Heineken Company in the US market

Heineken portfolio in US market The major brewers within the US market include; Anheuser-Busch, Inc., SAB-Miller, and Molson Coors Company. The major supplier amongst the three is Anheuser-Busch followed by SAB-miller (Finnegan, 1997). The beers sold within the US market are of desired taste to consumers. The drinking trend in the US is largely dependent on location and social status.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Heineken Company in the US market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More One of the most sold beer brand in the US are Bud Light, Budweiser, Coors Light, Miller Lite, Natural light, Busch Light, Miller Genuine Draft, Miller High Life, and Michelob Light. USA has one of the largest beer import market with a total value of about $2.7 billion. The overall high demand for beer in the USA is because of the growing demand for larger that has low amount of calorie. Heineken was attracted to the US market because t he company anticipated that high margin could be obtained from its special brands (Barsby, 1999; Reid, 1997). Heineken is one of the world’s leading brewing companies within the US market. This became possible because of the networking that the Company introduced between breweries and its distributors. The company introduced Heineken Premium light to the satisfaction of most consumers who preffered light drinks. This led to one of the greatest excitement around the Heineken brand in the USA market since it served so well the diversified population. Later Amstel Light was upgraded and became one of the most interesting drinks to consumers. These strategies of offering quality products guaranteed the Company a big success within the US market. The US market consumers became so much attracted to imported beer since they considered the European brands to be of more quality. The consumers within the US market were willing to pay the costs of obtaining Heineken because of its good image. Statistics in 1992 showed that the world beer consumption had increased and US was one of the leading regions in terms of beer consumption followed closely by Asia. This indeed offered a very lucrative market for Heineken hence its interest in the US market (Elzinga, 2005). Why Heineken introduced every brand in the US market Heineken Company in the US is located in New York and produces some of the best beer brands which include; Heineken Lager, Heineken Light, Newcastle Brown Ale, Tecate, Amstel Light, Dos Equis, and Tecate Light. The Company has become one of the leaders in importing high quality beer products in the US market The company introduced most of its products in the US because consumers were in so much attentive to special beer brands.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Many consumers preferred drinking beer they considered of more quality and this gave Hei neken the advantage of supplying the US market with the desired beer brands from the European market. This made the drink to be one of the leading beer imported in the United States market, making Heineken portfolio in the USA to rise by 1994 (Heineken USA, 2010). Heineken USA is primed for a continued growth since the demand for Light and import beers is high within the market. Due to its large powerful portfolio and wide consumer base, the Company changed the sales tactics by increasing the prices for purposes of maintaining value within every market segment. In its portfolio Heineken USA promoted the Mexican brands by making efforts to raise their profile. The company entered into agreement with FEMSA to sale its products within US market and this gave Heineken USA a good base for developing its brand (Katz, 1991). Table1: Heineken Brand Portfolio in USA Brands Volume produced (Metrics) Investment analysis Pricing Brand equity Strength of Brand Heineken Larger Heineke n PremiumLight Newcastle Brown Ale Tecate Amstel Light Dos Equis Tecate Light Statistic of beer drinkers in US According to statistics from Gallop poll, majority of Americans prefer drinking beer as their choice beverage. According to recent surveys, the percentage of Americans who drink beer stand at 64%, the frequency by which Americans drink beer has risen tremendously over the past decade. The statistics showed that there is an average of 4.5 drinks per week on those who use beer; this may be attributed to the fact that drinking beer may boost health of an individual. Early 2010 statistics showed that almost 41% of Americans declared beer as their drink of choice with 33% preferring wine and 23% liquor (Tremblay and Carol, 2005; Harney, 1995). Drinking by preference in US Alcohol type % Drinkers Beer 41 Wine 33 Liquor 23 In terms of social status, drinking habit has been revealed to be low among the low-inco me earners. The survey revealed that 82% of the upper-income earners drink beer compared to 44% of those earning low income. Drinking by Income status Social Status % Upper Income 82 Lower Income 44 Even those who profess their commitment to their faith still drink beer. The statistics revealed that out of those who frequently attend churches 48% drink beer, out of those who seldom attend churches 69% drink while those who are never committed to any faith 72% drink beer (Warner, 2006). Men accounts for higher percentage of beer consumers compared to women, with light beer being the highest consumed brand amongst women (Sadler, 2005).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Heineken Company in the US market specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Christian Level of consumption Consumption level based on faith % frequent church attendees 48 Seldom attendees 69 None attendees 72 Statistic have revealed tha t most of the US drinkers have the tendency of shifting preferences from beer to wine as they approach old age. Mixed drinks are however liked by young ladies and women. Table1: Percentage of Global Alcohol Consumption (Source: GfK â€Å"Alcohol consumption† survey 2008, GfK Custom Research/). WSJE Figures in % Beer Wine Liqueurs and fortified wines Spirits Cocktails/alcopops USA 37 28 3 10 22 Europe 36 40 5 9 7 All countries 36 33 4 16 9 The target market of Heineken beer in US and its strategies in this market Heineken’s target market are the young drinkers, this provides grounds for expansion within U.S. market (Weinberg, 1999). Heineken strategizes on how to appeal to young drinkers through various entertainment sources. The company strategizes on how to rebrand Heineken so as not to be viewed as beer only meant for special occasions, but can also be consumed off-premise. Therefore the need for Heineken brand to appear more ordinary and appealing to th e young people (Elzinga, 2005). Heineken has embarked on global music initiative known as thirst, which brings together famous deejays and organizes for dance concerts in major cities and towns. Also as part of its strategy sponsors live music acts in green room sessions and inaugural Heineken Jazz Festivals. The green nights organized and the Deejay tours acts as promotion strategies for the brand amongst the younger audience. The brand has also been promoted through world of movies like James Bond blockbuster. Heineken is also a major sponsor to sports like tennis, golf and rugby (Elzinga, 2005). Why Heineken in US market chooses this segment to target them Heineken specifically focuses on urban dwelling youths because they consider them to be upgraded beer drinkers. They consume lots of beer without any fear of loss i.e. they are considered risk takers. Heineken chooses entertainment as a way to reach the young because young people like entertainment concerts. Does this strategy work? With evidence This strategy seems to work since most of the drinkers according to recent statistics are young people between age 21 and 35. According to the beverage industry the statistics shows that a young man in its mid-twenties consumes an average of 65 gallons of beer per year, while old men of over 50 years averagely 15 gallons per year (Warner, 2006).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Reference List Barsby, S. L. 1999, Beer Wholesalers: Their Role and Economic Performance. National Beer Wholesalers Association; Alexandria, Virginia. Elzinga, K., 2005, Beer: The Structure of American Industry, edited by Walter Adams and James Brock. Upper Saddle Rive r, New Jersey: Pearson Hall. Finnegan, T., 1997, Modern Brewery Age Blue Book. Modern Brewery Age Publishing: Stamford, Connecticut. Harney, A. K., 1995, Malt Beverages. Washington, D.C.: Office of Industries, United States International Trade Commission, USITC Publication. Heineken USA, 2010, The Company history products brands, Available at  https://heinekenusa.com/agegate/ . Katz, P., 1991, Brewing Industry in the United States; Brewers Almanac. The Beer Institute, Washington, D.C. Reid, V.K., 1997. Year in Review: 1996. Modern Brewery Age , 48 (11). Sadler, J., 2005, Gender Marketing Strategies in Food and Drinks, Business Insights Ltd. Washington. Tremblay, V. Carol H., 2005. The U.S. Beer Industry: Data and E conomic  Analysis. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press. Warner, J.,2006, Gallup Organization, consumption Habits Poll, News release: Gallup Poll News Service Available at  https://www.gfk.com/ . Weinberg, R., 1999, Watching the Market. Modern Brewery Age , 48 (11), pp 4-30. This essay on Heineken Company in the US market was written and submitted by user Conor Richmond to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Art Institute of Chicago essays

