complying countries. Low corruption affects growth positively (Mauros (1995)). However, despite the setting up of international instruments and laws to restrain this crime, its evil activities still exits and are even increasing in most cases. With new advanced technologies compounded with globalisation, it is easier for sophisticated launderers to continuously look for opportunities available worldwide in laundering their proceeds. Although, Briscoe (1999) said that Mauritius is not considered as having a significant money laundering problem, since the island has a developing local drug consumption problem and a vibrant growing offshore financial services sector, it is clear that opportunities exist. Thus, following other countries initiations, Mauritius has set up the necessary infrastructures to combat money laundering and prevent terrorist financing. Actually, to protect itself and to maintain a good reputation, it has promulgated, among others, the FIAMLA (2002) which criminalises money laundering and its offenders. Drug trafficking, terrorist activities and financial crime are examples of illicit activities. The main aim of this study is to assess the perception of money laundering among the Mauritian population. While reviewing the literature, it was noticed that for Mauritius the only local survey done was by the FIU in 2006. This was published in its annual report 2006 and was helpful for this study. Additionally, references from other studies, journals and literatures done on this topic were used. Benefits of the study provide a general idea on the perception of money laundering among the Mauritian population, provide an overview about any research done on this topic, provide an insight whether the population is aware about the laws and institutions combating money laundering in Mauritius. Chapters Outlines Chapter 1 Introduction This chapter provides a brief introduction of the study including a short definition and its benefits. Chapter 2 -Literature review The definition, the process and techniques used to launder ill-gotten money, the importance of combating money laundering, the international actions took and reports done internationally and locally are provided in this chapter. Chapter 3 Methodology This chapter explains the methodology used to collect the data necessary for this study. Chapter 4 Analysis It provides an analysis of the data collected, the interpretation of the results and the hypothesis testing done. Chapter 5 Conclusion This entails the concluding notes of this dissertation and suggests some recommendations. Chapter 2: Literature Review Money laundering has been with us for centuries (Graham (2003)). As Lloyd (1997) said, its origins can be traced since the 1930s, when notable gangsters like Meyer Lansky and Al Capone were prevailing. Their exploits founded money laundering methods still in practice today. Since then, it has gained in proportion and is almost impossible to measure its exact global amount. KPMG (2004) reported that internationally about US$500 billion to $1 trillion is being laundered and it is estimated that annually, in the U.S and in London, about US$100 billion and  £1.8- £2 billion is been laundered respectively. Moreover, IMF estimates that money laundering is about US$500 billion. Nevertheless, Quirk (1997) said that its impacts are more measurable than its figure. Thus, such illegal activities are increasing and have dangerous effects on a countrys financial services sector, thus, being an issue of both national and international security. Quirk (1997), Barrett (1997), Paradise (1998), Masciandaro, and Portolano (2003) mentioned that money laundering threatens the economic and financial systems of countries. 2.1 Definition Money laundering is the process by which criminals try to mask the true origin of ill-gotten money into the stream of lawful commerce and finance. If undertaken successfully, beneficiaries will enjoy and maintain control over their proceeds and ultimately be provided with legitimate cover for the source of their income authorities being unable to detect the activities that produced them. Illegal profits have to be laundered because the money trail is proof of crimes, thus, vulnerable to seizure. AllDridge (2003) said that clean money is worth more than dirty money. Hinterseer (2002) stated that money laundering is criminal finance as it corrupts markets, shifts an unfair economic burden in the legal economy, weakens the universal stability of the international financial markets and raises numerous civil liberty related issues. In Mauritius, the Government enacted the FIAMLA (2002) which gives explicit powers to gather, analyse and disseminate information to the FIU. Section 3: Money Laundering (1) Any person who (a) engages in a transaction that involves property which is, or in whole or in part directly or indirectly represents, the proceeds of any crime; or (b)receives, is in possession of, conceals, disguises, transfers, converts, disposes of, removes from or brings into Mauritius any property which is, or in whole or in part directly or indirectly represents, the proceeds of any crime, where he suspects or has reasonable grounds for suspecting that the property is derived or realized, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly from any crime, shall commit an offence. 2.2 Process of Money Laundering Peltman (1997) has shown that money laundering has three stages. They may occur as separate and distinct stages or as an overlapping phase. Their usage will depend on the criminals accessible laundering mechanisms and requirements. Figure 1: A Typical Money Laundering Scheme Placement Placement is where most efforts are focused to combat money laundering. This involves the breaking up of large deposits into minute deposits for currency transaction reporting avoidance. This involves single or multiple transactions using one or more bank deposits or the purchasing of investments. Michael et al (2002) find that placement is the most risky stage for detection It is where the huge illegal cash profits are presented personally to a financial establishment. This can pose an enormous problem as dealing with cash in bulk and in regularity is difficult. Layering Steel (1998) found that layering stage is the most complex stage and the most international in nature. Graham (2003) said that layering relies on the negotiation of paper, electronic or digital records through a series of transactions which will make it difficult, if not impossible the reconstruction of paper trail detailing previous cash movements. 