Professional Athletes and Illegal Steroid Use

Athletes of the modern sports are pushing their body to the limits, not only through rigid practice and training, new techniques and strategies but also by enhancing or altering the body’s physiological make up.   Admittedly, the use of drugs in today’s sport is widespread.   Statistics show that athletes even the amateur ones as young as 12 years old are already taking steroids or drugs to enhance their performance in their respective fields. In a survey conducted by the NCAA in 2004, it was reported that among 19-22 year-olds, 18.9% of them responded that they knew friends within the same age bracket who are taking steroids and who are playing a sport and 3% of high school seniors are using steroids as performance enhancers, how much more for the professional athletes who have a lot more at stake than just name, reputation, medal and trophy.So what are steroids and why has it raised so many clamors, not only among the field of sports but also among the field of sc ience?   If an athlete takes steroids, would it be tantamount to cheating as he is not utilizing his own body’s capabilities but that of a drug?  Ã‚   Drugs commonly referred to as steroids are classified as anabolic, androgenic, and corticosteroids.   Corticosteroids are used to control inflammation.   Anabolic steroids which have been the object of media attention are the kind of drugs which is used by athletes and body builders to improve and bulk up their profile and body’s physiology. Anabolic is a Greek word which means to â€Å"build up† and these are synthetic hormones that cause the body to produce more muscle at the same time preventing muscle break down.  Ã‚   In the United States, it is illegal to take anabolic steroids without prescription from a doctor.   Androgenics or androstenedione (andros) is a lesser or weaker kind of anabolic steroid.   It primarily works by increasing testosterone and muscle proteins and many of weigh lifters take this steroid.The Benefits of SteroidsThe human body produces steroids naturally.   In the case of anabolic steroids, they resemble the chemical structure of the male sex hormone testosterone.   It facilitates the development of the male secondary sexual characteristics as well as facilitating muscle growth.   [Hobart, Sarah]. But just like any other development in science, steroids were not developed in order to enhance an athlete’s capabilities.   Rather it was developed in the 1930s in order to treat hypogonadism.   People with such disorder do not produce enough testosterone and the use of steroid helps replace the much needed testosterone.   Such success caught up with the athletes.   In 1956 Olympics, Russian athletes who used steroids were observed to be using catheters when urinating.   Ironically, the athletes had trouble urinating because their prostates have enlarged because of the excessive use of the drug.Subsequent observations and studies ha ve manifested the benefits of the use of steroids by professional athletes.   Weight lifters who used steroids were seen to have increased their muscle strength and muscle growth. In comparison to those weight lifters who used steroids, those who took placebo or did not take anything at all showed a very slow increase in muscle growth and strength.   Steroids not only enhance the athletic performance of athletes, it also provide for the development of a physically fit, tighter and toner body not only for men but also for women.The Risks and EffectsJust like any other drug, steroids have also its share of risks and side effects.   One of the particular concerns of health officials over steroid use for a prolonged period is liver damage, increased risk in heart disease.   The side effects of the steroid use are also severe.   For men who use steroids, they tend to develop â€Å"breasts† or gynecomastia, painful prolonged erection (priapism) and edema due to water and sodium retention.   In the case of the Russian athletes in 1956, they had trouble urinating due to the enlargement of their prostates.  Ã‚   Cardiovascular problems also occur due to the increase of â€Å"bad† cholesterol or the low-density lipoprotein levels instead of enhancing the â€Å"good† cholesterol or the high-density lipoprotein levels.   With these harmful physical effects, psychological problems also come up.   There was an indication that man who takes steroids showed behavioral changes like being aggressive.On the other hand, women who use steroids suffer irreversible damages unlike the men who can correct what ever side effect they have after discontinuing the use of such drug.   Women develop facial hair growth, enlarged clitoris, and coarser skin.   They also increase the same cardiovascular problems like the men do.   Women also are at risk of infertility and other reproductive disorders.   Admittedly, professional athletes both men an d women still continue to use illegal steroids disregarding the risks even death because of their desire to win.EthicsThe debate of the use of steroids is not only limited to the health concerns.   Rather, the use of steroids by professional athletes is centered on ethics. One argument over steroid use by professional athletes is that it is a form of cheating.   When using steroids as performance enhancing drugs, they tend to depend on the drugs capability instead of their own.   Athletes using performance-enhancers seek to increase their athletic ability via drugs rather than through the training process, which requires true commitment and effort on the part of the athlete (â€Å"Steroids: Play Safe,† 2004).The athletes who are the center and the heart of the game use steroids to win or better their chances in winning, they gave into the power of the drugs over them instead of wielding and showcasing their strengths.   This is ultimately being unfair to other athlete s and professional players who only depend on their prowess, not of the drugs.   And since professional athletes play to win, as they are paid to do so, those who do not use steroids are extremely pressured to use them too in order to compete with the other athletes who have exceedingly enhanced performance.Another point raised on the ethical perspective of the use of steroid is that such use of a performance-enhancing drug allows professional athletes to tap into their undiscovered potentials. Although as discussed above, the athletes are the hearts of the game and they should be the one controlling it, not some drug, still with the aid of the drug, they are only harnessing their potentials to full use.   The privacy and the rights of the athletes to do to his body whatever he thinks is beneficial to him must be respected. Providing a stricter regulation on the use of steroid among professional athletes will not solve the problem.The decision to use or not to use such drug must be left to the discretion of the athlete.   The use of steroids among professional athletes may ultimately have been the result of â€Å"media hype†, and the ban on the use of such has been based on moral panic. By the making the use of steroids criminal, through drug testing may be even the cause of more health risks for the athletes.   As it is impossible to acquire the drug through a doctor, they instead turn to the underground or black market.   Instead of providing adequate help to the athletes who may limit or control the use of such drugs, banning it is ultimately forcing them to continue using steroids thereby driving them to further health risks in the first place.Athletes especially the professional ones are the role models of society especially the youth.   They have been looked up to by the society as pillars that are looked up to.   While each individual have the rights to do what he thinks is best for his own self, the state or the government can stil l impose regulations among its citizens especially if it concerns the health of many. The question of ethics should not come first but the health concerns.Although there have been reports and studies about the long time effects of the use of steroids, published cases of tumors and cancer-related cases, health experts and researchers do not exactly know the consequences   of steroid abuse   Ã‚  Even with all the data and reports submitted by researchers and users alike, still this are not conclusive and may be inaccurate. And so the federal government has issued a ban on the use of such.   Possession of steroids with the intent of distributing it is considered illegal and punishable by law.   Likewise, the use of steroids in sports is considered to be a violation of sports leagues and councils even the ethics of sportsmanship.But even with all the ban and regulation made by the government for the use of steroids especially in professional sports, many athletes still continue to use it despite warnings of its risks.   As drug testing is one way of determining whether an athlete is using steroids or not, professional athletes have found a way to go about and escape such drug testing. Just like the Ben Johnson who failed to bring home the gold in the 1988 Summer Olympics when he tested positive for steroids.   The catch is, he took 19 drug tests before that before he failed in the Seoul Games which eventually led to the forfeiture of his gold medal.   Ultimately, it is really up to the athlete whether he will use steroids to enhance his athletic performance or not notwithstanding the ban and regulation made by the federal government and the question of ethics as well.Reference:Bahrke, M.S., and C.E. Yesalis.   â€Å"The Future of Performance-Enhancing Substances in Sport.† The Physician and Sports Medicine , 2002, 30(11):1-21.Chuey, Daniel, Introduction to Benefits and Risks     www.biodavidson.edu accessed 1/30/06Chyka, P.A.. â€Å"And rogenic-anabolic steroids.† Clinical Toxicology. Philadelphia.WB Saunders, 2001, 595-601.Hobart, Sarah, â€Å"Athlete Use and Abuse of Performance Enhancing Drugs â€Å"www.biodavidson.edu accessed 1/30/06NCAA. â€Å"NCAA Drug-Testing Results 2002-2003.† Accessed 01/30/06 2003.2004. â€Å"Steroids: Play Safe, Play Fair.† American Academy of Pediatrics. . 1 Oct. 2004.

