John Updike’s A&P Essay

The nineteen fifties marked the era of differences between the parents and their children. Not until the nineteen sixties was there turning point in the nation. The generation gaps are the differences amongst the younger generation and their elders, and mainly amongst children and their parents. Generation gap still occurs today, in thing varying from behavior, to genres of music, and even in usage of language. The new generations try to express themselves as something different from the old, embracing new slang, trying to form a separation between themselves and the previous generation. In John Updike’s â€Å"A &P†, a teenage boy named Sammy works at a local store called A&P. Sammy is a young casher, that stands up to his boss and he stands up for three girls who are dressed in bathing suits. Sammy lives in a small town, where nothing really happens. There is a struggle within every teenager. Sammy doesn’t like his job at the store or the store itself, and he finds the customers to be like sheep. â€Å"All this while, the customers had been showing up with their carts, you know, sheep, seeing a scene, they had all bunched up on Stokesie†¦Ã¢â‚¬ (Updike 1170). The girls were like a pinball and the store is like the pinball machine, because Sammy could only see the girl’s heads as they went through the aisles, â€Å" the whole store was like a pinball machine and I didn’t know which tunnel they’d come out of†(Updike1169). Lengel is like a kingpin, because he is the manager of the store. Sammy’s observations on the people in the store build up on his internal conflict. According to Joseph Lostracco’s â€Å"Analyzing Short Stories†, Sammy shows an internal conflict between his limitation due to social class and the need to be admired (Lostracco 99). This conflict becomes a pparent when Sammy struggles between wanting to stand up for Queenie and her friends and the desire to be liked by others by not saying anything to Lengel. The other ‘market dwellers’ were shocked, with Queenie and her friends for walking into the store wearing bathing suits and no shoes. Sammy’s conflict occurs when his manager Lengel was telling the girls they couldn’t wear swimsuits out in public. Lengel found it to be inappropriate for women to be in swimsuits in public places, Lengel tells the girls â€Å"Girls this isn’t the beach† (Updike 1169). Updike states â€Å"Its one thing to have a girl in a bathing suit down on the beach, where what with the glare nobody can look at each other much anyway, and another thing in the cool of the A&P†¦.†(Updike 1168). According to Lostracco, Sammy’s  conflict becomes an external one between him and the grocery store manger. Sammy feels that if he comes to the girls’ rescue he will win their favor (Lostracco 99). Sammy feels like he can impress the girls, but the girls left before he quit. There is a conflict for approval in every culture. There were generation gaps going on during the nineteen fifties and nineteen sixties, the young people wanting different things from their parents. But the big turning point in culture was not during the nineteen fifties, but in the nineteen sixties. The Young people wanted to feel free, and be their own people. Queenie wanting to be part of the movement and Sammy is stuck between the two generations. Lengel claims that the girls are embarrassing themselves, where as Sammy states that â€Å"You didn’t have to embarrass them†(Updike 1170). Even if society is able to determine its own moral code and culture, it doesn’t fulfill everyone’s needs. According to Lostracco the tone achieved in â€Å"A&P† is based on humor at the expense of growing up. Updike handily illustrates the impulsivity of youth who yearn to be accepted (Lostracco 100). The three girls gets Sammy’s attention when they walked into the grocery store, wearing only their bathing suits. Sammy describes each of the girls in great detail, but goes in more detail with Queenie then with her friends. Queenie is the leader of her group, she’s confident. Sammy thinks that Queenie is ideal but not perfect, â€Å"She has sort of okay hair that the sun and salt had bleached done up in a bun†(Updike 1168). Sammy likes the girls and he thinks about them a lot- how they interact, and what they wear and goes into great detail of how they look. Sammy describes Lengel is strict, uptight and is you’re stereotypical boss. Lengel is a hard worker who is misunderstood and he takes Sammy’s place when Sammy quits his job. Sammy also sees Lengel as someone who doesn’t miss much-â€Å"Sunday school superintendent.† Lengel hides in his office all day. Lengel tries to explain to Sammy when he quits that he is hurting his parents, and that Lengel has known Sammy’s parents for years, â€Å" Sammy, you don’t want to do this to your mom and Dad†(Updike 1171). Sammy realizes that he doesn’t want to do this to his parents, but Sammy is his own person. Sammy rebels against the store, because how Lengel treated the three girls. Lengel criticizes the girls because they are wearing bathing suits. The bathing suits symbolize the girls’ neglect of the social rules of their small town. For Sammy the bathing suits symbolize freedom and a getaway from the world that he is  stuck in. Coming from two different generations Sammy and Lengel sees the girls wearing the bat hing suits from different sides. Lengel criticizing the girls symbolizing Sammy trying to find out who he wants to be. Sammy is a hero, because he stood up not only for Queenie and her friends, but also for something he thought was ok. The nineteen sixties had transformed the nation. The nineteen sixties was the turning point for the United States. According to Rennay Craats people demonstrated for the end of the war and racial discrimination (Craats 4). The nineteen sixties were full of huge protests, some of which turned violent. People protested racism, the war in Vietnam, and the government. The Civil rights movement had spread across the nation, as many young Americans protested to get the nations attention about the civil rights. Sammy was stuck between wanting to be his own person and wanting to make his parents happy. According to Lostracco, Sammy’s rebellion can see as a reaction to the basic morality he faces in his hometown, a very ordinary and uneventful small town (Lostracco 100). Queenie was ‘the leader’ of the group. Sammy realized how hard life was going to be for him after he quit his job, â€Å"My stomach kind of fell as I felt how hard the world was going to be to me hereafter†(Updike 1171). Sammy knew that he did what he thought was best for him, even though it might mean people being upset with him. Today the gaps are getting bigger due to the massive amounts of technology the younger g enerations use. During the nineteen sixties Americans took part took part in the social revolution. Taking part in peace, and social justice. Women were looking for equality, the younger generation looking to be different. Queenie and her friends wanted to be able to walk into the grocery store in the swimming suits and with no shoes, and having it be a problem. Today it is more acceptable for women to walk into grocery stores with shorts and a swimsuit on then it was in the nineteen sixties. Sammy had a reason to stand up to his boss Lengel and be his own person, because of how Lengel was criticizing the three girls. Generation gaps have been going gone for years. Sammy was trying to ‘find himself’, during the story. Sammy stood up for what he thought was right, and helped out the three girls. John Updike uses first person to describe the experience of the three girls in the store, and Sammy’s experience of working there. John Updike shows in A&P just because people believe in something doesn’t mean you have to believe in the same thing.  There is a co nflict that occurs in not just in teenagers but also the adults every day. Work cited Craats, Rennay. â€Å"History of 1960’s†. Weigl Publishers Inc., 2002. http://books.google.com/books?id=1tm_44Ln4EUC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false. November 14, 2012 Hawthorne, Nathaniel. â€Å"Young Goodman Brown.† Fiction 100 an anthology of short fiction. Thirteenth edition. New Jersey,2012. Lostracco, Joseph. â€Å"Analyzing Short Stories.† Seventh edition. Revised printing. 1992.