Art Institute of Chicago essays 1. For this assignment I choose to visit the Art Institute of Chicago. I choose to journey down town to see the so much talked about Vincent Van Gogh exhibit. As a waited in line I meet a student of Colombia College he told me that you do not have to pay to get in donations are welcome. I was confused and unsure what he meant. He explained to me that College students could offer a donation of one dollar or fifty cents as admission to the museum. So from the start my experience was very positive. Many people were discussing the exhibit. Everyone seemed to be very impressed. The lines for the entry were so long due to the tight security because of American on alert. It was good to see since the museum has so many valuable and irreplaceable. I can recall visiting Elmhurst Art Museum. My mom was most impressed with Kathryn Schneiders collection titled Places of Grace. The photo that I was drawn to was titled Peace Like a River. This photo captured nature at its most peaceful state. A gentle reflection of the surrounding trees lay calmly upon the river expressing a perfect mirror reflection. My mom has a calendar that she purchased there. The calendar states. Kathryns artwork is an expression of her prospective on the world. Kathryn explains, It is my desire to pass along to others through the otherworldliness of the infrared medium a sense of mystery and deep yearning for the ineffable, for the holy, and beyond. Infrared film captures a segment of the invisible spectrum of light waves. The camera is seeing something we cannot see. The end result is an image that resembles physical existence, as we perceive it yet is different enough that we can feel it suggesting a deeper reality. This is the only thing that I can recall that was cool from my child hood as a museum experience. 2. The photography on display in the gallery was The Idea of Lewis Sul ...

Business Ethics, Governance and Social Responsibility Assignment

Business Ethics, Governance and Social Responsibility - Assignment Example There has been a drastic change in the corporate environment over the years, and owing to the increasing technological development, people across the globe are not only more connected to one another but also have become aware of the negative consequences of irresponsible corporate governance on the part of giant multinational organizations. As a result, firms today are increasingly under pressure to perform not only financially, but also ethically as well. The managers and leaders are of organizations are now increasingly expected to address a range of social and environmental causes and problems including climate change, poverty, and even HIV/ AIDS. It is due to this changing facet of corporate governance and the increasing popularity of concepts such as Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Ethics and Ethical leadership, that the organizations are now required to be increasingly responsible and transparent in their approach in order to maintain their credibility, brand image an d public trust in the industry, or risk facing wide scale public backlash and pay millions of dollars in fines and compensations. Business ethics refers to "the study of business situations, activities, and decisions where issues of right and wrong are addressed" (Crane & Matten, 2010, p. 5). This definition is used in this study to discuss the ethical stance of the Royal Dutch Shell Plc., and the various key issues surrounding the company. With regard to organizations, the concept of ethics refers to the transparency in its corporate activities, accurate reporting of accounting and financial statements, and honest disclosure of its health and safety policies as well as the likely impact of its activities on the community and the environment at large. Business ethics and ethical reporting of business activities by companies has assumed increased significance over the years. Hence it has become imperative for organizations involved in business such as Oil &

McDonald adapts culture difference between USA and INIDA Assignment

McDonald adapts culture difference between USA and INIDA - Assignment Example Henceforth, Ray Kroc purchased the whole chain from the McDonalds before proceeding to expand it further (Newcomb). Perhaps it is appropriate to mention that McDonalds commands presence in most states globally whereby the corporation, franchisees, and even the affiliates are responsible for running the various McDonalds restaurants (Dash 8). In this regard, the company has adapted a culture difference between USA and India in order to offer products which best resonates with the local population and in the process, maximizing on revenues (McDonalds). This paper therefore, compares the business models of McDonalds between USA and India in in term of products, services, advertisements. McDonalds’ Business Strategy Since the major sources of revenues for McDonalds include rents, royalties, and the fees collected from the franchisees (Hannon). In addition, the company draws huge income from restaurant-related businesses that take place within the company premises and it is worth n oting that in 2012 alone, the company made profits amounting to $5.5 billion in addition to collecting annual revenues totaling to $27.5 billion (McDonalds). When it comes to the major products offered by the company subsidiaries, there are wide range of fast foods from which customers around the world can choose from depending on their tastes and geographical location (Dash 12). These food products include hamburgers,  chicken,  cheeseburgers,  French fries,  soft drinks, breakfast  items, desserts, and milkshakes (Newcomb). Comparison between USA and India in the Business of McDonalds While USA is a nation whose citizens prefer junk food to lean foodstuffs, India is a more considerate nation when it comes to matters pertaining to food and the citizens revile the junk foods (Li). Since quality is the mirror through which all organizations gauge their performances, McDonalds has taken the quality of the foods offered in its subsidiaries very seriously (Newcomb). This means that while in America, the restaurants have to offer the foods that the Americans love and those McDonalds restaurants that operate in India do their very best at offering the Indian cuisine (McDonalds). Products and Services With a careful approach to product differentiation, the McDonalds chain of restaurants has regionalized every form of its menu to suit the local residents (Newcomb). In this respect, the competition is kept at bay as all the people who flood various McDonalds restaurants know the specific foods to find and consume at certain times of the day (Dash 8). The Unites States of America, being the headquarters of the McDonalds Corporation has restaurants and stored that specialize in the selling of ‘McGrilled’ sandwiches that are loved by many Americans (McDonalds). When it comes to the products offered by the chain in India, it is worthy to note that India is a strictly vegetarian country with a strong prohibition for beef mainly due to religious reason s (Li). In this regard, the major food products offers by the McDonalds in India include ‘McMasala’, Local flavors, Health conscious items, and vegetable products. This means that beef and pork products cannot fetch much profit in India as they do in the USA and the McDonalds chain of restaurants has considered this (Newcomb). Advertisements and Marketing Strategies Although it is common knowledge that the McDonalds Cor

