Substance Abuse Media Representation of Drug Abusers

The war on drugs is not over yet and it is unlikely to be finished in the recent future. Americans are bombarded by messages about negative effects of substance abuse. Media provide a variety of stories about violent crimes associated with drug abuse.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Substance Abuse: Media Representation of Drug Abusers specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Officials keep talking about the necessity to launch programs aimed at promulgating healthy life styles. Admittedly, these strategies will help develop appropriate public opinion on the matter. Nevertheless, it is important to take into account various trends existing in the society. Thus, it is important to understand that the attitude towards substance abuse is not static as it is constantly changing. It is also crucial to make sure there is no bias in media representation of substance abusers as this negatively affects development of the American society. Finally, it is important to understand to what extent the image created by media does influence people and shapes their attitude towards substance abuse. Therefore, it is possible to state that appropriate media representation of substance abuse may help develop American society where drugs are seen as something harmful, unnecessary and needless. To develop appropriate strategies aimed at promulgating healthy life styles, it is necessary to make sure that they will be based on extensive data on substance abusers. According to Kugler and Darley (2012) the very image of drug abusers has changed throughout decades. In the twentieth century, â€Å"the media supported a punitive approach to drug policy† (Kugler Darley, 2012, p. 217). Drug abusers were depicted as people who were often engaged in violent crime activities.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn M ore Reportedly, Americans had concerns that their close ones might become victims of a variety of crimes associated with drugs (Kugler Darley, 2012). Nonetheless, the perception is changing as people start adopting less punitive approach in the twenty-first century. According to Kugler and Darley (2012, p. 217) â€Å"only 30 percent of the public now believes that the government should emphasize arresting drug users† and there is growing support of legalization of such substance as marijuana. In many states across the country, more and more people are changing their viewpoint on the matter. Marijuana is not seen as a harmful drug anymore as it is regarded as another medication. These trends signify the shift in public opinion. Now drugs are not regarded as primary concern in the American society. As has been mentioned above, media representation of drug abusers is subjected to a variety of prejudice. According to Cobbina (2008), racial and ethnic minority groups are often depicted as substance abusers. These groups of people are often associated with drug-related crimes. Cobbina (2008) implemented research based on analysis of more than 100 newspaper articles. The author found that African Americans had often been depicted as substance abusers and criminals who threatened order in the American society. Fig..1. Drug Use in 2002-2011 by Race. This figure illustrates the rates of drug abusers among different race groups (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Substance Abuse: Media Representation of Drug Abusers specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More At this point, it is necessary to point out that race is not the defining factor when it comes to substance abuse. According to US Department of Health and Human Services (2012) Asians turned out to be the ethnic group with lower rates of substance abusers compared to other ethnic groups ( see Figure 1). In 2011, the rate of substance abusers were as follows, African Americans (10%), whites (8.7%), Hispanics (8.4%) (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Clearly, race is not the defining factor affecting people’s choice. At the same time, education and socioeconomic factors play primary roles (US Department of Health and Human Services, 2012). Minorities often face a lot of discrimination and they often have fewer opportunities. This may lead to lack of self-esteem which, in its turn, may lead to drug abuse. Nonetheless, the data show that ethnic groups have quite similar rates of drug abusers. Irrespective, of these data media continue developing an image of a substance abuser as a person of color who is often engaged in unlawful activities. Beckett et al. (2005) provided illustration of the image that persisted in the society in the end of the twentieth century and in the beginning of the twenty-first century. According to Beckett et al. (2005), t he image of a non-white drug abuser is still strong and still affects the way police treat criminals and suspects. Now many people tend to believe that black or Hispanic drug abusers must be punished severely as they may be engaged in a variety of violent crimes whereas white drug abusers should be let off with warnings and fines and some public works. The reasons why people of different racial groups become substance abusers are also seen differently. White substance abusers are often seen as victims of unemployment, lack of opportunities, bad environment, etc. When it comes to people of color, many consider substance abusers to be criminals, not victims.Advertising Looking for research paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is necessary to note that this image also persists in media which can have a variety of effects on the contemporary American society. According to Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) media representation shapes public opinion and especially young people’s attitudes towards substance abuse to a considerable extent. The research implemented by Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) illustrates this assumption. Thus, Amy Whitehouse is seen as a talented young female who became a victim of substance abuse. At that, she is seen as a victim of drug dealers. Though, the singer somewhat romanticized substance use in her works, people do not think that she stimulated young admirers to start taking drugs. On the contrary, her sudden death can be regarded as a precaution to all who might consider taking drugs. Amy Whitehouse is an illustration of an image of a white young female who is rather a victim of unfavorable environment. Shaw, Whitehead and Giles (2010) analyzed a number of newspapers articles and it turned out that those sources created the image of a victim. It is possible to elicit another image. Cobbina (2008) provided an illustration of another image. When it came to white arrestees, they were regarded as those who bought the substance for personal use. Again, white abusers were represented as victims who tried to escape from reality as they did not find another way to address their problems associated with financial constraints. At the same time, people of color were depicted as criminals who sold and bought drugs and were drug abusers. It is possible to note that media have created an image of a black arrestee who is a criminal and a threat to the American society. Clearly, these two images have been created on the basis of a variety of biases. People tend to think that people of color often live in poor neighborhoods with few opportunities and this, as people think, inevitably leads to drug abuse. More so, many think that people of color choose criminal path and become a threat to the entire society. At the same time, white abusers are regarded as victims of criminal groups. It is also necessary to note that media representation of substance abusers affects public opinion. Notably, many people keep talking about romanticizing of drugs use as many films and songs create images of a drug abuser who is creative, strong and free. However, latest surveys show that this representation is not enough to make young people start taking drugs (Shaw, Whitehead and Giles, 2010). Though, socioeconomic factors play essential role. Obviously, better life conditions and ‘healthy’ environment will encourage people to live without drugs. Media should also show the other side of drugs without emphasizing such points as ethnicity or race. To sum up, it is clear that media representation of drug abusers is subjected to changes. It reflects trends existing in the society. However, it also influences the way people see substance abusers. Ther efore, it is possible to launch various programs and initiatives to make people understand that drugs are harmful and unnecessary. Media can provide numerous stories creating adequate image of a drug abuser. Of course, this representation should be free from any bias. People cannot continue thinking that white substance abusers are only victims that should be understood and forgiven while people of color should be severely punished if associated with substance abuse. This wrongful representation leads to the situation when some people enjoy impunity whereas others are pursued for slightest mischief. Reference List Beckett, K., Nyrop, K., Pfingst, L. Bowen, M. (2005). Drug use, drug possession arrests, and the question of race: Lessons from Seattle. Social Problems, 52(3), 419-441. Cobbina, J.E (2008). Race and class differences in print media portrayals of crack cocaine and methamphetamine. Journal of Criminal and Popular Culture, 15(2), 145-167. Kugler, M.B. Darley, J.M. (2012). Punitiveness towards users of illicit drugs: A disparity between actual and perceived attitudes. Federal Sentencing Reporter, 24(3), 217-221. Shaw, R.L., Whitehead, C. Giles, D.C. (2010). â€Å"Crack down on the celebrity junkies†: Does media coverage of celebrity drug use pose a risk to young people? Health, Risk Society, 12(6), 575-589. US Department of Health and Human Services. (2012). Results from the 2011 national survey on drug use and health: Summary of national findings. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/ This research paper on Substance Abuse: Media Representation of Drug Abusers was written and submitted by user Leilani Pennington 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.