Women’s Rights

Should all women be equal to their status, opportunities and rights? Every woman should have the ability to express their freedoms and rights, deserve equal treatment within their society and region, and every country needs to reinforce the rules for women. There is no dignity and respect for women universally. Gender equality is still out of reach for many women worldwide. Presently, women have gained legal rights throughout the world. The women’s rights movement changed society into what we know today. They have allowed Canadian women to obtain a certain formal equality. They have also allowed women to vote and been given equal pay for equal work, however; women had to fight through difficult times to get through discrimination in the 19th century. In the past, women did not have the rights and freedoms as most men and were treated harshly. In other words, women had almost no rights at all. They were not allowed to vote, they could not hold in public offices, and were not given custody of their children if the couple had a divorce agreement. As a result, they were mainly seen as homemakers. Women were inferior to men in many different ways. Women did not have any property rights and once she was married, she was no longer allowed to own any land or property. A man could sell his house and take all the money for himself, and leave his wife and child behind with nothing. Womenfolk were not considered as people. The women’s rights movement helped them throughout the country by passing laws stating that women could own a part of her husband’s estate. Women were observed as socially and politically inferior and unable to function at the same level as men, however; with the rise of the civil rights movement, this finally made women equal as men. In the 1920’s, the â€Å"Roaring Twenties† spread gender equality dramatically. They began to take on more jobs, and wear more daring clothes. Rebellious and bold women, known as flappers, managed to exemplify women’s role in a social change by expressing equality with men. They proved that they could be more sophisticated than men and can achieve greater success. However, women were still paid less than men because they were cheaper to employ. In 1917, the military voters act gave women, who worked in the military, the right to vote. In 1927, the â€Å"Famous Five†, which included, Emily Murphy, Nellie McClung, Irene Parlby, Louis McKinney and Henrietta Edwards, asked the Supreme Court of Canada one question; â€Å"Are women considered to be people? † The term â€Å"people† did not include women, thus the court announced that women were indeed people too. This legal ruling established that women were to be regarded as equal to men under the law. The â€Å"Famous Five† is the reason why Canada is able to have women vote, thus they are very important for women’s rights. All women have the right for freedom, justice and the pursuit of happiness. They must be considered equal and that they deserve the respect and dignity as all humans get. Women throughout the world are suffering because of the rules that are enforced in a specific area and region. If countries reinforce the rules for women, the world will be a better place for women all around the world. Countries can reinforce the rules by educating women further. Those who are well educated will have fewer children, earn more money, and will get more job opportunities. Their educational achievements can have ripple effects within their family and across the generations. Women with equal access to education, training and means can become a great resort. They can raise the living standards of their families and inject new life into the local economy. Also, investing in women’s education reduces poverty. Countries can also aid and support women by providing them with new job opportunities. Women who stay home become mentally sick and tired. Women who have a job will have new experience and will earn money to survive. It also improves self-value and will improve self-confidence. It will also help the government and the economy to grow exponentially. Also, all women should get equal pay for equal work. In nearly every country, women work for longer hours yet get paid less and are more likely to live in poverty. Economic disparities persist partly because of the unpaid work within families and communities and that becomes their downfall because they face discrimination in the economic sphere. Women in many countries still lack to own property because of gender discrimination. Most countries should reinforce these rules and make women live in a better civilization. Every woman deserves equal treatment within their society. Women in other countries continue to have lower education, fewer rights, and less income. Despite the successes of empowering women, numerous issues still exist in all areas of life, ranging from the cultural, political to the economic. They suffer verbal, emotion, physical and sexual abuse. In Saudi Arabia, women are lacking the rights that they are as human beings because of the Sharia Law. The Sharia Law is a law that neglects the rights and freedoms of every woman in Saudi Arabia. The law makes it hard to live. They are not allowed to drive and cannot dress in public with anything except for a burka. If a woman was caught without a burka, she could obtain a severe punishment with 40 whip lashes. No foreign based law or religious law should be allowed to encroach on women’s rights. India also discriminates against women. In India, lots of women die because of rape. It is an unforgettable moment that everyone would like to avoid at all cost. They will not be able to live a normal life and deal with anxiety for the rest of their life. Women are treated as a sexual object because men do not respect and value women in India. Dowry is another problem in India. This is when the property or money brought by a bride to her husband on their marriage, however; if the bride is unable to pay, she is usually married off and mentally and physically tortured by their husband. Afghanistan is another country that disrespects women’s rights. Under the Taliban rule, women were stripped of all human rights. Women cannot seek for education because the Talibans don’t educate them in any way. They do not want them to be educated and intelligent because it would threaten the male dominance. Women are also not allowed to go to work and are forced to stay home. Afghanistan has the highest rate of violence towards women. The Taliban permits and encourages marriage for young girls under the age of 16. Most women in foreign countries, such as India, Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia, are forced to give up their ambitions, simply because the men feel that it is right to leave it as is. They cannot express themselves freely and are treated unlawfully. Women have endured many hardships and unfathomable oppressions. Despite all the troubles throughout each country and society, women have shown a tremendous resilience and human spirit. In conclusion, each and every woman deserves respect and dignity. Every woman should have the ability to express their freedoms and rights, deserve equal treatment within their society and region, and most country needs to reinforce the rules for women. Women continue to have lower education, fewer rights, and less income within their society. In the 19th century, women were not allowed to hold in a political office and married women had no property of their children and had no role in society. Womenfolk in foreign countries are treated wrongfully and improperly. If countries reinforce the law, they can live a better life so that they can succeed as much as men. All women and men are created equal and that they have equal value and should be accorded to equal treatment eternally.

Non Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Non - Research Paper Example Murals are regarded s the earliest art forms as illustrated by cave paintings of hunting scenes by cave men and those found in Egyptian and Mayan pyramids. Murals can be created using material as witnessed in paintings on cave walls that may have used plant extracts, animal oil to modern synthetic oil or water based paints and pigments. Murals can also be create through the incorporation of other artistic techniques including collage and mosaic where these are embossed onto a wall or permanent surface to create one whole image or representation. This paper seeks to discuss mural art by Ta-Coumba Arken by analysing and offering detailed description of one of his works titled Alum Hungi-I 1991. Ta-Coumba Aiken is a renowned public works art painter whose base of operations is located in Minnesota. Some of his notable works of art in the city include the Jax/Gillette Children’s Hospital mural, the north side’s Pilot City murals project and the Minneapolis Central Library t ile fireplace (Millet 110). A trademark characteristic of Ta-Coumba’s artwork is the resulting variety of contrasting colors and tone that gives his works of art an eye-catching property. This is his style and perspective that is incorporated into his murals, which he starts creating from a white and black outline inwards giving the outline figures ‘meat’ or substance. The outlines set the ground for his process of shape building and coloration, which he describes as ‘spirit writing’. Murals created by Ta-Coumba are characterized by the usage of repeating rhythm patterns through imagery as stylistic devise of bringing out the resultant artistic effect of his art. The artist attributes the inspiration behind his artwork to African masks and dance whose aspects, quality and substance he tries to replicate and bring to life in his paintings. The Alum Hungi-I 1991 by Ta-Coumba is a canvas painting illustrating 9 African or dark skinned figures involved i n various stages activity ranging from drum and flute playing, fishing, spear throwing and dance. This is consistent with Ta-Cuomba’s line of inspiration that comes from African dance and music. The outline of the painting is made out of a black background to achieve the maximum degree of contrast that is also characteristic with Ta-Coumba’s work. The use of color is unlimited, and the level of expression in the figures is accentuated by the rhythm that seems to come from the various poses of the figures in the painting. A notable aspect about the painting is the use of a black outline for each shape a quality that can also be seen in the frame that holds the artwork. Each figure in the artwork is made-up of more than one color a style that gives the painting a warm contrast and rhythm, which works to bring out the theme of the painting. The use of a range of bright colors makes the art work very eye catching. The use of color the blue is used in various shades and int ensities, an aspect that can be construed to represent the artist’s perspective on happiness and joy. The theme of music and dance is brought by the depiction of drums and dancing figures playing the musical instruments. The use of more than one color in the background makes the painting look abstract and distracting to the viewer, which adds to eye-catching quality. The empty spaces in the painting

Asia Pacific Business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Asia Pacific Business - Essay Example Here we look at the relations with the two countries post 9/11 attacks and then we try to mention how relations affect the policy makers of Australia. Before making a SWOT and PEST analysis on the whole scenario leading to US and China relations and subsequent impact on Australia, lets give a brief introduction the present day scenario of relations between US and China. Here one thing to note is that the relations between these countries post September 11 attack on World Trade Center is significant (Christensen Thomas, 2003). It is known that the relations between these countries were not in bright terms when the Bush Jr took over the office in 2000 and from 9/11 till his re-term in 2004; situation was not that great to make an impact over the bilateral relations between the countries. Later in 2002 and 2003, we see that both USA and china work closely on various international issues like North Korean Crisis and Taiwan issue (Friedberg Aaron 2002). This shift in the whole scenario and so called honeymoon period has started from September 2002 and has continued to flow even during the re-term. There is deeper understanding of socia l, political factors which we will discuss now. One thing is that it the whole honeymoon relationship between US and China can be real benefit to Australia. ... Major relationship improvement between two countriesOne important thing, which can benefit USA from the relationship, is the renewed improvement in relations between two countries. Even though Beijing has been reticent and hesitant regarding its relationship with USA post 9/11, its cooperation with USA in matters dealing with International Terrorism has been remarkable. This can be attributed by the fact that Beijing has started giving out information to Washington regarding Islamic activities, it thus initiated intelligence sharing activities, it allowed FBI to set up an office in Beijing and allowed itself to participate in rehabilitation of Afghanistan. These actions are enough to give an idea that relations between the two countries could go in the history as an important event and that these relations could help both the countries (Christensen Thomas, 2003). 2. Chinese attempts to improve the ties between the countries One significant advantage that USA has in order to gain foothold in business relationship with China is the Chinese attempt to continue friendship with USA even though the ideologies of the two countries are vastly different. China did not like the USA invasion of Iraq but at the same it did not oppose to the situation. It was Beijing long term plan to keep the friendship between the two countries.3 North Korean crises Korean Crisis actually brings these nations on the same plane as both the nations are apprehensive of nuclear program of North Korea. China because of the regional implications and USA because of the global shift which the program can cause and hence the relations between them can improve and thus Korean crisis could prove as a major strength in the whole analysis. Weakness 1 Difference in ideologies The major

Tangible Property of Wal-Mart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Tangible Property of Wal-Mart - Essay Example Similarly, the enactment of state and federal legislations that protected workers from workers exploitation led to a stronger employee’s awareness of their rights and duties. In the contemporary world, various governments have put in place adequate measures to ensure that employees are not under any form of discrimination. In cases of discrimination against color, region, nationality among others, strict measures should be taken on employers. Based on the emerging technology, it is significant for managers of small and large organisations to improve their security systems as a major way of protecting their tangible properties. This paper seeks to identify major employment relationships and their legal considerations, discrimination issues and their legal consideration as well as measures that a Wal-Mart manager should take to identify and protect the tangible property rights of his organisation. Employment relationships and associated the legal considerations One form of emplo yment relationship is permanent employment relationship. This refers to the arrangement whereby workers are compensated by their employers. In addition to the basic salaries, the employees are eligible to receive health care benefits, sick off and contribution to retirement plans among others. Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) is one of the legal consideration that established minimum wages and salaries for permanent employees (Burkhauser et al, 1989). In addition, the occupational Safety and Health Act is focused at promoting security within the work place. Private employment entails working arrangement whereby the employment relationship is between private employers and the workers. According to 1985 Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA), voluntary or involuntary termination of the employee’s duties should not deter him or her from continuing with his or her health insurance. Employees Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) is an additional regulation that se ek to prevent frauds within private pension funds. ERISA stipulates that the sponsoring employer cannot invest more than 10% of the pension’s funds in his or her securities. Discriminatory issues and the associated legal considerations One of the major types of employment discrimination is disparate-treatment. This is a situation whereby an employer discriminates a particular employee on the bases of his race, sex, religion or nationality. The second type of discrimination is the disparate-impact discrimination. This occurs when an employer discriminates against an entire protected class within the organization. For example, if a rule is set that all the sales executives should be 5.8 feet tall regardless of their gender, there is a possibility that more males will be hired as compared to females. This amounts to disparate-impact discrimination. Title 7 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating their employees on the basis of education, color and housing. Other aspects prohibited by the act include discrimination in hiring, promotion, payment of fringe benefits and job training Methods for managing legal risk arising from regulatory compliance issues

