Sibling Relations and Subsequent Characteristic Traits

The loss of parents has devastating effects on the lives of the children. Suddenly, the children have to learn to exist without the comfort and sense of re-assurance that parents tend to give to their children – whether young or old.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Sibling Relations and Subsequent Characteristic Traits specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The absence of parents makes the children relate to each other in a different manner. In most cases, the elder siblings tend to take up the parental role; however, unprepared they are, and the subsequent relations between the elder and younger siblings often bring out certain character traits and qualities in them as individuals. The relationship between siblings whose parents are absent due to death or other factors and the subsequent life struggles the siblings endure, frequently bring out certain qualities and characteristics in them. Mostly, the elder siblings develop a responsible, tough, and unselfish personality, while the younger siblings often become dependent and irresponsible; all siblings, however, acquire sacrificial qualities in the end. In the absence of parents due to death or other factors, elder siblings conventionally have to step in and play the parental role, making these elder siblings become responsible and focused individuals. Inevitably, many elder siblings are suddenly faced with the responsibility of taking care of their younger siblings, filling in the void left by the absent parents. Many of the actions of the elder siblings are geared towards providing a sense of emotional and situational balance for the younger siblings, who are more heavily affected by the absence of the parents (Dunn 788). In most cases, the elder siblings, as a result, become highly responsible and focused individuals. In the instance where the age gap between the eldest siblings and the younger one(s) is significant, the elde r sibling often becomes a veritable parent to the younger siblings. If the eldest sibling is involved in any income-earning activity, he or she will be the breadwinner for the younger siblings as expected, and will have to accommodate the needs of the younger siblings in all the plans he or she makes. Out of the relationship between the elder sibling and the younger siblings, in which the elder sibling has to play the ‘parent’ role, a keen sense of responsibility develops in the elder siblings. The elder sibling, regardless of age, has to become the guardian to the younger siblings, and such a responsibility creates a responsible character in the elder siblings.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The elder siblings often have to endure more hardships and have to forfeit their own leisure, freedom, and feelings of hurt and abandonment from the absence of parents for the sake of the younger siblings. The elder siblings thus become tough and almost emotionally inexpressive due to this. Because the pain from parental loss is indiscriminate, it affects, hurts, and leaves the older siblings scared and abandoned in the same manner it does the younger siblings. However, the older siblings are not given the opportunity to grieve or express these emotions because they immediately have to fill in the physical and emotional gap left in the family due to the death of parents. Because the elder siblings have to be emotionally strong for the younger siblings, they perfect the art of hiding their feelings. Moreover, given that the elder siblings are expected to be the role model and a source of refuge for the younger siblings when life for these younger siblings gets a bit tough, the elder siblings do not get a chance to ‘wear their hearts on their sleeves’. Even when the occasion calls for a bit of emotional expressiveness, the elder siblings w ill frequently tend to feign a sense of indifference to the situation, so that the younger siblings can get the chance to vent their anger and express their emotions. According to Schlomer et al, whenever the family is in a crisis, the siblings turn to each other for emotional support†¦crises like divorce, parental separation, terminal illnesses in a parent, or death of a parent push the siblings to turn to each other (290). If the sibling age difference is substantial, the elder sibling has to be emotionally competent for the younger sibling(s). Therefore, in most cases, the elder siblings do not usually get the personal opportunity to express their feelings, and thus become emotionally inexpressive and find it harder to express their feelings freely. Additionally, younger siblings are likely to exploit the abundant kindness shown to them by their elder siblings, thereby developing carefree attitudes and cultivating a culture of being irresponsible. The benefits of having stro ng sibling relations, however, tend to be exploited by the younger siblings sometimes. According to Kramer and Conger, modeling is not the only way that younger siblings learn from their elder siblings. Even though younger siblings tend to endeavor to emulate the behavior of the elder siblings, the reverse is also true (4). The influence of peers on the younger siblings tends to be stronger than that of the model elder sibling. Therefore, if the younger sibling does not share mutual friends with the elder sibling, then the influence of the younger sibling’s friends overrides that of the elder siblings in most cases.