Identity and Belonging in Shanghai Girls and Silver like Dust

â€Å"As we journey through life, identity and belonging must be consistently renegotiated.† Each person’s identity goes through a process of stages in order to be fully developed and be a whole identity. Some people needs more time than others to attain a full, whole identity. There are many factors which play a role in sharpens people’s identity such as the environment that the people love in and the experiences that they went through. Undoubtedly, immigrants, especially those form two different cultures, need more time to achieve a stable and whole identity as they become trapped between two cultures, unable to categorize themselves with a particular one. For instance, it is very hard for Asian Americans, especially the first and second†¦show more content†¦She tries to be a good citizen to be an American to the extent that she and her husband â€Å"never spoke the language [Japanese] at home and chose not to teach their children. After the war, they no doubt thought that it best to avoid practices that might lead neighbors to believe they weren’t American† (104). Pearl’s identity and belonging change as she continues her life’s journey. To begin with, in China Pearl used to be independent, self confident, and free. She belongs to the bourgeoisie â€Å"As members of the bu-er-ch’iao-ya—bourgeois class—our family is prosperous enough that our seven servants take turns eating their meals on the front steps, letting the rickshaw pullers and beggars who pass know that those who work for the Chins have regular food to eat and a reliable roof over their heads.† (See7). Although, her father was rich and she does need to work in order to get money she worked in two jobs. The first job as a model, and the other as an English teacher for a Japanese captain. Moreover, the missionary school that Pearl went to form a part of Pearl’s identity. First, it forms Pearl’s religious identity as it was the reason why she became Christian while her parents are not â€Å"In Shanghai, May and I celebrated the b irth of the baby Jesus at the mission school, but it wasn’t a holidayShow MoreRelatedOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesâ€Å"massification† of reproduction, production, trade, and transportation, as well as communication, consumption, and culture. Mass migration is an integral part of these broader global processes that have shaped the modern world. Dating the shift is—like the periodization of any social process—a slippery affair. But for mass migration, and for some of the other linked processes, the first half of the nineteenth century offers a more meaningful turning point than the beginning of the twentieth. The

