Pygmalion Poetry Deconstruction

Poetry Deconstruction: The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue (1713 translation) The poem â€Å"The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue† was originally written in Greek by Ovid, and is found in Book Ten of his work, Metamorphoses. It was translated into English in 1713, and this translation employs techniques to appeal to the readers of the day, and reveals their views on a variety of topics, including obsession and narcissism. Pygmalion, a sculptor, shunned all women for their frivolity, instead turning to his art. He created a sculpture out of ivory of a woman so perfect that he grew to love her, and wished for his ‘ivory virgin’ to be real. The goddess granted his secret desire, and blessed the couple with a son. The readership of the poem would have consisted predominately of eighteenth century upper class males, so the poem is, in many parts, structured to interest this group of individuals. The eighteenth century gentleman would have identified with the line â€Å"Well pleas’d to want a consort of his bed†, as a mistress was the only thing that was not provided instantly for them. Pygmalion, a man who is able to function without this, would have been held in high esteem by the reader, and perhaps would have inspired them to follow his example in being independent. The line, â€Å"Yet fearing idleness, the nurse of ill†, shows the society of the time’s attitude towards inactivity, in that it is, or leads to, a sickness. This metaphor relates to the saying, ‘idle hands are the devil’s playthings’, which would have been the view of the community at the time of the translation. Another quote that shows the opinion of the people of the eighteenth century is â€Å"the pow’rful bribes of love†, indicating that love could be bought. In 1713, this would not have been an oxymoron, as many married someone to gain their wealth, making this statement ring true to the eighteenth century reader. The poet also refers to the birth of Pygmalion and the statue’s child, as a way that they â€Å"crown their bliss†. This metaphor signifies a very happy ending, especially to the gentleman reader, as procreation was a very important issue; an heir was necessary. Note also that the child is male. This engineers a perfect close to the story of Pygmalion. ‘Crown’ could also be a symbol of the patriarchal values present, as it was rare for a woman to rule (wear the crown). A question to pose it what the eighteenth century gentleman thought of Pygmalion’s obsessive nature and narcissism. The fact that he â€Å"Abhorr’d all womankind† makes it appear as if he thinks he is above women, as he has lumped them all into the same, generalised bracket, including those who do not follow the lifestyle choices he disapproves of. The alliteration used in â€Å"loathing their lascivious life† emphasises Pygmalion’s misogyny, and therefore his very high opinion of himself. His narcissistic nature is further explored through the use personification; â€Å"Nature could not with his art compare†. Here, he is praising his own amazing skill for creating something better than Nature, or God, could make. The line â€Å"Pleas’d with his idol†, reminds on of Genesis, where God is pleased with himself after he creates the world. Pygmalion is comparing himself to God, revealing his large ego. The poet delves into his obsessive nature with the caesura in the line, â€Å"he commends, admires, Adores;† forcing the readers to pause and examine the depth of Pygmalion’s obsession towards the statue of his creation, and by extension, himself. This is emphasised again in the repetition in the lines â€Å"And all the sparkling stones †¦ and od’rous green†. The word ‘and’ is repeated five times in these four lines, highlighting the excessiveness of his gift giving and his over the top behaviour. Due to the positive finish, where Pygmalion’s ‘bliss is crowned’ with the birth of a son, and the lack of consequences for his terribly high opinion of himself, one might conclude that over-extravagant pride was considered commonplace in the eighteenth century, and obsessiveness was not considered unhealthy, perhaps because it served to combat idleness. The various ideas in the poem support this. The translation of â€Å"The Story of Pygmalion and the Statue† effectively utilises techniques and devices in order to appeal to its readership, the upper class gentleman of 1713 and onward. 715 words

Learning Strategies Essay

Learning strategies determine the approach for achieving the learning objectives and are included in the pre-instructional activities, information presentation, learner activities, testing, and follow-through. The strategies are usually tied to the needs and interests of students to enhance learning and are based on many types of learning styles (Ekwensi, Moranski, &Townsend-Sweet, 2006). Due to the Learning Strategies are used to achieve the â€Å"learning objectives† that teachers want their learners to use when they are acquiring a second language, it is important to be conscious about the factor that influence the choice of learning strategies. What are those factors? There is a range of factors that affect strategy choice, including vocabulary learning strategies. According to Ellis (1994: 540 545) there are two broad categories of such factors: INDIVIDUAL LEARNER DIFFERENCES * AGE: Young children tend to use strategies in task specific manner, whereas older ones use generalized and more sophisticated strategies. * LEARNING STRATEGY: According to Oxford (1989), general approach to language learning determines the choice of L2 learning strategies. For example analytic learners prefer strategies such as contrastive analysis and discerning words and phrases, whereas global students use strategies to find meaning: guessing, scanning, predicting, etc. * PERSONALITY TYPE: Ehrman (1990) suggests that each personality type is associated with ‘assets’ and ‘liabilities’ where language learning is concerned. For example, extroverts are assigned to have willingness to take risks (an asset) but with dependency on external stimulation and interaction (a liability). Another finding mentioned by Erhman was that introverts showed greater use of strategies involving searching for and communicating meaning than did extroverts. * MOTIVATION: Some researches show that â€Å"highly motivated learners used more strategies relating to formal practice, functional practice, general study, and conversation/input elicitation than poorly motivated learners† (Ellis 1994:542). The particular reason for studying the language: motivational orientation, especially as related to career field was also important in the choice of strategies. SITUATIONAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS * GENDER: On the basis of Oxford and Nyikos (1989) and Erhman (1990) research, females reported greater overall strategy use than males in many studies. Although sometimes males surpassed females in the use of a particular strategy. * TYPE OF TASK: The specification of the task may help learners in using particular strategies, but cannot predetermine the actual strategies that will be used. * Learning setting: Students (Ellis 1994) have pointed out a number of differences in the usage of learning strategies in a classroom and in more natural setting. Studies of classroom strategies by Chamot (1988) showed that social and affective strategies were used infrequently by adults, excluding ‘questioning for clarification’. However, Wong-Filmore (1976;1979) reported frequent use of social strategies by young learners in a play situation. CONCLUSION Once we as teachers know the factors that influence in our student’s decisions to choose a specific Learning Strategy, it will be easier to guide them in the correct way to be autonomous, students whom can take charge of their own learning (Nation, 2001:222) and gain independence and self-direction. REFERENCES Ehrman, J. K. (1990). Clinical Exercise Physiology . Unided States of America. Ellis, R. (1994). The Study of Second Language Acquisition. New York: Oxford University Press. Oxford, R. L. (1989). Language Learning Motivation:pathways to the new century. Unided States of America: University of Hawai’i Press. Ekwensi, F. , Moranski, J. , & Townsend-Sweet, M. , (2006). E-Learning Concepts and Techniques. Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Instructional Technology. 5. 1 Instructional Strategies for Online Learning. Retrieved February 26th , 2010: http://iit. bloomu. edu/Spring2006_eBook_files/ebook_spring2006. pdf.

Victor Frankenstein’s

As I walked through the huge cold rusty door of Frankenstein's workshop, my nostrils suddenly burned with the disgustingly smell of decaying flesh and dried blood, but still I carried on my journey threw the cold workshop. I looked up and there were broken electrical cables running right to the center of the workshop. Every couple of seconds they gave out a sudden spark of electricity. Whilst I was wondering what they were being used for, I walked further in to the workshop and I tripped over a blood covered sheet I panicked and kicked the sheet of me, and jumped back to my feet. I couldn't figure out what the electrical cables were being used for so I decided to follow them deeper in to the workshop. Along my path, I walked across broken bottles and tubes all with their contents covering the floor, and their were more of undamaged ones stacked up high on shelves, filled with their own custom colors and distinctive smells. I finally came to be the cables were linked up to, it seemed to be a giant copper tank filled with discolored water, and chunks of bone and flesh, which smelled like rotten egg. It had steam slowly escaping from the poorly welded seems of the tank, I looked behind the tank to discover another one, This one had dark green water in it and was glass, completely opposite to the copper tank, I decided to take a look. The tank was filled with dead electric ells, which had been obviously there for a while, as they were decaying. I heard loud scratching noise coming from a door in the workshop, I slowly wondered towards it,and give it a small push open, when suddenly two or three rats came scurrying out of it, they ran off somewhere behind the tank, I mainly focused what was in the room, their was a window in the corner letting rain threw its hole in the glass, it hadn't been cleaned by the looks of things since it had been installed as it was covered in years of dust and grime. I walked into the room to see what lied on the table that laid in the middle of room, the table was covered with books, one book laid open reading â€Å"Life after death†. At the other side of the table were two dissected frogs, one of them laid lifelessly with a big gash running down its back, and the other one had small wires attached to its hands and feet, I knocked a book to the floor I bent down to pick it up, and I saw a key I picked both the key and book up, I read the book cover which read â€Å"bringing back the dead† and I put it back on the table, I saw another door next to an old bookshelf, I tried to open it but it was locked. I looked at the key and tried it in the lock it worked, and I opened the door. I jumped back in fear as the door lead to a closet containing human body parts and organs I quickly slammed the door shut and ran to the other side of the room. I vomited, I panicked and ran out the room back to the main part of the workshop, to again smell decaying flesh, I ignored the smell this time and I continued running back to the entrance following the electrical cables which lead me into the workshop, I reached the rusty door and pushed it open to let me free in to the rain outside and to take a much needed fresh breath of air.

