Comparison of East Asian Literature

Introduction Literature always provides an excellent platform where authors can present some of the happenings in the society in an artistry manner through fiction. According to Eoyang, authors always use the power of their imagination to depict what happens in the world in such a way that it is not only meant to entertain, but also to teach and offer some guidance on various issues in life.1Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Comparison of East Asian Literature specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Fiction can also be considered as a rich source of history, because most of the writers usually base their story on real events that took place some time back in their lives, or events taking place during the time of their writing. This means that in most cases, it would be possible to detect some form of similarity on works of different authors who had a similar experience in life that shaped the content of their wo rks. As Fong notes, one of the areas to detect such similarities would be the guiding theme in the works, the type of the language used, and some of the historical references made.2  In this study, the researcher intends to analyze two fictions with the view of identifying some of the similarities and differences they exhibit. The book ‘To Live’ by Hua Yu and ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’ by Yan Mo were both written in the context of cultural practices in the East Asian, and their transformations in modern China and Japan. Although the two books were written in different timeframes, they both present the transformation of the East Asia from the historical perspective, the two books are presents issues relating to gender, ethics, and environmental concern in this region. This makes it necessary to conduct a comparative analysis of the two books in order to determine some of the similarities that they present. Comparing these two literatures helps in construc tion of the social structure of the people of East Asia. These scholars have given detailed discussion of the social structure of the people of the East, especially the Chinese social and cultural practices. Comparative analysis of these two literatures helps in bringing a detailed understanding of the historic facts in this region. The two books will be discussed to determine some of common and different issues they have in terms of style, theme presented, and any other stylistic features they could have in common. Common Themes in the Two Books These two books share a number of themes, especially concerning the virtues in the society, and some of the historical facts of this country. It is important to note that the two literatures were written in the context of East Asian cultural practices. Both books try to depict the cultural practices of the Chinese people, and the way they related with their neighbor, especially Japan.Advertising Looking for research paper on comparativ e literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More As mentioned previously, these two books were written two different individuals at different times, but both were based on Chinese social background. This means that although they could have some differences in the themes presented, it would be easy to depict similarities, especially in the social practices. The following are some of the similar topics discussed in these two books. Immorality and Unfaithfulness The authors of these two books were concerned of the ethical practices that were common in their society. Although in both books the authors do not complain directly of the rotting culture and the rampant immorality, the manner in which they present immorality shows that they are not pleased with the vice. In the book ‘To Live’, the character in the story talks about several incidences of immorality right from the beginning. The narrator recalls several incidences in his life when he was sent to collect stories and songs from a certain village. While working in this village, the narrator talks of cases when he would meet people engaging in immoral affairs disregarding the fact that some were already married. For instance, the man describes an old man with a bloody nose on a ridge, who was only in his panty. The old man had a swollen face, and the narrator got concerned. He wanted to know what could have caused the bruises. The old man stated that the ungrateful son had hit him. The narrator concluded, â€Å"†¦ the old man must have been putting the moves on his daughter-in-law.†3 This is not only an immoral act, but also a sign of unfaithfulness on the side of the daughter-in-law towards the husband. The act is an incest. This book also presents another story about Fugui, an old poor farmer. The narrator meets him on one of the days when he is in the field collecting songs and stories. Fugui tells the narrator about his early life a nd his ‘whoring’4 character despite being married. In the book ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’, the theme of immorality and unfaithfulness is also presented in a clear conscious manner. In this book, we meet Shangguan Lu, the wife to Shangguan Fulu, who is a blacksmith. She has bent over to sweep in front of her shop. Suddenly, Pastor Malory appears from behind the church. Seeing the woman bent, he stares at her lustfully: â€Å"†¦His heart skipped a beat, his lips quivered†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and â€Å"†¦Dear Lord, he muttered, almighty God†¦Ã¢â‚¬ 5 The pastor then moves to a corner where he is able to observe Fulu’s wife better without her realizing that someone is watching her exposed thighs6 while she was sweeping. The pastor’s acts clearly demonstrate that he is longing for an intimate affair with someone’s wife. This is not only a betrayal to his religious teachings, but also betraying the faithful people who trust his lea dership and ethical views.