Strategic Planning Is Planning Of Objectives-Myassignmenthelp.Com

Question: Discuss About The Strategic Planning Is Planning Of Objectives? Answer: Introduction Strategic planning is the planning of the objectives for a firm and the direction the firm takes to attain these objectives(Alkhafaji, 2013). Strategic planning involves creation, implementation and evaluation of the various strategies that a firm makes in order to achieve its goals and objective. Strategic planning has been an important management tool since a very long time. However, there has been a constant debate about the relevance and effectiveness of strategic planning in view of constant changes and uncertain future(Bryson, et al., 2009). In the wake of changing dynamics of modern business and changing technology, this debate has become fierce. However, majority of thinkers believe that uncertain future and change is the main reason why strategic planning is necessary(Alkhafaji, 2013). The following essay argues in favour of strategic planning and tries to give persuasive reasoning why strategic planning is not a waste of time considering the pace of change. Strategic Planning- not a waste of time Strategic planning is considered to be the central line for management and governance of a company(Bryson, et al., 2009). It is argued that, strategic planning provides a purpose to an organisation and its employees. Moreover, those in favour of strategic planning point out that, without planning there will be chaos and confusion which will spell doom for an organisation(Berry, 2007). However, certain researchers and academicians feel that there is no clear evidence about relevance or irrelevance of strategic planning Furthermore, it is debated that, due to the unpredictability of future and rapid and dynamic business changes, strategic planning is a waste of time. However, some academicians also point out that firms which plan for the future based on the expected future outcomes have more chances of being successful Due to a revolution in information and communication technology, business scenarios have undergone a rapid change(Alkhafaji, 2013). Production and marketing methods have changed and are continuously changing. On the surface level due to changing methods and practices of business, planning seems a futile activity. A sudden invention or innovation may change the whole shape of business functioning, leading to irrelevance of whatever planning that has been done(Spee Jarzabkowski, 2011). Hence, it is believed that senior management should utilize ideas to manage customer wants on a frequent basis rather than going for long term plans(Berry, 2007). Therefore, the centre point of the argument against strategic planning is that planning does not help in finding solution to the events evoked by rapidly changing business environment. However, contrary to the above arguments there is still evidence that despite the mammoth changes hitting the business world on frequent basis, strategic planning is still an important process in business management(Alkhafaji, 2013). Strategic planning, it is argued, gives a basis to the organisational vision. Strategic planning is relevant even in the time of change(Berry, 2007). Only through planning, reflection and analysis a firm can decide to invest its resources. Without strategic planning a firm will not be able to respond to change as it wouldnt know how to respond or what action to take(Berry, 2007). Planning gives guidance to the management and workers which helps them in taking adequate action; given a sudden situation. It is argued that, change renders strategic planning useless(Alkhafaji, 2013). However, on closer inspection it can be said that, strategic planning builds the alignment of the organisation effectively. Through planning the firm can understand the change and react to them by making necessary amendments in the overall plan. Strategic planning also assists in communicating action plans on a daily or monthly basis to the workforce (Dwyer, 2013). Due to the process of strategic planning the entire workforce of an organisation becomes aware of their purpose and the reason of actions taken by the management. Plans are not made by firm to be followed rigidly(Spee Jarzabkowski, 2011). They can be altered as and when required. In face of a change the firm can realign itself and its objectives and change its plans to suit the changed process. However, not making any plan at all will render the firm goal less. The employees wont know what action to take and even during a drastic change they will not be in a position to manage the organisation(Alkhafaji, 2013). In absence of strategic planning, there will be chaos and ultimately the organisation will fail. Therefore, even during a business situation change the firm needs proper strategic planning of the future course of action. Strategic planning brings about transparency(Berry, 2007). Due to strategic planning all departments know what others are doing and act in a synchronised manner. In absence of strategic planning there will not be coherence between various departments and they will not be able to take a planned and cohesive action to achieve the organisational goal. Strategic planning also helps in forming proper workable relationship with stakeholders(Alkhafaji, 2013). Even if change occurs, stakeholders will try to stick with the organisation if relationship has been built through effective planning. Additionally, stakeholders will also feel more secure if the organisation has structured plans of goal achievement which involves them as per their areas and expresses. For example, a plan of a future contract with a supplier will make him feel secure about his future business. Even if a change occurs the organisation can have a clause in the contract to make allowance for a certain change. However, a lack of plan can breed insecurity in stakeholders regarding their own future with the organisation(Alkhafaji, 2013). Therefore, strategic planning is also important for stakeholder relationship. The most relevant argument which is given against the strategic planning process is that future is uncertain and sudden changes may affect the organisation and render the plan ineffective. However, the organisation is not faced with drastic changes all the time(Alkhafaji, 2013). Most of the time small business changes affect the firm. Planning helps in adapting to change. Furthermore, a good strategic plan has a window to adapt to change and make necessary amendments to contend with it(Alkhafaji, 2013). However, without strategic planning the basic functioning of the organisation will be hampered. The organisation would not have a purpose(Berry, 2007). It would not have a road map for performance and even if a positive change occurs, the firm will not be able to respond to it. To cite and example in support of the argument, suppose a sudden shift in demand pattern occurs which affects a firms sales revenue and impacts the objective of sales volume achievement which it has set for itself. In absence of a proper plan, the management wouldnt know how to handle this situation. Without prior strategic planning there would not be any proper resource allocation to make any adjustment. There wouldnt be any objectives which could be altered to react to the situation (Alkhafaji, 2013). However, if the firm has planned its finances, marketing and human resource policies effectively, it can make small amendments in the plan and realign resources to change certain product features to meet the change in demand. Similarly, if a competitor changes price or comes out with a product innovation which affects the demand of the product of the firm, the firm can make changes in its plans, adapt to the requirements and respond to the competitors action(Alkhafaji, 2013). However, if there is no plan and the firm is running on day to day basis by responding to daily needs in an unplanned manner, the workforce will not get proper instructions regarding wheat actions to be taken in view of the competitors policy change(Alkhafaji, 2013). Therefore, to manage change a firm needs adequate strategic planning so that it can communicate regarding realignment of resources to the stakeholders and employees. Those against strategic planning use the unpredictability of future as a bottom-line of their argument and say that, as changes cannot be predicted; strategic planning is a waste of time(Alkhafaji, 2013). However, this argument speaks of a laid back attitude and belief in fate. This argument holds for letting the future happen and not making it happen(Bryson, et al., 2009). It is a matter of fact that without planning, action cannot be taken. In other words any action taken without planning can be suicidal for the organisation(Bryson, et al., 2009). An unplanned respace to change can lead to undesired outcome. For example, if the firm reacts to a demand shift without planning the next action, the firm may face rejection from the customers. Future is uncertain and ridden with unpredictable changes(Alkhafaji, 2013). However, strategic planning based on scientific forecasts and projections can help safeguard the organisation in the face of imminent changes. Strategic planning is about being proactive while lack of strategic planning is being reactive. Future cannot be foreseen but forecasts can be made regarding changing market conditions based on the present trends. Extreme drastic changes are rare. Most changes can be predicted to a great degree of accuracy by reflection and application of management principles(Alkhafaji, 2013). However, in case of a drastic change no plan will work but one should not stop planning because a drastic change may befall the organisation. Basic aim of strategic planning is to give a purpose and a direction to the organisation(Alkhafaji, 2013). For example, a certain sales outcome can be an objective. Even if changes occur the firm will still be able to achieve near figure of the projected figure of the sales outcome that it had planned. However, in absence of strategic planning there will be no direction. The employees will be working on daily instructions and there will be no serious thoughts given to any goals(Alkhafaji, 2013). In this scenario even if a change occurs the firm may buckle down and may not be able to respond accurately. In the view of changing business scenarios those companies which do not have strong foundation made by the tools of strategic planning will not be able to survive for long in the field(Alkhafaji, 2013). Customer choices have become complex and demanding. Therefore, a proper understanding of consumer behaviour is required(Alkhafaji, 2013). This understanding can only be brought about through strategic planning. A good plan which focuses on solid goals and creates proper policies can help in understanding the customer needs. Companies can only survive if they focus on goal achievement and make adaptable plans to achieve the goals. Focus of the organisation on the goal can be created through proper strategic planning as strategic planning gives a purpose to the organisation. Purposeless organisation will not be able to focus and hence will not be able to react to changes(Alkhafaji, 2013). Therefore, such a firm will not be able to survive in the changing times of business. Proper strategic planning will help in understanding market conditions, customer segments, product preferences and other important aspects of business. Strategic planning also helps to understand the competitor. Lack of strategic planning will cause an organisation to function in isolation due to which it will not be able to understand the changes when they occur(Alkhafaji, 2013). Strategic planning gives a proper direction to the business and helps in creating goals for achievement in near or long term future. It also helps in giving vision and purpose to a business even in the time of change (Berry, 2007). Consequently, such firms will not be able to respond to change. Therefore, strategic planning is very important and essential for business in changing market conditions. Conclusion Strategic planning is considered to be useless by some thinker. However, strategic planning is important to formulate goals and objectives. Changes can also be forecast based on scientific measures of trend projection and plans can be altered based on changes. However, an organisation without strategic planning will be purposeless and will not be able to respond to the changing demands of business. Therefore, strategic planning is not a waste of time but need of a business to sustain itself in the ever-changing business world. References Alkhafaji, A., (2013) Strategic Management: Formulation, Implementation, and Control in a Dynamic Environment. New York: Routledge. Berry, F., (2007) Strategic Planning as a Tool for Managing Organizational Chan. International Journal of Public Administration, 30(3), pp. 331-346. Bryson, J., Crosby, B. Bryson, J., (2009) Understanding strategic planning and the formulation and implementation of strategic plans as a way of knowing: The contributions of actor-network theory. International public management journal, 12(2), pp. 172-2007. Dwyer, J., (2013) Communication for Business and the Professions, Strategies and Skills,. 5th ed. Melbourne: Pearson Education Austrilia. Spee, A. Jarzabkowski, P., (2011) Strategic planning as communicative process. Organization Studies, 32(9), pp. 1217-1245.

