Issue Paper free essay sample

Music Videos came about in the sasss when the TV station MAT came about. Women play a huge role In these music videos to help them look visually appealing and to help songs that normally wouldnt sell to sell and get ratings. In these videos woman were depicted and stereotyped to look a certain way. Are the women that are being presented In these videos affecting young girls self-esteem? And how can the imaging in these videos be changed to help the young girls who watch it? Music videos came to popularity in the sasss with such television stations as MAT,BET, and VHF. The aim of these music videos is to market and promote different artists through the use of visual appeals. Gangster rap, a submerge Hip-Hop music, presents violence, homophobia, and sexism in its lyrical content. This type of music presents the youth with an ideal identity, one that is consumed with money, cars, drugs, and multiple women performing sexual favors. We will write a custom essay sample on Issue Paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Gangster rap videos usually focus on the buttocks, hips, and breast of women, (specifically black women). These videos depict black women as: hyperplasia, money-hungry, sex objects.The success f these music videos relies on the Imaging of these women In these videos and their use of their sexual appeal to sell the song. Music videos portray woman In a positive and negative light and these portrayals of woman could essentially play a role In a young girls self-esteem. People within the music video industry as well as the viewers have differing opinions as to why they do not like the social standard for music videos. In Ill Wanes music video for Love Me, the woman are shown half naked playing on swings and are in what appears to be dominates outfits.Illuminative). These type of imaging are the ones in which people who argue that music videos are detrimental are strictly talking about. The standard for majority of music videos are that of the Ill Wayne music video and these types of videos have been said to be detrimental to young womans self-esteem because of the visual messages It presents to young girls. But Its Impact Is exceedingly worse for Black children, particularly for young Black girls whose self-worth and self-esteem are frequently being shaped by these unrealistic and harmful Images of Black womanhood (Hikes).These images of black womanhood are an unrealistic view of what true womanhood should be about and the woman in these videos do not even portray the characters they play in these music videos in reality. The images in these videos often lead to the girls in the video being type castes. According to Make Fits, the videos have define[d] black female talent as whos to be consumed, both in front of and behind the camera (Fits 221). If these type of imaging demonstrate this attitude within the rap music video itself the imaging could possibly have an even worse effect on the young girls who watch it.Even the producers of these videos do not agree with the images being presented In these videos. The producers In these videos do not agree with the images because they are formulaic and dont let them take creative risks (Flats 223). So these formulaic videos force the producers to have to exploit women, which Is not there goal. Artists also have a similar Issue as that of the producer. The artist wants to be able to stay true to themselves but they also wants is based on what the companies feel will get more ratings. Parents blame the media that they are shown for the cause of low self-esteem. According to thePittsburgh-Post Gazette, one father stated because they are bombarded with so many media messages so much that their physical attributes are seen to be the key factor in determining if she will have low self-esteem or not (Gangster). The messages created in media are not purposeful but they seem to have a correlation. Physiologist have found a correlation between rap music videos and non-black viewers. They found that exposure to consistent messages over time influences individuals to perceive the world in a certain manner. The type of exposure is detrimental to how the viewer sees themselves and how they see the world around them. Other physiologists have found that rap music videos also have an effect on their black viewers. African American adolescents are regularly exposed to music videos that portray negative,stereotypical images of African American women(Davies 1 158). These different groups even though they have different sides to the argument as to why they are detrimental to self-esteem all have one key factor and that music videos effect young girls. While there are some that feel that music videos are having a detrimental effect, there are some who feel that the video has little to no effects at all on young women.According to one directors assistant she thinks that videos are empowering because they harness their sexuality (Fit 221). This point is a good one because it shows the over socialized manner in these videos seem to have a reverse effect on some young woman and proves that the said issue is but only an issue in the mind of certain people. Even the women within these videos feel that what th ey are doing is helping them and not hindering them. One of the females within a video said that she did not feel that her experience as a video girl had hindered her ability to get other Jobs(Fits 221).The opinion of this one woman alone shows and makes one question if there are any detrimental effects at all with music videos. The argument for most of the people within the music industry itself is that they are helping these young women and that they are not shaping young womans self- esteem at all. Music videos are a legitimate route for women seeking a career in entertainment, and provides avenues for a woman who would not typically receive representation from a modeling agency because of her curvy body type and because she Wasnt viewed as beautiful by mainstream media (Fits 223).They feel