Prejudice and Discrimination Essay

Traveling had always been something I looked forward to. Seeing other parts of the world, visiting other countries; just the idea of it brought more joy then most things would. Sadly though, that is not the experience that I encountered while travelling to South Africa. Even though it was their native land, the locals in South Africa faced an overwhelming amount of discrimination; it was completely heart breaking to witness. Taking into the history of South Africa, with the concept that â€Å"blacks [are] inferior to whites†, (MALEMA, 2010, para. or in other words; the apartheid, where black people were simply less than white, and that was the acceptable way of life, it is not terribly hard to imagine that some discrimination still lives in South Africa today. With the apartheid not officially in existence at this current time, most people would, and do assume that the discrimination had come to an end and all people of every race and ethnicity live in peace with each other in South Africa, but as it is; old habits are hard to break. White people are still treating black people as though they were not really people and black people are subjected to the upper hand that the white members of society have had for years upon years without having much, if any power to change it. The apartheid does have a National party, people still do believe in it who live in South Africa, and while those who stand up for the truth of the matter protest and stand in opposition to it, the apartheid and the people that support it end up on top; for now. With South Africa going officially and publically to a democratic system and abandoning the incorrect and discriminatory ways of the apartheid, hope reenters the scene for Black Americans. During the time of the apartheid, â€Å"the ruling National Party’s goal was to secure White control and promote racial separation by classifying all South Africans into White, Black, Colored (i. e. , those of mixed race), or Asian ethnic categories† (Kon ZR, 1998, para. ). Within South Africa, while under the apartheid the only race that existed was White Africans. All other Africans, whether Black or Asian, was looked upon as not being a race, they were less than human, there only to serve White Africans. While the ethnicities of at least the locals in South Africa are the same, the race does differ from town to town. The natives born in South Africa all share the same background giving them the same culture in a sense, yet under the apartheid the difference in race between White and everyone else made all of the difference in the world. The new turn to the democratic system is anything but segregation of the races. Much like in my own homeland of North America, more specifically, The United States of America, where democracy is an everyday occurrence, South Africa’s goal of democracy will involve a turning point to some sort of equality between white Americans and all other races in South Africa besides the white community. However, much like in America, South Africa will tumble and stumble for years with this turning point. It already has been years since the South Africa Country has turned democratic, and still today, there lies in the towns much racism and discrimination. To spare the cruelty of how extreme the discrimination in South Africa got, a much calmer example is when I went to the local store that was owned by White Africans who still lived by the ruling of the apartheid. I saw a Black couple walk into the store, shop around, and when it was time to leave, the owner refused to talk to them or serve them. The all the couple needed was milk and diapers for their newborn, but the cashier, who was White, looked right through them. A white woman pushed her way past the Black couple and was waited on promptly by the cashier, and as the Black couple got the hint, they placed the items back, and walked away. The saddest part though, is after they left, I saw the cashier grab some gloves, go over to the items that the couple had touched and discarded them in the trash. Discrimination is a crime, and it sadly still exists in society today; most likely because some White people still believe that all other races were created inferior to them and are solely there to serve as salves, but obviously, that is not the truth, and though South Africa made the correct change to democracy to amend that false assumption, that preconceived notion still lives on today. Sadly, it is found true, not in the papers, studies, statistics, or facts; that the law, no matter how much it might point toward and push to equality falls oh so short so often. The truth of this falling is found on the streets, in the towns, in schools, and between neighbors. It is seen in the grocery store, on the sidewalks, and through the windows. Regardless of the National party South Africa, the local parties South Africa (the locals) do not always agree with the change in place, and still treat everyone that is ot white as though they were not even human. A law does not change a person’s heart. The law may change the actions of a person, for fear of the consequence to the actual law, but the hardness that lives in the hearts of the white communities in South Africa have had years and years to build up and linger. Changing the political system is a start, and indeed, is a help; but it is not the answer. What is the answer? I have some ideas, but surely, there is no cove r all answer that will magically fix discrimination. The first eye glance that I saw while I was in South Africa made me realize that one of the best things to do for them in order to climb the ladder to equality is to point out to them that the hardness in their hearts are still there; that while they might have changed what is written on paper, the things that are engraved on their hearts are still there, and firmer than ever. The second thing that I know all Americans, not just this one person, can do is to be an example. In North America, we have faced racism, discrimination, inequality of men and women; in short, we have faced and overcome the things that South Africa faces today. And while I recognize them as an independent country, as North America is one of the largest and strongest countries, we should also be the best. We, as a country should stand up and stop the discrimination that happens on our streets, in our schools, and at work. We have no right to scold South Africa of their discrimination until or unless we have settled our own issues of discrimination. And even then, a scolding is not what is necessary. What is needed is an understanding, and assistance; we need to set an example. I know that I am just one reporter writing one article, and I am sure readers are wondering why I am speaking so passionately about this subject, or what I expect out of the readers in all honesty. I know that this is not a regular article that the newspaper readers are used to, but I also know that this is a great way to speak, not only of the negativity of discrimination and how bad it is or how bad it is getting. This chance is also a chance to show that some people care more about how to change it from getting bad to getting better. That though one person cannot change the world, one small deed can do great things, and the more people that take that initiative, the more great things will happen. I would sincerely encourage anyone that could, to visit South Africa. Brace yourselves if you do, the discrimination really is horrible, people that are not white still, have little chances of making much of themselves, and the AIDS that are in the country is as common as the America cold, but the truth is within the people. Black Americans in South Africa have the hope, they just need the help. If you cannot make it to visit, send a letter, make a wish, sit back, if only for a moment, and give them a second of your time to think about them; where they are, where they have been, and where they could go. Discrimination not only affects those who are being discriminated against, but also those who miss out on the opportunity to know, work with, and live around all the other races. They all miss out on the unifying truth that everyone is a person; their own individual humanistic self that has so much more to offer than the color of their skin.

