Language of Politics and War Discussing Soviet Communism American Capitalism Course Work

Synopsis: The following article consists of a brief study regarding the principles of Soviet Communism and American Capitalism. The research discusses the role of the populace with regards to the above mentioned constitutions. After giving an introduction to both, the paper will further formulate the consistency of the strategies which have been displayed in the pictures/images provided. The study begins with a briefing of ‘Political Warfare’ where the concept of ‘Totalism’ has also been added to the discussion and an understanding about its influence upon the political manipulations of a nation. Introducing Political Warfare ‘Political Warfare’ is the strategy which is applied upon the opposing nation to retain political benefits without indulging into a direct assault upon the nation. Political warfare deals with manipulating the social economy of the nation into subjugating to the wills and wants of the respective subject using pictures, proclamations and psychological methodologies to obtain one’s national interests. Hence this stratagem which involves the usage of propaganda serves to break or destroy the social and psychological strains of the populace such the nation will evidently give in to the subject’s will. Political Warfare has been introduced as an indirect tactic to reinforce political agendas into another nation without opting for a candid intrusion into the constitution of the hostile nation. Hence this psychological approach which has become a substitute for unswerving military action deprives the nation of its economic sanctions thereby influencing not just the government but aggravating the nation from within. Political warfare is a politically planned arrangement which consists of psychological operations that are operated and finalized accordingly with respect to the nation’s political constitutional make up. It aims at altering the hostile nation’s ideologies that favor the political interests of the nation in power without using hesitant and faltered methods that can endanger a nation’s life force. Introducing Soviet Communism and American Capitalism Soviet Communism: The political constitution which was framed by the Soviet Union back in January 1912 by Lenin, Soviet Communism is an agenda which has been brought forward by the Communist Part of Soviet Union. Proclaimed to have led the Revolution of October 1917, Soviet Communism was the governmental charter that dissolved in 1991 after the Soviet Union collapsed however there are still prevalent regions in Russia which consists of Communist parties leading like the ‘Communist Workers Party of Russia’. Principle of Soviet Communism: It comprises of a single authoritarian which controlled the Soviet Union where the economic system held no distinction between classes. The governmental principle stated that the economic benefits would be shared by all hence obtaining equivalent ownership of goods such that the social order can be maintained growth prospers within the nation. The Communist Society: The Soviet Communism consisted of a classless society which did not indulge in annexation of land and property from the residents less fortunate than themselves. Hence this political regime which was initiated in the Soviet Union where the society could claim property equally such that a common ownership right could be established was the fundamental concept behind commencing a communist populace. The public were simply fractions of a communist country where the culture of communism was sowed such that the benefits of shares and profits could be attained by all the individuals involved. It made the society free of exploitations and financial manipulations. The communist populace contributed by spreading the ideology amongst other localities. Here the sovereignty of chattels and assets could be protected and preserved from voracious hands. Role of Populace: The interests of the communist state came before the statesmen hence the communist citizens were expected to work accordingly such that the country would benefit respectively with successive participation of the communist society. The individuals were expected to work for the country where exploitation, corruption, slacking of work was not exonerated. American Capitalism: American Capitalism came into being around the 1900’s where the basic foundation of this economic doctrine consisted of safeguarding the privatization of property and initiate adequate productivity to obtain maximum investment. Principle of American Capitalism: American Capitalism is another political administration which consisted of an economic system where private ownership rights for property and commodities were permitted as compared to Communism where the ownership is collectively shared by all. The introduction of banks was a part of American capitalism expansion where organization of the commercial funds obtained needed to be secure and sustained. The labor was divided such that the work could be organized, progressive and fastidious such that the accumulation of profits earned by private owners could be facilitated and manageable. The American Capitalist Society American Capitalism has been explained using three major contexts where the ownership rights can be signified accordingly: Markets: American Capitalism aimed at producing goods which could be sold outside or traded outside rather than the goods being manufactured for personal gains. Instead of the goods being directly consumed by the people, they were being sold outside which inevitably caused the nation to starve with deprivation of necessities. Private Ownership: Individuals could own their respective foundations without having a public/governmental authority controlling their market shares and incomes. The investment attained from the establishments belonged to the owners of the enterprises who maintained the right to market not just goods but sell properties as well in exchange for another property or profits. Hiring Labor: Another asset of American Capitalism consisted of entrepreneurs hiring labor force for their specific commercial agendas. Hence these employees who aren’t the owners or shareholders of the company were given an allowance for the work they submitted in the company. Role of Populace: The American Revolution resulted in inventing a capitalist economy where 65% of the labor force consisted of self employed farmers who had legal and private ownerships of their respective properties. Another part consisted of labor force being hired by land lords who’d earn their revenues from the profits that were divided amongst the workers and the title holders. Once slavery was abolished, a new era of commerce began where ex-slaves became sharecroppers and operated firms which were privatized and expanded commercially to large extents. By the 20th century, USA became a full grown capitalist country where 8-12% of the labor force became self employed and self sufficient. Independent foundations were being constructed where proprietors maintained their stand against competition in the commercial market. The Fundamentals behind ‘Totalism’ ‘Totalism’ is the psychological tool which is one of the basic principles of political warfare introduced by psychiatrist Robert Jay Lifton. With respect to political dominion, ‘Totalism’ is the technique of brainwashing the audience using eight distinct forms of thought reforms which are considered highly effective in political warfare. Originally introduced in China, the art of mind control consists of a series of modus operandi which must be encrypted in such a manner that the thought processes of the individuals can be modified or altered respectively. Eight Criterions of Thought Transformation: Milieu Control Mystical Manipulation Demand for Purity Confession Sacred Science Loading the Language Doctrine Over Person Dispensing Existence A major example can be given of one of the processes: Using ‘Sacred Science’ If you’ve heard recently about the book published by Dan Brown with regards to the ‘Priory of Sion’ where the cult which consisted of famous science discoverers and researchers waged a politically historic war against the ‘Opus Die’ who’re known for encrypting ‘Totalism’ as a means of establishing followers who believe in only one God and the sacredness of a single entity which formed human kind. The principle behind ‘Sacred Science’ is that a single belief is held, accepted and spread to its followers who cannot go against the dogma of their science. Hence the belief which is respected within the cult is considered morally and scientifically true. The thought reforms of Opus Dei are based upon similar context where they believe that science is unrealistic and that the only science which exists is the science of ‘God’. Thus these extremist views which are harbored by the members and inculcated within the members where the interpretation of ‘God’ is absolutely sacred. Hence they’re basically supposed to follow their spiritual director’s thought reform of ‘Sacred Science’. Consistency of the Concepts The political agendas of a country can be meddled with by using psychological concepts which have proven to be more effective than a direct approach of combat. We’ve realized that the ideology behind portraying pictures of ‘Soviet Communism’ and ‘American Capitalism’ both have had their respective results hence the photographs clearly proclaims the instigation of their influence upon the masses. Conclusion The language of politics and war certainly has a mind of its own. From the many concepts that have been released in the past and implemented, all have their specific means of authorizing the residents of a nation. ‘Totalism’ used by a cult is the basic perception of seizing the thought processes of an individual. By dwindling the mind and ultimately achieving the final stage of submission where the individual is compelled to relate himself with the ideologies of the cult.

Should The Government Make Vaccines Mandatory - 988 Words

The ongoing debate about state-mandated vaccines holds more relevance today than it did in the past. The question is, â€Å"Should the government make vaccines mandatory if the scientific community cannot even prove their effectiveness?† This question has frustrated and confused grandparents, parents and children alike. Common sense would suggest that the vaccines should be proven 100% effective before being introduced to the general population, but everyday thousands of Americans are administered injections having unknown long-term side effects and an unverified success rates. In the traditional school system, students prove they â€Å"know something† by taking a test. A mathematician proves knowledge in their field by corroborating repeatable accuracy on a given equation. The scientific community has its own specified basis for knowledge. â€Å"In the twentieth century, to discover the hidden causes of unpredictable and unknown responses to treatment, medical resea rchers, with the aid of statisticians, have developed a mathematical model to describe and calibrate the complex responses of the human body to therapeutic intervention.† (Marcia L. Meldrum Ph.D) This was known as the earliest form of an RCT (Randomized Controlled Trial). This analysis provided the most effective form of testing by using information derived from past studies on vaccines, using double blind procedures, and using the most accurate software to record and calculate results. During an RCT, a group of healthyShow MoreRelatedAnti Vaccination And Its Effects On Children1479 Words   |  6 Pagesgetting a vaccine. Amy Parker did eat healthy; however, she was still vulnerable of acquiring diseases that could have been prevented by vaccines such as chicken pox and tonsillitis. 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However, it is possible that this type of law could set a president for the government to start making other medical decisions for its citizens. Like all medications vaccines also come with the risk of side effects. Most of them are rather mild some examples would be rashes, headaches, fevers, and things of that nature. HoweverRead MoreVaccinations Should Be Mandatory Vaccinations1495 Words   |  6 PagesThe government should mandate vaccinations, and although it would sacrifice the liberty and choice for public health it would keep the well-being and health of everyone much more safe and away from the risk of disease. Most people agree that vaccinations should be mandated because of how being vaccinated keeps people safer in public environments since being vaccinated helps stop diseases from being spread, as proven by science, but people who do not agree with vaccination mandation most of the timeRead MoreIntroduction. 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Potiki Essay Example For Students