that they are helping young womans self-esteem because they are giving many young woman an opportunity that they would not normally get because they are not typically the natural beauty that the world presents. The label feels that a formulaic v ideo is the best route to go because it not only helps the rappers image but it also helps the girls within the video. The label uses the formulaic video because it is unconsciously what the viewers want to see and this is the only way they feel that gets them to sell the most albums (Fits 223). Physiologists feel that negative imaging have no effects onAfrican American children. The reason being that physiologist feel this way is because research on media effects and African American audiences suggest that negative portrayals do not lower self-esteem (Conrad 139). These finding seem to prove what each of these stakeholder are saying which is that there is not a significant affect when it comes to rap music videos and young girls self-esteem. Both self- esteem or why they feel that they do not effect young. The people on the side of that music videos are a problem and they are effecting your girls self-esteem offer elution in regards to trying to help young girls self-esteem.In order to help boost young girls self-esteem is a campaign that they created sometime in 2005 called Take Back the Music. The yearlong effort includes monthly articles, town hall meetings and telephone, e-mail and letter campaigns to record company executives to fight the negative imagery (Demanding). The campaign has helped to get people aware and talk about the imaging that is presented in todays rap music video. Young females have found other ways to cope with the imaging the rap music videos present. Schools have also taken the initiative to try and help this said problem of young girls self-esteem.One school nurse named Kay Merrimack and Donna Kelsey ,guidance counselor, created a program called the Girls Only Leadership Development program (GOLD), which was created for eight-grader. In this program they do team leadership and building projects (Gangster). These types of programs have had a high turnout rate and have helped to boost many young girls self-esteem. Another solution to alleged problem is to stop watching these rap music videos altogether. If woman loud stop watching these type of videos these type of videos would no longer be shown (Columbus Dispatch).The different solutions presented are all legitimate ways into helping the self-esteem of young woman around the world. Despite all the facts on both side that are being presented, it is still unclear as to if rap music videos have a true effect on young womans self-esteem. Allowing videos to present a more positive message and allowing them to present females in a more positive way would be the ultimate solution so that each side can get what they want. But ultimately it is p to the females in these videos and the parents of these children to stop these images from being filmed and from being shown to the youth.

Neutrality in psychoanalysis Essays

Neutrality in psychoanalysis Essays Neutrality in psychoanalysis Essay Neutrality in psychoanalysis Essay Batman. When read, the image of a superhero with a profound power devoted to helping others comes to mind. Defined by the Complete Scoundrel sourcebook (McArtor Schneider, 2007) as a neutral good character, Batman adheres to a personal code, in which he is unbiased in doing good, while remaining unindebted to those he helps. This personal code was devised to maintain a greater good in society by providing a set of guiding principles that aid in making moral decisions and is followed when fighting crime. Psychoanalysts draw many parallels with Batman. Psychoanalysts are also devoted to helping others and follow a set of principles when in practice. An essential part of the psychoanalytic code is neutrality. According to Meissner (1998) neutrality has been long honored as an essential component of the [psycho]analytic situation and process (p. 1089). The concept of neutrality has recently been the basis of highly controversial debate. Emphasis has been placed on the interactions of the analyst, in particular the use of self-disclosures. Analysts have examined the outcomes of neutrality and self-disclosure in the analytical process. These authors have purported mixed stances. Some analysts have advocated neutrality. Others have endorsed self-disclosure (e. g. , Mills, 2005; Shill, 2004; Meissner, 1998). It will be argued that, similarly to Batman, it is advantageous to adhere to guiding principles, and therefore maintain neutrality as an analyst. Primarily, Freud felt strongly about psychoanalysis as a science and attempted to establish its analytical objectivity. In his paper (1912), Freud utilized the metaphor of a surgeon, who set aside all feelings and beliefs to retain uninterrupted concentration, in order to convey that the analyst should be someone who rearticulates and annotates the patients comments while remaining non-pejorative. Added to this metaphor, Freud explained the concept of a mirror, which has since become synonymous with neutrality and abstinence . In contrast, Ferenczi attempted to promote psychoanalysis on a more interpersonal and interactive level. In consultations with patients, Ferenczi expressed an empathetic attunement and warmth to the patient, sharing feelings, thoughts and observations that were not only related to the therapy, but also his personal life (Meissner, 1998). This synergism between patient and therapist, wherein Ferenczi disclosed to patients, was a direct challenge to the principles of neutrality, consequently resulting in the main theoretical impetus for the movement towards a more interactive analytical process. The Freud-Ferenczi, neutral-interpersonal, debate has continued throughout the history of analytic treatment. The patients autonomy, guidance towards the analytic process, and the influence on interventions are aspects of the analytic process which have been scrutinized. According to Greenberg (1986), neutralism maximizes the patients autonomy in the analytical process. As the patient engages in giving an account of the illness or condition, a detailed inquest is recorded by the therapist. The patients role is organized by the prerequisite of the freedom to express and this is counterbalanced with the analysts prerequisite, which is structured to sanction, listening and understanding (Mills, 2005). There is a synergic effect from roles of both the patients and analysts, and this establishes a vehicle for destabilizing the neurotic equilibrium. On the other hand, the analyst can participate more in the analytic process by self-disclosing.   