Manifest Destiny Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Manifest Destiny - Essay Example The increase in population of the initial 13 Colonies and the growth of the United States economy increased the desire to grow into additional land. The Manifest Destiny concept tremendously influenced the United States policy. This enhanced the American expansion to the West. The idea was largely put forward by posters, newspapers and other avenues. Despite the fact that it was not a formal policy of the government, it facilitated the passing of legislations like the Homestead Act, which promoted colonization and acquisition of areas in the West (Robinson 2010, 21). Additionally, the idea was a factor in the thought of America. Movement into the West regions provided a prospect for self development. To be familiar with the concept of Manifest Destiny, it is essential to comprehend the desire and need of the United States to expand. This paper will look at how issues around it affected the U.S, how the views of Americans on the issue changed over the period, and will also mention some events as examples. John OSullivan, a U.S newspaper editor writing on the planned occupation of Texas, was the first to use the term in 1845. He asserted that it was America’s â€Å"manifest destiny to spread to the whole continent.† The newspaper issue recommended that through expanding, America could turn out to be a renowned superpower. According to OSullivan, United States had been exclusively selected for the mission of Westward expansion. This would push out the wilderness and bring civilization. Between independence and 1920, the government passed land laws that were favorable for people to migrate. The federal government also persuaded people from Europe to come and inhabit. It used the military to protect the settlers from natives. It further put money into explorations, such as that of Clark and Lewis. Wherever there was sufficient water, homesteading was practiced by people from the Midwest to the Pacific regions. Cheap and available land,

Describe the difference between religion & magic, giving examples of Essay

Describe the difference between religion & magic, giving examples of each. (Give 2 + examples each.) - Essay Example It’s made up of different norms or practices agreed upon and practices by a society. In contrary to magic, a religion is usually accepted and followed devotedly and mostly act as a guidance that contains a moral code governing the conduct of a community. Religion can also be well explained through consideration of its essential characteristics; religious belief, unity of a society of the same faith and finally religious practices and belief (Frazer 38). As indicated by sociologist, religion is not just monotheistic, some religions for example Confucianism recognize no gods at all while others practice polytheism, that is, believe in many deities. Contrary to Adam and Eves story in the Bible, religion is not necessarily a revelation of origins of creation. Not all religions have similar myths of origin though they still fit within the correct definition of a religion. It is, therefore, correct to say that religion is a set of moral norms and principles concerning rules regulating behavior of its believers and sacred. All religion to a greater extent shares at least same features. For example, most religions embrace an individual responsible and is considered to specialize in religious practices (Frazer 41). Christianity and Islam are some of the example of religion. Magic, on the other hand, can be defined as the art that claims to influence or foresee natural events (Frazer 5). It mainly works by invoking the supernatural. Magic is, therefore, performed through superstitious practices and behaviors intended to cause a predetermined or desired end. Magic does require a general agreed set of beliefs or practice upon which its practice is derived as compared to religion. It can be real or manipulation of natural events to attain the desired outcome (Frazer 10). Some religions however incorporate a bit of belief in magic, especially those that arose from traditional practices. An individual who performs magic is assumed

Sigtek Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Sigtek - Case Study Example om majority owner, Telwork, on the distinctive nature of core competencies of Sigtek, in contrast to other subsidiaries; and (5) implementing a management (organizational change) in the midst of the implementation of the TQ program. It is therefore deduced that the root cause of the dilemma is the lack of awareness of Telwork, Signet’s corporate parent, to make a comprehensive assessment of the applicability of the TQ program, which should cater to the needs and demands of Sigtek. Alternative Courses of Action 1. Status Quo. Do Nothing: John Smithers could just go with the flow and not institute any changes, in addition to those that were already implemented. As proposed by Richard Patricof, the newly appointed general manager of Sigtek, to keep teaching the TQ program. Pros: There would be limited resistance to change as all needed changes have already been implemented. Cons: Potentials for greater decline in morale and decreased productivity and satisfaction. Smithersâ€℠¢ job could be in danger if no significant improvements resulting from the implementation of the TQ program would result from his teaching. The performance of his department could continue to decline and would reflect negatively on his ability as the Engineering Services Manager. 2. Focus on teaching TQ to the line workers and solicit their inputs and comments towards improving quality in their respective areas of operations. Pros: There were evidence of holistic support from line workers and their inputs on areas that need improvement are most valid given that they are directly involved in operations. Any remarkable suggestions that would improve productivity, performance, and satisfaction would evidently support the validity of the TQ program. Cons: Their suggestions should be supported by higher management to ensure that workable areas of improvement should be undertaken and implemented, as required – otherwise, it would only prove that management is not serious about the TQ program. This could be costly and time consuming. Recommendation: Option 2, focus on teaching TQ to the line workers due to the advantages that would be realized which would affirm the validity and effectiveness of the TQ program. References Rosegrant, S. (1998). John Smithers at Sigtek. Harvard Business