Is African-American assimilation into American culture the main theme Assignment

Is African-American assimilation into American culture the main theme of these black codes - Assignment Example Section seven restricts removal of blacks from American slowing assimilation pegged at judge satisfaction. The punitive codes discouraged assimilations of the blacks. Despite earlier abolition of slavery, it was never implemented as provided for in constitution, 1802. Assimilation of Blacks entailed restrictive payment of $500 and other payment to the clerk to obtain court papers guaranteeing blacks’ freedom (Shadd 76). The restrictive bond escalated by alarmed Negroes influx who were later subjected to similar punitive codes hence forced to vacate within 30 days. Attempts to delay such order were futile hence blacks had to leave for Canada where people were not segregated on the basis of race and colors. The punitive codes were meant to push out non-America away from Ohio and not to assimilate them as pretentiously enacted. Proponent of punitive codes would later regret by losing productive blacks to

Traditional Views On Stranger Rape Criminology Essay

Traditional Views On Stranger Rape Criminology Essay I prefer to characterize rape simply as a form of torture. Like the torturer, the rapist is motivated by the urge to dominate, humiliate, and destroy his victim. Like a torturer, he does so by using the most intimate acts available to humans sexual ones. Helen Benedict, Virgin or Vamp, 1992 Rape is the act of forced, unwanted sexual assault. It can be a form of sexual harassment or sexual intercourse. This can be done by a stranger, an acquaintance, or a family member. Globally, rape is an occurring crime that victimizes not only women but also children and men too (Starman, 2009).In 1997, according to the Worldwide Sexual Assault Statistics there is a large percentage of sexual assault victims that are less than 15 years old (2005). In 2000, there was a report that in seven different countries, 60% of sexual assault victims know their attackers. In 2001, 1 out of 3 women worldwide has experienced rape or sexual assault (Worldwide Sexual Assault Statistics, 2005). Also, in an intensive study, it was found that in eight different countries, 24.7% experienced sexual violence in dating relationships (Worldwide Sexual Assault Statistics, 2005). Also, the Worldwide Sexual Assault Statistics reported that studies showed that 5-10 percent of men experience sexual assault in th eir childhood days (2005). These statistics imply that rape is a very serious crime. Even family members cannot be excused out of it. According to Susan Estrich, there are two types of rape: traditional rape described to be a violent rape committed by a stranger and non-traditional rape described to be a less violent rape committed by an acquaintance of the victim (qtd. by Shanahan, 1999). Estrich suggested that non-traditional rape requires a less severe punishment compared to the traditional rape (qtd. by Shanahan, 1999). However, this is an unfair line of thinking. Rape is a crime. It is not dependent on who did it and who the victim is. In this paper, the first part will discuss rape and its history. The second part will discuss about and compare the two types of rape: traditional rape and non-traditional rape. Emphasis will be given to the traditional stranger rape case. The third part will discuss the current penalties that are given to the rapists. Emphasis will also be giv en to the traditional stranger rape case. A thorough evaluation of the penalties and its implications will be discussed. The last part will discuss about how this traditional stranger view fails to fairly and accurately represent the true nature of rape as an offence. Rape first appeared on historical texts in the form of early religious texts. Rape is commonly denoted both as abduction and in a sexual sense. In Greek Mythology, some famous stories depicted rape of women and male rape. First is the rape of Europa by Zues, It was written that Europa, a Phoenician princess, was abducted by Zues and they had sexual contact and had children (The Abduction of Europa, 2010). Second, the rape of Ganymede by Zues, the story tells that Zeus fell in love with a Trojan prince named Ganymede. Zues abducted the boy and made him his lover. This myth was even used by Greek philosopher Plato to justify his sexual feelings toward his male pupils (Gibson, 2004). Both of these myths were not treated in negative terms. These rapes went out unpunished because these sexual relationships were starting to be a part of the Greek society. Lastly, the famous rape of Chrysippus by the prince of Thebes named Laios (Atsma, 2008). In the story, Chrysippus killed himself because of his violation (Hubbard, 2006). It was also the first time that one called it a crime, namely the crime of Laius (Carter, 2006). This term is used today as one pertaining to male rape. This is the first depiction of rape as a negative thing. In the early states, mothers were being trapped into a situation wherein they have to stay in limited areas of their homes and stay with other females. This is called gynarchy. Also, women and children were separated from the mens quarters. Thus, men use young boys for sexual intercourse preferably rather than their wives (Xenophon, cited in deMause, no date). Historians argue that in early states, matriarchy is the prevailing view. The state is governed by women. This is why at that time maternal incest was widely spread and common (deMause, n.d.). According to historians, child rape in early states is called love ,or pedophelia translated as love of children, or justifying it as an instance of gay rights that children are not minors (deMause, n.d.). Furthermore, the children are being blamed for being raped. Early scholars, especially Greek scholars believe that children are lonely and needing sex, seductive, and as routinely fellating older men [but] not abused despite ingesting their elders semen but ritually initiated into manhood. (Rousseau, 2007). Also, It was reported that in many early states, boys would be dressed as girls by their mothers and they will work as prostitutes to be raped by priests during religious rituals (Spencer, 1996). Men could pick up boys to be raped at any barbershop, in any boy brothel, at the exit of any of the Roman games (McMullen, 1990 cited by deMause, n.d.). Men regularly went into streets with scissors to make a hole in the trousers of the boy and a small pillow to put in the boys mouth if he should scream. (Schild, 1997). Furthermore, Physicians were reportedly expected to provide lubricants for the anal penetration of boys and also treat the rectal tears that results from being raped (deMause, n.d.). According to Plutarch, boys should think of rape not as a pleasure, but as a duty (Cantarella, 2002, cited by deMause, n.d.). Moreover, in ancient Babylon and Hebrew cultures, raped women are either thrown into the river o r are stoned to death in the cities (Brownmiller, cited by deMause, n.d.). It was also reported that in the early Roman Empire, the castration of boys was a big business used for raping by the aristocracy and by priests (Rousselle, 2009 cited by deMause, n.d.). In the time of the Nazis, rape was used as a political tool in war to produce fear torture, and social control in the states. Examples are the Serbian rape camps, comfort girls in Japan, use of inmates for prostitution in Nazi concentration camps in WWII, mass rapes of Bengali women during the Pakistani/Bengali war, rapes of school girls in Kenya, ass rapes of women by armed forces in Somalia and Guatemala (A History of Sexual Assault, 2009: p. 1). These are facts that are very overwhelming if one thinks of the freedom of people today. These myths, actions and beliefs are very brute and terrifying. In recent years, rape and other forms of sexual assault is associated with harm for a male perpetrator who is related to the female victim. This means that if the rape victim is married, the crime is against her husband; also, if the victim is unmarried, the crime is against her father. Women were treated as property of men. They had no rights in legal and social definitions of rape. It was only in the 60s that the women started to participate and given a chance to voice their opinions and beliefs womens movements (A History of Sexual Assault, 2009: p. 1).Today, rape is considered as a crime punishable by law. Although there are some countries are not very strict regarding their policies and laws such as in India or in Africa. Rape is defined as forced, unwanted sexual assault or sexual intercourse. Furthermore, it was argued that the reason behind the reformation and redefinition of rape, sexual assault, etc. was the feminist movements. Rape is about possession, power, and control (A History of Sexual Assault, 2009: p. 1). In the history of rape, several definitions and sanctions were very poor. Examples are: Rape was defined as forced sexual intercourse only, penile/vagina. If the victim does not acquire injuries, the case will not be prosecuted. All states do not acknowledge marital rape and date rape as serious rape cases. Males are only treated as suspects and cannot be victims, while females are victims only and not perpetrators. Only stranger rape was acknowledged and if no physical injuries or harm were sustained, it will not be acknowledged (A History of Sexual Assault, 2009: p. 2). Only in 2002 was there a big leap in the rape law definitions and sanctions. There are many different reasons behind these rapes. Study of why and where is the point of doing this criminal act will strengthen understanding about what rape is and why it is a crime. According to the GMU Sexual Assault Services (GMU-SAS), approximately 95 percent of reported rapes are committed by men. However, most men do not commit these kinds of crime (The Offender, 2009). GMU-SAS argued that there are many different factors that affect or boost the development of this deviant behavior. Some of these factors are: (One) the offender thinks of the victim as an object that can be manipulated and violated according to his will. (Two) The inability to empathize to other people had resulted from physical, sexual or emotional abuse from the past. According to a study, 70 percent of male sexual assault offenders were sexually and physically abused in their childhood (Lisak, 2002, cited in The Offender, 2009). (Three) The perpetrator believes that sex is equal to violence; that men sh ould be dominant and aggressive, and that women should protect themselves until they take that virtue with the use of force. (Four) The perpetrator strongly holds on the beliefs of dating ritual stereotypes. An example is that sex is a game. The more you have it, whether by force or not, the more points you have. (Five) The perpetrator accepts violence as an act of dealing with conflicts. (Six) Excessive drinking of alcohol may affect the violent attitude of some men (The Offender, 2009). These are just some of the causes that may affect the development of a sexual assault