Sunday, May 10, 2020

Use of Title in Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton Essay

Use of Title in Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton, takes place in1946 near the small rural town of Ixopo in the smaller village of Ndotsheni. The main character is Stephen Kumalo, a native priest who sets out on a mission to find his family. He receives a letter from a fellow priest, Msimangu, telling him his younger sister is ill. Kumalo decides he must go to Johannesburg to help his sister. He also hopes to find his only son and see if his brother is well because they too have gone away to Johannesburg. He arrives and with his new friend, Msimangu, searches for his sister and his son. He finds his sister and decides to take her and her son with him to Ndotsheni. He then speaks to his†¦show more content†¦From the very beginning of the novel, the reader reads of a beautiful and rich valley. Then Paton goes on to describe the valley where the main character, Kumalo, lives. It is barren and cannot hold the rain. It is a valley of old men and old women that is deteriorating be cause the young people are not there to help take care of it (33-34). They all leave and go to the mines and the big cities, for the white man has convinced them this is where they belong. The natives move to the cities to look for opportunities, but are only suppressed by the white man. The whites keep the natives stupid and do not want them to have more money or become smarter. They push the natives down for they fear a better-paid labour will also read more, think more, ask more, and will not be content to be forever voiceless and inferior (110). The whites feel threatened by the possibility of equality with the natives. Therefore they deny them money, education and power so there will be no chance of equality. The natives mostly cry because the whites split their tribes apart and their traditions are dying. The first time the title appears in the novel it reads: Cry for the broken tribe, for the law and the custom that is gone. Aye, and cry aloud for the man who is dead [the natives predominant advocate], for these women and children bereaved. Cry, the beloved country, these things are not yet at an end. The sun pours down on theShow MoreRelated The True Meaning of Cry, the Beloved Country Essay1426 Words   |  6 PagesThe True Meaning of Cry, the Beloved Country      Ã‚  Ã‚   Many debates have been sparked by Alan Patons Cry, the Beloved Country.   Even the essence of the books title examines South Africa and declares the presence of the inner conflict of its citizens. The importance and meaning of the title of Cry, the Beloved Country is visible in Patons efforts to link the reader to forthcoming ideas in the novel, Patons description of South Africas problems, and Patons prayer for the solution of SouthRead MoreThe Meaning of the Title, Cry, the Beloved Country Essay1007 Words   |  5 Pagesset in time book, Cry, the Beloved Country’s title by Alan Paton have intrigued yet perplexed readers over the years. The title itself has several meanings especially to the different readers and their understanding of it. The title not only expresses the importance but also plays a role in capturing the concept of the book. The reason why the title is significant because in one line it demonstrates the depth of the conflict between the people and their country, though the use of style in grammarRead MoreWilliam Faulker And Cry, The Beloved Country, By Alan Paton1632 Words   |  7 Pagesthe two novels As I Lay Dying, by William Faulker and Cry, the Beloved Country, by Alan Paton. One comparable aspect that can be found in both novels is the many similar themes explored throughout both novels. Many of these themes are prominent throughout literature. When comparing identical themes from two diverse authors, one can understand and appreciate these differences and similarities. Although these themes are commonly discussed, Paton and Faulkner have distinct methods in which the messagesRead MoreCry, The Beloved Country1710 Words   |  7 Pages Alan Paton’s Cry, the Beloved Country takes place during the late 1940’s in Southern Africa. Specifically, in High Place, Ndotsheni, and Johannesburg. It takes place during a time of social change. There is racial inequality taking place during the late 1940†™s. The novel shows what it was like to be living during this time. Cry, the Beloved Country has an urban and crowded feeling for most of the novel. This novel is written in past-tense, third-person omniscient point of view. Occasionally, theRead MoreCry, The Beloved Country Journal1487 Words   |  6 PagesOctober 7, 2014 Cry, the Beloved Country Journal Table of Content Topic Page Number Focus on Conflict Responses 2 Focus on Theme Responses 3-5 SAR Responses Chapter Questions Responses Dialectical Journals Works Cited Focus on Conflict In book 1 of Cry, the Beloved Country, the main conflict was Kumalo’s loss of faith. In this quote,â€Å"But that he should kill a man, a white man! There was nothing that he could remember, nothing, nothing at all, that could make it probable.†(Paton 119). AlonRead MoreBelonging Essay4112 Words   |  17 Pagesof perceptions and ideas of belonging discover the underlying assumptions contained in texts deconstruct the representation of belonging - people, relationships, ideas as well as the places, events and societies, by different composers through their use of language modes, forms, and their relevant structural forms and language features engage personally with their texts and draw on their own experience make connections to their perceptions of the world and the worlds represented in the texts. Waverley