2.2.3 Integration Integration follows a successful layering process and is the final stage according to Schneider (1994). Moreover, for Graham (2003), transactions can no longer be linked to criminal cash and the secrecy of the source of funding is guaranteed. The criminal cash in the legitimate economy appears as money naturally originated from legal transactions. Araujo and Moreira (2005), Masciandaro (1999) stated that it is expected when cleaning has been done the money is ready to get back into the formal economy, thus, providing funds for investment or consumption. 2.3 Techniques of Money Laundering Briscoe (1999) stated that money laundering is not considered as a significant problem in Mauritius and that the country is not a major narcotics production or trans-shipment centre. Nevertheless, since the island has a developing domestic drug consumption problem and a vibrant growing offshore financial services sector, it is clear that opportunities exist. Results obtained by Mauro, (1995), (1997), Leite and Weidmann, (1999), Alesina and Weder, (2002), Damania, Fredriksson and Muthukumara, (2003) from the World Banks Governance Indicators and Transparency Internationals Corruption Perception Index (CPI) indicate that corruption indexes is now a very profitable source of research. Similar to money laundering has no frontier, money launderers have unlimited originality to launder their money. Hence, launderers will seek where the weakest link in the chain is, targeting the weakest point of defenses and where detection is less likely to arise. Masciandaro (2001) said that financial industries are the major concern of money laundering fighters since money actually needs to pass through them. Money laundering techniques are very long, sophisticated and difficult to determine precisely. Some of them are summarised below. 2.3.1 Banking Services Considering their activities, banks represent a natural and logical vehicle for launderers. Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) stated that cash deposits, basic banking services and wire transfer facilities are the core means of money laundering. The wealthier launderers will look for specialist private bank services and investment houses that offer wealth management services. Following the Basel Committee statement (1988), Johnson and Lim (2002) stated that financial institutions including banks may be willingly or unconsciously be used as intermediaries for money laundering since they remain an important mechanism for its disposal. Mascaindaro (1995) strengthen this theory by stating that money laundering occurs either by passively using bank agents or by actively using criminal banks. In contrast, Quirk (1997) empirically observed a shift in money laundering techniques and concluded that launderers are going away from the banking system. Bauer and Peter (2002) mentioned that banks are actively combating money laundering and these initiatives may well be a model for international cooperation. 2.3.2 Money Services Businesses Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) stated that criminals use ‘bureau de change to convert cash to other currencies or consolidated smaller amounts. Usage of remittance services or giro houses enables criminals to transfer cash between jurisdictions. Duynes empirical findings show that in both Bosphorus case and Mozart case, money launderers involved an extensive network of currency exchange offices. 2.3.3 Lawyers, Accountants and other Intermediaries Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) found that launderers usually use professionals to set up corporate and trustees to act as nominee shareholders or directors. These are of growing international concern. The clients account provides the launderer a hidden vehicle for depositing funds into the banking system. In selling their personal investment products, professionals provide useful means for money laundering. Johnson and Lim (2002) found that money launderers use more non-bank financial institutions and non-financial business like lawyers for money laundering. Their evidence supported that a weakening of the bank/illegal economy relationship, implies a lesser participation of the banking sector for laundering money. 2.3.4 Non-Financial Sector Services Graham, Bell Elliott (2003) also found that casinos, metal dealers and other high valuable goods sellers are money laundering techniques. These are done especially in cash purchase or substantial cash deposits. Distinguishing dirty money from legitimate gambling profits or losses will be quite difficult if the dirty money is changed into casino chips and then back into cash. Lloyd (1997) stated that whatever be the form of the jewelry, its value remains constant. Thus, a single piece of gold can be changed various times to disguise its origins without any significant change in its value. 2.3.5 Alternative Remitting Systems As per Graham, Bell Elliott (2003), popular within some ethnic groups, Hawala or hundi are alternative remittance systems used to transfer funds abroad. These systems function outside the regulated banking sector. Graham, Bell and Elliot (2003) added that it is believed that the Al-Quaeda terrorist organisation have used the hawala for the financing of 11 September 2001 event. 2.3.6 Exploitation of Internet Banking Services Exploitation of banking services and the use of developments in the internet are techniques used for laundering money. Actually, some banks dispense their clients of all contacts, thus no control over transactions exists. Example, the Fortis Bank in Luxembourg, offers complete e-banking services. 2.3.7 Use of Correspondent Banks Several international trustworthy banks have been involved in money laundering due to insufficient controls. Examples: Russian banking (Rawlinson,1996; Burlingame, 1997) Banco Ambrosiano (Cornwell, 1983) BCCI (Adams and Franz, 1992) Banque Crà ©dit Lyonnais: case of Parretti and Fiorini (dAubert, 1993) 2.4 Importance of Combating Money Laundering Over the last 25 years, the international community has made considerable efforts to combat money laundering. Countries realise that if they allow money laundering or fail in adapting correctly the AML procedures and the KYC principles, they run the risk of civil and criminal liability, reputation and regulatory risks. Moreover, Lasco (1997) mention that if governments are reluctant to accept the universal application of money laundering countermeasures, then its ills associated will damage the society. Bauer (2002) and Peter (2002) stated that in some countries like USA, the KYC principle has not been established firmly in legislation as it is under some European rules. Some intermediaries view money laundering regulations and laws as an annoying obstacle for trading. For example, it was feared that recent efforts in the Channel Islands for strict laws would decrease business