Causes and Solutions for Crime Essay

Crime is a serious issue of many countries in the contemporary society; in particular, the crime rate gradually increases annually in some sectors worldwide. There are two main causes and one solution of crime that will be illustrated in this article. The first cause is poverty, which is seemed to be the principal cause of crime. People cannot survive without food; however, In some areas, the poor do not have sufficient money to buy food or other necessities. The only way to maintain their lives is to steal or rob, which leads to crimes. The second reason is the violence from media. There are many films and teleplays including violence, which provides individuals negative influences. Some people want to emulate the hero in films; therefore, they performance as the actors who destroy attributes in films, but these behaviors in reality is illegal. Especially, teenagers are easily to be affected and tend to imitate, so the crime rate of the young has raised annually. The authorities need to adopt necessary measures to resolve this problem. For poverty, it has to narrow the gap between the poor and the rich, that is, the government should tax more from the rich and relieve the poor. For TV violence, television and film rating system need to be strictly implemented. Moreover, parents should supervise their children and restrict the time of watching TV. To conclude, poverty and TV violence are main reasons of crime. The authorities need to have efficient solutions such as tax balance policy and film rating system to decrease the rate of crime and defend their populace. Read more: Crime Rate in India

Cda and Power Relations

CDA AND POWER RELATIONS Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-321-600-2709 Email: ahmadbilal. [email  protected] com Akkasha Tariq (Corresponding Author) Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-300-600-5445 E-mail: ak. [email  protected] com Sadaf Zahra Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-342-737-2911 E-mail: [email  protected] com Saadia Ashraf Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-334-757-2265 E-mail: life. [email  protected] com Saman Sibtain Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-334-753-0668 Email: [email  protected] com Kainat Aqsa Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-341-571-8087 E-mail: [email  protected] com Abstract This study aims at finding the connection between language and ideology which is represented by language. Through the analysis of Obama’s speech it will be seen that how dominant forces exercise their power, maintain their superiority and show their dominance.In this study it is tried to show that how come dominant forces or groups adopt strategies which fulfill their personal interests. In other words through the application of critical discourse analysis the text is analyzed to see up to what extent dominance and power is seen in the words and speech of those in power. CDA always aims at exploring the way social power abuse and dominance are enacted in society. Words are not to be considered neutral but as having some particular meanings which are not always obvious to all readers. Keywords: CDA, dominance, Obama’s speech, Power, Power realations 1. Introduction:Language is a phenomenon which is related to our social and cognitive development right from our childhood and plays a very crucial role in the formation of our identity. Whatever we say always contains some meaning and repr esents our perception toward a certain thing or idea. Language plays a very important role because every action particularly a political action is accompanied and in fact influenced and played by the language we use. We have always got a particular way of understanding and perceiving language. And the way we perceive language builds the foundation of our social construction and individual as well as group relationships.And some branches of linguistics have tried to explain that what kind of relationship is there between the use of language and importance of perception. Because the way we make use of language tells our intention toward any important issue either political or social. Any discourse either spoken or written can emerge from many sources like cultural, social or power background. Language has always its surface and real meanings and surface meanings differ from that of real meanings, and it is in fact one of the aims of discourse to show how language is working and what c ontext it is being used in. .. Using a language involves something that goes beyond the acquisition of structures and the ability to make appropriate choices in the realization of the particular language functions. † (Yalden, 1987, p 39). Every language finds its ways in discourse and in order to understand a speech or a text it so very necessary to get into the depth of that very spoken or written text and go for the context of it. Because unless the text is seen as having more than surface meanings, it would not be easy to get real meaning and understand the motive and intention of speaker.Discourse always intends to bring forth the context of a thing and bring into light which is otherwise not transparent enough to a reader and listener. Because it’s so very evident that our words have never been neutral and language is not an abstract thing rather our words have meanings and they belong to some particular social and political condition. It’s quite important t o know that what actually people do with words and this takes language from being comprised of structures and grammar to function and communicative competence. 2. Discourse AnalysisDiscourse analysis is a rapidly growing and vast field. Discourse explains that how texts relate to contexts of situation and context of culture. How texts are produced as a social practice, what texts tell us about happenings and what people think and belief. Text analysis is the study of formal linguistic devices that distinguish a text from random sentences. Discourse analysis takes into account the text-forming devices with reference to the functions for which the discourse was produced, and the context within which the discourse was created.The very aim of discourse analysis is to show how the linguistic elements help language users communicate. Cohesive devices tell us the text and discourse is the meaning in the context. When we find out meaning in the context, and when we find out meaning from a t ext that will become discourse, and when analyze the text along with the context it becomes discourse analysis. It’s a well known fact that language is checked not in the text but in context as well. It is very necessary to know historical background of any event.For example if a text consists of words about 9/11, it will be obvious to for the historical story. To know actually about a text background knowledge is required which will make the sense even more clear. Certain structures are traced out to reach to the meanings and this is called discourse analysis. Discourse