Benefits, impediments and critical success factors in B2C Annotated Bibliography

Advantages, obstructions and basic achievement factors in B2C - Annotated Bibliography Example rather it gives knowledge that might be significant for leading future examinations and advancement of speculations while paying accentuation to obstructions and achievement looked by a large number of organizations that have received and are embracing e-business methods. In this investigation, the contextual analysis approach was utilized in which eight contextual analyses were considered and examined while concentrating on the advantages that an organization hopes to pick up from e-business framework and the advantages that the organization really gains and also the attention was on what are the issues experienced by the individuals who execute e-business arrangements and thirdly, the emphasis was on finding the basic explanation that prompts the accomplishment of organizations that receive e-business arrangements (Dubelaar, 2005, p.1254). An aggregate of eight organizations were concentrated by the analysts, six of these organizations had online presence and two of these organizations were the individuals who worked principally through physical outlet, yet they even had constrained online presence. The examination reasoned that the significant deterrents for organizations in embracing an e-business arrangement were issues in activities, innovation, administration and absence of successful structure for their business. The reasons that prompted the fruitful use of e-business arrangements were: utilization of working together on the web and disconnected consolidated, conveying high worth, client maintenance and fulfillment, watch out for the exercises of the contenders and ultimately trust building. The scientists accept that if an e-business arrangement is to work in the factor of the organization, the appropriation of the arrangement ought to be pertinent to the business, esteem adding to clients and ought to give simplicity of activity to the association. Since different organizations are receiving different e-business arrangements, for example, selling over the web and publicizing, this diary article enables understudies to realize what they need to do as chiefs to guarantee that their business experience accomplishment as they embrace one of the e-business techniques and how

The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost Essay Example for Free

The Road Not Taken By Robert Frost Essay The sonnet â€Å"The Road Not Taken† by Robert Frost strikes me as having a double meaning.â One point of view of the sonnet is by all accounts an announcement of guidance for individuals to take the â€Å"one less voyaged by†.â Another viewpoint is that the â€Å"Road Not Taken† might be the street that he took and he was sorry he has picked that way for reasons unknown or another.  â â â â To begin with the conversation, I will initially examine the main point of view that of the deduction to â€Å"The Road Not Taken† as a guidance for individuals to take.  The creator took the principal individual position utilizing the words â€Å"I† all through the poem.â This could be deciphered that he, himself has done what he is encouraging for others to do to take the â€Å"one less voyaged by† (fourth line, fifth verse). Typically this expression is utilized for individuals who have taken the street that is noble and the one that is more earnestly to travel or pass by yet which is the correct thing to do.â It is additionally thought of as the hard however in any case, the best approach to be fruitful throughout everyday life.  The creator utilized a ton of symbolism and allegories like â€Å"yellow wood† alluding to the apparently yellow way as influenced by the daffodils that blossom at the pathways that he frequently takes with his companion in Massachusetts, at the time he composed the verse.  He likewise depicts the street less went by as â€Å"grassy and needed wear† maybe this is so for absence of explorers walking in its grass.  â â â â Meanwhile, the other point of view or translation that could be engaged concerning this sonnet is the author’s tone towards the finish of the last verse â€Å"I took the one less went by/And that has made all the difference† appears to indicate that he was upset for the decision he made.â The tone is that of pity and he utilizes the line â€Å"I will be telling this with a sigh†. The following line additionally arranges the purpose of reflection wherein the creator says â€Å"Somewhere ages and ages subsequently; Two streets veered in a wood, and I took the one less voyaged by,†Ã¢  The allegory of the words ages and ages henceforth puts the time or hour of memory at a much ongoing time after he settled on his decision, or since the time he settled on his decision, and chose his course of action.â It infers that this decision was made quite a while prior and the last refrain provides some insight with respect to the result of that decision.  â â â â Aside from the two potential situations that this sonnet can be deciphered into, there are additionally a few clashes of imagery.â These contentions are expressed in the utilization of the lines â€Å"Because it was verdant and needed wear;† shows one way or street clearly still has a great deal of grass immaculate by walking feet or passers by.â However, the last two lines goes, â€Å"Though as far that the going there/had worn them extremely about the same†, portraying the two ways and streets as similarly voyaged or walked upon by travelers.â This appearing strife in symbolism, however I would decipher as the author’s perspective, when he was given a problem or a suggestion of which street to take. He was by all accounts gauging his choices and was adjusting his official conclusion with respect to which street to take and sees that there isn't a lot of distinction in the outward appearance of the two ways. Taking everything into account, the sonnet as a rule takes a constructive, though pitiful recognition of the decisions in life that the writer has made.â But what he is by all accounts tragic about is that he more likely than not had any desire to take the same number of ways as he could, however no one but he couldn't as the hour of decision is well past already.â Still, the writer urges individuals and perusers to take the street less voyaged, for despite the fact that it presents more test and most likely even hardship, it is typically the correct way to take.