Potiki Essay In Pouliuli, a novel written by Albert Wendt, Faleasa Osovae awakens to find the life hes been living all along is a mere facade. Pouliuli invites readers into the Samoan community of Malaelua, which is turned topsy-turvy when Faleasa misleads his aiga and community by acting maniacal. Albert Wendt ties a famous Malaelua saga about a mythological hero named Pili to Faleasa Osovaes life. In the myth as well as in Faleasas story, they both had the same goal, which was to live the rest of their life free. To accomplish this goal, they both had to accomplish three tasks. Pilis tasks were to eat a mountain of fish which the giants had caught that day, to race the giants down a river, and make himself disappear. Faleasas tasks were to destroy Filemoni, Make Moaula the new leader, and remove Sau and Vaelupa as council leader. Of course they couldnt have done these tasks alone so both of them enlisted help from friends. Pili enlisted the help of Tausamitele, Lelemalosi, and Pouliuli. Faleasa enlisted the help of his long time friend Laaumatua and his son Moaula. Finally to get the freedom they so wished for they had to complete one last task. In Pilis case it was to divide his kingdom among his children while Faleasa had to remove Malaga as congress of the village. In the end, they both end up with nothing. Both ending up in the darkness of Pouliuli. In both scenarios there is a mirror image from Pilis saga to Faleasas. In what way are the characteristics of the three allies Pili enlist to help him with his tasks similar to those of Faleasas allies? How are the tasks in Pilis saga similar to Faleasas tasks? Why did Faleasa actually go with his plan when he knew that the end result in Pilis story was tragic?We first recognize the similarities between the mythological saga of Pili to Faleasas life as we are informed of the myth. In Pilis saga as well as in Faleasas story they create a plan that would attain the freedom they are seeking. Pili wants to be restored into a h uman while Faleasa wants to live the remaining years of his life free from the duties he had as a leader. If you set me three tasks and I perform them successfully will you lift the curse off me? (96) In Pilis myth, Pili goes up to the Ninth Heaven to ask for his father, Tagaloaalagi, to restore him into a human. Tagaloaalagi sets three tasks for Pili to do. Pili does all the tasks with the help of Tausamitel and Lelemalosi and gets his wish to be restored human. Faleasa had just described to his lifelong friend his plan and his transformation from what he called cannibal meat into a free angel. (16) Pilis saga is similar to the story of Faleasa. Faleasa has created a plan that would relieve him of the duties as a leader. Both scenarios have three tasks to complete with the help from friends. Also as each tasks is completed the next one gets more challenging. Pili and Faleasa also has to watch out that no one finds out that they are being helped with friends. As each tasks is comple ted the next task gets much tougher. Pili and Faleasa realize that they cant complete these tasks alone so they enlist people that are friends and close to them. I have other allies, Pili replied. Because he had been forbidden to associate with people he had befriended three spirits who lived near his home. They were Tausamitele-Insatiable Appetite, Lelemalosi-Strong Flight, and Pouliuli-Darkeness. It was with these friends that he devised his plans. (95)The allies that Pili enlisted have characteristics that are similar to the allies that Faleasa has enlisted. Lemigao was always hungry, or so it seemed to Osovae. Everywhere they went Lemigao searched for food before he did anything elseHe never refused any offer of food even if he had just eaten a large meal(21)Laaumatua is a mirror image of Tausamitele. Laaumatua and Tausamitele both have unfulfilled appetite. They are continuously hungry and will always be willing to eat even though theyve just eaten. 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The events of EDSA Essay Example

