Television as a Domestic Technology

Television as a Domestic Technology If the efforts to revitalize television in the digital era are to materialize, television viewers will ultimately be required to be conversant with the set-top box (a novel consumer technology) which provides unprecedented means of consuming television. There is no doubt that this type of technology entails assimilation of new media technology into the household settings.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Television as a Domestic Technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More More importantly, it also facilitates amplification of an interactive techno-culture among domestic consumers of television. Consequently, interactivity must have a positive effect on the manner in which television consumers use this technology in their daily lives (Petersen and Kim 74). Therefore, the main focus of this paper is to discuss the manner in which television is used as a domestic technology. This paper will also address the primary posit ion of television in the home and how it is by households. Ever since the launch of digital television and the introduction of the set-top box as the modern consumer technology to replace the analogue television system, television has been cast into the limelight with respect to adjustments in the manner in which it is currently consumed by households. It is worthy to note that the interactive television sector (the traditional media production firms as well as new players with novel business ideas) is currently facing stiff competition among the industry players in terms of who among them will develop the best ideas (Christensen 4). Domestication refers to the manners in which consumers of television endeavor to curve a niche for the technology in their houses and make it meaningful and productive in their daily lives. In other words, the domestication of technology implies a process of adopting technology within the household environment. The concept of moral economy implies that household members have unique ways of using television set as a domestic technology (Christensen 5). The four distinct ways used by the households are conversion, appropriation, incorporation and objectification. The conversion implies that household members alter the symbolic and functional use of the television (as a domestic technology) into a meaningful production that allows for the moral economy of the family to be integrated into the objective economy of the society at large.Advertising Looking for essay on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More On the other hand, appropriation refers to the procurement of the television technology as a domestic commodity that facilitates the integration of the objective meaning in society with the domestic moral economy. Incorporation refers to the process of assimilating the television technology into the daily routines of the household. Nonetheless, incorporation is also the subject of negotiations and conflicts with the television technology. It also serves as an integral aspect of family members’ continuous work of creating and upholding identity within the household. Finally, objectification deals with the manner in which television (as a domestic technology) should be integrated into the daily routines of the household. In other words, it implies how the new technology should be fitted into the spatial organization of the household (Christensen 6). It goes without saying that the consumption of television as a domestic technology is a way to describe and position household members in their unique environment into a general social perspective. Nonetheless, when the television set is openly displayed by the household, it creates an impression that can be construed in diverse ways by individuals who visit that home. For example, the symbolic display of television as a domestic technology may be construed by different visitors as vul gar, snobbish, kitsch and stylish. As a matter of fact, the manner in which the technology (television) is displayed in the house might even cause dispute among members of the household (Christensen 7). With respect to physically situating the technological object, the set-top box must have a phone line connection. This means that the set-box is reliant on the electrical system of the house in order to deliver an electric socket, telephone line connection as well as a television connection. There are several reasons given to explain why a television set (and not a computer) occupies the living room of the house. One of the reasons given is that the computer is not only a goal-oriented artifact but also has lengthy cables and thus it is kept away either in the study room or in the bedroom. On the contrary, the television set is conspicuously displayed in the central living room as a symbol of prestige. In addition, the satellite dish is a conspicuous symbol that informs the outside w orld that the household possesses that technology. Moreover, the set-top box will soon curve a niche among other television technologies given that it is re-arbitrating the VCR and the satellite decoding receiver while at the same time enhancing transmission and signal quality (Christensen 11).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Television as a Domestic Technology specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nonetheless, it (the set-top box) does not clearly offer a comprehensible sign to the outside world of what type of content the household is consuming unless adapted into some sort of symbolic use. Consequently, the household may be compelled to procure a pay per view program or to subscribe to a premium digital services. As a result, the set-top box (just as the previous television did), turns into the main source of public meetings since it provides television programs that are only available to households in possession of t he set-top boxes and valid subscriptions (Livingstone 60). There is no doubt that the concept of living room (as a technical and cultural hub of the household) has experienced a number of changes. The society is currently witnessing a major development of individually owned digital media. Traditional media are now utilized in new restructuring of time and space. At the same time, most of the households are currently in possession of several radios, telephones and televisions (Livingstone 62). Initially, majority of households had only one television set in the living room (the main meeting place for household members). However, since the emergence of media production firms such as NTL that sell multi-room viewing services, majority of television channels are now easily accessible from any room in the house. In fact, a number of teenagers have procured better television sets for use in their personal rooms. This phenomenon has relegated the important role of the television set in the living room. In addition, the consumption of television as a domestic technology has led to the technological empowerment of the teenagers in terms of the transformation in ownership of domestic technologies. Initially, mass media was communally consumed in the living room by all members of the household. Ever since the inception of television as a domestic technology, youths have gradually moved towards mobile consumption of media (Pemberton 10). It is worthy to note that, many teenagers have installed computers, audio devises and television sets in their bedrooms as sources of entertainment. As of now, teenagers are using television as a domestic technology to produce a wall of sound in their personal rooms which has ultimately changed generational and gender patterns in the society.Advertising Looking for essay on other technology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For many parents, the adoption of television technology within the household settings is not a bad thing after all because they are in a better position to monitor their teenagers gathered in their bedrooms. In addition, television is considered a safe medium since it is able to attract a loyal and ardent audience via its memorable usability. In others words, interactive television offers an ontological sanctuary for audience who experience problems when they attempt to gain access to relatively unfamiliar sea of information online via the use of the computer and the World Wide Web (WWW). Apart from encouraging the audience to stay tuned to a particular channel, interactive television provides safe transmission of information that has positive impacts on the viewers (Petersen and Kim 103). Christensen, Holmgaard. The Impact of Interactivity on Television Consumption. Dublin: Dublin City University, 2002. Print. Livingstone, Sonja. New Media, New Audiences?† New Media and Soci ety 1 (1999): 59-66. Pemberton, Lyn. The Potential of Interactive Television for Delivering Individualized Language Learning. Brighton: University of Brighton, 2002. Petersen, Marianne and Kim H. Madsen. â€Å"The Usability of Everyday Technology: Emerging and Fading Opportunities.† ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 9 (2002): 74-105.