Social Work Law

This assignment involves a case study where Ralph, a fourteen year old boy, is currently in foster care because his mother; Kerry, felt she was unable to control him due to his behaviour. However, Kerry has now expressed that she is unhappy with this foster placement and has requested that her son be returned to live with her and his two younger brothers. The scenario becomes more complex owing to the fact that Ralph has disclosed that his mother had regularly hit him with a walking stick. In this essay I will seek to consider the main practice issues raised by the scenario of the case study. Using the materials provided within the course along with my own professional experience, I will outline relevant legislation whilst demonstrating the significance it has on the assessment and any subsequent intervention that may be required in the given situation Section 1 of the Children Act 1989 clearly states; ‘When a court determines any question with respect to – (a) the upbringing or a child; or (b) the administration of a child’s property or the application of any income arising from it, the child’s welfare shall be the court’s paramount consideration. s. 1(1)] This reflects the social work professional’s prime concern. Bearing this in mind, as the social worker involved in this case study, I would initially want to identify whether any of the children involved were at imminent risk of significant harm. The support and protection of children cannot be achieved by a single agency. †¦ Every service has to play its part. All staff mu st have placed upon them the clear expectation that there primary responsibility is to the child and his or her family. (DH and Home Office, 2003, paras 17. 92-17. 93) The Children Act 2004 obliges all agencies that come into contact working with children must share information and work together to safeguard the welfare of children. My primary task would be to arrange a safeguarding strategy meeting. This would facilitate the sharing of information between professionals whilst also determining the most appropriate course of action to take next. Those attending the meeting would include; the area Child Protection Officer, an education professional (such as the appointed Child Protection teacher), the police, a health professional (such as the school nurse) and the social worker. Other agencies may also be asked to attend such as the youth offending team or CAMHS (Children and adolescent mental health service). At the meeting, the professionals will discuss the best response to the allegations and the extent of risk that is posed towards the three children involved. There are several different options that can be decided. After careful consideration and agreement, it might be the general consensus that no further action is needed and the case will be subsequently dropped. However with this case study there is an allegation of physical abuse which would suggest the family would be in need of some kind of assistance, thus Ralph may be recognised as a child in need. Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 states a child is in need if he/she is unlikely to achieve or maintain a reasonable standard of health or development. [s. 17 (a)]. Ralph has not been attending school regularly. Subsequently this will lead to him falling behind and not developing educationally. Ralph has also started to drink alcohol and has also taken to staying out late, on one occasion not returning home until the following day. This behaviour obviously poses a risk to his health; nevertheless, it could also lead to a risk of significant harm. The threshold to identify when a need becomes a risk can vary depending on the professional making that assessment. Choosing to bring professionals together to a strategy meeting will ensure that the threshold is one that is safe and appropriate. The allegation from Ralph about his mother hitting him with a stick which was hard enough to cause severe bruising is without doubt a concerning factor. The strategy meeting would need to assess whether Ralph and/or his siblings were children in need (s 17) or whether there were rounds for a child protection enquiry. The Children Act 1989, section 47 states that the Local Authority must investigate if it has ‘reasonable cause‘ to suspect that a child is suffering significant harm. This is also known as a section 47 enquiry. Ralph says he has been the victim of physical abuse and that this was a reoccurring act. As a social worker I would have to investigate this further. The questions I would want to find answers to would include; Are Ralph’s siblings at risk from experiencing similar physical abuse? Is Ralph at risk of suffering from physical abuse if he returns home to his mother? I would also want to look further into the causes behind Ralph’s truancy and why he has started to engage in anti-social behaviour. Could this be a result of a breakdown in his relationship with his mother? Or are there problems with the home environment? When Ralph disclosed that his mother hit him with a stick, he said that he did not want anyone else to know. With this we encounter a conflict of what Ralph wishes and the professional duty of the worker. When working with young people it is important to make sure that they are aware of and understand the agency’s confidentiality policy. As a social worker I would explain to Ralph, within his level of understanding, that I will have to record some of the information he shares with me. However if he shares information that suggests that himself or someone else could be at risk of harm then this information will have to be shared appropriately and if required acted upon. As the social worker involved with this case, I would want to carry out an assessment before Ralph returns home to his Mother. However, Ralph is in foster care voluntarily which means that his mother can return him home as she wishes. Under section 20 of the Children Act 1989, any person who has parental responsibility for a child may at any time remove the child from accommodation provided by or on behalf of the Local Authority under this section [s. 20 (8) ]. Nonetheless, section 20 would be the most desirable option as it would be the least oppressive way to accommodate the young person while the assessment takes place. This would require cooperation from Kerry, Ralph’s mother. I would visit Kerry and try to explain the situation and the concerns that I and the other professionals had. This is likely to have a evastating impact on Kerry so this must be done in a sensitive way. The local authority is under obligation to work in partnership with the families of children in need or at risk. Sections 22 and 61 of the Children Act 1989 require local authorities and voluntary organisations to consult, where reasonably possible, with the child and the parents before making any decision in relation to the child (Block 3, p103). Before considering keeping Ralph in foster care, I would want to explore other options of residence. The case study does not mention Ralph’s birth father or whether he currently has a relationship with him. This would need to be investigated. There may also be other relatives who might be in a position to look after Ralph, for example; the possibility of living with Grandparent’s, Aunt’s and Uncle’s would be worth exploring. It may also be necessary to accommodate George and Dan while the assessment takes place. However, unlike Ralph, they appear to have a relationship with their father, Sam. Sam will have joint parental responsibility for George and Dan but as he is not the birth father for Ralph, he will not automatically have parental responsibility for him. However, he may obtain parental responsibility by obtaining an order from the court, or through a formal parental responsibility agreement with Kerry. Alternatively, Sam could apply for a residence order which settles the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom a child lives. There are two categories of applicant, those who can apply ‘as of right’ and those who require ‘leave of court’ (CA 1989, s. 8). As Ralph lived with his mother and Sam for six years, Sam could apply as of right. With all this said, a further initial assessment would need to be done on Sam prior to Ralph taking up residence with his step-father. Furthermore, it is very unlikely that Ralph would want to live with Sam, given his feelings that are stated in the case study. As with the parents being included in decision making in relation to the child, so must the child himself. As previously mentioned, the less oppressive option would be for Ralph to stay with a family member or to keep Ralph in his foster placement voluntarily. This would need to be with agreement from Kerry. However, in the event of Kerry not agreeing, there are other less favourable options to consider. The local authority may apply to the court for a section 31 or section 38 orders under the Children Act 1989. A section 31 court order can be given on the grounds that the child involved is suffering or likely to suffer significant harm due to the care being given to him, or likely to be given to him, or the child being beyond parental control [s. 31(2)]. In Ralph’s case I feel if a court order was required to accommodate him, a Section 38 would be more appropriate. An Interim care order (S. 38) granted by the court will give the local authority a period of time, for up to eight weeks, to investigate the child’s circumstances [s. 8(4) and (5)]. This would allow time to carry out an assessment on the needs of the family to identify if it is safe for Ralph to return home and to assess if there are any services that the family require to assist with the breakdown of the relationship. Before issuing a section 31 or 38 court order, the court must take into account some facto rs. Taking the child’s welfare as the paramount consideration, there should be a presumption that there is no order unless making one would be better for the child. This is also known as the ‘no order principle’. Both of these court orders also require a welfare checklist. The welfare checklist considers a range of factors before discharging an order including: The wishes of the child; any physical, emotional and educational needs; age, sex and any other characteristics that may be relevant; any harm suffered or at risk of suffering and the capability of the parents at meeting the child’s needs [ACA 2002, s1 (40)]. As a social worker I will be striving to achieve the best possible outcomes for the children I work with. The white paper, Every Child Matters identifies five areas of outcome: be health; stay safe; enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic wellbeing. (DfES, 2004) To summarise my hypothetical involvement with this case study, as a social work professional working within social work legislation I would firstly take the welfare of the child or children as my primary consideration. When assessing the circumstances of the family and intervening in such a case, I would do so in a way that was anti-oppressive, which would mean using the least intrusive means of power available. It would require me to be non-judgemental, treating each individual with respect in line with article 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights. I would ensure to work in a professional manner at all times, abiding by the GSCC code of practice (Codes of Practice, 2002). I would work closely with professionals, sharing information to those who need to know only. I would strive to achieve the best possible of the five outcomes for children and young people I would always adhere to lawful policies whilst continually reflecting and evaluating my own practice.