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Duopoly Coles vs Woolworths Free Essays

Australian Business Environment A Duopolistic Market Structure: Who Wins? For most of us its Just part of everyday life decisions. Where to shop for the week, Coles or Woolworths? Should I drink Pepsi or Coke today? Do I go to MYER or David Jones to buy new make up from? We take in consideration a few prices, how convenient it will be to get there, what would we rather do, and that’s it. But there’s something bigger behind this. We will write a custom essay sample on Duopoly Coles vs Woolworths or any similar topic only for you Order Now What is the impact on such big rivals, for us and the economy? It’s not Just about personal choices. Living and studying in Australia for the ast 11 months, going to do my grocery shopping at Coles or at Woolworths has become part of my routine. And because it is such an ordinary thing to do, we tend to forget that we make part of a much bigger picture, and are contributing to several factors regarding the Australian economy. However, this race for the best has its advantages and disadvantages, and of course, this is affecting us as well. The Price War One of the advantages of this never ending battle for us customers, are the low prices. Because there is such a big competition for prices, each of the supermarket rands will try to make it as affordable as possible to the consumer, as a reaction to get competitive advantage. One big example of this war is the milk price. Both supermarkets can sell milk for $1 . It is very difficult to make any profit if you’re selling products at such a low price, as Rob Murray, the chiet executive tor the t beverage group Lion stated. However this issue does not affect us consumers on a day-to-day basis, and the low prices keep us happy and of course, keep us shopping at these big supermarkets. Everyone wins with the Rewards Programs Another good thing for the shoppers at these two big chains is the rewards systems hey have. And we win again. Despite the cheaper price war having been leaded by Coles the majority of times, Woolworths seems to have another way of fghting. Their CEO Grant O’Brien came out with a new strategy: the Everyday Rewards. The more the customer shops, the more discount they get. Users of the cards get exclusive offers, discount on fuel and can even earn Qantas flyer points. And not only in Woolworths, they have retail partners like Big W, Dick Smith and Cellarmasters that will also benefit the customer. Coles also has their rewards system, the Flybuys. With his card, apart from the exclusive offers on Coles and affiliated firms products, the customer collects points at every purchase, which can later be changed by different prizes. But this is not only good for the consumers. Its basically the company saying that they will give us prizes, in exchange for our information. A Rewards system allows the firm to collect data about their customers, which they can use in their favour, to create loyalty and promote trust. With the Everyday Rewards, Woolworths has been able to collect a good amount of information, while Flybuys is still in the process of build its strength. Easy and Simple Another very good thing for the customer about these two big brands is the convenience. Everywhere we go, every big shopping center and busy area in a suburb will have at least one of the two, if not both. Coles and Woolworths have very strong analysts that will know where to place their shops, and if there is an area lacking one, it’s probably not because they are still to build one, but because that are would not be so profitable yet. So for us, wherever we want to shop, we can always find one of these, and do not have to travel any long distance to get to one of these tores, as they are located almost everywhere too. Even for the most loyal customer from the small shops, sometimes it’s a lot more convenient to visit one of the big supermarkets, and they will end up buying something from there. Someone might be losing Unfortunately it’s not all flowers. For us to be paying such low prices, someone is losing money somewhere, and it’s not the big supermarkets. Because they are such big brands, suppliers need to have their products in their shelf. Coles and Woolworths claim they have built very strong