volumes, but finally, the Channel Islands attracted more businesses. The Commonwealth Model of Best Practice for Combating Money Laundering in the Financial Sector suggests four principle reasons for money laundering (Graham, Bell Elliott (2003)). Failure to prevent money laundering allows criminals enjoying their proceeds, making crimes especially attractive. It also permits criminal organisations to finance other criminal activities, which eventually increase the level of crime. Unchecked use of the financial system has potential powers to weaken individual financial institutions, and finally the reliability of the whole financial sector. Moreover, it has adverse macro-economic effects affecting exchange rates during large capital flows and thus distorts resource allocation. Unchecked laundering may create contempt for the law hence, declining the confidence public has in the legal and financial system, resulting finally in a rise in economic crime. Money laundering eases corruption. Eventually, accumulation of economic and financial powers by immoral politicians or criminal organisations may undermine the country. Below are some summarised reasons why AML laws are required. 2.4.1 Unfair Competition Money launderers often use their proceeds to finance certain companies. This allows them to undercut innocent rivals and force them out of the market. Therefore, if left unchecked, money laundering may unfairly affect the pricing mechanism of the market system and create unnecessary distortion. Quirk (1997) studied that crime highly explains differences among the industrial countries; a 10% raise in crime leads to a 10% reduction in currency demand and a 6% reduction in overall money demand. 2.4.2 One crime generates further crimes Money laundering allows criminals to take full advantage of their crimes if not properly tracked down. This makes such criminal activities more attractive, resulting in its rise. Thus, one crime generates other crimes. Masciandaro (1998) stated that banks in regions of higher criminality have greater association with money laundering than banks in region of low criminality. From his hypothesis, Masciandaro (1998) proved that ‘the positive association observed between the banking sector and the illegal economy allows an assumption of an increase in laundered funds when illegal activities increase. Moreover, Masciandaro (1998) results showed that money laundering is a multiplier of criminal activities by providing criminals with cleaned money for reinvestment in their illicit activities. Masciandaro (1999) results also showed that there is an inverse relationship between the degree of diffusion of money laundering activities and the effectiveness of AML regulation in a given econ omy. 2.4.3 Corruption and Growth With large amount of money involved, money laundering has direct effects on economic crimes. Once corruption infiltrates the system, the whole machinery is affected and functions improperly. Public confidence in some fundamental institutions may be at risk and this can only promote crimes. Obviously, a corrupt society has no great hope for prosperity. Empirical results confirmed Mauros (1995) findings that low corruption affects growth positively. Mauro (1995) himself followed Barro (1991), and Levine and Renelt (1992) specifications which assess investment and growth responses to corruption. Quirk (1996) empirical evidence showed for the period 1983-90, significant reductionsin annual GDP growth rates and increase in money laundering are related. 2.4.4 Social Cost Quirk (1996) found that money laundering has important social costs when it facilitates crimes and corruptions within both the developing and developed countries. The International Narcotics Control Strategy (1998) confirmed that money laundering has devastating social costs and threatens the national security and McDowell and Novis (1998) added that money laundering erodes the confidences in markets. Additionally, Alweendo Tom K (2005) stated that crime and criminal activities work towards eroding these very basic individual rights. 2.5 Criminalising Money Laundering The key to making an impact in money laundering is to get all of the countries of the world to enact and enforce the same laws dealing with money laundering so the criminals have nowhere to go, Interpol expert Brown (1998). With new technologies, it is easier for sophisticated launderers to continuously look for opportunities available worldwide. The loopholes in other jurisdictions can frustrate efforts made by one jurisdiction to combat money laundering. Therefore, it is of global concern since no countrys financial system is protected from it. Quirk (1997) stated that money laundering has a considerable negative impact on the macro-economy, therefore it is urgent to adopt AML measures. 2.5.1 International Actions The international community are more aware of the dangers of money laundering, and many governments and jurisdictions have committed themselves to take international actions to combat money laundering. These began in 1988. 2.5.1.1 Basel Committee This statement they adopted in December 1988 outlined the following initiatives and policies that suggest financial services to implement. need for compliance with legal laws and guidelines, cooperation with national law enforcement authorities, implementation of record-keeping and transaction recording, staff training, KYC approach. 2.5.2 Vienna Convention Ashe and Reid, (1998) stated that the Vienna Convention established in December 1988 was the first treaty of global reach criminalising money laundering which creates an obligation for signatory states to criminalise such evil. It also includes the production, management and financing of trafficking operations as well as facilitating the commission of drug trafficking offences including money laundering. 2.5.3 United Nation (UN) 2.5.3.1 Global Programme against Money Laundering Through the GPML, the UN helps its member states with legal advice and assisting them in drafting appropriate legislation and establishing the necessary administrative structure to combat money laundering. The strategies include: provision of technical assistance to developing countries, organisation of training workshops, provision of training materials, transferring of expertise between jurisdictions, conduction of research, analysis and gathering of data. For its first operating year, the Program aided 20 countries and introduced a global comprehensive database on national money laundering legislation and the International Money Laundering Information Network on the Internet. 