Twilight 22. HIDE-AND-SEEK

22. HIDE-AND-SEEK It had taken much less time than I'd thought – all the terror, the despair, the shattering of my heart. The minutes were ticking by more slowly than usual. Jasper still hadn't come back when I returned to Alice. I was afraid to be in the same room with her, afraid that she would guess†¦ and afraid to hide from her for the same reason. I would have thought I was far beyond the ability to be surprised, my thoughts tortured and unstable, but I was surprised when I saw Alice bent over the desk, gripping the edge with two hands. â€Å"Alice?† She didn't react when I called her name, but her head was slowly rocking side to side, and I saw her face. Her eyes were blank, dazed†¦ My thoughts flew to my mother. Was I already too late? I hurried to her side, reaching out automatically to touch her hand. â€Å"Alice!† Jasper's voice whipped, and then he was right behind her, his hands curling over hers, loosening them from their grip on the table. Across the room, the door swung shut with a low click. â€Å"What is it?† he demanded. She turned her face away from me, into his chest. â€Å"Bella,† she said. â€Å"I'm right here,† I replied. Her head twisted around, her eyes locking on mine, their expression still strangely blank. I realized at once that she hadn't been speaking to me, she'd been answering Jasper's question. â€Å"What did you see?† I said – and there was no question in my flat, uncaring voice. Jasper looked at me sharply. I kept my expression vacant and waited. His eyes were confused as they flickered swiftly between Alice's face and mine, feeling the chaos†¦ for I could guess what Alice had seen now. I felt a tranquil atmosphere settle around me. I welcomed it, using it to keep my emotions disciplined, under control. Alice, too, recovered herself. â€Å"Nothing, really,† she answered finally, her voice remarkably calm and convincing. â€Å"Just the same room as before.† She finally looked at me, her expression smooth and withdrawn. â€Å"Did you want breakfast?† â€Å"No, I'll eat at the airport.† I was very calm, too. I went to the bathroom to shower. Almost as if I were borrowing Jasper's strange extra sense, I could feel Alice's wild – though well-concealed – desperation to have me out of the room, to be alone with Jasper. So she could tell him that they were doing something wrong, that they were going to fail†¦ I got ready methodically, concentrating on each little task. I left my hair down, swirling around me, covering my face. The peaceful mood Jasper created worked its way through me and helped me think clearly. Helped me plan. I dug through my bag until I found my sock full of money. I emptied it into my pocket. I was anxious to get to the airport, and glad when we left by seven. I sat alone this time in the back of the dark car. Alice leaned against the door, her face toward Jasper but, behind her sunglasses, shooting glances in my direction every few seconds. â€Å"Alice?† I asked indifferently. She was wary. â€Å"Yes?† â€Å"How does it work? The things that you see?† I stared out the side window, and my voice sounded bored. â€Å"Edward said it wasn't definite†¦ that things change?† It was harder than I would have thought to say his name. That must have been what alerted Jasper, why a fresh wave of serenity filled the car. â€Å"Yes, things change†¦Ã¢â‚¬  she murmured – hopefully, I thought. â€Å"Some things are more certain than others†¦ like the weather. People are harder. I only see the course they're on while they're on it. Once they change their minds – make a new decision, no matter how small – the whole future shifts.† I nodded thoughtfully. â€Å"So you couldn't see James in Phoenix until he decided to come here.† â€Å"Yes,† she agreed, wary again. And she hadn't seen me in the mirror room with James until I'd made the decision to meet him there. I tried not to think about what else she might have seen. I didn't want my panic to make Jasper more suspicious. They would be watching me twice as carefully now, anyway, after Alice's vision. This was going to be impossible. We got to the airport. Luck was with me, or maybe it was just good odds. Edward's plane was landing in terminal four, the largest terminal, where most flights landed – so it wasn't surprising that his was. But it was the terminal I needed: the biggest, the most confusing. And there was a door on level three that might be the only chance. We parked on the fourth floor of the huge garage. I led the way, for once more knowledgeable about my surroundings than they were. We took the elevator down to level three, where the passengers unloaded. Alice and Jasper spent a long time looking at the departing flights board. I could hear them discussing the pros and cons of New York, Atlanta, Chicago. Places I'd never seen. And would never see. I waited for my opportunity, impatient, unable to stop my toe from tapping. We sat in the long rows of chairs by the metal detectors, Jasper and Alice pretending to people-watch but really watching me. Every inch I shifted in my seat was followed by a quick glance out of the corner of their eyes. It was hopeless. Should I run? Would they dare to stop me physically in this public place? Or would they simply follow? I pulled the unmarked envelope out of my pocket and set it on top of Alice's black leather bag. She looked at me. â€Å"My letter,† I said. She nodded, tucking it under the top flap. He would find it soon enough. The minutes passed and Edward's arrival grew closer. It was amazing how every cell in my body seemed to know he was coming, to long for his coming. That made it very hard. I found myself trying to think of excuses to stay, to see him first and then make my escape. But I knew that was impossible if I was going to have any chance to get away. Several times Alice offered to go get breakfast with me. Later, I told her, not yet. I stared at the arrival board, watching as flight after flight arrived on time. The flight from Seattle crept closer to the top of the board. And then, when I had only thirty minutes to make my escape, the numbers changed. His plane was ten minutes early. I had no more time. â€Å"I think I'll eat now,† I said quickly. Alice stood. â€Å"I'll come with you.† â€Å"Do you mind if Jasper comes instead?† I asked. â€Å"I'm feeling a little†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I didn't finish the sentence. My eyes were wild enough to convey what I didn't say. Jasper stood up. Alice's eyes were confused, but – I saw to my relief- not suspicious. She must be attributing the change in her vision to some maneuver of the tracker's rather than a betrayal by me. Jasper walked silently beside me, his hand on the small of my back, as if he were guiding me. I pretended a lack of interest in the first few airport cafes, my head scanning for what I really wanted. And there it was, around the corner, out of Alice's sharp sight: the level-three ladies' room. â€Å"Do you mind?† I asked Jasper as we passed. â€Å"I'll just be a moment.† â€Å"I'll be right here,† he said. As soon as the door shut behind me, I was running. I remembered the time I had gotten lost from this bathroom, because it had two exits. Outside the far door it was only a short sprint to the elevators, and if Jasper stayed where he said he would, I'd never be in his line of sight. I didn't look behind me as I ran. This was my only chance, and even if he saw me, I had to keep going. People stared, but I ignored them. Around the corner the elevators were waiting, and I dashed forward, throwing my hand between the closing doors of a full elevator headed down. I squeezed in beside the irritated passengers, and checked to make sure that the button for level one had been pushed. It was already lit, and the doors closed. As soon as the door opened I was off again, to the sound of annoyed murmurs behind me. I slowed myself as I passed the security guards by the luggage carousels, only to break into a run again as the exit doors came into view. I had no way of knowing if Jasper was looking for me yet. I would have only seconds if he was following my scent. I jumped out the automatic doors, nearly smacking into the glass when they opened too slowly. Along the crowded curb there wasn't a cab in sight. I had no time. Alice and Jasper were either about to realize I was gone, or they already had. They would find me in a heartbeat. A shuttle to the Hyatt was just closing its doors a few feet behind me. â€Å"Wait!† I called, running, waving at the driver. â€Å"This is the shuttle to the Hyatt,† the driver said in confusion as he opened the doors. â€Å"Yes,† I huffed, â€Å"that's where I'm going.† I hurried up the steps. He looked askance at my luggage-less state, but then shrugged, not caring enough to ask. Most of the seats were empty. I sat as far from the other travelers as possible, and watched out the window as first the sidewalk, and then the airport, drifted away. I couldn't help imagining Edward, where he would stand at the edge of the road when he found the end of my trail. I couldn't cry yet, I told myself. I still had a long way to go. My luck held. In front of the Hyatt, a tired-looking couple was getting their last suitcase out of the trunk of a cab. I jumped out of the shuttle and ran to the cab, sliding into the seat behind the driver. The tired couple and the shuttle driver stared at me. I told the surprised cabbie my mother's address. â€Å"I need to get there as soon as possible.† â€Å"That's in Scottsdale,† he complained. I threw four twenties over the seat. â€Å"Will that be enough?† â€Å"Sure, kid, no problem.† I sat back against the seat, folding my arms across my lap. The familiar city began to rush around me, but I didn't look out the windows. I exerted myself to maintain control. I was determined not to lose myself at this point, now that my plan was successfully completed. There was no point in indulging in more terror, more anxiety. My path was set. I just had to follow it now. So, instead of panicking, I closed my eyes and spent the twenty minutes' drive with Edward. I imagined that I had stayed at the airport to meet Edward. I visualized how I would stand on my toes, the sooner to see his face. How quickly, how gracefully he would move through the crowds of people separating us. And then I would run to close those last few feet between us – reckless as always – and I would be in his marble arms, finally safe. I wondered where we would have gone. North somewhere, so he could be outside in the day. Or maybe somewhere very remote, so we could lay in the sun together again. I imagined him by the shore, his skin sparkling like the sea. It wouldn't matter how long we had to hide. To be trapped in a hotel room with him would be a kind of heaven. So many questions I still had for him. I could talk to him forever, never sleeping, never leaving his side. I could see his face so clearly now†¦ almost hear his voice. And, despite all the horror and hopelessness, I was fleetingly happy. So involved was I in my escapist daydreams, I lost all track of the seconds racing by. â€Å"Hey, what was the number?† The cabbie's question punctured my fantasy, letting all the colors run out of my lovely delusions. Fear, bleak and hard, was waiting to fill the empty space they left behind. â€Å"Fifty-eight twenty-one.† My voice sounded strangled. The cabbie looked at me, nervous that I was having an episode or something. â€Å"Here we are, then.† He was anxious to get me out of his car, probably hoping I wouldn't ask for my change. â€Å"Thank you,† I whispered. There was no need to be afraid, I reminded myself. The house was empty. I had to hurry; my mom was waiting for me, frightened, depending on me. I ran to the door, reaching up automatically to grab the key under the eave. I unlocked the door. It was dark inside, empty, normal. I ran to the phone, turning on the kitchen light on my way. There, on the whiteboard, was a ten-digit number written in a small, neat hand. My fingers stumbled over the keypad, making mistakes. I had to hang up and start again. I concentrated only on the buttons this time, carefully pressing each one in turn. I was successful. I held the phone to my ear with a shaking hand. It rang only once. â€Å"Hello, Bella,† that easy voice answered. â€Å"That was very quick. I'm impressed.† â€Å"Is my mom all right?† â€Å"She's perfectly fine. Don't worry, Bella, I have no quarrel with her. Unless you didn't come alone, of course.† Light, amused. â€Å"I'm alone.† I'd never been more alone in my entire life. â€Å"Very good. Now, do you know the ballet studio just around the corner from your home?† â€Å"Yes. I know how to get there.† â€Å"Well, then, I'll see you very soon.† I hung up. I ran from the room, through the door, out into the baking heat. There was no time to look back at my house, and I didn't want to see it as it was now – empty, a symbol of fear instead of sanctuary. The last person to walk through those familiar rooms was my enemy. From the corner of my eye, I could almost see my mother standing in the shade of the big eucalyptus tree where I'd played as a child. Or kneeling by the little plot of dirt around the mailbox, the cemetery of all the flowers she'd tried to grow. The memories were better than any reality I would see today. But I raced away from them, toward the corner, leaving everything behind me. I felt so slow, like I was running through wet sand – I couldn't seem to get enough purchase from the concrete. I tripped several times, once falling, catching myself with my hands, scraping them on the sidewalk, and then lurching up to plunge forward again. But at last I made it to the corner. Just another street now; I ran, sweat pouring down my face, gasping. The sun was hot on my skin, too bright as it bounced off the white concrete and blinded me. I felt dangerously exposed. More fiercely than I would have dreamed I was capable of, I wished for the green, protective forests of Forks†¦ of home. When I rounded the last corner, onto Cactus, I could see the studio, looking just as I remembered it. The parking lot in front was empty, the vertical blinds in all the windows drawn. I couldn't run anymore – I couldn't breathe; exertion and fear had gotten the best of me. I thought of my mother to keep my feet moving, one in front of the other. As I got closer, I could see the sign inside the door. It was handwritten on hot pink paper; it said the dance studio was closed for spring break. I touched the handle, tugged on it cautiously. It was unlocked. I fought to catch my breath, and opened the door. The lobby was dark and empty, cool, the air conditioner thrumming. The plastic molded chairs were stacked along the walls, and the carpet smelled like shampoo. The west dance floor was dark, I could see through the open viewing window. The east dance floor, the bigger room, was lit. But the blinds were closed on the window. Terror seized me so strongly that I was literally trapped by it. I couldn't make my feet move forward. And then my mother's voice called. â€Å"Bella? Bella?† That same tone of hysterical panic. I sprinted to the door, to the sound of her voice. â€Å"Bella, you scared me! Don't you ever do that to me again!† Her voice continued as I ran into the long, high-ceilinged room. I stared around me, trying to find where her voice was coming from. I heard her laugh, and I whirled to the sound. There she was, on the TV screen, tousling my hair in relief. It was Thanksgiving, and I was twelve. We'd gone to see my grandmother in California, the last year before she died. We went to the beach one day, and I'd leaned too far over the edge of the pier. She'd seen my feet flailing, trying to reclaim my balance. â€Å"Bella? Bella?† she'd called to me in fear. And then the TV screen was blue. I turned slowly. He was standing very still by the back exit, so still I hadn't noticed him at first. In his hand was a remote control. We stared at each other for a long moment, and then he smiled. He walked toward me, quite close, and then passed me to put the remote down next to the VCR. I turned carefully to watch him. â€Å"Sorry about that, Bella, but isn't it better that your mother didn't really have to be involved in all this?† His voice was courteous, kind. And suddenly it hit me. My mother was safe. She was still in Florida. She'd never gotten my message. She'd never been terrified by the dark red eyes in the abnormally pale face before me. She was safe. â€Å"Yes,† I answered, my voice saturated with relief. â€Å"You don't sound angry that I tricked you.† â€Å"I'm not.† My sudden high made me brave. What did it matter now? It would soon be over. Charlie and Mom would never be harmed, would never have to fear. I felt almost giddy. Some analytical part of my mind warned me that I was dangerously close to snapping from the stress. â€Å"How odd. You really mean it.† His dark eyes assessed me with interest. The irises were nearly black, just a hint of ruby around the edges. Thirsty. â€Å"I will give your strange coven this much, you humans can be quite interesting. I guess I can see the draw of observing you. It's amazing – some of you seem to have no sense of your own self-interest at all.† He was standing a few feet away from me, arms folded, looking at me curiously. There was no menace in his face or stance. He was so very average-looking, nothing remarkable about his face or body at all. Just the white skin, the circled eyes I'd grown so used to. He wore a pale blue, long-sleeved shirt and faded blue jeans. â€Å"I suppose you're going to tell me that your boyfriend will avenge you?† he asked, hopefully it seemed to me. â€Å"No, I don't think so. At least, I asked him not to.† â€Å"And what was his reply to that?† â€Å"I don't know.† It was strangely easy to converse with this genteel hunter. â€Å"I left him a letter.† â€Å"How romantic, a last letter. And do you think he will honor it?† His voice was just a little harder now, a hint of sarcasm marring his polite tone. â€Å"I hope so.† â€Å"Hmmm. Well, our hopes differ then. You see, this was all just a little too easy, too quick. To be quite honest, I'm disappointed. I expected a much greater challenge. And, after all, I only needed a little luck.† I waited in silence. â€Å"When Victoria couldn't get to your father, I had her find out more about you. There was no sense in running all over the planet chasing you down when I could comfortably wait for you in a place of my choosing. So, after I talked to Victoria, I decided to come to Phoenix to pay your mother a visit. I'd heard you say you were going home. At first, I never dreamed you meant it. But then I wondered. Humans can be very predictable; they like to be somewhere familiar, somewhere safe. And wouldn't it be the perfect ploy, to go to the last place you should be when you're hiding – the place that you said you'd be. â€Å"But of course I wasn't sure, it was just a hunch. I usually get a feeling about the prey that I'm hunting, a sixth sense, if you will. I listened to your message when I got to your mother's house, but of course I couldn't be sure where you'd called from. It was very useful to have your number, but you could have been in Antarctica for all I knew, and the game wouldn't work unless you were close by. â€Å"Then your boyfriend got on a plane to Phoenix. Victoria was monitoring them for me, naturally; in a game with this many players, I couldn't be working alone. And so they told me what I'd hoped, that you were here after all. I was prepared; I'd already been through your charming home movies. And then it was simply a matter of the bluff. â€Å"Very easy, you know, not really up to my standards. So, you see, I'm hoping you're wrong about your boyfriend. Edward, isn't it?† I didn't answer. The bravado was wearing off. I sensed that he was coming to the end of his gloat. It wasn't meant for me anyway. There was no glory in beating me, a weak human. â€Å"Would you mind, very much, if I left a little letter of my own for your Edward?† He took a step back and touched a palm-sized digital video camera balanced carefully on top of the stereo. A small red light indicated that it was already running. He adjusted it a few times, widened the frame. I stared at him in horror. â€Å"I'm sorry, but I just don't think he'll be able to resist hunting me after he watches this. And I wouldn't want him to miss anything. It was all for him, of course. You're simply a human, who unfortunately was in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and indisputably running with the wrong crowd, I might add.† He stepped toward me, smiling. â€Å"Before we begin†¦Ã¢â‚¬  I felt a curl of nausea in the pit of my stomach as he spoke. This was something I had not anticipated. â€Å"I would just like to rub it in, just a little bit. The answer was there all along, and I was so afraid Edward would see that and ruin my fun. It happened once, oh, ages ago. The one and only time my prey escaped me. â€Å"You see, the vampire who was so stupidly fond of this little victim made the choice that your Edward was too weak to make. When the old one knew I was after his little friend, he stole her from the asylum where he worked – I never will understand the obsession some vampires seem to form with you humans – and as soon as he freed her he made her safe. She didn't even seem to notice the pain, poor little creature. She'd been stuck in that black hole of a cell for so long. A hundred years earlier and she would have been burned at the stake for her visions. In the nineteen-twenties it was the asylum and the shock treatments. When she opened her eyes, strong with her fresh youth, it was like she'd never seen the sun before. The old vampire made her a strong new vampire, and there was no reason for me to touch her then.† He sighed. â€Å"I destroyed the old one in vengeance.† â€Å"Alice,† I breathed, astonished. â€Å"Yes, your little friend. I was surprised to see her in the clearing. So I guess her coven ought to be able to derive some comfort from this experience. I get you, but they get her. The one victim who escaped me, quite an honor, actually. â€Å"And she did smell so delicious. I still regret that I never got to taste†¦ She smelled even better than you do. Sorry – I don't mean to be offensive. You have a very nice smell. Floral, somehow†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He took another step toward me, till he was just inches away. He lifted a lock of my hair and sniffed at it delicately. Then he gently patted the strand back into place, and I felt his cool fingertips against my throat. He reached up to stroke my cheek once quickly with his thumb, his face curious. I wanted so badly to run, but I was frozen. I couldn't even flinch away. â€Å"No,† he murmured to himself as he dropped his hand, â€Å"I don't understand.† He sighed. â€Å"Well, I suppose we should get on with it. And then I can call your friends and tell them where to find you, and my little message.† I was definitely sick now. There was pain coming, I could see it in his eyes. It wouldn't be enough for him to win, to feed and go. There would be no quick end like I'd been counting on. My knees began to shake, and I was afraid I was going to fall. He stepped back, and began to circle, casually, as if he were trying to get a better view of a statue in a museum. His face was still open and friendly as he decided where to start. Then he slumped forward, into a crouch I recognized, and his pleasant smile slowly widened, grew, till it wasn't a smile at all but a contortion of teeth, exposed and glistening. I couldn't help myself- I tried to run. As useless as I knew it would be, as weak as my knees already were, panic took over and I bolted for the emergency door. He was in front of me in a flash. I didn't see if he used his hand or his foot, it was too fast. A crushing blow struck my chest – I felt myself flying backward, and then heard the crunch as my head bashed into the mirrors. The glass buckled, some of the pieces shattering and splintering on the floor beside me. I was too stunned to feel the pain. I couldn't breathe yet. He walked toward me slowly. â€Å"That's a very nice effect,† he said, examining the mess of glass, his voice friendly again. â€Å"I thought this room would be visually dramatic for my little film. That's why I picked this place to meet you. It's perfect, isn't it?† I ignored him, scrambling on my hands and knees, crawling toward the other door. He was over me at once, his foot stepping down hard on my leg. I heard the sickening snap before I felt it. But then I did feel it, and I couldn't hold back my scream of agony. I twisted up to reach for my leg, and he was standing over me, smiling. â€Å"Would you like to rethink your last request?† he asked pleasantly. His toe nudged my broken leg and I heard a piercing scream. With a shock, I realized it was mine. â€Å"Wouldn't you rather have Edward try to find me?† he prompted. â€Å"No!† I croaked. â€Å"No, Edward, don't-† And then something smashed into my face, throwing me back into the broken mirrors. Over the pain of my leg, I felt the sharp rip across my scalp where the glass cut into it. And then the warm wetness began to spread through my hair with alarming speed. I could feel it soaking the shoulder of my shirt, hear it dripping on the wood below. The smell of it twisted my stomach. Through the nausea and dizziness I saw something that gave me a sudden, final shred of hope. His eyes, merely intent before, now burned with an uncontrollable need. The blood – spreading crimson across my white shirt, pooling rapidly on the floor – was driving him mad with thirst. No matter his original intentions, he couldn't draw this out much longer. Let it be quick now, was all I could hope as the flow of blood from my head sucked my consciousness away with it. My eyes were closing. I heard, as if from underwater, the final growl of the hunter. I could see, through the long tunnels my eyes had become, his dark shape coming toward me. With my last effort, my hand instinctively raised to protect my face. My eyes closed, and I drifted.