Cultural Differences in Body Language Essay Example for Free

Cultural Differences in Body Language Essay Do you know what I am doing? (thumbs up to the side – Hitch hiking). When I do this, most of you would think it means â€Å"good job†. But in the middle east, for example in Iran, it’s an insult similar to â€Å"the middle finger†. Good evening Madam Toastmaster, fellow toastmasters and guests, tonight let’s look at body language in different cultures. Do you agree that gestures can communicate as effectively as words? I agree. Some might argue, it maybe even more than words. However we must be aware different culture has different body language. Therefore, in our personal and business lives, careful consideration must be given to whom we are with and where they are from. A question that we might ask is; do we expect other cultures to adapt to our customs and protocol, or are we willing to make an extra effort to learn more about how they prefer to communicate? It wouldnt be the first time that someone who wasnt familiar with the communication customs of another country, found themselves in a rather embarrassing situation. Many years ago, President Richard Nixon arrived in a foreign country. Upon his arrival, he stood at the top of the stairs leading from his aircraft door, and overlooked the welcoming crowd gathered below him. He smiled and proudly raised both hands high in the air, palms facing outward and gave a gesture of his trademark famous Peace sign (as he had done many times before while travelling abroad). However the crown immediately began to jeer and hiss at the President, and he found himself on the receiving end of a hostile and rude welcome. Could you imagine how he felt? The reason was because in the country he was visiting, the two fingered, palms outward Peace sign, which was acceptable in North America, was an absolutely offensive gesture to the local people in that African country. This would have been the equivalent of a president from another country visiting New Zealand, and with a smile, flipped the bird which in their country might have meant greetings. As a member of the audience, how might you react? In North America, a simple thumbs up gesture can mean that things are great or a hitchhiking sign which indicates I need a ride. However, in Greece, this gesture signifies up yours when accompanied with a rapid upward and slower downward motion. The gesture for YES is often thought to be universal, however in India they wobble their heads from side to side to say yes. Correct me if I’m wrong my Indian friends. There are also variations in saying no. In Greece they toss their head up. In Japan, they wave their hands in front of their nose like ur gesture for stinky. Or, how about the OK sign where the index finger and the thumb connect to make an O shape and the three remaining fingers point up and slightly flare out. Although acceptable in Western culture to signal that things are A-OK, in Russia or Turkey, this gesture can represent a sexual insult. specifically an orifice (thats as far as Ill go with that). In China you may see two men walk hand in hand or with an arm around anothers shoulder. This is a sign of friendship. However, the situation is regarded as homosexual in American culture. In some countries such as France or Italy, it is acceptable to exchange a kiss on one or both cheeks while shaking hands when greeting one another. In other countries such as Japan, this type of behavior is considered impolite as the Japanese are considered to be a non-touch society relative to other cultures. The Japanese have a respectful custom to bow to each other. The most senior status person bows the least and the least status person having to bow first and display the deepest bend from the waist. Business cards are exchanged and read first in a complex formality. This ritual is to determine the seniority, position or rank of everyone in the room first. Then the bowing gesture commences based on the information read. For example, let’s say Tony Cooper is the CEO of Mitsubishi Motors in Japan. I am a small department manager from Fontera†¦the process is: So as you can see, it is really important to know your audience. If you are traveling to other countries, you need to be aware that some of the most commonly acceptable gestures at home can have a completely different meaning to someone from abroad. Demonstrating a sound knowledge of the cultural differences in nonverbal communication will get you noticed and others will appreciate that you are both respectful and prepared. Tonight you’ve learnt as least one thing: be careful if you thumb a ride in Greece O Take the time and invest in a little research to become culturally educated. By doing this you will be able to: Save the embarrassment. (i. e. Be careful if you thumb a ride in Greece O) Gain the competitive edge. A little research can go a long way prior to traveling abroad on business. Surely it helps if you are willing to make an extra effort to learn more about how they prefer to communicate. As the saying goes, In Rome, do like the Romans do. Get to know your audience and their customs. Remember in business, its about being prepared and establishing rapport quickly. Understanding body language in different culture might be the very thing that tips the scales in your favor and will give you the competitive edge youre looking for.