Week6 discussions Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week6 discussions - Article Example The Net Operating Loss occurs under various specific rules. First, the amount is carried back to two preceding tax years and applied against all the taxable incomes. Subsequently, this move gives rise to a tax rebate. Conversely, an individual or company can carry forward the amount to the next twenty years, applying it to all the possible taxable incomes. Noteworthy, the NOL becomes obsolete after the elapsing of the twenty years (Freitag, & Tax Management Inc., 2010). Therefore, the timing of an NOL should be very strategic in a bid to attain the highest tax benefit. From intensive deliberations in the e-activity, I would highly recommend that one should apply the Net Operating Loss in the earliest period possible. Substantially, this move will make more financial sense due to the favorable time value of money as opposed to the future unpredictable value of money. In this regard, a taxpayer will undoubtedly reap the highest tax benefit from a comparative aspect. In the event where a taxpayer will mix pleasure and business travel, a tax break will be evident. All the leisure expenses incurred during travel for work should be justified as business expenses. The biggest deduction error made by taxpayers subjected to auditing is the lack of accurate and well-dated receipts and events. Such confusions make it almost impossible for a validation from the IRS. Additionally, a big deduction mistake can occur when a taxpayer mixes business with pleasure by the subsequent use of the business telephone for private uses. With intensive scrutiny, the IRS would not validate such

College admissions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

College admissions - Essay Example However, there are many institutions, where still legacy applicants are prioritized. In the article, â€Å"Preserve Universities’ Rights to Shape Students Community†, the author describes about Dickinson College in which, students’ â€Å"chance of admission shoots up to 75 %† on the basis their linkage to some person who has remained associated with the college. There are various reasons as to why universities prioritize applicants in terms of legacies. Admissions are given on the basis of the donations that are given by the parents or guardians of applicants. Other reasons given in the article, â€Å"Preserve Universities’ Rights to Shape Students Community† (351) are the students who get admission on the basis of legacy are able to strengthen the traditional set up of the institution and also their parents are very supportive in the activities of the institution. It is also reported that the students that are selected on the basis of legacy have â€Å"stronger academic records†. However, these reasons cannot be justified because the educational authorities have no reason to give admission to an applicant on the basis of legacy and reject a meritorious one. According to Howell and Turner, â€Å"history of legacy admissions in America is tied to an unpleasant history of race and ethnicity† (344) due to which, this is quite clear that legacy admissions cannot be termed as righteous action by the authorities. The writers emphasize the unjustified criterion of admission on the basis of legacy that is imposed on the applicants. The applicants who have legacy rights have nearly double chances to get admission as compared to other applicants. Howell and Turner have included survey results into their article, â€Å"The History of Legacy Admissions†, which describe about use of legacy policies in public and private institutions. According to them, â€Å"both public and

Week2 DQ's Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Week2 DQ's - Essay Example McCarthy further contended that radio, television, the media, and industry were under the control of communist influence. This initiated a four-year investigation into the government, the US Army, and the media. McCarthy’s initial accusations were met with a public that was receptive to his viewpoint due to the escalating Cold War and the fear of a nuclear capable Soviet Union. His anti-communist portrayals were often loosely based on facts, and there was a substantial effort by the USSR to infiltrate America and spy on our defense industries. However, this public acceptance soon waned as he targeted devoted military personnel and well known members of the media. His flamboyant approach and outrageous claims gained him a negative reputation as being divisive as many of his claims proved to be unwarranted. The civil rights movement of the 1950s had its roots 3 centuries earlier as slaves struggled to gain their freedom throughout America’s history. World War II had brought greater public attention to the issue through the advent of mass communications and the country’s confrontation with the reality of supporting the same racist policies that Americans, including African Americans, had fought against in Nazi Germany. With the war behind them Americans were ready to turn their attention to their internal social injustices. On June 26, 1948 President Truman signed Executive Order 9981, which outlawed discrimination and segregation in the Armed Forces based on race (Desegregation in the Armed Forces, n.d). This action set the stage for the escalation of the growing civil rights movement. The massive demonstrations and protests of the 1950s resulted in the signing of the Civil Rights bill in 1964. While it gave federal protection to minorities against discrimination, it could do little to eliminate the de facto prejudice that existed in America. The historic legislation opened the

The Social Construction of Facts and Artefacts Coursework

The Social Construction of Facts and Artefacts - Coursework Example In technological writings or introduction of technology by historians, there has been reports and history of successful technologies and the failed ones are not included due to which, it seems that all technology is beneficial. Technological artifacts exist as social constructs. Science, as well as technology, can be understood as the social construct. EPOR (Empirical Programme of Relativism) has helped to construct science as a social construct. EPOR also represents the efforts of sociologists to understand science as a social construct. EPOR is a well-structured program and the empirical research related to EPOR is in an extensive extent while on the other hand, there is SCOT (Social Construction of Technology) for which there is not enough empirical research done. SCOT helps in the development of a multidirectional model for technological developments to construct artifacts of technology as social constructs. The members of one social group regard a technological artifact as having a single meaning socially. While thinking about the existence of a technological artifact as having a single meaning, there are many concerns such as whether the artifact has some relevancy for the members of a group and whether that social group is homogeneous or heterogeneous. For each social group, the artifact has a different social meaning and a different relevancy. Every social group has the different set of problems associated with an artifact and for each problem, there are separate solutions. Both the approaches EPOR and SCOT act similarly in explaining about science and technology relatively. Sociology of technology is underdeveloped than the sociology of science. EPOR approach accommodates sociology of science with interpretative flexibility which means that the sociologist of science has to indicate towards various interpretations of scientific findings and that various aspects of nature are not restricted to only one forced interpretation.  

John Proctor - The Crucible Essay Example for Free

John Proctor The Crucible Essay Supporting this claim further are several lines from Miller’s pre-introductory notes; â€Å"His [Putnam’s] vindictive nature was demonstrated long before witchcraft began. † Not only does this reinforce our trust within the character of John Proctor, it always creates a likeness within him in the mind of the audience. Miller strives to achieve this more-so through Proctor’s defense of his absent wife to Abigail who aims to smite her; â€Å"You’ll speak nothin’ of Elizabeth! † This is due to the fact loyalty is an undisputable likeable trait. The moment our emotions towards John Proctor are challenged lay upon his treating of his housemaid upon the warrant of his wife to be arrested. Proctor handles her violently, though it is somewhat partially excused due to its honest aim: to free his wife. Thus, the challenging of our sympathetic yet simultaneously self-righteous attitude to Proctor, only succeeds in strengthening it, through the apparent pardoning of his actions for their good intentions. It becomes apparent the good moral of John Proctor, within his decision to risk the definite pardon of his wife in order to aim to release his fellow innocent towns folk during the court scene of the play; â€Å"I – I think I cannot. † Ironically, this portrays Proctor as one of the only Puritan’s of the play, as he strives to surpass his own greed, in strive to clear his conscience and do what is best for the village. His true Puritan values are also apparent earlier in the play when he suggests his uttermost disgust at Reverend Parris’ indulgence of â€Å"golden candlesticks. † Likewise, Proctors morality influences his decision to inform the court of his lechery with Abigail Williams. For this reason, Proctor rises even further in our levels of admiration. â€Å"I have known her, sir I have known her. † This line signifies Proctors fulfillment of complete morality, as he confesses his sins in hope to release innocent victims. Proctor becomes somewhat heroic at this point, as lechery is a highly punishable crime at these times. The final bout in which Proctor reaches our highest admiration comes at the end of the play, when he decides he would rather face hanging, than lying in the face of God. This selfless deed is what separates Proctor from the rest of the townspeople. His morality proves unrivalled, after several hints at its strength earlier in the play, such as his earlier converses with his wife upon his affair with Abigail, in which he becomes irritable at his wives judgment, despite her making almost no mention of it. This hints that Proctor has simply not forgiven himself for this deed, and rather than face the fact would rather put its blame upon someone else. Despite this, his character becomes arguably a martyr towards the deformation and destruction of the witch trials, as they seemingly dissolve after his death proves example to many others. Perhaps Miller may be comparing himself to the admirable character of Proctor. Through their both almost unjustified prejudice, Proctor for his lack of faith in the Puritan system, and Miller for his satirical outlook on capitalism. For this reason, perhaps Miller is justifying his actions to not confide the American Federal government at a later date, throughout his comparison of it to something quite revolutionary (the desolation of persecution. )