Organizational Impact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational Impact - Essay Example The company uses a more qualitative approach, which does not require much data collection from without the organization but from within it. In such cases, in-house leaders such as departmental heads and managers are made to present reports and memos on the current strategic positions of their departments. Most often than not, these reports and memos are not used in isolation but linked to the quantitative data collection to authenticate the claims of the in-house leaders from the perspective of the outside world. At other times, the qualitative evaluation is simplified so much so that leaders of the organization merely make productive inferences of the output of work within the organization. This is to say that the leaders measure the impact of innovation, design, and creativity on strategy by measuring the change in productivity and growth. Zenger and Folkman justify this approach by saying that wherever there is innovation, design, and creativity, there ought to be growth and devel opment. Therefore where there is growth, it can simply be assumed that strategies in place are adequately working in a manner that is most justifiable. The consideration of processes and products at Wal-Mart is another important practice that the leadership of the organization has been constantly involved in. The rationale to emphasizing on processes and services is that they help in determining levels of customer satisfaction and aid in ensuring that the company serves customers in a manner that is most desirable and meets the expectations of customers.

US Taxation Benchmark #3 Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

US Taxation Benchmark #3 - Assignment Example The fact that Mia does not paint for the purpose of profit qualifies her artwork venture as a hobby rather than a business. Since Mia’s expenses are hobby expenses, she may not claim a loss from her artwork, although she can deduct the expense from the income from her artworks. An expense is reasonable if, in its nature and amount, it does not exceed what a prudent person would incur in the context of competitive business. Reasonableness of specific expenses must be examined with precise care in connection with the motive of the business venture, whether for profit or non-profit. If an initial review of the facts results in a test of a specific expense by the business entity, the burden of proof shall be upon the entity to establish that such expense is reasonable. A reasonable expense depends on a variety of factors such as whether it is the type of expense generally recognized as necessary and ordinary for the conduct of the entity’s business. Furthermore, the trading activities should exhibit adherence to relevant laws and regulations, generally accepted sound business practices, and arm’s-length bargaining. The U.S congress enacted the Internal Revenue Code in order to tax net income. According to the legislation, taxable income, whether obtained illegally or legally is subject to federal income tax rules. A business bad debt is a loss due to the worthlessness of a debt was created in the course of the business or it closely related to the business entity when it became worthless. Debts closely relate to a business if the primary motive of incurring them is business related. The main cause of business bad debt is credit sales. Businesses deduct their bad debts from the gross income when figuring their taxable income. Businesses can deduct bad debts in part or in full. Businesses can claim a business bad debt using either the nonaccrual experience method or the specific charge-off method. Nonbusiness debts

Development of Character Typology theory and the four principal style Essay

Development of Character Typology theory and the four principal style typologies that result from it - Essay Example Behavioural and personality models are widely used in organisations, especially in psychometrics and psychometric testing (personality assessments and tests). Behavioural and personality models have also been used by philosophers, leaders and managers for many years as an aid to understanding, explaining, and managing communications and relationships. Properly used, psychometrics and personality tests can be hugely beneficial in improving knowledge of oneself and other people - motivations, strengths, weaknesses, preferred thinking and working styles, and also strengths and preferred styles for communications, learning, management, being managed, and team-working. Understanding personality - of yourself and others - is central to motivation. Different people have different strengths and needs that must be satisfied to be properly motivated. The more you understand about personality, the better able you are to judge what motivates people - and yourself. The more you understand about y our own personality and that of other people, the better able you are to realise how others perceive you, and how they react to your own personality and style. ... â€Å"Understanding personality types are helpful for appreciating that while people are different, everyone has a value and special strengths and qualities and that everyone should be treated with care and respect. The relevance of love and spirituality – especially at work – is easier to see and explain when we understand that differences in people are usually personality-based† (Chapman). â€Å"Different types handle information in different ways. Different types make decisions in different ways. Different types resolve conflicts in different ways. And different types have different power† (UBI mod. 2) The development of character typology theory involves different phases such as forming, storming, norming and performing. United Business Institute’s Information Systems under volume 4 states the following character development phases: â€Å"Forming phase - the character is unwilling to undertake the work and unable to do so. Lack of knowledge and lack of skills. Tend to focus on themselves rather than the team. Storming – willing to attempt the work but still unable to do it as skills still missing. High conflict potential as team members present and challenge ideas. Norming – unwillingness returns, possibly due to a lack of confidence in new skills but they are able to do the work. Focus tends to be on rules, processes and the â€Å"how† of the work. And performing – willing and able to do the work and to act as an effective team. Focus changes to delivering the objectives.† It's important to realise that no-one fully understands the extent to which personality is determined by genetics and hereditary factors, compared to the effects of up-bringing, culture, environment and experience. Nature versus nurture, no-one knows. Most studies