Proctor and Gamble :: Consumer Goods Industry PG P&G

Executive Summary P&G was founded in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble as a maker of soaps and candles. P&G was known in Corporate America as a company to be admired and imitated. In addition, it was envied for its profitability as well as strong brand name. P&G has a long standing reputation as having life long employees. This dedication and loyalty by P&G's employees created the notion that outside sources were unwelcome and all products and ideas must come from within, however, this is not the way of the future. Durk I. Jager was named CEO in January 1999 but tried to accomplish too much too fast. Jager entered into this position at a very difficult time in P&G's history and tried everything he knew to keep the company going. He introduced new high end products, which did not fit within P&G's culture. His solution to keep P&G going was to cut costs, however this was not a long term solution. He alienated the employee population in 17 short months. Acknowledging Jager's failure, P&G's board forced him to submit his resignation. P&G employees needed a face lift and fast. A.G. Lafley, a Harvard graduate who spent his entire career with P&G was named CEO. He showed P&G employees that a family culture within the company was still attainable. Lafley focused on the employees and ensured the employees maintained focus on the consumers, as consumers are the basis of the market. He slowly began to change the old views of P&G. Not long after Lafley's appointment to CEO he replaced more than half of the company's top 30 officers and cut 9,600 jobs. P&Gs old view of internal creation was halted by Lafley. He acquired Clairol in 2001; P&Gs largest acquisition in its history. He also outsourced P&G's information-technology operation to help maintain its focus on the consumer and its brands. Lafley was able accomplish these non-traditional moves without alienating the family that was P&G. Although Lafley has had success, the underlying problem remains. How will Lafley return P&G to its rightful place in Corporate America? P&G's solution to its problems is through product line extensions, expansion into non-premium brands, as well as acquisitions, licensing, reinforcing market orientation through consumer focus, and outsourcing. This recommendation was based on following items;

Helping the Little Children Essay -- Personal Narrative Essays

Helping the Little Children    I feel the pounding footsteps under my feet and the intense air rush past me as I run, squirming to keep my posture. I struggle to stay glued to the beast's side. If I miss one crucial step, it may mean tragedy for this innocent little disabled boy. I stay close to Dakota's ribs as we move into the turn. Relieved, I gasp for the warm mountain air as we slow to a walk. With my arms still extended above my head, I smile at the partially toothless grin.    As I drive my topless jeep, rounding bend after bend, I find myself staring at the lightly snow-capped mountains in the distance. I run my hands through my windblown hair and notice nature's brilliant autumn colored aspen patterns whiz past me.    Just over the ridge, I casually pull into Chris Turpin's leaf covered driveway. To my left, stands a squatty farm house that has dirty tan siding with dark brown trim, topped with a new forest green metal roof. The few windows the house displays are abnormally small and are always dark. The simple wood siding, though patched with dust and cob webs, has a neat, serene air to it. A branch-covered lawn, which looks as though it has not been mowed in weeks, makes a narrow ring around the house. To my right, stands a pole barn with no solid sides, rising far above the many tarnished orange corrals surrounding it. The barn is just old enough to have collected a nice assortment of ragged bird nests in its rafters, but the wood is not yet discolored. The barn encloses a small rectangular arena, which has one corner rounded off by an old log. In the spare corner is an ancient water faucet and invincible weeds. Extending from the east side of the barn are large corrals... ...e highest mountain when he grows up. Even though he hurts whenever he moves now, he has such an incredible desire to reach this goal and make his dreams come true. I believe he will someday fulfill his dream, and it will be a result of the magic that happens at this very place. It is just a quaint farm house with a rickety barn and a handful of hospitable souls all put together to create something incredible.    However, this place is not just a place for disabled children's dreams to come true, it is a place for my dreams to come true as well. This is a place I feel I am needed and truly inspired to reach my highest goals. It was here I discovered my gift of helping disabled children, and it was here that I learned to slow down for the turns in my life and enjoy the ride. Someday I will create my own TER Program; that is my dream.      