Summary of A Victim Essay Example

Summary of A Victim Essay In Bruno Bettelheim’s A Victim, his purpose is to prove that the victim has as much control over a situation as the aggressor. He demonstrates that if one does not act like a victim, then one will not be treated as a victim. Bettelheim also proves that if a person does not behave in an expected way then one can not stereotype them (Bettelheim 57). Bettelheim makes the point that the victim acts in ways that are just as annoying as the aggressor’s actions. Attention is not brought to it because it is easier to say if the aggression will come to a stop, then the person getting victimized reactions will change. He explains that will not always happen, because the victim and aggressor are interlocked. They both have the same effect on each other, and no one assumes that the victims actions play a role on the aggressor’s reaction (57). Bettelheim’s next point is if one does not act like a victim then one will not be treated as a victim. Because he does not beg or act like there was such a difference in him and the guard, he is not acting as the rest of the victims. It is shocking to the guard, his expectations of the Jewish people is not how this man is acting, and he lets the man through to get further treatment. Since the man does not act like a victim, it is hard for the guard to treat him as one (58). â€Å"Since I did not act as the dangerous Jew was expected to, I did not activate the anxieties that went with his stereotype† (58). We will write a custom essay sample on Summary of A Victim specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Summary of A Victim specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Summary of A Victim specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Bettelheim’s main purpose, is that the victim has as much control over a situation as the aggressor.