analysis is a methodology but a research as well. It brings new things into knowledge and refers to expressing oneself using words. It is evident that words are never neutral and everything which is written or read has some meanings and through discourse analysis those meanings become clear.This is discourse analysis which enables the analyzer from seeing language as abstract to seeing it as having some meani ngs related to particular conditions like historical, social or political. Discourse analysis has been used to describe a number of research approaches whose ultimate purpose is to focus on the use of language. Conversational analysis, critical discourse analysis is some kinds of discourses which have their own methods and assumptions but the ultimate purpose is to explain the way meanings are constructed in communication.A wide range of texts including journals and broadcast media, political speeches, interviews have been understood through the application of discourse analysis. Discourse analysis includes the ways in which people assume meanings of a text within a given context. Conversational analysis focuses on the analysis of the ways language is being used. It tells how people respond to any conversation and how they make use of a specific word or any provided phrase. On the other hand critical discourse analysis (CDA) is concerned with the imbalance sources of power, inequali ty and bias. 3. Critical Discourse AnalysisThe term critical discourse analysis is an approach which studies discourse in which language is viewed as a form of social practice and focuses on the ways social or political domination are presented by text and talk as well. Power is one of the concepts CDA deals with and CDA tends to analyze the language of those in power, of those who are responsible for the inequalities in done in a society. Moreover CDA researchers attempt to know how discourse produces domination, and how power abuse of one group is exercised on others. And how dominated groups may strive to resist such actions. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is a type of discourse analytical research that primarily studies the way social power abuse, dominance, and inequality are enacted, reproduced and resisted by text and talk in the social and political context. † (van Dijk, 2001, p. 352) One more important perspective concerned by CDA about â€Å"power† is that it is a very rare chance that a text is a work of only one individual. There exists in texts certain evidence which, if observed through a critical eye, clearly shows the ideologies of those who intend to struggle for dominance.The constant unity of language with a number of social issues makes one thing clear and obvious that there is a close relationship of language with social power and this relationship occurs in a number of ways. Power is not essentially derived from language but language can be used in a way so as to challenge power. Language enables to establish differences in power in hierarchical social matters, issues and structures. The actions and words of those in power are always considered of great significance and given a particular importance.And they apply different strategies which are more than enough to show their interests, and it so happens that their words are taken as the ultimate truth. â€Å"The words of those in power are taken as â€Å"self-evident tru ths† and the words of those not in power are dismissed as irrelevant, inappropriate, or without substance† (van Dijk, 2000). In fact it is one of the responsibilities of the CDA researchers to play a very important role in bringing into light the problems and issues of those who have become the victims of dominance and power abuse, and then question the voice of those who have been exercising their power over other groups.Indeed it’s so very important to question them in order to reveal their hidden motives, their superiority, personal interests to make others subjugated. â€Å"†¦ home practitioners must engage in critical discourse analysis to make the voice of the marginalized legitimate and heard and to take the voice of those in power into question to reveal hidden agendas and motives that serve self-interests, maintain superiority, and ensure others’ subjugation. (Henry & Tator, 2002) As already mentioned that CDA’s main concern is about t he power and use of power which is reflected in the text and talk of those who struggle to maintain their authority over others, so it is believed that oppression, inequality and biasness would be left unchallenged if the text is not viewed and analyzed keenly and critically. â€Å"Given the power of the written and spoken word, CDA is necessary for describing, interpreting, analyzing, and critiquing social life reflected in text† (Luke, 1997). Power, dominance and inequality are equally interpreted by the help of CDA as these terms are major concern of CDA. CDA is concerned with studying and analyzing written texts and spoken words to reveal the discursive sources of power, dominance, inequality, and bias and how these sources are initiated, maintained, reproduced, and transformed within specific social, economic, political, and historical contexts† (van Dijk, 1988). As a matter of fact CDA aims to bring a reform in the society and tries to illuminate the paths of supp ressed groups and people. Its whole purpose is to let the oppressed groups know of the injustice done to them and make them able to resist it in order to make their lives worth living.It is in fact a path which tends to lead the dominated bodies to transform their lives. CDA has got many objectives and one of those is to uncover the ideologies that are otherwise hidden in the words or written texts. â€Å"†¦ a critical approach to discourse seeks to link the text (micro level) with the underlying power structures in society (macro sociocultural practice level) through discursive practices upon which the text was drawn (meso level)† (Thompson, 2002). Language tends to have some meaning in it which is not transparent always.CDA plays an important role in making those meanings clear which are otherwise opaque to a common man. â€Å"CDA helps make clear the connections between the use of language and the exercise of power (Thompson, 2002). † CDA does also aim to find connection between social power and discourse. According to van Dijk (1996), â€Å"one of the central tasks of CDA is to account for the relationships between discourse and social power† (p. 84). CDA actually makes itself involved in many social issues which need to be resolved. They can be political issues, power abuse and many others. CDA sees itself as politically involved research† (Titscher et al, 2000, p. 147). Now it will be clear that CDA is interested in analyzing and critiquing the obvious as well as hidden structural relationships of discrimination, inequality, power, dominance and control which are shown by language use. 4. Application of CDA This research study is concerned with the critical analysis of speech of the president of America telling the entire world about the death of Osama Bin Laden (Leader of Al-Qaeda) who was shot dead in his apartment, in Abbotabad (Pakistan), after an operation by the USA troops.Researchers would be interested in criticall y analyzing the whole speech/text in order to find out traces of power imbalance, inequality, and unjustified practice made by the USA. This research will also take into consideration the views of some of the officials of American government as well as the remarks made by Prime Minister of Pakistan. The agendas, ideologies, and hidden motives of the dominant group, in this case America, would be brought into consideration through the help of critical discourse analysis of the speech by President Obama.It will be viewed that how they have managed to show their dominance over others (Pakistan) and what kind of imbalance of power relationship has been generated by the dominating country (USA). 