Legal and financial environment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Legal and financial environment - Essay Example The contracts should also define the working hours and the leaves an employee should get. Moreover, any related employment policies such as anti-bribery laws make part of the contract. The rules and regulation relating the job assigned needs explicit statements. The relationship between the employer and the employee needs clarity. Nevertheless, the employee should know the ground in which issues such as dismissal, resigning from works occur. Moreover, the contract should define the expectations of the employer from the employees. That way, confusion would be minimal in that the employees will focus on what they are expected of to facilitate achieving the company’s goals and objectives (Cipd.co.uk, 2015). The U.K employment laws prohibit laws that discriminate in any way against any individual when making job advertisements. Some of the general rules that Grace and tailor should follow to avoid accusations during advertising and recruiting are mentioned below. First, the job advert must not imply or state that there will be discrimination of anyone. For instance, it should not imply that the company does not prefer workers with a disability. The use of a common phrase like â€Å"averagely experience† or â€Å"fresh graduates† is inappropriate. The platform where one advertises may also imply indirect discrimination, for example, advertising the job in the women’s magazine. Noticeably, specifying the age limit may also involve discrimination. During the recruiting process, the law prohibits the inclusion of date of birth on an application letter. Selecting potential employees for an interview based on age appears to be discriminative. Moreover, the U.K employment laws say that an applicant need not to talk about criminal convictions if any though areas such as schools may not have the rule applying to them. The employer should not use the membership of a trade union to influence the decision to

Best source of funding for research organization Essay Example for Free

Best source of funding for research organization Essay There are a number of ways of funding research programs to help medical clinics; we may have an aspect where the government lends a hand or seeking the indulgence of the pharmaceutical companies. (NCSL, 2014) The above stated are two of those ways. Acceptance of offers to carry out research depends on the wishes of beneficiaries; they get to choose whom they perceive to be their best options. (U.S. Congress, 2006) Grants by the federal government may be defined as the assistance in monetary terms offered by the American government. (NIST, 2014)The government assistance has to conform to the laws and regulations set about by the federal agencies. (USA Government, n.d.)Grants offered by the pharmaceutical companies; to conduct clinical research is one of the common ways of sourcing for money to carry out research activities for clinics. (Canadian Business Network, n.d) Pharmaceutical companies are private entities which may not be put under tight regulations as compared to public institutions. (Federal Grants, n.d)The financing pharmaceutical company may fund a research project they deem to be in line with what they find necessary for them. (D.o.J., 1998) Advantages of using government grants to fund research projects Government or federal grants are a good way of sourcing for funds; even though the central government may impose very strict measures to go about using the cash. (Cornell University, n.d.) Once a government agency has given the nod for one to conduct the research alongside the funds allocation; a research organization is left to conduct its affairs in the required time they find ample. (UCONN, n.d.) Pharmaceutical companies may impose timelines so that they launch their products for commercial gains. (The Arc, n.d.)Pharmaceutical companies may continue funding a project based on interests to be fulfilled; some may be under pressure to churn out products that cause a buzz within markets. (Grant Space, n.d.)Another risk involved with pharmaceuticals funding projects would be purely to spite their competitors and caress enormous egos of company executives and owners. (TGCI, n.d.) Government does not engage in competition; but their mandate is to look out for the welfare of their citizen s. (The White House, n.d.)It’s with the above stated reasons that governmental funding looks more appealing as compared to funding from private entities. (Homeland Security, n.d.)There would not be conflicts or interests as well as undue pressure. (FELDESMAN+TUCKER+LEIFER+FIDELL, n.d.) References NCSL. (2014). NCSL. Retrieved from http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/american-health-benefit-exchanges.aspxU.S. Congress. (2006, October). Research and Development in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Retrieved from https://cbo.gov/sites//10-02-drugr-d.pdfCanadian Business Network. (n.d.). Canadian Business Network. Retrieved from http://www.canadabusiness.ca/eng/page/2740/National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), United States Department of Commerce (DoC). (2014, February 25). ANNOUNCEMENT OF FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITY (FFO) Measurement Science and Engineering (MSE) Research Grant Programs. Retrieved from www.nist.gov//grants/USA Government. (n.d.). Benefits, Grants, and Loans. Retrieved from http://www.usa.gov/Citizen/Topics/Benefits.shtmlFederal Grants. (n.d.). Federal Grants. Retrieved from http://www.federalgrants.com/D.o.J. (1998, September). The United States Department of Justice. Retrieved from http://www.justice.gov/crt/grants_statutes/legalman.phpCornell Univers ity. (n.d.). Cornell University. Retrieved from http://www.irb.cornell.edu/faq/UCONN. (n.d.). University of Connecticut. Retrieved from http://research.uconn.edu/The Arc. (n.d.). Public Policy. Retrieved from http://www.thearc.org/what-we-do/public-policy/know-your-rights/federal-lawsGrant Space. (n.d.). Knowledge Base. Retrieved from http://grantspace.org/tools/knowledge-base/Funding-Resources/Government-Funders/government-grantsTGCI. (n.d.). Thw Grantsmanship Center. Retrieved from http://www.tgci.com/training/competing-federal-grants-5-dayThe White House. (n.d.). Office of Mnagement and Budget. Retrieved from http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants_defaultHomeland Security. (n.d.). Title VI Overview for Recipients of DHS Financial Assistance. Retrieved from http://www.dhs.gov/title-vi-overview-recipients-dhs-financial-assistanceFELDESMAN+TUCKER+LEIFER+FIDELL. (n.d.). Federal Grants. Retrieved from http://www.feldesmantucker.com/federal-grants/ Source document

Parents affect on their childrens sporting lives Essay -- essays resea

Parents have a great affect on their children. Parents like their kids to be involved in many different activities to make the child a well rounded person. Sports is a main activity that parents get their children involved in. Sports develops character, as well as discipline, self respect, etc†¦ Sometimes parents don’t realize that even though the sport itself teaches the child, they are the most visible teacher to the child. Parents are often the ones who get out of control at sporting events. When the children see this behavior, they now must question. Is this acceptable? Then a child may think it is and engage in violent or destructive behavior themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This past summer a scandal erupted during the Little League World Series. A young man, Danny Almonte, was ineligible to play. The rules state that you cannot be older than 12 by August 1st. He is 14. The child was obviously more developed than his teammates. His talent exceeded that of any player in the tournament. He was throwing 70 mile an hour fastballs. That’s the equivalent of a 90 mph fastball at the major league distance. Many people took place in this scandal, not just his father. The Rolando Paulino Little League insisted that he was 12. They said he was born April 7, 1989, in Moca, Dominican Republic. Lynn 2 When in fact he was 14 and born on the same day, but in 1987. When the league found the official documents about his true age, the team was stripped of their 3rd place status... Parents affect on their childrens sporting lives Essay -- essays resea Parents have a great affect on their children. Parents like their kids to be involved in many different activities to make the child a well rounded person. Sports is a main activity that parents get their children involved in. Sports develops character, as well as discipline, self respect, etc†¦ Sometimes parents don’t realize that even though the sport itself teaches the child, they are the most visible teacher to the child. Parents are often the ones who get out of control at sporting events. When the children see this behavior, they now must question. Is this acceptable? Then a child may think it is and engage in violent or destructive behavior themselves.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  This past summer a scandal erupted during the Little League World Series. A young man, Danny Almonte, was ineligible to play. The rules state that you cannot be older than 12 by August 1st. He is 14. The child was obviously more developed than his teammates. His talent exceeded that of any player in the tournament. He was throwing 70 mile an hour fastballs. That’s the equivalent of a 90 mph fastball at the major league distance. Many people took place in this scandal, not just his father. The Rolando Paulino Little League insisted that he was 12. They said he was born April 7, 1989, in Moca, Dominican Republic. Lynn 2 When in fact he was 14 and born on the same day, but in 1987. When the league found the official documents about his true age, the team was stripped of their 3rd place status...

Ghandi Case Essay

Ghandi was cool and liked cats one time he was chilling with his cat foo foo ba mo mo and it totally attacked his foot and he was like ow that hurt bad kitty and he smacked his cat but then he felt really bad so he ran fast to the gas station that also sold cat toys and other various pet items and bought him a lovley cat toy made of the finest lace and cat nip. Well after that the cat was very happy and danced around to thriller by micheal jackson becuase he was a little stoned after all that cat nip so he chilled for a while but then he really had the muchies and was graving taco bell, NOT TIME, taco time is over priced and not even that good, anyways he got his reallly cool motor scooter and hauled ass to america becuase india is so cheap to have anything as awesome as taco bell and he got a job doing tricks to earn the money he needed and after that he made it to america and ate a nachoes supreme and was super stoked but totally had the worst cotten mouth so he was in a mad dash to find the nearest seven eleven becuase they had this new flavor of slushie that sounded really dank at the time it was like watermelon or somehting i dont even know but after a while of catting around he located one and went in and had like two dollars so he had to buy a small

Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 25

When I got back to the vampire house, the moon was hanging high in the sky. Lexi was sprawled on the sofa, her eyes closed as she listened to Hugo play the piano. The piano was so out of tune that the music he pounded out, which was supposed to be a rousing revolutionary march, sounded more like a funeral dirge. Still, I couldnt help but pull Lexi up, whirling her around in an impromptu dance. â€Å"Youre late,† Lexi said, ducking out of the twirl. â€Å"Or were you on anotherdate?† â€Å"Or killing more humans?† Buxton asked, entering the room. â€Å"Are you in love?† Percy asked, leaning his elbows on his knees and glancing up at me jealously from the corner table, where he was playing a game of solitaire. Percy clearly loved women, but his childlike face made him look like a boy of fifteen, and often the women he was most attracted to assumed Lexi was his mother. I was thankful Id been turned into a vampire at the age I had been. I shook my head. â€Å"Imnotin love,† I said, wondering if I was saying it to convince myself. â€Å"But Im settling into the routine at the freak show. I think Im learning to like New Orleans.† â€Å"Thats great news,† Buxton breathed sarcastically. â€Å"Buxton.† Lexi glanced at him reproachfully before turning her attention back to me. â€Å"Did you forget our plans?† I racked my brain, but finally shook my head. â€Å"Im sorry.† Lexi sighed. â€Å"Remember–Im taking you shopping. I may be a vampire, but I still have a womans vanity, and it simply doesnt suit me to be surrounded by men in ill-fitting clothing. What would the neighbors think?† She laughed, amused by her own joke. â€Å"Oh, right.† I inched toward the stairway. â€Å"Maybe we could go tomorrow? Im exhausted.† â€Å"Im serious, Stefan,† Lexi said, taking my arm. â€Å"You need clothes, and its a tradition of sorts. I took those two gentlemen in for fittings, and look at them now,† she said, nodding toward Buxton and Hugo as if exceptionally pleased with her work. It was true. From Buxtons high-collared blue coat to Hugos well-tailored britches, theydidlook handsome. â€Å"Besides, you dont have a choice,† she said mischievously. â€Å"I dont?† â€Å"No.† Lexi opened the door with a flourish. â€Å"Boys, were off. When we come back, you wont even recognize Stefan, hell look so handsome!† â€Å"Bye,handsome!† Buxton yelled sarcastically as the door clicked closed. Lexi shook her head, but I didnt mind. In an odd way, Id gotten used to Buxton. He was like a brother of sorts. A brother with a potentially fatal short temper, but one Id gotten used to managing. Together, Lexi and I walked companionably into the cool night air. I saw Lexi looking at me out of the corner of her eye, and I wondered what she saw. I felt I was living three distinct lives: In one, I was a loyal brother, in another I was a new member of a club I didnt quite understand, and in the third I was a young man placing my trust in a human woman–a woman whom I had staked my own flesh and blood to save. The trouble was, I wasnt sure how to seamlessly live all three lives. â€Å"Youre quiet,† Lexi said in midstep. â€Å"And†Ã¢â‚¬â€œshe sniffed the air–â€Å"you havent been drinking human blood. Im proud of you, Stefan.† â€Å"Thanks,† I murmured. I knew she wouldnt be proud of me if I told her about the conversation Callie and I had shared. Shed say that I was too impulsive, too naï ¿ ½ve, that Id made a huge mistake telling Callie my secret. Although I hadnttoldas much asconfirmedher remarkably accurate suspicions. â€Å"Here we are,† Lexi said, stopping at a nondescript wooden door on Dauphine Street. She took a slim metal hook from her pocket and jiggled it in the lock of the front door. After a moment, it clicked open. â€Å"And now, the shop is open for business.† Lexi spread her hands wide, perching on a stiff leather ottoman. â€Å"Take your pick.† A dozen mannequins with puffed-out chests held court in the store. One in a tweed jacket lifted its arm in a wave, while another in a sailors cap had a hand above its eyes, as though staring straight out to sea. Bolts of fine fabrics were propped up against the back wall, and a row of cuff-links glistened under glass. Stacks of ready-made shirts kept silent watch over the darkened shop, and a few cravats spilled out of a drawer. Lexi crossed her ankles beneath her skirts and gazed at me, a look of pride on her face as I pulled a camel-hair coat off a mannequin and draped it around my shoulders. I stood stiffly, waiting for approval, as I had done when my mother had taken me shopping. â€Å"Well, I cant tell when you stand there as wooden as a mannequin. Walk around a bit. See what you think,† Lexi said with an impatient wave of her hand. I rolled my eyes but took a turn around the room, acting like the rich men Callie and Id seen at the burlesque show. I held out my hand to Lexi with a flourish. â€Å"Care to dance?† I said in an exaggerated British accent. Lexi shook her head, amusement evident in her eyes. â€Å"Okay, I get it. Its a little too dandy. How about that one?† She angled her chin at a mannequin in black trousers and a gray coat with red piping. I removed my jacket and pulled the coat around my shoulders. Lexi nodded, her eyes taking on a faraway look. â€Å"What are you thinking about?† I asked. â€Å"My brother,† she said. I thought of the boy in the portrait, his eyes so much like Lexis. â€Å"What about him?† Lexi picked up a silk cravat and laced it between her fingers. She didnt look at me as she spoke. â€Å"After our parents died, I started taking walks with a boy who was a vampire. He asked if I wanted to live forever. And of course I did, because I was young, and whowouldn'twant to always be young and beautiful? Also, if I turned, it meant Id never have to leave Colin. Hed already lost so much, and I thought, well, at least he could know that hed never lose me.† â€Å"Was Colin a vampire?† Lexi pulled the cravat through her fingers and cracked it like a whip. â€Å"Id never do that to someone I loved.† The image of me forcing Damon to drink from Alice, the barmaid in the tavern back home, flashed through my mind. I looked down, not wanting Lexi to sense what Id done to someone I loved. â€Å"So what happened?† â€Å"People got suspicious. I didnt know then how careful we needed to be. My brother was growing up, and I was staying the same. People wondered. And there was a siege, and our house was torched. And the irony is, I escaped and Colin didnt. And he was the innocent one. He was only sixteen.† â€Å"Im sorry,† I said finally. I tried to imagine Lexi as a human, leaning on the arm of the man who had promised the world to her, just as Katherine had promised the world to me. I pictured him spiriting her away to a dark alley, taking just a little blood at first, asking her to drink his, then stabbing her through the heart to complete the transformation. Lexi waved her hand, wiping away the image of herself as a young girl. â€Å"Dont be sorry. It was more than a century ago. Hed be dead anyway by now.† She appraised me. â€Å"That jacket looks good on you.† â€Å"Thank you,† I said. Suddenly the weight of my discussion with Callie felt heavy in my stomach. â€Å"I have a plan to save Damon,† I blurted out. Lexis head jerked up, her eyes flashing. â€Å"What?† â€Å"Tomorrow night. Callies helping me.† I allowed my eyes to meet Lexis. â€Å"Damons back at Laurel Street. Her father will be out of the house at a card game, so well free Damon then.† â€Å"Did you tell Callie what you are?† she asked, her voice low and hard. I chewed on my thumb. â€Å"No.† â€Å"Stefan!† â€Å"She guessed,† I said defensively. â€Å"And I trust her.† â€Å"Trust!† Lexi spat. She stood up so abruptly the ottoman toppled over. â€Å"You dont know the meaning of the word. Callie is the daughter of Patrick Gallagher, who just forced your brother to fight a mountain lion to the death. How do you know this isnt some elaborate plan to imprison you, too?† â€Å"How stupid do you think I am?† I challenged, stepping closer to Lexi. â€Å"I may be young, but I have good instincts.† Lexi gave a derisive snort. â€Å"You mean the same instincts that landed you backed up in a butcher shop with three vampires surrounding you? The same instincts that led you to murder that woman on the train?† â€Å"Im still here, arent I?† â€Å"Because of me! And the boys back at the house. But I will not allow you to drag us into confronting Patrick Gallagher, of all people.† â€Å"No ones dragging you into anything!† I yelled in frustration. â€Å"Just because you let your brother die doesnt mean Im going to let mine! I owe him that much.† â€Å"You ungrateful child!† she spat, pushing me with all her force against a gold-framed mirror. I fell as the mirror shattered around me. One large shard cut a large gash across my arm, but it barely hurt. Instead, I was shocked by Lexis strength. Id seen it before, but Id never been on the receiving end. Lexi towered above me, her eyes glittering. â€Å"You need to learn your place, and you need to learn it fast. Youre a vampire. And vampires donotconsort with humans.† I leaped to my feet and pushed her away from me. She flew across the store and landed against the bolts of fabric. â€Å"This one does, if it means saving Damon,† I growled. Then I stalked out of the shop and into the blackness of the night.

Epicurus perception of pleasure and justice

Epicurus perception of pleasure and justice Epicurus is one philosopher who believed in living a life full of pleasure. According to him, life without harm therefore a life without pain was the definition of living a just life. Without harm, there was no possibility of pain and therefore pleasure is achieved which constituted justice. Injustice is brought about by pain which in his perspective does not bring pleasure. Consequently, a life that focuses on pleasure is a just one since it constitutes doing what is right to avoid pain.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Epicurus’ perception of pleasure and justice specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Epicurus believes that pain is the beginning of injustice to oneself or society. A life filled with pain does not constitute a just life since there is no pleasure when pain is present. In his perception every human being should be in pursuit of pleasure because no one would love to live in pain. While in pursuit of p leasure, justice is achieved since the person would not bring or cause harm either to himself or society. Pain which is brought about by harm is the main source of injustice, pursuing pleasure involved refraining from doing what does not bring pleasure to oneself but ensuring that obtaining utmost personal pleasure would be the true definition of justice. This would involve forming a circle of friends who believed in the same beliefs as you since associating with individuals who had different definitions of true happiness and pleasure would not bring true pleasure as this would mean that you would have to live a life of pleasing others other than yourself therefore not finding pleasure which ultimately results to injustice to self[1]. All efforts exerted by human beings are intended for the pursuit of personal pleasure. Desire for many things was not necessary as this would not cause pleasure since one cannot attain all that he believes he wants to acquire in life. Instead one shoul d be content with what they have and this can be best portrayed by his perception about life and death. He did not think it pleasurable to pursuit the pain that is brought about by thoughts of death since when living death is not present and once you are dead then life is not there. Therefore, there is no meaningful gain in bringing harm to oneself by contemplating the pain that is brought about by death since none exists in the presence of the other and such thoughts only brings pain thus creating a source of personal injustice. According to his understanding, limiting the desires that an individual may have and expelling all forms of fear especially the fear of the gods and death would result to a life full of pleasure and justice. Epicurus also noticed that there are other forms of pleasure that have negative results and the acquisition of such pleasure brings more pain than pleasure once sought thus resulting to injustice of self. According to him, pleasure is achieved through h appiness which is brought about by relating with friends who possess similar virtues to yours and also possessing a peace of mind. Honest living which brings about a peaceful mind and pleasure to oneself as well as bringing justice to self and to others[2].Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Epicurus truly advocated for pleasure which would bring about justice. Avoiding all forms of fear and pain would bring about pleasure thus resulting to justice to self and to society in general. Pursuit of pleasure which was free from any forms of negative consequences was his definition of justice. Bibliography Armstrong, John. Epicurean Justice. Phronesis 42. 3 (1997): 324-334 Footnotes Armstrong, John. Epicurean Justice. Phronesis 42. 3 (1997): 324-334 Armstrong, John. Epicurean Justice. Phronesis 42. 3 (1997): 324-334