Network Design Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Network Design - Essay Example floods etc. Furthermore, the distance between the two buildings is 120 meters that is manageable for connecting the sites physically. However, in case of configuring a wireless network, IEEE-802.11g Compliant will be recommended for covering the distance of 250 meters. Figure 1.1 demonstrates the current architecture and Figure 1.2 illustrates the network architecture for Tyrell Corporation Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2 2 Addressing Deployment Approach for Departments Star topology is recommended for the wired local area network. It is the most widely adopted topology. The star topology supports the centralized provision of network resources and services. The support staff can manage the network administrative and troubleshooting tasks centrally. Star topology helps to implement centralized security architecture for improved and enhanced security of the network. The network implementation cost can be saved by provisioning the core systems located centrally. The security controls and backup s ystems are also located centrally for better troubleshooting and management. For deploying the local network for Tyrell Corporation, CAT 5 cable is the best option. It supports both voice and data transmission. CAT-5 is in the form of twisted pairs. This cable consists of 4 copper wire pairs, connecting the network node with RJ 45 connectors.CAT-5 supports up to 100 to 1000 MHz speeds in a ‘full duplex’ mode (Category 5 Cable. 2007). The Tyrell Corporation enterprise network will corresponds to request related to internet applications, online transactions, requests by sale contractors, file transfer protocol and Emails. CAT 5 can support these features with ease. However, CAT 5 cable can support up to 300 feet equal to 100 meters in distance. A requirement of the switch is mandatory for every 300 feet. Data switches perform packet distribution tasks within the local area network. Acting as a core backbone, Tyrell Corporation network requires fast Ethernet switches to su pport the internet and external communication. The Cisco Catalyst 3750 v2 series switch is recommended to cater the requirements for the current scenario as well as for the future. The deployment of switches will be carried out by disconnecting one department at a time on a non-working day, as the installation will be conducted by the vendors or the staff available at Tyrell Corporation. From each of these available departments, human resource department will be the first one to be replaced with the new switch supporting VLAN and addressing security issues. The next department will be the technology department itself for enabling compatibility with the human resource department switch, as proper configuration and testing is required. Each department follows the similar approach with finance department to be the last one. Cisco Catalyst 3750 is the OSI layer 3 stackable switch, supporting the energy efficiency factor. Stackable means that more switches can be added to the current swi tch configuration for providing more network nodes. This switch supports the Cisco Energy Wise technology, which assist in the provision of power management of the big switch network. At the same time, the Cisco energy wise technology reduces the cost and carbon foot prints. The latest invention to the energy wise technology is the ‘Cisco Energy Wise’ Orchestrator which is a dedicated turnkey power management solution

Jews in Socio-Religious Seclusion and Persecution Essay

Jews in Socio-Religious Seclusion and Persecution - Essay Example God gave the 10 commandments and other rules to the Jewish people by which they were to live and, this commandments and rules are contained in the first five books of the Old Testament and are referred to as the Torah. These commandments and rules contain the structures of the Judaism religion. Key religious beliefs as a religion include the belief in one God who is Supreme, all-powerful, just and he who reveals himself to people and they refer to Him as JHWH or Yahweh. They have a profession of faith called the Shema, which is recited in their morning and evening services that says, hear oh Israel, the Lord Our God, the Lord is one. Their central is the Torah or Pentateuch as it was revealed to Moses and it is included in the first five books of the Old Testament (Solomon, 2009). They have the Talmud, which is an interpretation and explanation of Hebrew laws, and it is done in Palestinian and Babylonian interpretations (Solomon, 2009). They follow strict laws in the area of diet and they refer to religiously prepared food as Kosher which implies that it suitable from a religious perspective. They do not believe in instinctive evil or that man has sinned or that he has impurity because they believe that man was made in Gods image. The Jews were persecuted and secluded by the diaspora socially and religiously due to the fact that their religious beliefs were different, being referred to an atheist for their failure to believe in pagan gods of some of the countries concerned. They were known to love learning, and had skill in the art of medicine, and seemed also to be a threat to other people in the Diaspora due to their economic well-being. The hatred for the Jews had been taught for centuries and seems to have taken root in Britain, Germany, Poland, and France, Lithuania, Austria, Russia, Norway other countries.

Cases Summary Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cases Summary - Case Study Example The company is facing the bankruptcy threat as a result of the poor management of the company’s funds as well as running of the other indirect monetary activities. The best strategic analysis tool that I recommend this case is PEST Analysis. This tool entails looking at the factors that may influence the company’s performance, and they include political, economic, social and technological factors (Karadag, 2015). For the case of political factors, the company has to look at the tax policies, labor law, tariffs and political stability among others. For the case of economic factors, the company has to consider the economic growth, interest rates, exchange rates and the inflation rate since they impact on how business operate and reach on to their decisions. Social factors entail the cultural dimensions, consisting of population growth rate, career attitudes and emphasis on safety. Finally, technological factors involve environmental aspects such as automation, technology incentives and dynamism in technology. The best solution is for the company to study the prevailing taxation policies in the country so that it can identify whether it’s spending a lot in paying the taxes (Karadag, 2015). Another solution is for the company to determine the trade restrictions that are in place and find out if there are some that tend to favor its operations. I recommend that the company, try as much as possible to fix itself in the regional market, if there exist some trade restrictions favoring its activities. Finally, the company should study the prevailing market and come up with implementation, control and evaluation plan to meet the demand of the identified market. The second case is where Pixar, the studio company owned by Walt Disney Company, had failed to obtain a single nomination from the previously given out awards. The company has undergone a lot of setbacks from this case since Pixar had won five trophies from the previous year. For this case too, I

Queer Theory Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Queer Theory Questions - Assignment Example According to Cathy J. Cohen (438), the advent of queer theory in the early 1990s found its most direct confrontation with the real-life politics of gay, bisexual, lesbian, and transgendered activists. Queer activism became perceived as a more confrontational political formation aimed at addressing the invisibility of gay and lesbian members in civil rights political organizations. Queer activism aimed at first recognizing and encouraging the movement and fluidity of people’s sexual lives. Queer activism also aimed at challenging the various practices and power circles that rendered the gay and lesbian community members invisible. What queer activism achieved further in correcting earlier conceptions about the gay and lesbian communities was their readiness to emphasize and exaggerate their own anti-normative characteristics and non-stable behavior (Cohen 438). Queer activism got perceived as a multisite and sustained resistance against the dominant constructions of gender and race. Cohen also admits that queer activism, however, failed in its present form to challenge the systems of oppression and domination. Particularly, queer activism failed to address the normalizing processes that were engrossed in heteronormativity. Heteronormativity had been the main focus of the advent of queer activism. She suggests that queer activism has failed to analyze heterosexuality as it got founded on a simple dichotomy that existed between those who got deemed queer and those deemed as heterosexual (Cohen 440). She suggests that some queer activists have begun to prioritize sexuality as the principal avenue through which they follow their politics. Her disappointment is further engraved in these individuals who continue to pursue their politics by emphasizing on a single characteristic of their identity rather than focus on the multiple diversities that determine our life chances (Cohen 440).  Ã‚  

Managing and evaluating informal education Assignment

Managing and evaluating informal education - Assignment Example Nearly every conflict circulates around communication issues, as both an origin, as well as an effect (McCarthy, 2001). Misunderstandings or errors, arising from poor communication, can simply cause a clash or make it even worse. In additional, once a conflict has begun communication matters often develop since people, in disagreements, do not communicate with each other as regularly, as openly, and as truthfully as they do when associations are not edgy. Therefore, communication is essential to most conflict cases (McCarthy, 2001). I work in an organisation whose staff ranges from 14 to 16 years. These individuals have not gone through the mainstream school curriculum. They, therefore, do not know how to communicate well with others, and this has had a significant effect in how the company runs. Communication is extremely essential in an organisation. This paper will discuss communication, with regards to the workplace, and how issues relating to communication could be addressed. Communication refers to the process of sharing thoughts, messages and information with individuals in a particular place and time (McCarthy, 2001). Communication comprises of talking and writing, as well as nonverbal cues such as gestures, facial expressions, or body language. Communication also involves visual communication like the use of pictures or images, such as photography, painting, film or video (McCarthy, 2001). Communication also incorporates electronic techniques such as telephone calls, satellite broadcasts, electronic mail, or cable television. Communication is a critical part of personal life and is also imperative in business or any other situations where individuals encounter each other. Nobody, at my workplace, seems to consider this. However, I cannot blame them since they missed out on the vital element of life, and that is education. The management also considers them as

Hybrid buildings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Hybrid buildings - Essay Example Ancient hybridity began by home owners using animal skin amongst other animal and nature products to beautify their homes. Hybridity also began with experiments on human beings by cross-culturing different genes. It was later that this concept was brought to the design of homes such that homes in urban areas could have the richness and wholeness of nature (Joseph, 35). Homes in urban areas also laced space to extend their gardens and some architecture went as far as placing magnificent gardens on rooftops. The cost of land has continued to soar to sky high prices hence people have less land to beatify their compounds (Joseph 20). Programs have been developed to help make office space have auditoriums to enhance the greenery of the environment. Building serve more than one purpose such as office buildings having car parks too and even malls being developed to house various activities such as housing exhibition halls, hotels, clubs, swimming pool, libraries, among others. Making buildings multi-functional has helped ease congestion on land and reduce the cost of acquiring separate space for other activities (Joseph, 30). Many hybrid types have been and are still being developed. It is this ingenuity of architects that will help transform this century into something admirable for future generations (Joseph