5. Background of Osama bin Laden Al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden is believed to have ordered the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001 and a number of others. He was top of the US most wanted list. And then a war had been declared against Al-Qaida by the USA.And this operation i n Pakistan was done when the American government was sure enough about Bin Laden’s presence in Pakistan. 6. Text of President Obama Speech THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory — hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction. And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The em pty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father.Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. We were also united in our esolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda — an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies. Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we've made great strides in that effort.We've disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot. Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broade r efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network. Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground.I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice. Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed.They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body. For over two decades, bin L aden has been al Qaeda's leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda. Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must — and we will — remain vigilant at home and abroad.As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not — and never will be — at war with Islam. I've made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11 that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we've done.But it's important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. The American people did not choose this fight.It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who's been gravely wounded. So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies.We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda's terror: Justice has been done. Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice. We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and nparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September da y. Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice f or all. Thank you. May God bless you.And may God bless the United States of America. 8. Analysis The speech opens with a detail explanation of the whole incident of Abbotabad (Pakistan) and President Obama congratulates the people of his country and the rest of the world about the victory which embraced them after a long span of time. Then there are a few statements about what did the families of the victims of 9/11 go through and what kind of grief surrounded the whole nation. But there then comes some statements which, if analyzed critically, clearly show the efforts America has made to fulfill her personal interests.Obama at one instant states, â€Å"Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we’ve made great strides in that effort. † And then he makes further comments which are a clear cut example of their intent to show dominance over Al-Qaeda and then their efforts to fulfill their own se lf-interests. Says he, â€Å" And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of 9/11 plot. These two above mentioned fragments of his speech just seem enough to elaborate their point of view about their position in the world and their way of doing things. It is obvious that they have been putting themselves in this effort for last ten years. Then the point becomes even clearer when President Obama talks about the result of their continuous efforts and tell the world how they located bin Laden. â€Å"Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden.It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan†. This statement if observed superficially will only be discussing about the fruitful results of the US intelligence on the matter of bin Laden’s capture. But in the eyes of CDA it’s just not a simple statement but it is something greatly related with the imbalance power relationship with Pakistan as well.If analyzed and interpreted critically, it becomes obvious that USA government has shown little reluctance in sharing their plans with Pakistan. For example to understand it more clearly just ponder on the words said by Obama. â€Å"I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. † What does â€Å"my national security team† mean? It obviously means that Obama has just asked his national security team to go through the process of finding Laden.He has not mentioned that any plan or idea is shared with Pakistani officials or intelligence. So through the application of CDA and considering its main purpose it is evident that nothing matters for them as far as their interests are concerned. Pakistani security team was just not told anything and USA just took their special team in confidence. It means that they have been struggling and making many efforts without letting Pakistan know anything about it.And it must be observed that the process of inquiring about Laden’s presence was taking in Pakistan and Obama makes it clear in his speech that he learned that Laden was present â€Å"deep inside of Pakistan†. Now this is again something of great importance, as it is like showing dominance and power over other country. In the above stated comment of Obama two things show the excessive use of their power. First President’s meeting with his security team only and second the action of investigating Laden’s presence in Pakistan is the thing not being shared with the country where he actual action was to take place. This is to be considered as one of the examples of inequality and wrong use of power by USA. The story is just not over here as there comes many more evidence in the text which represent the inequality USA seems have done to