Abortion Essay Example for Free

Abortion Essay Lucinda Seongbae Eng : Persuasive essay on abortion Prof. Fitzgerald A Positive View on Pro Abortion Abortion has been a controversy for many years and viewed in many different perspectives. Some individuals see it from a very positive point when this is being caused by the nature of the womans health, the age and others. It may also be seen as a way of getting rid of an unwanted or accidental pregnancy for reasons that are positive and beneficial for most women. According to feminist perspectives on reproduction and the family, in some cases abortion can be a positive act depending on the cause. For instance, in the case of a rape, health reasons or in the case of having an unwanted child for reasons of age, marital status, and economical reasons abortion is a potent tool to undo some mistakes. However, whichever ways it is perceived abortion gives a woman the right to choose and should not be viewed as a negative act but instead can be seen as a positive act in most circumstances. Based on the many positive reasons for abortion, abortion should be supported. Concerning the womans health an abortion can be performed when the woman cannot hold the fetus for health reasons. For example a woman who has AIDs and the fetus infected already can obtain an abortion because there is no life for the baby. Also a woman who has cancer at an advanced stage cannot keep a child in her womb or she will risk dying at birth. In the case of some diseases, kidney disease, severe hypertension, sickle-cell anemia, severe diabetes, etc that can be life threatening, an abortion often helps to avoid serious medical complications from childbirth. This also brings emphasis to Roe V. Wade (1973), which granted women the right to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, based on an implicit fundamental right to privacy and argued that it must be weighed against competing state interests in maternal safety and the protection of prenatal life; it protected this right during the first trimester of pregnancy (Thompson, 50). At this juncture the person has very good justifications of her action and is considered a positive act on her part. Another positive issue concerning abortion is a situation where girls below fifteen years are pregnant. In such situation abortion is possible because the girls are too young for child bearing. Also in situations where very young girls have little or no health facilities to ensure safe delivery, such as in developing countries, abortion is the only possible answer in order to avoid some major complication. According to researcher Mayor, complications from pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death in young women aged fifteen to nineteen in developing countries. An estimated 70,000 adolescent mothers die each year because they have children before they are physically ready for parenthood, and more than 90% of these births are in developing countries the report says (www. bmjjournals. com). In this case, if a girl of these ages chooses to get an abortion to avoid complications of childbirth and/or death she is only making a positive decision for her life. According to those against abortion or those who perceive abortion as a negative act, one would argue that since life begins at conception, abortion is akin to murder as it is the act of taking human life. Abortion is in direct defiance of the commonly accepted idea of the sanctity of human life. In contrary, most abortions take place in the first trimester, when a fetus cannot exist independent of the mother. As it is attached by the placenta and umbilical cord, its health is dependent on her health, and cannot be regarded as a separate entity as it cannot exist outside her womb. Therefore, in this case abortion cannot be considered murder. According to Thomson (1971), â€Å"if women have rights over their own bodies, then they have rights not to have their bodies used by others against their will† (Thompson, 35-65). Therefore, even if it is argued that the fetus is a human life, the state has no right to force someone to donate use of their body to another person, even if that person is in extreme need. Another may argue that those who choose abortions are often minors or young women with insufficient life experience to understand fully what they are doing. Many have lifelong regrets afterwards. In defense to that, teenagers who become mothers have grim prospects for the future. They are much more likely to leave school; receive inadequate prenatal care; rely on public ssistance to raise a child; develop health problems; or end up divorced. Teenage births are associated with lower annual income for the mother. According to researcher Stanley, eighty percent of teen mothers must rely on welfare at some point. Teenage mothers are more likely to drop out of school. Only about one-third of teen mothers obtain a high school diploma. Teenage pregnancies are associated with increased rates of alcohol a nd substance abuse, and lower educational level (www. womenshealthchannel. com/teenpregnacy. index). In the modern world, abortions have become a norm of life and should not be looked upon as a negative act but an act of making a positive decision to undo some mistakes in life. Though women have been endowed with the gift of bearing a life form, an abortion gives them the option of whether they want to keep the present or not. However, an abortion should not be misunderstood for a convenience, as it does have its own advantages and disadvantages. The bigger picture that is being stressed is bodily integrity and self-ownership.

Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors

Macro And Micro Environment Analysis Of Ford Motors Introduction Ford Motor Company (Ford) is the largest automotive manufacturers in the world, operating in 200 markets across six continents. The brand includes Ford, Lincoln, Mazda, Mercury and Volvo. Ford also sells luxury sport car Aston Martin. The company primarily based in the US and Europe and employs 246,000 people as on Dec 2007. The goal of Ford is to build products that are immensely desirable so that they get profit. They also do this by increasing number of new product from around the world. On 2007 fiscal year, the company recorded $172,455 mill revenue, increase of 7.7% over 2006. But however, the net loss was $2723 mill in 2007, compared to $12,613 mill in 2006, with operating profit of $5631 mill in 2007 as comparison of $8,190 mill in 2006( datamonitor). Macro and Micro Environment Analysis Industry Analysis: Overall the industry is segmented by the type of vehicles; Motorcycles 5.8%, Passengers cars 69.5% and light truck 24.7%. The faces tough competition with Daimler, Chryster AG, Fiat, General Motor, Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Suzuki. In which Ford motor company has the market share of 9.4% ( datamonitor, 2009). The industry fluctuated over 2004-2007 affected by global economic downturn and declined in 2008. However, the performance is predicted to accelerate with compound annual growth rate of 4.4% for 5 yr period of 2008-2013 to a value of $1,831 billion by end of 2013. Despite US Govt. providing billions of dollars to Fords rival GM and Chrysler, Ford is OK with the situation. Despite its loss in 2008 and dwindling cash supply, Ford is widely expressed in media as financially stable  [1]  . PEST Analysis: Political: The Company has to go with rules and regulations formulated by the government such as CO2 Tailpipe Regulation. Companies get respect from government for powered IWO wheelers. Ford has to go through the European Union vehicle approval. Economic: Depression hits the Automobile industry. Ford, GM and Chrysler face problem in this situation. Factors such as Central London congestion charge, call to become all gas guzzlers , European union reduced pollution certificate and London low emission zone affect the manufacturing of the Ford cars. Social: There has been growth in road traffic slowing. Society is concerned with more green cars to be sold. Road