Japanese culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Japanese culture - Essay Example The researcher states that the Japanese constitution is believed to have some very serious translation errors; yes, rendition errors are part of this constitution since its origin. Article 9 of this Constitution relinquishes war or forbids the traditional warfare in Japan. Article 9 says. â€Å"Japanese people desire to renounce war and refer to international peace as a system of order and justice. They consider it an autonomous national right of the people of Japan and also abandon use of force as a means of settling international disagreements.† In order to come in compliance with this rule, sea, land, and air forces as well as other war related forces will never be sustained. The supreme right of bellicosity of the state will never be documented. The Japanese version and English version of Japanese Constitution differs to such an extent that most people are unable to comprehend that these two are just a translation of one another! As we all know that Americans wrote the Con stitution of Japan after World War II, weight of English version should be more than Japanese one but Japanese version is considered as the original, source document and what is written in it matters most to the Japanese than English one. The Constitution of Japan was written by U.S Occupation Authority and MacArthur in the wake of World War II. And then it was converted into Japanese. The Constitution bears keen interest among Japanese linguists and translators as it looks peculiar when translated into Japanese. (Wallace, 2011) The Constitution sounds very aberrant in Japanese, as if it wasn’t meant for this language. It looks very unnatural and peculiar. In English, the later paragraph says, â€Å"sea, land, and air forces as well as other war related forces will never be sustained†. However, the Japanese take it differently; instead of ‘will never be sustained’, they say ‘will not be sustained’ or ‘shall not be sustained’. The Japanese have not used the word â€Å"never† anywhere in the text. Neither had they expressed it in a written form or implied it anywhere. During the course of time, English version had become the accepted one and Japanese one had been rejected. Strategists and scholars outside of Japan rely on the English version when considering Japanese policy and politics. (Wallace, 2011) The English version is found in modern Japanese politics and history, in college textbooks, in media reports, and is used as a model for all other countries of the world in relation to pacifistic propensities and anti-war strategies. Bilingual experts have seen the dispute between the Japanese version and English version long ago. But, until recently it wasn’t seen that a modification to Japanese constitution was likely to take place, so this impediment of translation was not given a second thought. Now, if the Japanese alter their Constitution or not, it does not genuinely matter as Article 9 doe sn’t say anything permanent. (Language Realm) This translation error in the Constitution does imply to the fact that Japan has one of the best equipped and third biggest military in the entire world. Japan uses its self defense forces in military action. This is a clear contradiction to its Article 9 of the Constitution as of the English version of the Constitution. The translation issue is regarded as less important due to the truth that Japan is keeping fast breeder reactors and is likely to become a nuclear country within twelve months of actually deciding to be one. But, this is reality is also important that the words in Japanese Constitution are not only taken gravely by people around the globe, but by Japanese themselves as well. (Language Realm) In 2009, an annual poll conducted by Yomiuri on revising the Constitution of Japan once again found out that a clear majority-51.6 is in favor of the revision. The

Intercultural communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1

Intercultural communication - Essay Example It is way better than gestures some of which may be unacceptable in the patient’s culture. The use of pictorials involves provision of empty charts and marker pens, or a board where the patient is to describe his ailment or symptoms using pictures such as that of the stomach of head among others (Behar, et al. 201, pp. 476). The nurse will then point to various parts of the body to ask the questions and verify the symptoms. This will take longer as well. When the patients are unable to communicate effectively with the nurses or doctors, it means that diagnosis will be unable to be completed or will have numerous errors which may lead to more health problems with the patient. There are also other traditions which put restrictions on the type of healthcare worker they can have attending to them or the type of medication they can be provided with which hinders the treatment process as well as making the treatment process take unnecessarily longer in order to address the challenges (Srivastava, 2007, pp. 103). Behar, S. et al. (2013, October). Use of an Emergency Medical Pictorial Communication Book During Simulated Disaster Conditions. Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparedness, 7(5): 475-480. DOI:

Law with Tort of Negligence Essay Example for Free

Law with Tort of Negligence Essay The application is under s1 sale of goods act there is a contract form between me and Mandela where I have agreement, intention and consideration to buy the armchair from Mandela, thus contract is form. Besides that, armchair is considered goods and there is consideration of money where I paid Mandela for $1500 and lastly there is also transfer of property where I paid $1500 for the armchair from his shop. Hence, in conclusion the armchair that I purchased is under Sale of Goods Act. Another issue in the question is whether we can insist Tyson (owner) compensate me for $500 that I (buyer) spent on fixing the chair and either return the chair and insist upon a refund, specifically under consumer guarantees s 55 fitness for purpose? In the question the law would be s 55 ‘there is an implied guarantee that where the buyer expressly or by implication makes known to the seller the particular purpose for which the goods are required, and shows that judgment and seller, the goods must be reasonable fit for purpose’, based on the case Grant v Australia Knitting Mills and Wallis v Russell. In the question Tyson has breach s 55 fitness for purpose where he is selling furniture in his Classic Antiques Store but the furniture that he sell are fragile. In s 55 there is certain condition we must satisfy. First, buyer must express or the seller has known the buyer particular purpose for the goods they required. Second, has the buyer relied on the seller’s skill or judgment? Third, are the goods of a description which it is in the course of the seller’s business to supply? And lastly, has the buyer ordered the goods under their trade name so that it is clear there is no reliance on the skill of judgment of the seller? Based on the condition above, I had satisfied all the condition, where I express to Mandela (salesperson) that I want to use the armchair as my new house furniture. On the other hand, Mandela stated that ‘It is a solid old thing. I sit on it all the time. ’ Hence, I relied on his judgment and bought the armchair. Moreover, Tyson business are selling furniture’s where the armchair is considered as a furniture, thus it is also satisfied goods are descriptive under the course of the seller’s business. Lastly, although I didn’t buy the armchair based on the trade name, but I rely on the skill or judgment by Mandela. In conclusion, the seller has breach all the criteria in s 55 and under s 261 consumer have the right to choose either a refund or replacement of the products if supplier fail to fulfill with consumer guarantee, as a result I can insist Tyson compensate me for $500 for fixing the chair and also can return the chair and insist upon a refund. Â  Based on the question, the issues would be based on Mandela’s statement that ‘It is a solid old thing. I sit on it all the time. You will be used it safely for many years. Will it lead consumers to believe that it can be used as furniture and can be used safely for many years, specifically under consumer guarantees s 18 Misleading or Deceptive conduct? In the question, the law would be s 18 where ‘A corporation shall not engage in conduct that is misleading or deceptive or is likely to mislead or deceive’, based on the case of Eveready Australia Pty Ltd v Gillette Australia Pty Ltd ,Henjo Investment Pty Ltd amp; Ors v Collins Marrickville Pty Ltd and Taco Company of Australia Inc v Taco Bell Pty Ltd. In the application, there are 3 elements which must fulfill breach of s 18. First of all, Mandela engage in conduct with me that the armchair is safe and can be used for many years more which imply a false representation of the fact to me where the armchair was actually fragile. Furthermore, I purchase the armchair under trade and commerce whereby under mutual communication, and I negotiated 30minutes orally with Mandela (salesperson) to sell me the armchair with $1500. Moreover, Mandela conduct was misleading or deceptive where he stated he sits on the armchair all the time where he actually doesn’t sit on it and the fact that the chair was actually fragile. Refer to Taco Bell to determine whether the conduct is misleading or deceptive that there are certain criteria to justify whether they are mislead or deceived. First, the conduct is based on me which is justified the targeted by the conduct of the defendant. The time I was in Tyson’s shop, Mandela forms an erroneous conclusion to me, that the armchair is safe and can be used as furniture where it was not the fact. Hence, proves the conduct by Mandela skilled of being misleading or deceptive. In conclusion, Mandela has breach the 3 elements in s 18 of ACL for misleading and deceptive. Based on the question, Tyson is the owner of the shop (Principle), Mandela is the store manager and also salesperson (Agent) and I am the buyer (Third Party). In the question the issue is whether or not Mandela had authority to sell the chair at that price under Agency scope of an agent’s authority? Law is express authority where the agreement is created between agent and principal in the w ritten or oral form based on the case John McCann amp; Co v Pow. In addition, apparent authority is also applied here where the principle, either by words or conduct, may leads to third party mistaken to believe that an agent has authority to act on the principle’s behalf, based on the case Tooth amp; Co v Laws. Moreover, duty of agent where the agent must follow the lawful and reasonable instruction of the principle and be honest in performing the job is set by the principle’, based on the case Bertram, Armstrong amp; Co v Godfray. Hence in the application, Mandela has breach express authority under agency where he doesn’t follow the oral agreement by Tyson to sell the armchair for at least $3500 and he sold the armchair for me with $1500. Besides that, under apparent authority, Tyson either by words or conduct leads me to believe that Mandela has authority to contract on their behalf and I couldn’t know Tyson has instructed Mandela to sell the armchair for at least $3500. Based on the question, the issue is whether I can sue Tyson under tort of negligence and claim compensation? The law tort of negligence was recognized in the case Donoghue v Stevenson where the plaintiff must establish that, the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, the defendant breached that duty, and lastly the plaintiff suffered damage as a result of the breach in tort of negligence. Hence in the application, Tyson (defendant) has owed a duty of care to me (plaintiff) based on the test and relationship. All the risk in the shop must be reasonable foreseeable, however the armchair was not reasonable foreseeable where the armchair looked nice but actually was fragile, even though Tyson does put a sign on the wall of the shop mention that ‘Please do not sit on the chair-fragile- considered sold if damaged’ but as a furniture shop, customers might need to try or test the quality of the products. In addition, there is a vulnerable relationship where Tyson hires Mandela as a manager and salesperson to control the shop, and I was reliant on Mandela, thus Mandela has the duty to protect my safety in the shop. Hence, Tyson has breach duty of care under magnitude of the risk of likelihood of the occurrence where the armchair was not covered or blocked to prevent customer sitting on it which same case as Bolton v Stone. Thus, he had fail to exercise the required standard of care due to the armchair being fragile and I sit on it, the chair had collapsed under my weight and has been injured when I fell to the floor. Hence, I have suffered damage due to the chair collapsed and I fell to the floor. However, Tyson have defenses to negligence under voluntary assumption of the risk where the plaintiff had full and absolute knowledge of the risk where defendant had actually put the sign on the wall that said ‘please do not sit on the chair- fragile- considered sold if damaged’. Besides that, the plaintiff had sufficient appreciation of that particular risk where plaintiff had saw the sign on the wall but ignore the sign. Lastly, there was voluntarily acceptance of that risk as the plaintiff knew the chair were fragile but doesn’t care and sit on the chair. Hence, at defendant point of view plaintiff should bear the risk. In conclusion, as I am the plaintiff I can sue Tyson under tort of negligence and claim for compensation, because Tyson should need to be more aware and cover or block the fragile furniture instead of just putting a sign on the wall due to customer might ignore the sign and sit on the chair.