Politics of George Clooney, Actor and Liberal Activist

Politics of George Clooney, Actor and Liberal Activist American actor George Clooney is a liberal, a strong supporter of liberal causes and charities, and an outspoken critic of conservative politics and warmongering. Clooney supported John Kerry for President in 2004; Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012, and Hilary Clinton in 2016. Among other causes, he actively supports gay rights. Im a liberal. Im confused when that became a bad word. Its interesting. I think what happened over a period of time, probably in the late 80s when it became sort of a political tool.... [T]he liberal movement morally, you know, has stood on the right side of an awful lot of issues. We thought that blacks should be allowed to sit at the front of the bus and women should be able to vote, McCarthy was wrong, Vietnam was a mistake.  George Clooney to CNNs Larry King on February 16, 2006. Actor, Director, Producer George Clooney is best-known as having been a television and film actor since early 1980s, and as a director and film producer since 2002s Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Most Americans first noticed him as the handsome Dr. Doug Ross on the popular television program ER from 1994 to 1999. Clooney regularly appeared in five other television shows prior to ER. Clooneys acting credits range from the goofy Return of the Killer Tomatoes (1988) to the seriocomic O Brother Where Art Thou, the Coen brothers 2000 take on Homers The Odyssey. His writing, producing, and directing credits include political-commentary films such as Syriana (2005) and The American (2010), as well as historically-themed films such as The Monuments Men (2014) and Good Night, and Good Luck (2006). The Clooney Family George Clooney was born in 1961 near Lexington, Kentucky to Nick Clooney, a regional newscaster and well-liked TV personality, and Nina Warren Clooney, local city council member, and former Kentucky beauty queen. Hes also the nephew of the singer Rosemary Clooney and cousin of actor Miguel Ferrer. One 2003 article dubs the Clooney clan the Kennedys of Kentucky for their formidable liberal influence in the conservative northern part of that state. By all reports, the Clooneys are a close-knit, Irish-Catholic family, and George is fiercely loyal to his father. When Nick Clooney ran for Congress in 2004, George raised over $600,000 from fellow celebrity-activists for his fathers unsuccessful campaign and made personal appearances on behalf of his father. Charity Causes In the charity world, Clooney is known for his work with numerous disaster relief efforts, including America: A Tribute to Heroes in 2001 for victims of 9/11; Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope, to benefit victims of the late-2004 Indian Ocean tsunami; and the Hope for Haiti Now for the victims of the 2010 earthquake. Clooney donated $1 million in September 2005 to the United Way Hurricane Katrina Response Fund to help out the victims of the hurricane. Clooney is a member of the United Way Board of Trustees. Said Clooney when he made the donation, Today our neighbors need food, shelter, and health care, but the very near future is when the difficult part of rebuilding lives and homes and cities starts. Were all in this one together. In March 2006, Clooney donated his Oscar gift-bag (Value: about $100,000) to the United Way, to be auctioned off to benefit that humanitarian organizations programs. Preventing Mass Atrocities Clooney has also contributed money and time to the recognition, prevention, and cessation of genocides and mass atrocities. He was instrumental in the creation of Journey to Darfur, a program on the ongoing conflict in Darfur; the recognition of the Armenian Genocide; the Satellite Sentinel Project reporting on the civil war between Sudan and South Sudan; and the Aurora Prize, which awards people who risk their lives to present genocides and atrocities. In 2006, Clooneys longtime liberal activism and unabashed political views also rose to headline-attracting public prominence. After a 5-day visit to Darfur, Clooney spoke out against genocide in that country and urged greater US and NATO involvement. In September 2006, Clooney testified before the UN Security Council, urging that UN peacekeepers enter Darfur. Clooney and the Conservative Media Clooney has been the focus of attacks from conservative media outlets. In September 2001, Clooney was a primary organizer on a telethon to raise money for victims of 9/11. The program, America: A Tribute to Heroes raised US $129 million which was donated to The United Way. Conservative political commentator Bill OReilly took Clooney and his associates to task for not appearing on The OReilly Factor program to respond to scattered news reports that the money was not, in fact, going to the victims. Infuriated, Clooney responded in an angry letter to OReilly on November 6, 2001, in which he scolded, The fund is not only the most successful single fundraiser ever, it is doing exactly what it is designed to do. Responsibly. The money is going out to the right people... In 2014, the British tabloid The Daily Mail reported that the family of his then-fiancee, Amal Alamuddin, opposed their marriage on religious grounds, saying that some of her relatives had joked about killing the bride if she disobeyed her parents. Clooney wrote an open letter in the USA Today calling the paper a laughable tabloid that crossed into the arena of inciting violence. A Few Political Films Over his career, Clooney has appeared in and had some creative control over the production of several films with political content. Here are a few of the best known. Three Kings (1999)- At the Gulf Wars end, four US soldiers come across a potential jackpot: a rolled up treasure map to Saddam Husseins stashes of confiscated gold hidden bewteen the buttocks of a captured soldier. While pursuing selfish gain, the men collide with Iraqi civilians and experience a different side of the war.Confessions of a Dangerous Mind  (2002)- Based on the life of Chuck Barris, who claimed dual careers as loony game-show host and CIA operative for the US government. Also directed by Clooney.Good Night, and Good Luck (2005)- Taking place during the early days of broadcast journalism in 1950s America, this film chronicles the real-life conflict between newsman Edward R. Murrow and Senator Joseph McCarthy and his House Un-American Activities Committee. In a political climate of fear and reprisal, the CBS news crew persists. McCarthy is brought before the Senate and made powerless as his lies and bullying tactics are finally uncovered. Clooney was nominated for a Bes t Director Oscar for this film. Syriana (2005)- In this political thriller that unfolds against the intrigue of the global oil industry, Clooney plays the role of career CIA operative who disturbing truths about the work to which he has devoted his life. He won the 2006 Best Supporting Oscar and a Golden Globe for this role.The Ides of March (2011)- Clooney directed and co-wrote the screenplay for this take on modern-day dirty politics,Money Monster (2016)- A financial TV hose and his producer are taken hostage by an irate investor who is convinced there is a conspiracy driving fluctuations in global high tech markets. Summing Up Liberalism When asked in 2005 by the German magazine Brigitte, why conservatives continually vilify liberals, Clooney succinctly summed up liberalism.... Its quite amazing that liberal nowadays has become a swear word as in the history of our country it always meant to be on the side of justice. It started with the witchhunt in Salem, the conservatives point of view was: Burn them at the stake, and the liberals point of view was: There are no witches. And thats how it continued with the civil rights movement and womens suffrage. The liberals were always right in the end. Sources: Carr. 2005. A ringside seat for Murrow versus McCarthy. The New York Times, 18 September 2005.Cieply M. 2010. Within days, a global benefit takes shape. The New York Times 21 January 2010. Gibson, C. 2017. George Clooney takes aim at powerhourse D.C. lobbying firm over its ties to the Sudanese government. The Washington Post 7 July 2017.Somaiya R and Haughney C. 2014. Heard the News on George Clooney? This Much Is True: He’s Livid. The New York Times, 11 July 2014.Internet Movie Database (IMDb). 2017 George Clooney. Downloaded 24 November 2017