Market Communication - Integrated Marketing Communication Plan Essay

Market Communication - Integrated Marketing Communication Plan - Essay Example The marketing communication includes communication activities like selling, advertising, promotion of products, direct marketing, publicity, sponsorship, exhibition, packaging, merchandising, e-marketing, and similar other measures that can influence the selling of the product or the service to the ultimate consumers as well as retain the customers (Smith & Taylor, 4). In this regard, a communication process involves certain steps in order to prepare the plan communicating the product or service. The current study considers the product, fruit drink, and tries to focus on the preparation of an integrated marketing communications plan using the different steps of the process. The IMC (Integrated Marketing Communication) Planning Process and Its Application on the Product, Fruit Drink: The integrated marketing communication plan consists of six steps that would be discussed considering the product, fruit drink and its marketing. These steps are essential as they create a connection betw een the buyer and the seller stressing on a long term relationship between them. Step 1: Identification of Target Customers: It can be understood that every product might not be required by every individual. This implies that every product has a particular segment of customers. ... Trying to reach out to each and every customer would create wastage in terms of expenditure as well as time on the part of the organization. Thus considering the fruit drink product, it can be understood that although the product would be healthy and needful for consumers of different ages, yet the younger generation might prefer it more particularly as an intake during their breakfast. Depending on such an understanding and thereby conducting a research, the target customers need to be analyzed. This is the first step that an organization coming up with fruit drink product need to accomplish, primarily focusing on what the product has in extra to provide to its customers and who would need the product. Step 2: SWOT Analysis: SWOT analysis referring to the analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a company is essential for an understanding of the status of the company with respect to other competitors in the industry. The determination of the strengths and weaknesses provide with the company’s internal analysis while the opportunities and the threats represent the external situation for the company (Duncan, 166). Considering the fruit drink product, this step can be associated in the integrated marketing communication plan, since when a new company would try to launch the product, the company would require learning about its own strengths and weaknesses such that it becomes capable of competing against the existing competitors. Also, in order to understand the external threats and opportunities, the company needs to learn about the other players that are existent in the same industry as well about the possibilities of the threats that might arise from new entrants. Thus this forms the second step of the marketing

Essay1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Essay1 - Essay Example Take for instance the birth of a newborn baby in this world. Unlike wild animals, which learn how to survive on their own without their mother’s nursing and attention, human babies, require full attention of their mothers in order to survive. Take for instance a waterbuck calf. Once born, the calf learns how to walk in the first few hours. At the end of the first 24 hours, it knows how to jump and run about. The mother suckles it only for a few days before it begins to eat grass and other green vegetation for survival. One week later, the calf can entirely survive on its own without the help of the mother. The newborn calf will have to fend for itself. Contrary to this case, a human child cannot survive on its own without the mother’s milk, warmth and tender care a week after birth. This would be like a death sentence to the new child. In case of inevitable circumstances where the mother has to abandon the child, such as dying during childbirth, then the community has to take the sole responsibility of ensuring the well-being and development of the newborn baby until it is mature enough to survive on its own. Most human babies learn how to eat solid food in six months, learn how to move or walk in 8 to 12 months, and learn how to speak in 10 to 15 months. During this period, the child’s brain remains underdeveloped in such a way that he or she cannot make a cognitive decision on their own, and as such, require the assistance of their mothers, guardians, or the community around them to guess and provide the child what they might be needing. In his article â€Å"Is Facebook Making Us Lonely?† Stephen Marche surveys the recent research assessing our connectedness. According to Stephen, when suffering from loneliness, â€Å"Still, loneliness is slippery, a difficult state to define or diagnose†¦how often do you feel you lack companionship?† (18). this data creates an undisputed display of our instinctual need for connectedness.

Case 1 FedEx Corporation Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

1 FedEx Corporation - Case Study Example The company is facing a big problem of culture diversification. Most of the employees come from different countries and hence have different backgrounds. It is hard to meet their culturally demands and hence it becomes a problem in managing them. The company solves the problem of culture barrier by learning different cultures of people. Learning different cultures of people help in understanding them well and hence avoid work conflicts. FedEx offers training to employees in order to improve their working efficiency (Anthony & Perrewe, 2010). FedEx has a good paperless system of storing data of its employees. They have programs called PRISM HIRS which records any information pertaining to a worker. This programs record jobs posting, applicants and training information. It is important to maintain this strategy because information can never be lost. Information stored in files is mostly misplaced. There is also communication where employees airs their grievances and make suggestions. This should be maintained because it boosts the morale of

Guitar Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Guitar - Research Paper Example Keywords: Guitar, Music, instrument Introduction Guitar is a stringed musical instrument commonly used in most of the production of music. It is a versatile instrument made of wood, and it enables the composition of complex harmonies and intonation (Hempstead & Worthington, 2005). The instrument consists of two parts; the neck from which the strings originate and the body on which the strings terminate (Wade, 2001). It is one of the most played musical instruments after piano. Most guitars have six strings, but there are some with four while others have twelve strings. Allan (2002) says that a guitar produces sound by the playing of its strings. The sound produced gets projected through electrical amplification or acoustically (for the case of electrical and acoustic guitars respectively). Playing a guitar involves plucking the strings with one hand while fretting the strings with the other hand (Hempstead & Worthington, 2005). It is one of the most fundamental musical instruments be cause of its convenience. It is easy to carry a guitar around because it is light and portable as compared with drums and piano (Wheeler, 1980). Types of Guitars There are several types of guitars, but all of them fall under two broad categories: acoustic and the electric guitars. The acoustic guitars depend on acoustic means as opposed to electronic means, to convert and amplify the energy of the vibrating strings to produce a sound (Kasha, 1998). This involves use of a soundboard that amplifies the vibrations of the strings. There are two types of acoustic guitars: classical and the steel-string. The classical ones have no nylon strings. Additionally, they have wider necks unlike to the steel-string guitars which have a metallic sound that is distinctive wide range of most popular music styles (Hempstead & Worthington, 2005). The body of an acoustic guitar is a hollow chamber, which makes the instrument has a deep tone. Its portability and ease of use is the quality that makes the acoustic guitars suitable to small concerts, churches and other functions (Tom & Mary, 1977). For stadium concerts and other large venues, some amplification is necessary. To do this using an acoustic guitar, the operator places the microphone a few inches from the sound-hole or alternatively by installing a pickup (Kasha, 1998). Electric guitars convert the vibration of its strings into electric impulses by use of a pickup by the principle of electromagnetic induction (Wheeler, 1980). The electric guitars differ from the others in two ways: one, they have solid bodies made from wood. The electric guitars must be amplified through electrical means in order to hear their sound (Wheeler, 1980). The use of an amplifier aims at obtaining implication of the electrical guitar. The electric guitar when amplified produces a metallic sound that does not decay fast, and this quality makes electric guitars suitable for pop, blues and jazz music (Ratcliffe, 2005). The strings of an electric gu itar are thinner than those of the acoustic guitars. The strings are also very close to the neck, therefore, pressing them down requires less force (Farmer, 1988). History of the Guitar The guitar is one of the man’s oldest and most symbolic musical instruments, and it is a major building

Issues Regarding the Global Environmental Ethics and Green Spiritualit Essay

Issues Regarding the Global Environmental Ethics and Green Spirituality - Essay Example In the individualist deontologist approach, the adult mammals are thought to have more value than other species. As per ( Palmer,2011,pg.20)â€Å"These environmental ethicists consider that individual organisms have value in themselves, the value that is not necessarily linked with experience, nor to do with states of affairs within the organism. In the holistic approach, the whole of the living beings and the ecosystem is considered as an aesthetical unit.T he most appealing approach is the holistic approach because it considers all living being and ecosystems important. The relationship among living being and nature is given a spiritual meaning. In that sense, we have the obligation to protect nature as our home and Mother. Nature is our home and we need to see the environment as ourselves because of its destruction we destroy ourselves. We need to amend environment policy to reduce air and water pollution, global warming and animal extinction. The author Patrick Dobel in his essay greening of spirituality attempts to bring forth the idea of how religious values the environment and living beings. He has written about the traditional Christian and Jewish view on the environment by giving reference to the Biblical text. The Judeo – Christian view on environmental ethics is presented by the author. He writes that Christianity is an environmentally friendly religion which is peace-loving and tolerant. He argues against people who think Christianity manipulate the environment. He believes that Christianity supports caretaking of environment and sharing benefits equally among all. Patrick Dobel states that the stewardship imperative supposes that the ethical, as well as ecological restrictions, are endowed, adding the mandate to disburse the gains fairly (28-32) The author claims that both Islam, Native American tribal religions have exploited nature. The author does believe that the environmental crisis has its roots in the western world. Industrialization occurred first in West and hence they used natural resource excessively which accounted for environmental exploitation.  