Continental Cablevision Inc Expansion

Continental Cablevision Inc Expansion Executive Summary The Joint-Venture agreement: On February 1994, Continental Cablevision Inc., the third largest U.S. cable TV Company and Fintelco, Argentinas leading television-cable operator had drafted a joint venture structure after several meetings and negotiations. The joint-venture structure took six months to develop. Continental Cablevision: Two Harvard graduates founded Continental in 1963, and the success of the company based on growth strategy i.e. ‘cluster cable system, and as on Dec 1993, the company serves has 3 million subscribers in 19 states of U.S. The company starts exploring international market because of saturation of US cable market and Governments deregulation of cable industry. In 1993, company started explores joint venture in Singapore and Australia. In the meantime, Robert Stengel received a call from Jack Crosby, associate of Texas businessman showed concerns investment opportunity with Fintelco. Fintelco: Samuel Liberman, an Argentine entrepreneur founded Fintelco in 1980. The growth strategy was also same as Continental. The company was Argentines largest cable operating service provider and around 390,000 cable subscribers by 1990 in Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Rosario and other Argentine cities. The company also bought Video Vision in 1993, the largest cable-television-system operator in Cordoba. As the cable market was optimistic, Liberman wants to expansion of the company but due to lack of well-developed local capital market as well as the Argentinas capital market did understand cable market, and it is new for the Argentines bank to do investment in media sector. Factors enhanced the joint venture: Exhibits 10 shows that Argentinas cable market had become most developed in Latin America, by 1994 approx 4 million subscribers and the growth rate of 50% while U.S. cable market towards maturation phase. Argentinas cable industry deregulated by the Government, which created competitive and strong cable market in Argentina. Under the deregulation plan, U.S. investors can invest 100% in cable systems and 25% of broadcast- television station in Argentina. Conclusion: The joint venture of Continental and Fintelco and 50-50 deal was as a win-win for both partners as commended by Sachs even though there are few pit holes. Fintelco needs investment to expand the services in Argentina where Continental exploring foreign investment for expanding business outside U.S. In this deal, Continental gets a local partner so that the investment risk reduces where as Fintelco not only get financial investment also gets technological assistance, experienced management team, which helps Fintelco aggressive entry in Argentinas cable market with new strategy. Continental Cablevision, Inc. is a leading provider of broadband communications services. As of December 31, 1996, the Companys cable television systems and those of its U.S. affiliates passed approximately 7.4 million homes and provided service to approximately 4.4 million basic cable subscribers, making the Company the third-largest cable television system operator in the United States. In addition, Continental has pursued investments in sectors that are complementary to its core business, including interests in International broadband communications Telecommunications and technology, including competitive-access telephony and direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service and Programming services. On November 15, 1996, Continental merged with and into Continental Merger Corporation; a wholly owned subsidiary of U.S. WEST, Inc. Continental Merger Corporation changed its name to Continental Cablevision, Inc. on the Merger Date. The Company or Continental refers to both the Successor Corporation and the Predecessor Corporation. Continental is one of the multimedia businesses of U.S. WEST and is a member of the U.S. West Media Group (the Media Group). The Media Group is comprised of: cable and telecommunications network businesses outside of the Communications Group fourteen state region, domestic and international wireless communications network businesses and domestic and international directory and information services businesses. Media Group is one of two major groups that make up U S WEST. The other major group, the Communications Group, provides telecommunications services in fourteen western and midwestern states. See the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information related to the Merger. U.S. Cable Television Business Cable television is a service that delivers a wide variety of channels of television programming, consisting primarily of video entertainment, sports and news, as well as informational services, locally originated programming and digital audio programming, to the homes of subscribers who pay a monthly fee for the service. Television and radio signals are received by off-air antennas, microwave relay systems, satellite earth stations and fiber-optic cables and then distributed to subscribers homes over networks of coaxial and fiber-optic cables. The joint venture of Continental and Fintelco was a long-term strategic move in the history of cable service provider. Entry of continental in to the Argentine market was a good strategic move for the company. Continental exploring the international market hence, the U.S. cable market reaches stage of saturation and the deregulation of cable industry by U.S. government make the cable market is more competitive in U.S. so joint venture of Continental and Fintelco is a good strategic move because it will reduce the market entry risk in foreign market using local partner in joint venture For Continental six months will be not enough to study a foreign market and invest so getting a local partner who is premier service provider will help to run the business in profit in very short time. The foreign investor no need license to provide the cable service otherwise it will delay the process in this Continental will save the time and they can use best the local resources. Fintelco is Argentines largest cable operating service provider and they have a better understand of the cable market than a foreign investors and it will be difficult to fight head to head for a foreign investor against a local company so for Continental a good move to choose Fintelco a venture partner. Amos and Samuel both are self-made man and they have similarities of personality and they are quite comfortable each other not just at business level they are personally comfortably each other. This means they trust each other and have respect for each other so in this situation doing business will be easier for long-term partnership. Continentals success of the company based on growth strategy i.e. ‘cluster cable system, which is same strategy of Fintelco so it is easier to executive and understand the management of the company together as well if they have common strategies it will be easier to make future marketing strategies of the company. Argentinas government deregulation plan helps Continental to move strategically to invest in Argentinas cable company Fintelco. Even though if Fintelco will discontinue with Continental in this scenario the Continental does not need to find venture partner urgently because Continentals investment in Fintelco is subject to regulatory approval by Federal authorities working in Argentina. The recent approval of a bi-lateral investment and trade agreement between Argentina and the U.S. make it possible for the first time for U.S. companies to own cable systems in Argentina. Therefore, it allows U.S. investors to invest 100% in cable industry. So there is possibilities for Continental to buy the 50% share from Fintelco. When Argentina entered the decade of the 1990s, the economic performance was dull it over a prolonged period of time. From the period of 1975 through 1990, the country was plagued by high inflation and general economic stagnation. Inflation seldom fell below 100 percent; there were bouts of hyperinflation, notably in 1985 and 1989-90. In the year 1990, real GDP stood 6 percent below the level in 1974. Over this period of time, the general stance of economic policy was inward-looking and interventionist, although there were occasional attempts to adopt more market oriented policies. All-out crises erupted twice during the 1980s. But with the help of joint venture of Continental and Fintelco, these companies were able to cope up with the Inflation. All the above factors indicate that the Continentals move to entry into Argentines market was a good strategic move, and Fintelco was an appropriate venture partner. In Businesses joint ventures or partnership is very important to strong the relation for long-term commitment or collaboration to start or continue short-term project. The opportunities and risk of Continental and Fintelco joint venture are as follows: Opportunities: Local market knowledge This venture has an advantage of a local partner, knowledge of the local market is extremely important for a company to do business in other country. It is more important for an entertainment industry to know about their customs, culture, political scenario and regulatory laws. In this venture, Fintelco is a local leading cable provider so it is easier for the company to customize the programme and marketing accordingly. Sharing of resources Fintelco is a local company so there are many data available with the company, which can be used for marketing and customizing progemme otherwise for Continental it will take time to conduct surveys, gathering data and analysis it consume lot of money as well as time. So with this venture there are lots of opportunity to save time and money which is so important for a company so that they can use the money for strategic investment. Continentals technical assistance offering will help the venture to upgrade the technology in Argentinas cable market without any cost paying. Advance technology edge will give business advantage as well as lost operating cost. Later, the venture can sell their technology skills to small cable operator so they can extend their services. Argentinas cable market In Latin America, Argentinas television and cable markets it has the largest number of television receivers (8,000/thousand population) in the region affter Brazil and Mexico by 1994. And its cable penetration was 50% (case studys exhibits 10). It is good opportunity for the venture to make strategy to capture market share as much as possible while acquiring small cable service provider or extending the services in new regions. Flexible venture One important aspect of the venture is the venture is flexible and partner of Fintelco is Continental, which based in U.S. The recent approval of a bi-lateral investment and trade agreement between Argentina and the U.S. make it possible for the first time for U.S. companies to own cable systems in Argentina and invest up to 100%. Therefore, it allows Continental to invest as much as possible to expand the market. Fintelco get regular investment from the venture partner and on other side Continental able to expand the business international market without and legal barrier for investment. The flexible venture also be a risk that both partner might be internally try to increase the percentage of share holding of the camapany. Telephone and Satellite markets Argentinas tele-communications and wireless cable is underdeveloped so there are opportunities for the venture to investment in this sector as well as extend their business to reduce the risk doing one business. Risk: Different cultures and management styles Both companies culture and management style is different which may be result in poor integration and co-operation among the staff. Continental not just limited to investment they will share the management committee. Objective of the venture The objectives of the venture were not very clear and communicated to everyone involved. This venture is most like to their personal preference and level of comfortable and mutual trust. But in future absence of their may create confusion and may the venture get trouble, Leadership If the management committee will share by venture partner then it will be difficult for both leader to be present at all meeting to guide and mentor the newly formed managerial committee that may be difficult to follow the value of the company. Success of the joint venture was dependent on clear aims and objectives, mutual trust and open discussion among partners. The business plan should be communicated effectively and clearly at all levels of staff and involvement of majority of employees. In 1994, the senior management of Continental Cablevision contemplated acquiring a 50 % interest in the largest Argentine television cable company, Fintelco, for $80 million up front, and an additional $70 million over the next few years, Continental is facing a maturing market in the U.S., and sought new avenues of growth and outlets for its strong positive cash flow. Meanwhile, Fintelco needed cash for the aggressive build-out of its cable system. Strategically and organizationally, the investment seemed to make sense. The forecasted cash flows in Argentine pesos. As a matter of government policy, the peso was pegged to the dollar at 1:1 exchange rate. But whether this was sustainable, the Economist Intelligence Unit projected inflation in the dollar at 2.5 % for the next 5 years and inflation in the peso at 6 to 12 % over the same period. There were no firms comparable to Fintelco listed for trading on the Argentine equity market. Continentals analyst took a sample of betas for cable firms in the U.S,, unlevered and averaged them, and then relieved the average to drive a firm beta for Fintelco. The country beta for Argentina currently was 1.96. The countrys risk yield premium was 350 basis points over U.S. treasuries at the time. Continental was uncertain about the governments commitment to maintaining a 1:1 convertibility between the Argentine peso and the U.S dollar, so the analysts modeled the cost of capital estimate under both scenarios. Under the 1:1 convertibility and devaluation scenarios, the resulting estimates of cost of capital were 20.75 and weighted cost of capital (WACC) 19.21% respectively. Exhibits 1 2 give the calculations of the WACC and NPV for the investment. The result presents two exchange rate scenarios: 1:1 and depreciating peso. Under the stable scenario, the NPV would be $96.2 million and under the depreciating peso scenario, the NPV would be -$15 million. At that point in time analysts should not be biased with the new venture and valuate the price of the deal again, specifically with the depreciating peso scenario. Both the companies were offering different kinds of deals. One was offering 75% while the second was offering 25% but finally they came to 50-50 partnership deal. Apart from few pit holes, this deal was a fair deal for both the companies. Continental wanted to enter into the Argentine market and Fintelco needed capital at that time. So, overall, the deal worked well and both companies were in win win position. In an international joint venture, generally, small enterprises suffer two basic disadvantages that large enterprises by definition are without: Elevated rates of employee costs. Working capital requirements. Large enterprises like Continental cablevision have lower costs per unit turnover and substantially larger cash flow capacities. Moreover, these kinds of joint ventures represent a high risk factor in terms of debt repayment capacity, often because of inadequate financial know-how and limited access to guidance and consultation. Long term success of the joint venture is additionally contingent upon a heightened degree of financial flexibility that enables rapid adaptation to changing market needs. The disappointment with large scale, capital intensive and often import-dependent businesses has been growing long before the current global economic downturn set in. Continental and Fintelco has a lot to blame on themselves for their experience with large enterprises, reports of their diminishing impact on inclusive economic growth is emerging unmistakably from across the globe. As new economic realities begin to hold sway, slowly but surely the practicality of these kinds of ventures running on gigantic employee and capital turnovers is slipping away. It holds out a multitude of short and long term benefits that are of especial relevance to this joint venture. In the context of both immediate and long term goals, a policy shift in favor of rapid promotion of smaller enterprises is perhaps the only policy priority standing between Continental and Fintelco and a rapidly prospering economy. There are significant challenges in this direction, none more pressing than the need to create a mindset change among these companies with regards to grassroots entrepreneurship. Further practical problems were in the form of skilled manpower shortage, a disturbing enterprise mortality rate and devastating infrastructural deficiencies, especially in terms of security, power and roads. Improving availability and access to finance and equity was the most critical challenge by far,. In order to ensure rapid development, both companies must effect swift fiscal, monetary and industrial policy changes in order to capitalize on its huge potential of venture. A lot more things depend on the effective management of its human resource capital its sizeable population that has been traditionally dependent on extremely small, subsistence-level enterprises. It is a matter of fact that the fate of Continental and Fintelco ambitious economic goals rests largely on its ability to convert this talent into tangible economic growth.