perpetrator. Rape has a wide variety of cases. Rape, in the simplest categorization, is divided into two fields. One, non-stranger rape and two, stranger rape. These are two entirely different stories. Non-traditional rape is defined to be rape wherein the perpetrator is an acquaintance, a friend, a neighbor or even a spouse (Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape, 2009). According to the GMU Sexual Assault Services (GMU-SAS), a non-stranger rape is not considered to be a true sexual assault (2009). Most of the time, society today tends to blame the victim for these types of rape. However, GMU-SAS argued that the no woman is exempt from being raped. Any woman can be raped. Also, rape is a very democratic form of violence. Furthermore, rape attacks are 80% wholly and partially planned (Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape, 2009: p. 1). Also, studies show that 60-80% of all sexual assaults were done by someone who knows the victims. Also, men can be sexually assaulted too. Most of the male rape victims wer e abused in their childhood or in their teens. Rape is not dependent on the weapon used, gender, virginity and other matters. Rape is about unwanted, forced actions toward a victim (Acquaintance or Non-Stranger Rape, 2009: p. 2). Marital rape is another form of a non-traditional rape. In 1984, marital rapes were not prosecuted in Virginia. It was only in 1986 that a reformation of the law allows prosecution of marital rapes. In recent studies, one out of seven women is being sexually assaulted by their husbands (Marital Rape, 2009).In other words, marriages are not an exemption when it comes to rape. Gang rape can be another form of a non-traditional rape if the sexual perpetrators are known or have a relationship to the victim. This happens when two or more offenders sexually assault a victim. GMU-SAS described gang rape as very different from the traditional acquaintance rape in the sense that men who engage in rapes like these are the ones who cannot commit an individual rape. Fu rthermore, it was said that gang rape is a less perverted type of rape that usually associates the thing as a rite of passage or a proof of masculinity (Helen, cited by GMU-SAS, 2009).These types of rape involve an acquaintance or an existing relationship. Stranger rapes are the crimes that involve total strangers as perpetrators. A report from the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) show that stranger rape is increasing. More than half of all the rape victims are attacked by total complete strangers. The DRCC is alarmed and shocked because of this growing trend. Also, according to their statistics, out of the 51 percent of stranger rape victims, 38 percent said that they were also physically and psychologically abused (cited by Sherry, 2009). According to the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network (RAINN), stranger rape has three major categories: Blitz sexual assault, Contact sexual assault, and Home invasion sexual assault. Blitz sexual assault is the type of sexual assault that happens rapidly and brutally. The perpetrator is a total stranger and this usually happens at night in public places. Contact sexual assault involves the sudden contact of a stranger perpetrator with the victim and tries to gain his confidence and trust before as saulting the victim. Usually, the perpetrators pick their victims from bars and restaurants; sexual coercion also is used for the initiation of sexual assault. Home invasion sexual assault is the situation wherein the stranger perpetrator breaks in the home of the victim and assaults the victim (Stranger Rape, 2009). Stranger rape is reported to happen in a lesser commonly and less possible to be repeated. Furthermore, it has been an argument that stranger rape is associated with violence and that non-stranger rapes have less violence when it comes to their nature (Shanahan, 1999). This is a rather unequal judgment on the true nature of rape as an offence. Rape is rape. Rape is a crime. It does not matter whether there was violence or less violence. It was further explained that a woman is raped whenever she has sex and feels violated (MacKinnon, cited by Shanahan, 1999). To further explain and evaluate the case of stranger rape, comparison of the harms and effects of both rapes will be discussed. There are many effects of being raped. These are very serious consequences that have lifetime effects on the victim. It was reported that stranger rape has far more complicated and devastating effects for the victim. Stranger rape often results in unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases which include HIV and AIDS. Furthermore, violent stranger rape can cause bruises and cuts to the victim, also the absence of condoms that make a larger probability of sexually transmitted diseases (Best, 2005). Raped women are traumatized and stigmatized. In some cultures, different kinds of punishments are given to raped women. Raped women are either abandoned, divorced or be declared as unmarriageable (Best, 2005). Furthermore, many raped women become impregnated; contract sexually transmitted infections, and suffers gynecological injuries that require recons tructive surgery (Best, 2005). These consequences are far more devastating that one can ever imagined. The mental, emotional, physical and psychological tortures for these women are worst. The effects and harms of non-stranger rape are also comparable to the effects of stranger rape. It is not right to say that non-stranger rape is not violent. There is also violence in what they do. Research reports that non-stranger rape or acquaintance rape survivors suffer from depression, anxiety, complications in subsequent relationships, and difficulty of attaining maximum level of sexual satisfaction (Koss Dinero, cited by Curtis, 1997). Also, it is also argued that one of the most serious effects of stranger rape is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, rape and other sexual assaults is the most common cause of PTSD (McFarlane De Girolamo, in van der Kolk, McFarlane, Weisaeth cited by Curtis, 1997). Other effects are miscarriage, stillbirth, infertility, suicidal tendencies, and long-term sexual dysfunction. The effects and harms are just the same as with the stranger rape. There should be no distinction between stranger and non-stranger rape. They are both cri mes. The punishment and law for rape cases will be discussed to further the understanding of the stand and status of both stranger rape and non-stranger rape in representing the true nature of rape as an offence. The legal aspects and comparisons of the traditional sense for both cases is the most effective way in evaluating the extent of which both represents the nature of rape. The legal aspects of traditional rape has five major elements: penetration, force and resistance, non-consent, absence of a spousal relationship (the marital exemption), and a culpable state of mind (mens rea). Only four of the major elements are connected to stranger rape. (1) Sexual intercourse is a requirement for an act to be called rape. Penetration is the, even slightest, insertion of the penis into the vagina. It does not count as rape if the penetration is done with the use of object or the penetration is not done in the vagina. Furthermore, ejaculation is not required. This implies that traditional view of rape is gender-specific that only women can be raped. Today, modern views about rape towards penetration is that penetration is about violence and violation against the morale, physical integrity and sexual autonomy of a person man, woman or child. This means that penetration is forcible penetration of any object to any part of the body of the victim (Rape: Legal Aspects Forcible Rape: Elements of the Offense, n.d.). (2) To be qualified as a rape case, the perpetrator must have exerted force and that the victim has no consent about it. Traditionally, other cases wherein it is considered as forcible rape even without the physical compulsion, are those in which the woman was unconscious, was mentally incompetent, or gave her consent under certain false pretenses. Traditionally, a perpetrator who tricked a victim about false pretenses about marriage and the likes are not to be considered as rape. However, he may be trialed for seduction. Also, rape by submission must be justified by the application of force (Rape: Legal Aspects Forcible Rape: Elements of the Offense, n.d.). It was argued that the justification of force is not self-evident because most people think that sex without consent, even with or without force, is to be called rape (Rape: Legal Aspects Forcible Rape: Elements of the Offense, n.d.). This implies that you if the victim is not forced, there is no rape. That rape is traditionall y interpreted as an act of violence the more force, the more violent, the more credible the rape. Today, several states punish all cases of sexual intercourse without consent and treat force merely as a factor that aggravates the severity of the offense. But there are still people who believe that force is an essential element of rape (Rape: Legal Aspects Forcible Rape: Elements of the Offense, n.d.). (3) Non-consent is another issue of the traditional view of rape. A sexual assault is not considered as rape if the victim consented or did not resist. The act must be against his will. The major drawback of this element is that it tended to encourage a focus on the complainants state of mind, and evidence of her prior sexual experience was often used to insinuate that she wanted to have sex (or deserved whatever treatment she received). Furthermore, the meaning of consent is not clear. Some argued that answering no does not actually mean no. Such difficulties arise that is why, today, some laws provide the elimination of the element of unwillingness or non-consent (Rape: Legal Aspects Forcible Rape: Elements of the Offense, n.d.). (4) Mens Rea is another traditional view of rape. It means that the defendant has a culpable state of mind. This means that the perpetrator must have actual knowledge of what he has done and that he is in a proper state of mind. Furthermore, conviction should require actual awareness of wrongdoing. This implies that the conviction should require proof of criminal negligence (a gross departure from the level of care reasonably expected) and the penalty imposed should be lower than that applied to intentional misconduct. (Rape: Legal Aspects Forcible Rape: Elements of the Offense, n.d.). Clearly, from these traditional views on stranger rape, all of the four traditional elements: penetration, force and resistance, non-consent, and a culpable state of mind (mens rea) do not represent fairly and accurately the true nature of rape as an offence. It is an offence if the person is violated physically, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. Again, Rape is rape. Rape is a crime. It does not matter who, what, where, when and how. Rape is about the destruction of ones sexual autonomy, of ones pride and dignity, of ones health.