safety for everyone should be considered by Ford. Technology: New technologies like using bio-fuels and digital radio should be considered. Ford has invested in car safety. Similarly, Ford also invested in CO2 reducing technology. SWOT Analysis: The companys strong brand portfolio gives it a competitive advantage. Strengths: Ford has a strong brand portfolio and engineering capabilities. Ford has wide network of distributors and dealers and high employee productivity. Ford operates in an industry which has customer who highly value brands who believe strong portfolio of established brand gives competitive advantage which helps in brand equity. This helps in launching new product range and penetrating in new automobile markets. Weaknesses: Ford faces continued decline in market share in US from 20.5 % in 2003 to 15.6% in 2007 similarly in UK 19.5% (0.3% down from previous year in 2006). This was due to increased competition, industry moving away from traditionally stronger segment, reduced vehicle sales, daily rental companies, and discontinuation of companys vehicle lines. Likewise Ford got 3 complaints on leaking fuel or oil ignition. Several product recalls inadequate quality assurance and quality control system and declining operating efficiency and weak returns (datamonitor). Opportunities: Ford Company has the opportunity to expand in India and China. Company launches new models often now and then according to the choices of customers. They can produce hybrid vehicles. They face increasing demand of dual fuel vehicle. Threats: The profitability of the business relies on performance of the economy in which the company operates. If EU and US shows economic slowdown continuously the companys business will face negative impact. Similarly, sluggish light vehicle produced in the developed market also acts as a threat. The company also need to consider EU vehicle regulations. Porters Five Forces Analysis: Buyers in the automotive industry are large with significant financial power. Buyers power of dealers is affected by brand strength of top market players. An increase in raw materials costs put pressure in both market players and suppliers. Barriers of government regulations high fixed costs exit barrier puts new entrants into difficulties. Competition arises as a result of economic downturn. Buyer Power: Buyers in this industry have financial strength, if its high, they can make large purchase and put pressure to reduce prices. But Brand strength weakens buyer power. Retailers like distributor have one market player and thus buyer power is reduced. Overall the buyer power is moderate. Supplier Power: Supplier of raw material, assembled and semi assembled, energy like- steel, aluminium. The power of suppliers is strengthened further by the necessities of the automobile industry requirement of raw materials of high quality. Reliance of supplier is minimized by different companies. The power over all is moderate. New Entrants: Small firms are unlikely to enter in this industry which needs intellectual property. Entry is further made difficult by getting distribution channels. Similarly, company has to meet government requirements and invest on continuous development. The threat is moderate. Substitute: Used cars acts as substitutes. However, affordable power diminishes used cars. Awareness of environmental issues and climate change might lead people to walk, cycle and use public transport. The companies are making hybrid( petrol, electric) cars. Overall the threat is weak. Rivalry: Competition in this industry remains fierce, among the top 4 market players 38% of market value. Toyota, GM , Daimler and Ford. High fixed price exit barriers raw materials costs lead to unpredictable production costs and post pressure on market players. Most company produce diverse range of cars .The rivalry is very strong. Marketing strategy option for Ford Motors Social Responsibility and Ethical Marketing Communication: Ford emphasises on being a good corporate citizen, by focusing on the global community by understanding envirionmental issues and investing on people. Similarly, organise programmes to promote tolerance and equal opportunities and support social and environmental protection programmes. In 2006, Ford was the first automotive manufacturer to produce dedicated hydrogen fuel V-10 engines. (datamonitor). Ford introduces new vehicles which offer fuel economy and reduced environmental impact. In Britain, from April 2009, the government encourage the manufacturer to produce cleaner cars, and Ford should adopt the policy and motivate customers to opt for least polluting cats  [2]  . In short- run, they focus on clean diesel engines, hybrids, flexible fuel vehicle ethanol vehicles and turbo charged direct injection Eco Boast- Superior performance, which provide 20 % better fuel economy, 15% fewer CO2 emissions. In the long run Ford has invested in plug in hybrids, fuel cells, hydrogen internal combustion engines, advanced technology. Ford believes that these are right and responsible things which would give customers better goods. Target Markets and Segmentations: Ford has broken down its diverse markets into two manageable segments, Financial and Automotive services. Inside these more segments on geographic and organisational structure. Similarly Ford attracts younger demographic. Automotive: Ford segments its customers based on the car types- passenger cars, trucks, buses and vans, sports vehicles, accessories, after sale parts, maintenance and vehicle repair services. This business division consists of design, development, manufacture, sale and service of trucks, cars and service parts. Hence make small, medium, large and premium ranges. This segment is further divided into geographically, Ford North America, Ford South America, Ford Europe, Premier Automotive group, ford Asia Pacific and Africa Mazda. Each has their own manufacturing process, like- Ford North America- design, develop, manufacture and service vehicle ad parts. They have servicing as maintenance and light repair, collision, vehicle accessories and service warranty. Financing Service Segments: These include financing products to and through automotive dealers. Three categories- retail financing, purchase retail instalment sale contracts and retail lease contract from dealers and offering financing to commercial customers. Similarly, they offer loans to dealers to finance the purchase of vehicle inventory. External marketing communication: Ford develops advertising, sales promotion, sponsorship and merchandising programs  [3]  . Fords advertising policy is do best by building and selling the most innovative cars and trucks  [4]  . Ford adopted Bold Moves campaign, a form of transparent marketing( via webisodes , the assessment of past and present performances), emotional appeals (interview with employees) and product oriented work with an emphasis on drivers than steel metal. Ford has done Sync campaigns  [5]  which deals with TV and radio commercials, print and online advertisement, a promotional tone and dealership training which targets Black and Hispanic consumers. Chris Brown appeal young urban consumers. Give radio commercials Online sync with chrisbrown.com- launched Nov 12, 2007. Columbian Rocker Jaunes Multicultural marketing communications Emphasis on digital promotion. Ford adopts mantra of Change or Die which has reached the parent company of its largest advertising agencies  [6]  . The company hires best talented employees, consultants and contract workers, who are devoted to administrative, media and band experience service. Using ad agencies for delivery would promote the most stunning product. Mark Fields, Fords President of America, focus on customers needs and brands. Ford spends $757.5 million to advertising in US media on 2005. Automakers like Ford, GM are the biggest budget cutters in media and advertising. Ford cut their spending on Hispanic media more deeply in fourth quarter which feel 31.2% last year to $46 .7 million, but according to RNS it is still continuing a long tradition as