Impact Of Technological Change In HMV group

Impact Of Technological Change In HMV group Sufficient changes have been taken place over the last ten years in the UKs music sector. One of the UK and Irelands leading CD, DVD and Computer Game seller is HMV. The central nature and context of the change for HMV is online music. Companys poor trading performance reflects because the lack of progress adapting to structural change. According to John (2007) planned change is triggered by the failure of the people to create a continuously adaptive organisation. William and Thomas (2009) state that 70 present of planned organizational change initiative fail because of the lack of reliable and valid diagnostic instruments to assess and track an organizations capacity for change. Change management entails thoughtful planning, sensitive implementation, consultation with and involvement of the people affected by the changes. Organization Name: HMV Group Nature of the change: There are three main categories of organisations that may experience period of change 1. The kind of self-organising and changing learning organisations. 2. Companies operating in niche market where they have not encountered the kind of environmental change. 3. Organisations that able to continue functioning without transforming themselves. There are two types of changes- 1. Transitional or Incremental Change 2. Transformational or Revolutionary Change Incremental Change: The focus for this part is doing better things through a continuous tinkering, adaptation and modification. This type of change is that it builds on what has already been done and may need continuous improvement. Transformational Change: It involves a break with the past, a step function change rather than an extrapolation of past patterns of change and development. It is based on new relationships and dynamics within the industry that undermine core competencies. In this part things need to be done differently rather than doing things better. SOURCE John Hayes (p-12-13, 2007) The delivery of music over internet expected a great future over the next 5 years. Sales of digital downloads are expected to increase from $22 million in 2001 to $1.6 billion in 2006. For this transformation of the music industry there is a major impact of social and technological factors. These chase influenced by Digitization, Compression and streaming technologies. The technological improvements in music industry increase the availability of music easily and reduce cost as well. (Web Source 1) Reason for Change: According to Joan (1958) technology can make a big change, not only with the development, manufacture, marketing and distribution of these new products, but also within their own corporate structure and culture. Burnes (1988) suggested an approach to assessing the need for the type of change which attempts to make the process of establishing objectives and outcomes more rigorous and open. Leaders focus on aligning people, communicating the new direction and creating coalitions committed to get the job done. Empower others to make the vision happen. A central feature of modern organisation is interdependence where most members of the organisation are tied to many others by their work as kotter argues (1995). Transformational leaders have the ability to identify those who might be able to support or sabotage an initiative, network with them and communicate in a credible way what needs to be done. The main change drivers of HMV are online music. Due to get the online music the business of HMV affected and it lose its market share. We discuss below how change impacts on technological and social drivers of change. The price is the drivers of the change. Because there are competitors Tesco and Asda have sell the CDs and DVDs in the less price than HMV. So, it has intense competition in the market .However, technological drivers are the main reason for the change in customer mind. So, we will discuss about the drivers how it gets the market. Company Background: HMV Group, formerly HMV Media: books, music and video for everyone formed in 1998 after HMV and Waterstones joined forces, acquired from EMI and WH Smith respectively, the HMV group began operations using its two chains.Both share the same goal in terms of customer satisfaction, offering the largest range of leisure and cultural products, despite the two chains keeping very much within the scope of their own work. HMV targeted the position of leading international distributor (Europe, Asia and North America) on the music and video (all formats) markets. Waterstones is dedicated to book sales and exclusively on a national scale. The power of the two entities is unquestionable as the HMV Group is made up of more of 500 shops. Aim and Objectives: The main change drivers of HMV are online music. Due to get the online music the business of HMV affected and it lose its market share. We discuss below how change impacts on technological and social drivers of change. The price is the drivers of the change. Because there are competitors Tesco and Asda have sell the CDs and DVDs in the less price than HMV. So, it has intense competition in the market .However, technological drivers are the main reason for the change in customer mind. So, we will discuss about the drivers how it gets the market.Same Day. External Factor: Change has been a future of organisational life for as long as organisations have existed, environment have brought about the need for organisations to adapt their internal attitudes, strategies, structures and operations to meet the demands of the new external conditions. Hence, the study of internal change has increased both in academic circles and in organisations themselves. In change need to understand reactive and proactive change this area is what of the two principal sources of impetus to change. Reactive change is change forced upon an organisation arising from a need to react to a change in the organisations environment. This can apply to an individual as well as an organisation, for example, you must change your lifestyle if your main source of income is suddenly reduced or discontinued. There are a number of environmental changes that can precipitate reactive change, but they usually have in common an element of necessity, of being unexpected or an element of surprise. Proactive change, in diametric opposition to reactive change, is planned in advance, usually with a particular objective in mind. Whilst proactive change may be as an indirect consequence of changes in the environment, it is essentially change because the organisation wants, or internally feel the need to change. To relate this to the individual, you might proactively improve your educational qualifications in order to increase your job prospects. [Source: David Campbal Tom Craig, p-(449-450)] A number of factors have stimulated interest in the learning organisational change concept: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The production of goods and services increasingly involves sophisticated knowledge à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Knowledge is therefore as valuable a resources as raw material à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Many organizations lost knowledgeable staff through de-layering in the 1990s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Information technologies are knowledge intensive à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Knowledge can have a short life span, made obsolete by innovation à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Flexibility, creativity and responsiveness are now prized capabilities à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Knowledge can thus be a source of competitive advantage for an organization Complete PEST analyses of HMV Group: The PEST analysis is a useful tool for understanding risks associated with market growth or decline. This helps to understand the environment that HMV is operating in and what the risks that could affect its products and what to consider when developing a new product range. Such as political, economical, social environment and other legal factors. Most of them are out of the control of HMV. Political/legal factors- This affects HMV in many ways. For example the trading / government polices HMV have to follow when selling their product on the market and advertising them to the public. All business needs to follow the legal factors when producing and selling products such as prices/descriptions etc. HMV need to keep up to date with the changes in the law to make sure they stay within them. The social environment- This helps HMV to identify the specifics of its targeted market. To identify what type of person buys their products, so the company can produce products that suit their preferences. This also helps them to reveal the gender, income and other areas of the social environment that HMV is in. This provides the company with useful Information that they can use when promoting their products to help attract the type of consumers that is in the environment. Technological Factors- Technological Factors are most important factors for the business. because now a days businesses is working in changing environment. There is a great change in technology Advancement in technology and means of communication will help same day to keep track of its parcels and couriers. Economic Factors- All businesses are affected by economical factors nationally and globally. Economic factors affect your customers ability to purchase your goods and services as well as a firms cost of capital. Examples of these issues would be: Government intervention in the free market, Rate of inflation, Capital borrowing costs, Currency exchange rates, Inflation/deflation impacts, Labour costs. Lueckes Seven Steps to Change: In 2003, a new model of emergent change was given by Luecke which is known as seven steps of change. These steps are: If any change is to take place, the management should create and mobilize the energy and commitment needed to identify the problems of the organization and their solutions (Todnem, 2005) Management should include employees to create a shared vision of how the organization can be organized and managed in order to face the competition (Todnem, 2005). According to Todnem (2005), Luecke proposed that in third step that leadership to bring about change should be identified. The focus of the management should be the end result of the change and not the activities that lead to change (Todnem, 2005). According to Luecke (Todnem, 2005) change should start on small scale and then it should spread to the other parts of the organization. Policies, procedures and systems should be institutionalized to achieve success. If any problems occurs in the change process, strategies should be adjusted to deal with it (Todnem, 2005) Simon Fox new chief executive of HMV have chosen Lueckes Seven Steps model to gain its profit: Few HMV music store could be sold according to saving cost. Changing trends in the music market by internet in order to download track or buy albums from website such amazons. Company hoped to avoid redundancies by redeployment. HMV will focus heavily on its online presence, aiming HMV sales via internet from 6% to 10% by 2010. The company has announced a three year transformation plan which will save 50 million costs per annum by 2010 through simplifying HMV. In the UK and Ireland HMVs sales grew by 1%. The firm said it is initiating a turnover plan which it hoped would revitalize its core business. If the cost cut will go down well in the city(short term goal), Mr. foxs growth plan to derive 20% of HMV sales through its online channel compared to 6% by utilize high street store space. The most radical plan is for the transformation of its music retail business into an interactive store ai med at restoring HMV, will launch a loyalty-card scheme the target the rapidly growing mobile phone music market. HMV will team up with 3 to install concessions within its store that sale music centric handsets. It will also plan sell some mp3 players from the likes apples and Sony and reducing its dependences on sales of CDs and DVDs. HMV will also provide content to mobile music retailer 3s 3.7 million subscribers. It will launch its own social networking site for film and music. A refreshment hub shoppers will able to log on to a social networking site for music, films and games also provided. It will able to burn its own CD. Fox will increase HMVs sales of games 12 percent to 15 percent over 3 years, and digital music, audio and video products to 16percent from 5 percent. (Web Source-3) Benefits of Proposal: HMV should take a plan to have some meeting with its employees regarding the change and need to tell them how they have to participate with the change. It should tell their involvement with the change .it should take some training session, develop new ideas and approaches without being influenced by the old ways. The guiding coalition must remove obstacles that may be entrenched in organizational process. They should be given the opportunities to get on board any embrace the vision. Force Field Analysis: Force field analysis can suggest a number of changes to the initial plan: By training staff It would be useful to show staff that change is necessary for business survival in current music ins Staff could be shown that new technology would introduce variety and interest to their jobs. You could raise wages to reflect new productivity. HMV UK and Irelands expansion is a testament to its success. Board members of HMV attribute this to quality of HMV store manager who is developed from within the business. Their performance is judged on the achievement of weekly targets set by the business. In 1998 HMV conducted a company-wide opinion survey called your shout. To support management development HMV established a development programme. Day to day learning in store was less structured and less inconsistent application across the business. HMV saw the investors in people standard as a framework to accelerate the effectiveness of the companys response to the your shout survey. Quality could be assured by aligning a new development initiative with an external standard. A development package was created to provide a structural framework and comprehensive development materials for in-store learning which called the continuous development plan (CDP). Its aim to increase knowledge and skills of management and staff in the critical elements of HMV store operations. The knowledge of staffs is defined on their job role which is articulate in four areas. By the assessment existing levels of knowledge was identified so that people can get the individual development plan and workbooks to support CDP coach nominated by every store to support the CDP activities. All levels of staff support the training structure. Progress reported to the board in every month. HMV has supported this massive initiative with considerable additional resources, including 15 development centers across the UK Ireland, an expanded course offering for all staff levels and a larger learning and development team. Working with the investor in people standard has helped its employees recognise the day to day development. People can see what the knowledge and skills they developed and what they need to be a manager. The success of CDP rises by 12 months to twenty percent in critical areas. This helped to raise the standard of customer service and make the stock management efficient. Investors in people have helped us communicate the dynamic career opportunities in HMV. It has provided a structured framework to continuously support and stimulate the development of existing staff. The change Process: Simon fox appointed chief executive of HMV group plc. The management undertook a comprehensive review of operations to identify strategies for revitalising the groups business over next three years. The result of this work, together with the financial impact for the group and its capital structure which discussed below: The board expect the markets in which the group operates to be subject to significant structural change, with the total music and DVD markets continuing to decline, and growth in the books market coming from the online channel. In addressing this issue the board has identify three key areas of focus: Saving Driving cost efficiency Protecting revitalising the core business Growing- Establish new channels. Saving Direct cost efficiency Cost savings of  £40m per annum will be achieved by 2009/10 by simplifying the HMV UK and Waterstones supply chains, maximising group purchasing and head office synergies and from the review of the UK store portfolio. Protecting Revitalising the core business * HMV UK will launch an enhanced range of portable digital products from suppliers including Apple, Bose, Samsung and Sony. * A new HMV store format of the future is being developed and will be trialled from autumn 2007. * A loyalty card to drive spends across both brands and all channels will be rolled out during 2007/08. Growing Establishing the new channel * HMV will launch a social network site for music, films and games, proving revenue streams from advertising, sponsorship and paid-for content. * HMV UK is partnering with 3, the UKs leading mobile music retailer to provide content to 3s 3.7m subscribers. * Growth in hmv.co.uk and Waterstones.com will be accelerated by increased marketing. * HMV.co.uk will become 20% of HMV UK sales by 2010. As over 80% of the groups profit is made in the UK, today are strategic and operational review will be focused on UK markets. SOURCE HMV group website Media News Recommendations and Conclusion: STRENGTH: HMV is the market leader for CD, DVD and computer games. HMV brands are synonymous with range authority, expertise, customer service and a stimulating store environment. The company listed on the London stock exchange on 15 may, 2002 successfully establishing a more appropriate capital structure for the future growth of the company. SOURCE HMV group website About Us History WEAKNESS: HMV had not adapted quickly enough to the way customers are buying and consuming media. Before Christmas last year, HMV and other high street retailer issued profit warning because of poor sales affected by the growth of online retail. The group has admitted being too slow to recognise the changing shape of the music and entertainment industry and has been hard hit by competition from online specialist as Amazon and play.com as well as supermarket such as Tesco, asda with their offers of bargain CDs and DVDs. A new pricing architecture is being rolled out to the entire HMV UK chain by September 2006. HMV was named best retail chain in the 2006 music week awards for an eighth consecutive year, multiple retail success of the year at the 2006 British video association awards and most improved retailer in games in 2006 MCV Industry Excellent Awards. Sales in HMV UK and Ireland for the full year ended April 2006 were  £937.2m and operating profit was  £60.6m. For the year ended April 2006 turnover of HMV Asia pacific was  £275.5m and operating profit 8.6m. SOURCE HMV group website About Us Fast Facts