A Government for the People essays

A Government for the People essays In 1787, the fathers of our country met at the Philadelphia Convention to ratify the document that would soon be known as The Constitution of the United States of America. This Constitution was to be the supreme law of the land. Our Constitution was set up in order to form a more perfect union, and to give the people under its provision certain unalienable rights. Among the rights granted to the people are: the right to free speech, the right to keep and bear arms, and the right of the people to be protected from unreasonable searches and seizures. Today I will demonstrate for you how the Constitution has become only a small stumbling block in the Federal Governments efforts to increase its power through the use of legal precedents. A prime example of how the government pirouettes around the Constitution is seen in the case of Chimel versus The Supreme Court of California. On March 27, 1969 several police officers showed up on the petitioners (Chimel) doorstep to arrest him on charges of burglary. Upon answering the doorbell the petitioner was served with an arrest warrant. Shortly after the arrest, while still at the petitioners house, the officers asked if they could have a look around. The petitoner knew his rights, and that the officers had no search warrant, so he respectfully denied their request. This was of no consequence to the officers. They went ahead and unlawfully searched his three-bedroom house top to bottom, leaving no piece of personal A few months later the petitioners case was plead in a California District Court. At the petitioners trial the illegally seized items were used against him. He was convicted. Unhappy with the district courts ruling, he appealed to The California Supreme Court. Upon consideration, the Supreme Court affirm ...