Soar Like An Eagle †Theology Essay

Soar Like An Eagle – Theology Essay Free Online Research Papers Soar Like An Eagle Theology Essay They were not exactly barnyard buddies. As black clouds roiled high overhead and thunder rumbled in the distance, two birds looked up at the ominous sky. Though the two birds had lived in the barnyard since infancy they were as different as night and day. The chicken, with her beak down, was busy pecking in the dirt and trash. She scratched in the debris searching for worms, scraps, and corn. She frantically finished her meal before she ran to the barn for refuge from the storm. The appearance and actions of the other bird were quite opposite of the chicken. He sat on a fence post, his head lifted to the sky, and his sharp eyes piercing the dark rolling clouds over the mountain peak. As he stretched his wings, gusts of wind almost lifted him from his perch. The feathers of his wings that had once been clipped to prevent him from flying away had once again grown to their full length. Something stirred within his breast. Suddenly his keen eyes spotted a lone eagle soaring high above the storm clouds. He heard the sharp cry of the soaring eagle. The young eagle instinctively spread his wings. A gust of wind lifted him from his fence post and with a scream of freedom; he mounted up higher and higher on the air currents. He left the barnyard forever. Eagles were made to soar not to live their lives like a chicken in the barnyard eating grubs and worms. When Jesus referred to chickens, he illustrated the type of people in Jerusalem who would not listen to his message. They travel in crowds, broods, and are earth-bound. They keep their eyes on the things of the world. They never lift up their heads to see Him who is above. They live on handouts and whatever unclean things they can find. Chickens cannot fly except to find a roost. They are confined by fences and are satisfied. Eagles are born to soar. He has inherited a nature that cannot and will not survive captivity. They must be free to soar high in the sky. It may seem lonely up there, but the eagle doesn’t care. Because it is his nature to soar – not live with the multitudes in captivity. God’s Word has much to say about the eagle. â€Å"There are three things that amaze me – no, four things I do understand: how an eagle glides through the sky† (Proverbs 30:18, 19 NLT). You were created to soar like an eagle – not to live like a chicken. How can you come into your God given destiny and live the eagle life? First – an eagle must BE BORN AN EAGLE. Someone once said, â€Å"If it quacks like a duck, walks like a duck, and looks like a duck – it is a duck.† An eagle must be born an eagle to be an eagle. Jesus said, â€Å"You must be born again† (John 3:3). â€Å"That which is of the flesh is flesh, that which is of the spirit is spirit.† When Adam sinned, sin came on the entire human race. Our spirit died. Jesus said we need a spiritual rebirth. When one puts faith in the sacrifice of Christ on the cross for their sins and receive Him as personal Savior and Lord, they are born again. They become like an eagle. â€Å"For as many as received Him gave He power to become sons of God, even as many as believed on Him† (John 1:12). Second – eagles must FLY LIKE AN EAGLE. You may become a Christian, but you must learn to live like an eagle Christian. Eagles are symbolic of a certain type of person. â€Å"But they that wait upon the Lord . . . shall mount up with wings as eagles† (Isaiah 40:31). All children of God must learn to â€Å"mount up† like an eagle. Only those who will come to wait in His presence will be conformed to the image of the Son of God and rule and reign with Him forever. The glory that shines from His face changes them from the image of the earthly into the image of their regal heavenly king. We can learn much about soaring like an eagle from Deuteronomy 2:11. It tells how the eagle gets his introduction to the practice of soaring in the heavens. The mother eagle â€Å"stirs up her nest†, â€Å"flutters over her young†, â€Å"spreads abroad her wings†, and â€Å"bears them on her wings.† The time comes when every eagle must leave the soft, secure nest and live the eagle life. Looking down from the heights of its nest is scary for the young eaglet. It’s also dangerous. He is reluctant to venture out, so the mother makes it very uncomfortable in the nest. She tears up the soft bed, beats her wings over the eaglets, and finally spreads her wings and the eaglet is taken for a ride on her back. Suddenly the eaglet tumbles off and must either spread its wings and learn to fly or crash to the ground. Tumbling end over end, the eaglet utters a frightened screech. After what seems like almost certain death, the mother eagle flies underneath and â€Å"bears it up on eagles wings†, until it learns to soar like an eagle. Friend, God wants you to soar like an eagle. Be free from scratching in the dirt with the chickens. Commit your life to the Lord Jesus Christ. Learn to wait in His presence daily. â€Å"They that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up on wings as eagles† (Isaiah 40:31). Research Papers on Soar Like An Eagle - Theology EssayThe Spring and AutumnPersonal Experience with Teen PregnancyThe Masque of the Red Death Room meanings19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraUnreasonable Searches and SeizuresThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationHip-Hop is ArtGenetic EngineeringComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoThe Hockey Game

Tips for Moving Back in With Your Parents After College

Tips for Moving Back in With Your Parents After College Sure, moving back in with your parents may not have been your first choice for what to do after you graduated from college. Many people, however, move back in with their folks for a wide range of reasons. No matter why youre doing it, there are some steps you can take to make the situation easier for everyone. Set Reasonable Expectations True, you may have been able to come and go as you please, leave your room a disaster, and have a new guest over every night while you were in the residence halls, but this arrangement may not work for your folks. Set some reasonable expectations - for everyone involved - before you even step through the door. Set Some Ground Rules Alright, you may have to have a curfew so your poor mother doesnt think something terrible has happened to you if youre not home by 4:00 in the morning - but your mom also needs to understand that she cant just barge into your room without any notice. Set some ground rules as soon as possible to make sure everyone is clear on how things will work. Expect a combination of a roommate relationship and a parent/kid relationship. Yes, youve had roommates for the past several years, and you may view your parents as similar to them. Your parents, however, will always view you as their child. Do your best to keep this in mind as you figure out how things will work once you move back in. Sure, it seems ridiculous for a roommate to want to know where youre going every night. But your parents probably have a legitimate right to ask. Set a Time Frame Do you just need someplace to crash between when you graduate from college and when you start graduate school in the fall? Or do you need somewhere to live until you can save enough money on your own to get your own place? Talk about how long you plan on staying - 3 months, 6 months, 1 year - and then check back in with your parents once that time frame is up. Discuss Money, No Matter How Awkward No one really likes to talk about money. But addressing the topic with your parents - how much youll pay in rent, for food, to get back on their health insurance plan, or if the car youve been borrowing needs more gas - will help prevent a ton of problems later. Have Your Own Support Networks Ready to Go After living on your own or in the residence halls during college, living with your parents can become very isolating. Do your best to have systems in place that provide you with an outlet and support network that is separate from your parents. The Relationship Is Give and Take - Both Ways Yes, your parents are letting you stay at their place, and yes, you may pay rent to do so. But are there other ways you can help, especially if money is tight for everyone? Can you help around the house - with yard work, fix-it projects, or technical support for the computers they can never get to work right - in ways that will make your living relationship much more symbiotic? The Person Who Moves Back Is Not the Same Person Who Left Your parents may have a very specific - and outdated - idea of who is moving back in with them. Take a deep breath and do your best to remind them that, while you left the house as an 18-year-old college freshman, you are now returning as a 22-year-old, college-educated adult. Now Is the Time to Build Your Own Life - Not Pause It Just because you are at your parents place, waiting until you can move out on your own, doesnt mean your life is on pause. Volunteer, date, explore new things  and do your best to continue learning and growing instead of just waiting for your first opportunity to move on to somewhere else. Enjoy Yourself This may seem completely unthinkable if moving back in with your folks was the last thing you wanted to do. However, living at home can be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to finally learn your moms secret fried chicken recipe and your dads amazing way with woodworking tools. Live it up and take in as much as you can.

Practical UNIX Security Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Practical UNIX Security - Assignment Example However, these modules require frequent updates for virus definitions and new threats, which may affect the network anytime. Every now and then, new threats are designed and developed by hackers or cyber criminals. In spite of securing the networks and data centers, with the most updated and advanced security modules, there is still a probability of a new threat to intrude into the network. In addition, hackers and cyber criminals are exploring efficient codes day by day to improve the hacking software, in order to breach in to classified information, banks, online websites etc. As the threats and vulnerabilities are infinite, no one can memorize them in order to take a measured approach, the initial step is to identify the vulnerability type. An organization named as CVE (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposure) provides a database to search for a particular public known vulnerability. The sponsors for CVE are US-CERT and managed by MITRE Corporation. The goal is to provide common names for all publicly known security threats and exposures. In order to extract information from CVE, access of National Vulnerability Database is mandatory (NVD) (Cve. 2011). (CVE) The Standard A comprehensive definition is available on the CVE website, which states as â€Å"Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE ®) is a dictionary of common names (i.e., CVE Identifiers) for publicly known information security vulnerabilities, while its Common Configuration Enumeration (CCEâ„ ¢) provides identifiers for security configuration issues and exposures. CVE’s common identifiers make it easier to share data across separate network security†. One more definition available in network dictionary states it as â€Å"common vulnerabilities and exposure is an emerging refers industry standard for identifying and naming vulnerabilities and various other information security exposures† (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures. 2007). The primary objective of CVE is to provide a separate database accessible, in order to find out all the known threats and vulnerabilities currently, with the help of tools and services. What is CVE 3872 ? As CVE 3872 is a threat that operates on web technologies, before understanding CVE 3872, it is vital to focus on some of the web technologies that are associated with CVE 3872. Common Gateway Interface A newly developed website providing information must possess a database to store information, which is published on the website. In general, many people on the Internet will visit the website and access information, which is extracted from the database. This is where the importance of Common Gateway Interface (CGI) becomes useful. Dave Chaffy defines it as â€Å"A method of processing information on a web server in response to a customer’s request. Typically, a user will fill in a Web-based form and a CGI script (application) will process the results. Active Server Pages (ASP) are an alternative to a CGI script† (Chaffey 2006). Moreover, if the users query the database of the website, the CGI script will transmit the queries to the database and retrieves results on the website. It has become a standard for synchronizing information servers from external web applications. CGI is eminent in the form of a plain HTML file which his static, while CGI operates in a real time environment to display dynamic contents on a website. An