Pakistan. â€Å"Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbotabad, Pakistan. † There again needs to apply CDA and get into the depth of the statement and reach to the real meanings which are otherwise hidden and not easily understandable. Today, at my direction† is just not simple phrase but something that is more than enough to affect the power relationship between two independent countries. â€Å"Today† seems to specify the day and time which appeared suitable to the dominating country and then â€Å"at my direction† is indicating towards something which goes in favor of USA because here again it is noticeable that President Obama looks like in believing in his own orders and directions, not giving any clue of the direction or requirement of taking the direction of Pakistani government.This if critically analyzed is pointing towards the belief which the USA government might have in them and in their power as well. And this looks like USA tends to imbalance the power relation with Pakistan and makes that country dominated by such remarks and action as well. Then there come another statement which looks even closer to the way one may exercise their power over other group or a country might be. â€Å"Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There’s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.We must—and we will—remain vigilant at home and abroad. † In the above mentioned statement there are three important words which are enough to grab the attention of those who work through CDA. â€Å"We must, we will remain vigilant at home and abroad are not having ordinary mea nings in them as it is well known fact that words are not always ought to be neutral. If viewed deeply there in that statement a word is used â€Å"abroad† and it seems to indicate some determination of American government.Using words like â€Å"we must†, â€Å"we will† is a way adopted for asserting their power and dominance. And it’s not their country only they will be working but abroad as well. And abroad can be any other country or Pakistan may be as he didn’t mention it at all. , as he said it was not the end of their efforts and any further action could be possible in future. Judging this very fragment of his speech it might be said that it was not at all a neutral statement and contained in it a signal to show their strength and then will to exercise power whenever they feel it to exercise. Over the years, I’ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we’ve do ne. † Such a statement from president of USA for another independent country is indeed of great attention as it again refers to the same thing which CDA aims at. Critically evaluating, this statement contains some meaning which seems to give world an idea about what USA thinks and wants to do. To make an argument like â€Å"I’ve repeatedly made clear† is containing a huge meaning in itself.It refers to the idea of being always right, and dominant. And if analyzed this statement more deeply, it appears as if America is biased toward Pakistan and this is shown through the text itself. â€Å"†¦. that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. † This remark is showing the bias America is or may have against Pakistan. As it shows that they are already having some prejudice against Pakistan and have repeatedly made it clear that they would take an action if found it good in their interest.Continuing further he adds that he called P resident Zardari and his officials and was told that it was a great day for both of their nations and further Obama states, â€Å"And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. † It does seem opaque that what kind of contribution they are asking Pakistan to make, they may be signaling toward the same way they just adopted to attack Osama in Pakistan, and making Pakistani government clear that their contribution lies in the fact that they would not be asked if the action is to be taken again to attack any other member of al Qaeda.President Obama’s speech consists of many fragments in which he every now and then shows his sympathy with his nation about the incident of 9/11 and ensures to take possible measures to protect their country but that statement itself becomes controversial and looks like to serve their purposes only. Says he, â€Å"Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies,† This statement is just telling the way they want to secure their country.And letting the entire world know of what they think of the security of their people and country. But in a way or other it suggests that it is only their security that matters and they will not allow anyone to threaten their security, moreover they will be relentless in defense of their citizens. But the question arises that what about the security of the country which was threatened and weakened when President Obama took that action in Pakistan and made it clear that they had already said that any action of this sort could take place in Pakistan if necessary.On one side securing their own country and on the other hand not showing any concern about the security of the other country (Pakistan). These kinds of phrases are interpreted with the help of CDA in order to detect the hidden ideologies of the dominating country. And statements like this and many others are a warning to let others know not to take this matter lightly. CDA aims at exploring the motives of dominant group and it tells what one is allowed and expected to do. President Obama concludes the speech with a statement which contains in it a message which confirms their dominance, power and threat to power relation with Pakistan.Adds he further, â€Å"The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it’s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all citizens; our commitments to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. † Though these are the closing comments from president Obama but they do have the signs of over dominance. â€Å"†¦America can do whatever we set our mind to. If this and many other above mentioned statements are left unchallenged then power relation and excessive use of dominance by America in this particular case can create many problems for the country who is being repressed and dominated. As it is one of the main aims of CDA to reveal hidden motives which do lie in texts and words, this piece of text does need a critical analysis. Telling what America can do somehow discloses the ideological assumption of America. This appears like America has got some firm belief in their strength and that they can do whatever they want to do.It’s through the application of CDA that it becomes possible to let others know that how those who in power maintain their superiority and how they want or ensure others subjugation. This statement is just no looks like a warning to al Qaeda only but to the entire world. Saying that America can do anything seems like America can attack Al Qaeda again as well as America can make use of it s excessive power by maintaining its dominance and can again take such sort of action in Pakistan. It