Tackling The Gang Problem In The Uk Criminology Essay

Tackling The Gang Problem In The Uk Criminology Essay In the past decade the concept of gangs has been debated thoroughly via research, media and government policy. This has led many to blame the youth of today for being the downfall of society by belonging to a gang. However this is not a new phenomenon, since the 1960s British research has focused on gangs, from a wide variety of groupings such as teddy boys, skinheads, punks, chavs and rudeboys. America is seen as the base for gang research however American researchers have been unable to agree on a uniform definition of gangs. In Britain Klein et al (2001) devised an operational definition of a gang as a durable street-oriented youth group whose involvement in illegal activity is part of the group identity. This definition has been found to have cross-national validity (Decker and Weerman, 2005), and has been adapted in British research and policy (Sharp et al 2006). A problem in inherent in defining such a complex notion is the involvement of the media. This is shown from as early as 1964 with Cohens Mods and Rockers studye. The medias exaggeration and distortion of the events resulted in the negative perception of those who defined themselves as a Mod or Rocker. They were depicted as folk devils and acted out that role accordingly in following years (Muncie, 1999). In todays society young people who become a member of a gang often seek to maintain that label for reasons such as the material, financial and social status gains (Jeffery, 1960). According to NACRO, youth offending fell between 1993 and 2001 and Britain has one of the lowest youth crime rates in Europe. However the media disregards this and continues to make young people folk devils (Cohen, 1980). By doing so it has lead to a moral panic (Cohen, 1980) with 1.5 million Britons considering moving home because of young people hanging around their neighbourhood (The Independent, 2006). Within this essay U.K gangs will be discussed in terms of the problems they cause such as gun and knife crime. The issue of the over-representation of ethnic minority gangs will also be debated. Attempts to prevent gang crime and the successes of prevention programmes will be discussed. The focus will be upon youth gangs as this is where the majority of research is based upon and they arguably have the most impact on British society. The significance of gangs in the U.K relates to the issues they cause in regards society and community cohesion. Although NACRO stated that youth offending had fallen young people involved in gangs are disproportionately involved in crime, especially involving weapons. In 2008 more than 70 youngsters died due to gang violence in Britain (Hughes, 2009). It is the death of innocent bystanders such as Rhys Jones, Sally Ann Byfield and Damilola Taylor. That has shook society, leaving many to be fearful of going to areas dominated by gangs. Such areas are inner-city, economically deprived and have a high ethnic population (Vigil 2002). The Metropolitan Police identified more than 170 gangs in London, with members as young as ten. Many gangs are loose affiliations of friends from the same area intent on controlling a territory, often defined by a post code. The penalty for straying into the wrong area is to be robbed, beaten or stabbed. Many teenagers carry a knife out of fear or to defend themselves if attacked. Recently knife crime has risen across England and Wales, the number of fatal stabbings in 2007-08 was 270, the highest since records began in 1977 (Hughes, 2009). The Home Office reported that gun crime fell by 29%, this could be down to displacement effect as knives are more readily available than guns (Hughes, 2009). It must be noted that official statistics do not offer a complete picture of gun and knife crime because often violence between criminals and offences by children under 16 goes unreported (Golding et al, 2008). An issue of gangs relates to reluctant gangsters (Pitts, 2009). They dont wish to be in a gang but as they fail to gain other employment they return to the gang lifestyle. Those who attempt to leave a gang are at high risk of victimisation (Taylor et al, 2007). The issue of victimisation is also a consequence for family as they may fall victim of a retaliation attack, have physical and mental health problem and endure numerous police raids and community stigma (Pitts, 2009).But as many will join gangs from a young age the effect of their actions is often not apparent before it is too late. Ethnic minorities are over-represented in media reports (Davison 1997) and in British Police accounts of gangs (Marshall et al. 2005). As gangs are more prevalent in areas populated by ethnic minorities (Vigil 2002), people consciously avoid or move from such areas which allows the area to worsen. Possibly rendering it un-fixable even with government or police intervention, this is in line with the Broken Windows Theory (Wilson and Kelling, 1982) Ethnicity may also not be such a strong predictor of gang membership in England and Wales, as opposed to a more segregated country such as USA (Peach 1996). Research on British gangs provides support for this view: Manchester gangs are ethnically mixed when the neighbourhood is ethnically mixed (Bullock and Tilley 2002), whereas in the more ethnically homogeneous Edinburgh, gangs tend to be mostly white (Bradshaw 2005). The ethnic composition of gangs is not divergent from the ethnic composition of other youth groups in Britain (Sharp et al. 2006). This is in support of Kleins (2001) definition is the what defines a gang is their involvement in crime. In 2007 Tony Blair and Gordon Brown held emergency summits dedicated to gangs, guns and knife crime (Alexander, 2007). The government announced a Three point plan to tackle gun and gang crime, focusing on policing, courts and community prevention (Alexander, 2007). Across the political spectrum policy amendments were called for ranging from David Camerons swiftly recanted Hug a Hoodie establishment of witness protection schemes to the establishment of safe houses for those escaping gangs (Alexander 2007). Police action against gangs is often described as intelligence-led; however, the nature, quality and ethical deployment of gang information continue to be questioned. Ralphs et al (2009) in a British ethnographic study found evidence of youth being targeted solely by association with known gang members, together with evidence of exclusionary experiences for example school exclusion, hampered employment prospects and excessive police attention that were attributed to erroneous labelling. Churchill and Clarke (2009) in a review of parent-focused policy to reduce social exclusion, list 39 separate major initiatives across early years, education, employment, benefit and parenting programme domains during 1997-2008, at a cumulative cost of hundreds of millions of pounds. Yet still numerous new initiatives are being introduced such as The Communities Against Guns, Gangs and Knives Initative at a cost of  £18 million for 2011-2013 (Home Office, 2011) Families have been conceptualised as a source of risk and resilience regarding antisocial and offending behaviour, and as a site for support and intervention. In an international narrative review (Klein and Maxson, 2006), the most consistent discriminator of gang involvement was a low level of parental supervision. It is a known fact the family can be a risk but also protective factor of criminal involvement for young people (Farrington, 2003). Multi-systemic Therapy is a multimodal intervention that is delivered to the families of serious delinquents aged 12-17. The approach sees the adolescents offending as being multiply determined by risk factors in nested socio-ecological risk domains. Multi-systemic Therapy has been evaluated to high standards in the USA, Canada and Norway with little dissent (Littell, 2005). In the British context Multi-systemic Therapy is seen in: Systemic Therapy for At-Risk Teens (START). As it is a new method the it is only recently that the positive effectiveness are beginning to emerge (Baruch and Butler, 2007). Family-oriented policy conceived by UK Labour governments in the 1997-2010 included Parenting Orders. They are civil measures that require parents of children aged 10-17 who truant, show antisocial or offending behaviour to attend parenting support initiatives. However they have been criticised as being out of touch with practice, inconsistently applied, inappropriately placing responsibility on parents and as backdoor criminalisation, whereby non-compliance results in criminal conviction (Burney and Gelsthorpe, 2008). Evaluation of the effects of Parenting Orders on child behaviour is extremely lacking. An inherent problem in parental involvement is that many parents often reject the blame for their childs gang involvement instead locating problems in the broader social context relating to lack of job opportunities and the influence of peers. This sense of misdirected blame, combined with a fear that one or more children could be taken into care, fed through into a mistrust of family support services that were felt to be stigmatising and inadequate (Aldridge et al 2009). Since 1997, Government policy has also focused on the social exclusion of young people who see gang activities conflicting with their community interests. Interventions that have been used are Anti-Social Behaviour Orders and Youth curfews. The government announced this year that Anti-Social Behaviour Orders were going to be replaced as many saw them as a badge of honour. The new Crime Prevention Injunction is aimed at stopping anti-social behaviour before it escalates (BBC, 2011). Youth Curfews have been seen as questionable in terms of their implications for human rights and freedoms and as regards their utility (Walsh, 2002) From the research put forward in this essay it is apparent that Gangs are still significant in contemporary society there are still issues related to their use of weapons and the over-emphasis on ethnicity in gangs. More needs to be done to help those seen as reluctant gangsters (Pitts, 2008) as individuals increasingly feel that they are unable to leave a gang in fear or retaliation on themselves, their family or the inability to survive financially. The media still has a strong impact on how society sees gangs which does not help such interventions that are attempting to decrease gang crime and culture. But it is clear nothing can be done to change the medias portrayal as they always need a social group to use as scapegoat for the problems within society and in the last decade gangs have been used as the moral panic (Cohen, 1980). To conclude, the success of interventions is varied, there have been numerous interventions brought in by the government with the most promising one being the most recent. As it is apparent the previous interventions have not been seen to be entirely beneficial otherwise there would not be a need for a new intervention. As can be seen by the cost of intervention programmes, Gang Crime is costing society billions of pounds not to mention the human cost. Like the new Crime Prevention Injunction more initiatives should seek to address to stop anti-social behaviour before it escalates (BBC, 2011). This is being piloted in the form of an early intervention initiative in Nottingham, which seeks to reach those under 12 who are deemed at risk of offending. There is strong support for involving family in the prevention method but this too should be instigated at an early age. As when individuals realise the detrimental effects of being a gang member it is too late and at the later point in life it may also be harder for the parents to convince the parents to comply with intervention (Aldridge et al 2009). Multi-systemic Therapy should be continued to be implemented in programs as it seems to be a promising method (Baruch and Butler, 2007). Like any prevention method it will take a few years to see the success of such and as prevention of gang crime is a relatively new procedure perhaps it is that we are not yet seeing the positive effects of the interventions that have been implemented.