relationships with their suppliers, and it ight be true, but a lot of the smaller suppliers are getting ripped off. They â€Å"bully’ the suppliers to sell their products at really low prices, and they know they have this power, otherwise they won’t sell enough. They will also charge more to have the products placed in good positions on their shelves. A lot of the times the prices suppliers are charging are so small, that they are struggling to survive with these sales, and it generates another whole big problem. Creating Enemies The ones losing with the big duopoly from Coles and Woolworths are the smaller suppliers, and the smaller shops too. But not every customer is Just happy in paying small prices, they want to make sure everyone involved is protected. For this reason, there is a big pressure on ACCC from suppliers and the smaller businesses which don’t nave a chance to compete. There is a party called Australian Green, and they fght strong against the practices these two supermarkets have againg farmers and small suppliers. Their objective, as they state on the website, is to â€Å"tackle the supermarket duopoly’, and the measures they are willing to take are strong. For example, put a temporary ban on expansion from Coles and Woolworths, or stopping his duopoly to purchase agricultural land, so they can’t control the whole supply chain. The ACCC is also holding an investigation about the bullying of suppliers. While most of us will not care that much about the situation these suppliers are in, or will not have option to shop somewhere else, there is a big group who does care. These are customers who are willing to pay more, but do their groceries in a small shop so they can help that business, and also do not buy the products from exploited suppliers. No more competition Unfortunately, the group of very unhappy customers mentioned before is not large nough to make sure the small businesses will survive. With such low prices and big chains, the two major supermarkets will not give a chance for a smaller business to survive in the middle of this war. It is Just impossible to compete with the two major supermarkets prices and their powerful middlemen, and the small shops start disappearing. Without competition, a lot of the products that do not have space on Coles or Woolworths shelves may also disappear, and this will also have a big impact on the economy as there is unemployment rising. This process will damage Australia ood’s industry, and with the lack of new firms it might mean a lack of new products, and the whole market can go stale. Tricking the customers To have products at such low prices, as it was mentioned before, the suppliers will end up losing. But the customers might also lose sometimes. For example, the free range eggs case. Both Coles and Woolworths claim that they want to help customers switch from industrialised to free range eggs, by cutting the prices on the second one. However, the suppliers pay for the price that we are not, as it is impossible to have a free range egg production at such low prices. The customer will end up buying free range eggs thinking they are contributing to improve the animal welfare standards from the supermarkets, however, they do not know that they are still purchasing the â€Å"industrialised† free range eggs, the free range version of these two big supermarkets. Even though it seems there are more disadvantages to small businesses and suppliers than there are advantages for us customers, it is not the number, but the quality of these advantages that count. This battle is far from the end, because it is not likely that the masses will stop shopping at Coles or Woolworths anytime soon. However, the ones that are more conscious about it can only expect that it will make a difference in the future, when the ACCC take strong measures or the political inaction ends, and someone who genuinely cares and is strong enough to change this is put in charge. In the meanwhile, we will keep enjoying the convenience to Just walk for 10 minutes and find a shop, or receive rewards and discount on products and even fuel, and keep ignoring all the ones losing from this. In the end, it is a battle and someone will lose. If not the big duopolistic market, a part of the population will pay. How to cite Duopoly Coles vs Woolworths, Papers