points towards the commitment America has made in order to be superior and ensure its superiority over others.CDA is very helpful in such situations as it help in understanding that how one exercises their authority through words. This very statement is a signal toward the presence of imbalance in power relationship between the two countries (Pakistan and America). And CDA helps understand the social problems, inequality and excessive use of one’s power and superiority over others. Some comments of the American officials have also been added and analyzed with the help of CDA. BBC reports on May 2, 2011. The US official said that intelligence had been tracking a trusted courier of bin Laden for many years.The courier’s identity was discovered four year ago, his area of operation two years ago and then, last August, his residence in Abbotabad was found, triggering the st art of the mission. (BBC News) This news by US official reflects the same idea as it was there in President Obama’s speech. Their continuous effort to find out Osama’s residence across the world appears to be their top priorities. And as the official said that at last they found him in Abbotabad (Pakistan), it looks like that they had kept an eye on Pakistan.But what happened actually that the plan was not at all shared with Pakistan, which seems like a way used by US to exercise its superiority and keep its self interest most important. It actually can be fatal for the power relation between the two countries because inequality can be seen in this very case. According to another report by BBC it was said that nothing about the plan was shared with anyone including Pakistan. The official said â€Å"Only a very small group of people inside our own government know of this operation in advance. (BBC News) The statement is what CDA aims to bring into notice. US officials knew that the operation was to be held in Pakistan but it was not their concern to share it with the officials of Pakistan. At surface level this statement is not that dangerous but its critical analysis may make it prominent and questionable. The information was shared with a very few people of the US and it indicates towards the inequality shown by the US. It too shows the power abuse which according to CDA needs to be resisted.Power relations can be at risk if such statements are made by an independent country for another independent country. It looks like as if sovereignty of a country has been challenged through the words of those who have power and this time Pakistan seems to be the victim of such oppression and injustice. The nature of these remarks makes CDA an interesting task. This should be kept in mind that those who are in power they keep asserting their dominance through the use of words and this has just been shown and understood through the critical discourse analysi s of above mentioned remarks of the US officials.BBC News had too added the remarks of different officials of many countries but in this very analysis the remark of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani would be analyzed. â€Å"Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said the killing was a â€Å"great victory† but added that he â€Å"didn’t know the details† of the US operation. † (BBC News) CDA aims to highlight oppression, repression and marginalization by critically analyzing the text to reveal dominance. And what makes the remark of Prime Minister a questioning one. The declaration of Mr.Gilani about having no details about the US operation seems to ensure what America wanted for them. The operation was made in Pakistan and the Prime Minister of the same country has not been told about it. Dominance of America may be observed here as there comes no resistance from the words of Prime Minister. Moreover it seems to ensure the subjugation of Pakistan and do mination of America in the very incident of Abbotabad. This is an attempt to critically analyze the words of those in power. It is shown that what it looks like and what it actually is. . Conclusion Let this fact be acknowledged that those in power have always some hidden motives and ideologies which they adopt to serve their purposes and fulfill their self-interests. Their words are not at all neutral rather they have respective hidden agendas which they use to maintain their superiority. The same has been understood by critically analyzing the text of President Obama’s speech after the death of bin Laden. CDA tries to illuminate ways followed by dominant forces that favor their personal interests.A text may appear flat if not critically observed but if critically evaluated it reveals hidden traits of those who tend to exercise their power by using words and speech. CDA has played a major role in unraveling the text and meanings which are contained in it. Critical analysis o f text is necessary to challenge the excessive use of power, oppression and inequality, and CDA helps resisting such actions if prevailing in the society. DISCLAIMER: The text of Obama’s speech was taken for the research purposes only and none other purpose should be extracted out of this analysis.The text analysis should not be taken politically or personally. References BBCNews. (May 02, 2011). â€Å"Osama Bin Laden, al-Qaeda leader, dead-Barack Obama. † (Extracted on: June 16, 2012) Available : www. bbc. co. uk/news/world-us-canada-13256676 CBSNEWS. (May 02, 2011). â€Å"Full text of Obama’s Speech on Bin Laden’s Death†. Extracted on: June 16, 2012. Available: http://www. cbsnews. com/8301-503544_162-20058783-503544. html Henry, F. , ; Tator, C. (2002). Discourse of domination. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. Luke, A. (1997) Theory and practice in critical science discourse. In L. Saha (Ed. , International encyclopedia of the sociology of education. Accessed March 6, 2003. http://www. gseis. ucla. edu/courses/ed253a/Luke/SAHA6. html(Retrieved on: June 16, 2012) Titscher, S. , Meyer, M. , Wodak, R. ; Vetter, E. (2000) Methods of Text and Disocourse Analysis. London: Sage Thompson, M. (2002). ICT, power, and development discourse: A critical analysis. Accessed March 6, 2003. http://www. jims. cam. ac. uk/research/seminar/slides/2003/030529 thompson ab. pdf( Retrieved on: June 16, 2012) van, Dijk, T. A. (2001). Critical Discourse Analysis. In Handbook of Discourse Analysis. Schiffrin, D. , Tannen, D. nd Hamilton (eds). Malden: Blackwell. (pp352-371) Van Dijk, T. A. (2000). Critical discourse analysis. Accessed March 6, 2003. http://www. discourse-in-society. org/OldArticles/The%20reality%20of%20racism. pdf(Retrieved on: June 16, 2012) van Dijk, T. A. (1988). News as discourse. Hillside, NJ: Erlbaum van, Dijk, T. A. (1996). Discourse, power and access. In Texts and Practices: Reading in Critical Discourse Analysis. Coult hard, C. , Rosa, C. and Coulthard, M. (Eds). London: Routlegde. pp 84-104 Yalden, J (1987). Principles of Course Designing for Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Finance and its importance In the Business world Essay