What Impression of Inman is created in chapter 1 of Cold Mountain? Essa

What Impression of Inman is created in chapter 1 of Cold Mountain? Throughout Chapter one Frazier establishes Inman’ s character in sufficient detail for the reader to feel involved in his life and get an insight into the way he thinks. This gives the reader a feeling of superiority as to their knowledge of Inman and his feelings. Inman is based on Frazier’s great uncle. This gives them a better impression of him and a greater feeling of pity for him and his situation. He appears to be very sensitive to his surroundings as the environment of the hospital seems to affect his feelings in a very negative way. An example of this is where he thinks about how he obtained his wound. This shows his strength of character both physically and mentally. This is because he is strongly affected by the battles he has experienced and is horrified and haunted by it. His description of the train journey to the hospital is very sensual. This shows how he is extremely observant and has a great memory for detail. It also shows how vivid the horrors are that he has faced throughout his ...

Thomas Hardys Far From the Madding Crowd :: Thomas Hardy Far from the Madding Crowd Essays

Thomas Hardy's Far From the Madding Crowd The name Thomas Hardy gives to the hero of his novel, Far From the Madding Crowd, is not merely accidental. Hardy deliberately means to associate Gabriel Oak with the Angel Gabriel. God's hero lit up the darkness, and it is important for the reader to note that when Hardy's hero saves a situation from having disastrous consequences, nearly every time he does so in darkness. Gabriel's name is very significant in relation to his character, but he is not just meant to be a holy saint, whose sole purpose is to pour oil on troubled waters. He is a very real person with very human feelings, and this becomes obvious as his relationship with Bathsheba grows. To understand how the relationship between the two main characters has changed at the end of the novel, I need to explain how their relationship began. Previous to chapter four, Gabriel has seen and talked to Bathsheba on quite a few occasions, not least when she saves him from suffocation in chapter three. By chapter four, Gabriel has developed a deep love for Bathsheba and waits for her presence in strikingly the same way as "his dog waited for his meals". He is so captivated by her that he changes his opinion of an attractive woman to suit her features - such as "turning his taste over to black hair, though he had sworn by brown ever since he was a boy." Gabriel decides that marriage is better than his life of solitary isolation, a life which he has always lived quite comfortably before the arrival of Bathsheba, and declares "I'll make her my wife, or upon my soul I shall be good for nothing!" Using a motherless lamb as an excuse to visit Bathsheba to ask for her hand in marriage, he sets off for her aunt's house on "a fine January morning" having made "a toilet of a nicely-adjusted kind". He arrives in hopeful spirits, but it is not Bathsheba that he talks to - it is her aunt, Mrs Hurst. Gabriel's modesty comes through in his conversation with Bathsheba's aunt, and he leaves, mistakenly believing that Bathsheba has "ever so many young men" after her. However, as he is walking back along the down, he turns around to discover Bathsheba running after him. Erroneously he believes that she has chased after him to accept his proposal, so when she only wants to tell him that her aunt had made a mistake in saying she had several young sweethearts, he is understandably dismayed. Bathsheba has quite a flirtatious disposition and toys with Gabriel's

What works in America :: Culture Cultural Essays

What works in America Jennifer Mancini's parents were born in Italy and immigrated to America just before they had two daughters, Jennifer and her sister. They left a country whose culture stressed close family ties, traditional food, traditional ways of preparing food, and strict social customs. It is Italian tradition that family stick together through the hard times; parents are always there for their children and children are always there for their parents. When the Mancinis came to America, they were forced to abandon many of their customs; in fact, all they held on to was a bit of the old language and their Italian food. Through the experiences she and her family have endured, Mancini believes that "people eventually will assimilate to a more mainstream culture over time, even if they didn't plan to or want to.Just like the old saying goes: 'When in Rome do as the Romans do.'" Although most immigrants are reluctant to stray from how they have learned to live, it will help them to give up much of the ir old ways and accept the dominant culture America has to offer. Rejecting or simply not being able to stray from one's previous culture results in negative responses from the mainstream American culture. Ronald Takaki, a professor and historian at the University of California at Berkeley, shared his view of immigration along with personal experiences in his essay entitled "A Different Mirror" Takaki, a second generation Japanese-American, describes how his appearance erected a barrier between himself and an "American." His experience begins inside a cab on the way to a conference on multiculturalism. The driver and Takaki chat for a few minutes until the middle-aged white man in the front seat notices something odd, his passenger looks foreign yet speaks perfect English. Takaki explained to the driver that he had lived his entire life in The United States and is a true-blooded American. Takaki tell us that, "Somehow I did not look 'American' to him; my eyes and complexion looked foreign" (589). The cab driver immediately assumed that a foreigner had entered his car because Takaki did not look like all the other "Americans" that ask for a ride. His eyes were slanted and his complexion a little darker than the norm, too dark and slanted to be from this country. That is the difficulty with immigration in America today. The American people often are not open enough to get past the differences found amongst ethnic backgrounds.

More College Classes Should Be Taught Online

Having taking online classes before in high school, I feel like there should be more classes available for the college level as well. Making more classes available for students in college will open more opportunities for students that may be working or that may even have children. I know that if there were more online classes available that I would take them because I work and it is hard to find class times that work into my schedule.I noticed before in my online classes I did earned better grades because I learn better by reading things myself rather than listening to a teacher lecture me. If I have everything I need to know right in front of me I could go back to whatever I need rather than having a teacher repeat everything I didn’t get. I also find it convenient because you can’t get as far behind for things like inclimate weather. Doubt Also with taking an online class, I found many struggles and negatives to the program.One thing that I didn’t like was when all the assignments were due at the same time at the end of the week. This made things very hard no only to get done but after working when I was time to do online class work, I had no enthusiasm to do it. So when It came to the end of the week when assignments were due and tests were to be taken I found myself cramming everything. Another disadvantage to online classes was the fact that I had no one on one time with the teacher if needed unless it was over email.There was also no group work which made it hard to see others perspectives and feedback on papers and assignments. That’s where I found myself struggling; having only mainly my parents to revise my assignments. The last thing I found frustrating was if blackboard, or any other online classroom website, was down there was not much one could do to get their assignment turned in. Those are my beliefs and doubts about college online classes.