The Island of Crete Essay -- Crete Island Geography Geographical Paper

The Island of Crete Although once a strategic military site even up through World War II, Crete is now a wonderful Greek asset full of history, culture, and beauty. Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and is located in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea. Crete is not only home to more than 550,000 Greek citizens; it is also the destination for more than one quarter of all visitors that come to Greece. Crete is an island full of culture and celebration. Each town celebrates the day allocated to their patron saint, and there are cultural and wine festivals throughout the summer. The most important festivals on Crete are the Renaissance Festival in Rethymno, the Kyrvia Festival in lerapetra, Sitia?s Krnaria Festval, and Irakio?s summer arts Festival and the Lato Festival in Agios Nikolas. Important holidays on Crete are, of course, Easter, which is taken very seriously by all Greek orthodox believers. Other than Easter, Epiphany on January 6th, independence Day on March 25th, May Day on May 1st, the Battle of Crete during the last week of may, and Assumption Day on August 15th (Crete) .? Geography Crete is located in the southeast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is 3038 square miles, 161 miles long by about 38 miles wide in its widest part.? Crete is divided into four different districts, or ?Naomoi? in Greek.? From west to east these districts are Hania, Rethymnon, Iraklion, and Lassithi. In each of these districts are several municipalities and each of those municipalities is further broken down into several towns and villages. The major tourist spots are on the north side of the island, and subsequently all major towns are also on that side of the island. The east side of the island is by far the driest with... ...ligious, and enjoy traditional Greek food.? Crete is a fascinating place with a unique culture, interesting sites, rich history, and natural beauty which anyone would be fortunate to experience during their lifetime. Works Cited: Crete (2003).? Lonely Planet World Guide. Retrieved December 14, 2003. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/europe/crete/ Greece (2003). Country Reports. Retrieved December 14, 2003. http://www.classbrain.com/cb_cr/geos/gr.html The Monastery of Touplou (2003).? Climb in Crete. Retrieved December 13, 2003. http://www.climbincrete.com/EN/homepage/archives/000229.php The Palace of Knossos (2003). Hellenic Ministry of Culture. Retrieved December 13, 2003. http://www.culture.gr/2/21/211/21123n/e211wn01.html The Samaria Gorge (2003). University of Crete. Retrieved December 13, 2003.http://www.uch.gr/crete/places/samaria.html

Gertrude of Shakespeare’s Hamlet Essay -- Essays on Shakespeare Hamlet

The Gertrude of Shakespeare’s Hamlet  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Is Gertrude, in the Shakespearean drama Hamlet, a bore? A killer’s accomplice? The perfect queen? A dumbie? This paper will answer many questions concerning Claudius’ partner on the Danish throne.    In her essay, â€Å"Acts III and IV: Problems of Text and Staging,† Ruth Nevo explains the deleterious effect of Gertrude’s behavior on her son’s relationship with Ophelia:    His mother has predisposed him to believe in women’s perfidy, has produced in him a revulsion from sex and the stratagems of sex; he was unable to draw Ophelia’s face by his perusal; she has refused his letters and denied him access; now returns his gifts. What form of devious double-dealing shall he expect? (49-50)    Gertrude is indeed not the ideal mother. Lilly B. Campbell comments in â€Å"Grief That Leads to Tragedy† on Queen Gertrude’s sinful state:    Shakespeare’s picture of the Queen is explained to us by Hamlet’s speech to her in her closet. There we see again the picture of sin as evil willed by a reason perverted by passion, for so much Hamlet explains in his accusation of his mother:    You cannot call it love, for at your age The hey-day in the blood is tame, it’s humble, And waits upon the judgement; and what judgement Would step from this to this? . . . O shame! [. . .]    And of the Queen’s punishment as it goes on throughout the play, there can be no doubt either. Her love for Hamlet, her grief, the woes that come so fast that one treads upon the heel of another, her consciousness of wrong-doing, her final dismay are those also of one whose soul has become alienated from God by sin. (97-98)    Gunnar Bokland in â€Å"Hamlet† describes Gertrude’... ...hamlet/other/jorg-hamlet.html    Nevo, Ruth. â€Å"Acts III and IV: Problems of Text and Staging.† Modern Critical Interpretations: Hamlet. Ed. Harold Bloom. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1986. Rpt. from Tragic Form in Shakespeare. N.p.: Princeton University Press, 1972.    Pitt, Angela. â€Å"Women in Shakespeare’s Tragedies.† Readings on The Tragedies. Ed. Clarice Swisher. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Reprint of Shakespeare’s Women. N.p.: n.p., 1981.    Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 1995. http://www.chemicool.com/Shakespeare/hamlet/full.html No line nos.    Smith, Rebecca. â€Å"Gertrude: Scheming Adulteress or Loving Mother?† Readings on Hamlet. Ed. Don Nardo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 1999. Rpt. of â€Å"Hamlet†: A User’s Guide. New York: Limelight Editions, 1996.   

Business and People Management Test

All of the following are examples of downward communication flows except managers pointing out problems that need attention employees completing attitude surveys managers telling employees to work more quickly managers informing employees of procedures managers assigning goals 2 points Question 2 are indicators of a strong organizational culture. Widely shared values Completely horizontal organizational charts Weak managers Narrowly defined roles Question 3 1 .Consequences of stress can surface as physiological behavioral psychological all of the above none of the above Question 4 symptoms. 1 . All of the following are characteristics of the organic model except employee empowerment arrow spans of control cross-functional teams cross-hierarchical teams flatness Question 5 1 . A plant manager who organizes the plant by separating engineering, accounting, manufacturing, personnel, and purchasing into departments is practicing differentiations. Reduce functional geographic graphic targe t customer Question 6 1 . The traditional view of conflict is the belief that conflict is neutral necessary situational-dependent natural harmful Question 7 1 . According to the Ohio State studies, the extent to which a leader's behavior is erected toward getting the Job done is called minimization consideration path-goal initiating structure Question 8 1 . Which tactic for overcoming resistance to change basically assumes that the source of resistance lies in misinformation? Caching and advancement education and communication occupation and manipulation training and development facilitation and support Question 9 1 . The approach to evaluation that uses feedback from those who have daily contact with an employee (everyone from mailbox personnel to customers to bosses to peers) is termed 360-degree evaluation radical incidents M BAA BARS Question 10 1. Research indicates that poor of interpersonal conflict. Communication motivation training hygiene leadership Question 11 is probably the most frequently cited source 1 .Honesty is absolutely essential to leadership. True False Question 12 1 . Which one of the following is not one of the primary ways to group Jobs? Process personality customer function Question 13 1 . Angelina feels that her cubicle neighbor talks too loudly on the phone, but in other ways she is a great neighbor. Angelina gets annoyed every time her neighbor's phone inns, but she has decided it's simply not worth the trouble to talk to her neighbor. Angelica's conflict intention is called resisting competing avoiding collaborating compromising Question 14 1 .Legitimate power is based on positive rewards expert knowledge interpersonal trust structural position respect and admiration Question 15 1 . The step in the action research process where information is gathered about prognosis evaluation diagnosis feedback action Question 16 1 . The text implies that the type of leader likely to have the most profound effect on his or her followers is the r eenactments educational transformational transactional actuarial Question 17 leader. 1 .Transformational leadership is built on top of transactional leadership. Question 18 1. A leader high in initiating structure would do which of the following? Assign group members to particular tasks seek consensus empower employees to make their own decisions exhibit laissez-fairer type of leadership Question 19 1 . All of the following are factors that serve to sustain organizational cultures except colonization top management selection frugality orientation Question 20 1 .Diversity training programs are generally intended to provide a vehicle for socializing otherwise unmanageable employees balancing work/life conflicts increasing awareness and examining stereotypes eliminating group learning Question 21 1. The unstructured interview is typically biased often only modestly related to future Job performance usually made up of random questions Question 22 1 . Who developed a three-step model for change that included unfreezing, movement, and refreezing? David McClellan John Cotter Lawrence Summers Douglas Usurer Kurt Lenin Question 23 .Electronic mail is the ideal method for conveying messages that might evoke emotional responses. True Question 24 1 . When a manager is evaluated on the degree to which he or she â€Å"has a good attitude,† the evaluation criterion being used is behaviors. True Question 25 1 . According to the Ohio State studies, the extent to which a leader is likely to have job relationships characterized by mutual trust and respect for his/her employees is consensus-building matrix LAP Question 26 conflict hinders group performance. Formal Functional Reactive Informal Dysfunctional