Should state or local governments tax sodas to fund health care Research Paper

Should state or local governments tax sodas to fund health care - Research Paper Example There is a debate on whether the state government should tax sodas and use the proceeds in health care initiatives. There are many health issues that are related to the intake of sodas in the United States of America. Issues like tooth decay, diabetes and obesity are on the rise among the teens. The contribution of soda to the health care expenses is already high and continues to increase at an alarming rate as depicted by the expenditure on health related issues. It is estimated that $79 billion is spent yearly on obesity and overweight related issues (Lohnes, 2006). The proponents of the tax levy on sodas argue that the taxation of these sodas will help in reducing heath related illnesses like obesity diabetes and tooth decay. The acids that are contained in the sodas breaks up the tooth enamel thus destroying it. The Sodas are known to contain a high level of sugar which is harmful to the health of the people. Various proposals have been put forward regarding the taxation of sodas; the mayor of Philadelphia Michael Nutter proposed a tax on all beverages with added sugar, putting a two-cents-ounce levy on the sugar added drinks. The overall effect of the taxation is that an estimated $ 77 million per year would be generated and directed towards health care programs (Nolan, 2009). Sodas are considered as diuretics implying that they have the ability to dehydrate the body. In places like South Texas where the temperatures are extremely high during summer, the continuous consumption of sodas will cause serious dehydration to the body thus leading to complicated health issues since dehydration causes headaches and heat exhaustion. Nolan (2009) states that the government should impose a tax on the sodas in order to discourage the consumption of sugar added soda. When a tax is levied on soda, it implies that the price of the product will go up meaning that many people will not be able to afford buying the product. This will shift the preference of the people