Essay questions Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 16

Questions - Essay Example In other words, natural resources (trees and soil) were progressively exchanged, by the islanders, for a range of economic, social, and cultural benefits. They inhabitants of the island then did not balance their needs and those of environmental protection. The archeological makers placed immense pressure on the natural environment such that these demands could not be sustained as discussed above. 3. The problems with Akosombo Dam were related to human migration since people were displaced from their homes. Fertile soils were submerged. The other impacts of the Akosombo Dam and the creation of Lake Volta include the increased occurrence of earthquakes due to readjustments of the Earths crust in response to the enormous weight of additional water in the lake. Thought it was a success story from the other angle, the construction of the dam also had severe impacts on the health of people since cases of diseases such as bilharzias increased. The people who constructed the dam should have started by conducting research so as to establish the impacts of the dam on the people. It was also a good idea to first relocate the people to other areas before commencing the construction of the dam in order to mitigate the severe impacts of poverty that were witnessed later. 4. People we displaced from their homes and their cultural backgrounds were destroyed. This meant that they had to start a new life in other places. The new resettlement areas were characterised by poverty. In short, the moral fabric of the people displaced as a result of the construction of the dam was destroyed. Political poverty is a result of the fact that hydroelectric power is exported to other neighbouring countries while the local communities surrounding the place continue to wallow in poverty. 5. How can we implement environmental ethics in the UAE? Environmental ethics are primarily concerned with our responsibilities as we interact with the

The Google Boys Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Google Boys - Essay Example However, soon the fellows found a common topic of interest, and by January 1996, the 24-year-old Larry and 23-yar-old Sergey had started collaboration on their first search engine called BackRub, which could analyze the â€Å"back links† pointing to a given website. The friends were limited in cash and had to borrow computers for their network. BackRub became popular in the campus. The work on the new technology was continued. Larry and Sergey bought a terabyte of disks at bargain price to build their computer housing. The Google’s first data center was in Larry’s dorm room. Having set up a business office, they started looking for potential partners. However, the new technology was not known and many companies, including Yahoo, refused a wonderful chance to get hold of it for almost no money. So Larry and Sergey decided to promote their engine themselves. All they needed was money. It was Andy Bechtolsheim, one of the founders of Sun Microsystems, and then a friend of a faculty member, who gave his blessing and a check for $100,000 to a new company, Google Inc. Sergey tells that they met Andy very early one morning on the porch at a Stanford faculty member’s home in Palo Alto. â€Å"We gave him a quick demo. He had to run off somewhere, so he said, ‘Instead of us discussing all the details, why dont I just write you a check? It was made out to Google Inc.†. While such a company didn’t exist it was impossible to deposit the check. So for a couple of weeks Sergey, who was, obviously, the business organizer, set up a firm, locating funders among family, friends and acquaintances. As a result, the initial investment made almost $1 million. Google Inc. opened in September 1998, in a friend’s garage in Melno Park, California. The new company had a staff of three, with Craig Silverstein, now Google’s director of

Pick one of the following articles and write on the questions Essay

Pick one of the following articles and write on the questions presented - Essay Example eliefs and values, shared cultural symbols, meanings and code of conduct.† (Shtarkshall, Santelli, & Hirsch, 2007) Once children and adolescents begin to interact with society, they learn more about sexuality through mass media and by observing the norms of society within its particular cultural and religious contexts. Thus, they gain diversified knowledge about the attitudes and views of society regarding sex-related issues like socially-accepted gender roles and social taboos like abortion, birth control etc. â€Å"†¦cultures around the world socialize boys and girls through both, direct and indirect means, to understand their gender roles in society.† (Ember & Ember, 2003) Thus, children and adolescents develop their social and sexual identities from their parents and society that transfer their cultural/religious values and beliefs in them. As education and socialization are different modes of teaching children and adolescents about sex, therefore, sex education is incomplete without either of these modes. Teenagers should be educated about sex in schools and parents should set examples through role-playing about positive sexual behaviors and equal gender roles at home. According to Shtarkshall, Santelli, & Hirsch (2007), most teens would prefer to learn about sex from schools. This conclusion is based on studies conducted in Israel and the United Kingdom, in which adolescents were asked about their preferred source of sexual education. A majority of the students expressed their desire to learn about sex in their schools rather than their homes. This is because many teenagers believe that parents cannot impart complete knowledge on sexuality. Another reason why teenagers cannot learn about sex from their parents is because in many families, parents do not discuss such subjects openly. Even if they do, it occurs between some members of the family like mothers, daughters etc. Fathers are often found to be hesitant in discussing anything about sex or

Post Surgical Elderly Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Post Surgical Elderly - Essay Example The primary aim shall be focused on the critical health issues affecting the ABC's (airway, breathing and circulation) of life, where wellness shall be promoted, discomfort be alleviated and complications be prevented with in the duration of her stay inside the hospital. As part of a nurse's care, an effective well comprehended discharge plan shall be discussed both to the patient's daughter as well as the patient herself for home treatment. One of the most important tasks that a nurse assumes in the medical industry is to make sure that the patient shows optimum if not maximum health conditions prior to discharge. It also her duty to provide health education unto the patient and the patients significant others for a thorough out patient care, one that is understood by both in terms of semantics, relevance and importance so as to be religiously followed. Admitted to my ward 3 days post surgery, 77 years old Patient Tee is currently in 2 litres oxygen therapy with 99% saturation via nasal prong. Chest x-ray indicates that the lower lobe of the lung has collapsed with a sputum microscopy that revealed a few gram positive Vancomycin resistant enterococcus. The patient also suffers from dysphagia characterized by post swallowing cough as well as dysphonia. Physical mobility is likewise restricted possibly due to fatigue and or fear of pain. While patients pre-hospitalization history already reveals poor nutrition, as verified by her daughter's statement that the patient refuses to eat her meals, this is much heightened with the presence of dysphagia (Medline and Mayo clinic home page. 2006). The patient's micro culture and sensitivity results tested positive on Enterococcus species, although there is no sign of elevated temperature as of the moment. The initial focused assessment that shall be made by interviewing patient Tee's of her present condition in order to gather information related to how and what she is feeling, taking into consideration dysphagia, pain (if any), breathing and communication ability, her appetite, urine and bowel movement, and the reasons for inability and her description of the intensity of pain/discomfort, as part of my acquisition of subjective data. As a nurse the observation that will take into account my own objective assessment will include, her breathing pattern, willingness to move about, range of movement, coherence and affect; her response to touch as well as the psychological manifestation of how she feels about her recent conditions and finally verifying this observations with laboratory results Nursing Diagnosis with rationale: Ineffective breathing pattern and impaired gas exchange secondary to collapse of the left lower lobe of the lung as evidenced by the decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood whenever oxygen pattern is removed (Orem, 1980. p.11). Activity intolerance related to shortness of breath as well as fatigue related to impaired oxygen exchange system. Anxiety related to feeling of suffocation and possible fear related to disabling respiratory deficiency. Impaired verbal communication secondary to dependence of prong/masked O2 inhalation and lastly chronic or situational low self esteem related to loss of normal

How Can Chipotle enter Chinese Market Assignment

How Can Chipotle enter Chinese Market - Assignment Example The researcher states that Chipotle should embrace the joint venture strategy to access the Chinese market since it allows more time for the establishment and launch of products. It involves identifying an established firm in China and increasing investment through the sharing of resources. The joint venture strategy is appropriate since it will enable Chipotle to gain knowledge of the local market. This takes place through the host firm’s ability to analyze competitive conditions, culture, language and political systems. Considering these aspects, it becomes easy to understand the preferences of the host clients and the competitive trends in the country. Another advantage of Chipotle using the joint venture entry strategy is that the costs and risks experienced in starting up a foreign market are shared between the partners. This is viable, especially if the host nation charges high duties on foreign firms or if the business will take longer to adapt to the new situations. Si milarly, through joint venture strategy, Chipotle can avoid the threats of nationalization or other unfavorable government hindrance that may arise. This implies that a government policy that may affect the entry of foreign firms is avoided through the collaboration with the local firms. However, this entry strategy may also attract challenges to Chipotle if appropriate measures are not put in place. For instance, the use of the joint venture may enable the host firm to control the production technology. It is also apparent that a firm may lose the tight control over subsidiaries, which it might require to actualize the location economies. This reduces the potential for the firm to expand to other markets across the host nation. There are also instances where joint ventures might lead to conflicts due to losses or control of resources.