Warhorse

WarHorse -Based on the novel by Michael Morgue, Adapted by Nick Stafford, in association with the Handspring Puppet Company Based on the novel by Michael Morgue but adapted by Nick Stafford, there powerful, dramatic WarHorse' tells the story of a Horse that goes to battle and gets passed through many different owners, and how the Horse lives though the First World War.Everything is spoken apart from the song women narrates the story as it goes along by singing. On arrival in the theatre forum, the first thing that my eyes were drawn to was the minimalist, bare stage where there what looks like a ripped paper strip all the way across the top of the stage, looking like a banner which is a breaching technique. To include there was also a simple box on stage, which was centre stage right.Then what caught my attention next was the lighting, which had freezer and flood lights on at that point in time which gave Off bright white light, giving the whole theatre neutral atmosphere until play Is about to start. The floor of the stage looked Like tarmac/concrete Glenn It a hard solid feel, making the stage look and feel cold, dull and bare. The whole stage made everyone In the audience wonder hat was going on and guess for what was going to happen on stage when the play starts.When Joey the horse first came on stage, the lights up with a bright white light, Joey seen as a foul, with three small women controlling the puppet, Joey was moving around like he was in a field, making all the necessary noises to make the puppet seem real, when he did Just walk around on stage it made me feel so happy that he was happy and that I could feel what he was feeling through the sense of body movement which was jumpy and moving about everywhere making him and yeses feel free, you could also tell that Joey was happy and young because he was only small puppet to start with but when his ears moved around listening to what going on In the field, that created a feeling that he was young and t hat he was enthusiastic about the way of life on the field. Even the actors who where controlling Joey had the same body language and facial expressions as Joey to make the puppet more life like. This made the atmosphere bright, happy and enthusiastic about Joey.This linked in with the characterization throughout the play which made you feel like oh were part of the story and all main characters had very strong characterization, but one moment that shone through the others for characterization was when the awful moment of Joey in the stable and Albertan drunk father grabs the whip and starts whipping Joey, he starts to make the squealing noises and his body language is all tight and quivery and then he bucks for me this was a very emotional part for me because of the characterization of Joey, Just sitting there watching him get hurt and all the facial expressions and body language and noises that comes out of him make he audience want to leap out there seats and come to save Joey fr om getting hurt. But as soon as Joey started to whelp, Albert and his mother, from their facial expressions you could see how much It meant to them, and how they could feel Joeys pain, which also got brought into the audience, the audience really felt the emotions good characterization through this because of this part being so emotional and the whole audience feeling the pain for Joey and how Albertan dad was acting so foolishly. The lighting at this point was blue which was to suggest that it was cold, dark and at eight, this made the atmosphere for the audience even more tense, and kept everyone on the edge of there seat!There was nothing much on stage, very bare apart from three men dressed in old fashion military, thick material grey and dull uniform, holding these rigid poles to create the effect of a pen/stable which I thought you could clearly understand and kept you interest in the performance. Every now and again the song women (narrator) would enter on stage and sing part of a song to express what was going on but I felt like it didn't really work and when the story was eating to an emotional part and the song women would burst in and start to sing, for me this broke the emotion and body language from the moving story to the women that sung, it ruined that part of the performance.The movement of Joey in warhorse alone was amazing the whole way through, this amazing puppet, I thought was really life like which made the story even more like you were there and it was realistic, Joey had three people controlling him from the person controlling his Hines legs to the person controlling front legs and the most effective person I though that created the allies of Joey was the person controlling his head, every single movement was different, from moving his head in different directions to his tail swaying in different directions all the time made Joey seem really real to me, with his ears twitching at certain points and his head points straight into the air you can tell he's trying to listen or be wear of something, also with the movement it gives off really good body language and lets the audience no what he is doing or thinking.Vocal and movement – not sure what bit to write about Too include there was part in the story when I felt the communication was really throng and powerful and created a relationship, it was when Albert was in the army with a mate in the army too and they sat up stage centre, legs hanging off the stage and staring into the horizon and they were laughing, Joking and insulting each other but Albertan mate was making fun of him abut him and Joey his horse before his dad sold him to the army. I think that that is really good communication through the use of laughter, it was really funny and shows how there friendship is still growing and how powerful it is even though they are in the middle of a war! A me