Whistleblowers Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Whistleblowers - Assignment Example The cap of $1.6 million in terms of compensation for whistle blowing is not sufficient enough to encourage individuals to come forward and give evidence for wrongdoing within organizations. By increasing the rewards for blowing to at least 30% of the recovered sums therefore, congress will make it more possible for the Department of Justice to collect quality evidence that will enable completion of cases involving complex financial crimes. This is because as a whistleblower, one job, life and family future is at stake hence with sufficient compensation, the benefits of reporting will exceed those of keeping quite. In the end more people witnessing corporate crimes in organizations will be able to come out and speak or provide the details of the crimes hence reduce misconduct in organizations. An environment of mistrust is inevitable with whistle blowing and this may affect the flow of work. This is because one has to really check whether to share information with other members of staff and due to the fear and immense suspicion brought about corporation may be affected. Generally whistle blowing requires a lot of courage and self confidence and as such many people coming from low income backgrounds are deterred from reporting for some reason. Sometimes also individuals who blow the whistle on significant unlawful activities are some extend subjected to some of harassment and mistreatment and this significantly affects the practice considering that the individuals’ is at stake. As such therefore encouraging whistle blowing may breed distrust among employees with significant impact on the flow of work. But this will be necessary for the overall benefits of the economy and therefore the practice must be encouraged. In fact increasing the incentives will make it possib le for more people to confidently report crime as their own and their families’ welfare will be guaranteed of protection. Furthermore, it will enable sharing

Sarans Essays Essay Example for Free

Sarans Essays Essay The ancient ideal the Greeks in ancient times and education the tendency today job oriented education the drawbacks of specialization education for livelihood. The ancient ideal of education was that education should be for life and not for livelihood. Knowledge was regarded as an end in itself and not a means to an end. The ancient ideal of education was a liberal one. Students were required to make a study of a variety of subjects, so that they could make a comparative study and develop their judgement and critical faculty. Knowledge was looked upon as a valuable possession which one had to try to acquire with much trouble and difficulty. Ancient scholars thought nothing of travelling to distant, lands to drink at the fountain head of knowledge. They would seek learned teachers and become their willing disciples. The ancient Greeks held the view that education had to help a man to have a balanced and well-integrated personality. It had to help him to achieve harmony within his own being by attaining a balance of body, mind and spirit. It had also to help him to achieve harmony with his environment and his fellow human beings. Education for life is meant to make a man liberal, tolerant and broad minded in his outlook. The tendency today, however, is towards providing for a Business Education or an Education for Livelihood. Todays education is a job oriented education. As a result of this, many Business Colleges have sprung up which are supposed to train people for particular jobs. The knowledge imparted in these colleges is rather limited in scope. It is restricted to whatever is connected with a special profession or trade. Though specialization is supposed to lean to thoroughness and efficiency, it has its own drawback. The students who go in for a Business Education become narrow minded. They lack tolerance and the ability to understand anothers point of view. They study everything from the view point of usefulness and not for aesthetic pleasure. They may not be able to relax and enjoy a book for its own sake if it has no connection with their trade or profession. They may never be able to enter and enjoy the magic regions of art and literature. Education for livelihood does not encourage a student to think for himself and to develop his creative and critical faculties. As his field of study is very narrow, he does not have a chance to make a comparative study, to judge the merits and demerits of other subjects.

Medieval Chivalry Essay -- essays research papers fc

Western Civilization Medieval Chivalry and Knighthood During medieval times knighthood was a class culture, cherished and jealousy guarded by the knightly caste. Knight had the honor of defending the king as well as their country. On the bloody fields of battle a code of chivalry evolved that tempered anger and fury with mercy. It created ways of turning the grim business of fighting into something tolerable, perhaps even acceptable. Chivalry was not only looked upon as a code for war; it was looked upon as a setting for stories of love and romance. Chivalry meant a higher social status as well as recognition. Chivalry as we know it denotes the ideals and practices considered suitable to be a noble. Over time chivalry has been used as the primal word to describe the attitude and actions of men towards women. "The word itself is reminiscent of the milieu in which the ideas connected with it took shape-the aristocratic society of mediaeval France dominated by mounted warriors or chevaliers." From as early as the eleventh century several different sets of ideas represented different standards of chivalric behavior. Over the next four hundred years the concepts of Hanuka, 2 The ideal nobleman developed by and for the feudal class under the influence of changing environments, ideas, political views and economies. The concept of being born into a certain class in society was a great part of medieval life. This concept of the class system was based on the land ownership and duties that were owed to other people. The knights were the military supporters of the feudal lords. The knight fought for his lord and if necessary died for him. However, the feudal inheritance was provided only for the eldest son. Younger sons therefore tended to the church or joined groups of knight lacking land. They worked and did their jobs waiting for the opportunity to marry into an estate. There were three methods of becoming a knight. "The most common involved the King or tenant-in-chief conferring the title, known as 'dubbing'. The second method involved religion, the soon to be knight kept a night vigil with his arms on the altar in front of him. He then took a purifying bath, heard Mass and had his spurs put on it. The dubbing then followed with a formal sermon and a sword. The third method involved the readings of a service Benedictio Novi Militis. Hanuka, 3... ...; Works Cited Barber, Richard. The Knight and Chivalry. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1970. Boutlon, Jonathan Dacre. The Knights of the Crown. Great Britain: The Boydell Press, 1987. Cabell, James Branch. Chivalry. New York and London: 1909. Davis, William Stearns, Life on a Mediaeval Barony. New York and London: Harper and Brothers, 1923. Harper-Bill and Harvey, Christopher and Ruth. Medieval Knighthood IV. Rochester: The Boydell Press, 1992. Lang, Lloyd and Jennifer. Medieval Britain: The Age of Chivalry. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1996. Morgan, Gwendolyn A. Medieval Ballads. New York: Peter Lang, 1996. Painter, Sydney. French Chivalry: Chivalry Ideas and Practices and Mediaeval France. Baltimore: The Johns Hopkins Press, 1985. Ramsey, Lee C. Chivalric Romances: Popular Literature in Medieval England. Bloomington: Indiana University Press, 1983. Wood, Charles T. The Age of Chivalry. New York: Universe Books, 1970. Young, Alan. Tudor and Jacobean Tournaments. London: George Phillips, 1987. British Orders and Awards. London: Kaye and Ward, 1968.