The events of EDSA Essay This paper explores the events of EDSA 3, its viability as a social movement, and assesses how media stirred public opinion and interest as the event unfolded. It does so with reference to some accounts as presented in a distinct form of mass media- newspapers. An attempt was made to illustrate EDSA 3 in a non- linear mode, not to purposely make it fit and be seen as a viable social movement, but rather to reach a fitting explanation to its evolution as reflected on the evidences examined. People Power: An Overview The idea of People Power –almost an indigenous social occurrence this side of the world- reveals certain pervasive beliefs among its critics, participants and proponents. For instance, the church and its members retain it as a culmination of non- violent, and prayerful mass street demonstrations for a greatly noble cause and a truly rewarding religious experience. Its proponents judge it as a justified means of saving the country from disaster in the hands of a tyrant. In EDSA 1, Enrile flew off from the Marcos block due to his excruciating distaste of Marcos’ involvement in numerous irregularities and abuses. In EDSA 2, it ranged from uncontrolled rage stemming from exposes on Estrada’s abuses and alleged involvement in various illegal affairs, his eventual impeachment trial, and most notably, the senator- jurors’ refusal to unveil the truth. People Power 1 and 2 both registered to its advocates as such. With participants mostly comprised of members from the upper and middle classes, the military, business leaders and various cause- oriented groups, the phenomenon emerged as the epitome of a great social awakening to institute a highly- sought after social change. We will write a custom essay sample on The events of EDSA specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The events of EDSA specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The events of EDSA specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer To its critics, the events of both EDSA’s greatly displayed the idea of an â€Å"Imperial Manila† since participants to both events were mostly limited to those from Metro Manila. Amando Doronila described it in his column in the Philippine Daily Inquirer: People power movements have been an Imperial Manila phenomenon. Their playing field is EDSA. They have excluded the provincianos from their movement with their insufferable arrogance and snobbery ignoring the existence of the toiling masses and peasants in agrarian Philippines[1]. Apart from questioning the justification of people power, it also highlights an apparent result of these uprisings. This hint of marginalization occurring in a supposed collective national action, invoked other notable arguments. . Dr. Maria Cynthia Rose Bautista clearly took note of this in her article â€Å"The Revenge of the Elite on the Masses’? † She states: †¦People Power 2 upheld high ethical standards of public service and inspired a new constituency for new politics. Unfortunately, the uprising superseded existing processes in particular the impeachment trial in the senate. Thus, resulting in constitutional ambiguities that sustain the call for Estrada’s reinstatement. From an institutional perspective, Estrada’s ouster through the impeachment process would have been preferable. It could have avoided the constitutional dilemmas that continue to hound Macapagal- Arroyo. But the way events unfolded in January, moral sensibilities and the question of national integrity overrode procedural considerations. In the process, People Power 2 ironically circumvented an institution it had hoped to eventually strengthen. Not surprisingly, this generated problems[2]. It’s logical to say that EDSA 2 stimulated a wide array of consequences, among which is the staging of the pro-Estrada camp of their own version barely 3 months after. Naturally, international media also took notice of the uprising. One editorial article states: †¦Whatever curious legal construction anyone may now attempt to put on the ouster of Estrada, he was ousted by a military coup, with the connivance of the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, major business groups and two former presidents. This will have any number of consequences, none too pleasant, for the coup makers- and more importantly- for the country. One loser among the coup makers will be Archbishop of Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin, and his church†¦ Economically, from the standpoint of foreign investors, would you put money into a country whose constitution and legal system are only as reliable as the will and whim of an entrenched oligarchical elite[3]? Many have already discussed the shortcomings of People Power 2. Its deviation from democratic ideals was clearly visible to its observers. Looking at the cited works, both mention the economic, institutional, and judicial repercussions of the staging of EDSA 2. But perhaps the most prominent implication of the uprising was the disregard for the overwhelming mandate that went down the drain with the ousting of Estrada. For our purpose, it is important to highlight the complications that spawned from its staging primarily because EDSA 2, hands down, was the starting point for the more convoluted events that culminated in EDSA 3. Erap and the Masa The plight of the poor Filipino was once again brought to the fore as a consequence of EDSA 2. Theirs has always been a long but enduring struggle to escape centuries- old oppression and exploitation, and seem to be an even longer wait for a defender. Politicians, in turn, have since included the alleviation of the poor folk from poverty in their respective platforms during elections. This is not surprising, though. Logic dictates that they constitute the biggest chunk of the electorate and so remains as a valuable source of much- needed votes. Still, no politician has ever claimed to enjoy the full backing of this enormous social sector. In 1998, however, the country stood face to face with the person who, undoubtedly, commands the respect and adulation of the people he always maintained as his own. Indisputably, Joseph Estrada came from the ranks of the elite, but he defied conventions and was able to transcend the class divide mainly due to his portrayal in his movies of a hero and a champion of the masses. He was perceived as a modern- day Robin Hood, elite without elitist tendencies that the poor often shies away from. Sensed and received by the masses as such, Estrada was catapulted to the presidency with the largest margin in the history of the presidential elections[4]. Estrada clearly recognized that he owed the presidency to the masses. The same people who collectively consolidated their ranks to propel Estrada to the highest position in the land. The masses shared the glory of Estrada’s victory the way they partake of his triumphs in the movies. To them, Estrada’s conquest spells an indication that their suffering days are about to end, that suddenly, they have a chance to make it after all. The ride didn’t last long, though. The masses’ explicit display of support spawned animosity towards the Estrada administration. Without a favor to return to the traditional power brokers in Malacanang, Estrada’s leadership seems doomed upon its inception[5]. With the circumstances surrounding the impeachment trial, the wheels of change turned in favor of the anti- Estrada group. He was eventually ousted and was left to ponder about his torment. Throughout his ordeal, the masa never left his side. Looking at it from the masses’ perspective, Erap’s fall from grace and conviction was a direct attack to their already worn out sensibilities. It’s not a strange tendency for the masses to salvage some pride, or what’s left of it. Estrada need not ask them for aid in his darkest hours. This they showed in a dramatic display of collective strength, the size of which still controversial and highly debatable up to this day, as they amassed in EDSA for their own People Power. [6] EDSA and the Media As it is with EDSA 1 and 2, newspapers ran discussions on the matter with much fervor, thereby stirring public outlook and attention. In this review, three major and widely circulating broadsheets were extensively used, namely, the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Philippine Star, and Malaya, all of which claim, to some extent, to be the harbingers of truth in print media. Perhaps the most crucial point in the evolution of EDSA 3 was Estrada’s arrest and subsequent detention which aroused a barrage of estimation from a variety of observers. Inquiries ranging from the motive behind the arrest, its implications, its significance, and its aftermath glossed the pages of the nation’s broadsheets. Articles in these dailies present a bevy of opinion pertaining to Erap’s arrest. For instance, an editorial article on the Philippine Daily Inquirer states: And so it comes down to this. For the first time in our history, a former president of the Republic is under arrest. Whatever happens now, in the courtroom and in the streets, it is clear that the nation has just crossed a threshold. We hope the crossover leads to greater political maturity. But let us not deceive ourselves. The potential for backsliding is great. As easy as slipping an agent provocateur into the middle of an angry crowd, yesterday’s milestone can be turned into an occasion to indulge in politics of the worst kind. †¦But the backsliding into political immaturity can also come from Estrada’s supporters. In the days leading to Estrada’s arrest, the lawyerly rhetoric from his defense team struck a starkly different tone from the sloganeering of the die- hard supporters who had massed in Greenhills, San Juan. There is no need to send the troops, the lawyers said; Estrada will â€Å"surrender voluntarily. † But the crowd that gathered at Greenhills mixed that signal completely. That the Estrada camp is quite ready to play the masa card- it is doing so in the present election campaign, running on a rich- versus- poor, us- versus- them theme- can only make an already volatile situation even more uncertain[7] . Easily, the arrest was seen as a step in the right direction for the country. Though viewed as significantly successful, a clear awareness of the possible generation of animosity, especially coming from the masa, was mentioned. Conrado De Quiros share a similar- toned piece: My first reaction was jubilation. The arrest of one Joseph Estrada, ex- president and future con, for plunder, was a shining hour in ways that made even Manny Villar’s brilliant coup in Congress, which began the impeachment trial, and Loren Legarda and Franklin Drilon’s breaking into tears in the Senate, which sealed Erap’s fate, lose some of their luster. It was a shining hour in ways that rivaled even the miracle that was ordinary Filipinos tumbling out of their homes like a flood into the streets to oust a tyrant. [8] The fear of retaliation from the masses was hurriedly dismissed, however, by Art Borjal in his column â€Å"Jaywalker†. He states: Some said that Erap’s arrest will lead to EDSA 3. Wrong. The reality, which is harsh for the allies of Erap, is that many people from the Silent Majority actually wanted the Sandiganbayan to order the arrest of Erap. Now, as Erap’s trial begins and as interest over his arrest wanes, the country can begin in earnest its search for national prosperity and progress. [9] This observation, though, did not pass as a fact, as evidenced by the events that would later unfold. However, it does represent part of the spectrum of opinion concerning Erap’s arrest. The Malaya, meanwhile, presented quite a different view from the aforementioned articles. It states: †¦In an ideal world, the trial of Estrada should be governed by the cold, impartial rules of judicial proceedings. But this case has been driven by politics from the very start. Estrada was the elected president with three more years to go in his term when he was forced to leave Malacanang by a mob. The same mob continues to cry for his head. The complaints filed against him have been rushed to satisfy the mob. This was practically admitted by the Ombudsman when it sought leave from the Sandiganbayan to withdraw five of the eight charges against Estrada. Estrada haters claim sending him to jail or to the death chamber (one case is plunder, which is punishable by death) will serve as a closure to this controversy. How we wish we could agree with them. The cases will drag on. Final resolution could possibly not come within the lifetime of these protagonists. In the meantime, the nation is distracted from the problems facing it. People cannot find work. The take- home pay of those fortunate to hold jobs is being eroded by spiraling prices. The detractors of Estrada might succeed in putting him behind bars. But the people in power might just find that without Estrada to kick around, they would no longer have a convenient excuse for their own incompetence. [10] Far from being critical of Estrada, the article fires back at the proponents of the Estrada ouster and readies them with an impending judgment once the aftermath of the arrest do not come nicely as expected. Characteristically a media frenzy, the actual arrest has these as headlines[11]: The Philippine Star: â€Å"Erap jailed for plunder† Philippine Daily Inquirer: â€Å"This is not the movies† (Joseph Estrada: From Palace to prison) Malaya: â€Å"Erap arrested† Simply gazing at the headline, one can surmise the thrust of the succeeding texts. It’s also equally essential to look at how Erap’s supporters esponded to his arrest as presented in the newspapers. For instance, in Malaya: †¦Up to 6,000 Estrada supporters gathered overnight, then dwindled to a few hundred by morning. Police said the crowd swelled to around 5,000 after the arrest order. †¦Some protesters proceeded to the EDSA shrine from Greenhills for the beginning of what they cl aim to be EDSA 3. †¦Members of the media perceived to be critical of Estrada were pelted with stones and bottles of mineral water. Estrada’s son, JV Ejercito, at one point came out of the family residence to appeal to their supporters to refrain from harming mediamen[12]. What does this entail? The arrest showed how the masses can accrue a crowd if need be. The people who trooped to Greenhills attempted to prevent Erap’s detention, to no avail. More significantly, most of Erap’s supporters viewed his capture as the final nail on their coffin. For them, the administration deliberately caused the arrest to be how it is just to sensationalize the event in the eyes of the public. For the anti- Erap faction, what could be better than this? For Erap’s loyalists, its time to stand up for what they believe in and defend their hero from further humiliation. The succeeding events unfolded at a pace that even seasoned analysts failed to fully grasp. A gathering of Erap’s supporters in the site of two previous people power revolutions confronted the administration after his arrest, prompting them to clamor for a third. As read in the headline ran by the Inquirer: For the supporters of arrested former President Joseph Estrada, a new â€Å"numbers game† has begun. â€Å"Tuloy- tuloy na ito (We’re going all the way),† said former first lady Luisa â€Å"Loi† Ejercito, who spent the night with thousands of demonstrators at the EDSA shrine in Mandaluyong and called the rally â€Å"poor people’s power. †¦the number is expected to swell to 1. 