Strategic Human Resource Management Essay Example for Free

Strategic Human Resource Management Essay To simply define Human Resource Management (HRM), it is a management function that helps managers recruit, select, train and develop members for an organization. Obviously, HRM is concerned with the people’s dimension in organizations. When we say HRM of the organization, it is concerned with all the departments of it. In the marketing department, people consult products or services that lead to the sale. In the sales department, people sell products or give services to the customers. And also in finance, people manage and forecast the flow of money in the organization. All these functions cannot be accomplished without the help of the human resources and people are the ones that can make the organization achieve its objectives. And when the strategies come together with HRM, there comes Strategic Human Resource Management (strategic HRM or SHRM). It may be regarded as an approach to the management of human resources that provides a strategic framework to support long-term business goals and outcomes. The approach is concerned with longer-term people issues and macro-concerns about structure, quality, culture, values, commitment and matching resources to future need. First, according to Strategic Marketing Management by Wilson, Gilligan and Pearson, I would like to express the different levels within the organization that strategies must be developed. They are: * Corporate strategy, which deals with the allocation of resources among the various businesses or divisions of an organization. * Business strategy, which exists at the level of the individual business or division, dealing primarily with the question of competitive position. * Functional level strategy, that is limited to the actions of specific functions within specific businesses. The above strategies are set at the different levels to achieve a major or overall aim of the organization. The strategic approach addresses issues and needs relating to changes in structure and culture, organizational effectiveness and performance — matching human resources to future requirements, the development of distinctive capabilities and intellectual capital and the management of change. There are five functional areas identified by Bratton and Gold in forming the core of human resource management activities. Staffing: Obtaining people with appropriate skills, abilities, knowledge and experience to fill jobs in the work organization. This role encompasses human resource planning, job analysis, recruitment and selection. * Rewards: The design and administration of reward systems. This role includes job evaluation, performance appraisal and benefits. * Employee development: Analyzing training requirements to ensure that employees possess the knowledge and skills to perfo rm satisfactory in their jobs or to advance in the organization. Employee maintenance: The administration and monitoring of workplace safety, health and welfare policies to retain a competent workforce and comply with statutory standards and regulations. * Employee relations: Under this heading may be a range of employee involvement/ participation schemes in union or non-union workplaces. In a union environment, it also includes negotiations between management and union representatives over decisions affecting the employment contract. With the best HRM policies and practices, HRM strategy does more than drawing boundaries; it also recognizes and addresses peoples needs. The best HRM practices contribute the four outcomes as follow: * Competence: Employees are versatile in their skills and can take on new roles and jobs as needed and are better able to respond to changes in environmental demands. * Commitment: Enhance mutual trust and better communication between employees and managers. * Congruence: All stakeholders share a common purpose and collaborate in solving problems brought about by changes in environmental demands. * Cost effectiveness: HRM policies are cost-effective in terms of wages, benefits, turnover, absenteeism, strikes, and similar factors. Here is the example of â€Å"Starbucks† which is one of the best known and fastest growing companies in the world that invest a lot in human resources. Starbucks believed that the companys success and rapid growth could be attributed largely to its committed and motivated workforce. Consequently, the companys human resource policies reflected its commitment to its employees. Starbucks cared about its employees and was one of the few companies in the retail sector to provide generous benefits to both full time workers as well as part timers. This ensured that employees remained motivated, and Starbucks had a relatively low employee turnover. However, in the early 2000s, the company faced the challenge of finding and retaining the right number and kind of employees to man its future growth. Despite the fact that employees, especially those on the frontline, are critical to the success of retail businesses, most companies do not have a strong relationship with their employees, and consequently suffer from a high rate of employee turnover (In the early 2000s, employee turnover in the retail industry was around 200 percent). In this scenario, Starbucks stood out for its employee-friendly policies and supportive work culture. The company was especially noted for the extension of its benefits program to part-time workers something that not many other companies offered. They are offered health and dental coverage, vision care, life and disability insurance, paid time off, a retirement savings plan, stock options and a discounted stock purchase plan, adoption assistance, domestic partner benefits, emergency financial aid and a free pound of coffee every week. As a result, Starbucks employees were among the most productive in the industry and the company had a relatively low employee turnover. The above example proves that HRM is the crucial source of competitive advantage to be a successful organization in the business environment. Thus, as I have discussed so far, you may have some ideas about Human Resource Management and notice how much it is important for an organization. Reference 1. Aswathappa, K. Human Resource and Personnel Management (Fourth Edition ed. ), (pg. 5) 2. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Starbucks. (2013, January 17 Thursday). Retrieved from en. wikipedia. org. 3. http://www. hrtutorials. com/cs-model-evaluating-human-resources/. (2013, January 17 Thursday). Retrieved from www. hrtutorials. com. 4. http://www. icmrindia. org/casestudies/catalogue/Human%20Resource%20and%20Organization%20Behavior/HROB068. htm. (2013, January 15 Tuesday). Retrieved from www. icmrindia. org. 5. http://www. mainstreet. com/article/career/employment/4-employers-great-part-time-benefits. (2013, January 17 Thursday). Retrieved from www. mainstreet. com. 6. Manual, ABE Study, Strategic Human Resource Management, (pg. 4,5)