Using the French Expression Ça Va in Conversation

Using the French Expression Ça Va in Conversation The expression  Ãƒ §a  va  (pronounced sah vah)  is one of the most common phrases in French. Improve your skills by learning the correct way to use the phrase à §a  va  in a sentence or dialogue. Meaning of Ça Va Literally translated, à §a  va means it goes. Used in casual conversation,  it can be both a question and a reply, but its an informal expression. You probably wouldnt want to ask your boss or a stranger this question unless the setting was casual. But if youre speaking with people whom you know, such as family and friends,  Ãƒ §a  va is perfectly acceptable. Asking a Question One of the most common uses of à §a  va  is as a greeting or to ask how someone is doing. For example: Salut, Guy, à §a va? /  Hi, Guy, hows it going?Comment à §a va? /  Hows it going? The expression can also be used with a subject or object. Note that the phrase doesnt vary. No change is necessary for a plural subject: Ça va les filles? /  Hows it going, girls?Ça va le nouvel ordi? /  Hows the new computer working? You can also use the phrase to ask whether something just discussed is acceptable: On va partir vers midi, à §a va? / Well leave around noon, is that OK? Does that work for you? Using Ça Va in Conversation You can answer any of the previous examples as well as any similar questions with à §a va  in conversations. The dialogue below provides an example of how to use the phrase when talking informally with a friend or acquaintance. The sentences are listed in French on the left followed by the English translation. Ça va, Marc?  /  Hows it going, Marc?Oui, à §a  va. / Fine.Tu vas bien, Andrà ©? /  Are you OK, Andrà ©?Ça va. /  Yes, Im OK.Il faut à ªtre prà ªt dans une heure, à §a va  ? / You have to be ready in an hour, OK?Ça va. / OK. The expression à §a  va can also be an exclamation: Oh! Ça va! /  Hey, thats enough! Other Uses Ça va plus an infinitive can mean simply it will. This construction can be useful when youre speaking about something that will occur, but you dont know precisely when. For instance: Ça va venir / Itll happen, it will come. Ça va plus an indirect object pronoun means, That looks good on ___, or It suits ___. For instance, a pair of friends shopping for clothes might have this exchange: Ça te va (bien)  / That suits you.Ça lui va bien / That looks good on him/her. Variations of Ça Va The table below provides a few other ways to use  Ãƒ §a  va.  The first column gives the sentence with  Ãƒ §a  va  in French, while the second column provides the English translation. French English Translation Ça va aller? Will it be OK? Will that work? Ça va aller It will be OK. Ça va bien? Is it going well? Are you doing well? Ça va bien It's going well. I'm doing well. Ça va mal It's going badly. I'm not doing so well. Ça (ne) va pas It's not going well. It's not OK. Practice using  Ãƒ §a  va  with another student working to learn the language and youll soon be using this important French phrase like a native speaker.

Dixons Retail Group e-commerce Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4250 words

Dixons Retail Group e-commerce - Assignment Example III. Market Profitability This is largely determined by the five forces identified by Porter (2008) as: power of buyers, power of suppliers, threat of new entrants, threat of substitutes and competitor rivalry. These are looked at in detail in the micro-environment section below. However, market profitability is low here because of intense competitor rivalry, strong buyers, high threat of substitutes and moderate threat of entry. IV. Industry Cost Structure According to Goldmanis et al. (2009) the introduction of e-commerce into an industry results in the shrinking and sometimes exit of high-cost firms and a shift in market share to low-cost firms, and with some additional assumptions about the firm type and consumer search cost distributions, a drop in the number of producers as well. Of the ten cost drivers related to value chain activities identified by (Porter, 1998) Primark derives its cost advantage largely from four: its vertical integration, economies of scale from the Gr oup, capacity utilisation and learning. V. Distribution Channel Dixons.co.uk leverages the centralised supply chain and distribution network of the Group’s physical stores. At Newark the company operates one of Europe’s largest distribution centres. Another Regional Distribution Centre (RDC) is located at Bristol to supply goods to all South/South west UK branches of Dixons Retail Group (Dixons Retail, 2011). Using the Group’s warehouse makes dixons.co.uk cost to serve relatively low (Chiles & Dau, 2005). VI. Market Trends Online retail industry is still largely in a state of flux due a range of factors. Firstly, the technology platform on which online retailing is based is still undergoing rapid change such as 3D virtual... According to the research findings as an e-commerce website, dixons.co.uk inherently faces three types of risks: security of customer data, consistency in order-fulfilment and accuracy in inventory management. Security risk arises because the company will have to store various forms of customer data such as contacts, purchasing habits and credit card records. The company will therefore have to invest in staff security awareness training and security technologies. With regards to order fulfilment, dixons.co.uk must ensure that it has the right processes in place that guarantees the customer receives what she ordered for in the right state, at the right location and at the right time. An effective and efficient order fulfilment process will save the company time and resources spent in handling returns and complaints. Finally, inventory management is important because it supports distribution and order fulfilment. However, the risk to be highlighted here is the synchronisation between t he items advertised on the website and the actual items available in the company’s warehouses. Consumer confidence can easily be lost in instances where customers order for a product that is no longer available at the company’s warehouse yet it is displayed on the website.A critical look at the above risks informs us that security of customer data, consistency in order-fulfilment and accuracy in inventory management are market qualifying factors in e-commerce. Hill’s methodology on marketing strategy define qualifying factors as those factors that a business must fulfil in order to be considered for business by customers.