Post Surgical Elderly Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Post Surgical Elderly - Essay Example The primary aim shall be focused on the critical health issues affecting the ABC's (airway, breathing and circulation) of life, where wellness shall be promoted, discomfort be alleviated and complications be prevented with in the duration of her stay inside the hospital. As part of a nurse's care, an effective well comprehended discharge plan shall be discussed both to the patient's daughter as well as the patient herself for home treatment. One of the most important tasks that a nurse assumes in the medical industry is to make sure that the patient shows optimum if not maximum health conditions prior to discharge. It also her duty to provide health education unto the patient and the patients significant others for a thorough out patient care, one that is understood by both in terms of semantics, relevance and importance so as to be religiously followed. Admitted to my ward 3 days post surgery, 77 years old Patient Tee is currently in 2 litres oxygen therapy with 99% saturation via nasal prong. Chest x-ray indicates that the lower lobe of the lung has collapsed with a sputum microscopy that revealed a few gram positive Vancomycin resistant enterococcus. The patient also suffers from dysphagia characterized by post swallowing cough as well as dysphonia. Physical mobility is likewise restricted possibly due to fatigue and or fear of pain. While patients pre-hospitalization history already reveals poor nutrition, as verified by her daughter's statement that the patient refuses to eat her meals, this is much heightened with the presence of dysphagia (Medline and Mayo clinic home page. 2006). The patient's micro culture and sensitivity results tested positive on Enterococcus species, although there is no sign of elevated temperature as of the moment. The initial focused assessment that shall be made by interviewing patient Tee's of her present condition in order to gather information related to how and what she is feeling, taking into consideration dysphagia, pain (if any), breathing and communication ability, her appetite, urine and bowel movement, and the reasons for inability and her description of the intensity of pain/discomfort, as part of my acquisition of subjective data. As a nurse the observation that will take into account my own objective assessment will include, her breathing pattern, willingness to move about, range of movement, coherence and affect; her response to touch as well as the psychological manifestation of how she feels about her recent conditions and finally verifying this observations with laboratory results Nursing Diagnosis with rationale: Ineffective breathing pattern and impaired gas exchange secondary to collapse of the left lower lobe of the lung as evidenced by the decrease in oxygen saturation in the blood whenever oxygen pattern is removed (Orem, 1980. p.11). Activity intolerance related to shortness of breath as well as fatigue related to impaired oxygen exchange system. Anxiety related to feeling of suffocation and possible fear related to disabling respiratory deficiency. Impaired verbal communication secondary to dependence of prong/masked O2 inhalation and lastly chronic or situational low self esteem related to loss of normal

Consumer Products Report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Consumer Products Report - Research Paper Example I hope that you are going to find this report satisfactory and up to your required standards. Sincerely yours, Name Faculty. Address Enclosures. Contents Letter of Transmittal 2 Contents 3 Introduction 4 Background to the Study 4 Research Aim 6 Significance of the Study 6 Methodology Applied 6 Findings 7 Primary Findings: Interview with a User 7 Primary Findings: Interview with a Sales Person 8 Primary Findings: Interview with a Technician 8 Secondary Findings 9 Summary of the Findings 10 Conclusion and Recommendation 10 References 11 Appendix-1: Interview Guideline for User 13 Appendix-2: Interview Guideline for Sales Person 14 Appendix-2: Interview Guideline for Technician 15 Introduction This research study is aimed at comparing a model of Sony TV with that of Samsung and Toshiba in order to facilitate the buying decisions needed to be made by the customers. For this reason, the researcher will utilize an interview guideline to conduct primary research and would take help from sec ondary sources to affirm the findings of the primary research. Background to the Study The development in technology and the globalization of resources and businesses has urged organizations to align t heir operational activities with that of pace of other businesses. This is because, to stay alive in the market place, organizations need to provide technologically driven and up to dated solutions to the requirements of customer, so that they stay loyal to the businesses. In this scenario, organizations engage themselves in business processes which ensures that every now and than, business come up with a new and innovative product idea, which outmatches the products of same product category of competitors (Herrick, 2007). In case of electronic appliance and gadget manufacturers, need for innovation and creativity increases as these manufacturers are perceived to be providing high quality technological gadgets that make customers’ life easier. Televisions were first introduced into the commercial market in late 1920s and since than, they have transformed into many forms, i.e. from simple cathode ray tube device to LCDs and than to LEDs. Televisions are undoubtedly the most purchased and utilized electronic device in the world and are used for communicating with the world through moving images (Bellis, 2012). The changing dynamics of consumer demands and preferences, along with the changing dynamics of the television manufacturing industry, has proved to be working as a catalyst in speeding up the process of introducing new and innovative television sets to the market. Additionally, the rapid changes in technological aspects of television manufacturing and industry structure makes television manufacturers face enormous challenges in the integration of their value chain activities. Moreover, the bigger challenge arises on customers’ sides that are looking for more facilitating solutions to fulfill their requirement to stay connected to the rest of th e world through television, and at the same time, looking for television that provide them real time image and provide picture quality that makes them feel if they are being a part of the scene they see on televisions (Gage & Pizzi, 2010). A number of quality television manufacturers dominate world’s television market. Among these manufacturer

Role of Social Networking Sites Towards Social Change Essay Example for Free

Role of Social Networking Sites Towards Social Change Essay Social Networking Sites (SNS) is a group of Web sites that provide people with the opportunity to create an online profile and to share that profile with others (Barnes, 2006). The top ranked SNS in India are Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Orkut, Google plus, etc. Besides electronic media, print media, Mobile phones and e-mails, SNS occupy a large space in every individual. When the first social networking site (classmate.com) was created in 1995, it just acted as a mere friend finder which helps the user to find their old friends and build relationship. Later looking at the huge success of networking sites hundreds of sites were created all around the world. Orkut was one of the famous SNS in India. When the traditional media is subjected to certain restrictions and pre-censorship in certain countries, the new media offers complete freedom of expression. When the mainstream media questions central or state’s functioning against people it is subjected to restrictions. Though a very few media provide unbiased news, most of the Mainstream media are owned by corporate companies whose priorities are celebrity issues, cricket, inaugurals of showrooms, commercialized entertainment, sensationalized talk shows and so on. SNS allow individuals to share their views and opinions. Apart from restrictions and censorship, individuals can share photographs, videos and links related to the social issues which can add volume to their views and also as a justification. Individual SNS users act as an opinion maker through networking sites. People those who follow them or in their friends circle comment their views on the posts. As it is networked the status update is shared by friends and friends of friends too. A medium is considered as an Alternative medium only when it notices the unnoticed, hears the unheard screams, expresses the feelings of marginalized groups, questions the authorities and challenge the biased mainstream media. No doubt social networking sites does all. It also serves as a source for the mainstream media. It helps to form communities, organize people together, changes the government. Social networking Sites Social Networking Sites (SNS) is a group of Web sites that provide people with the opportunity to create an online profile and to share that profile with others (Barnes, 2006). The top ranked SNS in India are Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, LinkedIn, Orkut, Google plus, etc. Besides electronic media, print media, Mobile phones and e-mails, SNS occupy a large space in every individual. The reason behind is most of the colleges, universities and work places are bonded with internet. Social Networking succeeds in a big way because it directly interconnects individuals and provides opportunity for us to design our own space. They help individuals to connect with their friends, family and even with strangers. These sites act as a platform to express our views. It also helps us to built and form communities of similar tastes. â€Å"Social networking tools give senior leaders the power to communicate instantly and with great regularity and consistency with globally diverse teams† (Elaine Varelas, 2010) When the first social networking site (classmate.com) was created in 1995, it just acted as a mere friend finder which helps the user to find their old friends and build relationship. Later looking at the huge success of networking sites hundreds of sites were created all around the world. Orkut was one of the famous SNS in India. After 2006 the concept of Facebook became a great success followed by twitter and recent Google plus. These sites can be used as public blogging, resource sharing, reflecting one’s views on any social issue. These sites pave a way for freedom of speech and expression. They can share what happened around them, with their views; find followers and likes for their updates. Freedom of Expression According to the Constitution of India Article 19 refers to freedom of speech and expression. With no other law or article for media, article 19(1)(a) says that all citizens have the right to freedom of speech and expression, which means the right to express one’s feelings and expressions freely by writing, painting, printing, spoken words or any other mode. Also the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a declaration adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. According to UDHR Article 19 says that everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. When the traditional media is subjected to certain restrictions and pre-censorship in certain countries, the new media offers complete freedom of expression. When the mainstream media questions central or state’s functioning against people it is subjected to restrictions. Though a very few media provides unbiased news, most of the Mainstream media are owned by corporate companies whose priorities are celebrity issues, cricket, inaugurals of showrooms, commercialized entertainment, sensationalized talk shows and so on. They hardly cover the common man’s sufferings and even if covered poor facts make the issue seem worthless. Thus by ignoring the human rights violations at different levels a common man suffers, media is moving far away from people centered issues. Many people who are with sources but doesn’t get a right platform to express themselves because of gatekeeping process. Most of the human rights violating issues are also neglected in many mainstream medi a. So there is an urge for an alternative medium which brings out all the social issues around the world. Networking sites – a platform to share For many years, technology research overlooked the role of the user as a significant variable in studying technology and media. Influenced by early mass communication theories, such as the hypodermic needle model, media users were studied as an undifferentiated mass audience. This theory suggests that mass media can shoot messages at an audience and can have a universal, homogeneous effect on them. (Wimmer, R. D. Dominick, J. R. (1994). SNS allow individuals to share their views and opinions. Apart from restrictions and censorship, individuals can share photographs, videos and links related to the social issues which can add volume to their views and also as a justification. Through networking sites people can be organized, form groups, communities etc. Networking sites offer various options and settings which can be a good one for discussions and opinion forming. Recent trends in Social Networking Sites towards Social Change This century’s most popular revolution began at Egypt on January 25 which brought out the importance of social networking sites and the power of Tweets. It is strongly believed that the fall of Hosni Mubarak was because of Twitter and Facebook. â€Å"†¦.the Egyptian revolution took off more quickly, spread to more people, became more universal, and scared the heck out of a dictator more effectively because of social media. Social media didnt cause the revolution, but it was essential to its success† (Josh Bernoff) Libya also became liberated from Muammar Gaddafi, the de-facto ruler of Libya. Social networking sites bought an end to Gaddafi’s freedom, socialism and unity†. Srilankan Tamil genocide on 2009, millions of people was killed in Srilankan war. Thousands were sent to refugee camp. The Srilankan media cleverly censored the war killings in their media and several other international reporters were sent back to their countries from Srilanka. But, news, photos and videos from war fields were uploaded via blogs and networking sites by fellow refugees, victims of war. They spoke about the cruelty of genocide. This brought world nations’ attention to take action against Sri Lankan president at international court for genocide and war crimes. The Jammu and Kashmir state government banned Short Message Service (SMS) service in Jammu and Kashmir realizing that it was the medium through which people were communicating and spreading information across. But Facebook and other social networking sites have largely nullified the government’s plans†¦Ã¢â‚¬ ¦. â€Å"Kashmir Unrest†, a community page created by a student user, has around 600 members. The user has made passionate appeals on the page to take the campaign against rights abuses to international level† (Adil Akhzer). The photos of the atrocities, clashes between the protesters and army personnel, video recording of the cold blooded murders received worldwide coverage. According to Khurram Parvez, coordinator of the Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, â€Å"They (government) are monitoring whosoever writes what, with traditional Kashmiri media dominated by the official Indian viewpoint and public meetings and protests banned, young people in the disputed Himalayan region have turned to social media to â€Å"make their voices heard in the world and to share information†. Social networking sites †¢ enable individuals to share them with friends †¢ enable people to see how many others share their perspective. †¢ enable people to coordinate activity and get the word out about protests, social issues. †¢ enable people to comment their views on their friend’s posts and retweet it. SNS as opinion makers With the help of SNS an individual can become an opinion maker. People those who follow them or in their friends circle comment their views on the posts. As it is networked the status update is shared by friends and friends of friends too. With the help of SNS so many issues such as Lokpal bill, Mullai periyar dam gained national attention. The Jan Lokpal Bill, also referred to as the citizens ombudsman bill, is a proposed independent anti-corruption law in India. Anna Hazares fast was successful in mobilizing the support of thousands of people in the virtual world of social media. Hazare had over 500,000 mentions through status updates and comments across top social networking sites, including Facebook and Twitter in the country. Social Networking Sites have become one of the status symbol among youth film promotion is a successful marketing strategy. One can create a discussion forum on the internet as opposed to other forms of marketing where the information is open to only being seen and consumed. The interactivity factor on the internet leads to exponential popularity for a film(Nabeel Abbas). Filmmakers create fan pages on websites like Facebook, Twitter, blogs, by building special official websites as well as by tying up with networking sites like Zapak and Ibibo, which offer various customized applications and games related to a movie. Social networking sites – promoting human rights issues When there was a very strict gatekeeping in media on certain issues, the mainstream media have to edit or eliminate issues from the news room. So those issues were kept on eliminated for decades and decades. Media also prioritized their TRP’s and crossed out many of the issues. These filters increased whenever the society faces a problem, the people discussed what media says, but they are never given a chance to reflect their views as Mainstream media acted as a one way medium. There was a very less feedback from the receiver side and it was hardly reflected. Social networking sites and blogs act as a platform for the citizens to express their grievance and criticisms either in public or within their friends’ circles. As the network sites enables the user to choose their circles through which their updates, photos or videos can also be shared by their friends. Conclusion A medium is considered as an Alternative medium only when it notices the unnoticed, hears the unheard screams, expresses the feelings of marginalized groups, questions the authorities and challenge the biased mainstream media. No doubt social networking sites does all. It also serves as a source for the mainstream media. It helps to form communities, organize people together, changes the government. People must be aware of the power of social networking sites. As the coin has both sides SNS are also unenthusiastic in some cases. The posts, tweets etc are an individual’s opinion about some issue. All those updates can’t be taken as a valid proof. They reflect the particular individual’s opinion on some issues. People must have media literacy and real sense for proper utilization. According to Comscore, a marketing company, India is the world’s seventh largest social network site visitor in 2010. It has been growing as a giant alternative medium due to the accessibility of new medium. SNS can’t be compared with Mass Media, but when the (SNS) mediated group communication grabs the attention of the mainstream media it becomes a powerful social medium. Non- professional writers and common people also show much interest on sharing their views on social issues especially on human rights issues. Apart from writers, journalists and intellectuals, women especially house wives use networking sites. They share themselves, find similar survivors. SNS can also be used as a medium which rejuvenates people. â€Å"People feel that the internet is the only democratic medium available,† (Khurram Parvez).