Argued that interactions, such as self-disclosure, are two-fold. Firstly, the patient participates less and important areas of the account may be obscured. Secondly, without open expression and interaction from the analyst, the patient may feel inhibited to further explore personal affects. However, this prompting may be problematic. The patient may be more likely conform to, rather than challenge, the ideas of the analyst and consequently providing a false account (Shill, 2004). Analytical neutrality can overcome this fault. As a result of maximum concentration, the analyst can easily identify the areas that require attention when conducting the analysis. The analyst can probe these areas by asking carefully devised questions in order to o pen dialogue allowing for greater self-examination by the patient. In light of this solution, analytic neutrality is advantageous to self-disclosure techniques as neutrality can empower [the patient], rather than encourag[e] a dependency on analyst as problem solver (McIlwain, 2007). Likewise, the code of Batman not only maximizes his autonomy in fighting crime, it also provides a medium in which he can control and channel his attention towards doing good. Just as Batmans code offers guidance in how to handle foes, neutrality is also acts guiding ideal that is formed and informs all of the analysts actions and attitudes in the analytic process (McWilliams, 2003). Contrast to the rigid constraint on human responsiveness as depicted by Meissner (1998), the neutral analytic structure establishes a vital contribution to the integrity and nature of the methodological process. Freud noted the analytic process is defined by transference, which involves a distortion of reality. Neutrality and abstinence permits the transference to unfold relatively uninfluenced by direction from the analyst. This provides the analysis with the internal freedom required to observe the patients distortions in reality. Alternatively, self-disclosures offer an external means to the analyst in probing transference. Whereas neutrality guides the analyst in conducting the analytic process, the interpersonal approach lacks an analogous reference point. This attenuates the analytic process as the interactions and disclosures of the therapist remain unguided. In order to establish the use of self-disclosures as an alternative analytical technique, it is necessary to delineate a protocol in which to match various analytic circumstances to appropriate self-disclosures, albeit a non verbatim procedure (Roberts, 1997). Therefore, neutrality as a principle plays a significant role in guiding the therapist in the analytical process and is advantageous to interpersonal techniques such as self-disclosures. However, according to critics it is impossible to observe neutrality in an analytical relationship. Shill (2004) regards analytic neutralism as ill-conceived as the implicated subjectivity is irreducible and the analyst is provided with unwarranted authority. Similarly, academics (e. g. Mills, 2005) which support interpersonal approaches with patients argue that, even in a neutral context, the analyst inevitably has expectations for the patient that can influence the intervention (McWilliams, 2003). In an attempt to provide a solution to this challenge, one can propose that neutrality may serve as the foundations upon which the analyst can gain a deeper understanding of their personal expectations and how these may impact upon the intervention. Rosenfarb (2010) suggested that whilst probing a patient , neutrality may allow for the identification of areas that require attention when formulating the intervention. This can be juxtaposed to the subjective intrusions that occur with self-disclosing techniques. Not only do self-disclosing techniques interfere with how the patient is examined, they can also result in the denial of appropriate interventions (Shill, 2004). The inevitable expectations that psychoanalysts usually have for their patients may have a significant influence on intervention. However, the use of neutrality may be essential when devising appropriate interventions for the patient. Another criticism is that the analytical neutrality tends to disengage the patient from the analyst (Meissner, 1998). Some critics suggest that although neutrality remains equidistant from the requirements of the drives, ego, and superego, it does not preclude the existence of the intent of the therapy (Greenberg, 1986). Alternatively, proponents of neutrality assert that although neutrality may be passive in nature, there is still involvement between patient and analyst (Mills, 2007). One can suggest that as the participant-observer relationship exists, in the essence that the analyst inevitably interacts with the patient, neutrality precludes disengagement the patient. In conclusion, the patients autonomy, guidance towards the analytic process, and the influence on interventions are aspects of the analytic process in which neutrality is advantageous to self-disclosing techniques. Through thorough evaluation it is evident that, similarly to Batmans personal code which acts as a guiding force in his assignment to fighting crime, neutrality functions to guide the analysts in the analytic process. With adherence to a code which is intended to non-pejoratively help others, one can conclude that psychoanalysts are Batman.