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Sibling Relations and Subsequent Characteristic Traits specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Subsequently, as the responsible elder siblings endeavor to make the life of the younger sibling better, the younger siblings sometimes take advantage and exploit th is kindness for their own selfish ends. Kramer and Conger, for instance, state that the younger siblings are more likely to drop out of school due to early pregnancies or substance abuse whilst cohabiting with the elder sibling. Furthermore, when the elder sibling sets standards in life and educational achievement that the younger sibling may find impossible to emulate, the younger sibling channels these frustrations into self-harmful habits such as drug abuse and become more susceptible to negative peer influence (6). As a result, the younger siblings develop a careless approach to life issues and become irresponsible. Elder siblings, for the sake of their younger siblings, often plan their individual lives to fit to the needs of their younger siblings. The elder siblings thus develop unselfish characteristics. The relationship amongst siblings involves many dynamics. There is a direct relationship between how the younger sibling eventually makes his or her life choices in adulthoo d. Such relationship also exists in the influence of the elder sibling on the younger sibling’s life. Gerbert states that, when the elder sibling is supportive of the younger sibling(s), the younger siblings turn out to be more competent than a child who does not receive the emotional, social, and material support of an elder sibling (1389). Such a positive influence by the elder sibling indicates an unselfish characteristic. Oftentimes, hardships endured together strengthen the relationship between siblings; they are more adjusted to life’s common hardships, and such siblings are able to sacrifice their individual desires, dreams, and hopes for the sake of their siblings. These siblings thus mutually develop sacrificial attitudes and characters. The loss of parents, especially in childhood leaves the siblings little option but to draw strength from each other as they grow up. According to Mack, siblings who lose their parents when they are young tend to have stronger adult relationships than siblings who lose their parents as adults (145).Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As they grow older, these siblings learn to draw strength and inspiration from each other, and the realization that they have only each other for support buttresses these relationships. For instance, the shared struggles between the two brothers, the narrator and Sonny, eventually strengthen their relationship. Having overcome their initial relations, the two brothers in â€Å"Sonny’s Blues† get to appreciate each other’s exclusive dreams and desires in life. Therefore, the loss of parents has the effect of strengthening sibling relations overall, especially if the loss occurs when the children are young. These siblings, in most cases, are thus able and willing to sacrifice for each other and thus acquire a sacrificial character especially towards each other and those close to them. In Conclusion, how siblings relate to each other, especially in the absence of parents, functions to bring out certain characteristics and personalities in the siblings in most cases . The sudden departure of a parent from the family scene has a significant effect on the immediate and future well-being of the children. Most of the time, the children have to make emotional, moral, social and even economic re-adjustments to their lives. All these re-adjustments make the siblings turn to each other for support and re-assurance and such a relationship brings out certain qualities in the siblings. The elder siblings tend to be responsible, emotionally mature, and altruistic, while the younger siblings tend to be irresponsible. Both of them eventually do develop a mutual respect and love for each other, based on shared difficult life experiences as siblings whose parents are absent. Works Cited Dunn, Judy. â€Å"Sibling Relationships in Early Childhood.† Child Development 54.4 (1983): 787-811. Gerbert, Haselager. â€Å"Perceived support in sibling relationships and adolescent adjustment.† Journal of Child Psychology Psychiatry 45.8 (2004): 1385-1396. Kr amer, Laurie, and Katherine J. Conger. â€Å"What we learn from our sisters and brothers: For better or for worse.† New Directions for Child Adolescent Development 2009.126 (2009): 1-12. Mack, Kristin. â€Å"The effects of early parental death on sibling relationships in later life.† Omega: Journal of Death Dying 49.2 (2004): 131-148. Schlomer, Gabriel, Bruce Ellis, and Judy Garber. â€Å"Mother–Child Conflict and Sibling Relatedness: A Test of Hypotheses from Parent–Offspring Conflict Theory.† Journal of Research on Adolescence 20.2 (2010): 287-306. This research paper on Sibling Relations and Subsequent Characteristic Traits was written and submitted by user August Cain to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Business and Cultural Practices of Japan

The Business and Cultural Practices of Japan Introduction The rising rate of globalization has led to business activities to be a global affair. It is because of this globalization that any entrepreneur who wants to beat the global competition should familiarize themselves with the customs, norms and practices of the different countries they do business with. It is also important that the business protocol, communication and etiquette are put into consideration.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Business and Cultural Practices of Japan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This becomes of essence due to the increased travelling in terms of doing business (Lipartito 32). Japan is no exception since it is one of the industrial countries in the world. Most countries of the world import most products from Japan because of her good reputation and the high quality products she produces. Japan’s economy is also at the top competing with countries like the United States of America which are known to be doing well economically worldwide. Geographic Description of Japan Population Japan has a population of 126,804,433 and is ranked 10th among all other countries in the world. Japans life expectancy is 82 years, but its population’s growth rate is declining at 0.242%. 