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Comparison of East Asian Literature specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, this book demonstrates various instances where married men would walk out of their matrimonial beds and engage in immoral affairs with other women. In fact, the story shows how lust ‘for big breasts and wide hips7’ is forcing some men into illicit relationships with women who are not their wives. Disrespect in the society Respect is one of the most cherished virtues in the society, and many of the East Asian literatures have always expressed this in different ways, especially the need to respect the elderly and those in power. The two have clearly illustrated lack of respect in the society from various perspectives. In both cases, it is clearly presented that lack of respect to the elderly and those in authority comes with some consequences. The people wh o should be given honor are treated by contempt. In the book ‘To Live’, the lack of respect is demonstrated in various ways, even among little children. When the narrator gets into one village he frequented in the past, children start shouting: ‘Here comes the man who yawns quite often.’8 This is a clear lack of respect showed by these children. They must have learnt this bad habit from their parents and other senior members of the society. The old man who is hit by the son lacked respect for the son, when he made a sexual move on his son’s wife. The son also displayed disrespectful behavior by beating up the father without mercy. Fugui would dismiss the father when he tells him that his conduct is untoward. One day when the father tried to punish him for his gambling, he shoved the old man away, hurting him in the process. As a son, it would be expected that Fugui would never dare to lay his hand on the father who has been doing all he could to shap e his life for a better future. Fugue also lacks respect to the father-in-law. While ‘riding on the back of a fat whore’, he would tell the ‘whore’ to stop by the father-in-law’s shop so that he could greet the family. He continued with this disrespectful habit even after being told that the father-in-law abhorred his presence.  Same incidents can be witnessed in the book ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’ on various instances. Shangguan Lu, the wife to the blacksmith Fulu, shows a lot of dishonor to her husband. She commands every activity happening in the family without giving her husband an opportunity to offer his opinion as the head of the family. â€Å"I asked you a question!† she says to the husband, â€Å"What do you gain by showing me those yellow teeth? I can’t get a fart out of you, even with a stone roller.†9Advertising Looking for research paper on comparative literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A wife should not express herself to the husband in this manner, especially in front of their son and daughter-in-law. It is a clear demonstration that she does not consider her husband as a person who deserves any form of respect. Abused Marriages and Families Another common theme that comes out of the two books focuses on the abused marriages. In the two cases, we witness marriage partners engaging in abusive acts against their wives or husbands. In the book To Live, Fugui has been proven very abusive towards his pregnant wife. Despite being unfaithful to her, he would come home late at night drunk and dirty, demanding for food from her. Any form of delay or complaint would earn her beatings from the man. She respects Fugui a lot and rarely talks about his unfaithfulness or irresponsible behavior to other people. However, the husband sees this as a weakness and abuses the wife verbally and even physically at times. The same topic is presented in the book, Big Breasts and Wide Hips . Shangguan Lu is described as a women abusive to all the family members. She does not respect the husband who esteems her so much. She would dismiss him in their discussion in front of other people. She regards her husband’s opinion as being inferior to her. Lu is also abusive to other members of the society. She shows not respect to her son, her daughter-in-law, and her granddaughter. Besides the woman tells the son: â€Å"I never hear an encouraging, proper sentence from that mouth of yours, and you never tire of spouting nonsense and rumors.†10 This phrase is made in reference to a statement the son made about foreign troops that are attacking the country. The son has to keep quiet, fearing possible reactions from the mother. The latter also tells her grandchild to get married at a tender age because she is good for nothing in the family. The girl is depressed by the constant physical and emotional abuses from Lu. In addition, it turns out that Shangguan Lu is phys ically abusing her husband, which can be observed in her saying: â€Å"Women are worthless creatures†¦ so you have to beat them.†11 Upon hearing this statement, the husband asks, â€Å"Then why are you always beating me?