I Quit How to Resign from Your Job With Professionalism

I Quit How to Resign from Your Job With Professionalism â€Å"I quit.† Seems easy, right? Like everything else in this world, not so much. You could send that very-on-the-nose note to announce your departure, but it’s really poor form. If you’re ready to move on to a new position, or you just can’t deal with your job any longer, there’s a process to sending a good and proper resignation letter. No matter how POed you are on your way out the door, you’ll be thankful later that you took the time to send a well-crafted, anger-neutral letter or email to your (soon to be former) boss.1. Why Send a Letter  2. When to Send the Letter  3. How to Send the Letter  4. What to Write  5. What Not to Write  6. The Sample Letter  Why Send a Letter?  Different  offices have many different ways to reach someone: interoffice chat, phone, email, meetings, coffee machine ambush, etc. So why go the official resignation letter route? It leaves a paper trail, in case there’s any question later abo ut timing, or your intent to leave. You can tell people you’re leaving through any channel, but you should always tell your boss first, and make sure that you follow up with an official letter. That way, he or she can forward it as necessary, and HR will have an official document and be able to start any necessary exit processes.When to Send the Letter  The timing on the letter varies according to a few different factors. First, always check your company’s HR policies. When you started, you may have signed something agreeing to give a particular amount of notice. Two weeks (10 business days) is an informal standard, but definitely double-check to make sure that this is a courtesy and not a legal requirement. If your start date at your new place is in two weeks and your current company requires three weeks’ notice, then things could get sticky. If you kept your onboarding documents at your current job, you can check those. Otherwise, a discreet email to HR shou ld be able to resolve the question for you, without advertising to everyone that you’re on your way out the door.When It’s Okay to LeakIf you have a good relationship with your boss, you should also plan to give him or her an unofficial heads-up before you send the official resignation note. Getting a formal announcement out of nowhere can feel like blindsiding, especially if you have a good working relationship.  Employees in the United States change their job once every three years on averageSo you might want to precede the whole process with a quick face-to-face meeting (as private as you can get it), and let your manager know that you’re leaving for a new job, or just leaving. You’re not obligated to go into great detail, about what your next steps are after you leave, but given that this person will likely be responsible for handling your duties in the interim and for initiating a search for You 2.0, a heads-up will likely be appreciated. Itâ€℠¢s a professional, respectful way to set the tone for your leaving.If you are genuinely worried about your manager having a bad reaction to the news, you can skip this step and go straight to the letter, or go through your HR department. Otherwise, most professional people accept this as a fact of life in the workplace, and will accept your resignation with the same level of graciousness that you put into it. Once you’ve sorted out the amount of notice you’ll be giving and have given your manager the courtesy heads-up, it’s time to hand over the letter.How to Send the Letter  If your company is one that handles everything via email, you can probably get away with emailing your resignation to your boss (after the face-to-face meeting). As a rule, though, it’s best to go the analog route and have a printed, signed version. If possible, have it printed, signed, and ready to go for your meeting with your boss. There’s no need to send it through the m ail, or recruit a singing telegram-ist to deliver the letter. If you don’t have it ready for your face-to-face meeting, make sure to hand it to your boss shortly afterward- you don’t want there to be any conflict over the amount of official notice you’re giving.What to Write  The content of a resignation letter is pretty straightforward. There’s no need to write a novel, with plotlines or long, tear-stained devotional passages about how you haven’t slept since you decided it was time to part ways with the company. The letter should have just the most straightforward information, with a little of your own voice thrown in:Greeting (addressed to your boss)I resign.My last day in the office will be†¦I appreciate the opportunities I’ve had in this role†¦I will be available to help with any transition duties, or training a replacement staff member.Thanks!RELATED:  5 Points to Hit in Your Resignation Letter Pretty simple. It’s not the place to weigh in on your replacement, or ask if you’ll get paid for unused vacation days. The purpose of the resignation letter is just to get it in writing that you are leaving in X amount of time.For a quick overview on how to handle the resignation process, Howdini has a great video:What NOT to Write (Or, Don’t Burn Bridges)  The resignation letter is also definitely not the time for axe-grinding. (That’s more of a venting-to-friends activity, not to be committed to paper.) If your boss is a jerk, or you can’t work for the company for X, Y, Z reasons, it doesn’t matter here. If you can’t quite manage a friendly tone, go for a civil one. And if you can’t find anything good to say about your time there, dig deep and†¦fib a little, if you need to.You may be about to blow this popsicle stand, but keep in mind that you’re probably not quitting to go live in a wifi-less cabin somewhere. You’ll be moving on t o other jobs, possibly even in the same industry. And people talk, especially when there’s good gossip. You want to be known as a consummate professional, especially as you’re gearing up to start somewhere new. The last thing you want is for your new boss to catch wind of a tantrum thrown on your way out of your last job. So even if the circumstances of your leaving are less than ideal, shake off the anger/annoyance/temptation and be gracious in your parting letter. If you really need to get some residual anger out of your system, funnel it all into an â€Å"I quit† movie marathon. Never forget that this letter will be part of the official record in your company. It will be seen by your boss, yes, but also HR and goodness knows who else. Please apply the same policy you should apply to all workplace communications: don’t write anything you wouldn’t want to be posted for the entire company to see.The Sample Letter  Hey Michael,I quit. I have a bet ter job offer, and honestly can’t stand the idiots in this office any longer.Bye,DwightUmm, no. Not only is this the wrong tone and unnecessarily antagonistic, it leaves out important information like an end date, and basic niceties like a â€Å"thank you.