Dance In The Early Twentieth Century Essay -- history of jazz

The history of Jazz music is one that is tied to enslavement, and prejudices, and it is impossible to separate the development of Jazz music from the racial oppression that occurred in the United States as they are inextricably connected. Slavery was a part of our country’s development that is shameful and yet, lead to some of the greatest musical advances of the twentieth century. Slavery in the United States first began in 1619 when Dutch traders seized a Spanish slave ship and brought those aboard to the North American colony of Jamestown, Virginia. When the North American continent was first colonized by Europeans, the vast land proved to be more work than they had anticipated and there was a severe shortage of labor. Land owners needed a solution for cheap and plentiful labor to help with the production of profitable crops such as tobacco and rice. Although many land owners already made use of indentured servants- poor youth from Britain and Germany who sought passage to America and would be contracted to work a given number of years before they were granted freedom- they soon realized that in order to continue expansion they would need to employ more labor. This meant bringing more people over from Africa against their own will, almost depleting the African continent of its healthiest and most capable men and women (Slavery in America, 2009). Individuals with African origins were not English by birth, instead they were considered foreigners and outside English Common Law and were not granted equal rights. Many slave owners intended to make their slaves completely dependent on them and prohibited them from learning to read or write. The oppression of black slaves was on the rise and many sources estimate that nearly twelv... ...ca | (2006, August) Scholastic.com. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/bhistory/history_of_jazz.htm 6) Peretti, B. W. (1992). White Jazz Musicians of the 1920's. The creation of jazz: music, race, and culture in urban America. Urbana: University of Illinois Press. 7) Scaruffi, P. (2005, January 1). A History of Jazz Music. A History of Jazz Music. Retrieved April 26, 2014, from http://www.scaruffi.com/history/jazz1.html 8) Slavery in America. (2009, January 1). History.com. Retrieved April 17, 2014, from http://www.history.com/topics/black-history/slavery 9) Stearns, M. W., & Stearns, J. (1968). Jazz dance; the story of American vernacular dance. New York: Macmillan. 10) White, S., & White, G. J. (2005). The sounds of slavery: discovering African American history through songs, sermons, and speech. Boston: Beacon Press.