the executive car sponsor for Univision blockbuster Sabado Ginate show. In April 4, in this show the Host Francisco drive the new 2010 ford Fusion to the studio and hosted Ford Fusion game to give away a new car to a winner in the studio audience  [7]  . In UK, Ford sponsors events like UEFA champions- football tournaments and charities. They sponsor various events and organisations from family fantasy, Disneyland Paris to 60 year old musical and military prowess, the Edinbrugh Tattoo. The sponsorship focus on all the target markets form children to elderly, which shows that company is building image in the community as a form of goodwill for the company itself. Recently Ford Company launched Ford Focus, the commercial is beautifully made. The Ford Focus Orchestra- in which musicians are shown playing the instrument made from the real car parts. The main aim of this advertisement is to show customers that all the car parts are important and has best quality. The journey made with this car would never make you feel long with the experience of comfort cabin with striking exterior and improved technology. Primary Survey Analysis: Customers: As research done on the customers of Ford Cars, most customers are influenced by friends and family. They are likely to buy cars which are recommended by peers. Thus company can focus on giving best service and product to all target customers and also positive word of mouth communication (message is transmitted from the sender to many receivers, Pickton and Broderik). Similarly, customers look after the style and comfort of the cars, like size- 4 wheelers, small for single individual. What they look for is the use of cars like vans, trucks and their storage, capacity, fuel, engine, warranty. So, what Ford needs to understand is the needs and wants of the customers. Likewise, customers are influenced by the advertisement in the cars and magazines. Advertisements which use celebrities are likely to influence more customers. Ford uses cars in James Bond movies, science fiction drama Fringe  [8]  . Ford can adopt celebrity endorsement, using celebrity as a spokes person for project (Pickton and Broderick). Customers are also influenced by the established brand name. They look after the brand loyalty and its strength in the market (Allan K). Sales person influence the most when customers visit showrooms, the form of direct marketing- persuading and informing customers at the spot. Therefore, Ford can invest in best customer service personnel and give training to employees. Recommendations Klara Roberts argues that even though all the promotional activities Ford have done so far, will not help sales grow  [9]  . There are more marketing communications mix (internet advertising, direct marketing and e- commerce, sales promotions, sponsorship etc.) to be adopted to communicate directly with target markets (Seminik R. J.). Managing Corporate Identity: Ford can maintain the image of being dynamic, goal- orientated, attention-getting, active and pioneering .According to the Chris Fill, 2002, Ford has many stakeholders and small corporate gap and hence can adopt incremental process in maintaining this gap. Similarly, Ford should try to be a good corporate citizen, by managing corporate identity among various stakeholders, like- employees, local community and government. All the promotional and marketing activities done by the companies are based on maintaining corporate image. Push Promotional Strategy: Ford can adopt this strategy, a form of promotional effort by the manufacturer or suppliers to encourage trade channel members to promote and sell their products (Pickton and Broderick). Sales forces, internal part of communication, can be targeted as the main form of push strategy. Pull Promotional Strategy: Ford can also adopt pull strategy, a form of promotional effort to end customers and consumers to demand more by adding benefits and other activities (Pickton and Broderick). Such as discount promotion- a process of discounting the price for the product so that customers are encouraged to buy however this involves financial aspects (Hans and Duncan) . Similarly, they can improve on their weaknesses to minimize product recall and improve product efficiency which adds benefits. Relationship Marketing: Ford can put its emphasis on relationship marketing, between various stakeholders. They can focus on delivering more to the target customers by being more specific. As researched on the consumers, they are affected by the positive word of mouth marketing. Ford should focus on customer relationship management (positive communication and long term customer relationship management, Hans and Duncan). Even though they give services like financing, service and maintenance, they can add more features like style and safety. Brand Strategy: Most customers considers brand before making purchase decision. What Ford can invest in establish long term brand image by using more of communications mix which are explained further. This will help as a source of competitive advantage and create entry barrier. Brand strategy helps in improving the product by introducing innovative technology (Semenik). Similarly, Ford can also look for brand future, by adjusting in future changes in legislation, technology consumer patterns (Pickton and Broderick). Business 2 Business Marketing: This form of marketing acts as a lead generator, brand awareness and relationship development. If Ford fails to recognize the trade customers, they looses the first line customers. The agencies should change their cultures break down barriers and generate new marketing initiatives and creative ad content. Promotional Mix/ Intergrating Marketing Communication Mix: Analysing Ford Company, we can see that they have adopted various forms of promotional mix such as advertising, sponsorship. However, they can invest more on these factors and decide on what to adopt ( Kotler and Keller). Advertising Expenditure: Ford can also expend on intermedia (options for deciding media such as cinema, TV, press posters, magazines etc). Ford can target TV commercials (Ford Orchestra) as lots of people see TV everyday during free period. Buying a car is high involvement product where more risk is involved in buying decision (Hierarchy of Effects Model). People look for the best advertisement and are influenced by the positive aspects of commercials. Thus Ford could be more focused on creative advertising procedures. Public Relations: Ford can make an effort in this field by having sound relations with employees during the time of redundancy and closure, which is happening at the current economic downturn. Similarly, Ford can invest in ethical marketing, doing best for the public, like donations, conserving environment. All these helps in dealing with the negative publicity and crisis management and develop to make the corporate image (Pickton and Broderick) and helps brand signatures( Kotler and Keller). Internet Advertising: In Sept. 2008, Google was criticised for charging companies like Ford, for their share of profit in return of internet advertising  [10]  . There are various negative consequences that are faced by company in internet advertising such as fraud and scam. However, Ford can invest in internet advertising through websites which acts as an agent for the car companies. Personal Selling and Sales Management: As a research done on the customers, they are influenced by the presentation of customer service advisors. Similarly, the role of distributor is very important as they act as the main source to deal with the sales and marketing effort (Pickton and Broderick). Future Marketing communications: The form of media is always changing. The generation of use of media depends on the innovation and technology ( Broderick and Pickton). Firstly, there was a use of newspapers, then radio, television and internet. Future is based on the electronic marketing, known as ecommerce. Ford needs to go along with the change in media adaptation by the consumer and thus invest in communication via such medium.