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Time Of My Life Essay Example For Students

Time Of My Life Essay I was supposed to be having the time of my life during my High School years. I started out in the Newtown Annex. I had many friends there, I also had a great schedule, from 12:00 until 4:00 PM, and it was great! You get to sleep late and not have to worry about being late to school. I knew many people; I am a real people person. Some of the people I met there I am still friends with like Kirsy, Jose, Joanna, and many more. I was only in Newtown for my freshman year then they told us that we had a choice, stay with Newtown or we would be able to stay in the annex for a new high school called High School for Arts and Business. We will write a custom essay on Time Of My Life specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now So I decided to stay with Arts and Business. I thought it would be great, an art school, thats what I want to major in. So I stayed. Back then I did so well in school, I thought I could get a scholarship to my first choice, a college for art. I met so many new friends in Arts and Business, including teachers like Mrs. Contoveros, Mr. Drakes, and the principal who would do anything to help us. The teachers here made me feel at home and helped me through the hard times, and they shared the good times as well. They made an impact on my life and I will never forget them. The other students couldnt have been any nicer to me. For me being one out of a couple of white kids in the school I got along with everyone. The people I became close with have many different characteristics and personalities. For example, Veronica Galindo, she has a great personality and she always listened to my problems and she is one of the best dancers I have ever seen; Kirsy Duverge is full of excitement, and is always there to cheer someone up and has the most school spirit. Jose Liz, he is a cool guy, even though he bothers me, thats the little thing Ill always remember, and Denise Rosario, Denise and I always had class together and we always talked and we would always get in trouble especially in Mrs. Arons class. Those people I mentioned are my closest friends in high school. We had our good times and bad times together. We will always be there for each other. For me I think of high school as The best time of anyones life! High school is where you mostly do all of your growing up, and for me I did a lot of growing up. For three years in Arts and Business I learned a lot and have been through a lot. As I see myself now as a senior I remember freshman, sophomore, and junior year like it was yesterday. As you go through high school you never realize how am I going to graduate? You never realize that you have important tests to take in order to pass and graduate. I myself didnt know that anything could happen if you didnt pass. In one class I was faced with a problem that I myself should have realized from the beginning and I didnt. I kept saying I know what I am doing, I am old enough to know what is right or wrong, but I was wrong. There was work that had to be done and as a normal kid I waited until last minute, and I paid the price. The class that I had was senior English and you need that class to graduate. I failed to realize I was failing, I thought all along that I was passing. As I received my report card I saw a 55 on it and almost flipped out not knowing why I failed. I was upset and disturbed but it. As the next day came I saw the teachers class whom I failed and she explained why and she was right. I was speechless and to have to go home and face my mother to tell her what I have to do to make up this class, well lets just say she wouldnt be too happy. .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 , .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .postImageUrl , .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 , .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594:hover , .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594:visited , .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594:active { border:0!important; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594:active , .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594 .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ua320da46b72020ef0fcf493fddffa594:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Trail Of Tears Analysis EssayMy guidance counselor told me I have to go to night school, and I said no, there has to be a way I can make up that grade. Then it hit me I am taking Art Preservation and that can count as my English grade. I brought it to the counselors attention and she said that I am aloud to do that. As High School students you are faced with problems that are your own fault and you blame it all on someone else ad say no You failed me no in the long run you failed yourself and besides worrying about how am I going to make it up, you should have done the work the first time and the right way .