Elaine Decides to Try Her Hand at investing Essay

Common stock is a form of corporate equity ownership, a type of security. The terms â€Å"voting share† or â€Å"ordinary share† are also used frequently in other parts of the world; â€Å"common stock† being primarily used in the United States. It is called â€Å"common† to distinguish it from preferred stock. If both types of stock exist, common stock holders cannot be paid dividends until all preferred stock dividends are paid in full. In the event of bankruptcy, common stock investors receive any remaining funds after bondholders, creditors (including employees), and preferred stock holders are paid. As such, common stock investors often receive nothing after a bankruptcy. On the other hand, common shares on average perform better than preferred shares or bonds over time.[1] Shareholders’ rights[edit] Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote on certain matters, such as electing the board of directors. However, a company can have both a â€Å"voting† and â€Å"non-voting† class of common stock. Holders of voting common stock are able to influence the corporation through votes on establishing corporate objectives and policy, stock splits, and electing the company’s board of directors. Some holders of common stock also receive preemptive rights, which enable them to retain their proportional ownership in a company should it issue another stock offering. There is no fixed dividend paid out to common stock holders and so their returns are uncertain, contingent on earnings, company reinvestment, efficiency of the market to value and sell stock.[2] Additional benefits from common stock include earning dividends and capital appreciation. Ordinary shares[edit] Ordinary shares are also known as equity shares and they are the most common form of share in the UK. An ordinary share gives the right to its owner to share in the profits of the company (dividends) and to vote at general meetings of the company. The residual value of the company is called common stock. A voting share (also called common stock or an ordinary share) is a share of stock giving the stockholder the right to vote on matters of corporate policy and the composition of the members of the board of directors.