campaigns :: essays research papers

For our campaign finance homework, I looked up Senator Maria Cantwell. For her 2004 campaign, Cantwell had raised $1,794,461. Cantwell had self-financed 61.7% of the total amount. That is approximately $10,331,911. Over ten million dollars from her own pocket! The next greatest contribution was from individual contributions. This made up 32.3% of the total, rounding up to $5,406,386. The remaining contributions were from PAC and from the category, â€Å"Other.† I was surprised to learn that several of the top contributors were Microsoft Corp., Boeing, Dreamworks SKG, Puget Sound Energy, and the MoneyTree. Even the University of Washington had donated $13,600! Wow, that’s great.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Under the â€Å"Political Parties† category, the Republicans raised $889,752,453, and the Democrats raised $816,976,491 during the 2004 elections. The top five States for Republican contributions were: 1) California 2) Texas 3) Florida 4) New York 5) Michigan. The top five States for Democratic Party contributions were: 1) California 2) New York 3) Massachusetts 4) Florida 5) Texas. The highest industry contributions for the Republican party came from the Retired. The top five contributors were: Goldman Sachs, Hastert for Congress Cmte, Friends of Roy Blunt, Lewis for Congress Cmte, and the Federated Investors Inc. The highest industry contributions for the Democratic party came from Lawyers/Law Firms. The top five contributors were: John Kerry for President, Friends of Schumer, Goldman Sachs, Friends for Harry Reid, and Time Warner. The University of California came in sixth.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This was the first time that I had ever looked into this kind of information. I was very interested in learning about how much money goes into campaigns, and where the money is coming from. I was very surprised to find out that Senators or other members of congress spend so much money out of their own pocket just for a campaign--- just to become a member of Congress! Over ten-million dollars! (I didn’t even know that they were that wealthy!) Of her top contributors, I was also surprised to find companies like Puget Sound Energy, or the MoneyTree. I didn’t think that energy companies get to involved in politics. And the MoneyTree? Has it really become that big and great of an organization that they’re donating thousands of dollars to campaigns?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I was also very interested in comparing the financial side of the campaigns between Republicans and Democrats. I’m Republican so I was glad to learn that the Republicans had raised over $70 million dollars more than the Democrats.

Theodore Dreiser and Psychology :: essays research papers

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the time of Theodore Dreiser’s writings world culture was looking to find the psychological reasons for society’s miscreants. Psychology was the new science fad due to the popularity of Freud and other psychologists. People were beginning to delve into the world of the subconscious as the source of their troubles. No longer were all mental illnesses considered maladies of the brain. Some were being able to be treated through the treatment of the psyche, a Freudian term. Hypnotism was a popular method of therapy. By investigating the dreams and hidden memories psychotherapist believed they could find the root of the afflictions of their patients. The lounging couch now so greatly associated with the psychotherapeutic method of free association was just coming into popular use.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This time period reflects the ideas that surrounded Dreiser. Growing up poor in Indiana as the ninth of ten children in a devout Catholic German immigrant family, Dreiser received little formal education as his family moved from town to town. While able to secure a college education at the University of Indiana he only managed to stay enrolled for one year. However, he was voracious reader. One of his favorites was Dr. Sigmund Freud, the preeminent psychologist during Dreiser’s life. This fascination with psychological theories as well as his ability to understand them would become a major trademark of his later work such as Sister Carrie, in which he details the rise and fall of a working girl. It is also predominant in his most successful work An American Tragedy, in which he spins the tale of a psychopathic, overly ambitious young man who will stop at nothing including murder to attain wealth and great status.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Sister Carrie is preoccupied with Dreiser’s statement that society is two concerned with the societal demands for material success. This is the sociological declaration made in this novel. The author makes the reader see this. Take the following passage: â€Å"A woman should some day write the complete philosophy of clothes. No matter how young, it is one of the things who wholly comprehends. There is an indescribably faint line in the matter of man’s apparel which somehow divides for her those who are worth glancing at and those who are not. Once an individual has passed this faint line on the way downward he will get no glance from her. There is another line at which the dress of a man will cause her to study her own.