On Common Ground, the Power of Professional Learning Communities Essay

The learning system by which educators and students work in is plagued with sometimes tedious, repetitive and oftentimes illogical steps that learning is hampered more than it is encouraged. The book On Common Ground, the Power of Professional Learning Communities seeks to challenge the very core of the learning system that most of schools practice. The book has collated various examples of what it makes to be able to produce education that is considered â€Å"high-level†. (DuFour, 2005) This particular book requires that the different schools and individuals to challenge their preconceived notions and incorporate different types of practices that have been observed by the authors in different types of schools and universities. By far, this is one of the most provocative pieces of work regarding the level of education that is being offered to people right now. More than anything, the book spurs people, especially the educators to press on in improving themselves as well as improving the quality of education and the quality of students that leave the universities and different schools. More than anything, the book is a testament to how a collaborative effort beautifully crafts a sort of â€Å"manual† for improved student performance. (Dufour, 2005) If you are an educator, the different steps and assertions that the authors have discussed in the book are definitely worth losing sleep over as the strategies, lessons and improvements that the authors have agreed upon are all valid, and solid in their assumptions. Should there be any particular conclusion that can be drawn from this book, it is the fact that if teachers come together in a structured and orderly manner, this essentially contributes to the betterment of the student in the area of learning and professional drive. (Dufour, 2005) Ultimately, one should look into this in order to challenge the status quo and begin a new one marked by collaboration and unity in purpose.

Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues Simulation Summary Essay