“Lifting the Veil: Understanding the Roots of Islamic Militancy” by Henry Munson Essay

The article discussed the reasons behind Muslim hostility towards the United States. The article first appeared in Harvard International Review, Winter 2004, pp. 20-23.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Author Henry Munson focused on the reasons why Islamic militancy, led by Osama bin Laden, continues to take its toll despite United States’ efforts through its foreign policy to eradicate such violence. Munson stated that US might want to look at and reflect on their foreign policies, which causes much more hostility instead of diluting the rage that fuels Islamic militancy. Moreover, he noted that Muslim extremists also need to look at and reflect on the existence and perpetuation of hatred in their society that causes them to support militant and violent efforts leading to more chaos or war.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Muslims’ hostility towards the United States is caused by the latter’s foreign policies. Zogby International’s February and March 2003 survey of 2,620 men and women from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia revealed that their â€Å"unfavorable attitude† towards the US is primarily fueled by its foreign policy and has nothing to do with their own cultural or religious values. Another Zogby International survey in summer 2001 held that more than 80 percent of respondents from Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia viewed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as one of the three important issues that affects them. A survey of Muslim â€Å"opinion leaders† done by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press in December 2001 found that US position in this conflict is the main reason for Muslim hostility towards the US. Another report from Pew released on June 3, 2003, titled Views of Changing World June 2003, found that Muslim hostility towards the US has increased from 2002 to 2003. This report, done shortly after the fall of Saddam Hussein, proved that the Bush administration’s war on terror has caused a significant rise in why Muslims feel more hostile towards the US. Another Zogby International poll in 2003 found that most Arabs believed the reason behind US attack on Iraq is because of Iraqi oil reserves and US plan of helping Israel. This belief exacerbated fear from 70 percent of Israelis, Pakistanis, and Turks. According to a 2003 Pew report, they are worried or somewhat worried of a possible US attack to their countries. This finding is linked to another 2003 Pew report that revealed that over half of respondents in Indonesia, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority and almost half of respondents in Morocco and Pakistan named Osama bin Laden as one of the three world figures to whom they had confidence in â€Å"doing the right thing.† Understanding the roots of Islamic militancy is understanding Osama bin Laden’s roots. His hostility began when infidels occupied a Muslim land. This worsened when US deployed troops in Saudi Arabia, leading him to bomb two US embassies in Africa in 1998, and then directly attacking the US in 9/11. Despite this, 95 percent of educated Saudis supported him, as referenced by a New York Times article on January 27, 2002. With all these facts and figures, Munson stressed the need for both the US and the Islamic militants to examine their stands and beliefs because instead of easing the situation, it just keeps on getting worse. I agree with Munson’s contention that both sides need to look at and reflect on their own stands, beliefs, and plans, instead of looking at each other’s mistakes and blaming one another for having a different culture. However, do we see this happening anytime soon or in the near future perhaps? I do not think so because it seems impossible for each side to regard the other’s side as well as the side of the innocent ones that have been shattered and will be shattered because of war. It is easy to point out what needs to be done, however it is so difficult to realize this especially if each side is consumed and dedicated to pursuing its personal end. I do not want to sound pessimistic but probably no God or Allah will prevent future wars because as long as humans remain dissatisfied and selfish, wars are here to stay. Summary of â€Å"Blowback Revisited: Today’s Insurgents in Iraq are Tomorrow’s Terrorists† by Peter Bergen and Alec Reynolds   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The article contended that the foreign volunteers fighting against United States’ troops in Iraq will find new targets around the world after the war ceases, just like how international mujahideen, who were drawn in the Afghan conflict, found new attacks that culminated in the 9/11 blowback. The article first appeared in Foreign Affairs, Vol. 84, No. 6, November/December 2005, pp. 2-6. Authors Bergen and Reynolds bolstered their argument by enumerating several examples of where blowbacks were felt, which rooted in the Soviet-Afghan conflict.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Foreign volunteers in Afghanistan regarded the Soviet defeat as Muslim victory that gave them legitimacy and prestige, as well as opportunity to declare jihad or holy war to Muslim countries they think needed their assistance. For instance, Armed Islamic Group (GIA) murdered thousands of Algerians in the 1990s in its attempt to overthrow the government and replace it with an Islamist command.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Moreover, in Egypt, after the 1981 assassination of President Anwar Sadat, hundreds of extremists left the country to train in the Afghan war. When they came back, they led a terror campaign between 1990 and 1997 that killed thousands of people. Egyptian Cleric Sheik Omar Abdel Rahman, who was said to have inspired Sadat’s assassins, supported the Afghan jihad and encouraged his two sons to fight the war. He even provided spiritual direction to terrorist group Jamaat al-Islamiyya. Furthermore, he encouraged attacks on New York City landmarks and was sentenced to life imprisonment for bombing the World Trade Center in 1993. However, Jamaat al-Islamiyya’s 1997 attack at an archaeological site in Luxor, Egypt forced his release.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But the most famous alumnus of the Afghan jihad happens to be Osama bin Laden, who carried jihad beyond the Middle East into the United States, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. US presence in Saudi Arabia caused his Al-Qaeda’s grievance, leading him to attack two embassies in Africa in 1998, nearly sinking U.S.S. Cole in Yemen in 2000, and finally attacking the World Trade Center and Pentagon in 2001.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Afghan experience enabled these militants to be trained in warfare and tactics, meet other like-minded militants, and therefore create and inspire a myriad of extremist organizations all over the world. This is what Bergen and Reynolds predict to take event with the foreign fighters in Iraq war; only this time it will be more dangerous. This is because foreign fighters have been battle-hardened, have undergone more rigorous training, and have more knowledge on effective tactics and techniques.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Bergen and Reynolds also stressed the possibility that foreign involvement in the Iraqi war will encourage Iraqi nationals to become international terrorists. Since they are culturally closer to the foreigners in Iraq, they may think of continuing jihad once US troops move out. With US efforts, only a finite number of terrorists can be lured into one place and killed. Moreover, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld already stressed that US lacks metrics to know if they are winning or losing the war and the Bush administration has not actually dwell on the problem of what the foreign fighters can do after the war. With all these, a blowback against US and its allies in Europe and Middle East is rightly expected. If blowback happened after the Afghan conflict, much of the blame should be placed on the US government and the Arab money for funding the war. Now if blowback will happen again, who is to be blamed but the ones who funded the war. It is frustrating that because of all these terrorism and attacks, a lot of innocent lives are destroyed. But it is not only they, the ones torn by the bombings and gunshots, who are victims to these senseless battles. Muslims all over the world are torn by the judgment, name calling, and paranoia of some cultures that fear the own snake they have unleashed. The United States will never know if it has won or lost in the Iraqi war and in the future wars it will be involved in, because the fact is, in a war nobody wins. Everybody is a loser.