2.5.4 Financial Action Task Force FATF with its 34 members is an inter-governmental body which develops and promotes national and international policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. Established in 1989, FATF is a â€Å"policy-making body† that works to generate the necessary political willingness to bring about legislative and regulatory reforms. In 1990, it published 40 + 9 recommendations providing a comprehensive framework to fight money laundering. These were revised in 1996 and 2003 to ensure that they remain up-to-date and relevant to the money laundering growing menace. In 1995, the International Narcotic Control Board advised all governments to implement these 40 recommendations. 2.5.4.1 FATF Responsibilities: examination of money laundering techniques and trends, reviewing of action which had already been taken at a national or international level, setting out of measures that need to be taken to combat money laundering, evaluating countries in respect of their AML measures. Therefore, where weaknesses are found, countries are recommended to remedy the shortcomings the soonest. Failing, they are threatened of being blacklisted as non-cooperative jurisdictions. Naming and shaming them, FATF achieves its objectives of bringing countries to adopt appropriate AML measures. 2.5.4.2 The 40 Recommendations Recommendations 1-2: Scope of the criminal offence of money laundering Recommendation 3: Provisional measures and confiscation These are to be taken by financial and non-financial businesses and Professionals to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing Recommendations 4-12: Customer due diligence and record-keeping Recommendations 13-16: Reporting of suspicious transactions and compliance Recommendations 17-20: Other measure to deter money laundering and terrorist financing Recommendations 21-22: Measures to be taken with respect to countries that do not or insufficiently comply with FATF Recommendations Recommendations 23-25: Regulations and Supervision Institutional and other measures necessary in systems for combating money laundering and terrorist financing Recommendations 26-32: Competent authorities, their powers and resources Recommendations 33-34: Transparency of legal persons and arrangements Recommendation 35: International Co-operation Recommendations 36-39: Mutual legal assistance and extradition Recommendation 40: Other forms of co-operation FATF Annual Report 1996-97 added that earnings of offences like fraud and smuggling are also gaining importance. Moreover, commenting on the FATF Annual Reports from 1994, Johnson and Lim (2002) states that AML measures that some governments took, help in minimising money laundering and that with the imposition and enforcement of AML legislation, it will be harder for money launderers to clean their proceeds. Hence, preliminary evidence puts forwards that governments attitudes are important in either restricting or encouraging money laundering. However, Quirk (1997) mentioned that some governments could not implement the FATF â€Å"40 Recommendations† as this would go against the IMFs advice for liberalising financial markets. 2.5.5 International Monetary Fund The IMF has expertise in conducting financial sector assessments, providing technical assistance in the financial sector, and exercising surveillance over members economic systems, which is particularly helpful in evaluating country compliance with the international AML/CFT standards and in developing programs helping them address identified shortcomings. After the 11th September 2001 events, IMF continued to broaden and deepen its engagement in the global fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. March 2004 viewed an important moment. The IMF Executive Board agreed to make AML/CFT assessments and technical assistance a regular part of its work and to expand this work to cover the full scope of FATF 40 recommendations. Other international actions combating money laundering are the Egmont Group, the OECD, the EAG, the Asia-Pacific Group on Anti-Money Laundering and the E.U Directive. 2.5.6 KPMG report on Global Anti-Money Laundering Survey (2004) Aim: Whether the increasing globalisation of banking groups and of international regulatory cooperation resulted in an increase in consistency in the AML approach Methodology: The field research was done from 1st March 2004 to 26th March 2004 and 209 banks based in 41 countries responded. Consensus Research was charged by KPMG to conduct a telephone survey of banks across the main sectors. These banks were the 1,000 best global banks and local banks from seven regions as shown in figure 2 below. Figure 2: Analysis of Respondents by Region The figures 3 4 below are a detailed analysis of the respondents by region and country and an analysis of the respondents by industry. Figure 3: Analysis of Respondents Region by country Figure 4: Analysis of Respondents by Industry Results: high degree of commitment from the banking sector in the AML cause and provide opportunity for banks worldwide to assess and benchmark their own practices with those of their regional and international peer group. most respondents believed that the current AML burden is acceptable they were keen to work with regulators and law enforcements for the system to work more successfully. 2.6 In Mauritius 2.6.1 Financial Intelligence and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2002) The FIAMLA (2002) criminalises money laundering and is the legislation of AML. It provides for the establishment and management of a FIU and a Board to supervise its activities and provides for money laundering offences, reporting of suspicious transactions, gateways for exchange of financial intelligence information and exchange of mutual assistance with overseas bodies, all in relation to money laundering. FIAMLA (2002) under section 8 imposes high criminal penalty for money laundering offences. Any person who commits any money laundering offence shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 2 millions rupees and to penal servitude for a term not exceeding 10 years. Moreover, any property belonging to or in the procession or under the control of any person who is convicted of an offence of money laundering shall be deemed, unless the contrary is proved, to be derived from a crime and the Court may, in addition to any penalty imposed, order that the property be forfeited. It is worth noting that FATF experts concluded that although Mauritius has a regulatory regime for the financial service sector both locally and internationally, certain troubling characteristics were found. These concern the identity of the administrators and the real beneficial owners of offshore companies. However, the law on economic crime and anti-money laundering adopted on 13th June 2000 which has been taken on board in the FIAMLA (2002) has reinforced the existing legislation with regards to prevention and fight money laundering. 2.6.2 Prevention of Corruption Act (2002) The corruption component of the Economic Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act (2000) was taken on board in the POCA (2002) which provides for the investigation of money laundering offences t