66% of the total population lives in an urban area, and 99% both male and female are literate. GDP Japan is the third largest economy in the world after the United States and China. Its GDP (purchasing power parity) is $4.137 trillion and ranked 4th in the world. Japan entered into recession in 2008, its GDP – real growth rate is currently declining at rate of 5.3% and its GDP per capita is at $32,600. Its labor force is composed of 65.93 million and its unemployment rate is 5.1%. Political Orientation Japan government is parliamentary with a constitutional monarchy. It legal system is modeled after the European civil law systems with English-American i nfluence. Japans chief of state is Emperor Akihito, he has been in this position since January 1989. In June 4th of this year the National Diet of Japan also known as the bicameral legislature appointed Naoto Kan as prime minister, he is considered to be the head of government. Following legislative elections the leader of the majority party usually becomes prime minister; the monarchy is hereditary. Major Products Produced Japan is famous in the world for producing vehicles, electronics textiles and machinery. Others include fully processed food commodities, big vessels like ships just to mention but a few. It is known to be the largest exporter of the same products. Other significant facts Japan is located in eastern Asia, in a chain of islands between the North Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. Its area can be compared as slightly smaller than the state of California. In 1941 Japan attacked the United States, this initiated Americas entry into World War II. When Japan lost in the Second World War it regained its strength and has become one of the most important economic powers in the world.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For more than a decade Japan has been one of the most important markets overseas for the United States. Japan supplies many important products to firms such as Apple, IBM and Hewlett-Packard. Japan also plays a major role in UN peacekeeping operations, humanitarian relief and also in international election monitoring (Griffin 56). Japan’s Business Practices Japan is currently going through major human resources management changes. Traditional culturally influenced Japanese business practices are slowly shifting to more westernized business practices. To globally compete, many Japanese companies feel that they must not let cultural barriers continue to hinder Japan’s economical performance. Howev er, regardless of where Japanese business practices are headed in the future, cultural values and norms still highly influence Japan’s common business practices. Building business relationships in Japan is a business practice highly influenced by societal values and norms. Writing a letter of introduction, calling, or showing up uninvited to a firm is considered impolite and disrespectful. â€Å"One of the best ways of initiating a viable business relationship in Japan is to obtain a letter of introduction (shokaijo) from an introducer. A good introducer is a person respected and trusted by both parties involved. While these types of culturally influenced business practices are slowly fading from Japanese business philosophies, they are still recognized as polite ways of doing business. Japan’s highly relationship-oriented business practices go beyond initiating business, it is also noticeable in the way Japanese negotiate contractual terms and handle conflicts. Typic al Japanese negotiators are more concerned with reaching a general agreement and building a trusting relationship than specific contractual terms. Furthermore, Japanese business practices for conflict resolution are similar to the way they do other business practices. The Japanese prefer to settle business issues out of court through mutual consultation and mediation because most of the time, they have built a trusting relationship with the businessperson and would not want to be rude. Another business practice in Japan is the use of a lifetime employment system. The vast majority of companies in Japan still have this type of employment system where employees implicitly agree to work with the company for the duration of their career (MOFA 10). The Japanese lifetime employment system pays and promotes individuals based on a seniority system. Employees not performing to standard are moved to â€Å"easier† positions rather than being fired.Advertising We will write a cus tom research paper sample on The Business and Cultural Practices of Japan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Outright firing of an employee would not traditionally be considered an option within Japanese organizations. However, with increasing globalization demands and the downturn of the economy, the lifetime employment and seniority systems are beginning to fade as more Japanese companies switch to performance-based payment and promotion options. While there are some advantages to the lifetime employment and seniority system, many Japanese companies are finding that they cannot compete without performance incentives. A lifetime employment system is advantageous because it promotes employee loyalty by providing job security. Furthermore, this system allows employees to build lasting relationships with supervisors and colleagues. However, Japanese companies have begun to switch from this philosophy to a more performance based, westernized empl oyment system. Promotions and salaries are increasingly becoming performance-based rather than based on seniority. Japanese business practices are highly related to their cultural beliefs and societal norms. However, globalization and the demand from other countries wanting to enter Japan’s markets, cultural influences are slowly fading away. Westernized business philosophies are creeping their way into Japan’s common business practices and will more than likely continue to shape the future of Japanese business practices. Hofstede’s dimensions in evaluating Japan’s cultural values Japan has somewhat a unique culture. Their culture is dramatically different from other Asian cultures, such as ones of China, Hong Kong, and Korea (Gross 1). For an organization to succeed in Japan one should be loyal and have a good relationship with the people around. Based on Hofstede’s cultural dimensions, Japan’s lowest ranking factor is Individualism. They a re more of a collectivist culture, which means that they value working in groups, as opposed to individually. The group, rather than the individual, is the fundamental unit of concern in businesses in Japan. People of Japan are very sociable, and place a great deal of importance upon the opinions of others. They work for intrinsic rewards, and harmony is considered more important than honesty Japan is pretty much right in the middle of the power distance index which is used to indicate the extent to which differences between people is perceived (Nishiyama 4). Therefore, some inequality and some equality exist between people in Japan. There are moderate gaps in authority, respect, and compensation.