Friday, March 20, 2020

Evolution of Cognitive Psychology

Evolution of Cognitive Psychology Introduction Cognitive psychology is a branch of psychology whereby scientists are motivated to study the underlying mechanisms of the higher mental processes in human beings. Therefore, to other disciplines, cognitive scientists are interested in understanding human perception, decision-making, attention, problem-solving, thinking, and the development of speech among other mental processes (Ruisel, 2010, p. 267). On the other hand, the term cognition is derived from cognosco, which in Latin translates to making decisions, discovering, learning, investigating, studying, or recognizing. However, cognition has been defined by most scientists as the processes involved in transforming, reducing, elaborating, storing, recovering, and using the sensory signal (input). Generally, cognitive psychology is focused on understanding the mental processes of acquiring, processing, and storing information in human beings (Ruisel, 2010, p. 268).Advertising We will write a custom research pap er sample on Evolution of Cognitive Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As part of the highly integrative discipline of cognitive science, cognitive psychology is closely related and influenced by other disciplines such as neuroscience, computer science, linguistics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, anthropology, biology, and physics. For instance, cognitive psychology is very much related and influenced by physics in that they both use experiments and simulations as research tools in predicting or comparing human behaviors through different models (Goldstein, 2008, pp.13-15). Moreover, with the advent of brain imaging techniques, cognitive psychology has found wide-spread applications in various aspects of neuroscience. There are three major approaches, which are widely in use in cognitive psychology to neuroscience: that is, neural, experimental, and computational approaches. In experimental cognitive psychology, innovative met hods applicable to most natural sciences are used to study specific aspects of human cognition, including measurement of psychophysical responses, eye tracking, and response time. Moreover, computational cognitive psychology employs computational models and formal mathematical methods in designing dynamical systems and symbolic representations of human cognition. Conversely, in neural, cognitive psychology, brain imaging, and neurobiological procedures are used to study different neural aspects of social cognition. The three approaches are, in most cases, interlinked and complementary in providing insights into the human mental processes (Goldstein, 2008, p. 15). The Emergence of Cognitive Psychology The contemporary form of cognitive psychology is marked by the use of different new technologies in understanding human cognition. However, the study of social cognition can be traced back to the 1800s and 1900s as exemplified by the published accounts of Aristotle (De Memoria), William James, Wundt, and Cattell among other scientists.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More These early scientists marked the foundation for the development of cognitive psychology because their investigations and intellectual inquiries entailed the use of cognitive approaches in solving various psychological problems. However, in the early 20th century, the rise of behaviorism led to the decline of cognitive psychology. Here, the proponents of behaviorism including Watson, Boring, and Skinner attempted to investigate the link between the observable human behaviors and the visible stimulating conditions regardless of the underlying internal mental processes (Goldstein, 2008, p. 17). However, in the 1950s and the early 1960s, several events including Skinner’s account on verbal behavior (1957), Chomsky’s review of Skinner’s verbal behavior (1959), and Br eland’s report on â€Å"The Misbehavior of Organisms† led to the decline of behaviorism. Furthermore, behaviorism failed to provide an in-depth account as to how internal mental processes influence memory, performance, and complex learning in human beings. The failure of behaviorism to account for complex human behaviors such as language coupled with the introduction of the digital computer (1940s), Cherry’s attention experiment (1953), the opening of the first commercially-available digital computer (1954), the M.I.T. and Dartmouth conferences (1956), and Broadbent’s flow diagram led to the rise of what came to be known as the cognitive revolution (Goldstein, 2008, pp. 13-20). Throughout the cognitive revolution, most researchers were interested in using the information-processing approach as an alternative method for understanding behavior. Here, the researchers focused their attention on the idea that the mind might be the central information processin g device as opposed to the stimulus-response interactions proposed by the behaviorists. This approach was guided by the realization that the digital computer could process information in a step by step manner. The study of the mind contributed to the publication of the first textbook in cognitive psychology (1967) by Ulric Neisser, and the emergence of a group of scientists interested in investigating human perception, thinking, attention, language, problem-solving, and memory relative to the mind (Goldstein, 2008, p. 15).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Evolution of Cognitive Psychology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nonetheless, most learning institutions in North America and Europe have incorporated cognitive psychology into their curricula since 1970, and besides, most American psychologists have moved from the behaviorist’s approach to a cognitive one. The decline of Behaviorism and the develo pment of Cognitive Psychology As noted earlier, cognitive psychology is part of a more comprehensive and integrative discipline known as cognitive science. Therefore, cognitive psychology is closely related to other disciplines such as anthropology, neuro-anatomy, artificial intelligence, and philosophy, among other aspects, encompassed by cognitive science. Accordingly, the decline of behaviorism as the basis for studying behavior led to the integration of separate disciplines to form one primary subject, cognitive science, which provides the theoretical foundation for investigating and understanding complex behaviors. As a result, cognitive psychologists employ theories and research from other disciplines to study and understand different aspects of complex behaviors including measuring the duration of time that actions, organization, or planning take to occur in mind. Most importantly, the decline of behaviorism enabled cognitive psychologists to investigate the cognitive aspects involved in stimulus-response relationships (Goldstein, 2008, pp. 17-19). Therefore, the answers to the researchers’ questions regarding complex behavior have been drawn from many disciplines. For instance, it is well documented that philosophers have tried to account for cognition from different observable perspectives, and thus, it is evident that most cognitive psychology models have been developed around the ‘philosophy of mind’. Furthermore, the use of computers has been widely accepted into the field of cognitive psychology to develop computer symbols of mind and different models for studying information-processing relative to human cognition.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Equally, most cognitive psychologists have adopted the same approach used in building logic circuits in computers to study the functions of biological neurons in transmitting, storing, and processing information (Goldstein, 2008). Furthermore, the clinical insights into various disorders such as dyslexia, which have long been studied by linguists, have also found their way into the development of multiple models used to study the same diseases in cognitive psychology today. Therefore, it is notable that the impact of the decline of behaviorism on the development of cognitive psychology has been positive considering that it has allowed most scientists to tie the knowledge derived from several disciplines to various questions in cognitive psychology. Overall, the present-day approach to studying cognition is not only informed by behavioral characteristics, but also by the physiological procedures involving the study of the mind. References Goldstein, B.E. (2008). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research, and everyday experience (2nd ed.). Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education. Ruisel, I. (2010). Human knowledge in the context of cognitive psychology. Studia Psychologica, 52(4), 267-283.