The Ghosts Deception in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- William Shakesp

The Ghost’s Deception in Hamlet The Ghost in Hamlet cleared out the event that Hamlet was uncertain of. The spirit clarified the death of King Hamlet, and caused Hamlet to perform his evil deeds. The Ghost’s request to avenge him caused the death of Hamlet’s family, friends, and eventually himself; therefore, the spirit can be viewed as evil because it failed the four tests that was set by Lewes Lavater and the Church. Lewes Lavater describes how the church determines if a ghost is evil or good. The first description is â€Å"good spirits terrify initially, but ultimately comfort.† The spirit does not cause comfort to Hamlet. Throughout the play, the Ghost causes trouble among the characters. According to Eleanor Prosser: The Ghost has done everything possible to taint Hamlet’s mind with lacerating grief, sexual nausea, hatred, and fury. It has just focused its appeal on the lewd picture that Hamlet knows can most corrupt him – and it says, â€Å"Taint not they mind†! (E. Prosser, pp.137) Hamlet decided to kill Claudius because the Ghost wanted to avenge his death. Hamlet was obsessed to killing Claudius, which caused him his insanity. His insanity caused the death of Polonius, which lead to the death of Ophelia. The death of Ophelia led to the death of Laertes, which led to the death of the queen and king, and eventually Hamlet himself. The source of these strings of death is the Ghost. The Ghost calls Hamlet deep into this world of disruption. Its invitation to decapitate the body politic seems a horrific charge (â€Å"O cursed spite†), and by the end of the play it will manifestly be so: Ophelia will have been emotionally brutalized and lost to lunatic distraction; the king and queen will have been pierced with hateful... ...all that rots, seeming to embody the very forces of corporeal ruin that Hamlet fears may be inimical virtue.† Bibliography: Lewes Lavater. Renaissance Theories of Ghost and Demons. http://stjohns-chs.org/english/Renaissance/Ren-gh.html Eleanor Prosser. â€Å"Spirit of Health or Goblin Damned?† Hamlet and Revenge. (New York: Stanford Press. 1971), pp. 137 John Hunt. â€Å"A Thing of Nothing: The Catastrophic Body In Hamlet† Shakespearean Quarterly Volume 39 #1 (Spring 1988), pp. 35 William Shakespeare. Hamlet edited by Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine. (New York: Washington Square Press, 1992) All future references will come from this text. Philip Edwards. â€Å"The Ghost† Shakespearean Criticism Volume 44, (1985), pp.126 Richard Burton with Richard L. Sterne. â€Å"Interview† Shakespearean Criticism Volume 21, (August 3, 1964), pp.246

Eastern Theater Essay

Noh and Kyogen The earliest existing Kyogen scripts date from the 14th century. Kyogen was used as an intermission between Noh acts — it linked the theme of the Noh play with the modern world by means of farce and slapstick. The Noh was only performed to the high level class. Unlike Noh, the performers of Kyogen do not wear masks, unless their role calls for physical transformation. Both men and women were allowed to perform Kyogen until 1450. Kabuki The best known form of Japanese theatre is Kabuki. It was performed by Okunis. Perhaps its fame comes from the wild costumes and swordfights, which used real swords until the 1680s. Kabuki grew out of opposition to Noh — they wanted to shock the audience with more lively and timely stories. The first performance was in 1603. Like Noh, however, over time Kabuki became not just performing in a new way, but a stylized art to be performed only a certain way. As a matter of interest, the popular Gekidan Shinkansen, a theatrical troupe based in Tokyo today, insists it follows pure kabuki tradition by performing historical roles in a modern, noisy, and outlandish way — to shock the audience as kabuki intended, if you will. Whether or not they are kabuki, however, remains a matter of debate and personal opinion. Kabuki is a type of theatre that combines music, drama, and dance. Bunraku Puppets and Bunraku were used in Japanese theatre as early as the noh plays. Medieval records record the use of puppets actually in Noh plays. Puppets are 3- to 4-foot-tall (0.91 to 1.2 m) dolls that are manipulated by puppeteers in full view of the audience. The puppeteers controlling the legs and hands are dressed entirely in black, while the head puppeteer is wearing colorful clothing. Music and chanting is a popular convention of bunraku, and the shamisen player is usually considered to be the leader of the production. Modern theatre Japanese modern drama in the early 20th century, the 1910s, consisted of Shingeki (experimental Western-style theater), which employed naturalistic acting and contemporary themes in contrast to the stylized conventions of Kabuki and Noh. HÃ… getsu Shimamura and Kaoru Osanai were two figures influential in the development of shingeki. In the postwar period, there was a phenomenal growth in creative new dramatic works, which introduced fresh aesthetic concepts that revolutionized the orthodox modern theater. Challenging the realistic, psychological drama focused on â€Å"tragic historical progress† of the Western-derived shingeki, young playwrights broke with such accepted tenets as conventional stage space, placing their action in tents, streets, and open areas and, at the extreme, in scenes played out all over Tokyo. Plots became increasingly complex, with play-within-a-play sequences, moving rapidly back and forth in time, and intermingling reality with fantasy. Dramatic structure was fragmented, with the focus on the performer, who often used a variety of masks to reflect different personae. Playwrights returned to common stage devices perfected in Noh and Kabuki to project their ideas, such as employing a narrator, who could also use English for international audiences. Major playwrights in the 1980s were Kara Juro, Shimizu Kunio, and Betsuyaku Minoru, all closely connected to specific companies. In contrast, the fiercely independentMurai Shimako won awards throughout the world for her numerous works focusing on the Hiroshima bombing. ELEMENTS The Musician’s Stage (Yuka)This is the auxiliary stage upon which the gidayu-bushi is performed. It thrusts out into the audience area at the front right portion of the seats. Upon this auxiliary stage there is a special revolving platform. It is upon this revolving platform that the chanter and the shamisen player make their appearance, and, when they are finished, it turns once more, bringing them backstage and placing the next performers on the stage. The Partitions (Tesuri) and the Pit (Funazoko)Between extreme upstage and extreme downstage, there are three stage partitions, known as â€Å"railings† (tesuri). The area behind the second partition is called the pit (funazoko;lit., â€Å"ship bottom†), and it is where the manipulators stand. It is one step lower than the main stage. When the puppets move, their feet move along the railings, making it look as though they are actually walking upon the ground. The building (yatai) or painted backdrop (kakiwari) is attached to the partition farthest from the audience (main railing). Training to become a puppeteer begins with the feet, and then the left hand, and finally proceeds to the head and right hand. Such a long period of study was required those in olden times, it was said: â€Å"Ten years for the feet, ten years for the left.† In order to help the left-hand puppeteer maintain a more comfortable position, the head puppeteer wears some special footwear known as â€Å"stage clogs† or â€Å"elevated clogs.