† Let’s try that again.Yo Michael, The time has come to say goodbye†¦Ã‚  So yeah, this is an official note to say I quit†¦Ã‚  It is with a heavy heart and a veil of tears that I announce I will be resigning†¦Ã‚  Dear Michael,  Please accept this note as a formal notification that I am resigning my position as Assistant (to the) Regional Manager to pursue other opportunities. My last day will be March 18, 2024.  I really appreciate the opportunities I’ve had here these past 12 years, and hope you know how much I’ve learned and grown in my role. I’ve learned an incredible amount about how to market and sell paper, both from our colleagues here and our clients. Over the next two weeks, I’d like to work with you on any necessary training or transition duties as I wrap up my time here.  I know the company will continue to have great success, and am so thankful to have been a part of it for so long. Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions, or if there’s anything you’d like to discuss about my departure.Best wishes,DwightMuch better! Resignation letters are hard because you’re writing an official document, so it may sound a little stiff or formal by default. Definitely err on the side of formality, because again- you never know who will be seeing this once you release it at work. It’s okay to make it sound like your regular voice, but just make sure you’re not going too informal, and that you’re hitting all the necessary elements (gracious tone, end date, availability to help with the transition up until that date).So while it might be tempting to create a stir on your way out (possibly involving Kanye West), you will never go wrong with a thoughtful, clear, and definitive resignation letter. It may be tempting to dismiss your current job as old news, or use this as a chance to burn someone or the company on the way out, but if you resist that urge, you’ll be the better for it later on. Viral social media stardom is fleeting, but your reputation is forever.

TLMT312 WEEK 2 FORUM Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

TLMT312 WEEK 2 FORUM - Assignment Example TCO is much wider in manufacturing; the cost involve include cycle time, repair, ship, re-ship, opportunity, incentives, tax credit, delivery and supplier visits costs (Richard, 2004). TCO ensures financial analysis by determining the total economic value of products and investments. The financial analysis entails; economic value added, rapid economic justification, and internal return rate. TCO analyzes the total cost of assets and related systems, in the entire organization processes. This ensures adequate forecasting of profitability of the organization (Richard, 2004). TCO is applied in the computer industry, fro financial analysis by multinationals. TCO describes the financial effect of using the information technology products, throughout the entire lifecycle. The cost analysis considers the main aspects of computer hardware, training and software. Technology implementation entails three levels of costs. Hardware and software analysis costs like; warranties, licenses, purchasing research and risks. Operation costs entail infrastructure, electricity, insurance, testing and back up. Long term costs include replacement, upgrade and decommissioning (Richard, 2004). When comparing the TCO between present and proposed technology solutions, maintenance expenses should be analyzed. The maintenance expenses for present solutions may not be applicable for the proposed technological solution (Richard,

Design in 21 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Design in 21 - Research Paper Example Steve Jobs also grew up in a period where there was freedom of expression, in America, and when the culture was very tolerant and open. In college, the favorite subject of Steve Jobs was typography. He was able to make a connection on how fonts were able to influence the contents of a design and their audience. Steve Jobs spent most of his years studying the philosophies of eastern nations, and their holistic values (Shea, 11). These values are all manifested into the product philosophy of Apples, through its production of a seamless, sleek, simple and integrated design. The first product made by Apple that was able to change the field of design is the invention and the design of the Macintosh computer system which had a Graphic User Interface (GUI). This computer system was introduced in 1983, and it was meant for designers (lumenthal, 23). This system came with an input device and a mouse which would make it possible for an individual to allow computer drawings, and accurate cursor control. This system also came with a MacPaint, MacWrite and other fonts which allowed designers to lay out pages that they could print. On this basis, this design by Apples ushered in a new period of Desktop Publishing. This completely changed the field of design, by ushering in, the era of digital design (Shea, 33). On this basis, the computer systems that were using Apple’s GUI became a standard system for all computers that were being manufactured worldwide. The demands of GUI enabled computers were very high, and they revolutionalized the design world whereby the digital artist had a new media platform that could help him or her to create and design products (lumenthal, 22). Following the successes of these Macintosh computers, Steve Jobs and Apples separated for a period of ten years. Steve Jobs pursued his business interests by developing computer software’s that were able to be used in the fields of animations. However, after ten years, Steve Jobs was able to

Is Free Trade Possible?