5 million- enough to effectively hold People Power 3[13] Malaya ran a similar story on its front page: Supporters of Joseph Estrada continued to gather at the EDSA Shrine yesterday to protest what they said was the grave injustice committed against the former pr esident. Crowd estimates ranged from a low of 60,000 to a high of 350,000. †¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"This is a spontaneous outburst of the people’s anger against what the Arroyo administration is doing to President Estrada,† said Jesus Crispin Remulla, spokesman of the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino- Puwersa ng Masa[14]. The â€Å"poor people’s power† commenced as the masses’ response to perceived injustice at the hands of the government. Beyond the Facts Among the goals of this paper is to examine the chosen medium’s treatment of the event. As EDSA 3 unfurls and up to its tumultuous conclusion, newspaper columnists spoke of the uprising in varying tones, starting with some of De Quiros’ view of the uprising[15]. He states: †¦The last few days would have shown that the crowd is truly massive. I asked the TV people who interviewed me the last few days about its size and they told me that on the first day alone of the rally it already reached the scale of EDSA II. Not all of those who went there could possibly have been bought or coerced. And I am not so sure that even those who were so did not find the money or religious sanction purely gravy. Nothing but resolute blindness can make anyone fail to appreciate the size of that crowd- the same resolute blindness e- mail writers and â€Å"texters† are accusing the crowd of, calling their rally an exercise in exonerating a thief. De Quiros seem to accept the merits of EDSA 3 along the lines of the â€Å"numbers game†. It can be recalled that unlike print media, major TV networks literally ignored the uprising, with only Net 25 maintaining a substantial amount of coverage. Admittedly, EDSA 3 was at par, if not superior compared to EDSA II in terms of size. He also touched the issue about majority of the participants being of the â€Å"hakot† variety, a line cunningly used by one Malacanang official to downplay the event. But de Quiros was further pointing to another important consideration: The other side of that coin is the call to fight fire with fire, to muster the EDSA II forces to rival the throng at EDSA or to let their sentiments be known through a noise barrage. Several groups who were at the forefront of EDSA II have actually called for that. Some have even suggested police action to rid the EDSA shrine of the plague that has visited it. The last one is idiotic. I have no doubt that crow d includes thugs and hooligans- some of them were caught on TV puncturing the tires of cars, and they have been harassing TV and newspaper reporters- and should be arrested when caught in the act. But to dismiss the throng as nothing more than a riffraff that should be gotten rid of like garbage, that is not to be anti- Erap, that is to be anti- people. Visibly, de Quiros recognizes the danger of an inappropriate handling of the crowd. He castigated the call for a head- on collision between EDSA II forces and the masa, not because of its â€Å"class† intonation, but rather simply because it is not the suitable measure. The masses are airing a legitimate grievance. A violent response therefore, would only create more problems than solutions. He then concludes: You cannot fight â€Å"EDSA III† with mere calls for counter demonstrations, or legal arguments, or even with replaying the impeachment trial on TV. You can only fight it with new story lines, new images, new signs and symbols- which you cannot produce overnight. It is not enough to know what lessons to teach, it is just as vital- if not more so- to know how to teach them. What De Quiros is lobbying here is for a careful study of the nature of grievances since solutions depend on the type of problems they attempt to address. The events in EDSA 3 should bring enough wisdom for the leaders in confronting tribulations. Meanwhile, The Philippine Star’s Max Soliven also penned interesting thoughts on the subject[16]. Playing the numbers, he states: Let’s face it. The pro- Estrada rally at the EDSA shrine was much bigger than the day before. On its second day, the crowd’s numbers had swelled to significant proportions. †¦their streamers proclaiming their â€Å"difference† from EDSA I and EDSA DOS, by calling themselves â€Å"Poor Have Power†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ †¦Many observers are shaking their heads or that the 5,000 or so arriving at the scene belong to the rent-a-crowd and were brought by hakot. Like de Quiros, Soliven find the size of the crowd hard to dismiss, but with a much stringer reference to the â€Å"hakot† phenomenon. He then continues: Let’s hope the situation simmers down, the protesters lose steam, and things begin to return to normal. And yet, what did we expect? When you glorify a mob surging into the streets as a glorious revolution of â€Å"People Power†, what can you call a similar mob whose sentiments are on â€Å"the other side†? As for me, I believe the attempt to arouse an EDSA III in favor of the imprisoned ex- President Erap will peter out- but we’ll have to see. One thing is clear: the former chief executive is in jail, and he’ll stay there. The Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police, after all, having â€Å"switched† once, aren’t ready to switch around again. That’s the long and short of it. Soliven’s lines here appear perilous. He anchored everything to Erap languishing in prison and to police/ military adventurism. Very little was stated about the legitimacy of the uprising but rather, more on its demerits. Paredes also gave his outlook on the uprising[17]. He begins: As I write this piece in the early morning of Thursday, a crowd is gathering again at EDSA and Ortigas Avenue. It is an angry crowd, unlike the perfumed one that gathered there in January and caused a change in governments. This one is also unplanned, unlike the earlier one which, after reading all of the pieces claiming credit for what happened, had to have been meticulously planned from Day One. This is quite an opening for Paredes. He lavishly attacked EDSA 2 while legitimizing EDSA 3 with just a few lines going. He employs the classic elite vs. masa plot to set his story on course. He continues: The police felt a great need to show force. Eventually, they used water cannons to disperse the crowd in front of the house on Polk St. in Greenhills and finally arrested Erap. No handcuffs were placed on the former president. No rough stuff was used except on the crowd, made up exclusively of the poor and the economically disadvantaged. Is this- what is going on at EDSA- something that will go away to be dismissed as just another gathering of the downtrodden who do not, anyway, have what it takes to change things in the manner that the elite that calls itself the Civil Society has perfected into a science? Or is this something that will end only with another change in administration? He repeatedly highlighted his design to pit the masses against the elite with his succeeding lines. Evidently, for Paredes, what’s brewing at EDSA, as being led by the pro- Erap crowd has the makings of an offshoot to the elite- led EDSA 2. He then concludes: The crowd continues to gather. EDSA, according to the radio, is no longer passable. But this is still early in the morning. Maybe, the police will come around, break a few heads, use their water cannons and clear the roads in time for the morning traffic. And then, again, they may not and the crowd could continue to grow and grow and grow. Whichever way this particular development goes, it is something that we Pinoys wished on ourselves. Thus, there is nothing to complain about. This is apparently what we always wanted to happen to us. That is the underlying theme to all these. This is part of the secret wish of the elite- to see the rise of the underclass and have them claim their rightful place in society. After all, if this were not the case, why else are we allowing this to happen to us? A masa- led uprising similar to EDSA 2 is highly probable for Paredes, he even sound to be endorsing it. It will not be surprising perhaps, to find his succeeding articles approving a masa uprising. What’s been already checked here are some articles before the tragic attempt of the pro- Erap crowd to seize power in Malacanang. A review of the articles after the â€Å"rebellion† reveals yet again a variety of inputs. To start with, an editorial piece points out: †¦When the smoke cleared, three persons were dead and scores were wounded on both sides. The orgy of violence also saw several stores being looted, many windows broken and several vehicles battered and burned. At least 50 demonstrators were arrested in the course of the violent dispersal- all of them unknown. In fact, none of the prominent political personalities believed to have organized, financed or encouraged the pro- Estrada demonstrations was seen at Mendiola or J. P. Laurel Street when violence erupted. It was Estrada’s loyal masa who took the fight to the palace gates; it was the same masa that bore the brunt of government’s counteraction. Now, they will have to answer for the violence, the vandalism, the arson and the looting[18]. The collective screams that reverberated in EDSA, the grand display of enormous numerical capacity, and everything acceptable that has happened in that junction, turned disastrous with the crowd’s motion to proceed to Malacanang, and with it, a multitude of criticisms thrown from all fronts by detractors waiting for an opening. The ploy was seen as the handiwork of the opportunistic politicians backfiring tragically to the masses. The supposed leaders took turns denying their involvement, as seen in this article: Even JV Ejercito, one of his (Estrada’s) sons, has denied involvement, telling GMA- 7 in Taglish:† This is a spontaneous gathering, there were no leaders. If just one person agitates the crowd, the rest will follow because they are emotional. I did my part in pacifying them. [19]† This one comes from a family- member of the supposed aggrieved party. This is how it goes coming from an alleged â€Å"agitator†: â€Å"I totally deny that I was a participant to any cabal act or movement to undermine the stability of the Republic. † Enrile told reporters at Camp Crame. But they have to restudy the meaning of rebellion. What happened today does not fit the meaning of rebellion. I should know. I was arrested many times before for rebellion. † He said, adding: â€Å"The government is very nervous about what happened (in Malacanang). There is some degree of the government being threatened. But the declaration is not justified. [20]† Enrile, along with then reelectionist senators Defensor- Santiago, Honasan, and Lacson denied having any involvement with the decision of the crowd to march and stun Malacanang. Seemingly circular arguments of challenging the legality of their incoming arrest dominate Enrile and his companion’s post- EDSA 3 talk. Government allies, meanwhile, wasted no time condemning the siege and the people they perceive to be behind it: â€Å"I support strong moves at this time. They should be investigated and charged in court if there is evidence,† said Drilon, a former Senate President and justice secretary. Winnie Monsod, another PPC candidate, scoffed at claims by Estrada’s allies that no one was leading the loyalist protest. â€Å"Who is the fool who will believe that this is a spontaneous action? They’re trying to fool us. It was executed with military precision. [21]† We can go on enumerating the accusations and denials of the protagonists, for there’s quite abundance. We will not delve into them, though. Of utmost importance is the detectable outcome of the uprising to the masses. Once more, we go back to the Opinion section of our chosen medium, and see how it treats the aftermath of the struggle. Firstly, in de Quiros’ column[22]: †¦But there is a drug more powerful than shabu, and that is anger. Maybe some of them have taken shabu, but most, if not all, of them would have been overdosing only on anger. An anger they had felt all their lives for getting a raw deal on life, an anger that had been whetted, like the appetites of ferocious dogs kept without food in kennels for days, by the relentless stoking of wounds by Enrile, Santiago, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Ernesto Maceda, and their ilk. An anger that had then been pointed in the direction of the government- or more than the government, society itself- like those same starved ferocious dogs unleashed from the kennels with the instruction: Kill! De Quiros probed into the heart of it- the masses’ felt sentiments. The agitators, to him, were condemnable for using the masa’s emotions accumulated in EDSA. After all, it is the image of their hero being routinely maltreated that served as the impetus for their coming together in one enormous assembly. Over and above the prodding of Enrile and company, it is an expression of restrained rage. Secondly, here’s a glimpse at Borjal’s thoughts on the subject[23]: Whoever conceptualized and implemented the scrpt that led to the storming of Malacanang by Erap fanatics must have been a disciple of Adolf Hilter. Apparently, he utilized Hitler’s techniques in brainwashing, mind- control and mass hysteria. And he knew the pawns he would use- unlettered, drug- crazed robots who would sway and move with his every command. It appears clear to Borjal that the masses were in a severely questionable state of mind, thus being easily manipulated, and controlled by the initiator of the tragic uprising. In essence, in no way that it occurred to him that those who trooped to the palace acted on impulse. Lastly, a look at the presentation of Paredes[24]: While the poor will quiet down, the turmoil is not quite over. There will again be flare- ups of the magnitude of what is called EDSA 3 at the most unexpected times. Watch for them. They came to us with a list of grievances and no one among the ruling classes gave them the time of day. Even in Fort Sto. Domingo in Sta. Rosa Laguna, Erap, the object of their loyalty is surrounded by the poor who, even as he was being brought to the seven- hectare co mpound, were demonstrating in front of the camp for his freedom. Paredes kept to his stance. Until that point, it’s still a case of the elite and its representatives blatantly discounting the masses’ grievances. Conclusions Drawing conclusive lessons or predictions from the circumstances surrounding EDSA 3 would have been more viable if done by an actual participant or an ardent observer of this phenomenon. But then, again, the examination performed on the various accounts somehow lends enough courage to the writer to craft a few. To start with, of the three broadsheets utilized in this study, the Philippine Daily Inquirer somehow represents a middle ground. Noticeable in the works cited from the Inquirer is an attempt to at least veer away from giving sweeping statements that will exclusively venerate one side or conveniently condemn another. The Philippine Star, meanwhile, appeared to be strikingly critical of the uprising. Its pages reveal some attempts to downplay the struggle either by discrediting the participants or heavily slamming the leaders. Malaya is stunningly pro- Erap. Only recently this researcher found the rational for Ducky Paredes’ support to the Estrada camp. Paredes and Estrada were classmates at the Ateneo. In fairness to Paredes, he maintained his position all throughout. Hopefully not a case of over reading, EDSA 3 revealed a hideous side to the church. Though not presented in the paper, the Church’s hand is highly visible in affecting the course of the event. The church leaders made it clear that the demonstrators desecrated the Shrine what with the filth they generated during their weeklong dissent. Unfortunately, it appears that the Church was more concerned with the physical aspect of the Shrine rather than the spiritual attachments the struggle created. Also, a clear attempt to counter the masa with the People Power moral forces was arguably, a dangerous proposition to make. If so, what then was it aiming to achieve? It could have been a bigger disaster than the â€Å"rebellion† if it materialized. Finally, the consequent declaration of a â€Å"state of rebellion† sum up the government’s handling of the event and confronting the masses’ protest. It summarized the whole duration of EDSA 3 into that violent episode, after that, no more. It summarily referred to the EDSA 3 crowd as a crowd that was stirred up and incited by vague leader- provocateurs, which acted mainly upon the whims of its organizers. In the end, most point toward an EDSA 3 that will never be mentioned in the same breath as its predecessors. A movement that for a moment will be defined by the cause of its demise instead of its origins. A struggle by a vast majority judged from its appearance and facade. A dissent that echoes as part of a greater struggle- that of the masa’s unending quest to obtain for itself a taste of fair dealing and sameness. Appendix A MALACANANG MANILA PROCLAMATION NO. 38 DECLARING A STATE OF REBELLION IN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION WHEREAS, the angry and violent mob, armed with explosives, firearms, bladed weapons, clubs, stones and other deadly weapons, in great part coming from the mass gathering at the EDSA shrine, and other armed groups, having been agitated and incited and, acting upon the instigation and under the command and direction of known and unknown leaders, have and continue to ass