Wednesday, March 4, 2020

What Was the Umayyad Caliphate

What Was the Umayyad Caliphate The Umayyad Caliphate was the second of four Islamic caliphates and was founded in Arabia after the Prophet Muhammads death. The Umayyads ruled the Islamic world from 661 to 750 C.E. Their capital was in the city of Damascus; the founder of the caliphate, Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, had long been the governor of Syria. Originally from Mecca, Muawiya named his dynasty the Sons of Umayya after a common ancestor he shared with the Prophet Muhammad. The Umayyad family had been one of the major combatant clans in the Battle of Badr (624 CE), the decisive battle between Muhammad and his followers on the one hand, and the powerful clans of Mecca on the other. Muawiya triumphed over Ali, the fourth caliph, and Muhammads son-in-law, in 661, and officially founded the new caliphate. The Umayyad Caliphate became one of the major political, cultural, and scientific centers of the early medieval world.    The Umayyads also began the process of spreading Islam throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe. They moved into Persia and Central Asia, converting the rulers of key Silk Road oasis cities such as Merv and Sistan.   They also invaded what is now Pakistan, beginning the process of conversion in that area that would continue for centuries. Umayyad troops also crossed Egypt and brought Islam to the Mediterranean coast of Africa, from whence it would disperse south across the Sahara along caravan routes until much of West Africa became Muslim. Finally, the Umayyads waged a series of wars against the Byzantine Empire based in what is now Istanbul. They sought to overthrow this Christian empire in Anatolia and convert the region to Islam; Anatolia would eventually convert, but not for several centuries after the collapse of the Umayyad Dynasty in Asia. Between 685 and 705 CE, the Umayyad Caliphate reached its apex of power and prestige. Its armies conquered areas from Spain the west to Sindh in what is now India. One after another, additional Central Asian cities fell to the Muslim armies - Bukhara, Samarkand, Khwarezm, Tashkent, and Fergana. This rapidly expanding empire had a postal system, a form of banking based on credit, and some of the most beautiful architecture ever seen. Just when it seemed that the Umayyads truly were poised to rule the world, however, disaster struck. In 717 CE, the Byzantine emperor Leo III led his army to a crushing victory over the Umayyad forces, which had been besieging Constantinople. After 12 months trying to break through the citys defenses, the hungry and exhausted Umayyads had to retreat empty-handed back to Syria. A new caliph, Umar II, tried to reform the financial system of the caliphate by increasing the taxes on Arab Muslims to the same level as taxes on all other non-Arab Muslims. This caused a huge outcry among the Arab faithful, of course, and caused a financial crisis when they refused to pay any taxes at all. Finally, renewed feuding broke out among the various Arab tribes around this time, leaving the Umayyad system tottering. It managed to press on for a few more decades. Umayyad armies got as far into western Europe as France by 732, where they were turned back at the Battle of Tours. In 740, the Byzantines dealt the Umayyads another shattering blow, driving all Arabs from Anatolia. Five years later, the simmering feuds between the Qays and Kalb tribes of Arabs erupted into full-scale war in Syria and Iraq. In 749, religious leaders proclaimed a new caliph, Abu al-Abbas al-Saffah, who became the founder of the  Abbasid Caliphate. Under the new caliph, members of the old ruling family were hunted down and executed. One survivor, Abd-ar-Rahman, escaped to Al-Andalus (Spain), where he founded the Emirate (and later Caliphate) of Cordoba. The Umayyad caliphate in Spain survived until 1031.