Health informatics Research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3750 words

Health informatics - Research Proposal Example The challenge is not only increased by the chances of errors in prescriptions resulting out of lack of clarity of the handwritten prescriptions, but also from the pharmacists losing the handwritten prescriptions in the shuffle process of issuing drugs (Beuscart-ZÃ ©phir, 2005). Thus, due to the lack of electronic systems that are able to track the movement of the prescription orders from the patient wards to the hospital pharmacy, the efficiency and accuracy of dispensing prescription drugs is adversely affected (Weant, Cook, & Armitstead, 2007). Computerized pharmacy order entry systems have been suggested as potential solutions to the challenges of inpatient drug prescribing errors (Roberts, et al., 2013). Computerized order entry by the prescribing physicians enables the patient’s drug prescriptions to be transmitted electronically from the physician departments to the pharmacy department of hospitals. The essence of the use of the computerized pharmacy order entry systems is to eliminate the handwritten order prescriptions being transmitted from the physicians to the pharmacists. The suggestion for the implementation of computerized pharmacy order management system is pegged on the premise that the automated system is advantageous both in cost-savings and also in drug prescription safety enhancement (Lai, Yokoyama, Louie & Lightwood, 2007). There is no doubt that the major impact of a computerized pharmacy order entry system is to improve the legibility of the prescription orders. This is in turn observed to be fu ndamental for eliminating the medication errors that arises out of wrong drugs issuance by pharmacists, following the ineligibility of the prescription orders. Lack of legibility of the handwritten pharmacy orders can result in the pharmacists dispensing the wrong and even potentially dangerous drugs to the patients (Troiano, 1999). The benefits associated with the automation of the pharmacy ordering process within

Technology in the 20th Century Paper Essay Example for Free

Technology in the 20th Century Paper Essay There are many notable advances made in technology that took place during the twentieth century. The world gradually moved from the industrial age into the technology age during this era. Once technology took hold nothing could hold back the flood of its advancement and the innovation that grew from it. Of all of the important advancements three standouts that are intimately connected are the inventions of the radio, computers, and the internet. The radio could be said as the beginning of the information age and the sharing of information worldwide. The Radio The radio actually made it possible for the first time in humanity’s history for an audience to hear a person from many miles away. Before the television the radio was a way of gathering of people and families to share news and the storytelling that would have once perhaps been told around a communal fire. According to Kinsey, between the years of 1909 and 1927 Britain, America, Australia, South Africa, and the Netherlands were all broadcasting wirelessly through the radio (Kinsey, 2005). During this time radio broadcasts were all commercial, but that soon gave way to other kinds of broadcasts including music. Computers Another huge advancement created in the twentieth century is the computer. The computers that are enjoyed today hardly resemble the huge calculating machines that were created around the time of the second world war. In 1944 the very first electronic- mechanical computer called MARK 1 was created at Harvard. This machine was a massive calculator that was fifty one feet wide and eight feet tall (Chee, 1997). The beginning of the smaller computers that we know today started in 1959 when Honeywell developed the first computers that used transistors. These were followed by IBM who used integrated circuits. The very first personal computers were built in the 1970’s with the computers that are recognizable today starting in 1974 with the first Apple PC being created in 1977. Computer technology continues to grow and expand creating increasingly smaller and faster machines to keep up  with today’s fast paced life. The small seven or eight inch portable ipad has little resemb lance to its humongous forefather the MARK 1. The Internet The internet’s history is tied to the government and the Cold War in the 1960’s. The over 300,000 networks that cover much of the world actually saw its beginning as a system that was created to use satellites and radio transmissions to communicate for the military. The problem with the system was that there were not any networks to share the information. A system that solved this problem was created in 1982 and by 1993 the World Wide Web was popularized by nuclear physists that needed to communicate with each other (Chee, 1997). By the end of the 1980’s a number of mostly professional people were utilizing the Internet and email, but by the 1990’s the internet would see massive growth. By the end of 1999 the number of people using the internet was estimated to be 248 million (Cohen, 2011). The world has been made a smaller place because of the internet. People all around the earth can see events that are happening real time in places they may never physic ally get to visit. The many challenges that persist for humanity are made visible on a daily basis which in turn can be a way for people to see one another as extensions of themselves instead of enemies to be conquered. In conclusion, the social changes that arose from two world wars fertilized a society that was eager to learn and explore our world. While the society of the twentieth century struggled to gain realistic views of humanity, technological advancements like the radio, computers, and the Internet helped to create a much smaller world. The technology that is taken for granted in today’s society had very humble beginnings in the twentieth century. That technology has helped to close the gap and erase some of the imaginary lines that have historically separated the world’s population. These innovations have helped to heal the collective scars of decades of war, proving to humanity that we are alike in more ways than we could ever imagine. References: Chee, H. W. (1997, Mar 27). Brief look at the history of computers. New Straits Times. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/269127308?accountid=458 Cohen-Almagor, R. (2011). Internet History. International Journal of Technoethics (IJT), 2(2), 45-64. doi:10.4018/jte.2011040104Article Kinsey, M.(2005). Radio. In Key concepts in journalism studies. Retrieved from http://search.credoreference.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/content/entry/sageukjour/radio/0