South African Show Shaka Zulu Film Studies Essay

South African Show Shaka Zulu Film Studies Essay In late 1986, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) created a television mini-series by the name of Shaka Zulu. It would prove an instant and huge success, and by 1992 it had been seen by over 350 million viewers in South Africa and abroad (Tomaselli 1992). Best described as an historical drama, the series centred on the first recorded encounter between blacks and whites in southeast Africa, with particular focus on the interactions between an exploratory British party, led by Lieutenant Francis Farewell (Edward Fox), and the ruler of a powerful and dangerous kingdom, the legendary Shaka Zulu (Henry Cele) (Hamilton 1998, p.171). In brief, the narrative follows Farewells band of men (including the storys narrator, Henry Francis Fynn) as they head to Zululand to dissuade Shaka from an attack on the Cape Colony. They are shipwrecked, captured by the Zulus, and come to learn about how Shakas kingdom was built. Within this structure, Fynns diary is used as a mechanism for a se ries of flashbacks which tell Shakas life story: his conception and birth (he is illegitimate), his life as an outcast, and his rise to power (Hamilton 1998). It is a violent portrayal Shaka is shown to be destined to rule through brutality (Fynn records that Shakas mother gave birth to a nation of blood-stained spears) (Faure 1986) and spends most of his time angrily taking revenge on those who have wronged him (Tomaselli 1992). Eventually, with the death of his mother, Nandi (Dudu Mkhize), Shaka is struck by a violent grief and the series ends with the Zulu kingdom in flames (Hamilton 1998, p.172). Farewell and company prove unable to save Shaka from himself, and the Zulu nation falls into chaos. Before conducting an analysis of the television series itself, it is worth examining how Shaka was remembered in Zulu culture long before the show was even commissioned. Like all history, there is no single voice in Zulu oral accounts of Shakas rule. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, different Zulu interests drew on different Shakas to support their actions in a changing world (Hamilton 1992, p.62). Thus, accounts differ significantly about key episodes in his life and fundamentally in their evaluation of the Zulu king and the Zulu memory of Shaka has not always been unanimously favourable towards him (Hamilton 1998, p.53). Having said this, Hallencreutz (1989, p.73) argues that we can roughly view the appreciative, complimentary izibongo (praise singers) as the core of the established Zulu tradition, and the more critical oral accounts as belonging to other related ethnic groups. And the fact that the legacy of the Shaka izibongo has tended to persist in situations of politica l crisis seems to support this claim. Thus the myth of Shaka, as he is remembered by Zulu oral historians, is probably best captured by those who pursue the izibongo tradition to some extent. I would suggest that the memory of Shaka is, for the most part, exemplified by poets such as Mazisi Kunene (1979 cited Hallencreutz 1989, p.75) who ends his commemoration of Shaka (based on Zulu oral accounts) as follows: He is an Ancestral Spirit; he cannot be stabbed. Even now they sing his song. They call his name. They dance in the arena listening to the echoes of his epics Till the end of time-they shall sing of him. Till the end of time his shield shall shelter the hero from the winds And his children shall rise like locusts. They shall scatter the dust of our enemies, They shall make our earth free for the Palm Race. Thus, while it is important to note that Zulu accounts of Shaka can and do differ greatly from hailing him as a benevolent leader to decrying him as a violent killer it is evident that they tend to fundamentally acknowledge that Shaka was an extraordinary man (Cele 2001, p.119). Various factors, including a perpetual need to describe the achievements of a leader who stood up to white expansion (especially considering South Africas particular history), have resulted in Shakas uniqueness and extraordinariness being prominent features in almost all Zulu oral histories (Cele 2001, p.121). While not unanimously favourable towards him, Zulu oral histories about Shaka would never portray him as being dependent on or subservient to the white man. As I am arguing that Shaka Zulu demonstrates how myth can be stripped down and re-imagined, it is also necessary for the purposes of this essay, to illustrate how and why Shakas story in Zulu oral history falls under the broad banner of myth (as used in the scholarly sense). Obviously, the definition of myth is a contested one. Nevertheless, I would argue that the Shaka legend, as remembered in Zulu culture, is mythic in almost every sense of the word. For instance, Mircea Eliade (cited Segal 2004, p.60) suggests that the mere ritualistic recitation of the highpoints in a characters biography (as demonstrated by the Zulu izibongo) posits that characters life as myth. The simple act of creating an oral biography for a famous historical figure like Shaka can transform them into near-gods and their sagas into myths (Eliade cited Segal 2004, p.53). Certainly, the Shaka story seems to comply with Levi-Strauss assertion that it is almost a prerequisite of myth that it starts out as an oral tradition (Leach 1974, p.56). In recording Shakas life in oral form, historical truths are transfigured, resulting in a new reality with a highly mythic character as chief protagonist (Mersham 1993). Hence, by the time the Shaka Zulu television show was commissioned in 1986, Zulu culture had already transfigured Shakas history into something quite mythic. Various elements of the Shaka story also closely resemble many of the telltale characteristics of myth as defined by theorists. For instance, Segal (2004, p.5) states that it is a prerequisite of myths that the main figures be personalities divine, human, or even animal. Shaka certainly fits this bill, as his presence tends to dominate Zulu folklore, where he is positioned somewhere in between divine and human (and he was even hailed as the great elephant by his praise singers) (Kunene 1979, p.13). Both Mersham (1993) and Cele (2001) go so far as to suggest that the man was (and is) for some Zulus a black Jesus Christ a symbol of deliverance from outside oppressors. Shakas story also evidences such highly mythic themes such as fratricide (Shaka was assassinated by his half brothers, Dingane and Mhlangana). This underrating of blood relations is a key feature of myth in Levi-Strauss terms (Leach 1974, p.76). Otto Rank (cited Segal 2004, p.96), in The Myth of the Birth of the Hero, s uggests that dislike of two brothers for each other is often traceable to the competition for the tender devotion and love of the mother. While this isnt necessarily the case with Shakas story, his love for his mother, Nandi, is well-documented (and is a key element in the Shaka myth). Shakas life, as it is remembered in Zulu culture, essentially is, by Northrop Fryes definition (cited Segal 2004, 81), a quest-myth it is the myth of the life of the hero. His life story conforms closely to Fryes four stages of birth, triumph, isolation, and the heros defeat. As Rank (cited Segal 2004, p.96) states, the mythological hero is heroic and triumphant because he rises from [relative] obscurity to, typically, the throne. And usually, like Shaka, he is a victim of Fate. Further, the Shaka narrative is mythic in the way it operates within the community which invests in it. Wylie (1997) argues that Shakas life story has achieved the status of myth, simply by virtue of the fact that it has garnered an authority of its own which is unthinkingly followed and repeated despite historical changes or the surfacing of contrary evidence. In being simplified and made innocent to its receivers, history has become myth, and myth is given a natural and eternal justification (Barthes 1993, p.143). Mythic history is above questioning and bereft of factual detail. It is not so much an explanation of events as it is a statement of fact (Barthes 1993, p.143). This is a key hallmark of myth, allowing it to function as it does in modern society. Myth, says Levi-Strauss (cited Leach 1974, p.59) is powerful in that novices of the society who hear the myths for the first time are being indoctrinated by the bearers of the tradition a tradition, which in theory at any rate, has been handed down from long dead ancestors. Through the recitation of this tradition and the passing of time, says Barthes (1993, p.142), things lose the memory that they were once made. In the case of the Shaka myth, this untouchability of a mythic characters life story has had very real social and political ramifications (as will be discussed later). Finally, I would suggest that myths that are successful in modern-day societies almost always go some way to explaining and commemorating the founding of that society. The Shaka myth both in its original form and as it is recreated for the television show is a classic embodiment of the myth of a founding community an origin (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.132). It is typically mythic in that it explains how one state of affairs became another: how a plurality of tribes became a nation (and the rendition of the myth in the television series ultimately served to legitimate KwaZulus leaders rights to rule in 1986)(Mersham 1993). The man who played the central part in the establishment of the nation is the main figure. The cult of Shaka is mythological in that it honours his role in the establishment of the Zulu nation (Segal 2004, p.59). But where the myth described by Zulu oral historians focuses on the creation of the nation under Shaka, the television show emphasises an equally myt hic but quite different side to the kings rule: his downfall. The myth as depicted in Shaka Zulu closely matches the native American myths that so intrigued Levi-Strauss myths where: The entire story aims at explaining why after their first beginning, a given clan or lineage or group of lineages have overcome a great many ordeals, known periods of success and periods of failures, and have been progressively led towards a disastrous ending. It is an extremely pessimistic story, really the history of a downfall. (Levi-Strauss 1989, p.38) I will