†12 This question from Fulu demonstrates that his wife has formed a habit of beating him, and he has come to conform to this culture of abusive marriage. Christianity Another similar theme that is outlined in the two books is Christianity as a common religion in the two societies. In the book, ‘To Live’, there are several instances where characters show their faith in the Christian teachings. Jiezhen, the wife of Fugui, believes in the biblical teachings, especially the need for a wife to respect and be submissive to the husband. Although the man does not reciprocate this in his actions, she does not tire in her commitment to him. Fugui describes himself as â€Å"†¦ the prodigal son of Xu family†¦.†13 This is in refere nce to the biblical prodigal son who takes away his portion of wealth and squanders it in a foreign land. This means that he knows from the biblical teachings, that the path he has taken is wrong, but chooses to be like the prodigal son anyway. Christianity can also be traced in the book, Big Breasts and Wide Hips. As it begins, we meet Pastor Malory, who is a man of God and has been given the responsibility of carrying for the faithful in the church. He is the head of this church, and the members of this society rely on him for spiritual guidance. One of the most loyal faithful is Shangguan Lu and her family. Traditional practices and beliefs The theme of tradition is exhibited in both books in several instances. In the novel ‘To Live’, this tradition is presented through the collection of songs the narrator had, and through the story of Fugui. The songs that the persona collects reflect on the traditional Chinese culture in the olden days. The narration by Fugui also shows some traditional beliefs. When the father of Fugui realizes that the son has become lazy, he beseeches him that he is the only light in the family. He tells the son that he has to protect the legacy of the ancestors and ensure that the lineage remains as rich as it has always been in the past. This situation demonstrates a strict family pattern that exists in this country. As Hagel notes, the Chinese culture has a strong social classification within the society, and it is difficult for one to come from one social class to another.14 Once born in a royal family, a person would remain in this loyalty for the entire life, unless something abnormal takes place. This is what the father was trying to explain to his son. The same cultural practice is presented in Fulu’s family in the novel ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’. Shsngguan Fulu is a lazy blacksmith. The son Shangguan Shouxi also becomes a blacksmith like his father. Shouxi’s son is not ambitious to ach ieve higher success than that of his father, arguing that a man cannot compete against his shadow. When Shouxi’s wife dies, the mother conducts a traditional ritual that is common in the Chinese culture. This is demonstrated in the sentence that says, â€Å"Shangguan Fulu presented a bolt of white cloth to a matchmaker†¦ with a request that she approach the Yu family with a marriage proposal on behalf of her only son†¦.†15 She does this as part of her traditional responsibility as a mother to her son. The marriages are also ‘registered’ in a traditional way, with mules given out as a bride price. Social class The social class, as mentioned above, is a common factor in the Chinese traditional society. Both novels have covered this aspect adequately. In the book ‘To Live’ social classes and class differences come out in various instances. Thus, the family of Fugui is very rich. and has slaves who work for them on their large track of l and. Other servants also perform multiple tasks such as taking care of little Fugui when he has just started schooling. The poor are treated like slaves having no rights. Fugui recalls how their servants respected his father when he was just a young boy. In his early life, a slave would be sent to school to take him home every evening. He would molest the slave who never dared to refuse his unfair instructions: â€Å"†¦ After I climbed on (him), I’d hit him on the head as say, ‘Changgen, let’s go!†¦ Fly†16 This is a treatment that befits a beast of burden such as an ox, and not a human being. The book ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’ also brings to focus the issues of social class in this society. Fulu’s family is on the lower social class as compared to Fugui’s clan. Being a blacksmith, Fulu can barely earn enough for the family that is considered as one of the poorest in this society, and people look down upon them. Althou gh the principles and authoritativeness of Shangguan Lu earns the family some respect, this does not change the fact that the family is considered poor. This is witnessed when Shangguan Lu is making a proposal to Xuaner’s family. Xuaner askes: â€Å"Have I raised a proper young lady just so she can marry the son of a blacksmith?