Conducting international business can be a profitable endeavor but requires a lot of tact and strategy. In international business legal issues may arise but must be resolved in order to retain the relationship. This problem includes but is not limited to changes in legislation, clashes of interest, ethical dilemmas, cultural and ethical differences. When entering into an agreement with another country legal agreements must be drafted to protect the company interest. Consideration must be made of the countries culture and ethical differences. The process of sublicensing can be positive for CadMex. However, the process consumes an incredible amount of time and money. Sublicensing could also violate the non-disclosure agreement. Local customs in laws can conflict with in organizations customs in laws when operating abroad. When this occurs the laws that were specified in the contract should prevail unless there is a CIGS (contracts for the international sale of goods) which is been used by default. See more: Experiment on polytropic process Essay When issues arise alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can be used it is a means for resolving disputes between parties outside of the judicial process using one of four techniques mediation, arbitration, negotiation, or collaborative law. Mediation is the use of a neutral party to resolve the dispute between two or more parties. Arbitration is the resolving of a dispute between parties through the use of an agreed upon party. Negotiation is when the parties have a mutual discussion and arrangement of terms of an agreement. Domestic issues are usually easier to resolve then international issues. Domestic issues do not require the same strategy or consideration does international issues. Domestically the laws are the same but international laws vary from country to country. Contract terms must be defined very explicitly. Sensitivity must be developed and exercised to accommodate local cultures and customs. Laws must also be clearly defined as you leaving as they are part of what can lead your business to success or failure. Addressing International Legal and Ethical Issues Simulation Summary Essay * What are the issues involved in resolving legal disputes in international transactions? All contracts that deal with outside countries must be able to have some type of legal implementation (Melvin, 2011). There has to be some type of enforcement on the contract or it may never be resolved. * What are some practical considerations of taking legal action against a foreign business partner based in another country? According to (Melvin 2011); a country can stop all transactions from that business if they file lawsuit on that country. The law of other countries must be taken into consideration when dealing in foreign business. The United States laws are only upheld within the United States borders and may not be respected in a foreign country. Contracts are only binding if they have the backing of the law in whatever county or countries they are made in. See more: Strategic Management Process Essay * What factors could work against CadMex’s decision to grant sublicensing agreements? Sublicensing agreements comes into play when the organization has too many of them and does not fully incorporate sub-paragraphs. This leaves the organization up for lawsuits if any of the contracted workers do something wrong and also makes the main organization fully liable for any damages. Even workers within the sublicensing can sue a business formed within the sublicensing agreement (Melvin, 2011). * When the local customs and laws conflict with the customs and laws of an organization operating abroad, which should prevail? Explain why. Situations should be handles on a one on one basis. Sometimes special considerations need to be taken to accommodate certain employees due to religious beliefs. In such cases the local laws should prevail in order to prevent a costly and drawn out lawsuit with employee unions. Negotiating and coming to an accord amongst the two would be the best option as well as revising company policy to cater to local customs and laws without losing essentials to company policy. * How would you compare the issues in this simulation to the domestic legal issues discussed in your Week One readings? How should companies resolve domestic and international issues differently? The issues in the simulation are faced in the United Stated everyday by many corporations. The Human resource department of each company is designed to handle such problems when and should they arise. Domestic issues are resolved easier than international issues because they are resolved according to the law of the United States. However when in international waters a corporation (even if it is American) must adhere to the laws of the country it is conducting business in. Litigation and alternative dispute resolution options will apply.