argue that the filmmakers (and their SABC backers) adopted this approach to the myth as a means of warning against violence in the pursuit of power (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.132). Thus, a highly mythic story element was used to serve a very real function. A new myth, with a very different message, was manufactured to replace the old. How filmmakers able make myth It should now be evident how the Shaka myth developed and endured in Zulu oral histories. However, I will argue further that the creators of the Shaka Zulu television show essentially took this and recreated their own, new mythology to suit their own purposes. According to Barthes (1982 cited Wylie 1997), myth is an empty parasitical form, enabling it to be reformulated and reconstituted in various incarnations. While initially based in history, it is necessarily incomplete, accepted as truth but effectively divorced from the contingency of events (Wylie 1997). Thus, the line between history and mythology and I would argue, an original mythology and reinvented mythology as in the series is effectively blurred. Thus, there is room for new mythologies to effectively be invented which claim to be based on the same historical truths which inspired the original narratives. As Levi-Strauss (1989, p.38) asks, where does mythology end and where does history start?. The simple opposition be tween mythology and history which has traditionally been treated as a given is not at all a clear-cut one (Levi-Strauss 1989, p.40), and space is made for new mythologies to be created on essentially the same histories. In short, the creators of Shaka Zulu created a new mythology based on an old mythology originally linked to an almost two-hundred year old history. Hence, I argue that the Shaka Zulu television series adapted the Shaka Zulu myth for western eyes. For instance, grotesque witchdoctors were included in the show to serve the narrative function of magical creatures who aid or threaten the heros quest (Parks 1982 cited in Tomaselli 1992). While historically inaccurate and politically dubious, magical elements are included for television as they are integral to the western mythical formula (Tomaselli 1992). Tomaselli (1992) goes so far as to suggest that the very fact that television is a Western form of expression doomed Shaka Zulu to being a white, Western interpretation of the myth from the start. I would not necessarily go that far, but I would maintain that series was, either consciously or unconsciously, fashioned to conform to western notions of myth. Like the witchdoctors, the white crews sea voyage into a mysterious and dangerous land in Part One of the series hearkens back to some of the oldest myths in western culture. Likew ise, the television show is laden with western notions of prophecy. Shakas rise to power is explained almost entirely in terms of the witchdoctor, Sitayis prophecy. Before the party leave for Zululand, Fynn talks of a prophetic child who it is said will bring with him an era in which the name amaZulu will signify terror and death. (Faure 1986). Similarly, with his birth, the narration talks of how the prophecy was about to begin its determined path (Faure 1986). The links with other canonical western myths such as that of Oedipus are self-evident. Thus, Shaka Zulu, in its efforts to subscribe to the conventions of the mythic form familiar to western audiences, deviates notably from the mythology evidenced in Zulu oral accounts. Where Zulu mythologies about Shaka tended to cut through the bizarre to the essence of depictions, Shaka Zulu was obsessed with the surreal (Tomaselli 1992). The inevitable result was an othering of the Zulu people in a show almost unrecognisable alongside th e history it professed to present. Actual analysis show Content There can be little doubt that much of the shows actual content is, at best, dubious in its portrayal of the Zulu people and the history of Shakas rule. The Zulus portrayed are a bizarre and violent people (Tomaselli 1992). The first scenes in which Zululand are shown are typified by bloody warfare and crying infants. In fact, when we first encounter Shakas kingdom in Part One of the series, we do so through the eyes of the bewildered white party surrounded by sweating masses speaking a strange language, mysterious drum beats and an almost constant procession of war parties running around for no apparent reason (Faure 1986). Certainly, little effort has been made by the filmmakers to portray the everyday, mundane life of the Zulu people the emphasis is almost wholly on public, frequently violent rituals (Tomaselli 1992). The act of making the Other a spectacle is principal characteristic of western, bourgeois myth, says Barthes (1993, p.152), and this is process is patent in Shaka Zulu. Like his subjects, Shaka is also othered as a barbarian megalomaniac with an obsessive desire for revenge (Mersham 1993). Failure to please him carries the penalty of him killing every member of the party (Faure 1986). And, like all the Zulus, he is dictated to by superstition and ritual Have the armies assembled by the next full moon is one of the first commands we hear (Faure 1986). And perhaps the most startling subversion of history and myth comes in the form of the shows witchdoctors. What in truth were perfectly ordinary natural healers are depicted as superhuman, grotesque individuals (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.135). Scary and monsterish, their arrival in a scene is almost always accompanied by thunder and lightning and rain (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.135). In truth, these izangoma were welcomed as an integral part of the community a far cry from the creatures with glowing eyes that command packs of hyenas and maintain dens of dwarfs (Hamilton 1998, p.179). Th us, Zulu ritual is presented as being disgusting and frightening. (Hamilton 1998, p.179). Tomaselli and Shepperson (2002, p.135) argue that such a typical white misinterpretation of Zulu cultural practice is legitimised by the show positing itself as a mythology not, I would argue, a mythology familiar to Zulu history, but one that has been manufactured by white producers for audiences in 1986. It is a typically white version of a native myth (as evidenced by an almost Pocahontas-like scene of Nandi as a young Zulu maiden being watched as she washes at a misty waterfall) (Faure 1986). It is a myth reconfigured to make a modern-day impact. Style The series is also notable for the clear stylistic decisions on how it was shot. There is a very obvious distinction made between those shots that depict the Zulu nation and those featuring the whites in the Cape Colony. The tribal Zulu scenes are largely shot through a sepia filter, with an over-emphasis on yellows, browns and bloody reds. The only deviation from this formula comes during the night-time scenes chilling blue, rife with thunder and lightning, and loaded with imagery of sorcery, magic and the supernatural (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.134). Tomaselli and Shepperson (2002, p.134) argue that ethnographic detail is deliberately obscured by the hazy sepia lighting, the clouds of smoke made by fog machines and the mass of shiny, sweaty (oiled) black skins. The end product is a smudge of objects and people, depicted as an incomprehensible writhing, pulsating and faceless dark mass as they dart about the landscape in a storm of dust. (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.134). Aga in, I would argue there is something quite mythic about this hazy, blurry portrayal of a people. This is in stark contrast to the shots of white people in the Cape Colony, which are whiter, truer and do not contain the clashes between hot and chilling colours (Tom Shepperson, p.134). Thus, the binary oppositions that Levi-Strauss argues are so integral to myth are blatant: white vs black; light vs darkness; civilisation vs barbarity; rationality vs magic; normal behaviour vs ritual; peace vs war and order vs chaos (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.134). Again, conscious decisions from the filmmakers have resulted in a new, subverted mythology. And I would argue that this essentially racist version of Shakas story professes to audiences to be the canonical version of the myth. Intentions etc Like all stories, re-imagined mythologies such as that on show in Shaka Zulu are clouded by the conventions of narrative in terms of prevailing worldviews (Tomaselli 1992). In other words, the creators of Shaka Zulu were dictated to in their mythmaking by the established ideologies of the time. The show is, thus, inextricably linked to the socio-political situation in South Africa at the time of its creation (Tomaselli 1992). Further, any author cannot help but impart something of his or her worldview on audiences when broadcasting a creation to the public domain. As van Jaarsveld (cited Mersham 1993) argues, as soon as an author (in this case, director William C Faure) presents an interpretation of the past, they are putting forward an arsenal of arguments for formulating decisions about the future. Thus, it was not by accident that the Shaka myth (and message) presented on screen differed so greatly from that recounted by Zulu oral historians. Director William C Faures stated intentions for the series were explicit: to bring the story of Shaka Zulu home to the Zulu people (Faure 1986). He is quoted (cited Tomaselli 1992) as saying: Shakas life was originally recorded by white historians who imposed upon their accounts bigoted and sensationalist values often labelling the Zulus as savage and barbaric. It is our intention with this series to change that view. However, as Barthes posits, all myths are founded on a concealment of some meanings and the interested promotion of others (Rylance 1994, p.47) and there was more motivating Faure than just the desire to right historical wrongs. He also hoped that show would shed light on South Africa, correct misconceptions and change the system (Hamilton 1992, p.181). It appears to have been his deepest wish that the show would balance international perceptions about the conflict in 1980s South Africa, and thus whatever intentions he had to redress the injustices of history became distorted by his commitment to this objective (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.131). Thus, Tomaselli