A Career in Social Work

The career that I want to pursue is social work. I enjoy talking to people, helping them with their problems, and try to make their bad days better; I already have some trained skills, which I have learned in places that I did some volunteer work in the past. I also worked babysitting children of different ages and tutored others in some basic subjects. My experience of having my own small business plus all the volunteer work in the places I mentioned above, gave me a head start by assisting individuals on a regular basis. Becoming social service worker has many responsibilities.Some of the responsibilities are getting information to provide quality services in an efficient and effective manner to people with complex needs. To be a good social service worker requires a solid foundation of training, values, knowledge, theory and skills. I was born and raised in a big city and lived n the same street with my family, until the age of twenty. My parents have been together for many years and I have 5 siblings. Growing up in the 1970's, having an abusive biological father was very difficult for my mother, my siblings and me.I felt that we were a comfortable family with all the things necessary to be happy. I was unaware that my biological father was abusive towards my mother, so was one of my brothers toward his wife. When I learned it, I was a teenager and it led for my siblings and I lean toward my grandmother and stepfather. Our families were divided by religion and the abuse. My stepfather was our pillar of support; he always encouraged all of us to get an education. I had to learn rapidly to adjust to different situations and saw that folks Just were not all bad, ecause they had faced problems in their lives.This permitted me to grow and absorb in ways other children may have never imagined, and I be certain of that because of my family, it has added a great deal of my individual strength and approval of others. I have also learned many useful skills and experie nces throughout my adult life. Having a difficult time as a child myself and then being married to an abusive husband for 15 years, has given me the power and aspiration to become a Social Service Worker. It will be fulfilling a lasting vision to help persons n need no matter the emergency they may be pursuing to remedy.When I was younger I always talked about being a teacher or a social worker. As I got older and started to build my life it changed. I went from being a simple receptionist to being an office clerk, where I have to not only answer phones, but learn many other skills at administrating an office. Although I went to school for to Office administration and didn't finished it, I always have the desire to serve and help others. With the determination and drive instilled in me there is no other ending but achievement and success.The one real mistake I believe we can make in life is to not learn from the errors and challenges that come our way. In fact, it is in these mistak es and trials where I have learned the most and grow into a healthier and stronger person. I still feel in my soul that my career path is in social work and now that I know what career path I will take it is up to me to make it happen. I believe that my life experiences and skills demonstrate why the field Social Service Work is best suitable for me as an education and career.Considering my strengths, I am cooperative, g natured, generous, nelptul, numble and modest and I trust others. As a professional, I am non-judgmental, not hold responsible the client for their predicaments. Even if someone hurts my feelings, I am quick to forgive and forget. These qualities are essential for me, because I am working and will work with a variety of people, healthcare professionals, clients, and others that may exhibit inflexible and difficult personalities that may be challenging to work with. Finding the right treatment or service for each client based on their needs requires a creative person .I am also particular, hard-working, organized, and, and take my responsibilities seriously. These qualities are appropriate for when I am working individually or with a team. My extroverted personality also suits my career objective as a social service worker as interaction with others is a significant portion of this kind of work. Regarding communication skills, I am talkative, assertive, sociable and active. One of my limitations is that, although I speak two languages fluently, my strong accent is not acceptable to some when it comes to interact with clients.I am vercoming this personal limitation by taking a pronunciation course over the summer as a starting point. Some of my personal talents include being interested and passionate in a selfless and courteous manner. I am capable to sustain a considerate and gentle manner, even in hectic circumstances. I have a high score for intellect, which shows that I strive to acquire and preserve my existing knowledge, which is crucial fo r a worthy and passionate social service worker. I am honestly concerned with other individuals and try to treat everyone with consideration and compassion.I have always had the desire to study and strive in my area of interest. When I had an opportunity in 2005 to go back to school, I was fully committed to excel in my studies. My goal is not Just to get good grades, but also to fully understand the concepts in my studies and be able to analyze them. There are many social issues in our society that I would like to personally contribute to for the improvement of society. Through learning, I was able to understand some of my own experiences from the past, and instead of taking them as a terrible lessons, I accepted them as a hallenging Journey.One of my academic goals is to keep up my above average grades. I put in enormous strength and hard effort into my studies. Upon arriving at this city, I was determined that I would spend my next two years in pursuit of new ideas and experience s. I come from a country with a rich social, cultural and ethnic variety; this helps me appreciate cultural sensitivity better as well as the clients' traditional beliefs, when working with the particular client populations. Beside English, I speak French and Spanish; knowledge of two extra languages, will become n extra asset as a social service worker.The population that I want to work the most is the elderly. Elderly clients are friendly and willingly wait for a social service worker to visit them. Most of them treat the worker as an acquaintance. Proficient detachment is required, so that I will not picture the client as a family, and to keep in mind that the objective is to help them improve their ability to do well without a lot of support. I am arranging my other areas of life around my studies, so I can entirely commit and keep up with decent grades. Success is all can see in my future.