Deception Point Page 110

Sexton had no idea what the man was talking about. The reporter handed him the photocopies. Sexton looked at the pages-and for a moment, his mind went totally blank. No words came. He was staring at unfamiliar photographs. Black-and-white images. Two people. Naked. Arms and legs intertwined. For an instant, Sexton had no idea what he was looking at. Then it registered. A cannonball to the gut. In horror, Sexton's head snapped up to the crowd. They were laughing now. Half of them were already phoning in the story to their news desks. Sexton felt a tap on his shoulder. In a daze, he wheeled. Rachel was standing there. â€Å"We tried to stop you,† she said. â€Å"We gave you every chance.† A woman stood beside her. Sexton was trembling as his eyes moved to the woman at Rachel's side. She was the reporter in the cashmere coat and mohair beret-the woman who had knocked over his envelopes. Sexton saw her face, and his blood turned to ice. Gabrielle's dark eyes seemed to bore right through him as she reached down and opened her coat to reveal a stack of white envelopes tucked neatly beneath her arm. 132 The Oval Office was dark, lit only by the soft glow of the brass lamp on President Herney's desk. Gabrielle Ashe held her chin high as she stood before the President. Outside the window behind him, dusk was gathering on the west lawn. â€Å"I hear you're leaving us,† Herney said, sounding disappointed. Gabrielle nodded. Although the President had graciously offered her indefinite sanctuary inside the White House away from the press, Gabrielle preferred not to ride out this particular storm by hiding out in the eye. She wanted to be as far away as possible. At least for a while. Herney gazed across his desk at her, looking impressed. â€Å"The choice you made this morning, Gabrielle†¦ † He paused, as if at a loss for words. His eyes were simple and clear-nothing compared to the deep, enigmatic pools that had once drawn Gabrielle to Sedgewick Sexton. And yet, even in the backdrop of this powerful place, Gabrielle saw true kindness in his gaze, an honor and dignity she would not soon forget. â€Å"I did it for me, too,† Gabrielle finally said. Herney nodded. â€Å"I owe you my thanks all the same.† He stood, motioning for her to follow him into the hall. â€Å"I was actually hoping you'd stick around long enough that I could offer you a post on my budgeting staff.† Gabrielle gave him a dubious look. â€Å"Stop spending and start mending?† He chuckled. â€Å"Something like that.† â€Å"I think we both know, sir, that I'm more of a liability to you at the moment than an asset.† Herney shrugged. â€Å"Give it a few months. It will all blow over. Plenty of great men and women have endured similar situations and gone on to greatness.† He winked. â€Å"A few of them were even U.S. presidents.† Gabrielle knew he was right. Unemployed for only hours, Gabrielle had already turned down two other job offers today-one from Yolanda Cole at ABC, and the other from St. Martin's Press, who had offered her an obscene advance if she would publish a tell-all biography. No thanks. As Gabrielle and the President moved down the hallway, Gabrielle thought of the pictures of herself that were now being splashed across televisions. The damage to the country could have been worse, she told herself. Much worse. Gabrielle, after going to ABC to retrieve the photos and borrow Yolanda Cole's press pass, had snuck back to Sexton's office to assemble the duplicate envelopes. While inside, she had also printed copies of the donation checks in Sexton's computer. After the confrontation at the Washington Monument, Gabrielle had handed copies of the checks to the dumbstruck Senator Sexton and made her demands. Give the President a chance to announce his meteorite mistake, or the rest of this data goes public too. Senator Sexton took one look at the stack of financial evidence, locked himself in his limousine, and drove off. He had not been heard from since. Now, as the President and Gabrielle arrived at the backstage door of the Briefing Room, Gabrielle could hear the waiting throngs beyond. For the second time in twenty-four hours, the world was assembled to hear a special presidential broadcast. â€Å"What are you going to tell them?† Gabrielle asked. Herney sighed, his expression remarkably calm. â€Å"Over the years, I've learned one thing over and over†¦ † He put a hand on her shoulder and smiled. â€Å"There's just no substitute for the truth.† Gabrielle was filled with an unexpected pride as she watched him stride toward the stage. Zach Herney was on his way to admit the biggest mistake of his life, and oddly, he had never looked more presidential. 133 When Rachel awoke, the room was dark. A clock glowed 10:14 P.M. The bed was not her own. For several moments, she lay motionless, wondering where she was. Slowly, it all started coming back†¦ the megaplume†¦ this morning at the Washington Monument†¦ the President's invitation to stay at the White House. I'm at the White House, Rachel realized. I slept here all day. The Coast Guard chopper, at the President's command, had transported an exhausted Michael Tolland, Corky Marlinson, and Rachel Sexton from the Washington Monument to the White House, where they had been fed a sumptuous breakfast, been seen to by doctors, and been offered any of the building's fourteen bedrooms in which to recuperate. All of them had accepted. Rachel could not believe she had slept this long. Turning on the television, she was stunned to see that President Herney had already completed his press conference. Rachel and the others had offered to stand beside him when he announced the meteorite disappointment to the world. We all made the mistake together. But Herney had insisted on shouldering the burden alone. â€Å"Sadly,† one political analyst on TV was saying, â€Å"it seems NASA has discovered no signs of life from space after all. This marks the second time this decade that NASA has incorrectly classified a meteorite as showing signs of extraterrestrial life. This time, however, a number of highly respected civilians were also among those fooled.† â€Å"Normally,† a second analyst chimed in, â€Å"I would have to say that a deception of the magnitude the President described this evening would be devastating for his career†¦ and yet, considering the developments this morning at the Washington Monument, I would have to say Zach Herney's chances of taking the presidency look better than ever.† The first analyst nodded. â€Å"So, no life in space, but no life in Senator Sexton's campaign either. And now, as new information surfaces suggesting deep financial troubles plaguing the senator-â€Å" A knock on the door drew Rachel's attention. Michael, she hoped, quickly turning off the television. She hadn't seen him since breakfast. On their arrival at the White House, Rachel had wanted nothing more than to fall asleep in his arms. Although she could tell Michael felt the same, Corky had intervened, parking himself on Tolland's bed and exuberantly telling and retelling his story about urinating on himself and saving the day. Finally, utterly exhausted, Rachel and Tolland had given up, heading for separate bedrooms to sleep. Now, walking toward the door, Rachel checked herself in the mirror, amused to see how ridiculously she was dressed. All she had found to wear to bed was an old Penn State football jersey in the dresser. It draped down to her knees like a nightshirt. The knocking continued. Rachel opened the door, disappointed to see a female U.S. Secret Service agent. She was fit and cute, wearing a blue blazer. â€Å"Ms. Sexton, the gentleman in the Lincoln Bedroom heard your television. He asked me to tell you that as long as you're already awake†¦ † She paused, arching her eyebrows, clearly no stranger to night games on the upper floors of the White House.