Education of African American Male Students Essay

The Brown vs. the Topeka Board of Education was a landmark decision of the United States Supreme court which outlawed racial segregation within public education facilities. Segregation of public education existed until the Supreme Court considered arguments by the schools requesting relief concerning the task of desegregation. In Brown II, the Supreme Court delegated the task of carrying out the desegregation to district courts with orders that desegregation occur â€Å"with all deliberate speed† (The United States Supreme Court, 1954). This phrase â€Å"with all deliberate speed† was easier said than done. Segregation practices continued in America well after 1954. During these early years groups like The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and The Nation of Islam emerged as the new lead organizations for the Civil Rights Movement. Leaders like Megar Evers, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. emerged all were assassinated before reaching the age of forty. These assassinations sparked the emergence of younger and more radical groups. Groups like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and the Black Panther Party had goals for education. The Black Panther Party created a comprehensive plan for improving their community. The plan was called the Ten Point Plan (Ten Point Plan, 1966). The Ten Point Plan stated: We believe in an educational system that will give to our people knowledge of self. If a man does not have knowledge of himself and his position in society and the world, then he has little chance to relate to anything else. (Ten Point Plan, 1966, p.1). The 1960’s were an era of great change in African American culture. This was also a time for new leadership in the African American community. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Megar Evers had chosen to use a nonviolent approach. Malcolm X was more radical and was willing to use violence to get equal treatment. After all three leaders were assassinated; leaders such as Stokely Carmichael had a new concept of  what America should become. In 1968 Stokely Carmichael created the term institutional racism, which he defined as the collective failure of an organization to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their color, culture or ethnic origin. One of the new topics in education reform focused on how to educate African American males. Students in urban areas have been exposed to deteriorating conditions, which include overcrowded classrooms, limited funding for education, and unstable learning environments. In recent years the education of African American males has encountered several problems. Although 72% of African-American students in America graduate from high school, over 45% of African-American males drop out of high school (Green & Carl, 2000). Another problem is that one in four African American males are expelled from school each year. Additionally a disproportionate number of African-American males are in special education and remedial reading classes (Lee, Winfield & Wilson, 1991). According to Livingston and Nahimana (2006), Success with African-American males requires understanding the social context in which they exist. This journey of cultural understanding begins by recognizing preconceived assumptions about urban African-American male children, African-American children, particularly urban youth, are very keen on picking up the adult’s perception of them. Thus, understanding the behavior and dynamics of urban African-American families will greatly aid in understanding and educating the African-American male child. (p.210) Statement of the problem In recent years, there has been a trend of academic underachievement among African American males. Economic opportunities, lack of education, lack of father figures and the lack of understanding from the American society has damaged the self-esteem and the educational opportunities of young African American males. This research discussed the role that education has contributed to the underachievement of African American males in education. The purpose of this study was to review and analyze the data regarding the education of African American male students. Specifically, the study looked  at the factor impacting the education of African American male students. This results of this study aims to encourage and educate professionals by providing information and additional strategies in promoting the educational success of African American male students. The following research questions guided this study: 1. What factors have influenced the education of African American males? 2. How have historical perspectives regarding poverty in the African American community changed? 3. How have attempts to desegregate public schools in America operated? 4. What strategies can educators use to improve opportunities for African American male students? Limitations of Study This study was based on existing literature and research regarding factor impacting African American male students. The scope of data collection included journals, books, and articles dealing with African American male student. The literature consisted of a number of studies involving the African American family structure. Studies in the field of education often do not include a control group. Other sources describe recommendations or proposals that may correlate with successful implementation of various strategies, but do not have quantifiable data to support those models. The limitations that these factors bring include the amount of study and research that exists within the literature Research was confined to the past decade; with the exception of the historical aspects presented Definition of Terms Accountability: a policy of holding schools and teachers accountable for the academic progress students by linking such progress with funding for salaries, and maintenance Culture: refers to patterns of human activity and the symbolic structures that give such activity significance. Different definitions of â€Å"culture† reflect various theoretical bases for understanding, or criteria for evaluating, human activity. Institutional racism: the collective failure of an organization to provide an appropriate and professional service to people because of their color, culture or ethnic  origin. Poverty: the state or condition of having little or no money, goods, or means of support; condition of being poor; indigence. Public education: education mandated for or offered by the government to the children of the general public, whether national, regional, or local, provided by an institution of civil government, and paid for, in whole or in part, by taxes. The term is generally applied to basic education, K -12 education and primary and secondary education. Racism: a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others. Racial segregation: is characterized by separation of different races in daily life when both races are doing equal tasks, such as eating in a restaurant, drinking from a water fountain, using a rest room, attending school, going to the movies, or in the rental or purchase of a home. Urbanization: means increased spatial scale and/or density of settlement and/or business and other activities in the area over time. The process could occur either as natural expansion of the existing population (usually not a major factor since urban reproduction tends to be lower than rural), the transformation of peripheral population from rural to urban, incoming migration , or a combination of these. Design of the Study This study was descriptive in nature. All data were based upon research of available literature on the challenges of poverty and its role in the education of African American male students. Guiding questions were answered based upon a review of existing literature and research which addressed the factor impacting African American male students Literature on educational learning strategies were identified, studied and discussed. The information is presented in four chapters: Chapter One will consist of the introduction of the research paper. Chapter Two is the review of literature, outlining as pertinent to the research question. Chapter Three presents the analysis of the findings, and theme regarding the historical perspectives and impacting factors associated with the education of African American males. Chapter Four consists of a discussion including summary, conclusions, and recommendations. CHAPTER TWO REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Introduction Before educators analyze the negative statistics for African American males, the fact that there have been successes must be realized. According to Livingston and Nahimana (2006), Success with young African-American males requires understating the social context in which they exist. This journey of cultural understanding begins by recognizing preconceived assumptions about urban African-American male children. African-American children, particularly urban youth, are very keen on picking up the adults’ perception of them, thus understanding the behavior and the dynamics of urban African-American families will greatly aid in the understanding and educating the African-American male child. Although the literature is quick to point out that many urban African-Americans are reared in single family home, one should not assume that there are not positive males in the child’s extended family. Uncles, grandfathers and even older male siblings can play an important role in aiding our work with students. ( p.210) There are several questions that could be asked about the education of African American males. According to Education Today (2007, p.22), â€Å"there is a new question that will be asked. Will we lose the next two or three generations, or possibly every generation of African-American boys hereafter to negative media, gangs, drugs, poor education, unemployment, father absence, crime, violence and death?† African American male students are faced with several challenges in education such as unemployment, housing, violence, incarceration, drugs, and education. According to Livingston and Nahimana (2006), â€Å"Educating young African American males has become an increasing concern for educators and human service professionals over the past 20 years. Disproportionate rates of school failure, dropout, and incarceration all speak to the need to develop interventions, which can account for the structural and ecological factors that impact African-American families and African-American children† (209). Even the United States Senate has noticed the new disturbing trend among African  American males. According to United States Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) â€Å"in 1999, 65 percent of African-American male high school dropouts in their 20s were jobless. He added that by 2004, the share had increased to 72 percent, as compared to 29 percent of whites and 19 percent of Latinos.† Schumer also noted â€Å"the incarceration rate of young African-American males is at historic highs, more than half of African-American males do not finish high school, and an African-American man in his 20s without a high school diploma is more likely to be in jail than to be working† (Wright, 2007, p.4). Family Structure/Foundation In America, the traditional family structure consists of a mother and a father. According to May, â€Å"In the 1950’s the normative American family consisted of a breadwinner father, homemaker mother, and several children, all living in homes in the suburbs on the outskirts of a larger city. It was a narrow view of a model family, yet it pervaded the media and was widely accepted as the ideal and most normal† ( p.20). Today, the dynamic of the American family structure is much different. Bishop (1991, p 23 ) stated that â€Å"In the 1990s there are still traditional families with parents and children, but the definition of a family has broadened considerably. Children are raised by many varieties of caring adults: single parents, grandparents, kin-networks, homosexual couples, and others. Even traditional appearing families are often blended families of children from different biological parents.† African American families have similar dynamics. Billingsley (1968, p. 36) â€Å"identified three categories of African American families: primary families (e.g., two-parent), extended families (e.g., other relatives, in-laws), and augmented families (e.g., nonrelated individuals).† The structure of the African American family has not remained static over the years. According to Tucker and Mitchell-Kernan (1995) African American women are now twice as likely to maintain families solely then they were in 1940. Another trend involves women heading the household. According to Darity and Myers (1995, p. 1), â€Å"The rise in female-headed families among African Americans has been swift. Twenty-eight percent of African American families were headed by women in 1970, and 46% were female headed. This data make it clear that patterns of African American family formation have undergone substantial change over the past 50  years in a number of important aspects. The absence of fathers from the homes has been associated with delinqu ency. According to Auletta, â€Å"living in single-mother household has been suggested as a contributing factor in the development of adolescent problem behaviors† (p.23). There are other concerns with the African American family that involve marriage. According to Tucker and Mitchell-Kernan (1995), â€Å"the proportion of African American women and men who marry has declined by 20% over the past 50 years, compared to the general population that has remained steady. The combined impact of delayed marriage, more non-marriage, high divorce rates, and a high rate of births out of wedlock are observed as having a profound effect on family formation in the African American community. Four out of every 10 African American families have a woman maintaining the family without the support of another adult. These trends are directly related to the well being of African American families and communities. Unemployment In the African American community there are several challenges for young African American males. The lack of jobs has a lot to do with poverty and continues to plague the African American community. According to McAdoo (p. 15), High rates of unemployment have had a profound impact upon the African-American community. Discrimination, inequalities in hiring and recessions, plant closings, the removal of high paying, industrial and manufacturing jobs to rural America and Third World countries have removed a number of African-American males from the urban employment sector. Historically, the rate of unemployment among African-American men has been twice that of White America. On the east coast the unemployment rates are even more disproportionate. Currently in major urban cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York, 35-55% of African-American males between the ages of 18 and 35 are unemployed (National Urban League, 2005). According to Dubowitz (1999), â€Å"Currently 24.4% of African-Americans live in poverty as compared to only 8.2% of Whites and 22.5% of Hispanics.