Moral/Ethical Implications of Euthanasia

Euthanasia refers to the act of removing support systems for the maintenance of life of a person suffering from a terminal or grave illness. Despite the negative arguments put forward against euthanasia, at least four ethical philosophies support the practice of euthanasia. Among these are utilitarianism, Kantianism, egoism, and emotivism. Each of these moral philosophies shall be discussed below to provide support to the practice of euthanasia. Utilitarianism Utilitarianism is an indispensable word in the study of normative ethics, whether it is medical, legal, or other professional ethics (Merriam-Webster Online). Indeed, utilitarianism could provide sufficient arguments against or in favor of removing life support systems of one who appears to have no hope of recovery from an illness. Utilitarianism, the theory that could either save a life or relieve pain and suffering in the above situation, has been entered in the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary as â€Å"a doctrine that the useful is the good and that the determining consideration of right conduct should be the usefulness of its consequences; specifically: a theory that the aim of action should be the largest possible balance of pleasure over pain or the greatest happiness of the greatest number (Merriam-Webster Online).† Utilitarianism is anchored on the principle called the â€Å"Greatest Happiness Principle,† which holds as morally right or ethical such actions that promote the greatest happiness for the greatest number (Mill). John Stuart Mill explained the said principle in his work entitled Utilitarianism in 1863. He explained, thus: The creed which accepts as the foundation of morals, Utility, or the Greatest   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Happiness Principle, holds that actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote    happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. By happiness is   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   intended pleasure, and the absence of pain; by unhappiness, pain, and the privation of   Ã‚   pleasure (Mill). Utilitarianism still exists at the present as a strong argument in favor of many ethical issues, such as the propriety of euthanasia. Applying utilitarianism to such a scenario, one could argue that removing the life support system would be in accordance with the â€Å"Greatest Happiness Principle.† Euthanasia would be justified under this moral philosophy because it is an act that would remove pain from the patient who, on his own, could not continue living. The same conclusion would be had if the situation is observed from the viewpoint of the patient’s family and friends, whose suffering would not be needlessly prolonged by the sight of their ailing loved one. Kantianism Kantianism is an ethical philosophy put forward by 18th century German philosopher Immanuel Kant (The Categorical Imperative, 2001). Kant, in his writings, presented a criterion of moral obligation that is a break away from the traditional moral philosophies of his time. Whereas traditional moral philosophies prior to his time focused on good character traits and the consequence of actions, Kant formulated one supreme principle of morality, which he called the categorical imperative. (The Categorical Imperative, 2001). He belongs to the deontological tradition, which is believes in the ethical theory based on conformity to duty, rather than utility or practical bearing. It is thus clear that deontology is in direct opposition to utilitarianism or pragmatism. (Deontology, 2006). Kant’s ethical theory provides for the categorical imperative, which is the ‘supreme principle of Morality’ on which moral actions are based. The categorical imperative is characterized by objectivity, reason and freedom of choice (The Categorical Imperative, 2001). In describing this standard, Kant stated , â€Å"So act, that the rule on which thou actest would admit of being adopted as a law by all rational beings (Kant, 1886).† According to Kant, this standard is â€Å"the only possible standard of moral obligation (Kant, 1886).† Under the categorical imperative, subjective considerations like emotions have no place; rather, morality is determined through rational considerations of necessity and obligation (The Categorical Imperative, 2001). Kant realizes that human will could be influenced by positive and negative factors, but claims that the human will remains supreme. According to him, only rational considerations matter when deciding moral dilemmas (The Categorical Imperative, 2001). Applying Kant’s moral philosophy on euthanasia, it could be argued that stripped of emotional underpinnings, reason would dictate the rule that a person wholly supporting on extraneous factors be relieved of his suffering, when all facts show no hope of recovery. Given such a situation, the general rule of removing life support systems would be wholly supported by reason. Egoism Another ethical philosophy that could be used to justify euthanasia is egoism. This moral philosophy is grounded on the notion of â€Å"self-interest† or welfare (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2002). This means that a person desires to promote his own welfare or interest in all his actions (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2002). Thus, this philosophy works in direct contradiction to the principle of altruism, which tend to minimize the maximization of one’s self-interest (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2002). Egoism obviously supports the concept of euthanasia, both from the point of view of the ill persona nd his friends and family. On the part of the former, it would be for his interest to remove all his sufferings in favor of non-being. On the other hand, the latter would benefit from the alleviation of worries and the deduction of expenses related to the hospitalization and medical support of the former. Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics Finally, another ethical philosophy that could support euthanasia is the one posited by Aristotle in his work entitled Nicomachean Ethics (Kilcullen, 1996). In this work, Aristotle expounded on the notion called virtue, which is is the determinant of a person’s or a thing’s nature or character (Kilcullen, 1996). Similar to the philosophy of Kant, Aristotle gives primacy to the notion of reason in determining or attaching moral value to any act or thought (Kilcullen, 1996). Applying this philosophy to euthanasia, it could be argued that reason would support the removal of life support systems provided that the facts warrant the lack of hope for the recovery of   the patient, because reason would recognize the futility of keeping support systes when there is no chance of recovery. References Deontology. (2006). Tiscali Encyclopaedia. Retrieved December 1, 2006, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.tiscali.co.uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0023766.html Kant, I. (1886). The Metaphysics of Ethics. Kilcullen, R. J. (1996). Aristotle's Ethics: Essay. Retrieved April 22 2007, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://www.humanities.mq.edu.au/Ockham/y67s08.html Merriam-Webster Online. Utilitarianism. Retrieved April 26, 2007. Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2002).   Egoism. Retrieved February 19, 2007, from   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/egoism/ The Categorical Imperative. (2001). The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   December 1, 2006, from http://www.nd.edu/~rbarger/categorical-imperative.html ;

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg essays

Julius and Ethel Rosenberg essays The outcome of the Julius and Ethel Rosenberg trial for espionage in 1951 and their subsequent execution in 1953 was directly related to the political climate at that time. The governments evidence against the Rosenbergs was not overwhelming, but due to a combination of fear and political pressure, the guilty verdict was inevitable. Even though Julius did not deliver the secrets of the atomic bomb to Moscow, nor did they cause the Korean War, as Judge Kaufman claimed, the pair were sentenced to death. Their death confirmed their guilt because America would never kill innocent people. Their execution also reinforced the heinous nature of their crime and other soviet spys crimes as well. The fear of communism and the cold war sealed the fate for Julius and Ethel Rosenberg. "The cold war was the general term for the post-1945 political, ideological, strategic and military conflict between the western allies led by the United States and the Soviet Union and other communist countries." 1 This global confrontation was fuel by mutual fear and distrust. Both camps defaulted on postwar agreements which, led to further alienation.2 The end of WWII saw Europe economically devastated and in political turmoil. 3 The defeat of Germany left the European continent vulnerable to outside influence. In addition to the economic strength shown by the western allies, the United States not only had nuclear capabilities, but also without hesitation used the power twice. 4 The Soviet Union, in an effort to contract the economic and military might of the United States and its allies, set about tightening its grasp on the east European countries it had occupied during WWII. 5 In the years between 1945 and 1948 the Soviet Union gained control of Albania, Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Yugoslavia. The Soviet Union hoped that by adding these separate governments and militaries, it could offset the United States nuc...