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The highest characteristic of Japan is that they strongly value. Masculinity versus femininity indicates how the roles of male and females are perceived. Since Japan has a very high Masculinity score, women’s values differ less among societies than men’s values. Also, people in Japan value assertiveness and competitiveness, as opposed to more modest and caring values that are more common among countries that are feminine (Smith 1). Japan also has a very high Uncertainty Avoidance Index. The UAI deals with how much a culture tolerates risk. Since Japan’s UAI is very high, this means that they try to avoid risky situations as much as possible. The members of Japan’s society feel uncomfortable when placed in novel, unknown, surprising, or just different from usual situations (Gorill 1). The corporate culture of Japan is very formal. They try to reduce the chances of amorphous situations by implementation of very laws and rules that are strict. The Japanese p eople tend to be very emotional and can be easily motivated unlike in other countries. Therefore any entrepreneur who would prefer to start a business in Japan needs to be very prepared and able to predict the outcome of the enterprise. Lastly, Japan’s culture has a high long-term orientation in terms of delivering its services to the population of Japan and the entire world. Their education systems favor this orientation together with the ethics they have in doing work. Comparison of Japan’s Practices to those of United States Business practices US managers often express leadership abilities and competence by dominating group discussions, whereas Japanese managers demonstrate leadership by silence. Japanese managers often encourage subordinates to participate and come up with acceptable solutions. In a business meeting, being silent has different meaning between United States and Japan. In United States, if a person does not talk during a meeting or conversation, that person expresses inability to communicate. Whereas in Japan, being silence indicates the person is thinking or increased conversation would oppose to harmonious (William 2). When American businesspeople arrive for a meeting, they first exchange some pleasantries, then get down to business, and follow by a well planned agenda that has been sent out to each party prior to the meeting (Dietterich 1). For Japan, the first meeting focuses on whether each party can trust each other rather than working on planned agenda. When Japanese say yes during a contract negotiation, it means â€Å"yes, I understand what is being said†. American often interprets them as â€Å"Yes, I agree with you†, so there are two different interpretations of the word yes. Hospitality is quite important in Japanese business culture. In order to build personal bonds and group harmony among participants, fancy meals and after hours entertainment are required. In United States, when executives are havin g a meal with the clients in fancy restaurants, this means they are showing their status and clout. In Japan, when organizations encounter bad news, it will informally communicate through one team member to another team member, whereas in the states, bad new will be delivered as soon as possible to the person in charge (Angelucci 2). In a union negotiation, US labor agreement is actually negotiated between a firm and a union through enforcement by the court of law. In addition, negotiations are relatively formal. On the other hand, collective bargaining is very rare in Japan, Unions and management always work together to come up with a mutual benefit. The Japanese hostile confrontation, disputes are settled through mutual agreement. Culture Practices Education in the States is quite different than Japan. In the States, primary and secondary schools guide the individuals to build up self reliance, creativity, and self esteem. In Japan, primary and secondary schools focus on preparing students to take a college entrance exam. Low context cultures include United States, â€Å"the speaker explicitly conveys the speaker’s message to the listener.† A high context cultures such as Japan, the words spoken require â€Å"cultural clues in order to understand what is being said. Western country manages stress differently. In United States, Executives would encounter moderate stress and are able to manage stress effectively, whereas the Japanese would encounter very high levels of stress and encounter difficulties in managing stress. Five basic needs of physiological, security, social, self esteem, and self actualization from Abraham Maslow are all important for Japan and United States’ culture (The World Factbook 32). Conclusion From the above discussion it can therefore be concluded that the Japan’s business and cultural practices are worth being familiarized because of the economical benefit it has to the entire world. However, Japan as a c ountry is trying to eliminate any barriers that may arise to cause hindrance to the global market. Even though the United States is the world’s super power, it can be deduced that the two countries work hand in hand because of the similar business practices and the fact that Japan is one of the most industrious country in the world. Angelucci, Marc. â€Å"Hofstede’s Dimensions on Cultural Practices†. 2010- August 4, 2010. geert-hofstede.com/hofstede_japan.shtml Dietterich, Tea. â€Å"China-Cultural Awareness and Etiquette Training.† 2002-August 4, 2010. 2m.com.au/country.php East Southeast Asia. â€Å"Japan CIA The World Fact book.† 2009-August 4, 2010. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html. Gorill, Jodie. â€Å"Japanese Social and Business Culture.† 2007- August 4, 2010. communicaid.com/%5Ccross-cultural-training%5Cculture-for-business-and-management%5Cdoing-business-in%5CJapanese-business-and-social-c ulture.php Griffin, Ricky. International business. Pearson Prentice Hall 6th edition, 2010.Print Gross, Anchw. â€Å"Trends in Human Resource Practices in Japan†. 1998- August 4, 2010. http://www2.pittstate.edu/mgmkt/culture.html Japans Contribution to UN Peacekeeping Operations. â€Å"Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MOFA)†. 2005-August 4, 2010 mofa.go.jp/policy/un/pko/pamph2005.html Lipartito, Kaiya. â€Å"Culture and the Practice of Business History.† 1995- August 4, 2010.  http://www2.hnet.msu.edu/~business/bhcweb/publications//p0001-p0042.pdf Nishiyama, Kaiya. â€Å"Doing Business With Japan: Successful Strategies for Intercultural Communication†.2000- August4, 2010. mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm Smith, Ethel. â€Å"The importance of understanding cultural Differences in business.† 2002- August 4, 2010. helium.com/knowledge/70551-the-importance-of-understanding-cultural-differences-in-business Tulshyan, Ruchika. â€Å"The w orld’s qurky cultural practices.† 2010- August 4, 2010. msnbc.msn.com/id/35986024/ Wells, Christopher. â€Å"Exercise In Cross-Cultural Negotiations in Japan.† 1996- August 4, 2010. http://www2.gol.com/users/cpwells/Negot.html William, Melinda. â€Å"Cultural Awareness and Business Etiquette in the Global Marketplace.† 2007- August 4, 2010. aiaa.org/documents/myaiaa/workshop/Cultural_Awareness.ppt