Governments Role In Conservation Of The Environment Environmental Sciences Essay

Governments Role In Conservation Of The Environment Environmental Sciences Essay Wide spread on climate change and global warming has been immensely forced the nations to the sustainable development. Environmental challenges in various bio diversity in balances has been wide spread more over the world. Improper Land Use Planning and Bio diversity in balances to the Conservation of Micro ecosystems is challenging to whole nations. Sri Lankan challenges however have been land degradation due to Soil Erosion, depletion of Coastal Resources, Waste Disposal, Loss of Biodiversity and Inland water Pollution, from where Sri Lanka is poor on waste disposal as a matter of priority. Some LAs, NGOs, the private sector have initiated waste treatment practices such as composting of waste at household level, recycling of waste materials, incineration and landfills. International conventions protocols treaties on environment has been keeping strength to conservation prevention of the environment. Role of government as the policy maker is crucial in the context of conservation prevention of the environment. In Sri Lanka post conflict era has been the Elysium for the sustainable development. Various naming programs authority bodies urge to impose policies practices on conservation prevention of the environment. While laws policies imposed, Sri Lankan government is boosted on all the blooming programs.. However common conflicts on human nature issues still and prevailing situation in most of the rural areas. Also government should consider on the international bodies come in the face of nature lover whether they have the genuine interest or other motives Most importantly, the government should be very careful whether it would affect the sovereignty of the country. Many more responsibilities to be taken and practices to be monitored by the Sri Lankan government to ensure conservation and protection of the environment. Introduction Environmental conservation is the maintenance of the habitat, or preservation of the environment. Environmental protection is a practice of protecting the environment, on individual, organizational or governmental level, for the benefit of the natural environment and (or) humans. Due to the pressures of population and our technology the biophysical environment is being degraded, sometimes permanently. This has been recognized and governments began placing restraints on activities that caused environmental degradation Global warming climate change is in a whistle blowing topic in the present world. By decades passed by all the high powering technological movement has vastly blind the human nature and the future resources remain in the world. While men stepping in to the moon by one hand on the other hand vastly destructing the natural environmental balance. Though all the regulation bodies trying to get into the one table to get on unite on the conservation protection of environment, some the main world hasnt been able to pull their genuine effort towards the reality, as an example British petroleum oil leakage is a significant moment where invaluable marine species has been polluted destroyed due to the oil leakage. Increasing human pressure on the environment increases the counteraction the quest for designation of more land and sea areas for protection. The boosting trend of designating more sites of protection has been noticed in the last years in the world. The area that could be designated as protected to balance the economic pressures is becoming scarce. Identified key challenges in this sector have been mainly broad down as follows. Environmental Challenges Today the challenges in this sector have been identified materialize in all ends through out the world. Therefore number of environmental threats challenges is on the air Improper Land Use Planning Inappropriate planning of usage of Land Depreciation of Forest Cover (Deforestation) Reduction of remaining forests Land Deprivation ( Soil Erosion, River Sedimentation; Desertification,) Insufficiency of Drinking Water to the humans Environmental Pollution (Air, Water Soil ) Loss of Biodiversity ( Degradation and loss of Natural Habitats ) Ozone Layer Reduction Green House Gas Emission and Climate Change Natural Disasters and Earth Slides Lack of Responsibility towards Values Accounting of Environment Increasing risk to rare species Unsound Management of Natural Resources Unsustainable Development Activities (Unsuitable Agriculture Expansion and Settlements) Misuse of sea coral reef and inland earth mining. Uncontrolled Mining of Sand and other Minerals Spread of Alien/ insidious Species Introduction of Genetically Modified Organisms Hard, unsafe and Industrial Waste generation Health Hazards Related to Environment Pollution. Wildlife reduction In the context of the above unbeatable challenges human beings have been more more victims of the nature. As an example Tsunami 2004, damaged mostly South Asian countries. Therefore it should be the one and only challenge where all nations fight for. From from the Eighteenth century to the Twentieth globally known practices regulations have been imposed. International conventions, protocols treaties on environments have been powering bodies of this. International Conventions, Protocols Treaties on Environment Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially As Waterfowl Habitat (]971) Convention concerning the protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972) Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species Of Wild Fauna and Flora (1973) Convention on the conservation Of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS 1979) United Nations Convention on The Law Of the Sea Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) Basel Convention on the Control of Trans boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989) Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) United Nations Convention To Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought And / Or Desertification, particularly In Africa (1994) International Plant Protection Convention International Convention for the Preservation of Pollution of the Sea by Oil Convention on the Continental Shelf Convention on the high seas International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil pollution Damage International Convention Relating to intervention on the high seas in cases of oil pollutions casualties The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from the ships (MARPOL)- 1973 Bio safety Protocol ( Cartagena) Stockholm convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Key Challenges for Sri Lanka Land Deprivation Due to Soil Erosion Agriculture the major contributor to the Sri Lankan GDP is affected by the degradation of land due to soil. From the total lands usable Land area is about 31% only . Production based on Land to GDP has declined to 18% compared to 26% in 1978, due to expand action of the economy. Many agricultural practices of past and present have reduced the productive capacity of soil and land in the country. Some direct and indirect factors, that add to soil erosion, are : Traditional cultivation Methods ( Chena cultivation) Insecure land occupancy with alteration of cultivation methods also causes ruin of land because land is broken down to number of plots without considering the conservation measures. The increasing rate of clearing forestry cover. Some of the crops cultivation in the hill country such as potatoes, tobacco and vegetables has led to severe erosion. Fast developments on infrastructure. Reduction of Coastal Resources Sri Lankan beaches are blessed by coastal resources where ecological processes of both land and maritime environments become interlinked and are influenced by human activities. Minus impacts on the coastal resources include: Erosion of coastal area (about 1 meter per year) due to river daming, sand mining, collection of coral rubble and removal of coastal vegetation) Reduction of flood buffering capacity of mangroves, in lagoons. Removal f coral reefs as a result of human activities and increased sea temperature. Unplanned fishing practices. Infrastructure construction. Loss of Biodiversity Loss of biodiversity is due to several pressures arising from the following activities: Population increase and conversion to other land uses Removal of materials/species from the wild Competition between foreign species and native species Lack of understanding of scientific management Under-valuation of biodiversity Inequity in ownership, in balance distribution of benefits to community Legal and institutional systems that promote activities detrimental to biodiversity conservation Environmental interlinking system known as Bio diversity is mainly reduced due to ruining of natural eco system, loss of genetic species material. Waste Disposal Number one conflict in Sri Lanka is today the waste management. Especially urban areas are flooded with waste. Lack of management of the authorizing bodies and also the human behavior and attitude towards the waste disposal is very poor in main city limits. This risk has cause major health issues where number of people has been killed by dengue recent months. Although many talks waste disposal is not only a governments duty. Government can implement policies formalize but the governing agencies has to over see the practical situations. Community has a major responsibility towards the solid disposals. Risk arises in the area where hospitals industries located. Governing agencies has major issue on lack of resources to overcome tones of waste mountain management. On the other hand during the rainy days urban areas are flooded within seconds due to poor waste management methods block of drainage system. This also causes pollution of ground water and natural habitats. Major issue is f acilitating insect breeding such as mosquitoes Inland water Pollution Misuse of agro chemical fertilizers has polluted inland water ponds, reservoirs, streams and rivers. Sri Lanka is proud on having man made reservoirs where most international engineers are surprised by the ancient technology we owned. Development in the industrial sites urban areas has caused water pollution in many ways. Recent International Conventions, Protocols Treaties on Environment Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer (1985) Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) Basel Convention on the Control of Trans boundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal (1989) Convention on Biological Diversity (1992) United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992) United Nations Convention To Combat Desertification in Those Countries Experiencing Serious Drought And / Or Desertification, particularly In Africa (1994) International Plant Protection Convention International Convention for the Preservation of Pollution of the Sea by Oil Convention on the Continental Shelf Convention on the high seas International Convention on Civil Liability for Oil pollution Damage International Convention Relating to intervention on the high seas in cases of oil pollutions casualties The International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from the ships (MARPOL)- 1973 Bio safety Protocol ( Cartagena) Stockholm convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Role of government By reasoning out the convention and protection of environmental issues it is the National governments who has important role in this context. Policy making to the powering agencies educating community many more activities lies on them.Internationaly most of the developing countries has imposed rules on clean environment. National government can impose rules policies while provincial authorities can practically implement the good environmental practices.International monitoring agencies also playing major role by funding environmentally sound projects. This has been the practice and it has been added to the accounting practices where feasibility reports are combine to a sustainability reporting. Environment protection is another important role where governments responsibility is to codify laws regarding pollution, convention and sustainable uses of natural resources. As the funding agent for low enforcement there role is immensely crucial. Though huge technical measures are been world spread on climate change global warming individual countries can contribute on their own to reduce the impact. Alternate energy generation projects are the new industrial practices which add numerous values to the enviromental issues. Now developing countries urge to buy carbon credits from poor countries where new economical intangible market has been created. This has lead to huge cash generation project, where timber plantation forestry cover of one acre would approximately generate US dollars 1000/ per year or so. Therefore ultimate governance lies on global interconnection of the countries. Developing risk management strategies are the other responsibility to a government where major natural disasters can be overcome by minimum damage to the community. Earth slides, floods, volcanoes, hurricanes other natural disasters can be estimated by professional bodies and necessary steps could be undertaken. As an example taking hurricanes : the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) The strongest hurricanes in the present climate may be upstaged by even more intense hurricanes over the next century as the earths climate is warmed by increasing levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.USA is harshly criticized by the nations on emission of green house gases in the atmosphere. Common example is USA failed to respond to the Katrina Hurricane wrought on New Orleans: poor management plan for the natural disaster also illustrates the risk management strategies are very poor. Considering Sri Lanka though there were many issues facing and transforming after Tsunami disaster is some what appealing to the western world. By proper strategies imposed on natural disaster Sri Lanka too can win this unbeatable challenges within few years. Though we are blessed with the tropical climate our responsibility towards the environment is not linear. As an example compare to other countries we have comprehensive legal system on coastal zone management laws alone, to safe guard coastal resources. But the appreciable improvement has not bought due to lack of political will on taking effective mechanisms required for implementing and monitoring such laws. Sustainable Way Forward On the challenges Sri Lanks is facing through out there have been various community programs social activities going forward. While been a friend to the environment nation can be build in economically viable too. In the context of these ideas following programs has been imposed by the ministry of Environment. Pilisaru Waste Management programme Piyakaru Purawara Green Cities Programme Ran Derana Programme Gaja Mithuro Programme Wana Senasuna Programme Haritha Gammana Eco Village Programme Jeewa Jawaya Programme Dewa Jawaya Programme Haritha Niyamu Programme Hela Thuru Viyana Programme Major Policies Developed by the Ministry While urging towards the programs Sri Lankan government has imposed practical national policies aiming sustainability National Environment Policy 2003 This aims to promote sound management of Sri Lankas environment balancing the needs for social and economic development and environment reliability. It also aims to manage the environment by combining together the activities, interests and perspectives of stakeholders and to assure environmental accountability. National Forestry Policy 1995 This gives the clear direction to protect remaining natural forests of the country in order to conserve biodiversity, soil and water resources. The forests under the law enforcement of the Forest Department is being reclassified and placed under four management systems ranging from strict conservation, non-extractive use, management of multiple use forests for sustainable production of wood and management of forests with community participation. The National Policy on Wild Life Conservation 2000 The policy urge the commitment of the government to conserve wildlife resources through promoting conservation, maintaining ecological processes and life sustaining systems, managing genetic diversity and ensuring sustainable utilization and sharing of equitable benefits arising from biodiversity. It emphasis the need for effective protected area management with the participation of local communities. National Air Quality Management Policy 2000 The purpose of this policy is to maintain good air quality to reduce morbidity due to air pollution and in turn reduce national health expenditures. National Watershed Management Policy 2004 Policy aims to conserve, protect, rehabilitate, sustainably use and man ­age the watersheds while managing their environment characteristics with the involvement of people. Cleaner Production Policy 2004 The objective of this policy is to incorporate the cleaner production concept and practices into all development sectors of the country. To implement the policy sectoral policies were developed for health and tourism in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Tourism. National Biosafety Policy 2005 The policy on biosafety set the overall framework in which adequate safety measures will be developed and put into force to minimize possible risks to human health and the environment while extracting maximum benifits from any potential that modern bio technology may offer. National Air Quality Management Policy 2000 The purpose of this policy is to maintain good air quality to reduce morbidity due to air pollution and in turn reduce national health expenditures. National Policy on Wetlands 2005 This policy seeks to give effect to National Environment Policy and other relevant national policies, while respecting national commitments towards relevant international conventions, protocols, treaties and agreements to which Sri Lanka is a party. National Policy on Sand as a Resource for the Construction Industry 2006 This policy statement reflects Sri Lankas constitutional, international and national obligations, including the Mines and Minerals Act No. 33 of 1992, the National Environmental Act of 1980, the Coast Conservation Act of 1981 and other relevant legislation, regulations and policy statements. This dignifies the effectively manage sand resource on the construction and keeping a better reserve for future generations. National Policy on Elephant Conservation 2006 Widely knowing conflict of elephants enforced the government to implement this policy. This natural creature interconnected with Sri Lankas history, culture, religions, and even politics that it would be difficult to imagine the island without it. Therefore the present policy was developed to ensure the long-term survival of the elephant in the wild in Sri Lanka through the easing of the human-elephant conflict. National Policy on Solid Waste Management To handle the serious issue of solid waste management ministry recognized the need for a national approach to handle this. Therefore National policy on Solid Waste Management has been prepared to ensure economically feasible environmentally sound solid waste management for the country through provincial and local authorities. This policy focuses on areas to ensure environmental accountability and social responsibility of all waste generators, waste managers and service providers, to actively involve individuals and all institutions for sound solid waste management practices, to maximize resource recovery with a view to minimize the amount of waste for disposal and to minimize adverse environmental impacts due to waste disposal to ensure health and well being of the people and on ecosystems. Sri Lankan Implementing Agencies Department of Forest Conservation The Forest Department (FD) was established in 1887. Over the years many initiatives have been taken to minimize the rate of deforestation by effective application of the provisions in the Forest Ordinance. Department of Wildlife Conservation The Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWLC) was established in 1949 and entrusted with the overall conservation of fauna and flora of the country and the maintenance of its diversity. Central Environmental Authority The Central Environmental Authority (CEA) was established in August 1981 under the provisions of the National Environmental Act No. 47 of 1980, which was later amended in 1988 and 2000. Marine Pollution Prevention Authority Marine Pollution Prevention Authority contribute to protect the marine environment from ship based and shore based maritime related activity, to comply with International and national obligations by promulgation of laws and regulations. Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) was established in 1993. It is mainly involved in promoting the conservation and management of the mineral resources of the country. It seeks to ensure that the mineral potential is realized for the benefit of the country and the minerals are extracted in an efficient, safe and environmentally sound way. State Timber Corporation The State Timber Corporation was incorporated in 1968 under the provisions of State Industrial Corporation Act No. 49 of 1957 for the purpose of extracting timber from the forests, conversion of such timber into sawn timber and finished products, sale of logs, construction of forest roads, operation of timber and firewood sales depots, and manufacture and marketing of any by-products from timber. Sri Lanka Wildlife Trust (WT) The Wildlife Trust of Sri Lanka (WT) is registered as a charitable Trust, in 1991 under the Trust Ordinance No. 1552 and the Code of Intellectual Property Act No. 52 of 1979. Conclusion While laws policies imposed, Sri Lankan government is boosted on all the blooming programs. However common conflicts on human nature issues still and prevailing situation in most of the rural areas. What we can think after all the authorites acts imposed? Some of the other issues created by the Convention Protection of Natural forests in Sri Lanka due to poor fund requirements. Therefore government should please the international bodies agencies to gain aid for the environmentally sound projects. Normally it is a norm that Sri Lankan government will not enforce forest conservation if it didnt come under a condition of a grant. But Non government agencies also impact some of our natural genetic resources by way of many projects developments. Some countries are strict on most of there genetic materials and keep the biodiversity sites under military support. As an example The killing of two Indonesian tribals who tried to enter to COMODO National Park is a popular story to show how they treat the people in biologically valuable sites. But some of the their approach of removing people from the forest and buffer zones are not an applicable option for Sri Lanka. In they recent past it has been noticeable while the laws regulations there people will act on the same manner where there need filled. Governement t therefore can be a practical partner in all ends take part on the conservation protection the environment where immensely keep pressure on the authoriting agencies to inject the attitude to the people. As a country we have to have policies and laws to protect the alienation of forest resources to stop pirating the genetic material, plant serum, plant species or the traditional knowledge. Therefore government should ensure above main objectives before entering into any agreement. Sri Lanka has many more way towards a clean nation. By overcoming spreading challenges on environments Sri Lanka is no sooner be the South Asian Miracle.