†(p.55)† There have been other studies that reveal males are more likely to remove themselves from their family when they are unable to provide financial support (Livingston & McAdoo, 1993). For African-American Families, and African-American male children in particular, high rates of male unemployment can create a context of fatherlessness, economic  instability, poverty, hopelessness characterized of manifested in children by low expectations, increased rates of high school drop out, and high rates of delinquency, which eventually assist in maintaining the context of persistent poverty (McAdoo, 1993). Unemployment can create multiple mental and psychological problems for African American male students Drugs in the African American Community There is an increased concerned about drugs in the African American community. In the African American community, children endure the most pain when fathers or brothers are missing because they are in jail. According to Newman (2005), â€Å"One reason why many fathers can’t be with their families is because of this country’s misguided war on drugs. Of the 2 million people behind bars in America, more than 450,000 are there for drug offenses. While drug abuse doesn’t discriminate, our drug policies do.† (pg12), Another statistic indicate that African Americans are more likely to go to jail for drug offences. According to Newman (2005,), â€Å"Despite roughly equal drug use between African-Americans and Whites, African-Americans are 13 times more likely to go to jail for drugs than Whites. In New York, 93% of the people in jail under the Rockefeller drug laws are African-American and Latino. Offering people treatment and help instead of incarceration for th eir drug addictions would not only save this country much-needed resources, it would help keep thousands of fathers with their families.†(pg12) There is another puzzling situation in the low-income African American community related to drugs. There are higher risk factors that create an environment more conducive to drug abuse and incarceration. According to Schensul (2005, p.39), â€Å"The drug use of low-income African American emerging adults is more troublesome because those protective factors associated with the role changes that mark emerging adulthood in middle class white youths and many youths of color are not necessarily available to poor young people.† These statistics reflect a correlation between income, drugs, and possible incarceration. Schensul (2005) noted that urban low-income youths experience many of the same developmental transitions as their middle-class counterparts. Some of the factors that promote drug use include increased residential instability, expanded and diversified social networks, exposure to high risk settings, and negative  social influences that support and promote the use of drugs and alcohol. However, urban students are subject to inadequate primary and secondary school education, family stressors stemming from the vagaries of impoverishment and government social policies, limited local professional role models, and few job opportunities that guarantee salaries and benefits above the poverty level. Material goods can also play a key role in the lifestyle of young African American males. According to McCord, J. (1990,), Sometimes there are families struggle that are related to school life (fashionable clothing and social life) but may not be able to do so for emerging adults whose financial needs are increasing. Selling marijuana is an option for intermittent income supplementation, and many youths have friends or relatives who are in a position to supply them with small amounts from time to time. Once involved in drug selling networks, youths can move to selling additional drugs if they believe it is reasonable to accept the associated risks. This means that students are willing to take unnecessary risk.(pg 35). Crime and Violence in the African American Community In the African American community there is a mistrust of law enforcement. According to McCord, (1990), Unlike suburban White youths, however, African American and Latino youths are targets for street violence, arrest, and police harassment and abuse. Once imprisoned, or on parole as adults, their institutional record may preclude voting and render them ineligible for employment opportunities. Imprisonment may introduce them to gang members or prospective customers. (p. 44) Studies also revealed that certain minority youth are at greater risk for violent behaviors. According to Fitzpatrick and LaGory (2000,), â€Å"Specifically, African-American adolescents are more likely than White, Hispanic, or Asian youth to instigate physical fighting and weapon-related violence and to suffer both fatal and nonfatal injuries from physical assaults. Not only are minority youth at greater risk for victimization by aggressive peers, they are more likely to perpetrate violence.†(p. 21) African Americans are at higher risk to have more fatal injuries than Whites. This results in higher homicide rates. Many prominent African Americans have shown concern about young African American students. The most notable of the critics, Bill  Cosby, has been vocal regarding the number of African-American men who are incarcerated and the growing number of poor African-American children who are being raised by irresponsible parents. Cosby publicly chastised many in the African-American community for not doing enough to deal with critical problems and issues, such as illiteracy, poverty, crime and violence, which remain challenges in the African American community. Cosby told a packed crowd gathered at a 50th anniversary celebration commemorating the Brown v. Board of Education decision â€Å"the ladies and gentleman of the lower economic people are not holding up their end in this deal.† These people are not parenting. They are buying things for kids — $500 sneakers for what? And yet they won’t spend $200 for Hooked on Phonics† (Watson, 2004, p. 10), Even though Cosby’s statements were harsh, they created a debate, which stirred conversation in the African American community. Incarceration According to Kunjufu (2001, p. 15 ), â€Å"over the past twenty years there has been a decline in violent crime in the United States. But in the African American community there has been an opposite trend. There are several factors that cause these trends, including poverty, family structure, high unemployment rates, crime, drugs and education.† Kunjufu also reported that African-American males in juvenile detention centers and prison have increased in recent years. Each year, thousands of young boys are placed in detention centers and adult facilities. Although African American males comprise only about 6% of the population of the, they represent over 50% of the penal population (Kunjufu, 2001). There are several other statistics that prove alarming to the African American community and the rest of the citizens in the United States. According, to Kunjufu â€Å"Currently one in three Africans American males between the ages of 20-29 is either in jail or on probation. The overwhelming majority of these men have been arrested and detained due to drug convictions.† (p. 26), Another statistic is that there are major inequities when it comes to sentencing of African American males. According to Livingston and Nahimana, â€Å"inequities in sentencing have lead to longer jail and prison terms for these young men at the most malleable period in their development. The return into the drug trade and the life of crime becomes a viable choice for many of these young men, accounting for the high rates of recidivism for  young African American males† (p.11). This is alarming because of high unemployment and limited education as well as the fact that prior conviction can lead to long term prison. The incarceration of African American males has had a dynamic effect on the community. According to Arias (2007), â€Å"The overwhelmingly high rate of incarceration among African-American men in America is striking a blow not only to the health and well-being of those men but also to their families and communities.† (p.20) This study reported that 12% of young African American males between the ages of 20-39 have been taken out of the household. This places a tremendous strain on African American women to take care of the household. Another staggering statistic is that only 62 percent of African American males graduate from high school. According to National Urban League Panel (2005, p.1), On average, only 62 percent of African-American males graduate from high school with their original class. African-American males make up only 6 percent of the United States population, but 40 percent of the prison population. Forty percent of those African-American inmates are between the ages of 17 and 26. (National Urban League Panel,). The age group between 17 and 26 is the age group that will likely attend college. If these current trends continue, there will be a tremendous increase in the number of African American males incarcerated. According to Pluviose (2006,)â€Å"by 2020, if current trends hold, that figure will rise to more than 65 percent for African-American men between the ages of 20 and 29.† (p. 22), These figures illustrate a tremendous need for employment and educational programs. The prison rate of African American males has had substantial economic impact on the African-American community. According to Holmes and Hughes (2003, p. 44), â€Å"incarceration rates in the United States, prison and jail inmates at midyear in 2002, reported that 12.9% of African-American males between the ages of 25 and 29 were incarcerated.† Segregated Schools What would Horace Mann think about the state of education today? Horace Mann was the father of the American school system. According to Hubbard (2005), Horace Mann believed that the common schools should be available to everyone. He wanted them to be available to people that were rich, poor, and of different backgrounds. As mentioned earlier Brown vs. the Board of Education was a landmark decision of the United States Supreme Court which outlawed racial segregation within public education facilities. In Brown II, the Supreme Court delegated the task of carrying out the desegregation to district courts with orders that desegregation occur â€Å"with all deliberate speed† (The United States, 1954). The current challenge that urban education face is called the No Child Left Behind Act. According to The United States Department of Education (2007) â€Å"No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (Public Law 107-110), commonly known as NCLB, is a United States federal law that was passed in the House of Representatives on May 23, 2001. This law was signed on January 8, 2002, and reauthorized a number of federal programs aiming to improve the performance of United States primary and secondary schools by increasing the standards of accountability for states, school districts and schools, as well as providing parents more flexibility in choosing which schools their children would attend. Additionally, NCLB promotes an increased focus on reading and re-authorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (NCLB, 2007). One of the many challenges with No Child Left Behind is that the goals are commendable, but the expectations are unreasonable because of the deterioration of the urban schools school district. The next challenge in urban education the education of African American males. According to Misani (2007,) â€Å"nationally between one-half and two-thirds of African male students drop out of school.† In addition, the research disclosed a 65 percent dropout rate in Chicago, with only 35 percent of African-American male students graduating from high school. In New York, the dropout rate is 74 percent, with merely 26 percent of African-American male students graduating.† p. 34) This is a tragic situation in urban schools when nearly seventy five percent of the African American male students are not graduating. According to Smith (2005, p. 27), â€Å"the drop out rates for African American males in metropolitan areas is well over 50 percent. Another trend is that some African American males believe that it is easier to drop out than to complete high school Bowye (2007, p.3) stated, â€Å"It is  most disturbing that dropping out of high school is more common than graduating from high school for children of color.† Focusing on another disconcerting trend within the community for African-American young men, Dr. Hodge pointed out: â€Å"Going to jail is becoming the common experience for children of color† (Misani, 2007, p.35). If African American children continue to think this way, many are headed for prison and the crime rate will steadily increase in these areas. There is also a problem when it comes to the placement of African American males in education. There are disproportionate numbers of African American males placed in special education and suspended from school. According to Rodney and Crafter (1999, p.185), â€Å"Nationally African American males score lower than any other groups on standardized test and are three times more likely than their Caucasian American counterparts to be misplaced in special education or classes for slow learners.† When situations like this continue to occur students feel neglected and are more likely to drop out of school. Many African American students think that the American educational system is unfair. According to Misani (2007, p. 34), â€Å"African-American boys are disproportionately and inappropriately assigned to special education classes, expelled and suspended from school, and underrepresented in college preparatory classes.† Consequently the study concluded: â€Å"Many of those who graduate are not prepared for college or further educational training.† (Misani, 2007 p.34) African American males represent 8.6 % of the nation’s public students in 2000-2001, but in some districts, they make up as much as 41 percent of the special education population (Smith, 2005).