The Social Arrangements Made By Organisations Commerce Essay

The Social Arrangements Made By Organisations Commerce Essay An Organisation is social arrangements for achieving controlled performance in pursuit of collective goals (Buchanan Huczynski 1997). The organization can also be defined as, social element developed by humans to serve some purpose. An organization usually consists of more than one people. According to Rollinson, the organizations are goals directed i.e. they are created to serve some purpose. However, this does not mean that everyone in the particular organization has the common goals and neither does it follow that everybody is aware of the goals pursued by the organization. Achieving the purpose or the goals for the organisation normally requires that human activity be deliberately structured and coordinated in some way, thus there will be identifiable parts or activities (Rollinson, 2008). For example, let us take our University as an organisation. The students, teaching staffs, non-teaching staffs, top management, workers, buildings and other resources available in the university form the organisation. The purpose of the university is to provide the quality education to the students. There is a culture being followed up in this organisation. The culture plays a major role in the organisation. But this culture is different from one organisation to another. What is Organisational Behaviour? It is the study of human behavior in organisational contexts, with a focus on individual and group processes and actions. Hence, it involves an exploration of organizational and managerial processes in the dynamic context of the organisation and is primarily concerned with the human implications of such activities (Brooks, 2009). So it is essential to understand the human behaviour and the organisational behaviour. Each and every person in their lives is inevitably involved in some sort of organizations. So it is important to analyse the organisation in which we are involved. The following are about the paradigms, organizational structure and the role of culture in the organisation. 2. PARADIGMS: Paradigm is the name given to the conceptual frameworks within which the knowledge is produced. A paradigm is constituted, in part, by the rules which are generally accepted as necessary to follow in order to produce good knowledge (Jackson and carter, 2007). More significantly, a paradigm consists of the shared beliefs and assumptions of knowledge producers about what knowledge is, which shared beliefs and assumptions are institutionalised through support structure, such as universities, and through training (Corlett and Forster, 2004). The paradigm contains a model for solving the problems faced but it is not a real structure. The concept of knowledge paradigm was introduced by Thomas Kuhn in the year 1962. The schemes are about how people view the reality, what school of thought these people belong to, what kind of scientific tolls their use to carry out the science and what kind of metaphors can describe their way of thinking. In the year 1979, Burrell and Morgan developed this concept as Social paradigm which has been widely accepted by most scientists. A paradigm can be used as a lens through which we can view the world. According to Burrell and Morgan there are four types of paradigm by which the organization can be viewed. They are Functionalist paradigm Interpretative paradigm Radical Humanist paradigm Radical structuralist paradigm. They identified two fundamental core principles that divide researchers in two groups: the Objective dimension and the Subjective dimension. According to Jackson and Carter, the functionalist are the ones which see the organisation in an objective way and beliefs on more a structural and control type in the organisation. Most conventional theories of organisational analysis and organisational behavior will fall under this paradigm. The functionalist beliefs the managerial interests as a hierarchy were the rules and regulations and power in an organisation is an important factor in their organisation. (Jackson and Carter, 2007) http://www.ncjrs.gov/policing/mitar2_1.gif Radical structuralists are the ones which share the view of the functionalist were the organisational power and structure is the important factor where this paradigm concentrate in a structural relationship in an organisation (Jackson and Carter, 2007). Radical humanists are the far opposite of the functionalist. According to Jackson and Carter, this paradigm shares the interpretivist view of organisations as social construction but also shares the radical structuralist view of the organisations as instruments of power and domination. Radical humanist believe in change and structural way of communication in an organisation and more subjective in decision making. Interpretivist paradigms are the ones which are concerned with regulation but understand the real world situation. Interpretivist paradigms are more realistic and believe relationship within the organisation with some rules and regulation is the best work place to work referred from (Jackson and Carter, 2007). I identified my paradigm as an Interpretivist by using the questionnaire model to understand the types of paradigm and their views in radical change and subjective or objective interpretation of an organisation. According to Collins understanding a persons paradigm from a questionnaire cannot give the person the right view of which paradigm we fall in as it is just simple exercise and the mood of the person gives a huge impact when he answers the questionnaire. So, it is subjected to change from one organisation to another. (Collins, 1996) 3. METHODOLOGY OF DATA GATHERING: The name of the organization which we are going to see in this study is Santha Textiles. I have chosen this organization because it is my fathers company. So, it will easy for me to gather the information and analyse the organization to the core. And another reason for choosing this organization is that I will be in the company every weekend while doing my undergraduate studies in India. So, I know what is the culture and the structure followed up in the company. I mainly visit the company to know how well the business is going, what are the techniques involved and to develop my managerial capabilities. These previous experiences will be helpful to bring out my thoughts regarding culture at Santha Textiles when we proceed further. 4. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Santha Textiles is a textile fabric manufacturing company situated in South India. The company is manufacturing the textile products for more than 30 years. During the years the company has grown steadily and started marketing its product throughout India. The company has a strong reputation in its field. This strong reputation and market share is only due to its quality products. The company employs more than 350 employees and uses latest machines in its state of art factories to manufacture its product right away from raw materials to the finished goods. The company mainly manufactures cotton fabrics which are used for shirts, bed spreads and some Indian traditional wears. The company follows all the rules and regulations which are stated by the Indian Government. The following is my assessment of the structure and the culture in Santha textiles. This mainly elaborates about the structure and the culture followed in the company throughout their business periods. 5. ANALYSING DATA WITH LITERATURE REVIEW: 5.1. DEFINITION OF CULTURE AND CULTURE IN SANTHA TEXTILES: Organisational culture remains a controversial concept. The concept of culture is in itself a social concept. Therefore it follows that the concept of organizational culture should be viewed as the social concept of an organization and is an interpretation of the way how the organization behaves. Basically culture is a very diverse subject as it varies from country to country and from organisation to organisation. Organisational culture is defined as the collection of relatively uniform and enduring values, beliefs, customs, traditions and practices that are shared by an organisations member, learned by new recruits, and transmitted from one generation of employees to the next (Buchanan and Huczynski, 2004). According to this definition culture in one organisation is different from other organisation. Each and every organisation has their own tradition, beliefs, values and practices in them. However, organizational culture is a scientifically accepted concept used to define and descr ibe the collective individual behavior within the organisation. The culture has a significant impact to achieve the organisations aims and on the development of the organisation. Lundbergs seven points make it clear that culture is a soft aspect of an organisation, in which the details are carried in peoples mind, even though these people may not be aware of doing so they use this information to interpret what surrounds them, for example to judge whether something is right or wrong, suitable or unsuitable (Rollinson, 2008). So, people use this information to judge the decision whether it will go right or wrong in the organisation. Each and every organisation has their own unique culture even though they have not tried to create consciously. These cultures would have been created by the top management or by the founders who build that organisation. But in some organisation the top level management tries to change the culture of the organisation based on the location and condition in which the organisation is located. This change of culture will be more useful in decision making, managing and to bring out the success of their organisation. Culture allows for similarity and agreement on some matters but also rely upon differences and in some cases make it safe to disagree (Hatch, 2006). Organisational cultures have complex relationships with the environments in which they operate and from which they recruit their members. When an organisation is created it becomes its own world and the culture in the organisation becomes its foundation. Peoples actions and the work in the organisation are not always their own but are largely influenced by the socialization processes of specific culture to which they belong. According to Schein, organizational culture is the key to organizational excellence and the function of leadership is the creation and management of culture. Hence culture is very difficult to change unless one changes the people in the group. There are many theorists who describes about the culture in the organisation. We are going to see about the Scheins theory of oranisational culture in this assessment. Relating with the Scheins theory we can compare the culture in Santha textiles. 5.2. RELATING SCHEINS MODEL WITH THE ORGANISATION: Edgar Scheins model of culture is among most widely discussed. According to Buchanan and Huczynski, it considers organizational culture in terms of three levels, each distinguished by its visibility to and accessibility by individuals. Organisational culture is the pattern of basic assumption which a group has invented, discovered or developed in learning to cope with its problems of external adaptation and integration, which have worked well enough to be considered valid, and therefore to be taught to new members as the correct way to perceive, think and feel in relation to the problems (Schein, 1985). Scheins fundamental view is that culture is the sharing of meaning and the sharing of basic assumptions among organisational employees (Buchanan and Huczynski, 1997). According to Scheins theory of organisational culture there are three levels of culture described. The three levels of cultures are Artifacts, Values and Basic assumptions. 6. LEVELS OF CULTURE: 6.1. Artefacts: This is the first level of culture. Artefacts are considered to be the only visible factor in a culture. Artefacts are manifestations or expressions of the same culture core that produces and maintains the values and norms however, their future distance from the core can make it even more difficult to interpret their cultural significance unambiguously (Hatch, 2006). One of the main Artefact of Santha textiles is, the way in which the production is set up in the factories. The logo of the company can also be considered as an artifact because the logo remains the same from the starting of the company till now and it is a visible factor. The artefacts in the company can be easily visualized and seen. The symbols and the captions used in the company can also be considered as artefacts. The caption used by Santha textiles influences the culture and the type of product they produce. There have been many ritual ceremonies which are being held in Santha textiles. These ritual ceremonies show the culture in the company and how well the company gives importance to the culture that is followed. In Santha textiles, it is believed to act as a positive force in the working of the company. Language is also considered to be one artefact. In Santha textiles, the local language called Tamil is spoken in all the departments and by all the employees. We can see tha t there is a respect shown from one employee to another inside the company. The older employees share their knowledge and experiences with the new comer and they are treated well. The history of an organisation inevitably has a huge impact on its culture and that some cultural elements can be traced back to the values and ideologies of the firms founder. Most of the ideologies followed in Santha textiles are formed by the founder of the company. 