Without Designers, There is no Fashion

Without Designers, There is no Fashion Fashion can be defined in many ways: it is a form of nonverbal communication, a sign system, a barometer of cultural change. It can also be seen as a form of iconography that communicates messages without words, or a mode of self-expression that enables us to make ourselves understood. For centuries, human beings have used clothing and various types of adornment to communicate messages about gender, occupation, class, and wealth. ‘In contemporary culture, the body has become the site of identity. We experience our bodies as separate from others and increasingly we identify with our bodies as containers of our identities and places of personal expression’ (Entwistle 2000:138). The question one may ask here is: who decides what will be fashionable? It is not a democratic process: fashion dictates, and its followers do as bidden. But who dictates what forms fashion will take? This is the domain of the fashion designer. The role of the designer in the shaping of fashionable tastes is crucial. This is especially true of contemporary society. Today designers are frequently accorded celebrity status. Their names are not only status symbolsthey are often household words. The Role of the Fashion Designer: Background Although their names are synonymous with power and wealth, fashion designers did not always enjoy the high status that they do today. It was not always this way fashion designers were not always ‘in fashion’. For example, consider the history of fashion in Italy. Until the eighteenth century, clothes design was not allowed in Italy: ‘Tailors, always men, were regulated by strict laws, and severe punishments were given to those who tried to formulate new fashions’ (Terzian 2003:75). Fashion at that time was considered the sole provenance of the government. Still, despite government restrictions, fashion design thrived as a covert operation. â€Å"Designers† still managed to create new styles, and people managed to get them. In fact, during this period Venice managed to rival Paris in the latest fashions, despite the fact that they had to disobey government regulations to do so (Terzian 2003: 75). In later years, the evolution of technology came into play. New developments in technology had a huge impact on the clothing industry, and on the development of fashion trends as well. For example, in America, the introduction of the steam engine in 1763 facilitated communication between different parts of the country. In 1793, Eli Whitney’s cotton gin expedited the manufacture of materials, so that the process was not only less cumbersome but also much faster. These two advances improved communication, transportation, and manufacturing all of which contributed to the growth of the fashion industry. Another important breakthrough in the history of fashion was the perfection of the sewing machine. In the mid-1800s, I.M. Singer produced an improved and more efficient model of Elias Howe’s original sewing machine, which was severely flawed This more sophisticated model made sewing easier and faster. In addition, it paved the way for further improvements, such as pattern making, buttonhole makers, and pressing machines (Terzian 2003:78). Queen Victoria’s death in 1901 made the Victorian style of dress obsolete. The uncomfortable bodice she was known for was soon replaced by an oddly shaped garment that was called the â€Å"health corset.† The health corset was the invention of a Frenchwoman named Madame Gaches-Sarraute. It was designed by Gaches-Sarraute to be a less restrictive and therefore more healthful garment. She believed that freeing the waist and diaphragm from the uncomfortable pressure of the corseted Victorian style would promote freedom of movement, improve comfort, and be good for a woman’s overall health. However, whether the â€Å"health corset† was more comfortable, or more healthful, is debatable. It did not last long, perhaps because of the odd â€Å"S† shape that made the sight of it uncomfortable to look at (Terzian 2003:80). It is apparent that even at back then, the fashion had taken on a particular significance: it was not enough to be clothed, one had to be clothed in a pleasing manner. The â€Å"S† shape that Gaches-Sarraute introduced was made obsolete when Paul Poiret joined the fashion world. Terzian describes Poiret as ‘the leading fashion designer of the first decade of the century’ (2003:81). Born in Paris, Poiret grew up in a world of fabric. His father owned a fabric store, and as a boy, Poiret came to know the importance of dress. This led him to open his own shop as an adult Here he experimented with fabrics and styles, often using his wife as a model. According to Terzian, Poiret was one of the first designers to experiment with colours, particularly those used by the Impressionists. In fact, it does seem that Poiret brought fashion to life with his flair for design and love of colour. He was responsible for introducing fashions that were not only pleasing to the eye, but also comfortable. In addition, he created outfits that included the â€Å"walking skirt.† This gave women increased mobility since it did away with constricte d hemlines that inhibited movement (Terzian 81). It was not long before fashion and fashion design became flourishing industries. Fashion, by this time, had become a government-sanctioned enterprise, as well as a highly competitive enterprise. However, the true stars of the fashion world were not the wealthy women who could afford the latest fashions, but rather the designers who created and introduced them. The Fashion Designer of Today Today, the importance of the fashion designer in the shaping of fashionable tastes is undisputed. In addition, the relationship between fashion and social life has become increasingly complex. According to Entwistle, ‘dress is tied up to social life in more than one way: it is produced out of economic, political, technological conditions as well as shaped by social., cultural, aesthetic ideas’ (2000:111). To be fashionably dressed, then, is to make a statement to the world about one’s social and economic background. However, that is only one message that dress conveys. When considering the huge impact fashion has on everyday life, it is impossible to dismiss the role of the people who create and re-create it with each new season. Fashion designers not only design articles of clothing they create and sell coveted images. As one scholar has noted, ‘the right clothing can grant us access to the right places and the right people’ (Jones 2002:21). The primary role of the fashion designers to experiment with the concept of identity through dress. The clothing they design must appeal to the people who buy it; therefore, designers must not just ‘clothe’ the body, they must create items that allow the people who buy them to feel they are buying a particular image or way of life. This has become more and more challenging in recent years, making the task of the designer more and more complex. Ethnic and subcultural styles have become increasingly diverse, and traditional codes are not the same. As Jones has asserted, ‘fashion designers have borrowed from the semiotics of clothes and pushed the boundaries by intentionally destroying principles and harmonies of clothing’ (2002:22). Designers have risen to the occasion, responding to the more sophisticated tastes of contemporary society in bold and innovative ways. The use of clashing colours is one way they do this. Another is the juxtaposition of unusual fabrics. They also experiment with size and shape, as evidenced by the creation of shapeless clothes, such as oversized shirts. And to respond to the sexual androgyny of the day, they have begun to create clothing that is often sexually ambiguous. Entwistle asserts that ‘fashion, dress and consumption provide ways of dealing with the problems of the modern world, characterized by increasing fragmentation and a sense of chaos. Fashion opens up possibilities for framing the self, however temporarily (2000:139). Other scholars have gone further with the concept of fashion as a response to the chaos of the world. Jamie Brasset has even suggested that ‘fashion is at the very least complicit if not thoroughly responsible for the promotion of identitiesâ €™ (2005:202). In this light, the role of the fashion designer is one of power. However, that power also has a negative aspect. As Jones points out, ‘for the designer of fashion, the key difference between his or her product and that of the designer of almost any other product is shelf life. Fashion has built-in obsolescence’ (2002:28). Different seasons require different types of clothing. In addition, clothing itself has a limited life span. As a result of daily wear and tear, as well as repeated launderings, clothing must be continually replaced. The world of commerce has cashed in on clothing’s obsolescence, as well. Given the whirlwind pace of change in the fashion industry, as well as the vagaries of style, the ability to design clothing that meets the demands of an increasingly diverse customer base is quite a challenge. Designers must keep up with cultural and social developments. In addition, they must stay informed about developments in the scientific world. This is in addition to the creative ability they must constantly mine for new and innovative ideas. Today designers often employ a number of assistants to see to the many facets of the industry, because the design itself requires a tremendous amount of creative energy. Natural talent may have set them on the trajectory of success, but well-engineered teamwork is what keeps them on it. The act of design itself takes place in a series of stages. The preliminary step may vary from one designer to another. However, the most common starting point is usually the sketch. As a two-dimensional medium, sketching has its limitations. However, it gives free reign to the artistic impulse. Often a designer’s initial concept may turn out to be something very different at the end. Some designers prefer to use the draping method, which in many ways is more realistic when envisioning the final product. The way in which material is arranged allows the designer to have a clearer plan of execution. Christian Dior has written that ‘fabrics themselves often inspire garment design. For example, the softness and drapability of a jersey might inspire gathers in a dress. Many a dress of mine is born of the fabric alone’ (Terzian 13). As for computer design, it will doubtless become more and more prevalent as newer programs are developed. Conclusion Fashion is both an industry and art. It can be defined in a number of ways, but most would agree that it is more than just ‘clothing’fashion is a concept in itself. As a barometer of cultural change, it is a key to society. For centuries, human beings have used clothing and various types of adornment to communicate messages about gender, occupation, class, and wealth. In addition, the body today has become a site of self-expression, and dress is one way in which that is accomplished. The role of the designer in the shaping of fashionable tastes is crucial. This is especially true of contemporary society. Today designers are frequently accorded celebrity status. Their names are not only status symbols they are often household words. As Gilman has noted, ‘to become someone else or to become a better version of ourselves in the eyes of the world is something we all want . . we respond to the demand of seeing and being seen (1999:3). The role played by fashion designer s, then, is crucial; their creations help us to be seen in the best light. ReferencesAddressing the Century: 100 Years of Art and Fashion. 1998. London: Hayward Gallery Publishing.Brassett, J. 2005. ‘entropy (fashion) and emergence (fashioning)’. Pp. 197209 in Fashion and Modernity, eds. Breward, C. and Evans, C. New York: Berg.Breward, C., and Evans, C., eds. 2005. Fashion and Modernity. New York: Berg.Entwistle, J. 2000. The Fashioned Body: Fashion, Dress, and Modern SocialTheory. Cambridge: Polity Press.Gilman, Sander. 1999. Making the Body Beautiful: A Cultural History of AestheticSurgery Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.Jones, S. 2002. Fashion Design. London: Laurence King Publishing Ltd.Langer, S. 1953. Feeling and Form. New York: Charles Scribner.Taylor, L Wilson, E, Through the Looking Glass: A History of Dress From 1860 to the Present Day BBC, London, 1989Terzian, Makrouhi. 2003. Understanding Fashion Design. Lexington, MA: The Lexington Press, Inc.