Visual Arts - Cultural Artifact Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Visual Arts - Cultural Artifact - Assignment Example This paper reviews one of the most famous speeches in history by Abraham Lincoln – the ‘Gettysburg Address’ which can definitely be considered to be a cultural artifact. It indicates the past history and the trying times which the United States was going through at that time. It also set a historical precedence be the abolition of slavery and its ultimate success of having a colored person as its president, Barack Obama. In the process, the speech will also be analyzed using the parameters set forth in Geert Hofstede’s cultural taxonomy. The Gettysburg Address as a cultural artifact: It could be said that each and every American has read or at least heard about this famous speech. It provides the reader a succinct picture about one of the most important periods in American history. This is because of two reasons. One is that it brought about total abolition of slavery. The second was that it had been achieved at great cost namely the Civil War. Historically , this period and the artifact that reflects it are extremely significant. The following excerpt from the speech has been immortalized and will be loved by every freedom loving person on this planet. â€Å"It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth† (Lincoln). There are several factors that the reader gets to know from the speech as well as the above line which is in fact the last sentence. The first is the feeling of pride that it communicates. It gives the reader the confidence that America will remain united and that it will continue to be a great nation in the future also. I n other words, the speech has the power to unite all Americans even today. The third is the language and the marvel in the sense that such a short speech can be so powerful. The one factor (to a person uninitiated with US history) is that there is no direct reference to slavery and its abolition. What it does indicate to such a person is that a civil war is going on and that people who believe in freedom should continue what has been started. A lot of people have given up their lives for this cause. It talks about freedom in general and also that the United States is a democratic country run by its people. The historical origin of this artifact is well-known and is a result of the South opposition abolition. Specifically, the speech was delivered in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, on the 19th of November 1863 after one of the bloodiest battles of the War. Lincoln prepared the speech only the previous which was to commemorate the soldiers of both sides who had lost their lives in this part icular battle. It was held in the newly constructed cemetery that was to become the final resting place of Union soldiers (Beardsley). As mentioned earlier this literary artifact was created by Abraham Lincoln. It could be said that it was prepared and read by the President himself. It has not been and will never be modified or changed as it is a historical document of a real life event. The

Layla and Majnun relation to Sufism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Layla and Majnun relation to Sufism - Essay Example The relation between the legend of Layla and Majnun and Sufism The relation between the legend of Layla and Majnun and Sufism includes the elements like love, madness, life in exile and self-realization. A. Love The theme of the legend of Layla and Majnun is the love between the hero and the heroine and it’s after effects. To be specific, the legend of Layla and Majnun portrays the deep love between Layla and Majnun. Majnun considers that his ultimate aim is to unite with Layla, his beloved. So, he was ready to give up the worldly pleasures for the sake of his love towards Layla. In the legend of Layla and Majnun, the lover considers that his beloved is an inseparable part of his self and him ultimate aim is to be with his lover. He does not consider the obstacles in his life as important because his aim is most noble. His love towards his beloved helps him to suffer a lot in his life. On the other side, a Sufi saint undergoes the same process in his life because he is totally intoxicated with the thought of the search for eternal truth. He does not consider the worldly pleasures as important because his aim is most noble. His life is totally dedicated to the God, who created this universe. He is aware of the fact that worldly pleasures may not lead a person to find out the secret of life or the eternal truth. Instead, one who is ready to discard worldly pleasures can embrace the real love or eternal truth. Besides, Sufism considers that love towards the god is the real love, not the human desire towards worldly pleasures. B. Madness In the legend of Layla and Majnun, the lover becomes totally absorbed by his affection towards his beloved. This can be termed as madness because Majnun gradually began to ignore the real world. But he was not ready to give up his love and began to wander aimlessly. He considered that the imaginary world was the real world and vice versa. This helped him to compare the things in nature with the beauty of Layla. When a dog ap proached him he treats it with due care because it came from his beloved’s place. But when he happens to meet Layla, he totally ignores her. Now, he realizes that his aim was to reach the real love, the love of god. Sinha opined that â€Å"A further view is that the story of Layla- Majnun has merely been adopted by the Sufis as a fitting vehicle