† A large doll can be as much as 1 m 50 cm tall, while a smaller one is about 1 m 30 cm, so the height of the elevated clogs to be used can vary from 20 cm to 50 cm, depending upon such conditions as the size of the doll. The heads of the dolls are carved of wood and are hollow, and they are placed atop a special head-grip stick (dogushi), which is placed through a hole in the shoulder board; it is with this stick that the main puppeteer manipulates the doll. There are lengths of fabric draped both in front of and in back of the shoulde r board, and they are attached to bamboo hoops. The puppet’s costumes consist of an under robe (juban), an inner kimono (kitsuke), an outer jacket (haori) or outer robe (uchikake), the collar (eri), and the belt-like sash (obi). In order to give the dolls’ bodies the sensation of softness, the robes are lightly stuffed with cotton. Further, there is a hole in the back of the robes to allow the puppeteer to manipulate the dolls. For each performance, the costume masters choose costumes out of many of the same types of robes of different colors and patterns, deciding which robes to use with which puppet. The complete set of robes that they have chosen is then sent to the puppeteers. The puppeteers then take part in what is called koshirae, or the dressing of the doll. Because they are used on the stage, the robes’ lose their bright colors, they become soiled, and in places they are even worn out. Therefore, they are in constant need of maintenance and repair. Furthermore, preparing new sets of costumes for the characters in a new play is another important task of the costume masters. The Nobori-hige mask is worn by the Ai-kyogen in a Noh drama in which he plays the role of the god of a subsidiary shrine. The smiling expression of its open, toothless mouth gives a better hint of human goodness than of sacredness. The Oto mask is often used to portray ugly women, but it is also used by characters who disguise themselves as the deity Jizo. The Buaku mask is like a Kyogen version of the Noh Beshimi, and although it is a demon mask, its humorous expression is not frightening. TheKentoku mask is used for the spirits of non-human beings, such as horses, cows, dogs, and crabs. TheUsofuki mask looks like it is whistling, and is used for the spirits of mosquitoes and mushrooms. TheKitsune mask is used for the old fox in Fox Trapping, the highest-ranking Kyogen play. In the Edo period, it seems that there were many realistic animal masks use, but today only the fox (Kitsune), monkey (Saru), and badger (Tanuki) remain. The daimyo (feudal lords) that appear in Kyogen usually wear a dan-noshime as an under robe, a suosuit as trousers and vest / jacket, and a special cap (hora-eboshi). Taro Kaja, who might be said to be representative of Kyogen, usually wears a stripednoshime as an under robe, a kataginu as a kind of vest / jacket, and a pair of han-bakama (shorthakama) as trousers. One special characteristic of akataginu is that it is usually decorated with a free design of an animal, plant, or utensil that graphically depicts some theme from the character’s daily life. On the half-hakama as well, pestles, sailboats, and giant radishes are often dyed in circular motifs, and on characters such as travelers, warrior priests, con-men, salesmen, and the spirits of plants or animals,kyakuhan (loose trousers that are tight fitting on the lower leg) are used, in order to indicate that they are very active. Almost all female characters wearnuihaku as under robes, and a special hat calledbinan-boshi. This is actually a 5-meter piece of white linen that is wrapped around the head, in such a way that long sections fall from the head down, like braids; the ends of these sections are tucked into the waist band. Unlike the white tabi (split-toed socks) worn by Noh actors, all Kyogen actors, even those taking the part of the ai-kyogen in a Noh play, wear yellow or brown tabi. The heads (kashira) of the Bunraku puppets are divided into male and female, and then classified into categories according to the age, rank (social class), and distinguishing personality traits of the role they portray, and all of them have special names reflecting their special characteristics. If the play is different but the type of character is the same, the same head might be used for different characters in different plays. Sometimes, in order to match the character more closely, they are even repainted to give the right skin tone, or the wig might be changed, as the heads as used for one role after another. The wigs in Bunraku as called kazura, and there are a number of fundamental styles, depending upon the type of character being portrayed. It is the job of the wig masters (called tokoyama), to sew and create an appropriate hairstyle (keppatsu) for every role, based upon these fundamental styles. Also, the tokoyama does not just style the wigs; he also makes them by attaching hair to copper plates. The type of hair used is mostly human hair, but sometimes, in order to create the illusion of volume, the hair of a yak’s tail is also used. The finished wig is then carefully placed upon, and then securely attached to, the head. When creating a special hairstyle, no oil is used, in order to prevent soiling the face, so the styling must be done only with water and beeswax (bintsuke). The small hand props of Bunraku include things that are carried in the hand or attached to bodies, such as swords or handkerchief-like tenugui, as well as larger items such as chests of drawers or lighting fixtures. There are also a number of disposable items, such as letters that get torn up and thrown away, along with numerous others. All the hand props are small in size, in order to match the size of the puppets. Yet the types of fans used are the same size as those used by humans, which strangely enough does not seem to appear incongruous. The prop masters prepare all of the small props that are needed for each performance. THEMES 1. Classification by work content Jidaimono Jidaimono means the Kabuki works describing the world of samurai and kuge (court nobles) in periods earlier than the Edo period, including works such as â€Å"Kanadehon chushingura† based on incidents that occurred in the Edo period, but were rewritten as if they occurred before the Edo period. This alteration of historical era was made because the Tokugawa Shognate prohibited the dramatization of historical acts that occurred in and after the late Sengoku period (the age of civil wars in old Japan). Kabuki works based on stories from the Heian period or earlier are called Ochomono or Odaimono (tales of royalty/tales of the imperial era) . Sewamono are Kabuki works based on the lives of tradesmen in the Edo period. These were the modern plays of that era. Works focusing on the lives of common people of low social position are called Kizewa. The Kizewa works by Tsuruya Namboku 4th who was active in the Bunka/Bunsei period [1804 – 1830] are famous. Shosagoto means Buyo (Kabuki dance). At first, Shosagoto were considered to be the speciality of Onnagata, but from the latter half of the 18th century, tachiyaku also started to dance. Later, in the Bunka/Bunsei period, works called Hengebuyo (transformation dances) in which a single actor alone portrays multiple different characters became popular. Shosagoto can be classified by subject into groups of works such as Shishimono, Matsubamemono and Dojojimono. Gidayu-kyogen are also called Maruhonmono, meaning works which were initially performed in Ningyo-joruri (puppet play) and later dramatized for Kabuki. The story is advanced by the reciting of Takemoto (narrative recitation and music). Much of the action, production techniques and movements are stylized and are synchronized with the narration and musical accompaniment. References: http://www.arlymasks.com/japanese_history_timeline.htm http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/bunraku/en/contents/whats/stage.html http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/noh/en/kg_mask/kg_mask.html http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/bunraku/en/contents/creaters/operator.html http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/bunraku/en/contents/dolls/kashira.html http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/bunraku/en/contents/creaters/wig.html http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/bunraku/en/contents/creaters/cloth.html http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/bunraku/en/contents/creaters/prop.html http://www2.ntj.jac.go.jp/unesco/kabuki/en/5/5_03.html