and Shepperson (2002, p.133) argue that Faures project was couched, perhaps unintentionally, within apartheid discourse, and does no justice to either Shaka or history. This is just further evidence that mythology as a story form is manufactured to suit prevailing worldviews. From the off, Faures creation was fraught with apparent political interference. The series writer, Joshua Sinclair, removed himself from the production when he was made aware of the directors links with South African Military Intelligence (Blignaut cited Tomaselli 1992). Faure was also convinced out of using Zulu poet, Mazisi Kunenes epic Emperor Shaka the Great as source material, as it was deemed to be overly critical of white people and because Kunene was an exiled member of the African National Congress (ANC) (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.130). However, the relationship between the filmmaker and the SABC (and the state) was by no means a straightforward one. Faure liaised equally closely with not only the Zulu royal family (inviting the Zulu prince Gideon onto set as a cultural advisor) but also the Zulu government (Tomaselli 1992). Yet even with these efforts to seek Zulu approval, we shall see that the level of state involvement was tangible. The key to Shaka Zulus unique succ ess was in that it was able to establish a myth that was acceptable to both those who already had their own version of Shakas story and those largely unfamiliar with it. The apartheid government saw Shaka Zulu as an opportunity to reformulate the myth in a way that would more closely suit their plans. Initially a powerful tale of a hero resisting white oppression, the myth was transformed into something quite different. At the time of Shaka Zulus release, South Africa was in a state of violent political turmoil. The apartheid regime was fast coming around to the idea that solutions to the violence in South African society had to be found. Thus, Faures proposed television series offered the state and the SABC a key opportunity to present all South Africans with a drama advocating interracial collaboration and portraying the dangers of its failure (Hamilton 1998, p.181). As Barthes (1993, p.156) states, mythology harmonises with the world, not as it is, but as it wants to create itself. The mythology of Shaka Zulu was, in effect, a reflection of how the government thought South Africa should be. Shaka Zulu represented an opportunity for the government to promote a resolution based on order (apparently best reflected by the capitalist Inkatha Freedom Party) over disorder (basically, the socialist ANC freedom fighters) (Tomaselli 1992). To the apartheid government, order implied keeping nations separate according to tribal homeland, and Tomaselli (1992) argues that the series insistence on manufacturing a dichotomy between savagery and civilisation only served to endorse apartheid discourse that black people should be allowed to develop in their own way in their own areas. The government also needed cooperative, authoritarian black leaders to implement their visions of peaceful segregation. Someone, says Hamilton (1998, p.184) like Shaka Zulu. The closest match was the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) leader, Mangosuthu Buthelezi, whose links with Zulu royalty made him and his fellow party leaders the shows perfect target audience. Shaka Zulu effectively acted as a means for the government to communicate its reformist visions to Buthelezi and his leadership. For instance, the chaos of the Zulu kingdom portrayed in the final episode after Shakas rejection of white interaction came as a stern warning to black politicians such as Buthelezi of the consequences of trying to go it alone (Hamilton 1998, p.184) (as an interesting aside, it is worth noting how this all fits into Levi-Strauss insistence that the chief moral implication of myth is that self-interest is the source of all evil) (cited Leach 1974, p.81). Refusal to cooperate with the apartheid state (just like Shakas refusal to establish a truce with the Cape Colony in the show) would only result in flames and chaos will prevail (Hamilton cited Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.32). Again the myth of the downfall on screen was used to warn against risking the Zulu nations downfall in the real, physical world. The message behind the new myth was clear. The project was not without its critics. The production was universally rejected by anti-apartheid who were fighting for non-racial democracy. Most white anti-apartheid historians were appalled by the series historical inaccuracies (Tomaselli 1992). Wright (cited Mersham 1993) slated the show for pandering to a whole range of colonial and racist stereotypes about the Zulus a people reduced to singing, dancing, fighting. Hamilton states that the multitude of Unzulu untraditional features had many critics baffled as to how the series gained royal approval (Hamilton 1998, p.185). Also, while the series did show Shaka to be a leader of calibre and talent, Hamilton (1998) argues that it was guilty of repeating older stereotypes of his psychological imbalances and bloodthirstiness. Mazisi Kunene (cited Tomaselli 1992) lambasted the series as a rotten a propaganda tool aimed at aimed at projecting the Zulu people and their king as bloodthirsty savages and whites as their saviours. Yet for all the shows obvious failings, the show was an immense success evidence, in my opinion, of the power of the mythic form. Uses Curiously, the Shaka Zulu myth would prove to be as acceptable to the Zulu leadership as it was to the forces that influenced its creation. This has a lot to do with the anxieties within Zulu society at the time of the shows release. Ernst Cassirer wrote in The Myth of the State (1946 cited Segal 2004, p.39) that myth resurfaces as a means of explanation when the rational forces that resist the rise of the old mythical conceptions are no longer sure of themselves. In these moments, he says, the time for myth has come again (1946 cited Segal 2004, p.39). Late apartheid South Africa was such a time. Myth is dangerous in that it is a social-psychological paradigm catering for a particular anxiety in society, yet still as in the case of Shaka Zulu presents itself as something born out of historical truths (Wylie 1997). Thus, myth tends to give a natural justification to the worldviews it supports (Barthes 1993, p.142). Historical veracity becomes far less important than the ways in whi ch the myth is appropriated and utilised. As Barthes (1993, p.144) states: Men do not have with myth a relationship based on truth but on use. For Buthelezi and the IFP, the truthfulness of the myth was far less important than the socio-political purposes it could serve. The white version of the Shaka Zulu myth arrived on South African television screens at a time of great political strife in the Zulu homeland of KwaZulu. Buthelezis Inkatha Freedom Party was involved in a bloody conflict with the African National Congress for legitimate rule. Where the ANC sought multi-party democracy, the IFP stood for Zulu independence, and thus Shaka Zulus emphasis on ethnicity and equating it with nationhood proved to be more than acceptable fillip to Buthelezi (Tomaselli Shepperson 2002, p.133). Mangosuthu Buthelezi was very conscious of the power of the Shaka myth. At political rallies, the IFP leader would be seen wearing the same kind of Zulu royal regalia that Shaka is shown to wear in the series (Tomaselli 1992). In fact, the wearing of traditional, ceremonial skin garments became a marker of Zuluness for IFP politicians (causing many anti-IFP Zulu-speakers to take offence to the notion that they should become postcard Zulus) (Klopper 1996, p.55). Thus, I argue that it is no contradiction that Shaka Zulu could simultaneously portray the Zulu people as backward, uncivilised and tribal and be a vehicle for legitimating the IFP leadership (Mersham 1993). Tribalism helped the IFPs cause. Further, Buthelezi would explicitly compare himself with the Zulu royalty of Shakas time throughout the 1980s as a means of gaining political credibility with the Zulu people. Thus, the fact that the Shaka Zulu myth was so fresh in the Zulu consciousness with the shows broadcast, became a means for the IFP to bestow its leadership with legitimate authority (Tomaselli 1992). Like Shaka once did, Buthelezi now became the man who would lead his nation against its colonial oppressors (Tomaselli 1992). Tomaselli (1992) even argues that Inkathas militia wing was mobilised as a reincarnation of Shakas impi (military), as a means of inspiring popular support for their (frequently violent) cause. Within the Zulu community, Buthelezis cause was strengthened by Ink athas close identification with the loyalty, discipline and bowing and scraping for Shaka shown in the show (Mersham 1993). Obedience to the leader in the TV series myth was shown to be an innate aspect of Zulu culture questioning Buthelezi was implied to be unZulu. Despite its flaws both in terms of historical accuracy and prejudiced portrayals the Shaka Zulu myth was lauded by the Inkatha leadership as being faithful to their king, and a positive mobilising force for Zulu nationalism (Tomaselli 1992). Thus the Shaka Zulu show became a mechanism for the IFP to portray itself as inheritor and protector of the historical pride of the Zulu nation (Tomaselli 1992). The unsavoury aspects of the shows portrayal of the Zulu people and the downfall of Shaka were superfluous. The myth of a great Zulu leader standing up to outside oppression and the implied suggestion that a new leader had it in him to do likewise were all that mattered. Buthelezi was happy to ride on the dramatic success of the series, even if a perceived concession of the series objectionable features was the price to pay. (Hamilton 1998, p.186). GET OWN WORDS What I have tried to show is that in certain viewing contexts, Shaka Zulu offered a legitimacy for both ruling government and anti-apartheid elements (eg. the Kwa Zulu legislature and Inkatha). Barthes, R., 1993. Mythologies. London: Vintage. Cele, TT., 2001. Qualities of King Shaka as Portrayed in Zulu Oral Testimony and in Izibongo. South African Journal of African Languages, 2, 118-131. Fernandez, JW., 1967. The Shaka Complex. Transition, 29, 11-14. 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