for expressing the mystical experience, and has thus subsequently been given a spiritual interpretation by them† (26). Sufism is the straight forward way to the god, without the helpful external forces. Sufism considers that those who are in search of the god do not like to have a mediator. One can see that Majnun’s relationship with the imaginary world acted the role of a veil (say, Layla) between him and the god. When he was able to discard his relationship with the imaginary world (mad love towards Layla), he was able to realize his ultimate aim. So, Majnun’s temporary madness is similar to the feeling of the S ufis. Besides, Majnun was not aware of his ultimate aim and this hindered him for a moment from reaching the same. On the other side, Sufis are aware of their aim and their single minded dedication helps them to attain their aim with ease. C. Life in exile Most love stories portray life in exile is an important factor which builds up the strong bond between the lovers. In the legend of

Managing Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Managing Conflict - Essay Example According to Benjamin (2007), conflicts sometimes may be a tricky issue to solve or handle which may always necessitates consultations from different quarters. For instance the Chief Executive officer of a shipping company may approach the human resource manager to seek guidance on the excessive drug use by some section of company employees. In the recent past, the company has experienced a series of plant accidents which the Chief Executive Officer alleges can be attributed to machinery operation under influence. The Chief Executive Officer have therefore ordered a compulsory for a mandatory drug test among the existing employees and the new employees too.However,the labor union have openly opposed such a move despite the company assuring them that those found positive will undergo treatment sponsored by the company and attend company financed cessation seminars. Despite such a situation being tricky, a solution must be found and the relevant advice given to the Chief executive Officer by the Human resource manager. Whether the employees are guilty of the Chief Executive Officers assertion or not, one aspect must remain outstanding: that at the end of the day, the decision reached must consider the good long term future of the company (Benjamin, 2007). As the Human Resource manager, the following recommendation may be helpful to address the conflict in an amicable manner and in such away the labor union may readily accept the adoption of the company’s new policy. The employees who use drugs and those who do not should not be coerced to undergo drug testing but the company should formulate an internal regulation to punish those who go to work under influence. This can be done through the introduction of operation fitness desk. This desk can serve the function of clearing employees before they embark on operating machinery. Those under influence when on duty should not be allowed to operate machinery and if possible face internal disciplinary measures

How Will Singapore Effect Globalization Of National Identity Cultural Studies Essay

How Will Singapore Effect Globalization Of National Identity Cultural Studies Essay Singapore, one of the most globalized nations in the world today, had undergone a series of political and economic crises in the past forcing its leaders to take on a proactive stance to the formation of national identity . One stance the government took was forging a national myth of progress that depicted Singapores transformation from a third world fishing village to a first world republic. The catalyze of this metamorphosis was globalization, through globalizing strategies such as: establishing English as the countrys first language; building Singapores economy through partnerships with multinational corporations; importing popular culture from over the world; advocating and sending Singaporeans to study abroad; encouraging the immigration of foreign talent; and stressing a global orientation rather than a local identity. The embracement of globalization through these strategies has led Singapore to acquire political stability and economic growth. However, they have weakened the countrys social bonds with are critical for pursuing the quest for national identity in Singapore. Although there are other aspects of Singapores national identity, this discussion will focus on the national identity of economic progress because it has a direct correlation with the Republics embrace of globalization. This paper will firstly study the terms globalization and national identity in the context of Singapore. After which, address five issues derived from Singapores embracement of globalization that has an ill effect on the republics national identity quest. Firstly, the way in which Singapore practices selective globalization that has led to an antagonistic relationship between local identities and global identities of the people. Secondly, the recognition of Singapore as a global nation state and how that loses national identity for future generations. Thirdly, how the influences of popular culture affects Singapores national identity adversely. Fourthly, how issues of emigration and immigration have undermined national identity. Fifthly, how Singapores declaration as a global city has led to the debilitation of Singapores national identity from which the problem of commitment arose. And sixthly, how Singapores success story, as a result of globalization, thwarts efforts of cementing the Republics national identity. Singapores National Identity Before we discuss Singapores national identity, this paper defines the concept of a nation, in relation to Singapore, as imagined and as a purposeful construct . This is because Singapore does not have a long history. Furthermore, it is populated by a myriad of different ethnicities. Since independence, the Singaporean government has tried to foster a national identity in Singapore. The aim of this was to unite the heterogeneous immigrant population under the nation-state; in the hope that a uniquely Singaporean identity, which the people could identify with, would emerge. The Singapore government has placed strong emphasis on creating a material-based national identity through the presence and availability of economic development, home-ownership, asset-enhancement, a