Professional Roles and Values

Professional Roles Running head: Professional Roles and Values 1 Professional Roles and Values Jennifer Kelso, RN Western Governor’s University Professional Roles 2 Professional Roles and Values The nurse supervisor has the responsibility of coaching all of her staff members in the importance of utilizing her team members to provide the most holistic care for patients. As a nurse supervisor it is important to recognize when a team member is struggling with this concept and to provide the proper leadership and mentoring so that the most best possible patient outcomes can be consistently realized.The nurse supervisor must provider leadership and confidence to try to guide her staff in utilizing available resources to achieve the goal of optimal patient care and outcomes. Promoting Interdisciplinary Care To promote interdisciplinary care the nurse supervisor must find a way to engage her staff in the concepts of team building and how to utilize each member of the healthcare team and the unique contributions that they bring to patient care. One effective way that I have experienced this personally is with team building exercises. In the clinic where I work as a registered nurse we have weekly team building exercises.These exercises provide a regular opportunity to further get to know one’s co-workers outside of the daily rigors of patient care. At my current job I have participated in races, games and scavenger hunts, among other activities. These activities bring an element of fun and stress relief to what might otherwise be another mundane meeting, while at the same time promoting team cohesiveness and friendship. I would recommend that the nurse supervisor provide time in the weekly or monthly schedule for her healthcare teams to meet together to discuss and participate in team building exercises.Setting aside time for all of the staff in the clinic to meet come together and engage in team building activities will help improve cohesion of the staff , improve communication and help to build comradery. Professional Roles Another technique that the nurse supervisor can use to promote the advantages of interdisciplinary care is to discuss with and demonstrate to her staff how team based healthcare achieves better patient outcomes. The nurse supervisor can present case studies during team meetings and ask staff to problem solve how different members of the team can be utilized to address the patients’ needs.These types of exercises can be used to remind staff of the resources that are available to them in the clinic. All the members of the team, from the nutritionist to the 3 social worker, bring their talents and strengths to the table. Being able to help staff recognize the value in utilizing their fellow team members and to appreciate what those team members offer in the way of enhancing patient care is vitally important. Another approach to try in engaging Ms. W in interdislipnary care is to spend some time mentoring her . The nurse supervisor can set aside time dedicated to coaching Ms.W regarding the benefits of a team-based approach to patient care and how to implement this concept in her own practice. Some of the benefits of interdisciplinary care include improved patient health outcomes and overall patient satisfaction in the quality of the healthcare received (Mitchell, Hall & Gaines, 2012). One way she could mentor Ms. W is to shadow her in some of her appointments and provide support and guidance to her as she learns how to utilize the resources available at the clinic. The nurse supervisor could also involve Ms.W’s colleagues by having her shadow another provider and observe a few appointments where the provider utilizes the other team members and to provide concrete examples of how this practice benefits the patient. It is important that the nurse supervisor address these issues with Ms. W in a caring and supportive fashion with the intention of improving the quality of healthcare a nd continuity of care that each patient receives. Professional Roles Delegation and Teamwork To promote delegation and teamwork within the clinic, the nurse supervisor must ensure 4 hat her staff recognizes how vitally important these are to the patient care that they provide. The nurse supervisor needs to promote these practices in the functioning of the clinic every day. Weekly staff meetings are a place where everyone can come together and discuss what did and did not work well in the clinic for that particular week. This is one way to increase communication between staff members. Fostering open communication and providing an environment where everyone’s voice can be heard is very important during these meetings and could be considered one of the major responsibilities of the nurse supervisor.When employees can begin to appreciate the benefits of an interdisciplinary approach and can recognize the potential of such an approach for improving patient outcomes then it will be natural that they would want to continue using this approach. A nurse supervisor must be present to answer staff questions and to help guide them in this process while taking advantage of opportunities to help staff recognize that the interdisciplinary approach is improving patient care. When the nurse supervisor approaches Ms. W regarding delegation and team work, it is important that she utilizes the concepts mentioned above.The nurse supervisor can begin the conversation by recognizing and affirming the difficulties that Ms. W must be having with trying to provide healthcare for Ms. R, who presents with many barriers to care. Inquire of Ms. W what she sees as the barriers that Ms. R has to being compliant with her plan of care. Problem solve with Ms. W in a supportive and open-minded manner regarding various resources the clinic has available to help this patient. Arrange to have a clinic meeting with the other members of the staff and discuss Ms. R’s circumstances and ha ve each team member discuss what they bring to the table to help this patient.It is important that the nurse supervisor try to help Ms. W Professional Roles understand that there is support available to help her care for Ms. R and that acknowledging and utilizing the other team members in the clinic will not only help lessen the load on Ms. W, but will also provide more comprehensive care to Ms. R. Responsibility Ms. W has a responsibility to understand that when she delegates tasks to other staff in the clinic that she is doing so appropriately and safely. When Ms. W delegates any form of the patient’s care it is important that Ms.W recognize that she is legally responsible to ensure that the person that she delegated the task to is competent. Ms. W must make sure that she is delegating the right task, under the right circumstances, to the right person under the right directions with the right supervision (Anthony & Vidal, 2010). It is important that Ms. W consider the finan cial implications of delegation and whether she is being a good steward