†17 This question demonstrates that Fulu’s family is on the lower social ladder. Similarities in Stylistic Devices As Huang says, an author is always given power to use various stylistic devices to make the story unique and interesting.18 Some of them are shared in a number of ways. The following are some of the devices that are common in both stories. Story within a story A story within a story is one of the most popular literary devices among writers. In the book ‘To Live’, this literary tool has been majorly used to bring out most of the themes in this story. The narrator is explaining his life when he goes to the field to collect songs and stories. In this narration, he tells of how he meets a desperate old man trying to overwork his ox. Then, one could be acquainted with the story of the old man Fugui, which dominates in the better part of the book. This is the story within the story the narrator it presenting to his audience. In the book ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’, Shanggguan Lu describes a story about his life when the Japanese military forces controlled the entire region of the current China and Japan. At that particular time, the Japanese forces are ruling the region. She remembers how strong the Chinese forces were then, and how they managed to keep the Japanese forces away from this land. Use of dialogue Dialogue is one of the most common literary devices that are always very popular in novels. According to Huang, dialogue brings life into a novel, as it creates a scene in the mind of the reader as he or she relates the character to a real life scenario.19 In the book ‘To Live’, dialogue has been used extensively throughout the story. There are cases where the author uses dialogue to present the societal issues in this book. The book, ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’ has also used this stylistic tool to highlight actions happening and the thoughts of the characters. Premonition One could notice that premonition is evidenced in the two novels. In both cases, it has been utilized to predict the unpleasant future. In the book ‘To Live’, Fugui’s father tells the son that he is good for nothing and is a disgrace to the family. The man tells him that it would continue with his gambling habit then his future is bleak. This happens as has been predicted by the old man in his last days. Fugui’s life became unbearable. He turns out to be one of the most desperate members of the society where his father is considered as one of the richest. In the book, ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’, Gou San would predict poss ible attack from the Japanese forces, and this comes to pass. Differences between the two Novels The two books under consideration are developed in the Chinese setting that explains why they have a lot of similarities. As Chang notes, it is common to find novels written in a same environmental setting share a number of themes and other features because of a common influence.20 However, the two books have some difference in terms of the central theme and some of the literary devices. In the book ‘To Live’, the focus is on the life of Fugui, an extremely irresponsible son of a village tycoon. He gets hold of the family wealth and wastes it in gambling. However, he realizes his mistakes, repents, and changes his wayward ways. Although this comes when it is too late to spare the family from poverty, this character appreciates that he has been responsible for the misfortunes of the family. On the other hand, ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’ presents Shangguan Lu who is very abusive to the husband. Unlike Fugui, Lu does not come to appreciate that physical abuse of the husband is a mistake that she should be avoided. War with Japan (Historic Perspective) The two books discussed present the military confrontation between the Chinese and Japanese military forces. However, the books describe two different eras. In the book, ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’, the story is told when the Japanese forces were stronger. They took control of many cities in this region and the Chinese were living in constant fear of possible attacks by the Japanese. Sima Ting says: â€Å"†¦ the Japanese are on their way†¦ run, don’t trade your lives†¦.†21 The book demonstrates that in this era the Japanese forces ruled the region, which is contrary to the message brought out in the book, ‘To Live’. The second story is told when the Chinese forces have managed to subdue the Japanese forces. They recaptured some of the territ ories they lost to the Japanese, and the region was generally free from any possible Japanese attacks. In this regard, the narrator says, â€Å"The wildest time was just after the Japanese Surrender, when Nationalist troops entreated the city to recover the lost territory.†22 This shows that during this time, the Chinese forces managed to drive away the Japanese army away from the Chinese territory. So, this story is told in a different era from that of the other book. The use of the story within a story as a literary style is more extensive in the book ‘To Live’ than it is in the book ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’. Conclusion The two pieces of writing discussed in the story written by different authors share a number of common factors and contain some differences. This situation can be explained by the fact that most of the works of fiction are always based on real life experience, and when authors share some environmental factors, it is common to fin d similar and contrasting issues. The books ‘To Live’ and ‘Big Breasts and Wide Hips’ contain a number of similarities, especially in themes presented. They both talk about the Chinese culture and traditional practices. In addition, they cover some similar stylistic devices. However, it is important to note that the two novels also have clear differences in their central themes and some stylistic devices. Bibliography Chang, Kang. Women Writers of Traditional China: An Anthology of Poetry and Criticism. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1999. Eoyang, Eugene. The Transparent Eye: Reflections on Translation, Chinese Literature, and Comparative Poetics. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 1988. Fong, Grace, Herself and Author: Gender, Agency, and Writing in Late Imperial China. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 2008. Hegel, Robert. Reading Chinese Illustrated Fiction. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1998. Huang, Martin, Mapping Masculinity. Universit y of Hawaii Press, 2006. Huang, Martin. Desire and Fictional Narrative in Late Imperial China. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2001. Yang, Mo. Big Breasts Wide Hips: A Novel. New York: Arcade Publishers, 2004. Yu, Hua. To Live: A Novel. New York: Anchor Books, 2003. Footnotes 1 Eoyang, Eugene. The Transparent Eye: Reflections on Translation, Chinese Literature, and Comparative Poetics. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 1988, p. 38 2 Fong, Grace, Herself and Author: Gender, Agency, and Writing in Late Imperial China. Hawaii: University of Hawaii Press, 2008, p. 45 3 Hua, Yu, To Live: A Novel, New York: Anchor Books, 2003, p. 3 4 Ibid p. 4 5Mo, Yang, Big Breasts Wide Hips: A Novel, New York: Arcade Publishers, 2004, p. 2. 6 Ibid p. 2 7 Ibid p. 7 8Hua, Yu, To Live: A Novel, New York: Anchor Books, 2003, p. 3 9 Ibid p. 5 10 Mo, Yang, Big Breasts Wide Hips: A Novel, New York: Arcade Publishers, 2004, p. 13. 11 Ibid p. 65 12 Ibid p. 65 13 Ibid p. 9 14 Hegel, Robert. Reading Chin ese Illustrated Fiction. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1998, p. 78 15 Mo, Yang, Big Breasts Wide Hips: A Novel, New York: Arcade Publishers, 2004, p. 117. 16 Ibid p. 81 17 Ibid p. 123 18 Huang, Martin. Desire and Fictional Narrative in Late Imperial China. Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 2001, p. 56 19 Ibid 20 Chang, Kang. Women Writers of Traditional China: An Anthology of Poetry and Criticism. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1999, p. 74 21 Ibid p. 142 22 Hua, Yu, To Live: A Novel, New York: Anchor Books, 2003, p. 21 This research paper on Comparison of East Asian Literature was written and submitted by user Punisher to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Centralization vs. Decentralization in Warehouse and Returns Management Essays

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Do the company let warehousing and returns department manage their own warehouses or inventories or transfer credits to customers’ accounts, or do it create restocking the returned parts or products centrally for warehouse with only a minimum of input from the separate distribution centers? Prior to answer those question, several other issues will be discussed such as what is the optimal degree of centralization within a firm or what is the optimal degree of decentralization within a firm? To what extent should lower-level managers be given the authority to make a decision independently of higher-level management? In the case of returns and credits department, those questions take the form of how much discretion corporate headquarters should give to the managers. Should a tightly controlled set of operating procedures be mandated, or should warehouse and returns department managers be given considerable discretion with respect to operating their warehouses and returns department? How do they influence the relative performance of different organizational structures? The objective of this paper is to provide some insight into those questions. This paper exams which organizational structure and management system can be formed in running warehouses and returns department even though little is known and found about how exactly organizational structure influences the performance of warehouses and returns department in the companies and which one fits most. The rate of improvement might be achieved through innovation and new organizational strategies. However, innovation and new organization strategies have a potential risk against the existed managers who refuse to accept changes. For example, in the case of Crown Point Cabinetry, some managers left the company when new management system, team-based management, was adopted (Anthony Govindarajan, 2006, p. 556). To reduce such negative effect when generating innovation and new organizational structure, each of departments related to this business process management should be communicated and share information. Warehouse control system and centralized returns system provide significant benefits to companies from various sources such as simplified procedures, reduced costs, and improved management information, etc. 2. Decentralization Versus Centralization in Warehouse Returns Department Advantages Disadvantages of decentralized management of Warehouse Returns Department : Under decentralized management, advantages and disadvantages are as follows ; Advantages :  ¦ Numerous individuals throughout the organization have an input on personal decisions. Accurate information to analyze appropriately  ¦ Team-based performance and cross-functional teams  ¦ No exact instructions needed  ¦ Dispersing decision-making governance to the people  ¦ It relies on lateral relationship and less on command and force.  ¦ Interfaces between parts of a system  ¦ Employees feel more comfortable that they are in control of their own decision making. Disadvantages :  ¦ Confusion, especially if one of team member is absent.  ¦ â€Å"Fragmented† : It is not easy to consolidate each of division.  ¦ Lack of uniformity or consistency Unclear evaluation system when taking responsibility. Advantages Disadvantages of centralized management of Warehouse Returns Department : Beneficially, centralized management of warehouse consolidates and provides a single interface point between each department. Centralized management is applicable to a long-term plan and it is easy to control when people in organizations have the same objectives. Other advantages are as follows ;  ¦ The ideas that come from the people who are professionals and have unique strategies.  ¦ Responsibility is easily placed.  ¦ All related data kept together Uniform service provided to all users. Disadvantages ;  ¦ It may require investment in efficient equipments or automation and high technologies.  ¦ Information given is unrealistic for adequate services.  ¦ It takes times to be responsive ag ainst incidents. 5. Recommendations Any size of any company cannot be fully centralized or decentralized. I personally favor decentralization. However, the recognition of local control and personal engagement of decentralization must be blended with centralized services that are often more efficient, cost effective, and liberating. As seen the case above, high technology system allows companies to centralize information and data to perform an adequate activities regarding a quality of services while decentralization strengthens the ideas of performances and operations maximizing individuals’ ability. Warehouse where both centralization and decentralization is adapted has been successful resulting in accuracy, a high quality of performance, and real-time base information available. Applying communication management to returns department and building trust in a relationship is essentially needed in order to change the unreasonable and ineffective policies. Under decentralized system that is becoming more popular, based on â€Å"Great power comes great responsibility†, organizations are allowed to take advantage of division of labor by sharing decision-making across the organization while the managers and employees improve their performance by being able to act immediately having discretion on problems. However, the limited authority given to the manager levels loosens the responsibility of their performance that takes place, which reduces the pressures on the results of performance. Conclusively, both centralization and decentralization are necessary for organization, but more favorable in decentralization. I personally feel that efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability should come with caring for the individuals who will accomplish goals and objectives on behalf of organization and communities. Sources Brennen, A. M. (2002). Centralization versus decentralization. From soencouragement. org/centralizationvsdecentralization. htm (Anthony Govindarajan, 2006, p. 556

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An Individuals Identity Is Formed By Society Media Essay An individuals identity is formed by society in which media plays a predominant role. There is a daily interactive relationship between the subject and the object, that is, human agents and the conditions of their subsistence, respectively. Theories of the individual emphasize on differences between people and deem these differences as natural. Individuals are constituted as the possessors of positions throughout the effects of social relations. Alternatively, other theories of the topic concentrate on peoples general experiences in society through watching TV, surfing the internet or reading the newspaper. It is these general experiences that are the most significant way of distinguishing who we are. Thus, subject identity is a social construction, not an ordinary one. When we connect with the media, we act and are acted upon, use and are used by the system. Ideology is not precise, but implicit in images, structures, and sign systems evident in the media which task is to establish the individuals as subjects. We have social identities conferred unto us, mainly through the mass media. For example, take the popular medium of magazines. Magazines are an easy way of targeting the exact audience that has been set out to be. This is important as not only are individuals capable to choose which magazine they would desire to read but they are also capable of utilizing it to assemble their own identity. One of the most outstanding images found in magazines is that of the thin and beautiful model, numerous females would glance at these images as a source of inspiration as to what their bodies should look like and would think that they were inadequate if they do not look like the models featured. For example a perfume by Giorgio Armani called Sensi, saying that I sense, therefore I am and a model lying across a table giving the impression that one must need this perfume in their everyday life, and the emphasis on womens fragrance. Our society today has been affected in such a materialistic world that it is so easy for advertisers to promote any old debris and still be assured that consumers will buy into it, regardless of the cost of the product. The media has us brain washed very well, and know how and what to promote to us in a very effective way. It is through the modern media apparatus that people achieve a sense of identity. There is no doubt that contemporary media is a culture possessed with the self. Via the mass media we are told ways in which to develop the self. We buy books, read articles in the newspaper, and we watch lifestyle programs. The mass media supply us with the talent to transform, create, re-create and mass produce identity. The media permits us to transform the very way we think of ourselves, for that reason it