high standard of living and modern facilities. This has created a social modernity that evokes a sense of Singapores national identity in practical and material terms . Hence, the cleanliness of the environment and the efficiency in the background of everyday Singaporean living are qualities the government promotes as Singapores national identity and national symbols. Singaporeans high quality of life as a resultant of globalization and commercial development reemphasizes the national identity of economic progress. Globalization in the context of Singapore Many scholars view globalization as a force, which would bring about the decline , erosion or the end of the nation-state. True to this definition, Singapores embrace for globalization has created problems by weakening emotional ties and the national identity of the nation. This is demonstrated by: a crippling of social cohesion within the community; a pragmatic attitude of Singaporeans; and an increase number of talented Singaporeans choosing to emigrate. Although the Singapore government attempts to connect the people under the notion of a national identity that is based on the myth of overcoming adversity, this paper posits that the process of globalization undermines Singapores territorial boundaries, the nations sovereignty, and its traditional roles, hence undermining the Republics national identity quest. Singapores practice of selective globalization Globalization exposes nation-states to both opportunities and challenges. Singapore has moved from the process of building a nation-state to becoming a global city. The government practices selective globalization where certain forms are encouraged and others are discouraged . While, they champion for the synchronization of regulations and policies with international standards, they protect their society from unwholesome global commodities such as pornographic magazines. On one hand, Singapore enjoys its status as one of the most globalized countries in the world in terms of finance and telecommunications. On the other hand, Singapore regularly gets criticized from international human rights institutions for insisting to practice its own label of politics . The issue of Singapore practicing selective globalization portrays the need to remain globally connected for the sole purpose of survival, while the retention of certain traditional ideals expresses the necessity to protect specif ic interest. Long suggests, that the act of cultures globalizing and de-globalizing within localities at the same time is synchronized through local practices; and ideals generated symbols transmitted through the media, whether global or local, are at the forefront of forming a contemporary culture . This would mean that globalization weakens the building blocks of national identity because of the reinforcement of social relations through messages, images and symbols that would connect individuals to what Anderson referred to as imagined communities . To explain further, these imagined communities are created through the process of media-related visual cues. An influx of these cues from globalization and localization causes Singapores national identity to be continually contested and negotiated. Singapore as a globalizing nation state Minister Mentor Lee Kwan Yew once said: if more Singaporeans worked abroad and their children forgot their rootsThey dissolve and disappear and there is no Singaporeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ They become citizens of the world. What does that mean? Lost! . As Singapores leaders continue to drive Singapore to become a globalized entity, global influences, such as international education and marriage to foreigners, result in the diminishing of Singapores nation identity. The main issue here is the loss of Singapores future generations of globalized young citizens who were never exposed to the fear of regional hostility or global alienation . Ironically, these generations of Singaporeans have been exposed to the very setting created by the government Singapores global environment that have in turn caused them to diminish their sense of national identity. The influence of popular culture on youths in Singapore The lack of national identity of Singapores most globalized segment of the population, the socially and politically apathetic younger generation, is a pivotal political issue in Singapore. Singapore leaders have tried to combat the social and political consequence of embracing globalization by recounting Singapores difficult past to the future generations as an answer to Singapores shortfall . However, the attraction of globalization presents itself as a strong deterrence to the Republics vision for its citizens. This deterrence can be explained by Bergers proposition of an emerging global culture distinguished by individuation . The embracement of globalization and its exposure to the people has achieved Individuation, which in Singapores context suggests the ability of citizens to form a stronger sense of self or individuality over the nations collectiveness; hence a weakening of national identity. To add on to the peoples sense of individuation, constrains in freedom of criticism of the government have led to demonstration of social trends such as the appropriation of immigration and emigration, as well as a general apathy towards national issues. The latter is best expressed as an attitude of indifference toward defending the nation, as well as, an attitude of dispassion towards Singapores national identity. Globalization issues of emigration and immigration in Singapore To nurture their only resource, people, Singapore sends its people abroad for higher education and training, and to hone their human resources, Singapore induces foreign talent to immigrate to Singapore. Even though these strategies have been successful, in championing objectives of increasing Singapores human talent pool, they weaken the national identity of the nation. Most Singaporeans sent overseas find more opportunities abroad and do not return. By the same token, new immigrants have a greater attachment to their home countries and would leave Singapore eventually. It is clear that although globalization helps Singapore thrive successfully, it undermines a deep attachment to the nation, hence undermining national identity. Furthermore, talented