6.2. Values: The next level in Scheins layered conceptualization of culture is the values and beliefs. Values are the social principles, goals and standards that cultural members believe have intrinsic worth (Hatch, 2006). Organisational values are those things that have personal or organizational worth or meaning to the founders or senior management. Values are typically based on moral, societal or religious precepts that are learned in childhood and modified through experience (Buchanan and Huczynski, 1997). Where do these values come from? Values are the views of the original founder, as modified by the companys current management (Schein, 2004). The culture in Santha textiles is influenced only by the founder of the company The company is working towards its goal which is the predominant factor in the business. Mostly all the employees in the company were honest and trustworthy. But some of the employees were not honest to their job. This affects the companys production. So, the trust on these employees fails in this condition in the company. Effort is also one of the prevailing factors which influenced the company to grow such an extent for years. Mostly all the employees put their full effort to make the company to reach its goal. So, for their efforts Santha textiles gives a good salary and seasonal bonus. Some tours have also been arranged for the employees twice in a year to relax themselves. The founder feels that this will encourage the employees and it will be better for the company. 6.3. Basic assumptions: Basic Assumption is the third level in Scheins layered conceptualization of culture. In Scheins view they are fundamental beliefs that are so taken for granted that most people in a cultural unit subscribe to them but not in a conscious way (Rollinson, 2008). These assumptions are formed inside the company when it is created. Assumptions which are formed in the beginning dont change often. These assumptions are not seen when the oraganisation is viewed as such. In Santha textiles, we can see a sense of mutual respect between the employees, no matter in what positions are and in what department they are in. As everyone know that the textile market is a competitive one in India. So, there is always a feel of competition between the firms. Santha textile takes more interest in protecting the society around which it operates. They ensure that their factories do not harm the environment and the atmosphere. There has never been an employees strike since beginning of the company as the rela tionship between the employees and the management is good in the company. This indicates that all the employees are satisfied with their work and the salary they get. Employee welfare is a factor that has been prevailing in Santha textiles since it started its operation in the late 1970s. 7. CONCLUSION: This is all about the culture that is prevailing in Santha textiles relating with Scheins layered conceptualization of culture. It was a challenge for me to analyse the culture of Santha textiles relating with the literature review and Scheins layered conceptualization of culture. However, comparing my experiences with Santha textiles and the literatures has brought so much sense. Me being an Interpretivist, I shared the views of both the intrepretivist paradigm and the Radical humanist paradigm. Both these paradigm care for the human values but understands the real world situations. Based on this study I understood that culture in Santha textile is a mixture of value, human welfare, environmental care and local culture in which the company is held. Finally, these analyses tell me that I very much fall in Interpretivist paradigm but also share the views of radical humanist paradigm.

A Potential Avian Influenza Pandemic Essay -- Biology Medical Biomedic

A Potential Avian Influenza Pandemic Avian influenza could potentially be the world's next pandemic. The virus that causes this disease can be transmitted to other birds and humans by bird secretions. Bird migrations, as well as today?s instant worldwide transportation, can spread the avian influenza virus at amazing speeds. The government would face a disease that could wipe out millions of people. Meanwhile, the economy would crash as money is spent eradicating the disease from the country. Poultry farmers would have to cull their birds to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. Perhaps the greatest concern about avian influenza is its potential to not only infect and kill many people, but to be used as a bioterrorism weapon. Avian influenza is rapidly becoming a great concern to health officials worldwide. The pathogen responsible for this disease is the avian influenza virus from the Orthomyxoviridae family. (University of Maryland, 2005) The H5N1 subtype, however, could potentially cause the most harm. Viruses are typically found in their natural reservoir, the bodies of wild fowl, although they do not always cause symptoms or illness in the birds. These viruses can be transmitted by various means to other birds and, as of 1997, humans. The 1997 outbreak in Hong Kong was the first time the avian influenza virus was noted to skip from bird to human. (CBC, 2005) Since then, health officials are becoming increasingly concerned with what avian influenza could mean in the near future. If an avian influenza pandemic were to occur, the government would face a deadly disease that would kill much of the population. There would be a catastrophic effect on the economy as the government must spend millions to erad icate disease and ... ...71805CIP/shtml International Herald Tribune. (2005, July). A flu nightmare. The IHT Online. July 15, 2005: http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=/articles/2005/07/14/opinio n/edfllu.php Marwaan Macan-Markar. (2005, March) Bird flu to shake up Asian society. Asian Times. July 19, 2005: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/ GC01Ae01.html Stephen Smith. (2005, July) Avian flu found in migrating geese in China. The Boston Globe. July 15, 2005: http://www.boston.com/yourlife/health/diseases/arti cles/2005/07/07/avian_flu_found_in_migrating_geese_in_china/ University of Maryland. (2005. n/a) Avian Influenza Virus. Avian Influenza Virus Program. July 25, 2005: http://www.agnr.umd.edu/avianflu/ World Health Organization. (2004, January) Avian Influenza- fact sheet. World Health Organization. July 25, 2005: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2004_01_15/e n/print.html