Is Free Trade Possible? Tom Hobson ‘Free trade is neither possible nor desirable.’ Do you agree with this Statement? Roger Scruton makes the claim free trade is neither possible nor desirable in A Political Philosophy and takes a conservative political viewpoint in defence of national sovereignty (2006). Taking the statement within the realm of international political economy it draws in the debate of the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in advancing free trade as its aim, the economic debate between those who advocate free trade from Adam Smith and David Ricardo and their modern advocates and those who oppose it including Joseph Stiglitz and an analysis of the power relations that entail in free trade negotiations as well as the consequences answering first whether it is possible and secondly its degree of desirability. Free trade in a majority of production areas and scenarios is possible but its desirability is the key debate, the domestic consequences for both developing and developed states can distort national economies in a globalised world. It is a complex issue that is largely ap proached through the WTO. Free trade has an impact on developmentalism for industrialising countries and is connected to hegemonic theories of world governance to uphold the system. Free trade is a possible concept for a globalised world but it is largely undesirable when considering the human impact of market forces. Krasner argues that a hegemon is required for a global system of free trade to be viable, the essential principle is that the distribution of power amongst states dictates the international economic system. He highlighted the role of Britain during the 19th century and the US post World War One and marked the decline in power of the US up to the 1970s being the precursor to the end of a liberal international free trade system. According to Krasner only an open hegemon has the sufficient power to provide the public goods and any other system is inherently unstable (Krasner Webb, 1989, pp.183-184). But in the contemporary international political economy with the rise of China economically and militarily alongside the supremacy of the US there are infact increases to the global liberalisation movement (Chestnut Johnston, 2009, pp.252-253). Hegemonic stability theory has a place in contemporary international political economy but it is not overriding. The realist hegemonic stability theory is very rigid for a free trade international system and empirical evidence shows it is true that a hegemon can meet the public goods cost without jeopardising its own state security it isn’t necessarily the only situation where free trade stemming from state power can flourish as we can see with the rising bipolar international system including China. Krasner’s theory concentrates on the Cold War era and how far the US was willing to open world trade at its own expense in order to have an advantage over the Soviet Union in absolute power (Krasner Webb, 1989, p.196). The state power relationship that Krasner offers for open trade in the global system is very convincing in terms of state security and his realist perspective of the international political economy is as a part of international relations rather than separate. It shows that contrary to Scruton’s statement that free trade is possible within a system whereby public goods are met by a state or states are able to meet the demand without risk to their own security. But a more technical approach taken by Richard Baldwin on regionalism and its problems show that international trade is inhibited by the numerous regional rules and argues that a multilateralisation of the existing systems will be required for a truly global free trade system (Baldwin, 2006, p.1451). Two of the issues he analyses are the current asymmetric negotiations whereby nations and interest groups seek to minimise losses rather than maximise gains and race to the bottom tax competition unilateral negotiations as an alternative to regionalism and mulitlateralism which leads to fragmentation in the supply chain (Ibid, 2006, pp.1469-1471). A good example of asymmetric negotiations can be seen between the US and China on tyres in 2009. The Interest groups of labour including United Steel and Allied Industrial and Service Workers International Union pushed US negotiations to introduce tariffs on Chinese imports of tyres on the premise of saving US jobs and manufacturing (i.e. minim ising losses). The result of US imposition of tariffs argued by Ilkensen is a cost to the consumer of $600-700 million annually which results in a cost of $300,000 annually per job saved (Ilkensen, 2009). This follows Baldwin’s argument that unilateral and asymmetric trade negotiations lead to strength in interest groups and poor outcomes. It is also an example of Barry Eichengreen’s perspective on the role interest groups have on limiting policy of free trade with reference to the Smoot-Hawley tariffs of the 1930s, the movement towards protectionism by domestic pressure groups (Eichengreen, 2003, p.59). the strength of institutions beyond the state in affecting the outcomes of trade negotiations are able to prevent the posibility of free trade in the international political economy as this example and Eichengreen highlight. Further to this the position of Richard Baldwin on the strength of regionalism in forcing such action as well as inhibiting the prospect of global international free trade by having a multitude of incompatible rules and aims. The possibility of free trade is disputed; the broad theory of Krasner would indicate that it is possible but the specifics of unilateral trade and regionalism show the limits of global free trade. Turning to whether free trade is desirable concentrates on the WTO and the effects of free trade. The comparative advantage of Smith and Ricardo according to Ilkensen applies in the supply chain of the globalised modern political economy because it is how countries ascend or descend the chain, liberalisation of trade restrictions allows producers to serve the global supply chain in specific areas of comparative advantage. He uses the example of the Ipod with highly skilled engineers in Californa and low wage manual workers in