Third Battle of Kharkov in World War II

Third Battle of Kharkov in World War II The Third Battle of Kharkov was fought between Feb. 19 and March 15, 1943, during World War II. As the  Battle of Stalingrad  was concluding in early February 1943, Soviet forces launched Operation Star. Conducted by Colonel General Filipp Golikovs Voronezh Front, the goals of the operation were the capture of Kursk and Kharkov. Spearheaded by four tank corps under Lieutenant-General Markian Popov, the Soviet offensive initially met with success and drove back German forces. On Feb. 16, Soviet troops liberated Kharkov. Angered by the loss of the city, Adolf Hitler flew to the front to assess the situation and meet with the commander of Army Group South, Field Marshal Erich von Manstein. Though he desired an immediate counterattack to re-take Kharkov, Hitler ceded control to von Manstein when Soviet troops neared Army Group Souths headquarters. Unwilling to launch a direct assault against the Soviets, the German commander planned a counterstroke against the Soviet flank once they became overextended. For the coming battle, he intended to isolate and destroy the Soviet spearheads before mounting a campaign to re-take Kharkov. This done, Army Group South would coordinate with Army Group Center to the north in re-taking Kursk. Commanders Soviet Union Colonel General Konstantin RokossovskyColonel General Nickolay VatutinColonel General Filipp Golikov Germany Field Marshal Erich von MansteinGeneral Paul HausserGeneral Eberhard von MackensenGeneral Hermann Hoth The Battle Begins Commencing operations on February 19, von Manstein directed General Paul Haussers SS Panzer Corps to strike south as a screening force for a larger assault by General Hermann Hoths Fourth Panzer Army. Hoths command and General Eberhard von Mackensens First Panzer Army were ordered to attack into the overextended flank of the Soviet 6th and 1st Guards Armies. Meeting with success, the early days of the offensive saw German troops breakthrough and sever Soviet supply lines. On February 24, von Mackensens men succeeded in surrounding a large part of Popovs Mobile Group. German troops also succeeded in surrounding a large portion of the Soviet 6th Army. Responding to the crisis, the Soviet high command (Stavka) began directing reinforcements to the area. Also, on February 25, Colonel General Konstantin Rokossovsky launched a major offensive with his Central Front against the junction of Army Groups South and Center. Though his men had some success on the flanks, going in the center of the advance was slow. As the fighting progressed, the southern flank was halted by the Germans while the northern flank began to overextend itself. With the Germans exerting heavy pressure on Colonel General Nikolai F. Vatutins Southwestern Front, Stavka transferred 3th Tank Army to his command. Attacking the Germans on March 3, this force took heavy losses from enemy air attacks. In the resulting fighting, its 15th Tank Corps was encircled while its 12th Tank Corps was compelled to retreat north. The German successes early in the battle opened a large gap in the Soviet lines through which von Manstein pushed his offensive against Kharkov. By March 5, elements of Fourth Panzer Army were within 10 miles of the city. Striking at Kharkov Though concerned about the approaching spring thaw, von Manstein pushed toward Kharkov. Rather than advance to the east of the city, he ordered his men to move to the west then north to encircle it. On March 8, SS Panzer Corps completed its drive north, splitting the Soviet 69th and 40th Armies before turning east the next day. In place on March 10, Hausser received orders from Hoth to take the city as soon as possible. Though von Manstein and Hoth wished him to continue the encirclement, Hausser directly attacked Kharkov from the north and west on March 11. Pressing into northern Kharkov, the Leibstandarte SS Panzer Division met heavy resistance and only gained a foothold in the city with the aid of air support. The Das Reich SS Panzer Division attacked into the western side of the city the same day. Stopped by a deep anti-tank ditch, they breached it that night and pushed on to the Kharkov train station. Late that night, Hoth finally succeeded in making Hausser comply with his orders and this division disengaged and moved to blocking positions east of the city. On March 12, Leibstandarte division renewed its attack south. Over the next two days, it endured brutal urban fighting as German troops cleared the city house-by-house. By the night of March 13/14, German troops controlled two-thirds of Kharkov. Attacking again the next, they secured the remainder of the city. Though the battle largely concluded on March 14, some fighting continued on the 15th and 16th as German forces expelled Soviet defenders from a factory complex in the south. The Aftermath of the Third Battle of Kharkov Dubbed the Donets Campaign by the Germans, the Third Battle of Kharkov saw them shatter fifty-two Soviet divisions while inflicting approximately 45,300 killed/missing and 41,200 wounded. Pushing out from the Kharkov, von Mansteins forces drove northeast and secured Belgorod on March 18. With his men exhausted and the weather turning against him, von Manstein was compelled to call a halt to offensive operations. As a result, he was unable to press on to Kursk as he had originally intended. The German victory at the Third Battle of Kharkov set the stage for the massive Battle of Kursk that summer. Sources World War II Database: Third Battle of KharkovTimelines: Third Battle of KharkovHistory of War: Third Battle of Kharkov

Free Essays on The Witches Children

In the summer of 1692, nineteen men and women were hanged after having been convicted of witchcraft. The hysteria began the previous winter and was over by early autumn of 1692. To pass the cold winter days of 1692, several girls began meeting at Rev. Parris’ home. Tituba, the Parris’ slave from Barbados, entertained the girls with her stories of witchcraft and demons. Tituba also told the girls’ fortunes. Soon, Rev. Parris’ daughter, Betty, and her cousin, Abigail Williams, became frightened by the stories and fortunes, and they began to act strangely. They had terrible fits, darting around the house, screaming and crying and writhing as if they were in pain. Rev. Parris called Salem Village’s doctor, Willam Griggs because he thought the girls’ behavior might be an illness. The doctor failed to find any medical cause for their fits, so he concluded that the girls must be bewitched. During that time period, most people believed one could make an agreement with the devil in exchange for evil powers. This was considered a great sin, and the girls didn’t speak out immediately. At the end of February, they began to accuse Tituba and other women in Salem Village of conspiring with the devil and practicing witchcraft. Other girls in the village, including Ann Putnam, Elizabeth Hubbard, Susannah Sheldon, and Mary Warren, began to have similar fits, and they joined in the accusations. Soon, many villagers were arrested and jailed on charges of witchcraft. Trials for the accused began in March. In order to receive a lesser sentence, some of the accused confessed their guilt and also spoke out against others. Because there were so many accused witches in jail, the governor set up a new court, the â€Å"court of oyer and terminer," specifically for the witchcraft cases. In the cases against the accused, â€Å"spectral evidence† (testimony that one was afflicted by someone’s specter, or ghost) was admitted, as wer... Free Essays on The Witches Children Free Essays on The Witches Children In the summer of 1692, nineteen men and women were hanged after having been convicted of witchcraft. The hysteria began the previous winter and was over by early autumn of 1692. To pass the cold winter days of 1692, several girls began meeting at Rev. Parris’ home. Tituba, the Parris’ slave from Barbados, entertained the girls with her stories of witchcraft and demons. Tituba also told the girls’ fortunes. Soon, Rev. Parris’ daughter, Betty, and her cousin, Abigail Williams, became frightened by the stories and fortunes, and they began to act strangely. They had terrible fits, darting around the house, screaming and crying and writhing as if they were in pain. Rev. Parris called Salem Village’s doctor, Willam Griggs because he thought the girls’ behavior might be an illness. The doctor failed to find any medical cause for their fits, so he concluded that the girls must be bewitched. During that time period, most people believed one could make an agreement with the devil in exchange for evil powers. This was considered a great sin, and the girls didn’t speak out immediately. At the end of February, they began to accuse Tituba and other women in Salem Village of conspiring with the devil and practicing witchcraft. Other girls in the village, including Ann Putnam, Elizabeth Hubbard, Susannah Sheldon, and Mary Warren, began to have similar fits, and they joined in the accusations. Soon, many villagers were arrested and jailed on charges of witchcraft. Trials for the accused began in March. In order to receive a lesser sentence, some of the accused confessed their guilt and also spoke out against others. Because there were so many accused witches in jail, the governor set up a new court, the â€Å"court of oyer and terminer," specifically for the witchcraft cases. In the cases against the accused, â€Å"spectral evidence† (testimony that one was afflicted by someone’s specter, or ghost) was admitted, as wer...

Supreme Court Rulings Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Supreme Court Rulings - Essay Example Perhaps the most important aspect of this case is that the decision of the court to convict Johnson was against his right to symbolic speech, and was in the interest of ‘keeping the peace’ and retaining the flag as a symbol of unity. The fact that Johnson was acting in the interest of freedom of speech, using the desecration of the flag to illustrate his perspective, was considered by some (but by no means all; the final decision by the Supreme Court was 5-4 in Johnson’s favor) to be against the First Amendment. The First Amendment was brought into question here because it suggests that any individual in the United States has the freedom of speech, but the issue here is that flag-burning is not a vocal act but a physical one. It was questionable for some whether Johnson’s act should have been protected by the First Amendment or not (). The decision of the Supreme Court led to the invalidation of laws prohibiting the burning of the flag in 48 out of the 50 s tates. The majority evidently found that flag-burning was inappropriate in many cases but not a legal issue, as Johnson would have been free to burn the flag in private. Additionally, flag-burning was not found to be a unique act, in that it should not be separated from the rulings of the First Amendment simply because it is not a vocal act; it is a act symbolic of freedom of speech. Those who were against the choice felt, however, that Johnson was being inappropriate, and that the flag is a sacred or revered object that needs to be protected. Many also felt that as flag-burning had the potential to cause outrage, it was in the interest of peace to ensure that punishment was given. The importance of this case is that it shows that freedom of speech is alive within the United States, despite the fact that this aspect of the First Amendment seems to protect acts that many Americans find unsavory. It is difficult to say which side was in the right here, as is evidenced by how close the ruling of the Supreme Court is. It seems sensible to protect the flag as it is an emblem of the United States, but freedom of speech is another sacred emblem. It seems necessary to uphold the values of both, although perhaps freedom is more valuable than the simple imagery of the flag. Lee v Weisman Lee v Weisman is one of the most important cases in U.S. history because it was the first Supreme Court case regarding the freedom of religion and prayer in schools. Weisman, the father of a child graduating from Nathan Bishop Middle School, sought a restraining order on a rabbi who was due to speak at his daughter’s graduation ceremony. This was refused, and the parents decided to attend the ceremony, despite the fact that it was voluntary. After the ceremony, the family continued to seek litigation, and the vote was decided 5-4 in the Weisman’s favor. The main reason for this decision is that the constitution forbids all types of coerced prayer (not just forced), despite the fact that this prayer was written to be nonsectarian and inclusive. The fact that the Weisman family had a choice in whether to attend the graduation ceremony was also not found to be a suitable defense, because it is such an important occasion that, despite the fact the choice was there, no real choice was offered. The thought of the opposition was that the prayer was ensured to illustrate the