Monday, February 17, 2020

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 8

Business Ethics - Essay Example As such, it becomes necessary to monitor their activities in order to ensure that profit is maximized through production. This essay is a critical evaluation of the human resource management from the perspective that it might be an unethical process. Managing people in a business is important since it ensures that processes and activities are harmonized in order to increase and maintain the standard of business performance based on the fact that businesses rely on their human resources to achieve the set goals and strategies by providing labor and the necessary expertise (Pareek, 2000). Human beings unlike machines have their weaknesses which at times make them commit careless mistakes especially when they are not being monitored. From observation, employees can be categorized into two groups which include those who are capable of conducting their duties without being monitored or managed and those who cannot perform unless there is a manager around to supervise them. In this case, human resource management becomes an important department in a business organization which is entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring that employees discharge their duties according to their job descriptions. Managers also have the responsibility of ensuring that business ethics are upheld in all areas of their administration. Upholding of ethics ensures that there is a cohesive environment for conducting business, which is meant to minimize conflicts between the management and the employees as well as customers who are a valuable asset to the business. Business ethics refers to the moral standards that should be maintained within the organization whether on the part of the management or the employees. Managers are supposed to lead as an example to their juniors especially when discharging their duties and responsibilities (DesJardins, 2008). The powers and trust vested in them by their bosses should be used accordingly to serve the interests of the

Monday, February 3, 2020

The Moral Implications of Oretga and Gasset's Account of Barbarism Essay

The Moral Implications of Oretga and Gasset's Account of Barbarism - Essay Example For example, missionaries of humanity civilize savage race by using sword and fire because there is no other method than violence to transform the savage people from their way of life. After applying these violent methods, principles of civilization gradually develops and creates various forms of a human being’s spiritual manifestation that are called philosophy, religion, art and science and other forms of social life that enable an individual to enjoy freedom, security, leisure and self manifestation in greater spheres of activity. Thus barbarism transforms itself into civilization. As mentioned earlier, civilization is the beginning of all principles and ideas and all the knowledge for this transformation comes from the ideas preserved during the previous civilization. However, simultaneous to the beginning of civilization destruction and violence also arises and as a result, barbarism grows along with civilization. The parallel growth of barbarism side by side with the civ ilization can be easily traced in our society. In ancient times, the savage used to kill his enemy and in the cultured times, man has a wide range of technical devices, explosives, aero planes, poisonous gas and submarines to get rid of the enemy. These sophisticated weapons are the modern forms of the club and they are different only in the power and action. These are the civilized means of destruction and this cultured method and means of violence is the culture of barbarism (Ouspensky p.39). Barbarism thus exists in our society in the form of violence to gain control over another state, religion, morals and ideas and in the every other factor imaginable. The basic ambition of a modern society, its interests and tastes comprises of barbaric traits. The passion for competition, gambling, sport and the idea to influence, and behaviors like fear, panic and suspicion are features of barbarism. These features flourish in our daily life through technical culture by means of telegraph, q uick means of communication, wireless telegraphy and the like. Culture has established a differentiation between itself and barbarism. The manifestation of barbarism in the society is called crime. Prevailing criminology is insufficient to separate barbarism because crime is an infringement of law and law are usually a manifestation of violence and barbarism. Though the culture of civilization and barbarism develops simultaneously these two factors cannot sustain in the society indefinitely. A moment inevitably arrives when barbarism stops the development of civilization, and swiftly or gradually, completely destroys civilization (Ouspensky p.40) Why is philosophical barbarism important to the reader? The difference between barbarism and non barbarism is. Ortega y Gasset implicates that the people in modern society has the right to change and impose law directly. The common man has freedom to proclaim the rights and impose them wherever necessary. This indirectly means that common m an can control the process of civilization even if there is no progress in it. It is indeed extremely complex to preserve the current civilization that requires incalculably subtle powers. Even if a person is unfit to change the civilization, the common man has learned to utilize the advantages of the machinery built by the civilization by ignoring the principles of the civilization. The command of leaders over the public even though they are intellectually vulgar is not acceptable to culture because