Chronic deseases of Aborigens of Australia Essay

Chronic deseases of Aborigens of Australia - Essay Example The table below shows disparities between the two populations: The implication of these disparities is that the population has a significant shortage of healthcare services. As such, the Aboriginal society has a number of serious health problems such as obesity, substance abuse, renal diseases, high infant mortality, pulmonary diseases and cardiovascular conditions. In spite of the developments in mainstream Australia, the Aboriginal people are still strongly bound to their traditional societal structures. Their society still holds strong family values and highly values family bonds and ties. The Aborigines still hold strong beliefs in their traditions and spiritual life. As such, the provision of healthcare to such a group should take into consideration various factors including their economically disadvantaged position in society and their strong cultural background (Margereson, 2009). This paper critically evaluates the health condition of Peggy Moloney-an elderly Aboriginal lady from New South Wales aged 62. Though primarily admitted for peritonitis, the evaluation will take a critical review of her medical history and experience as well as these elements to her current health, which plagued by multiple conditions. Therefore, cultural, economic, social, psychological and biological elements will be factored in during the evaluation. The mind map on Peggy’s condition starts by reviewing her medical status in relation to her biological and physiological conditions. The major elements of consideration include her medical history and general status of biological/physiological health. Mrs. Peggy’s medical history shows that she developed renal failure seven years ago after a bout of nephritis. This occurred after a treatment of streptococcus infection on her left leg. After an antibiotic treatment, the legs infection was treated, but her nephritis persisted, and finally caused the damage of both kidneys. Her history presents the following condition s 1) Renal failure (2); peritoneal dialysis (3); diabetes mellitus (4); peripheral neuropathy on both feet (5); intermittent claudication; and a cataract on the left eye. Currently, she presents the following symptoms: fever, a general unwell feeling, clouding of central vision, loss of peripheral vision, shortness of breath, swollen lower legs and ankles as well as cellulitis around her catheter insertion site. In Mrs. Moloney’s case the most probable risk to her immediate admission condition-peritonitis-is peritoneal dialysis. This can be inferred from the occurrence of cellulitis on the area around her catheter (Treves, 2008). However, considering her multiple conditions, old age can be cited as a possible biological contributing factor. Notably, old age is characterized by a general decrease in immunity, muscle mass and strength. The decline in immunity on skin cells in the affected area may be a contributing factor to the infection cited on the dialysis catheter point (L ye, MacLennan & Hall 1993). However, primarily the infection may be a result of handling dialysis insertions. The decline in immunity as a result of aging was shown by the multiple conditions that included nephritis and a streptococcal infection on her leg. The persistence of nephritis coupled with weak immune finally led to renal failure, which could have been a result of general decline in