Demonstrative Pronouns of Spanish

Demonstrative Pronouns of Spanish If youve already learned the demonstrative adjectives of Spanish, youll find it easy to learn the demonstrative pronouns. They serve basically the same purpose, acting as the equivalent of this, that, these or those in English. The main difference is that they (like other pronouns) stand for nouns rather than modify them. List of Spanish Demonstrative Pronouns Below are the demonstrative pronouns of Spanish. Notice that they are identical to the adjectives, except that most traditionally use accent marks, unlike the adjective forms, and that there is a neuter form. Singular masculine à ©ste (this)à ©se (that)aquà ©l (that, but further away in time, sentiment, or distance) Plural masculine or neuter à ©stos (these)à ©sos (those)aquà ©llos (those, but further away) Singular feminine à ©sta (this)à ©sa (that)aquà ©lla (that, but further away) Plural feminine à ©stas (these)à ©sas (those)aquà ©llas (those, but further away) Singular neuter esto (this)eso (that)aquello (that, but further away) The accents do not affect the pronunciation, but are used merely to distinguish adjectives and pronouns. (Such accents are known as orthographic accents.) The neuter pronouns do not have accents because they have no corresponding adjective forms. Strictly speaking, the accents arent mandatory on even the gendered forms if leaving them off wouldnt create confusion. Although the Royal Spanish Academy, a semiofficial arbiter of proper Spanish, once required the accents, it no longer does, but neither does it reject them. Use of the pronouns should seem straightforward, as they are used basically the same in both English and Spanish. The key difference is that Spanish requires use of the masculine pronoun when it substitutes for a masculine noun, and use of the feminine pronoun when it substitutes for a feminine noun. Also, while English does use its demonstrative pronouns standing alone, it also often uses forms such as this one and those ones. The one or ones shouldnt be translated separately into Spanish. The difference between the à ©se series of pronouns and aquà ©l series is the same as the difference between the ese series of demonstrative adjectives and the aquel series. Although à ©se and aquà ©l can both be translated as that, aquà ©l is used to refer to something further away in distance, time, or emotional feelings. Examples: Quiero esta flor. No quiero à ©sa.  (I want this flower. I dont want that one. Ésa is used because flor is feminine.)Me probà © muchas camisas. Voy a comprar à ©sta. (I tried on many shirts. Im going to buy this one. Ésta is used because camisa is feminine.)Me probà © muchos sombreros. Voy a comprar à ©ste.  (I tried on many hats. Im going to buy this one. Éste is used because sombrero is masculine.)Me gustan esas casas. No me gustan aquà ©llas. (I like those houses. I dont like those over there. Aquà ©llas is used because casa is feminine and the houses are distant from the speaker.)A mi amiga le gustan la bolsas de colores vivos. Voy a comprar à ©stas. (My friend likes colorful purses. I am going to buy these. Éstas is used because bolsas is plural feminine.) Using the Neuter Pronouns The neuter pronouns are never used to substitute for a specific noun. They are used to refer to an unknown object or to an idea or concept that isnt specifically named. (If you would have occasion to use a neuter plural, use the plural masculine form.) The use of eso is extremely common to refer to a situation that has just been stated. Examples:  ¿Quà © es esto? (What is this [unknown object]?)Esto es bueno. (This [referring to a situation rather than a specific object] is good.)El padre de Marà ­a murià ³. Por eso, est triste. (Marys father died. Because of that, shes sad.)Tengo que salir a las ocho. No olvides  eso. (I have to leave at eight. Dont forget that.)Quedà © impresionado por aquello. (I left affected by that.) Key Takeaways The demonstrative pronouns of Spanish are the equivalent of English pronouns such as this and these.The demonstrative pronouns must match the nouns they refer to in gender and number.Neuter demonstrative pronouns are used to refer to concepts and situations, not named objects.