Vexillology - the Study of Flags

Vexillology - the Study of Flags Vexillology is the scholarly study of something seen very associated with geography - flags! The word comes from the Latin vexillum, meaning flag or banner. Flags originally helped ancient armies coordinate on the battlefield. Today, every country and many organizations have a flag. Flags can represent land or maritime boundaries and possessions. Flags are usually hoisted on a flagpole and flown so that everyone can be reminded of the values and history of the country. Flags incite patriotism and respect for those who lost their lives fighting for its values. Common Flag Designs Many flags have three vertical (pales) or horizontal (fesses) divisions, each of a different or rotating color. Frances Tricolore has vertical divisions of blue, white, and red. Hungarys flag has horizontal bands of red, white, and green. The Scandinavian countries all have crosses of different colors on their flags, representing Christianity. Denmarks flag is the oldest flag design still in use, as it was designed in the 13th century. Many flags, such as Turkey, Algeria, Pakistan, and Israel have images of religious symbols, such as crescents to represent Islam. Many countries in Africa have green, red, black, and yellow on their flags, representing people, bloodshed, fertile land, and hope for independence and peace (for example - Uganda and the Republic of the Congo). Some flags show national coats of arms or shields, such as Spain. Vexillology Is Based on Colors and Symbols A vexillologist is someone who designs flags. A vexillographer studies flags and what their shapes, patterns, colors, and images represent. For example, the flag of Mexico has three colors - green, white, and red, formed in vertical lines of equal size. In the center is a picture of the Mexican coat of arms, a Golden Eagle eating a snake. This represents Mexicos Aztec history. Green represents hope, white represents purity, and red represents religion. Vexillographers also study the changes made to flags through time. For example, the previous flag of Rwanda had a large R in the middle. It was changed in 2001 (new flag) because the flag was largely seen as a symbol of the horrific 1994 Rwandan genocide. Prominent Vexillologists and Vexillographers There are perhaps two main authorities on flags today. Dr. Whitney Smith, an American, coined the term vexillology in 1957 when he was a teenager. Today, he is a flag scholar and helped create the North American Vexillological Association in the late 1960s. He runs the Flag Research Center in Massachusetts. Many countries have recognized his great abilities and asked for his help designing their flags. He was chosen to design the flag of Guyana in 1966. After studying the countrys culture, economy, and history, he made green represent Guyanas agriculture, gold represents great mineral deposits, and red represents the peoples great determination and love for their country. Graham Bartram is a British vexillologist who designed the most commonly used flag for Antarctica. It has a light blue background with a white map of Antarctica in the center. The United States Flag The United States flag has thirteen stripes, for the thirteen original colonies, and one star for every state. The United Kingdom Flag The United Kingdoms flag, called the Union Jack, is a combination of the flags of patron saints St. George, St. Patrick, and St. Andrew. The Union Jack appears on the flag of numerous other countries and territories, which were historically or currently are possessions of the United Kingdom. Unusually Shaped or Designed Flags Every countrys flag is a quadrilateral except for Nepals flag. It is shaped like two stacked triangles, representing the Himalaya Mountains and the two religions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The sun and moon represent the hope that the country will live as long as these celestial bodies. (Znamierowski) Switzerland and the Vatican City are the only two countries with square flags. Libyas flag is entirely green, representing Islam. It has no other colors or designs, making it the only flag like it in the world. Bhutans flag has a dragon on it. It is called the Thunder Dragon, which is the symbol of the nation. Kenyas flag has a shield on it, representing the courage of the Masai warriors. The flag of Cyprus has an outline of the country on it. Cambodias flag has Angkor Wat on it, a popular historical attraction. Flags That Differ on Their Front and Reverse Sides Saudi Arabias flag has a sword and the Arabic inscription for There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is the messenger of Allah. Since the flag contains sacred writing, the reverse side of the flag is a duplicate of the front and two flags are usually sewn together. The reverse side of Moldovas flag does not include the emblem. The reverse side of Paraguays flag contains the treasury seal. The flag of the U.S. state of Oregon has the state seal on the front and the reverse side includes a beaver. States and Provinces Each U.S. state and Canadian province has its own unique flag. Some flags are quite unique. Californias flag has a picture of a grizzly bear, which represents strength. The states flag also includes the inscription, California Republic, referring to the short period of time that California had declared independence from Mexico. Wyomings flag has a picture of a bison, for Wyomings agricultural and livestock heritage. The red symbolizes Native Americans and the blue represents landscapes such as skies and mountains. The state of Washingtons flag has a portrait of President George Washington. Ohios flag is shaped like a pennant. It is the only state flag that is not rectangular. New Brunswick, a Canadian province, has a picture of a ship on its flag for its shipbuilding and seafaring history. Conclusion Flags have many similarities, but many are quite distinctive. Flags symbolize past struggles such as bloody quests for independence, present virtues and identity, and future goals of a country and its inhabitants. Vexillologists and vexillographers research how flags change through time, and how that knowledge can be used to make the world more peaceful and diplomatic, as many people are willing to die to defend their beloved countrys flag and its values. Reference Znamierowski, Alfred. The World Encyclopedia of Flags. Hermes House, 2003.