allows us to become and be seen the way we desire to be. A popular contemporary medium for transformation is found in the ability of an individual to build a web page on the internet. It offers a unique opportunity to write ones self on a global stage and for the author to believe about their identity. Generating such pages offers an exceptional chance for self-presentations in relation to several dimensions of social and individual identity to which one chooses to allude. We seek to be as straightforward as we would like to present ourselves to the human race. This technology is greatly about viewing ourselves a certain way, as it is about having other people view us. By abstracting oneself onto a web page, one sets a target to which one must stand true. It is understandable that due to the contemporary media with which we engage it is more likely that instead of achieving, experiencing and learning our identity, we are more likely to purchase and use our identity. Since personality is largely a subject of outward behavior and appearance, individuals begin to use consumption as a means of creating a social self. Thus identity becomes constructed, rather then exposed and variable, rather than preset. A fundamental support in the construction of identity is fashion. The problem with this type of construction is that by dressing a certain way, the fashion industry offers a new you. In acquiring certain styles of fashion and particular brands, people consequently relate themselves with the meanings embedded in those goods. These modified meanings thereby become piece of the perceived self. It creates a fake ideology, a mask for one in which one can change who they are by means of changing the way they dress. For example, Jerry Seinfeld i s backing up American Express Michael, Paul Reiser wants you to use ATT, and Jordan is selling you Gatorade. Why do these famous stars emerge on commercials and show up in ads? The idea is to subliminally give the product traits that it never even deserves, like wealth, fame, and even success. When you see Michael Jordan drink that Gatorade and then go for a 360 slam-dunk, they desire you to think that, Hey maybe if I drink Gatorade, I can turn into as great a basketball player as Michael Jordan. Now when you see someone like Jerry Seinfeld with American Express, they want you to think, If somebody as prestigious and successful as Jerry Seinfeld adores American Express, then it MUST be a great card to have. Besides the less obvious, there is just the fact that someone needs a famous celebrity to present and sell their product, rather than some ordinary person who holds no social figure in society. Society and mass media are primarily split between different desires, interests, and engagements, and so is the subject. There is an essential lack between personal identity and identification with the mass media: a gap that prevents identification from ending up in a state of clean identity. Identity is a case of building and articulation because as individuals we do not have a definite position in our social structure. We create identity in relation to those surrounding us and much of the cause for our own uncertainty about our identity is because the nature of society is endlessly changing. As beings that innately desire to be accepted, the way in which other people view and judge us has become of great importance. Hence as individual we all try to be as well as manage to conform to the ideas extended by the media. This is due to the detail that there is a need to feel part of a group, a want to feel as though one belongs, and to improve ones identity in the eyes of others. Studies report that communication allows young people to facilitate social involvement and thereby make a recognizable identity. Contemporary society and mass media produces the end of the individual, and encourages conformity. The mass media are responsible for brain washing the people of the paradox, your identity is only individual when it is the same as everybody else. The media operates as a needle which injects attitudes, ideas, and beliefs into the viewers who as a defenseless mass have little choice but to be influenced. As an outcome identities are assembled from the material generated by the media. The mass media establishments do have the authority to set the agenda, to select, to frame, to classify and to define appropriate issues. Consequently, media communication is a prearranged activity, which frames the social reality in accordance with the dominant ideology. The meanings that are collected from the media do not have to be final but are open to refashioning and reshaping. Ultimately we only get to choose from a selected few issues which reflect the interests of capitalists and large corporations. It is from these narrow issues that an individual assembles their identity. Certain standards and ideologies are imposed unto us, with no opposing views to counteract their influence. Thus, we can only illustrate from the cultural collection accessible to us. Mass communication can influence cognitive change amongst individuals, mentally order and manage the world for us and also plainly create conflict or violence between people in society. Therefore, authorities or interest groups who have enormous control on media especially the government, newspaper and television program producers need a proper consideration for media use as well as being accountable for consequences. Evidently the modern media penetrates everything that we bump into in our everyday