To what extent does the internet represent a more democratic medium of Essay

To what extent does the internet represent a more democratic medium of information - Essay Example The concept of democratic media is also in contrast to state-run operations in which the media embodies the value system of the state itself. As such, democratic media can be highlighted by its structure and roles. With regard to structure, democratic media is essentially organized and overseen by ordinary citizens or their grassroots organizations; in terms of functions, democratic media, as a matter of priority, pursue serving the informational, cultural, and other communication needs of members of the public from which the media constitute or represent (Gaur 2006, p.6). Majority of the world media, today, can be regarded as embroiled in a hyper-commercialized agitation. In most countries, fewer than ten transnational media conglomerates control much of the media with almost every aspect of media culture under commercial exploitation right from sports, education, and arts. For some, this trend of concentration of media power and the resultant commercialization of public discourse s pells a disaster. An informed and active citizenry relies on the media in exercising its public service role and popular government need popular information, or ways of attaining it to be considered democratic (Bennett 2007, p.22). The case for media rests on two broad propositions: first, media play critical roles in social, political, economic, and cultural functions within contemporary democracies. In such societies, media can be regarded as the principal source of political information and admittance to public debate, and the platform to an informed, participating, self-governing citizenry (Gaur 2006, p.7). Democracy necessitates a media system that avails the masses with a wide range of opinion and analysis and debate on critical issues, mirrors the diversity of citizens, and fosters public accountability on the premise of powers-that-be and the powers-that-want-be (Bennett 2007, p.24). Second, media structuring, as exemplified by patters of ownership, subsidy, management, and regulations, are a critical determinant of media content. Given the non-competitive nature of media markets, the assertion that the media in contemporary society â€Å"gives people what they want† is unconvincing, to the exception of one media-the internet. Most media firms possess enough market power to dictate the content that can be perceived as most profitable to them (Cohen 2005, p.3). An easy route to this end (profitability) features increasing commercialism facilitated by a large number on ads, enhanced influence by advertisers over the non-advertising content, programming that yields to merchandising, and all forms of cross promotions with non-media forms. For any media to be considered democratic, it must wean itself the negativities associated with media ownership, regulation, management, and subsidy (Hoggart 2004, p.2). As such, the media system must eliminate the enormous power held by selected corporations and advertisers that dictate the media culture. The rece nt success witnessed by the commercial media can be attributed to a number of factors: commercial media operate at all geographical levels as highlighted by the Intra and inter-corporate connections exchange content. Commercial media all collectively and individually lobby to bring strategic influence to bear on

Leadership Behavior and Conflict Management in Small Groups Essay Example for Free

Leadership Behavior and Conflict Management in Small Groups Essay Small groups of people with common interests often come together to exchange information, collaborate and cooperate in the pursuit of a shared goal. These members have the time and space to meet and share ideas through interaction and participation. When such groups face tough and insurmountable problems it helps to have a visionary leader to help them cooperate and work together as a team (Forsyth, 2006). The study of small groups helps us to understand basic human behavior and how leaders transform groups and resolve conflicts (Hare, 1965). According to Forsyth, Donelson â€Å"Leadership is the process by which an individual guides others in their pursuits, often by organizing, directing, coordinating, supporting and motivating their efforts†. The process of leadership has evolved basically from the need to be organized. We observe similar qualities in the flock of birds that fly across the sky and among the herd of elephants deep in the jungles. But with humans, leadership processes have become as varied and complex as the many research studies that have been conducted. The leadership process is reciprocal, when it is mutually influences the leader and the follower, transactional when both the leaders and followers work together for common goals, transformational when leaders are able to inspire their followers into doing their best, cooperative when members select their leader voluntarily, adaptive when members are motivated to achieving group goals, task oriented when the leader focuses all the activities of the followers towards the achievement of group goals and relationship oriented when the focus is on the interpersonal relationship between group members. (Forsyth, 2006). While leadership processes are varied, the qualities found in leaders are also equally diverse. Though inborn personality traits are helpful in small group settings like being sociable, outgoing and expressive most leadership traits are acquired (Barrick Mount 1991). Normally leaders tend to be more intelligent than their followers in small groups. But most groups find it difficult to handle leaders with very high intellectual abilities (C. A. Gibb, 1969). On the other hand it is very helpful if a leader is endowed with emotional intelligence and the ability to be flexible to suit the demands of a particular situation (Kenny Zaccaro, 1983). Research studies have also shown that followers place undue importance to leaders who speak a lot more than necessary, as compared to leaders who are men of few words (Sorrentino Boutillier, 1975). The intriguing phenomenon of effective leadership has given rise to varying theories. Each of them has their related leadership training program as well. According to Fiedler’s Contingency Theory, a leader’s effectiveness depends on the way he relates to hi followers and in his ability to control situations. Here he specified three factors that influenced the leader’s control; the cohesiveness of the group, the concentration of power in the hands of the leader and whether group goals were structured or not. Using the Least Preferred Worker Scale (LPC), he rated people who were relationship oriented high and those who were task oriented low on the LPC score. The Octants based on this show that the task oriented leaders are effective when situations are highly favorable and unfavorable and relationship oriented leaders are effective in moderate situations (Forsyth, 2006). Fiedler has taken into consideration the good and the bad leader-member relations, the structured and unstructured goals. But groups goals are sometimes partly structured, leaders have average power and there exists fair leader- member relations. This middle range seems more possible and plausible while considering small group situations. In Robert Blake and Jane Mouton’s The Leadership Grid the focus, is again on task and relationship orientation, and they have come up with five different styles of leadership. In the ‘apathetic’ approach the leader has no interest in either achieving goals or improving group relations. The ‘country club’ approach as the name suggests adopts a friendly working atmosphere. While the ‘middle road approach’ has a leader who balances the work done and maintains the morale of the people; the ‘task master’ gets the work done and is less concerned about the feelings of the group members. The ‘team work approach’, is considered the best as its members are committed to their goal and share a feeling of mutual trust and respect (Forsyth, 2006). The style of the leadership depends on the maturity of the group members according to the Situational Leadership Theory given by Paul Hersey and Kenneth Blanchard. They emphasize that an effective leader should display four styles of leadership. An effective leader should ‘direct’ the group members when they are inexperienced, ‘coach’ them as their competence level increases, offer ‘support’ when they are moderately mature and ‘delegate’ tasks when they are committed (Forsyth, 2006). Though this approach doesn’t talk about task and relationship orientation it is feasible in small groups. The Leader Member Exchange (LMX) approach is based on how members respond to their leaders. If they value their leader there is a heightened level of efficiency, commitment and loyalty and they become a part of the privileged inner group. The others who do not respond positively form the outer group and continue to do their work. The key to the leader’s effectiveness depends on his capacity to bring all his followers within the inner group (Forsyth, 2006). The Lewin-Lippitt-White study focused on the control the leader had over his group and their level of participation. Under laboratory conditions they studied the effect of shared and unshared power in the context of small groups. Groups with an authoritarian leader reflected greater dependence and showed signs of more conflict, whereas under a democratic leader group members learnt to be more self reliant. The laissez-faire group was added later with a leader who rarely interfered and followers who learnt to make their own decisions. This group wasn’t as cohesive as the democratic style that emerged the best. The group with a democratic leader had the highest group oriented suggestions, more friendly behavior and less critical discontent (Forsyth, 2006). Since power was shared participants felt empowered to make meaningful decisions towards the achievement of a shared goal. This study in fact supports the concept of collective leadership as well. Craig L Pearce Jay Conger (2003) studied the effectiveness of ‘shared leadership’ when the group was removed from a traditional organizational approach. They found that groups with collective leadership outperformed the leader oriented groups. They were also the most effective in small group situations. Bernard Bass (1997) presented the Theory of Transformational Leadership based on the charisma of the leader to transform his followers. Under the influence of an inspirational leader, group members unite to show increased efficiency in pursuing collective goals. A transformational leader tends to questions old beliefs and leads his followers along paths that are not chartered, setting new trends (Forsyth, 2006). With more emphasis placed on interpersonal relations these leaders are effective in both small and large groups. Being eloquent, a charismatic leader initiates dialogues on issues where differences of opinion arise. Such open minded brain storming sessions would bring about several solutions and the group might end up accepting a hybrid goal where the best ideas have been incorporated. This builds cohesiveness and improves cooperation within the group (Potter, 1996). The charismatic leaders have a reputation of integrity and their followers show a tendency to emulate them. (Eagly, Johannesen- Schmidt Van Engen, 2003). But charismatic leaders are rare and even these exceptional leaders can get things wrong. Something that seems morally and ethically right for one person may not be so for another. Keeley, 1998). Another question that has fascinated researchers is whether men and women show different leadership behavior and do gender differences influence the process of leadership. Though historical evidence supports the fact that women have been underrepresented in leadership roles, research studies show that gender does not influence the effectiveness of a leader with both sexes displaying a balanced task and relationship orientation (Forsyth, 2006). Both men and women who hold similar positional and resource power show similarities in leadership behavior (Kanter, 1997). Women leaders show a tendency to be more agreeable, open, fair, responsible and increasingly involved in conflict management, whereas men are inclined towards power, influence and skill orientation (Forsyth, Schenker, Leary McCown, 1985). Thus the sexes differ in the styles of leadership with women adopting transformational and participative approaches, while men are likely to exhibit authoritarian, laissez-faire and transactional styles (Eagly, Johannesen-Schmidt Van Engen, 2003). Conflict management is a major challenge faced by leaders across the world. Conflict is a natural occurrence in competitive group situations. A disagreement over beliefs and actions can lead to a conflict if it is resisted. Through an interaction process analysis Robert Blake and his colleagues observed that group members spent one fifth of their time in making hostile comments. When task achievement became difficult, hostility increased and escalated into a conflict (Forsyth, 2006). The best method to manage conflict would be to have an open debate on the issue (Montana Charnov, 2000), instead of ignoring or brushing aside conflicts, an effective leader should confront it head on (Davies, Burke, Calbom Kindler, 1991). The current trend shows that leaders and followers are expected to be in contact 24/7 (Murphy Riggio). It has in turn given rise to virtual offices, having virtual teams working out of their homes in different parts of the globe. . This increased dependence in information technology has given way to e-leadership (Avolio, Kahai Dodge, 2000). In the future new leadership trends will be reinvented as business environments keep changing. Traditional power oriented organizations will give way to power sharing ones. Organizations will get decentralized, along with a cooperative use of resources (Forsyth, 2006). Competency then will depend on the leader’s vision of the future, intellectual capacity, strategic thinking, emotional strength and the ability to coordinate and develop human capital (Rivard, 2004). Together with team building and leadership, conflict resolution as a skill will have to be acquired by people interacting in small groups (Gregory Parry, 2006). It will help them to lead the world that’s growing flatter.