Cloning: Has Science Created A Frankenstein? Essay -- Argumentative Pe

Cloning: Has Science Created A Frankenstein? In Shelley's " Frankenstein" the scientist Victor Frankenstein is out to create life by putting human parts along with electricity. His quest is to be able to create life in a way which has never been done or thought of before. Victor Frankenstein may have been motivated by the death of his family, hoping to find a reverse to death in an attempt to cheat death. He may have also been motivated by the power of creating life. Regardless of his motivation his desire to create life became so overwhelming that he eventually had no interest in anything but his work. This desire for scientific advancement which Shelley writes about must be similar to what motivates scientists even today. In the last century scientist have been attempting to find ways to create life by artificial means. Scientists have made in-vitro fertilization possible, allowing thousands of infertile couples to have biological children. When in-vitro fertilization was introduced it was seen as completely unnatural and going against all religions. I am sure there are still people who view in-virto fertilization as wrong, but the vast majority of the world can see it for its benefits at this point. Although it must be said that it did take a while for people on a whole to accept this method of conceiving a child. Today, we as a society world wide have a new issue to deal with. Science has discovered the means in which to clone animals, opening a whole new discussion. Many people are inclined to say why would science even wish to peruse this method of research. Lewis Thomas says in his essay "The Hazards of Science" It would seem to me a more unnatural thing and more of an offense against nat... ... effect all humanity, and therefore, need to not think on an individual level. J. Michael Bishop states that "The price of science seems large but to reject science is to deny future."(261). We can not undo what has been discovered and we must ensure that all countries involved with cloning form a committee to monitor the uses of this technology to ensure that it is used in the best interest of mankind. Works Cited Bishop, Michael J. "Enemies of Promise" The Presence of Others. C Comp. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins, 1997 255-263. Shelley, Mary "Frankenstein". The Presence of Others. Comp Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins, 1997 230-235. Thomas, Lewis "The Hazards of Science" The Presence of Others. Comp. Andrea A. Lunsford and John J. Ruskiewicz. New York: St. Martins, 1997 236-242.

Is the Game Theory, the Right Game Essay

Yes, indeed the game theory is the right game. Business is not about winning and losing nor is it about how well you play the game. The essence of business success lies in making sure you’re playing the right game. The challenge for us is to make sure we’re playing the right game. There are times in our life that we think we are in the right game but suddenly we realize that it is not the game we should play. For example, the course that you choose in college, you enrolled in accounting because your parents said so or because you don’t have any choice yet but you don’t possess the passion, attitude and skills an accountant must have. That is an evidence that you are in the wrong course, the remedy is to change your course into the course you love and possess the skills and passion for. To every action, there is a reaction. You have to look forward into the game and then reason backward to figure out which of today’s actions will lead you to where you want to end up. In order to succeed we need to go beyond the threats and opportunities that might occur and what we what to become in the future but we need also to be realistic and not too imaginary. Thus, after looking forward we make the action that will lead us to where we what to be. The decisions and actions you make today will affect our future career. So make the right actions and decisions. You cannot take away from the game more than you bring to it. You cannot take away more than your added value. Don’t remove something that contribute to your strengths, keep and maintain them. The main focus is allocentrism. It is the importance of focusing on others. You have to put yourself in the shoes and even in the heads of other players. You have to ask not what other players can bring to you but what you can bring to other players. It’s changing our mind-set into other players mind-set because if you know what and how they think it’s easy for you to discern what they need and what to the betterment of the company. Successful business strategy is about actively shaping the game you play, not just playing the game you find. It’s true that we should actively shape the game we play. It means that finding a continuous improvement and not just be stagnant in where you are now. We should find a way to increase and improve to the next level as years pass by. Understanding other players can help find new strategies for changing the game or new applications of existing strategies. In changing the game we should understand the players, added value, rules, tactics and scope. There is nothing permanent in this world we should actively change into better. The world is constantly changing and we need to adapt to it for us not to be left behind. In conclusion I agree that we should be a game maker than a game taker. We should have a coopetition mind-set and to be an allocentric. I believe that in business and even in our own lives there is no end to the game of changing the game. It is always an on going process that we should adapt and be flexible to it. We should be alert and wise to make decisions and actions because our decisions and actions today will change and have an effect to our future career.