Singaporeans also feel that they will have more professional opportunities if they left Singapore to become a foreign talent. In responds to this, the leaders of Singapore indicated that they are aware of the double-edge sword of globalization, and included that emigration of talented Singaporeans would cause the core of the nation to unravel . It is important to note that the matters raised above, within the quitter-stayer debate, do not entirely point to issues pertaining to loyalty. Rather it points to issues that have emerged from the establishment of a national identity in conjunction with the Republics efforts to embrace globalization Meritocracy. Meritocracy, Singapores national value, has aptly associated talent to success and reward. It was strategically propagated to put Singapore on the global economy map . Today, this very ideal that helped achieve Singapores global status also diminishes the Republics national identity by ingraining an opportunistic mindset into the people, hence indirectly telling Singapores talent to go where opportunities exist. Commitment issues in Singapore as a result of globalization Another repercussion to Singapores embracement of globalization has been a sabotaging of commitment to Singapores well being, where the future generations are unwilling to sacrifice for the nation. One letter in the Straits Times forum page read, What do we have in Singapore that are worth dying for? This paper suggests that Singapore only really offers economic gain. Unfortunately, that could be attained elsewhere, hence there is nothing that compels Singaporeans to stay here, let alone die for their country . Although Singapores myth of economic progress is seen by the nation as a firm foundation of its national identity, it is being undermined because of globalization. In relation to the point above, Anderson puts, the imaginings of a nation are limited to the extent of elastic boundaries . Economic progress is not something exclusive to Singapore and therefore its usage as a national identity by the state is undermined. Through globalization, people identity themselves with an international community, and hence marginalize Singapores national identity of economic progress. Studies have shown that while Singaporeans indicate that they experience a national identity through materiality and achievements of the nation, this form of identity does not conjure up a feeling of allegiance. Neither does it evoke a passion that people may fight and die for, nor does it arouse a sense of differentiation between other cultures. Singapores success story as a national identity Very similarly to the point above, Singapores success story of economic progress, which led the Republic to achieving a worldwide identity, could diminish Singapores national identity. In what this paper views as the Singapore paradox, the goals of the state, which is to sustain the nation, could be threatened by the successful integration of its people into a de-nationalizing globalized identity. This is because globalization propagates factors like transnational migration that undermines the national identity of the Singapore. Conclusion This discussion of globalizations effects on Singapores national identity raises several conclusions that are relevant not only to Singaporeans but to other nations undergoing processes of globalization. Singapores government has embraced globalization as a vital means of not only economic growth but also the Republics survival. This paper has portrayed how the embracement of globalization exerts pressure on Singapores difficulty to construct an effective connection between the nation and its citizens through a quest for national identity. The very tactics of globalization that have led to the rise of Singapores economy have compromised the nations shared identity and opportunities; and as a result of the rise of Singapores affluence through globalization, it is difficult to minimize the negative factors of globalization and maximize the positive factors of localization in establishing a national identity.

Cases of Influenza :: Journalism Influenza Health Essays

Cases of Influenza ST. LOUIS, Missouri.--The State Health Department has confirmed that there have been 666 new cases of influenza today, 134 more since yesterday. Also it has been confirmed, sadly, that there has been 59 deaths, up 15 since yesterday, and making the grand total at 5,067 deaths in just three weeks. 21 of the deaths recorded yesterday were of pneumonia. Thus this epidemic seems to weaken the body so much that it is not the only cause of death, pneumonia is as well. As we keep track of the new cases and of the fatal ones, they have urged the public to stay calm as they are trying to do everything in their power to put an end to this. They are spending all hours seeking the source and coming up with a cure. At a time while our boys are overseas fighting and some losing their lives, the people in St. Louis are battling their own problems with this epidemic. It almost seems the casualty numbers are mimicking each other, not to say they are suffering from the same kind of fate. Just a shame that there are two wars going on two different fronts, one overseas in Europe and the other here at home, trying to battle this disease, virus, bacteria, whatever it is. So far they are unclear as to where the disease came from and how it spreads. There have been several theories as to what the culprit is and what the public should do in response to this news. One doctor feels that people should avoid all contact with other people, closing all public arenas, and going as far as wearing masks outside. Some doctors disagree with this, claiming it is unwarranted and unnecessary. They just feel that people should be sanitary and keep a safe distance from people and areas that look unclean. Also they warn to stay away from alleyways and animals that fester in them. It might be that these dirty animals are harboring the disease and spreading it from fleas or other contagious ways. However, it has been seen that most cases of the influenza are stemming from the inner-city. There are instances of people outside of the inner-city but not as numerous. So department officials have been sent to the inner-city to gather evidence and try to track any trends stemming from the start and spread of this disease.