Causes and Effects of War and Violence to the civilian essays

Causes and Effects of War and Violence to the civilian essays Causes and Effects of War and Violence to the Military and Civilian Although most of these texts all in some way involve war and violence, they all have their own little personal stories within them. I found the War and Violence section to be one of the most interesting because some of the stories involved either actually real people, or real events that have occurred in our time. . My belief is one of the most common causes of war are the people or civilians so in this case war defiantly has an effect on people, but also on soldiers. The argument that I will be supporting to you is what the stories I have chosen say about the effects of war and violence on the military and civilians. The first text that I will be relating to is Anthony Hechts More Light More Light. This story to me once I totally understood it was almost horrific to read. It is a poem that is written about what went on in a concentration camp during the age of the holocaust. Right off the bat, Composed in the Tower before his execution, this beginning is immediate to the fact of the violence that is occurring to an innocent Jew. but the death was horrible, The sack of gunpowder failing to ignite. His legs were blistered sticks on which the black sap bubbled and burst as he howled for the Kindly Light A poor man living a horrible death is begging for the Kindly Light which in this case is Heaven. Due to the fact that this poem is about the holocaust you almost immediately wonder if such a death like this has actually occurred. Also this poem brings in the death of three men to which two are buried alive by a pole and then the pole is murdered in his own dignity. No Light No Light in the blue Polish eye this line sums up what has happened to the man who had to burry two other alive, then for him not cooperating he was killed in his own dignity. War and violence not only effect those who ...

A Reflection on Alpha Kappa Psi Core Values

A Reflection on Alpha Kappa Psi Core Values In considering the core values of Alpha Kappa Psi, I am struck by how simple and practical they are. They are written to provide guidance and inspiration, while avoiding preaching at members. If the pledge class pays attention to and abides by these principles, our experience in college and beyond is likely to be a positive one.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on A Reflection on Alpha Kappa Psi Core Values specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The first Alpha Kappa Psi value is BROTHERHOOD. This is clearly not simply the sibling relationship that many of us are familiar with from our own homes. We are not called on merely to avoid hurting each other, or to take turns, or to share nicely, as we are expected to do with our biological siblings. This is meant to be a different sort of relationship, representing the best way we treat our blood brothers and sisters, plus something more, something not necessarily found in a family. After all, we cannot choose our siblings, but we have, ourselves, chosen, and been chosen, reciprocally, to affiliate with this Alpha Kappa Psi brotherhood. This means that we should appreciate and value each other, no matter whether we think we are likely to become buddies or close friends, rather than merely accepting each other’s right to exist grudgingly. The words â€Å"duty† and â€Å"respect† appear in the PEP manual, and these are important. If we treat each other respectfully, as a welcome duty, the â€Å"fondness† will probably follow. We should be prepared to support each other and work for each other’s success in all things associated with our college life, and afterwards as well. We should be able to depend on each other, in the same way that blood brothers and sisters can, under the best of circumstances. The exercise of behaving in a respectful and caring way towards another person, just because they are in the same organization, i s a very useful one. I expect that it will help me immensely when I am working in any corporate setting. I will need to cooperate productively with a variety of other people, even if I might not have selected them out of a crowd to share a beer or a pizza. The PEP manual also mentions stewardship; this means taking care of something that may benefit others whom we may not even know. In pledging Alpha Kappa Psi, we are becoming part of something that has been around for decades, and goes beyond just the members of the chapter where we pledged, or the brothers and sisters we hang out with. We have the same responsibility to take care of members from other years, and other chapters of the fraternity as we do to our own pledge class. I look forward to depending, myself, on this national network of people who will be more likely than strangers would be to take my phone call or respond to a request for help or information.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let' s see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A second value is KNOWLEDGE, and the goal of â€Å"lifelong learning†. This is a really appealing goal, and sounds like it will be fairly easy to honor. We are asked to invest effort in learning as much as we can now, when we are in college, which means concentrating on our coursework to get the most out of this experience. This value also directs us to continue that process throughout our professional lives. This implies, to me, among other things, maintaining a flexible mental attitude that allows for absorption of new ideas. In both my subject areas of management information science and finance, this skill is critical. I hope, as a pledge, brother, and graduate, to develop and apply the ability to remain nimble mentally, so that I can keep up with developments in these swiftly changing fields. This core value also encourages us to share our experience and expertise with our brothers and sisters. The founding members undoubtedly did not intend for this to mean sharing exam questions! On the other hand, it would certainly include helping a brother or sister prepare for a test, or practice an oral presentation, or proof-read a resume. To fulfill this part of the fraternity’s goals as a graduate, I would expect to make myself available to talk with younger fraternity members about my company or the fields of finance or management information systems generally. I look forward to being a mentor to new members in future years, and to helping fellow members in any way I can. I also hope to benefit from the help and advice of alumni/ae, myself, as I look for internships, summer jobs, and positions after graduation. We are also called on to share our expertise with people outside the fraternity; everyone whom we work with and interact with out in the business world. The third value is INTEGRITY. This is a word and concept which many people may have begun to believe no longer belongs with the word â€Å"business†. My cohort of business graduates will enter the workplace just when the reputations of some major elements in the world economy (for example, the banking and mortgage sector, Toyota, adulterated Chinese food products) are worthless. This will be both a challenge and an opportunity for us, as members of Alpha Kappa Psi. Our fraternity membership imposes on us a constant reminder of the expected Alpha Kappa Psi standard of behavior. The honesty, ethics, and fairness of our behavior can be an example to each other and to those outside Alpha Kappa Psi. How does this translate into how we act while we are in college? Several easy examples come to mind. We can refrain from cheating, and we can choose to act straightforwardly in our social relations. Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on A Reflection on Alpha Kappa Psi Core Values specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The firs t might translate into learning how to do honest individual research efficiently and swiftly for our papers and projects so that we are not tempted to copy and paste or take other academic shortcuts where we should not. The second might take the form of not promising to call someone we know socially when, in fact, we have no intention of doing so. It could also take the form of not undercutting another member in an officer election contest. It certainly would include following the Alpha Kappa Psi guidelines about alcohol, drugs, hazing, and so forth. The experience of adhering to Alpha Kappa Psi standards of ethical behavior in college will prepare and inform me to face tough ethical decisions, and choose wisely once we are in the workplace fulltime. SERVICEA is another Alpha Kappa Psi value. This value is important as a healthy balance to the profit goals that we are being taught to pursue in business. Service can mean volunteering in the community, or on campus, while we are stil l students. Having a service oriented mindset means that we make time routinely in our lives for charitable events, and try to support them whenever we can, especially if Alpha Kappa Psi is sponsoring them. When we are in the business world, we can try to find ways to serve the community by making choices such as sourcing supplies locally, hiring locally, choosing to site a business where it will build up the community rather than eviscerate a downtown, ensuring that there is a career ladder for people with minimal starting qualifications, and of course the obvious option of partnering with charities to help them raise money. I look forward to finding creative ways to serve, and expect to learn new skills from the experience. UNITY is the last core value, and it is also the least specific. I see it as calling on Alpha Kappa Psi members to be willing to help the chapter and the fraternity survive and thrive over time. This might translate into being willing to serve as officer in th e chapter, train new members, take training myself, if available, and help in colonizing other campuses, if needed. Unity also means being an active and supportive graduate. It certainly means donating generously to support the organization’s programs once I have an income stream. The value of unity might also involve volunteering to be an alumni chapter advisor, recommending incoming freshmen to the chapter, or finding some other way to use my personal gifts to serve Alpha Kappa Psi and its goals. As I see it, one of the great benefits of a fraternity membership is the chance to become comfortable with people of a variety of ages, from freshmen to the â€Å"old guard†. Learning to work cooperatively and gracefully on fraternity business with people of many different ages cannot help but be an asset later on in the workplace.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Brotherhood, knowledge, integrity, service, unity: these are the values that pledging Alpha Kappa Psi will commit me to support and live out creatively in my college years and beyond. I look forward to growing as a person over the rest of my undergraduate years. I feel sure that this growth will be enhanced by spending time and effort in the company of Alpha Kappa Psi brothers and the values we share and try to put into practice in the course of our daily lives and work.