Human freedom and the ten commandments Essay

When Jesus was asked, â€Å"What must I do to inherit eternal life? â€Å", he replied: â€Å"You know the Commandments, keep these and you will live. † It has been said, that the Ten Commandments are not simple rules mandated by God, but rather, this set of rules is considered as a gift given to men in order for them to live the life that God has promised. Although the word â€Å"commandment†, by itself, imports something mandatory and obligatory, it must be understood that God has granted each one of his people freedom and independence to choose how he or she will act, and hence, human freedom is an important topic to be discussed alongside the Ten Commandments. It will be seen, that the kind of life that men live is simply a reflection of how he uses the freedom that he has been gifted with. A person can either live a life full of one spent as a good follower of God. Although some would say that it is a question of fate, destiny, or maybe even luck, the truth is that, a person lives a life based on his own choices and decisions. As have been stated, men have been gifted with freedom, and it is up to him how he will utilize this gift. Every person has different forms of needs and wants that have to be dealt with in everyday life. This is where freedom sets in. In allowing absence of restriction, God permits every individual the opportunity to shape his life. It has been stated that this is one risk that God chose to take. â€Å"God risked much in creating us humans with the freedom, now, to unleash horrendous nuclear disaster or to love our fellows across all boundaries. † (Grider, 1994). It is the freedom that each one has been blessed with that enables him to understand and appreciate the life that he has and all the beauty that comes with it. On the other hand, if this freedom is abused, then the consequences that go with it, would also have to be dealt with by the individual concerned. Being free entails a lot of responsibility. It is believed that God granted every individual the gift of freedom, not for the sole reason that he be boundless or limitless. Man is given freedom for him to be responsible for all the things that he says, does or even thinks of. True enough, some philosophers believe that the things that happen to each individual can be traced to the actions and decisions that he chooses to take. Most of the times, it is not up to the heavens if a good or bad thing happens to one person. More of than not, everything that happens to a person can be traced to the course of action that he chose to take. The scriptures that God instructed to be drafted, in essence, are mere forms of guidance for men; but in the end, it is human freedom which will eventually dictate whether or not an individual will live his life by these guidelines. The concept of human freedom is more often discussed by mentioning the story of what happened to Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. As has been aptly stated, â€Å"these questions as to the nature of human freedom arise especially when we turn our attention to the question of the origin of sin. Only consider how many times the origin of sin has been ascribed to this human freedom of choice, implying this twofold power of man’s nature and of his creaturely existence: to sin or not to sin; a good part and an evil part of his nature. † (Berkouwer, 1962). True enough, God could have stopped the serpent from interacting with Adam and Eve, but due to the freedom that he bestowed the two, they had the choice as to whether or not to take the apple that the serpent offered them. Ultimately then, it is this choice that they made which is the root cause of why they were banished from the garden of Eden. It would appear then that despite the Ten Commandments being set down by God to be sent to his people, the same is not precisely a set of obligatory rules imposed upon men. Rather, the Ten Commandments are considered as a guide as to how each person should live if he wants to experience the kind of life that God promised. This is a kind of life full of happiness, peace, beauty and love. A person’s freedom can lead to this if a person, in choosing paths to take, keeps in mind what the Ten Commandments speak of. Ultimately, it would depend upon the person if he will live the kind of life promised by God ever since the olden times, or if he will use his freedom to lead him to a kind of unspeakable and despicable kind of living. REFERENCE â€Å"The Ten Commandments†, J. Kenneth Grider , â€Å"Human Freedom†, 1994, G. C. Berkouwer, â€Å"Human Freedom†, 1962,