Finance and its importance In the Business world - Essay Example Usually corporations only give 7 days credit term at most is 15 days credit term. If it will go more than that then they have to seek bank loans in order to provide buffer or answer the shortfall of cash for its operating cost. A lending company has available funds for $300.00. The average amount borrowed in a month is usually $200.00. If in case, one borrower name Sally cannot pay the amount of $100.00, they still has a buffer left in the amount of $100.00. In case the borrowings on that week go as high as $300.00, then they are going to the bank to make a short term loan in lower interest rate. This thereby affects their income since the interests that they paid with the bank already eat up a portion of the income that they generate out of the transaction. Still they have to put up the funds, otherwise they cannot maintain their line of borrowers. It is the idea of financing of contingencies and seasonal peaks in working capital. Inventory is the art of warehousing. It entails a list of the raw materials, equipment and parts, office supplies needed to run the business or production without faltering. The list is readily available at the stores section or at the warehouse for the requisition of other departments.

WHAT ARE THE SPECIFIC CHALLENGES OF BI-RACIAL PEOPLE IN AMERICAN Essay

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Industry analysis. Parking services Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Industry analysis. Parking services - Term Paper Example QPark is focused at going international after ensuring that it meets the needs of its customers in the Philadelphia market. In order to ensure that it is ready to meet the diversified needs of global customers, QPark will rely on Porter 5 model that deals with five forces which include bargaining supplier power, competitive rivalry, bargaining power of buyers, threat of new entry and threat of substitution. By analyzing each of the Porters aspects, QPark will have the ability to face off its competitors while at the same time maintaining loyalty and trust among all the stakeholders. On supplier power, for instance QPark will access how easily the suppliers will drive up our prices in the market. Another major aspect covered by Porter is competitive rivalry. In order to be successful in Philadelphia market, we will undertake a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to determine our position in the market. It is vital to note that there is no high level of riv alry that QPark will face in the Philadelphia market. However, in a scenarios where we face large number of competitors and where they offer similar products most likely we will have less power since buyers and suppliers will have more alternatives.2. Bargaining power of our buyers is another primary aspect that will affect our pricing strategies of our services. Some of the major aspects that will influence the bargaining power of our buyers include information availed to our buyers, the sensitivity of our customers towards our prices and our switching costs as compared to those of our customers. Our buyers will have a bargaining power. In this way they will put vital pressure on our product thus ensuring that they get a quality product that is worth their money. Despite giving our buyers opportunities to exercise their bargaining power, QPark will ensure that the business sales are enough to cover the fixed as well as variable costs incurred by the company. To address the threat o f substitution in our business, we will emulate modern technology and extensive marketing awareness campaign as well quality improvement. In this way, our customer will be more attracted to our services thus putting at bay our key competitors in the Philadelphia market. Being a major aspect by Porter model, threat of new entry will have an implication on our business3. Key threat of the new entrants is stiff competition. Additionally, the ability of other firms entering the car park industry may result to production of similar products thus making it hard for customer to differentiate QPark from its competing brands4. This implies that to create a difference between our services and those of the competitors; we will adopt an effective marketing mix that includes price, promotion, product and place. Business trends refer to those factors that will affect the ability of local and international firms to cope with their customers and to make sustainable profit. Example of business trend includes cost of input that determines whether the business is viable, raw material needed component increasing or decreasing or stable in costs. In the parking industry, business owners have to decide whether to increase the cost of goods or cope with the losses alone. Innovation is one of the key strategies being adopted in the industry. For instance, through self services which are automated in nature, QPark will be in a position to track customer’s vehicle even after default on payment. Environmental trends entail government

Abstract article on evolution of hazardous explosives emergency Research Paper

Abstract article on evolution of hazardous explosives emergency response - Research Paper Example The trend today has been the development of realistic plans which are put down on paper. It is however noted that the emphasis of putting such plans on paper has to some extent drawn focus away from the planning process itself and from the original goal of ensuring that the community is well prepared in the case of emergencies. Unlike in previous times when emergency response was the preserve of federal, regional and local governments, the activity today involves policy makers, law enforcement agencies as well as the military. With regard to terrorism, a lot of emphasis has been put on understanding the way human beings behave when subjected to stress based on information logically drawn from past studies on technological and natural disasters. Explosion emergency preparedness and response today involves the sharing of information and cooperative planning among a diversity of parties unlike what used to happen a couple of decades ago. One of the main concerns when it comes to emergency response planning and execution is citizen panic. Based on past experiences with natural and technological disasters, new models of human behaviour in the event of different explosive disasters have been developed. A lot of variations in human behaviour in disasters are based on the effects and nature of the agents that cause the explosion. Past studies have shown that some agents cause higher and more acute fear levels as compared to others. Some of the elements that have been considered by emergency planners and responders in the event of disasters include the patterns of citizen response which are impacted by such factors as disaster syndrome, and panic among other factors. In general, it is noted that the response of citizens in the event of disasters such as explosions can be predicted. The outcome of such disasters on victims and citizens to a large extent can be extrapolated from past literature on people’s responses to

The Goal Effects of New Tools on the Operation Management Practices Research Paper

The Goal Effects of New Tools on the Operation Management Practices - Research Paper Example Alex is given a time constraint of three months in which he has to save his plant from collapsing. In the course of saving that plant, Alex meets an old colleague named Jonah (a physicist). Jonah helps Alex save the plant by guiding him to the right path (Goldratt & Cox, 1992). The concept applied in The Goal was from the new practices applied in today’s world. There was a theory named the six-sigma theory which focused on the concept of continuously improving the quality of production and eliminating the waste products just like the lean production concept. Both the concepts were merged and applied in the book (Jacob, Bergland, & Jeff, 2010). However, in the recent years new tools and practices have been introduced based on the use of the Internet as web based business applications. E-commerce is also known as buying and selling of goods or services through the Internet technology. This new trend has increasingly gained popularity, thus changing dynamics of businesses by providing high satisfaction (Gunasekaran, Marri, McGaughey, & Nebhwani, 2002). Now businesses interact by making transactions around the globe in minutes, reducing their operational costs and eventually leading to generation of high revenues. Presently, the orders placed are high in volume as the market is demand driven and the orders are placed more on the basis of Customization category using just-in-time (JIT) rather than batch process system. The business to business (B2B) transactions are gradually changing as the trend is shifting towards business to customers (B2C). The cost of Internet technologies and databases is often high because of which the cost of inventory is increased (Gunasekaran, Marri, McGaughey, & Nebhwani, 2002). The new tools play a vital role in determining what steps Alex would have taken if they were taken into consideration after defining the goal of increasing net profits, return on investment, and the positive cash flow. Alex would have looked at the market conditions for ascertaining the demand for the product and subsequent estimation of orders (sales) at a given period of time. Based on this concept, the inventory costs would be calculated (Gunasekaran, Marri, McGaughey, & Nebhwani, 2002). Based on new tools systems of today, Alex would have a different goal overall. Based on the prior information about Alex’s goals on increasing profits, Alex would focus on the marketing of the company and providing high customer satisfaction. High customer satisfaction involves customization of the product. The Clientele approa ch would be taken into consideration at this point, i.e., having more clients to satisfy and relatively less orders to take. However, in case of Alex orders were high from one client with price remaining the same but the operations of business processes and costs were managed through altering manufacturing process. The marketing approach would lead to focusing on creating awareness of the service which the company has to offer and the cheapest form of marketing would be used that is the internet to save costs (Goldratt & Cox, 1992). In this book, it has been said that anything invested into the business including assets used in the system to make sales are considered as inventories of the business. In order to