Biodel Inc

BUAD 490 3/14/13 Team Written Case Analysis (Concise) Biodel, Inc. BIODEL INC. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Biodel’s use of biotechnology expertise in the three prime areas of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Immunodiagnostics has led their company into some great opportunities. Biodel created a synthetic serum to replace fetal calf serum and horse serum, and provide a more consistently available product for scientific researchers. Biodel’s Molecular Biology division used DNA technology to gain 60% of the market share of growth factors and stock the largest collection of commercially available synthetic nucleotides, which was 50% of their sales.Biodel’s research and development in Immunodiagnostics led to the invention of DEMA, a non-radioactive method for measuring a wide array of biologically important substance. The intelligence and vision of Dr. Oscar Feldman drove Biodel to a position of leadership in the biotechnology industry. Dr. Feldman has applied innovations in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunodiagnostics to increase market share for Biodel’s products. Dr. Feldman’s scientific friends and academic contacts offered Biodel high-quality technological advice and links to scientific community, and led to sophisticated research and development advances.Now the company is at a crossroad with decisions and direction necessary. In addition to strategic planning, the company would benefit from a modest re-structuring to streamline operations and prepare for unexpected events. Their future investments should be in areas where patent protection is likely, and in directions and projects that exploit their native expertise in molecular biology and genetic engineering. These technologies seem likely to transform health care in the next two decades.Having survived the threat of bankruptcy, Biodel now has a more balanced contract research portfolio and is poised to develop an even greater impact in the future. CURRENT SITUATION Bi odel's projected revenues for 1980 consist of $1 million in contract research, and around $1. 5 million in research products. The contract research revenue was split 70% from industrial research, and 30% government research. This research included work in Biodel's three main fields (molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology) as well as cancer chemotherapy and enzymology.These contracts are secured by Dr. Feldman through his relationships with other scientists. The revenue from research products also comes from the three main fields of Biodel. Nucleotides from the molecular biology area account for 50% of revenues, cell growth factors from the cell biology field account for 40%, and immunodiagnostics products account for the other 10%. Research product sales have been growing 35% over the last few years, even with limited marketing efforts. However, Biodel is being outcompeted in the immunodiagnostics market and further growth is not being pursued.Biodel has a very small staff, with the company split up into five different sections: the comptroller, advertising and sales, and then an experienced scientist manages each main field of the company. The scientists who manage their fields are all in charge of research and development, production, and even have some marketing responsibility. Dr. Feldman does not employ a marketing manager or a research director, instead filling both roles by himself. Feldman's style of management is very informal, preferring to walk around and talk to his employees rather than have them do unnecessary paperwork.The company itself is run more like an academic facility than a business, with the atmosphere more leaning towards challenging each other and making technological advances. In addition, employee turnover is very low so most of the staff is very experienced with the work that the company is doing. The staff is led by Dr. Feldman, who represents the main reason for low employee turnover. Biodel employees describe him as a u nique and enthusiastic man, and the reason why the company is so successful. Marketing had been a very inconsistent department, with Dr. Feldman usually assuming all of the major marketing responsibilities.But when Dr. Feldman decided that he needed to market his company more aggressively he hired Mr. Steve Kaplan who had been a marketing manager at a large pharmaceutical company. However, Mr. Kaplan and Dr. Feldman soon disagreed on who should direct Biodel's marketing strategy. Kaplan proceeded to spend a large amount of money on marketing, including hiring additional salespeople and other staff. These changes resulted in a 65% increase in sales, but marketing costs increased by 500%, which resulted in profits dropping from $95,000 in 1978 to $17,000 in 1979. As a result, Dr. Feldman is reconsidering Mr.Kaplan's direction in the marketing department. OPPORTUNITIES First, Biodel had under development a synthetic serum that would be used to satisfy growth requirements in cells. This would be an innovative product that could be a substitute for natural fetal calf serum and horse serum. However, a major problem with the fetal serum is the unstable fluctuation in cost. The cost is determined by the supply of the serum and the supply is determined by the number of calves that are slaughtered. The synthetic serum could offer a steady rate. The market is projected at $50 to $80 million.Biodel would have a competitive advantage over the competition and could attain 20% of the market share if they pursue this project. A big problem with this project is the uncertainty that Biodel will be able to receive a patent. That provides a major risk in this investment. Second, another project is available that is extremely intriguing to us. Biodel has the opportunity to produce a new product called DEMA. DEMA is a testing technology based on enzyme membranes rather than radioactivity. This product could be used to test for pregnancy, syphilis, hepatitis, cancer, toxins in food and carcinogens in the environment.DEMA is a healthier, safer, faster and cheaper way of testing than the radioactive method. There are no hazards or side effects to DEMA and it can provide the same results as radioactive tests. The problem with this project is the financial aspect. It is more expensive than the synthetic serum. Investments could total in the millions and the R costs could range from $1 to $3 million. However, this project has drawn the attention of major drug companies who are willing to participate in a joint venture with Biodel, which would help with the costs of the investment. Third, Biodel has been thinking about joining the genetic engineering field.The company has basic but not wide experience if this field but they have been a major supplier of molecular biology products. At the moment, there are four major competitors in the market; Cetus, Genentech, Genex and Biogen. The basic purpose of this field is to engineer a cell to produce a specific biological pr oduct. Competitors use the bacterium E. coli as their host cell, for the most part. Biodel has the opportunity to enter the market with a new strategy that involves the use of yeast as the host cell instead of E. coli. He and three other scientists believe that yeast would be a better host cell than E. coli.Yeast has a biochemical machinery that can allow the growth of medically relevant glycoproteins such as Interferon and Urokinase. These glycoproteins are used to inhibit the multiplication of cancerous cells and to disrupt blood clots. The investment costs for this project would be high, including salaries that Biodel would pay for Dr. Ballantine and three other highly successful scientists to work for them. However, the return on such an investment could be immense. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The Biodel Board of Directors should hold annual or semi-annual Board meetings to review company progress. Dr. Feldman should delegate more.The Board should be expanded by 1 or 2 people to achieve greater diversity and breadth of expertise. Succession planning should be considered in case Dr. Feldman died, or a division head left. 2. Mr. Kaplan’s marketing group should be streamlined and asked to focus on a marketing strategy for DEMA. The marketing group can probably be reduced to lower costs while maintaining the increase in research product sales. Challenge Kaplan to analyze the marketing group to understand the most valuable parts versus parts that are expendable. 3. Among the growth opportunities to pursue, the synthetic growth factor option does not seem likely to succeed.Although it is the least expensive investment, there is uncertainty that the patent protection can be obtained. Furthermore, researchers accustomed to fetal bovine serum may be unlikely to abandon a tried and true method. In contrast, the DEMA technology is a unique opportunity for Biodel. It eliminates the risks and hazards associated with radioactivity, which researchers would appreciate. Ther e is a high likelihood of patent protection. Based on the information in the case, the company needs a better understanding of how to bring this product to market.This could be a great project for Kaplan’s smaller marketing group. 4. Pursue Genetic Engineering, with the advice and guidance of the four academic experts. This is an important initiative and Biodel’s connections with the prize-winning scientists are important. They should be paid per diems and offered stock options. One of the four also should be invited to join the Biodel Board of Directors. APPENDIX A SWOT Analysis S- Strengths Biotechnology special expertise by the 1970’s in – (three prime areas of focus/ other fields) 1.Cell biology – culture technology paid off 60% share growth factor market 40% offspring sales 2. Molecular biology – DNA paid off 60% share growth factor market – stocked largest commercially available synthetic nucleotides (50% of sales) 3. Immunodiag nostics biology a. Sub categories – Cancer chemotherapy – Enzymology Offered high-quality technological advice, numerous links to scientific community, highly sophisticated research and development service Feldman was able to secure contracts with his personal relationships with scientists in the government and industry Low employee turnoverW – Weaknesses Molecular biology – — researchers used numerous substitutes Immunodiagnostics biology large firms aggressively entered and has not expanded since 10% of sales of research products -1980 – profitability varied on depending on intensity of product research and development By the 1980’s 60% of company’s revenue was from commercializing research Reliant on government contracts when they started making cut backs – 85% contracts are government – forcing Biodel into 1st layoff (damaging to long-term otential) 55 employees scientists and technicians — no marketing manager or research director hired (Feldman filled both positions with widespread contacts and scientific expertise) Staff meetings rare and no regular reports required from subordinates Poor Marketing – Products sold by mail Depends on word of mouth – trade shows, advertising, direct mail, ad phone solicitation — customer service â€Å"almost laughable† O – OpportunitiesGoal to manufacture and market biochemical products developed through their own research Cell Biology – synthetic serums to satisfy growth requirements in cell lines of tissue culture – replacing natural fetal calf serum (most widely used, horse serum was 2nd most widely used). Market of 50 million domestically and 80 million worldwide growing at 15%– no systematic analysis of serum market done Immunodiagnostics- opportunity to enter the market – new test technology based on enzyme membranes rather than radioactivity – new product DEMA – s impler, faster, and less expensive.Market in excess of $100 million and has potential to be over $1 billion. High possibility for a patent and a joint venture with a major drug company. Genetic engineering – exciting advantages/high return on investments Supplier of molecular biology products – nucleotides and synthetic genes sold – supported by genetic engineers – some cases biodel was soul supplier T – Threats Relying on government contracts lead them to the threat of bankruptcy Biodel’s spending strategies APPENDIX B Biodel Inc BUAD 490 3/14/13 Team Written Case Analysis (Concise) Biodel, Inc. BIODEL INC. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Biodel’s use of biotechnology expertise in the three prime areas of Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, and Immunodiagnostics has led their company into some great opportunities. Biodel created a synthetic serum to replace fetal calf serum and horse serum, and provide a more consistently available product for scientific researchers. Biodel’s Molecular Biology division used DNA technology to gain 60% of the market share of growth factors and stock the largest collection of commercially available synthetic nucleotides, which was 50% of their sales.Biodel’s research and development in Immunodiagnostics led to the invention of DEMA, a non-radioactive method for measuring a wide array of biologically important substance. The intelligence and vision of Dr. Oscar Feldman drove Biodel to a position of leadership in the biotechnology industry. Dr. Feldman has applied innovations in Cell Biology, Molecular Biology and Immunodiagnostics to increase market share for Biodel’s products. Dr. Feldman’s scientific friends and academic contacts offered Biodel high-quality technological advice and links to scientific community, and led to sophisticated research and development advances.Now the company is at a crossroad with decisions and direction necessary. In addition to strategic planning, the company would benefit from a modest re-structuring to streamline operations and prepare for unexpected events. Their future investments should be in areas where patent protection is likely, and in directions and projects that exploit their native expertise in molecular biology and genetic engineering. These technologies seem likely to transform health care in the next two decades.Having survived the threat of bankruptcy, Biodel now has a more balanced contract research portfolio and is poised to develop an even greater impact in the future. CURRENT SITUATION Bi odel's projected revenues for 1980 consist of $1 million in contract research, and around $1. 5 million in research products. The contract research revenue was split 70% from industrial research, and 30% government research. This research included work in Biodel's three main fields (molecular biology, cell biology, and immunology) as well as cancer chemotherapy and enzymology.These contracts are secured by Dr. Feldman through his relationships with other scientists. The revenue from research products also comes from the three main fields of Biodel. Nucleotides from the molecular biology area account for 50% of revenues, cell growth factors from the cell biology field account for 40%, and immunodiagnostics products account for the other 10%. Research product sales have been growing 35% over the last few years, even with limited marketing efforts. However, Biodel is being outcompeted in the immunodiagnostics market and further growth is not being pursued.Biodel has a very small staff, with the company split up into five different sections: the comptroller, advertising and sales, and then an experienced scientist manages each main field of the company. The scientists who manage their fields are all in charge of research and development, production, and even have some marketing responsibility. Dr. Feldman does not employ a marketing manager or a research director, instead filling both roles by himself. Feldman's style of management is very informal, preferring to walk around and talk to his employees rather than have them do unnecessary paperwork.The company itself is run more like an academic facility than a business, with the atmosphere more leaning towards challenging each other and making technological advances. In addition, employee turnover is very low so most of the staff is very experienced with the work that the company is doing. The staff is led by Dr. Feldman, who represents the main reason for low employee turnover. Biodel employees describe him as a u nique and enthusiastic man, and the reason why the company is so successful. Marketing had been a very inconsistent department, with Dr. Feldman usually assuming all of the major marketing responsibilities.But when Dr. Feldman decided that he needed to market his company more aggressively he hired Mr. Steve Kaplan who had been a marketing manager at a large pharmaceutical company. However, Mr. Kaplan and Dr. Feldman soon disagreed on who should direct Biodel's marketing strategy. Kaplan proceeded to spend a large amount of money on marketing, including hiring additional salespeople and other staff. These changes resulted in a 65% increase in sales, but marketing costs increased by 500%, which resulted in profits dropping from $95,000 in 1978 to $17,000 in 1979. As a result, Dr. Feldman is reconsidering Mr.Kaplan's direction in the marketing department. OPPORTUNITIES First, Biodel had under development a synthetic serum that would be used to satisfy growth requirements in cells. This would be an innovative product that could be a substitute for natural fetal calf serum and horse serum. However, a major problem with the fetal serum is the unstable fluctuation in cost. The cost is determined by the supply of the serum and the supply is determined by the number of calves that are slaughtered. The synthetic serum could offer a steady rate. The market is projected at $50 to $80 million.Biodel would have a competitive advantage over the competition and could attain 20% of the market share if they pursue this project. A big problem with this project is the uncertainty that Biodel will be able to receive a patent. That provides a major risk in this investment. Second, another project is available that is extremely intriguing to us. Biodel has the opportunity to produce a new product called DEMA. DEMA is a testing technology based on enzyme membranes rather than radioactivity. This product could be used to test for pregnancy, syphilis, hepatitis, cancer, toxins in food and carcinogens in the environment.DEMA is a healthier, safer, faster and cheaper way of testing than the radioactive method. There are no hazards or side effects to DEMA and it can provide the same results as radioactive tests. The problem with this project is the financial aspect. It is more expensive than the synthetic serum. Investments could total in the millions and the R costs could range from $1 to $3 million. However, this project has drawn the attention of major drug companies who are willing to participate in a joint venture with Biodel, which would help with the costs of the investment. Third, Biodel has been thinking about joining the genetic engineering field.The company has basic but not wide experience if this field but they have been a major supplier of molecular biology products. At the moment, there are four major competitors in the market; Cetus, Genentech, Genex and Biogen. The basic purpose of this field is to engineer a cell to produce a specific biological pr oduct. Competitors use the bacterium E. coli as their host cell, for the most part. Biodel has the opportunity to enter the market with a new strategy that involves the use of yeast as the host cell instead of E. coli. He and three other scientists believe that yeast would be a better host cell than E. coli.Yeast has a biochemical machinery that can allow the growth of medically relevant glycoproteins such as Interferon and Urokinase. These glycoproteins are used to inhibit the multiplication of cancerous cells and to disrupt blood clots. The investment costs for this project would be high, including salaries that Biodel would pay for Dr. Ballantine and three other highly successful scientists to work for them. However, the return on such an investment could be immense. RECOMMENDATIONS 1. The Biodel Board of Directors should hold annual or semi-annual Board meetings to review company progress. Dr. Feldman should delegate more.The Board should be expanded by 1 or 2 people to achieve greater diversity and breadth of expertise. Succession planning should be considered in case Dr. Feldman died, or a division head left. 2. Mr. Kaplan’s marketing group should be streamlined and asked to focus on a marketing strategy for DEMA. The marketing group can probably be reduced to lower costs while maintaining the increase in research product sales. Challenge Kaplan to analyze the marketing group to understand the most valuable parts versus parts that are expendable. 3. Among the growth opportunities to pursue, the synthetic growth factor option does not seem likely to succeed.Although it is the least expensive investment, there is uncertainty that the patent protection can be obtained. Furthermore, researchers accustomed to fetal bovine serum may be unlikely to abandon a tried and true method. In contrast, the DEMA technology is a unique opportunity for Biodel. It eliminates the risks and hazards associated with radioactivity, which researchers would appreciate. Ther e is a high likelihood of patent protection. Based on the information in the case, the company needs a better understanding of how to bring this product to market.This could be a great project for Kaplan’s smaller marketing group. 4. Pursue Genetic Engineering, with the advice and guidance of the four academic experts. This is an important initiative and Biodel’s connections with the prize-winning scientists are important. They should be paid per diems and offered stock options. One of the four also should be invited to join the Biodel Board of Directors. APPENDIX A SWOT Analysis S- Strengths Biotechnology special expertise by the 1970’s in – (three prime areas of focus/ other fields) 1.Cell biology – culture technology paid off 60% share growth factor market 40% offspring sales 2. Molecular biology – DNA paid off 60% share growth factor market – stocked largest commercially available synthetic nucleotides (50% of sales) 3. Immunodiag nostics biology a. Sub categories – Cancer chemotherapy – Enzymology Offered high-quality technological advice, numerous links to scientific community, highly sophisticated research and development service Feldman was able to secure contracts with his personal relationships with scientists in the government and industry Low employee turnoverW – Weaknesses Molecular biology – — researchers used numerous substitutes Immunodiagnostics biology large firms aggressively entered and has not expanded since 10% of sales of research products -1980 – profitability varied on depending on intensity of product research and development By the 1980’s 60% of company’s revenue was from commercializing research Reliant on government contracts when they started making cut backs – 85% contracts are government – forcing Biodel into 1st layoff (damaging to long-term otential) 55 employees scientists and technicians — no marketing manager or research director hired (Feldman filled both positions with widespread contacts and scientific expertise) Staff meetings rare and no regular reports required from subordinates Poor Marketing – Products sold by mail Depends on word of mouth – trade shows, advertising, direct mail, ad phone solicitation — customer service â€Å"almost laughable† O – OpportunitiesGoal to manufacture and market biochemical products developed through their own research Cell Biology – synthetic serums to satisfy growth requirements in cell lines of tissue culture – replacing natural fetal calf serum (most widely used, horse serum was 2nd most widely used). Market of 50 million domestically and 80 million worldwide growing at 15%– no systematic analysis of serum market done Immunodiagnostics- opportunity to enter the market – new test technology based on enzyme membranes rather than radioactivity – new product DEMA – s impler, faster, and less expensive.Market in excess of $100 million and has potential to be over $1 billion. High possibility for a patent and a joint venture with a major drug company. Genetic engineering – exciting advantages/high return on investments Supplier of molecular biology products – nucleotides and synthetic genes sold – supported by genetic engineers – some cases biodel was soul supplier T – Threats Relying on government contracts lead them to the threat of bankruptcy Biodel’s spending strategies APPENDIX B