Write an theoretical analysis on your Diagnostic essay using your

Write an theoretical analysis on your Diagnostic using your summary on Ways of Reading - Essay Example One of the important lessons that I acquired in the process of reading is that it is generally an active process (Bartholomae and Anthony 24). Reading usually entails the search of information by way of communication with the author. The book provides valuable tips and strategies that can help students struggling with English on ways of improving their reading and writing skills. As an active process good reading practices demands that students attempt to get deeper into the thinking of the author by responding to some of the claims made in the book or providing their feelings on the same. Such a way of reading is important in the sense that it helps the student to understand the deeper meanings of the text. The method also helps the students acquire new vocabularies and ideas in ways that are easy to recall. Another important benefit of applying the strategy of active reading is that the student manages to improve his writing skills by observing the new ways and creative manner in which the author develops his writing skills. After reading different books, I have learnt to identify the beauty of words by observing the creative ways in which they have been used. I now know that both reading and writing are arts that can be acquired, developed or lost depending on the way in which students engage in them. Before I read Ways of Reading, I had many problems with grammar and sentence structures. I used to write very long sentences that had a lot of grammatical and punctuation mistakes. After reading the book, I have learnt to observe the rules of sentences and punctuation in different texts, which have helped me to sharpen my own skills in the process. Another important point that is made in the book is that good writers are always good readers. It is not easy for a person to develop good writing skills if he or she does not enjoy reading. The way of reading must be involving on the part of the

Regressing Japans economic growth Literature review

Regressing Japans economic growth - Literature review Example This article is therefore relevant because it addresses the key points related to the yen/$ exchange rate and points to the prolonged stagnation in Japan. Hamada and Okada, in this article argue that in the 1980s, Japanese economy was marked by a phase of a speculative bubble. In the course of the 1980s, the state had a large commercial surplus with the U.S, exporting far much than its imports. Japan gained from a devalued currency, meaning that its exports became cheaper for the United States. Japans exports really flourished during this era till the leading American policy elites got concerned about the â€Å"disruptive force† of Japan in American economic living. To get a solution to this commercial imbalance, the Japanese regime permitted the yen to appreciate alongside the dollar in early 1986. This shortly led to an economic contraction and a decrease in the export-based electronics, automobile, and steel industry. The Central Bank of Japan made an effort to alleviate a weakening economy by lowering the official interest, which resulted in the historical documentation of high stock prices that were at the peak in 1989. The article further suggests that the large commercial surpluses, the low interest rates, and the strong yen swelled Japan’s monetary supply. The auto industry, which was the countries stronghold in industrial economy had dominated the markets, and wanted speculative outlets for their huge savings. On the other hand, banks were enthusiastic to lend money to people to purchase real estates. In 1987, when the gross national product (GNP) in Japan was 345 trillion yen, monetary assets went up by 382 trillion yen, as the land assets increased at 374 trillion yen. In addition, the banks... Even though Japan went through a crisis especially the worldwide recession in 2008, its present depression can be traced back to late 1980s and early 1990s as well as the collapse of the Equity markets and its housing. Many economists have researched on the â€Å"lost decade†, developing arguments about the causes and suitable policy responses that explain the issue. According to Schaltegger, C. A., & Weder, M, 2013, the monetary policy of the Bank of Japan at the end of 1980s is similar to the Federal Reserve’s strategy before the global financial catastrophe. Interest rates had been maintained at uniquely low levels for some good time even though the economic growth was strong and robust price increases in a number of financial assets were present. Interest rates then went up decisively and repeatedly from 2.5% to 6% in a period of 16 months. In the same way, the US learned the most important lessons as a result of the great depression; that monetary policy was too procyclical and restrictive, resulting to a downward spiral and deflation in economic activity. The federal reserve in America has committed itself to maintain interest rates close to zero till it reaches mid 2015 even if it means economic activities might be stronger than it is expected at present. On the other hand, Japan reduced interest rates more gradually from six to three percent within the foremost 15 months of the crisis. In connection to this, the impact was that persistent problems in the monetary field, slow growth, and deflation led Japans bank to lessen interest rates further to approximately 0.5% in September 1995.