The River Runs Through It :: essays research papers

The 'Water is Wide'; takes place on the coast of South Carolina and Yamacraw Island during the nineteen sixties. A man by the name of Pat Conroy offers to teach over on the island, many people on the island have no education and are illiterate. When Conroy gets over to the island he finds himself very disgraceful. The teachers at the school believe that the children cannot be taught. His method of teaching is very different from others. One of Conroy's goals was to teach the children about America. So he showed them movies and let them listen to American musicians. After doing this about every day, it made an influence in the children's lives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Big C and Lincoln were the class clowns. They hated the principle because every time they did something bad she would beat them. During most of his time on the island, Conroy stayed with the Skimberry's. The Skimberry's were a nice couple named Zeke and Ida.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  When Halloween came around Conroy decided he wanted to take the children over to Bluffton, South Carolina, or Halloween so they could 'trick or treat.'; None of the kids even knew what 'trick or treating'; was. After making field trip forms and sending them home with all the children. The children came back with one of them signed. So Conroy went door to door asking begging each of the parents to let their children go.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Throughout the story Pat Conroy took the children many places. Unfortunately Mrs. Brown and Ted Stone accused him of doing many wrong things. He was not able to return the next year.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Even if Conroy did not teach the children anything, he still felt they would be able to survive in the outside world. I like this book. It made me very thankful that I have a good education. I also like the way Pat Conroy writes. In the future, I hope to read some of his other books. My favorite part of the book was when they would listen to the music of different artists, I also liked when they would play outside and he would tell about how they played so roughly.

Definition of Groupthink. Retrieved from Essay

I have always had a different idea of what groupthink really means, to me I thought of it as a bad idea from someone amongst a group of people that had not been voiced seemingly because the person having this thought lacks confidence or backing. More like trying to proof to your business partners that an idea of using an outdated tactic to target a young crowd is not the best idea In its own definition Wikipedia(2013) describes groupthink as a psychological phenomenon that occurs within a group of people, in which the desire for harmony or conformity in the group results in an incorrect or deviant decision- making outcome, whereas it can also be viewed as the practice of thinking or making decisions as a group in a way that discourages creativity or individual responsibility. All different versions of what it is but also giving a detailed well round idea and description. Good examples of groupthink situations as studied by Janis in the book â€Å"fiascoes† are such as the United States government failure to anticipate the Pearl Harbor attacks, the Bay of Pigs invasion, the escalation of Vietnam War, and the ill-fated hostage rescue in Iran (Janis,1972) Some recent past examples of groupthink would be in the hastened decision making of the Bush administration and Congress to pursue an invasion of Iraq based on a policy of â€Å"preemptive use of military force against terrorists and rogue nations.† It is definitely an undeniable fact that groupthink has been a large part of decision making in the United States government for a long time. As we speak, arguably the best current example of groupthink that the American government is facing is the Obama Care. This is so because some might see it as a majority of democrat leaders refusing to see or identify with different ideas that are outside theirs, thus leading to what psychologist consider as a mental deficiency commonly known as groupthink. â€Å"Groups affected by groupthink ignore alternatives and tend to take irrational actions that dehumanize other groups† (Janis, 1972). I found it rather interesting reading the article by the net advisor to bring out reasons as to why the Obama care was created under the influence of groupthink. The net advisor article reads â€Å"the patient protection and affordable care act or â€Å"Obama Care† was passed by majority of the then Democratic House. The house leadership under Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) refused to allow the US senate of any party to even consider debating, let alone voting on Obama care. The house by passed the entire U.S. senate by using a controversial self-executing rule or â€Å"deem and pass† procedure then quickly sent it to president Obama to sign†(Net advisor). This brings out the question, what if the Democratic Party had not made such an irrational decision to pass the Obama Care, would it have made any difference in the case of the government shutdown. Since the main reason that led to most of the republican members to oppose raising the debt ceiling that would have prevented the government from shutting down was primarily a disagreement in the Obama care. This is arguable in both sides since the republican party might also have made a groupthink decision to prevent the Obama care under any circumstances, leading to a government shutdown that has dented the government debt even more, ironically an issue that they (republican party) are trying to avoid with the Obama care. The united states is established in two well defined parties and many are the times that the conflicting views from each party, makes it harder to make any decisions or view the others opinion. Hopefully in the future the decisions from our leaders can be viewed in a more universal dimension, thus the administrators of our president can challenge each other to eliminate groupthink. References Janis, I (1972, Victims of groupthink (1st edition ed) retrieved from http:// leadership theory 3450.blogspot.com Obama care is an example of Groupthink gone wrong. Retrieved from http://netadvisor.org/2013/09/26. Definition of Groupthink. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groupthink