Entrepreneurship Business Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

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Civil Engineering Essay Example for Free

Civil Engineering Essay Introduction The growth and development of population, the economic and commercial progress, have made the people to be in touch. Also, for the sales of products was necessary to build bridges as an alternative way to those people who didn ´t have boats to transport their products. The bridges have been an amazing advance into the civil engineering field. As the time passed, the bridges were needed for transportation and to be used as communication routes. The bridges have been changing as needed, either to make them more efficient or innovative. Now day civil engineers are not only involved in the measuring, or resistance, but also they care about the aesthetic. There are different types of bridges that marked not only the history but the progress in society. The bridges vary depending on the material with which it is built and the shape they have. Types of bridges: Wood: These bridges are quick to build, and are not too expensive, yet are very resistant and durable, plus they need constant and expensive maintenance. For the ease of being built and cheap were the first bridges that people used. Stone: They are very resistant, compact and durable. Currently construction is very expensive. They do not need much maintenance, since they are very well resistent weathering agents. Metallics: They are built quickly, are expensive and have corrosion as an against factor. Also, their maintenance is expensive. Concrete and steel: They allow varied designs, often support precast, they are resistant, and maintenance costs are low. The functions that bridges have are: Aqueduct: They are used for water conveyance. Viaducts: They are built to have automobile transit. Footbridges: Built for the use of pedestrians only. The way bridges resist their efforts: Beam: They consist of horizontal elements that are supported at their ends on supports or pillars. The force transmitted through the pillar is vertically downwards and, therefore, they are subjected to compression, the beams (horizontal elements) tend to bend as a result of the loads on. Arc: It has 2 divisions. Top board, and Lower board. They consist of a curved section  which rests up on supports or brackets and covering a light or empty space and depending on whether they are above or below the board, is where the arcs are located. Hanging: They consist of a board by hanging by a large number of straps, two large cables that are anchored at the ends of the bridge and held by large towers of concrete or steel. Conclusion: The bridges have served as communication routes, and have had a lot of impact on society and commerce. Bridges are very important in the area of civil engineering, because their work as engineers is to build and make sure that their work is good to use, and efficient. In addition, the bridges have made the civil engineer to worry about the design of buildings and to show them that is important the aesthetic and how innovative is the work.