The American Dream in The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

The American Dream is an idea and a myth that people struggle for but can never be achieved. It cannot be attained because it is an endless race for perfection and better than oneself. For some the dream might be to become impossibly wealthy, or become stronger and smarter than one can be. People pursue the American dream because they believe it has been accomplished before. We live in a society where perfection is ideal and flaws are covered up or hidden. Americans believe that everyone else is perfect because that is what they are shown, and they strive to copy that flawless image too. They are thought of in the same way however, and the All-American power struggle ensues, with each group being more jealous than the next.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  America is founded on the principle of liberty, the notion that everyone is free to say and write what they want, and that everyone is equal. Some people assume that since so much freedom is allowed, at least one person is exercising that freedom to its fullest. They work their whole lives to try to be like that person, but that person does not exist. They want to be as rich as him, as sophisticated as him, and as powerful as him. These people are called the wealthy. Karl Marx would describe them as â€Å"The Haves†. They differ morally with the majority of the population, but then again they vastly different from the people they perceive as having all the freedom to do what they want. The Great Gatsby illustrates the story these people, and how they are corrupted by the potential of seemingly limitless freedom. Jay Gatsby and Tom and Daisy Buchanan are the elite. They have it all, from huge sprawling mansions to private golf courses. They want it all, and more often than not, they get it all. Tom and Daisy are out for pleasure, but loner Jay Gatsby is looking for love after wasting his life for so many years.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Tom and Daisy Buchanan are not modest people. They know they are rich and they flaunt it. They openly show off their wealth openly to Nick when he comes to visit. Money has taken over their lives and they know it. They are living the American Dream of money, power, and sophistication. Tom is described as a â€Å"hulking wad of muscle†, which could mean that the Buchanans is a deciption of the corrupted rich families with money and power.

Imagery in Romeo and Juliet Essay

Both commit suicide rather than be separated by their families’ feud. The play has survived for centuries because of not only its captivating storyline but also its stirring phraseology. Shakespeare infuses Romeo and Juliet with various types of imagery – for example, celestial, religious, avian, and light and dark references – that provide metaphoric meaning, influence the spectators’ (or readers’) moods, and foreshadow the lamentable end. Heavenly imagery illuminates the brilliance of Romeo and Juliet’s relationship in the play. For example, Romeo says Juliet is like the sun, and that her eyes are â€Å"two of the fairest stars in all the heaven†¦ her eye in heaven/Would through the airy region stream so bright/That birds would sing and think it were not night† (2. 2. 15-23). Juliet states that Romeo should be â€Å"cut†¦ out in little stars† (3. 2. 24), and that daylight is â€Å"some meteor that the sun exhaled† (3. 5. 13). Humans have long been in awe of bright, dazzling astronomical objects like the meteors, stars, and sun that the lovers mention. With frequent celestial imagery, Shakespeare shows how beautiful and out-of-this-world Romeo and Juliet’s love is. Spiritual language, while emphasizing the purity of Romeo and Juliet’s love, also foreshadows their tragic fate. Romeo’s first discussion with Juliet is about Christian pilgrimage that illustrates how divine, almost flawlessly sacred, his devotion to her is, like the pious connection between a worshipper and God. To him, her hand is a â€Å"holy shrine† and his lips are â€Å"two blushing pilgrims† (1. 5. 105-106). He calls her a â€Å"dear saint† (1. 5. 114) and a â€Å"bright angel†¦ winged messenger of heaven† (2. 2. 29-31). His â€Å"pilgrim speech,† in which he convinces Juliet to let him kiss her, is written in sonnet form. The sonnet is the typical form of love poetry, and Shakespeare makes Romeo’s Christian language even more lyrical and beautiful. Later, their affection edges into blasphemy when Juliet names Romeo the â€Å"god of my idolatry† (2. 2. 119). Romeo and Juliet was written by Shakespeare in England, in Victorian times. His audience would have belonged to the Anglican Church, and surely would have noticed that Juliet’s statement is irreverent. Though her adulation is touching, Juliet seems to be replacing God with Romeo, with passion supplanting faith. The audience would have thought that the lovers’ unfortunate suicides could have been influenced by heavenly retribution. The religious undertones throughout the play serve both to highlight Romeo and Juliet’s love, and to warn of the disastrous consequences. Avian imagery influences the atmosphere of scenarios in Romeo and Juliet. At the balcony scene, when the sweethearts exchange their vows of love, they employ descriptions of birds to express the simple cuteness of their fondness. O, for a falc’ner’s voice/To lure this tassel-gentle back again! † (2. 2. 169-170) sighs Juliet, to which Romeo responds, â€Å"My nyas† (2. 2. 179, in some editions). Juliet also wishes that Romeo were â€Å"no farther than a wanton’s bird,/That lets it hop a little from his hand†¦ And with a silken thread plucks it back again† (2. 2. 191-194). The birds they speak of, tamed falcons and pets, are benign, even loved; speaking of them makes their declarations of love prettier. After their marriage, when Romeo has killed Tybalt and has been exiled permanently from Verona, Juliet’s references to birds grows bleaker. She starts off by pleading with Romeo to stay; â€Å"Nightly she sings on yond pomegranate. /Believe me, love, it was the nightingale† (3. 5. 4-5). Her language is still reminiscent of mellifluous sweetness, as is the scene: they have just spent the night together, and Romeo is only now leaving. But as daylight, and danger, approaches, the euphonious nightingale transforms into the cacophonous lark â€Å"that sings so out of tune,/Straining harsh discords and unpleasing sharps†¦ she divideth us† (3. 5. 27-30). Her remark about how unpleasing the lark is mirrors the bitter situation that she and Romeo are in. After Lord Capulet demands that Juliet marry Paris, even after she has married Romeo, the Nurse says that â€Å"An eagle, madam,/Hath not so green, so quick, so fair an eye/As Paris hath† (3. 5. 232-234). Though she means to compliment Paris, Nurse creates a contrast between Romeo and Paris. Unlike the tamed falcons mentioned by Romeo and Juliet, eagles are wild, and quick and eager to kill; while Romeo and Juliet’s relationship is gentle and fond, Juliet’s view of Paris is not nearly as loving. Shakespeare invokes moods fitting to particular scenes through avian imagery. Light and dark imagery in Romeo and Juliet is not particularly metaphoric; light does not always stand for good, just as dark does not invariably represent evil. Rather, Shakespeare utilizes light and dark imagery to induce sharp contrasts. For example, Benvolio tells Romeo that, at the Capulet party, he â€Å"will make thee think thy swan a crow† (1. 2. 94), as though the difference between the white feathers of the swan and the black of the crow was like the distinctiveness between Rosaline and other beauties. â€Å"O, she doth teach the torches to burn bright! It seems she hangs upon the cheek of night/As a rich jewel in an Ethiop’s ear†¦ a snowy dove trooping with crows† (1. 5. 51-55); â€Å"But soft, what light through yonder window breaks? † (2. 2. 2); â€Å"The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars/As daylight doth a lamp† (2. 2. 1-3); and â€Å"her beauty makes/This vault a feasting presence full of light† (5. 2. 85-86) are all praises that Romeo sings of Juliet. To him, she is as brilliant as light, and as different from all other people as white is from black and light is from dark. Juliet says likewise: Romeo â€Å"wilt lie upon the wings of night/Whiter than new snow upon a raven’s back† (3. 2. 19-20). She, too, believes that Romeo is one-of-a-kind and dazzling. Light and dark imagery applies to situations as well. Their love is â€Å"like the lightning† (2. 2. 126), standing out against the background of the hate and violence in the feud. After Romeo and Juliet have consummated their marriage, the daytime and the sadness is brings is the opposite of the happiness of the past night: â€Å"More light and light, more dark and dark our woes† (3. 5. 36). The light and dark imagery of Romeo and Juliet is used for sensory contrasts. Imagery, by sparking the audience’s and readers’ imaginations, is one of the most important literary devices in Romeo and Juliet. The imagery – particularly celestial, religious, avian, and light and dark – enhances the play by swaying the viewers’ moods, taking over as metaphors, and hinting at the plot. Romeo and Juliet’s storyline and language contribute equal impressions on readers and spectators. With language as beautiful as Shakespeare’s, it’s little wonder that Romeo and Juliet is one of the most popular love stories in the world.