Youth Unemployment in the UK

Youth Unemployment in the UK Unemployment is a macro-economic situation whereby people are ready to work at the current wage rate but because of the prevailing factors of production are not in a position to get placement.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Youth Unemployment in the UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More International Labour Organization defines unemployed people as those who are aged over 16 years and are willing to work and have actively sought employment during the previous four weeks and do not have any paid job. There are various types of unemployment namely: Cyclical unemployment, Frictional unemployment, Structural unemployment, Seasonal unemployment, Voluntary unemployment and under employment (Seymour 2005). Cyclical Unemployment is a type of unemployment, which occurs because of decline in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) especially during periods of contraction/recession or any period when the economy fails to operate at its pot ential. It is controllable thus receives a lot of attention from macro-economic policy analysts. Additionally, it is characterised by temporary suspension without pay due to reduced demand of goods or services they produce and has to last for a period of seven consecutive days (Seymour 2005). Frictional Unemployment is unemployment resulting from people leaving jobs that they do not like and are searching for new employment or people whom either entering or re-entering the labour force to search for a job. Time lapses between separation and discovery of new job. Structural Unemployment represents unemployment caused by permanent shifts in the pattern of demand for goods or services or changes in technology. This requires the employees to undergo training or move to other locations to find new jobs (Seymour 2005). Seasonal Unemployment is a type of unemployment, which is caused by seasonal conditions affecting specific factors. For example, the agricultural sector is dependent on rai nwater. Hence, during periods of good rains there will be high economic activities creating jobs while during periods of dry season there will massive unemployment due to less economic activities. Voluntary Unemployment is unemployment by choice experienced in most of the developed countries. This happens because of the unemployment benefits given by the UK government thus encouraging most youths to look for highly paying jobs. Therefore, in the short-run most of them remain unemployed. Such decisions by most youth have led to increased level of youth unemployment in UK (UK National Statistics).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Underemployment; under normal circumstances people are supposed to work for 6-8 hours a day. Therefore, if an individual works for less than six hours then they are underemployed. This is because the talent or effort is not fully utilized. It can also occur when an individual is working in a sector where their skills are underutilized (Seymour 2005). Most of the youth in UK are either working fewer hours such as part time while others work in sectors where their skills are underutilized (BBC News). Unemployment rate measures the unemployment level. It is the proportion of economically energetic people who do not have jobs (i.e. number of people who are unemployed divided by number of those who are in paid jobs or employed, excluding those who are economically inactive from both numerator and denominators) (UK National Statistics). Statistics of Youth Unemployment in UK Economists and the government have carried out several researches over the years about the youth unemployment rate in the UK. According to Labour Force Survey (LFS), youth unemployment rate in the year 2004 rose from 12% to 15% in the year 2008 (BBC News). The number of unemployed youth between the age of sixteen and twenty five years has risen in the cur rent recession by over 4% since 2008 and then by over 5% in the year 2010. This means that the unemployment rate for people aged 16-24 years is now triple the rate for older people. The rate of unemployment for individuals over 25 years have also followed similar trajectory since 2004. Therefore, the unemployment rate for people over 25 years in 2010 was still lower than that in the early 1990 (BBC News). The Office for National Statistics (ONS) says that the unemployed youth aged 16-24 has risen more than one million, which is the highest for 15 years. The total number of people unemployed is 2.62 million, which is the highest since 1994 according to ONS. The youth have borne the effect of economic slowdown. Thus, out of the 2.62 million, 1.02 million are youth aged between 16 and 24 according to survey carried between July and September last year (HRM Guide 2012). This has led to people claiming job seekers allowance to rise by 5300 to 1.6 million last month according to ONS. The ONS says that this is the highest rate since they adopted the comparable method in 1992 despite the slight change in basis of calculation (HRM Guide 2012). The Institute for Public Policy Research statistics have shown that the unemployment rate of youth aged 18 is 18.5% for boys and 15.3% for girls (HRM Guide 2012). This is the highest rate they have ever witnessed in the UK. It is attributable to the current euro crisis. According to Lord Stevens, the official statistics of the unemployment rate of the youth hit the one million mark for the first time thus more than a fifth of people aged 16 to 24 years do not have jobs (HRM Guide 2012).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Youth Unemployment in the UK specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Causes of Youth Unemployment in the UK Financial Crisis of 2007-2010 The financial crisis that began in the United States caused by the bubble burst in the real estate industry affected s everal banks .It spread across Europe since most of the banks affected were multinationals with operations across Europe. This led to economic slowdown in the economy of UK. Thus, most of the firms scaled down there production capacity. Consequentially, employers are forced to lay off some workers or were not hiring any more employees (Ruhm 2000). The effect of such circumstances has led to the rise of rate of unemployment among the youth since they are continuously completing colleges and are unable to secure employment (HRM Guide 2012). The Cuts in the Public Sector The government has been reducing its spending over the years. The reduction in public sector spending leads to decreased demand of certain goods and services since the government is the biggest consumer in an economy. Therefore, due to the decrease in demand, the production sector has to reduce its production. Thus, some people become redundant leading to sacking. Some of the firms also stop hiring new staff or reduce the number of people employed compared to when the factors of production were being fully utilized. Therefore, the cuts in public spending have led to increased unemployment rate of the youth over the recent years (HRM Guide 2012). Immigration from European Union Since the integration of the UK in the European Union, people are free to move from one member state to another. This encouraged many people to migrate from other member states to UK in such for employment or business purposes. This has led to reduction of summer jobs that were available to university students from UK since most of the jobs go to the immigrants from other member states. Hence, such factors have led to the rise of the number of youth who are unable to secure paid jobs (UK National Statistics). Lack of Required Qualifications Researchers have link the lack of jobs by youths to their poor performance there studies such as in GCSE English and Maths. Most of the students have also not been able to proceed with t heir studies to acquire the necessary professional qualifications required in the job market thus unable to secure employment. This is attributable to laziness from the part of the students to work hard in their academics. The support groups in conjunction with the relevant government sectors have been working hard to ensure the students work towards achieving the relevant qualifications required in the job market.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Influx of Goods from Euro Zone After the UK joined, the European Union this allowed non-restrictive trade between member states. Such an agreement has led to the rise of goods exported to UK therefore increasing competition. This has resulted in the decrease in the demand for UK goods thus the decrease in the productivity of UK firms. They have resulted in lying down of workers and reduction in number of people employed. Therefore, this is one of the major contributions in the rise of level of youth unemployment in the UK. Higher Taxation The taxation rate in UK is high such that the cost of production is high. This leads to decreased demand of products thus firms end up retrenching some of the redundant workers. Effects of Youth Unemployment in UK Increase in Crime The youth would need money for consumption for clothing, food or shelter and since they do not have paid job they feel frustrated and start blaming the society for their misfortunes, hence they end up resulting to crimin al activities to get money. Lord Stevens acknowledged this when he said that unemployed youth would fuel disorder in the streets since dissatisfied youth lack hope for the future. He said disorder like the one experienced last year is evidence of the disquiet of youth due to lack of employment (Poverty Site 2012). Increased Chances of Workers Experiencing Unemployment in Adulthood The continued rise in the rate of youth unemployment increases the probability of a worker experiencing unemployment in his adulthood. The result of this the rise of number of people unemployed thus leading to increase of people claiming job seekers allowance which an increase in government expenditure in terms of transfers which is not healthy for the economy (Poverty Site 2012). Loss of Productivity The youth are the most active people in the society therefore when they are not employed statistics show that this equates to 10 million pounds a day of lost productivity. This translates to a direct cost of unemployed youth of close to 5 Billion pounds annually. Such statistics are worrying since this is a lot of potential wasted. The high levels of unemployment lead to too many people being idle thus high loss of productivity in the overall economy (Poverty Site 2012). Increase in Dependency Levels The rise of levels of youth unemployment has led to high levels in dependant population since they need basic human needs but do not have any source of income. Therefore, the rise in unemployment has increased the number of people depending on the government allowances for job seekers thus increasing the government expenditure. Responses Replacement of Future Jobs Fund with Apprenticeship Scheme The labour Party government initiated the Future Jobs Fund policy. It aimed at creating jobs in the future for the youth. The Conservative –Liberal Democrat coalition government viewed this not to very effective method to address the menace of youth unemployment. It replaced it with the curre nt policy of apprenticeship scheme whereby the youths attached to organizations where they will be working under skilled workers thus they end up acquiring necessary skills. This policy will be more effective in solving the youth unemployment problem than the future jobs fund. Overhaul of Schools Career Guidance The Recruitment and Employment Confederation have proposed an overhaul of the school’s career guidance to encourage students to work hard to acquire the necessary skills for job employment. This encourages students to achieve the necessary professional qualifications necessary for employment. Such policy will lead to students being prepared to join the apprenticeship scheme thus improving the level of youth employment. Scrapping of National Minimum wage Dominic Raab called for the scrapping of National Minimum Wage for the 16-21 year olds people thus increasing the level of youth employment. The minimum national wage is a hurdle to organizations since they incur certa in expenditure thus they end up being limited on the number of employees employed. Therefore, the scrapping of the minimum wage will lead to firms employing more people thus reducing the level of unemployment (Poverty Site 2012). Entrepreneurship Encouraged The government and non-governmental organizations have been implementing programmes that instil entrepreneurship skills in people. Such programmes have led to an increase in the level of people who are self-employed. This has led to rise of people who are self-employed in the UK over the years. It has been a very effective method of addressing the problem of youth unemployment (The Guardian 2012). Reference List BBC News, Economy Tracker. Web. HRM Guide 2012, UK Unemployment: Labour Market Statistics. Web. Poverty Site 2012, Youth Adult Unemployment. Web. Ruhm, C. 2000, Are Recessions Good for Your Health. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 115(2): 617–650. Seymour E. H. 2005, The New Economics: Keynes Influence on Theory and Public Policy. London: Kessinger Publishing. The Guardian, Unemployment and Employment Statistics. Web. UK National Statistics, Guide to Unemployment. Web.