China maintain low costs so that consumer prices are not high and members of the labour force can be freed to work in other sectors (Ilkensen,2009, pp.10-15). His argument rejects the idea of international trade being a zero sum game that is assumed by the critics of free trade, his emphasis is on productivity to create growth. The central argument is that all consumers benefit from free trade and the emphasis of the entire argument should shift from producers to consumers (Ibid 2009 pp.10-15). Ilkensen’s analysis of a global supply chain also rejects the premise of a global north/south divide and he argues that there is not national competition but global cooperation (Ibid, p.4). Similarly, the mutual reduction of tariffs ends the prisoner’s dilemma that ends in a Nash equilibrium that satisfies neither party and as argued by Subramanian the developed nations in the WTO system have reduced their tariffs the most while allowing the rest to maintain protection of 2/3 of their imports (2007, pp. 152-154). Ilkensen’s argument ignores many aspects of international political economy and purely concentrates on the economics of the process of free trade. The rejection of the orthodoxy on primacy of producers over consumers is a very market based approach that concludes it is positive for all involved and a desirable outcome of trade negotiations particularly when you highlight that developed nations are seen to give greater concessions. The WTO is an advanced and technical, monitoring and compliance mechanism for managing trade relations where tackling asymmetric power is the key to its existence where every member is given equal standing and access to the Dispute Settlement Understanding (Lanoszka, 2009, pp 47-51). Contrasting the view of Ilkensen are the criticisms placed against the WTO. Sarah Joseph highlights the dependency theory of Singer-Prebisch where free trade deepens the international division of labour that does not work in long term development because it entrenches positions of nations within the core industrialised west, the semi-periphery and periphery of developing nations (2013, p.8). This marxist interpretation of the international political economic system emphasises the asymmetric trade negotiations forced upon developing nations by the WTO to ensure the west’s supremacy in terms of international relations and economics. She argues that with it being in the developed world’s inter est to ensure a lack of diversity in the economies of the developing nations to create an underclass of labour that relies on manufactured imports and foreign direct investment (Ibid, p.9). She accuses the WTO of serving goods and services of big business rather than individuals; in particular that of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) for creating worldwide patents on drugs which therefore prevents their mas use across developing nations to tackle health issues (Ibid, pp. 285-287). Joseph’s critical analysis of the effect of the WTO in pushing for free trade highlights the dominance of the west in maintaining the status quo and not creating the development it promises. In this the problems of free trade show that it is not universally desirable as an economic system. Similarly Joseph Stiglitz attacks the system of free trade for preventing development in the poorest nations by forcing them to state infrastructure and industry. Stiglitz agrees with Scruton’s argument that liberalisation and international economics need to be sensitive to national economies in order to ensure growth and progress; he argues that free trade is about efficiency nations rather than growth, comparative advantage assumes full employment, stability in developing countries’ and uses the example of Southeast Asia where high investment in physical and human activity acted as catalysts for growth (Stiglitz Charlton, 2007, p. 15-25). For developing countries protection of infant industries is more often than not optimal because foreign investment is dependent on selling at a loss until productivity rises which will not happen and in terms of state building the easiest form of revenue is import tariffs and the priorities of a developing economy are not in efficie ncy but growth (Ibid, 2007, pp.32-29). The argument of Stiglitz takes a different perspective on the aims of developing nations from efficiency to growth in their own context; developing nations have very different needs to those that are developed in terms of human development. He highlights the fact that free trade only benefits developed nations that force liberalisation on other nations through the WTO (Ibid, 2007). A further argument against free trade can be found in the environmental lobby that sees potentially global economic expansion as ‘inimical to the goal of preserving a clean, healthy, and sustainable global commons’ (Grossman Krueger, 1991, p.2). The analysis of the report by Grossman and Krueger was specifically regarding the NAFTA trade agreement and the environmental impact on Mexico. Specifically it highlights the problem with Mexico being a relatively poorly developed nation that should industrialisation occur due to liberalisation then pollution will grow under an undeveloped regulatory framework (Ibid, pp.3-4). But the Kuznets curve refutes the basic assumption of the report that economic growth leads to exponential environmental degradation by concluding that the greater the GDP per capita the lower the overall pollution in the long term (Stern, et al., 1996, p.1159). Free trade has initial environmental degradation but the long term forecasts of the Kuznets curv e negate the argument against free trade as a desirable system of international economics. The possibility of free trade is a debated topic and though the technical approach of Baldwin argues that global free trade isn’t a possibility with the complexities of regionalism the overarching argument of Krasner that a hegemon, or as argued more recently a number of nations, providing public goods to fulfill the global demand without incurring too great a cost is a convincing argument in the contemporary international political economy that free trade is possible. But the key debate is whether free trade is desirable in a global context. Taking