H&M in Accounting Essay

Content Page Questions Question 1. Using Michael Porter’s five forces model, evaluate the importance of Barriers to Entry to the fast-fashion industry. Support your arguments with evidence from the case study. (20%) Question 2. Conduct a value chain analysis to assess H&M’s capabilities and derive its core competencies. (35%) Question 3. Based on these competencies identify the generic competitive strategy which H&M is pursuing. (10%) Question 4. It is suggested in the case study that the fashion industry is full of companies that have confidently expanded into international markets but later have been forced to retreat. Analyze the international strategy choice being pursued by H&M and assess the extent to which this is appropriate for its future development. (25%) Appendix Global FactorsLocal FactorsIntegration Responsiveness Grid References Question 1. Applying Michael Porter’s five forces model, it includes the threat of entrants and substitutes, bargaining power of suppliers and customers and competitive rivalry. Among all, barriers to entry could be an essential factor to the fast-fashion industry. Even so, the threat of entry is affected by several factors. Different sources of barriers to entry can act as a determinant on the height of barriers. As mentioned in the case study, fast-fashion industries doesn’t require a large capital outlay. Entry to the retail industry is so easy that can be set up with a group of suppliers being chosen from. Therefore, the level of impact of capital requirement to the barriers to entry is low. Secondly, economies of scale is a barrier to entry as its product unit cost will be lowered for the businesses which already attained a production volume so that it will be hard for the new entrants to compete. H&M’s prices have been undercut by an even cheaper competitor. In this ca se, economies of scale’s level of impact to the fast-fashion industry is high. For the absolute cost advantage, for incumbent companies who already have economies of scale can have a significant cost advantage over new entrants. Additional costs may include  the learning or experience curve, proprietary technology and government subsidies. Therefore, the level of impact is high for new entrants. Considering product differentiation, the level of impact is regarded as low as fast-fashion industry has a variety of choices in its suppliers that could be different from many others. Also, it can be overcome by creating in its own brand to avoid this kind of barrier. There may not be a difficulty in access to channels of supply and distribution to the fast-fashion industry because these channels are held by numerous suppliers. New entrants can set up their own like Gap Corporation and Inditex by acting as both manufacturers and retailers which results in low level of impact. The level of impact of the legal and regulatory barriers will be treated as low either. Various controls may be limited by the governments such as the licensing requirement or limit to access to raw materials. These would not be applied to the fast-fashion industry as it generally has less control by the governments and usually bound by the legal system. Last but not least, the level of impact of the expected retaliation could be high since the size and duration of retaliation in fast-fashion industry are intense. These may threaten the new entrants including the price cuts. New entrants have less ability to make retaliation than those incumbents in view of experience and resources. To conclude, the overall height of barriers to entry is low which means a serious threat of entering fast-fashion industry. It implies an intense rivalry and an unattractive environment. Therefore, it is important to consider the barriers to entry in this industry. Question 2. The value chain analysis is mainly divided into two types- support and primary activities. This analysis is made to let companies determine where value is added to the customers and margin is increased to the organization. Under support activities, H&M’s firm infrastructure is easy and simple. Following Erling Persson’s basic values and beliefs, H&M intended to offer the fashion and quality at the best price. Also, the managers are given freedom and autonomy in decision-making processes which lead the success of H&M.For the Human Resources Management, H&M focused on one person’s qualities much more than qualifications which implies that opportunities are given to those people with lower academic levels. It was noticed that practical skills are more important to the company instead. Internal promotion and job rotation are the crucial ingredients to sustain H&M’s continuous growth.Regarding technology development, H&M has been adopting the latest IT systems with continuous improvement. Intelligent use of ICT has been an effective tool in assisting H&M’s business which can be applied to the logistics and warehouse system. Moreover, H&M is tightly connected to the customers through social network and various phone apps.The fourth support activity is the procurement. As H&M does not own any factories so the manufacturing is outsourced to low-cost countries. Procurement is centralized in Stockholm. A good connection network can be seen between the production offices and the suppliers in order to reduce the lead times. On the other hand, the primary activities include five elements-inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales and service. H&M provided little information on inbound logistics which should include raw materials con trol and inventory control of input material. This may become a weakness in the management of H&M.For the operation of H&M, it opts for renting store premises to increase flexibility and adaptability. In addition to this, H&M will do the product testing about the quality control. Furthermore, a new interiors program is created to catch up with the latest trend.Under outbound logistics, only transportation is handled by the external contractors. However, H&M deals well with the distribution by offering the best price to avoid middlemen. H&M is cost-conscious and thus can reduce the costs being incurred. Also, daily shipments are available to H&M which implies an effective and efficient shipment scheduling system.Considering the marketing and sales, H&M has been collaborating with 200 in-house designers and several famous ones. In addition to this, it has launched long-term advertising campaigns with high-profile celebrities which can indirectly boost the sales and build up its image. Online promotion is also available for customers for the latest updates.The last category is the service. Usually it refers to the after-sale service that how well a company can do on the quality contr ol. H&M just put little focus on after-sale service such as the customer support. This appears to be a weakness to H&M.Apart from inbound logistics and the service, other activities are considered as H&M’s strengths which makes H&M being world leader. Concerning the two types of the activities, there are three key linkages  between them. From support to support activity, Human Resources management (HRM) is linked to technology development as the intelligent staffs are employed to assist in IT development and continuously making updates through the IT systems. As the advanced technology requires employees to apply the IT skills they have learnt, so there is an important relationship between HRM and technology development. For example, HRM acts as an important role to reply customers’ queries efficiently and let them know the latest trend of the company through social networks. From primary to primary activity, the outbound logistics is linked to the marketing and sales. When the products and services are delivered to customers, the next process will be about the packaging and promotion on the products. Whether the customers choose the company depends on the quality of both products and services. It is said to be closely related because marketing and sales has usually become a must-do item for the large incumbents especially for the fast-fashion industry. For the last type of linkage from primary to support activity, it can be linked to five activities. Procurement, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, human resources management and technology development are all connected with each other in H&M’s operation.Although H&M didn’t own any factories, its manufacturing is outsourced in order to find some fashionable items with the lowest costs in response to the changing market which results in economies of scale. After the procurement process is done, it will be delivered to the customers from the warehouse. Under outbound logistics, it specifies the importance of the order fulfillment and on time delivery. As a large incumbent in retail industry, a budget is spent on t he marketing and sales on the products being delivered to the consumers. When doing the marketing and sales, IT skills and applications will be used to assist. In line with the promotion of its products, its brand name is highly attentive as well. Regarding the firm size and experience in the textile industry, H&M has been paying much attention on CSR keeping the brand name away from the criticisms which is treated as a kind of value driver that manage in its brand and reputation.For example, inventory will be shifted to the more popular regions from those with poorer sales amount in order to boost the sales. From this example, it can be seen that the intranet network is well-developed. From procurement to the technology development, they are all connected between each activity. Based on the 3  main linkages, the linkage between primary and support activity is the most important among all which is likely to be a core competence of H&M. To affirm whether it is core, the VRIN test can act as an effective tool.Whether it is valuable depends on the effectiv eness of the value-creating activities and its future development. The most significant value-creating activity is Human Resources management. Responsible and skilled staffs are essential to H&M as they can apply their experience and techniques in meeting the latest trend and customer needs. Trainings and duration of experience can definitely create value and be further developed.To define how rare it is, this should be compare with other similar competitors. Apart from the collaboration with in-house designers, H&M uniquely co-operated with different famous designers over the years from various countries.The fundamental concept that has already been embedded in the employees. It was said to be unbreakable stubbornness devotion to a goal by the journalists. This in fact is a competitive advantage which H&M can stick to the fundamental principle by offering fashion and quality at the best price and this will be difficult for others to imitate. For the last aspect, the category of the human resources management and the procurement may be vulnerable to substitution. The staff’s mobility is relatively high in this industry as it varies with the times. This theory also applies to the sources of supplies. But the staff trainings can increase their loyalty to the company which becomes non-substitutable. All in all the competency mentioned is sufficient to meet the criteria of the VRIN test. Therefore, human resources management in the linkage between the primary and support activities can be treated as core competency that confer competitive advantage. Question 3. Based on the competencies stated in question 2, H&M is pursuing the Hybrid strategy which is the integration of both cost and differentiation strategies. H&M has been applying economies of scale that is achieving cost leadership. H&M’s core principle is to offer the fashion and quality at the best price. One of its core value is to be cost conscious. H&M is alert to the costs which aim to provide the most worthy price for customers. Bargaining power is particularly important in this industry as fast-fashion changes in a speedy mode. At the same time, H&M has also  put a focus on differentiation. In building its reputation and image, H&M has spent a budget especially for advertising. Besides, working with different types of fashion designers creating innovative collections can lead product differentiation . To compete with others in this industry, cutting cost is not the only way to survive. To become a stable yet significant player, product differentiation is more effective. Based on the analysis in question 2, H&M has already built core competencies in cost drivers and value drivers which generate efficiency and differentiation. Also, H&M can respond quickly to the changing environment to fulfill customers’ needs and technology level. So Hybrid strategy is adopted in H&M. Question 4. Based on the Integration Responsiveness Grid, H&M is likely to pursue globalization strategy. Globalization is the transition of industries from a multinational to a global competitive structure. From the global factors, H&M scores higher than that in local factors. There are different arguments that support H&M pursuing globalization. For the most significant factors, H&M is obviously buying centrally in Stockholm. Stockholm becomes the central purchasing office of H&M. Gaining economies of scale is one of its goal of H&M either. To fast-fashion industry, speed of introducing new products to changing environment is very important to meet the latest trends. As mentioned before, advanced technology is applied in H&M which can improve the quality of products and service. Customers around the world behave in the same way as H&M has been opening over 2,000 stores in 2010 which implies customers in different countries accept the products and services H&M delivered. These factors globalize s H&M. On the other hand, pricing strategy being adopted by H&M has been coherent across borders as it focused on offering the best price to all customers in different countries sticking with the spirit of itself. There is no big difference in the distribution channels as it follows its own practice by distributing from distribution centers to warehouses to the stores. Business regulations and contexts also does not differ much from place to place. Customers contact and after-sale service are less focused by H&M which suggests low customization. Transportation is controlled by the external contractors which means local  operations are not that essential. Concluded from the local factors, H&M is not likely to pursue localization. Furthermore, decision-making like buying and logistics are centralized at the Head Office which confirms its position using a global strategy. Global strategy also has another characteristic which offers standardized products to different countries. In my point of view, global strategy is very suitable for H&M in future development. In fast-fashion industry. H&M belongs to a vibrant player which should aim to be a global leader. Also, it has already been achieving few tactics like economies of scale and increasing its bargaining power. However, there are several benefits and risks associated with the global strategy. By applying this strategy, H&M can achieve global economies of scale and brand consistency. Expanding the target customers as the whole world, independent management is also treated as its strength. For the risks that H&M might be facing, standardized products may not meet all customers’ needs as it might be lack of sufficient innovative ideas to suit everyone. Moreover, centralized decisions will be lack of innovation and creativity, though decentralization is now encouraged in H&M.