A Business Proposal

The business plan introduces Alexandra Palace owned and controlled by the local government of Haringey. Over the years, Alexandra experienced two catastrophic fires, and had to spend a lot of money to rebuild a particular building. In fact, Alexandra Palace loses a lot of money every year. The cost to continue running seems to exceed the gross profit. Commercial proposal Randy Sickmier ECO / 561 September 28, 2011 Dave Sella-Villa Business Proposal This commercial proposal is targeted at new markets for personal computers, the elderly. There is no computer company offering specially designed products for baby boomer generation (baby boomer generation). Most major manufacturers provide advanced and friendly computers, but no one is fully engaged in advanced functions. A computer market designed to meet the unique needs of advanced business proposals: Earthly Delights, Inc. The Boston region is the center of art and fashion. Many people come to Boston to taste their unique flavor and c ulture. Boston has the concept of various kinds of restaurant atmosphere and venue. The business in the Boston area comes from local society and sightseeing. This project proposal outlines a market research plan on the feasibility of opening the concept of a new restaurant based on the organic food industry and the natural food industry. Proposals are important for running any business. Even small projects need a proposal that can be officially launched. Business proposals are not merely inter-company problems. There are business recommendations for customers that apply to companies using the company vs. customer model. Writing a proposal is a good thing, but it would be better to write a good proposal. In order to write a business plan you need to know the executive summary, a brief description of your company, the products you plan to offer, the services you plan to provide, You should have a general plan on how to handle it. Sales of products or services, and financial status of products or services

The Formation of a Valid Business Contract Essay - 6

The Formation of a Valid Business Contract - Essay Example The essential element of the contract is an offer. It is an important ingredient because it defines the relationship and key issues in the contract. In order for the offer to stand as a legal entity, communication is a vital factor. The parties must communicate and accept the offer in the best terms available. Effective communication is essential in order to facilitate the receiving party with knowledge of whether to agree or reject the offer (Stevens 2004). In the case a person signs a contract without reading the terms of the contract, he is liable to the effects of miscommunication. A valid offer must be supported by certainty and validity on precise terms. The terms are considered definite in a situation where a reasonable person understands the terms. The clarity of the terms is reviewed basing the review on four pillars which are parties to the contract, duration of time for performance, value and subject matter/scope of services (Stevens 2004). A contract is considered enforceable when if the parties to the contract engage in an exchange of valuable price. Consideration is a consideration when there is mutuality. That is to mean that the parties to the contract must have valuable prices in exchange. The price is not only restricted to money but any other valuable consideration (Stevens 2004). There are many types of contracts, and all the types have an impact on the parties. There are those contracts that create an impact on the basis of creation. For example, express contracts. Words spoken or written make the contract. Another example is implied contracts where the contract is dependent on the conduct of a person or rather the circumstances under a particular case (Stevens 2004).