life. The author of Understanding Power the Indispensable Chomsky, Chomsky showed how the conventional press is run by the political economy and how the spectator is made into a pawn. The author constructs a propaganda model in which he exposes how the government exploits the media to implement control over the people. The mass media, therefore, is a business tool that is used to program the population. The spectator is told what kind of desire he/she must have. The messages we obtain are selective, diverse, and contradictory. It is through the magazines, television, news papers and the internet that, at its disposal, society has a great deal of resources accessible to them. There is no such thing as a set identity; it is negotiable and constantly being altered in order to keep up with the altering nature of society as identity is assembled in relation to others. The media supplies us with tools, allowing us to develop into the person we want to be, and fit in with those around us. In my opinion media is a reflection of society, not the other way around. So if we want to really deal with violence, we should to start with ourselves, not with the media that is basically showing us the world as it is. You cant blame TV and music for all the unconstructive things that people do. Its the persons responsibility to be interpreting the message the correct way. You cant deny the fact that media does project wrong images towards young people but its how they interpret the messages and act in response to them thats important. Parents should explain to their kids that most of the stuff on TV is fictional. The majority of us watch TV; but most for people, these messages and images do not elicit nor drive impulsive behavior. However, because media has a huge impact on society, whatever is displayed and conveyed has a great effect on people, especially on younger minds. I think that violence and sex on TV and in music is used as the lone scapegoat as crime arises. The crime can only be blamed on the individual. Eminem and Marilyn Manson have the right to speak what they wish, people have the right to listen or not listen. But, no one has the right to murder. And if someone does commit murder, I dont think music, or violence that they see or listen to can or should be solely responsible for their crime. Is censorship the response to the problem of violent entertainment? Should we tell people what they can or cant read or watch? The simple respond to this question is no, we cant censor violent entertainment. Because of freedom of speech but there is a fair ratings system which works most of the time. Rappers, writers, performers, and singers write based on their life and what has gone on in it. A rapper raps with reference to poverty, shootings, and robberies, why? Because thats what the majority of them lived through. Eminem raps about things that board his nerves. Why? Because he lives with those feelings and emotions. People who use these artists as reasons to be brutal are wrong. Music and TV do not commit crime its the society and the people themselves. Thus I believe that although the media plays an essential role in defining who we are and establishing our identities, it does not govern our actions. 1. Parenti, Michael. Inventing Reality- Politics of News Media: St. Oartins Press, 1993. 2. Chomsky, Noam; Mitchell, Peter. Understanding Power: The Indispensable Chomsky, 2002. 3. Lorimer, Rowland. Mass Communication in Canada, 1996. 4. Kilbourne, Jean. Killing Us Softly. (Video)

gdp analysis :: essays research papers

U.S. Economic Outlook: 2005-06 GDP Analysis   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to ensure competent and accurate forecasts for both 2005 and 2006, I obtained GDP information from a few different sources. Accessing the information without having to register at a â€Å"nominal† fee was a bit interesting at times, but nonetheless I found a couple of sites that all forecasted GDP and all of it’s components within a tenth of a percent of each other.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The one I found easiest to follow and analyze was the TD Quarterly Economic Forecast that I accessed at their website, www.td.com/economics. According to information provided here and enclosed information from Reuter’s and Comerica, Real GDP growth is expected to tail off from about 4.4% in 2004 to 3.2% by the end of 2006. All three of these articles identified 2004 as the best year for our economy growth wise in the current business cycle by far. Consumer spending and business investment growth are predicted to decline pretty sharply over the next two years, while the housing / residential construction sector is expected to show negative growth. This, in itself may be an indication that there may be a reverse trend in the property / real estate market, bringing prices down and keeping that market honest. All of these forecasts are contributing factors to the predicted dip in both final domestic demand as well as final sales. Good news though is that export growth is expected to increase, which will reduce the amount of growth in imports, directly correlating to a drop in the nation’s unemployment rate. Increasing the number of jobs will infiltrate more money on the domestic front and eventually serve as a shot in the arm to a parched economy. All in all the U.S. economy is in pretty good shape and here to stay. Optimally, we would like to see this year and next build upon last year’s incredible figures and shoot consumer spending further through the roof.