Marketing and Sales Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Marketing and Sales - Essay Example Finally the study will try to focus on different aspects of green technology required to manufacture an environment friendly phone. Table of Contents Table of Contents 3 Market Segmentation 4 Important Market Segments 5 Mainstream Segment and Niche Segment 6 Different Market Segments for Mobile Devices 7 Feature of Cell Phone for Green Buyer 9 References 11 Market Segmentation Business market can be described as heterogeneous environment. Consumer behavior plays a cordial role to justify the use of various market segmentation techniques. It is pretty much obvious that no product or service creates appeal for all customers. The companies need to understand the requirement of potential customers to design successful segmentation strategy. In simple words segmentation means filtering the target market according to income level, usage pattern, lifestyle, purchase pattern of customers. Price discrimination model of economics suggested that market segmentation increases the profitability r atio for the business (Gill & Crichton, 2011). Conceptual framework of any business strategy depends on understanding, fulfilling or even exceeding the needs of target segment. Centrality of market segmentation strategy depends on establishing equilibrium between product driven segmentation and market driven segmentation. ... Brand Asset Valuator model created by Young & Rubicam can be used as basis for product centric segmentation. (Source- Bavconsulting) Brand Asset Valuator model emphasizes on DEREK model to analyze performance of a particular brand. DEREK stands for D- differentiating factor of the product, E- energy of the brand in terms of meeting future market demand, R- relevance of the product in accordance with customer demand, E- esteem about the brand. Previous success stories for the brand, K- Customer knowledge about the product. Important Market Segments International Data Corporation (IDC) has divided consumer market of mobile in six segments in terms of usage pattern. 1- Tech Evangelists (Customers prefer to purchase new product integrated with state of art technology), 2- Impulse Buyers- (Customers who purchase the product in accordance with demand of situation), 3- Experimental Adopter- (Customer who like to purchase new product after series of experimental usage), 4- Pragmatic Purchase rs- (Customers who are very much rational in terms of purchase decision and they purchase the product after cost benefit analysis), 5- Green Buyers- (Customers who prefer product offered in an eco-friendly way and they try to create a social message of decreasing environment pollution by purchase), 6- Disengaged Functionalists- (Price sensitive consumers who prefer to purchase product satisfying their fundamental needs) (Deans, 2012). Market segmentation for the mobile device can be done in accordance with purchase and usage potentiality of customers. There is range of potential customers: young vs. old, affluent vs. modest income, heavy users vs. light users, technology lover’s vs. technophobes, etc who can be targeted by the mobile manufacturing

Human Resource Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 4

Human Resource Management - Essay Example Due to the expansion in the outlook of the human resource management function of the modern organization, the different perspectives on employment can improve the understanding of HRM practices in modern organizations. Discussion The different perspectives of employment relations are used by industrial relations scholars to project three different frameworks, which view and understand the relations that take place at the work place differently. The different perspectives project workplace relations differently, therefore will interpret different events like conflicts at the work place differently. The role of unions and the regulation of jobs are also projected in a different manner. The pluralist perspective The pluralist perspective views the organization as comprised of different, powerful sub-groups. The different sub-groups are believed to hold legitimate loyalties and as having their own leaders and objectives. More specifically, the perspective points out that the major sub-gr oups that influence the organization are trade unions and its management. The perspective goes ahead to project that the role of the management is less inclined towards exercising control and enforcement; this has resulted from the balancing effect of co-ordination and persuasion throughout the organization. The changing outlook of the management in the human resource management of modern organizations is documented by Armstrong (2012). The book discusses that the HRM function of the modern organization uses co-ordination and persuasion as tools for increasing the participation of employees and for the improvement of work processes coordination (Armstrong, 2012, p. 583). The shift in the outlook of the HRM function of modern shows that the change has resulted from the realization that persuasion and coordination are more effective in improving organizational performance, as compared to the traditional practices of enforcement and exercising absolute control. Through the exploration of the roles of the HRM function of the modern organization, evidence shows that the HRM practices of the function require influencing the employees for success, which could take the form of influencing their decision-making or their thinking about the organization and its goals (Armstrong, 2012, p. 583). Due to that need of persuading the employees, the HRM officers are required to have persuasion skills and excellent case presentation abilities, which enable them to project the vision of the organization into the scope of the employees. Facilitation is very important in enhancing the effectiveness of the HRM function, mainly because it increases the decision-making potential of groups and teams, which is often related to the development of ideas or solutions for organizational problems. The co-donation of organization-wide and group-based discussions is also necessary in increasing the effectiveness of the HR function (Armstrong, 2012, p. 583). This is because the process leads to the development of conclusions that are satisfactory to all members. The pluralist perspective views that trade unions should be allowed to represent employees, and where conflict