Purple Hibiscus

Symbols within Purple Hibiscus Ben Redman The novel Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is a story of a girl learning to find her own voice and speak out against her violent oppressive father. The novel is set in post-colonial Nigeria, in a time in which the government was run by a military dictatorship. There are a number of symbols used to help develop ideas of the novel; the three most predominant ones being purple and red hibiscuses and Mama’s figurines.The red hibiscuses are symbolic of the violence and bloodshed in Kambili’s life whereas the purple hibiscuses symbolize freedom, defiance and the courage to speak out. The figurines are symbolic of Mama’s submissive character and denial of the violence in her home. These symbols help to develop one of the main themes of freedom vs. oppression. The color red also adds to the symbolism of the red hibiscuses. Red is a color which is often associated with anger, violence and bloodshed. These are all recu rring motifs in the novel with her father's reign of terror over the family.Red is the color that seems to haunt Kambili, ever since the beginning when she had to clean up her mother's blood, after the father abused and cause her to have a miss carriage. For a long time after the horrific incident, Kambili could not concentrate on anything but the â€Å"red blur† and the â€Å"narrow lines of blood† which hold together the images of her dead baby brother and her badly beaten mother. The red hibiscuses that are planted in the garden of the family's home in Enugu suggest the family's oppression, as it is only through Papa's violence that he keeps them under his control.Kambili, shows major changes throughout the story in her confidence and personality by gaining a voice. Kambili is an extremely shy girl because of she lives with the constant terror that her father reigns down on her, the father has scared Kambili to the point where she cannot even think for herself. Adic ihie shows Kambili's transformation mainly using dialogue and internal monologue, these changes Kambili made in herself where crucial in the story because they explained how she learns to break free from her fanatical father.At the beginning of the novel Kambili is perceived by her fellow class mates and peers to be stuck up and different because the students knew Kambili came from money and power, and thought she was ignoring them because maybe she thought she was better than everyone else. When in fact her silence and awkwardness is due to the fact that her father has crippled her self esteem so badly by showing oppressive parenting techniques. Her transition from silence to a full speaking girl is the most obvious change in the novel and it is what progresses the plot.Like I mentioned before the red hibiscuses planted at their home symbolizes the fathers terrible ways, and the power he has over the home. The red plants showed complete dominance over the household to the point whe re any of Kambili's thoughts or emotions where showed to reader through actions or internal monologue. The only time she would ever really speak was to mimic her father's preaching â€Å"God will deliver us,† in her repeated efforts to gain approval of her treacherous father. However some light begins to show during her stay in Nsukka.Before Kambili and Jaja went to stay with their aunt in Nsukka, they have never seen purple hibiscuses before. Purple hibiscuses in this story represents freedom, defiance and courage to speak out. This is very symbolic as it is only during their visit to their aunts home where they learn what true freedom is. Kambili's internal monologue beings to show signs of branching away from her silence and gaining a voice of her own. At first we see her struggling to break the silence as if she is scared that her father will find out somehow.She was described censoring herself from talking back to her cousin Amaka because she is smart mouthed and that sh e might be upset with Kambili herself. The first time Kambili truly spoke with thoughts of her own was when her beloved Father Amadi asked her why she is so quiet and why she hasn’t asked a question all night. Kambili was puzzled because no one has ever came to her and asked her to speak on something other than religious matters. What she said was â€Å"You don't have to shout, Amaka†¦ I don’t know how to do the orah leaves, but you can show me. Before this, they had known only of Papa’s violence, his ‘hurting love’ and his oppressive, dictator-like control. Purple is a color that is often associated with royalty but also self-expression. This is important, as it is only through expressing oneself and speaking out against oppressors can freedom truly be achieved. We also learn that it is only through experimentation that gardeners can create the rare purple hibiscus. This emphasizes the fact that Kambili and Jaja take their first tentative ste ps of speaking out and defying their father’s tyrannical rule.The purple hibiscuses that grow at Aunty Ifeoma's house in Nsukka are described as in the novel as â€Å"rare fragrant, with undertones of freedom†. These flowers are the most important symbols in the story as they are what represent Kambili's transformation. When the kids returned back to their miserable home Jaja brought some cuttings of the purple hibiscus's and hid them in fridge, to give him and Kambili a sense of security and protection from their father.He was afraid however that papa would find them and confiscate them, therefore almost crushing his rebellion. The contrast between the purple and red hibiscuses also is a large symbolic tool Adachi uses. The purple showing love, warmth, laughter and free expression what they experience in Nsukka, while red representing the constant fear they live under. Jaja bringing home the flowers brings inspiration to strive for freedom within their own home. Purple Hibiscus Symbols within Purple Hibiscus Ben Redman The novel Purple Hibiscus, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is a story of a girl learning to find her own voice and speak out against her violent oppressive father. The novel is set in post-colonial Nigeria, in a time in which the government was run by a military dictatorship. There are a number of symbols used to help develop ideas of the novel; the three most predominant ones being purple and red hibiscuses and Mama’s figurines.The red hibiscuses are symbolic of the violence and bloodshed in Kambili’s life whereas the purple hibiscuses symbolize freedom, defiance and the courage to speak out. The figurines are symbolic of Mama’s submissive character and denial of the violence in her home. These symbols help to develop one of the main themes of freedom vs. oppression. The color red also adds to the symbolism of the red hibiscuses. Red is a color which is often associated with anger, violence and bloodshed. These are all recu rring motifs in the novel with her father's reign of terror over the family.Red is the color that seems to haunt Kambili, ever since the beginning when she had to clean up her mother's blood, after the father abused and cause her to have a miss carriage. For a long time after the horrific incident, Kambili could not concentrate on anything but the â€Å"red blur† and the â€Å"narrow lines of blood† which hold together the images of her dead baby brother and her badly beaten mother. The red hibiscuses that are planted in the garden of the family's home in Enugu suggest the family's oppression, as it is only through Papa's violence that he keeps them under his control.Kambili, shows major changes throughout the story in her confidence and personality by gaining a voice. Kambili is an extremely shy girl because of she lives with the constant terror that her father reigns down on her, the father has scared Kambili to the point where she cannot even think for herself. Adic ihie shows Kambili's transformation mainly using dialogue and internal monologue, these changes Kambili made in herself where crucial in the story because they explained how she learns to break free from her fanatical father.At the beginning of the novel Kambili is perceived by her fellow class mates and peers to be stuck up and different because the students knew Kambili came from money and power, and thought she was ignoring them because maybe she thought she was better than everyone else. When in fact her silence and awkwardness is due to the fact that her father has crippled her self esteem so badly by showing oppressive parenting techniques. Her transition from silence to a full speaking girl is the most obvious change in the novel and it is what progresses the plot.Like I mentioned before the red hibiscuses planted at their home symbolizes the fathers terrible ways, and the power he has over the home. The red plants showed complete dominance over the household to the point whe re any of Kambili's thoughts or emotions where showed to reader through actions or internal monologue. The only time she would ever really speak was to mimic her father's preaching â€Å"God will deliver us,† in her repeated efforts to gain approval of her treacherous father. However some light begins to show during her stay in Nsukka.Before Kambili and Jaja went to stay with their aunt in Nsukka, they have never seen purple hibiscuses before. Purple hibiscuses in this story represents freedom, defiance and courage to speak out. This is very symbolic as it is only during their visit to their aunts home where they learn what true freedom is. Kambili's internal monologue beings to show signs of branching away from her silence and gaining a voice of her own. At first we see her struggling to break the silence as if she is scared that her father will find out somehow.She was described censoring herself from talking back to her cousin Amaka because she is smart mouthed and that sh e might be upset with Kambili herself. The first time Kambili truly spoke with thoughts of her own was when her beloved Father Amadi asked her why she is so quiet and why she hasn’t asked a question all night. Kambili was puzzled because no one has ever came to her and asked her to speak on something other than religious matters. What she said was â€Å"You don't have to shout, Amaka†¦ I don’t know how to do the orah leaves, but you can show me. Before this, they had known only of Papa’s violence, his ‘hurting love’ and his oppressive, dictator-like control. Purple is a color that is often associated with royalty but also self-expression. This is important, as it is only through expressing oneself and speaking out against oppressors can freedom truly be achieved. We also learn that it is only through experimentation that gardeners can create the rare purple hibiscus. This emphasizes the fact that Kambili and Jaja take their first tentative ste ps of speaking out and defying their father’s tyrannical rule.The purple hibiscuses that grow at Aunty Ifeoma's house in Nsukka are described as in the novel as â€Å"rare fragrant, with undertones of freedom†. These flowers are the most important symbols in the story as they are what represent Kambili's transformation. When the kids returned back to their miserable home Jaja brought some cuttings of the purple hibiscus's and hid them in fridge, to give him and Kambili a sense of security and protection from their father.He was afraid however that papa would find them and confiscate them, therefore almost crushing his rebellion. The contrast between the purple and red hibiscuses also is a large symbolic tool Adachi uses. The purple showing love, warmth, laughter and free expression what they experience in Nsukka, while red representing the constant fear they live under. Jaja bringing home the flowers brings inspiration to strive for freedom within their own home.