New Media & International Communcation (Please refer to the Essay

New Media & International Communcation (Please refer to the attachment) - Essay Example The author is then able to describe how television and technology continue to evolve with self – generating forms through mediums such as new enhancements to movies and demands from individuals that are interested in watching the television. Opinion of Reading The main concept which Williams uses in the article is one which draws logical conclusions about the idea of technology and television and how it has evolved. The concept of television and technology becoming a natural part of evolution while meeting new needs in society can be seen and determined with the approach which Williams uses. The main point which can be seen as true, as well as the main strength of the reading, comes from the idea that this was the next step in technology and science. While there may have been components which were altered by inspiration or the desire to create something new, there were also several ideals which led to the evolution of technology with the television as the next step for society and specific needs. The second strength of the argument that Williams uses is by stating that this was a social concept that was based on natural evolution. The strength of the argument is one which can be noted by the demands in society which occurred before the television, specifically with the uses of entertainment, radio and other forms of technology which began to appear. From one perspective, these demands were created by social groups because of a desire to have something new. However, it can also be proven that the demands led to the idea of creating something new for entertainment which society could respond to for communication. From this perspective, Williams’ argument holds strength in showing that the television was a natural part of social evolution. While these two main points show strength in the argument, there is also a question of whether this can be considered natural evolution. If the television were never invented and didn’t become a demand in so ciety, then evolution may still have continued but with different devices. The concept of whether the social demand was a need and had to be created becomes the main weakness by Williams. The use of the television was created to build a response in society and to create new expectations with what technology could do. More important, it can be seen that the evolution was based on innovation and inspiration from different devices which had led up to the television. While the evolution was a natural ideology from past innovations and expectations of society, it was also created for new communication as one that was inspirational then built demand, as opposed to being the next evolutionary process in technology. The main weakness that Williams has with the idea of evolution can be seen from examples which are used today. The Internet is an example which shows how the evolution, while seeming natural, is also innovation that creates responses from social groups. The Internet boom from th e 1990s and to the present day was based on using more communication, faster technology and other approaches. Different portals are now used to enhance this. When looking at these portals, one can see that some are successful and

Gun control Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Gun control - Research Paper Example The basis of the gun control debate lies squarely at the feet of the 2nd amendment. Created in 1791, the 2nd amendment states: "a well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed". The purpose of the 2nd amendment was to allow individual states to form their own militias to protect themselves and their country in the event of an attack from outside sources. Such an amendment was deemed necessary by the founding fathers due to the fact that the Revolutionary War had ended several years earlier, and by necessity, civilian men (and at times boys) needed to take up arms as a matter of defense. During the civil war, African American men were also called upon to join militias in an effort to defend the South from the invading Union soldiers. After the Civil War ended, there was much debate on whether the freed slaves should still be permitted the right to bear arms as a means of protection for themselves and their assets. The 14th amendment was drafted as a means to quelling the uncertainty surrounding the rights of former slaves in regards to the possession of firearms (Wilson 163). ... The 1856 Supreme Court decision in the case of Dred Scott v. Sanford denied African Americans the right to full citizenship. Due to this denial of full rights, African Americans were prohibited from carrying weapons and firearms of any sort. It wasn't until 1866 when the Civil Rights Act was passed by Congress that carrying a firearm became legal for all citizens despite their ethnic background (Wilson 164). Since that time gun control policy has been scrutinized for various reasons, but none stemming from racial or ethnic bias. Gun Control Policy 1900-2008 Since the year 1900, there have been reviews of gun control policy in the United States. During the early 1900's, terrorist factions, such as the mafia began to take hold of major cities across the United States. Gun violence was erupting on a daily basis as crime bosses fought their battles to control the streets. Many individuals who were not involved in criminal activity were losing their lives. As a response to the increase in gun violence across the country, the Supreme Court passed the National Firearms act. The National Firearms Act of 1934 imposes an excise tax on those firearms believed to be used routinely in criminal activity (Lott 125). This excise tax was imposed on the manufacturer of the firearm as well as the individual selling the firearm. Guns such as machine guns, short barreled rifles, short barreled shotguns and hand grenades topped the list of those firearms subjected to the increased excise tax. Congress first mandated that guns less than 16 inches would be considered short barreled, and thus subjected to the tax, but in 1960 the National Firearms Act was amended, changing the mandated barrel length to 14 inches (Lott 183). The assassination of several prominent