of clinic resources (Weydt, 2010). A nurse needs to be aware of the cost of services and supplies and to always strive to not be wasteful with healthcare resources.One way a nurse does this is through delegating work to a qualified staff member who can safely do the task and still achieve desired patient outcomes (Weydt, 2010). It is very important to recognize that there are limited healthcare resources and the nurse must be able to efficiently coordinate patient care in an effective and responsible way that maximizes patient outcomes (Weydt, 2010). Trust and open communication are the landmarks of all good relationships and it is no different in a professional relationship. Open communication and trust are vitally important for Ms. W and the staff to have to be able to work effectively as a team.The nurse and the 5 supporting staff must work together and have respect for and trust in each other and what unique contributions that they bring to the patient’s care. Professional Roles To properly delegate the right task to the appropriate supportive staff, Ms. W must consider if the person that she is delegating to is qualified and has the appropriate skill set to perform the task. It is important that Ms. W consider whether the task requires any nursing judgment, assessment, or licensure to be safely carried out, as these kinds of tasks cannot be 6 delegated to supportive staff (Weydt, 2010). Ms.W must be able to trust and have confidence in the skills of the supportive staff (Weydt, 2010). Different resources that Ms. W can use in the clinic to help with the delegation process is to ask to see the job descriptions of supportive staff to see if the task she is asking the staff member to perform fits in the job description. She can also accompany the support staff when they are helping patients to ensure that she is comfortable with their skills. She can also look up her nurse practic e act of her state and review the legal and ethical implications of delegation to ensure she is upholding the standards.Ms. W must ensure that the care she is delegating to another team member is under the right circumstances. It is imperative that Ms. W consider the current circumstances that the patient is in. Ms. W must assess the patient’s current health situation and then decide if it is safe, appropriate, a good use of clinic resources and in the patient’s best interest to delegate a task to a supportive staff (Weydt, 2010). To delegate to the right person Mrs. W must consider the qualifications of the supportive staff that she is delegating to. Points that Ms.W must consider include the job description, experience, years of practice and competency of supportive staff (Weydt, 2010). If the supportive staff is inexperienced or has not proven that he or she can safely perform the assigned task then Ms. W should not delegate as it would not be safe. When Ms. W does deem that the task that she would like the supportive staff to do is safe she must also provide adequate supervision. Ms. W must be available and accessible to support staff that she delegates to in case there are any issues that may come up (Weydt, 2010). Ms. W must continueProfessional Roles to assess the patient’s response to care provided by supportive staff and be prepared to intervene appropriately if needed. Ms. W must consider and implement the principles mentioned above if she is to delegate patient care to supportive staff in a safe, effective and appropriate manner. Referrals. Ms. W needs to also take into account the above principles when making referrals to other health care providers. When making referrals, Ms. W must ensure that she is referring to a provider that has the skills and appropriate experience to care for Ms.R’s needs (Maji, 2009). Ms. W will need to consider what care that the patient needs from the referral to another health care provider a nd then monitor Ms. W’s response to the treatment. It is Ms. W’s responsibility to ensure that she is following Ms. R closely and to ensure that she is benefiting 7 medically from being referred outside of clinic (Maji, 2009). It is Ms. W’s ultimate responsibility to provide safe and competent care to the patient and delegating or making referrals is never something to be taken lightly; it must be done in a safe and effective manner. Resources.As a nursing supervisor it is imperative to support providers and staff with learning resources that are available to find out more information that will aid them in their jobs. Ms. W would benefit from going to her state board of nursing to find out more information regarding delegation. Another readily-available resource is the American Nursing Association’s website, which contains articles regarding delegation and how to implement it into her practice. Every state also has a Nurse Practice Act and Ms. W should be very familiar with and quite capable of following the standards put forth by this act.Delegation opportunities. In the assigned case study there were many support staff that Ms. W could utilize to provide optimal patient care. Ms. R has many barriers to care that make it more difficult for her to be compliant with her plan of care. Ms. R is a Latina and would benefit greatly from having someone communicate with her who is familiar with her culture. It would Professional Roles 8 benefit Ms. R to work with the Latina social worker on staff at the clinic to help this patient with transportation issues and also to help find additional resources in the community that could help this patient once the baby is born.As the patient is not responding when Ms. W is speaking with her, it must be considered that this patient does not understand English very well and possibly cannot read English. As the patient is developmentally delayed it may be more difficult for this patient to have a full un derstanding of her plan of care and be able to follow her provider’s recommendations. Again, Ms. W would be wise in utilizing the Latina social worker who can speak Spanish and also write detailed instructions in Spanish.In order to help this patient prepare for labor, delivery and postpartum care, Ms. W can have the LVN on staff with training in labor and delivery, prenatal care, parenting and infant care to aid this patient in preparing for the birth and infant care of her baby. In providing continued care and support for this patient, the nurse who specializes in community health nursing would be ideal to work with this patient in ensuring that she is taking advantage of any community resources that are available to help this patient and her newborn infant.It would be important to ensure this patient has an understanding of how to properly care for herself and her baby since she is developmentally delayed. Utilizing all support staff and the different services that they of fer can ensure that this patient is receiving culturally appropriate, comprehensive, and excellent interdisciplinary care. Professional Roles References Anthony, M. , & Vidal, K. (2010). Mindful communication: a novel approach to improving delegation and improve patient care. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 20(2), Retrieved from 9 http://www. ursingworld. org/MainMenuCategories/ANAMarketplace/ANAPeriodicals/OJI N/TableofContents/Vol152010/No2May2010/Mindful-Communication-andDelegation. html Maji, A. (2009, June 30). Referrals, consultations & collaboration in nursing care. Retrieved from http://voices. yahoo. com/referrals-consultations-collaboration-nursing-care3665053. html? cat=4 Mitchell, P. , Hall, L. , & Gaines, M. (2012). A social compact for advancing team based highvalue healthcare. Health Affairs Blog, Retrieved from http://healthaffairs. org/blog/2012/05/04/a-social-compact-for-advancing-team-