The Great Gatsby Essay Example for Free

The Great Gatsby Essay While reading the classic novel The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the reader can clearly see how this story can be viewed through the Marxist Lens. Through tales of trial and desperation, the story reveals what can happen when money and social class come into play. The author clearly portrays how the American dream can cause people to lose sight of the important things in life, and how people always want to make it to the top, no matter who they have to step on during the way up. Living in post-war America, the character’s visions are quickly clouded by greed and their egocentric desires, and tragedy strikes when lust and passion mix with sinful desires. Marxist literary criticism is the critical lens used to differentiate between social classes in literature. The Marxist lens pays close to attention to the literary works forms, styles and meanings, in a way that the reader can comprehend them and apply them to a particular history. In this specific situation, The Great Gatsby effectively displays the difference between social classes, and how these people act as individuals, and as a whole social group. On the very first page of the book, there is a quote from the narrator’s father that says: â€Å"Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had†. This quote pretty much sums up the whole Marxist theory. Though people may belong to various different social classes, every single person on this planet has had different experiences and opportunities, and everyone is different in their own way. One of the first characters the reader is introduced to is Tom Buchanan. Tom is a: â€Å"sturdy, straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face, and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward †¦ you could see a great pack of muscle shifting when his shoulder moved under his thin coat. It was a body capable of enormous leverage—a cruel body. † (Pg. 7) By the sounds of things, it seems like Nick (the narrator) doesn’t particularly like Tom, but Nick is also fascinated with him. Tom is a fascinating kind of guy. Like Daisy, hes got something hat everyone else wants: hes got power. Toms family is rich. Not just well-off like Nicks family, and not inexplicably rich like Gatsby, but noticeably wealthy, with a long family history of money. And he does extravagant, crazy things with it, like bringing a string of polo ponies for Lake Forest. That may not seem like much, but in today’s society, that would be like buying a private jet: its a pretty flashy move, and it’s only ever done to prove that they can do it. In a sense, Tom is just as flashy as Gatsby. Tom, on the other hand, has something you cant buy. You might call it arrogance: â€Å"an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or in presumptuous claims or assumptions†. So essentially, thanks to the money and family that he came from, Tom was born to live a certain lifestyle, one where he would live a certain way and marry a certain type of woman Tom’s wife, Daisy, is a beautiful young woman from Louisville, Kentucky. She is Nick’s cousin and Gatsby’s â€Å"long lost† love. As a young lady in Louisville, Daisy was extremely well known among the military officers and soldiers stationed near her home, including Jay Gatsby. Gatsby lied about his background to Daisy, claiming to be from a wealthy family in order to convince her that he was worthy of her. Eventually, Gatsby won Daisy’s heart, and they made love before Gatsby left to fight in the war. Daisy promised to wait for Gatsby, but in 1919 she chose to marry Tom Buchanan, a young man from a solid, aristocratic family who could promise her a wealthy lifestyle. After this happened, Gatsby was determined to win Daisy back. He made her the priority over everything in his life, and she was his main motivation behind the earning of his spectacular wealth through criminal activity. To Gatsby, Daisy is perfection; she has charm, wealth, she’s sophisticated and graceful. In reality, Daisy falls short of Gatsby’s standards. She is beautiful and charming, but also shallow and bored. Nick profiles her as a careless person who messes things up and then hides behind her money. Daisy proves her real ways when she chooses Tom over Gatsby in Chapter 7, then allows Gatsby to take the blame for killing Myrtle Wilson even though she herself was driving the car. Finally, rather than attend Gatsby’s funeral, Daisy and Tom move away, leaving no forwarding address. Daisy is in love with money, and lives a very materialistic lifestyle. She is capable of affection, but not of sustained loyalty or care. All-in-all, Daisy represents the differing values of the aristocratic East Egg. The infamous and â€Å"great† Jay Gatsby is the main character of The Great Gatsby. He is a young man, about thirty years old, who came from a poor childhood in rural North Dakota, and eventually overcame his setbacks to become incredibly wealthy. However, he achieved this impressive feat by participating in organized crime, including distributing illegal alcohol and trading in stolen securities. Even before his adult years, Gatsby despised poverty and dreamt of wealth and living the upper-class lifestyle. He dropped out of St. Olaf’s College after only two weeks because he couldn’t stand the janitorial job he was doing in order to pay for his tuition. Though Gatsby has always wanted to be rich, his main motivation in acquiring his fortune was his love for Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby dedicated himself to winning Daisy back after she married Tom, and his way of doing this was making millions of dollars, purchasing a huge mansion on West Egg, and throwing dazzling parties every week. Fitzgerald withholds most of this information until later on in the novel. The author does this to reinforce the theatrical quality of Gatsby’s life, which is an important part of his personality. Gatsby has literally created his own character, even changing his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby to represent his reinvention of himself. As the reader gets further in the novel, Fitzgerald reveals Gatsby’s self-image. Gatsby proves himself to be an innocent, hopeful young man who makes everything dependent on his dreams, not knowing that his dreams are far-fetched and unrealistic. Myrtle Wilson is the character who ties the whole story together in The Great Gatsby. Every character in the novel is connected to her in a significant way. She is secretly with Tom who is with Daisy who is Myrtle’s â€Å"partner in crime† and is also secretly with Gatsby. But out of all these characters, Myrtle is the most important. She is the insecure one, the emotional one and the fake one. Myrtle is always looking for affection. Her insecurity is clear through the decisions that she makes. Her husband, George Wilson, isnt very useful for anything so she turns to Tom for attention. Although Tom is married, he is wealthy and enjoys the company of other women. Myrtle takes advantage of this and keeps Tom under her control. When she leaves the New York train station, she sees an old man selling dogs and she immediately asks him for a police dog. The man tells her that he only has an Airedale and that the coat is water-proof, but she still wants to purchase it. She disregards her reasons for wanting the police dog and only something to cuddle with. Her quick decision-making and easily altered reasoning reflects her insecurity and how she lives her daily life. On another day, Myrtle mistakes Jordan Baker for Toms wife. The more she sees Mrs. Baker the more jealous she becomes. Jordan makes Myrtle realize that there are many women who are prettier than her. As a result, Myrtle believes there is someone else other than Daisy that she has to compete with in order to continue controlling Tom. Myrtle doesn’t use logic to make decisions, due to her opinion being so easily changed on every matter. When she marries Wilson, she knows that she is better than him, but she marries him anyway. Marrying Wilson is a mistake since he is unable to provide for her expensive needs/desires that only Tom can afford. She always regrets marrying Wilson so she runs off with Tom whenever she can. Although marrying Wilson is a serious mistake, she isnt able to learn from this. One night when she is on her way to her sisters, she meets a handsome stranger and falls in love with him at first sight. The stranger is Tom and she only loves him because of his wealth and how far up he is on society’s ladder. Myrtles behavior reflects her decision making abilities and how she is vulnerable to manipulation. Although Tom is brutal and violent, his wealth keeps her content. George really gets the short end of the stick in this novel. Considering hes one of the few characters with redeemable values, he doesnt even deserve it. From what the reader can tell, Wilson is hard-working and not cheating on his spouse. Hes in a marriage with a woman who doesnt love or respect him, who walks all over him like a staircase; and all the while he just does what she says: Oh, sure, agreed Wilson hurriedly (Pg. 26) After Myrtles death, Wilson is in serious emotional pain. He cries out Oh, my God over and over for one of three reasons: because his wife is dead, because he just found out that she was having an affair, or because he feels guilty for making her run out into the street. The other thing that the reader should note about Wilson is that hes the only character who talks about God. He tells Myrtle that she cant fool God, that God sees everything (Pg. 160). By him saying this, the reader is reminded that unlike the rich careless classes, the lower classes cant just run away and hide in their money: they need more to believe in. Wilson and the social class that he is a part of actually have to take responsibility for their actions, and can’t rely on money to get them out of every situation. In conclusion, it is evident to the reader that living in America after the war, times are rough, and the character’s visions are quickly clouded by greed and their egocentric desires, and tragedy strikes when lust and passion collide with sinful desires. Whether they’re killed or affected by the death of a loved one, everyone in this novel is affected by someone else’s selfish actions; by what happens when someone acts with disregard to everyone else’s feelings.