international economics as a global supply chain then Ilkensen’s argument that the comparative advantage of each country placed within this chain then free trade is necessary to lead to the most efficient forms of growth and all benefit. But the arguments of Stiglitz, Charlton and Joseph emphasis the underlying principle that global trade is a zero-sum system that embeds the current and historical inequalities between the gl obal north and south. To conclude on whether free trade is desirable is dependent on whether the aim is growth or effieciency; growth that it is unfair to developing nations, efficiency that it benefits all. It is too complex a subject to conclude either way in this essay whether it is desirable. Bibliography Baldwin, R., 2006. Multilateralising Regionalism: Spaghetti Bowls as Building Blocs on the Path to Global Free Trade. The World Economy, 29(11), pp. 1451-1518. Chestnut, S. Johnston, A. I., 2009. Is China Rising?. In: E. Paus, P. Prime J. Western, eds. Is China Changing the Rules of the Game. NY: Palgrave Macmillan, pp. 237-260. Eichengreen, B., 2003. The Political Economy of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff. In: J. Frieden D. Lake, eds. International Political Economy: Perspectives on Global Wealth and Power. London: Taylor Francis, pp. 47-59. Grossman, G. Krueger, A., 1991. Environmental Impacts of a North American Free Trade Agreement, Cambridge, MA: National Bureau of Economic Research. Ilkensen, D., 2009. Burning Rubber: Proposed Duties on Chinese Tyres Whiff of Senseless Protectionism. Free Trade Bulletin, Volume 39, pp. 1-4. Ilkensen, D., 2009. No Longer Us Versus Them, London: International Policy Network. Joseph, S., 2013. Blame it on the WTO. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Krasner, S. Webb, M., 1989. Hegemonic Stability Theory: an empirical assessment. Review of International Studies, 15(2), pp. 183-198. Lanoszka, A., 2009. The World Trade Organisation: changing dynamics in the global political economy. London: Lynne Rienner. Scruton, R., 2006. A Political Philosophy. London: Bloomsbury. Stern, D., Common, M. Barbier, E., 1996. Economic Growth and Environmental Dgeradation: The Environmental Kuznets Curve and Sustainable Development. World Development, 24(7), pp. 1151-1160. Stiglitz, J. Charlton, A., 2007. Fair Trade For All. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Subramanian, A., 2007. The WTO Promotes Trade, Strongly but Unevenly. Journal of International Economics, Volume 72, pp. 151-175.

Portia the Control Freak – Merchant of Venice

I would love to write a critical essay about the role of Portia in Shakespeare’s â€Å"Merchant of Venice,† hailing her as one of Shakespeare’s greatest contributions to the society of the sane; however, I find this impossible after re-reading the text. At first, I hung on her every word and was amazed at her wit, but later I found her to be just another Shakespearean psycho. Basically, I understood Portia to be nothing less than an obedient daughter obeying the whims of her dead, over-protective father. She speaks in terms of respect about the coffin ritual, and the reader believes her to be sincere. Later as her character s unfolded, the reader sees a wife in love with the husband who was wise enough to earn her love (and consequently her fortune! ). Beware, gentle reader! Do not fall under the spell of Portia the control freak! The following scenerios must be proof that this woman is not to be trusted! First of all, let’s evaluate the scene where Portia and Bassanio are before the caskets where Bassanio must make his choice. The dialogue directly preceeding the finding of the casket is basic lover’s speech, but wait! Listen carefully to what Portia says: â€Å"If you do love me, you will find me out† (III ii 41). Portia leads Bassanio to elieve that the choice he makes in the caskets is his own. She leads the reader to believe that Bassanio’s love for her is the only force which leads to the discovery of the correct casket. However, earlier when Portia is speaking of the preparations for the casket choice, she speaks of music which is to be played while Bassanio makes his choice. Ok, this seems innocent enough; but examine the song–the first two lines of the song rhyme with lead! It doesn’t take long for the subliminal message to be absorbed in Bassanio’s brain, and the lead casket is chosen. This manipulative device is an indication to me that Portia has a need to make things go her way. She is afraid that Bassanio will make the wrong choice, and therefore assists him. Point #2. Portia creates a way of controlling the future of the relationship between herself and Bassanio. Portia gives Bassanio a ring with the words, â€Å"I give you this ring, which when you part from, lose, or give away, / Let it presage the ruin of your love†. Of course, Bassanio gives away the ring first chance he gets. Portia later makes known that the man he gave the ring to was her, and she proceeds to scold Bassanio for his lack of love. Bassanio is trapped! No matter hat he does for the rest of their relationship, in his mind will remain the idea that Portia is watching! This is a clever device invented by Mr. Shakespeare; however, it does display a certain obsessive, manipulative air about Portia. Hmmmmm†¦. Lastly, I would like to take a venture. I was wondering earlier while reading the â€Å"Merchant of Venice† why Shakespeare used the doppel- ganger technique in his presentation of Nerissa and Portia. Nerissa follows Portia about and makes the same decisions Portia does. Nerissa is not as bright as Portia, and yet she meets the same ultimate fate as Portia. I am wondering if Shakespeare could have used Nerissa to point out the manipulative characteristics of Portia. It is true that one way that manipulative people feed is through weaker people who uphold them and their values. If anyone has any insight on this thought, let me know! Well, there you have it. My true feelings on Portia. Sure she is to be admired in some aspects, but perhaps as all great archetypes she has her foibles and faults. If anyone finds anything about the aforementioned aspects of Portia’s character, please let me know. I have had not luck finding Anything about Portia on the web. Thanks.