Egyptian Wonders of the Ancient World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Egyptian Wonders of the Ancient World - Essay Example The building of these pyramids took a vast labor force and a vast amount of resources. Often, prisoners and slaves of conquest were subscripted into the labor force, but the citizens were also used. In archaeological sites, it is found that in areas where these pyramids are built that they stimulated village economies. As a result, there are many different types of shops and buildings that have been uncovered showing how the Egyptians were able to support and supply such a massive workforce. The pyramids were not a static structure but rather evolved over time as the Egyptians became more and more sophisticated in the field of mathematics, materials construction, and architecture. The first pyramids were less sophisticated and represented more rectangular flat structures called mastabas. This is why there is an observable trend in the change in the construction of the periods between the Old Kingdom and the New Kingdom as better methods of construction were discovered. Pharaoh Djoser constructed the first pyramid. His pyramid was made of mud brick and other materials that were soon replaced with the stone architecture. In addition, his building plan left the burial chamber and passageways below the surface and they were eventually plundered. Subsequent burial chambers in the next pyramids were built deep within the heart of the pyramid with a subsequent mirage of multiple mazes. In order to protect the contents and body of the Pharaoh that was buried, Egyptian architectures started looking at improving security systems in order to protect them. The most common method was through the creation of booby traps in order to keep grave robbers from reaching the burial chamber by either scaring them away or killing them. There were also decoy chambers designed in order to make robbers think they were in the rear chamber. The use of multiple mazes also created additional protection by offering many different routes, some of which lead to dead ends designed to confuse th ose that entered the tomb without permission.

Child Marriage Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Child Marriage - Essay Example 1. The law in Yemen set the minimum age at one that is approved for marriage to be 15 years, but traditional customs more often than not continuously flout this law. However, the law was abolished in 1999 with the minimum age being set as at when the girl attains the puberty age 3. In the actual practice, it can be said that the law in Yemen allows women of any age to be able to wed, but it is forbidden to practice sex with them until they achieve the age where it is now suitable to do so 4. The law was later to be raised from the minimum age of marriage to be 18 years after a girl, Nujood Ali, 10 years of age, in April 2008 was able to be granted divorce successfully after being raped under the set circumstances 5. Much later in 2008, a council for maternal care and Childhood came up with the proposal for the minimum age to be defined at 18 years and was passed as laws in April 2009, but age was set at 17 years 6. However, inspired by Nujood Ali, Yemenis continued pushing for change with her involved in some of the rallies held. Some of these campaigns can even claim to have barred some early marriages in Yemen specifically in the State of Amran 1. This has been justified by clerics in Saudi Arabia with some even marrying off small girls who are at the age of 9 years, this being sanctioned even by law. The Saudi Arabian laws define the minimum marriage age to be as young as 8 years 2. Families take advantage of religion to condone and spread early marriages arranging for girls to be married in religious ceremonies, using the tactic of not registering officially them until the girl is of legal age. This practice disadvantages the girl, leaving her with no legal base to inherent, no alimony or support in case the husband was to pass away prematurely or divorce her 3. Middle East statistics regarding the child marriages are

Nineteen Eighty Four - Dystopian Society Essay Example for Free

Nineteen Eighty Four Dystopian Society Essay In the novel â€Å"Nineteen Eighty-Four† George Orwell created the dystopian society of Oceania, where the government has complete control of the language used by citizens. Aside from individuals of lower social class called the â€Å"Proles,† the â€Å"Party† constantly watches everyone. In an attempt to eliminate any chances of rebellion against the Party, they created the new language of â€Å"Newspeak. † Newspeak eliminates any controversial words along with all synonyms, antonyms and verbs. By doing this, the government has gained the power of meaning. Syme, a specialist in Newspeak tells the main character Winston exactly what control Newspeak has allowed the Party to have. â€Å"Don’t you see the whole aim of Newspeak is the narrow the range of thought? In the end we shall all make thoughtcrime literally impossible, because there will be no words in which to express it. † (Orwell 54). Along with that, the Party also has complete control of written language by altering history related documents to match the history that is in favor of this political power. The altering of these documents is what happens to be Winston’s job. While at work Winston pondered the power of being able to control the past, coming to a startling realization. As written by the narrator of the novel, â€Å"the past, he reflected had not only been altered, it had actually been destroyed. For how could you establish even the most obvious fact when there existed no record outside your own memory? † (Orwell 36). On top of being historically mislead, citizens are restricted of express any thought of their own or any way to voice against the Party. When you no truthful record for the past, the past doesn’t exist. When you have no words to associate with a meaning, the meaning behind the word then vanishes just like the political history of Oceania. For these reasons, a society with government restricted verbal and written language is one that proves to be dystopian.