Application Processing Update COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

Application Processing Update COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog I thought I would provide a status update on our processing of applications and I would like to start by saying that the Admissions Committee has not started meeting yet.   In short, we have not started reviewing applications for admission, we are still working very hard on reviewing applications for completion. So here is where we stand . . . We have printed all of the applications submitted.   While this may sound strange to announce, it is a feat in the sense that all told applications probably represent close to 80,000 printed pages of information.   Printing 80,000 pages and then looking at each one to ensure readability and completion takes us a few weeks.   Do remember that just because you submitted a document or information online does not mean it will automatically be tracked as received. This is normal and full details on tracking were covered in this post (please review the post to familiarize yourself with how we track applications). We have manually reviewed approximately 70% of the application submitted.   This means we have not even looked at 30% of the applications we have printed.   They are waiting patiently in large piles for us to review.   An application that has not been looked at is at no disadvantage in the admission consideration process.   We will start to assign files to reading teams soon and not all reading teams start reading at the same time some start in January however some do not start until February. Thus we still have a few weeks before some readers will start reading which gives us time to review applications for completion. I estimate that when we do complete our review of all printed applications, approximately 35% will still be labeled incomplete which is where the matching process begins.   After we complete our first sweep through applications submitted and printed we will then go back and look to match documents that were not submitted on the application site.   The matching process takes us more time, but again, files completed a little later than others are at no disadvantage. As we complete our review if we feel we need any additional information we will send out email messages.   Just because an application does not read complete on the application site does not mean we do not already have everything we need it likely means that we just have not had the opportunity yet to view your application or search for necessary documents that were submitted and filed to await matching. So, if you have not received a completion email from us at this point in time do not let it be a point of concern.   We have at least 8-10 more business days of work ahead of us in terms of certifying files as complete.

Quotes From the Louisa Ma Alcott Novel Little Women

Little Women is a classic novel by Louisa May Alcott. Based on her own experiences growing up with three sisters, the novel is Alcotts best-known works  and presents many of her personal viewpoints. This novel is something of a conundrum for feminist scholars because while it portrays a strong female heroine (Jo March, an analog for Alcott herself), the ideals of hard work and sacrifice and the ultimate goal of marriage seem to stymie true individual rebellion from any of the March sisters.   Here are  a few of the quotes that show the contradictions in the themes of independence and feminism in Little Women.   March Familys Money Problems Christmas wont be Christmas without any presents. Jo March. Right out of the gate, Alcott shows the March family’s precarious financial situation  and gives a glimpse into each of the sisters’ personalities. The only one who doesn’t complain about the lack of Christmas gifts is Beth (spoiler alert: much later in the novel, Beth dies, giving readers a mixed message about the virtues of sacrifice).   None of Alcotts characters ever raise the question of why Mr. March keeps returning to his post as a war chaplain even though his wife and daughters are close to destitute. Virtue and Pride in Little Women Alcott had strong, unyielding views on proper behavior. Im not Meg tonight, Im a doll who does all sorts of crazy things. Tomorrow I shall put away my fuss and feathers and be desperately good again. Megs wealthy friends dress her up to attend a ball, she flirts and drinks champagne. When Laurie sees her he expresses his disapproval. She tells him to lighten up, but later feels ashamed and confesses to her mother that she behaved badly A poor girl getting to enjoy a party hardly seems like the worst possible behavior, but the moral code of Alcotts novel is strict. Marriage in Little Women The reality for women in the 19th century who were not wealthy was either marry a wealthy man or work as a governess or teacher to support their parents. Despite her somewhat radical feminist views, Alcotts characters do little to deviate from this norm in the end.   Money is a needful and precious thing,--and, when well used, a noble thing,--but I never want you to think it is the first or only prize to strive for. Id rather see you poor mens wives, if you were happy, beloved, contented than queens on thrones, without self-respect and peace. -Marmee. The March sisters mother seems to be telling her daughters not to marry for the sake of money or status  but doesn’t suggest that there’s any alternative to marriage.  If this is a feminist message, it’s a seriously dated and confused one.   You have grown abominably lazy, and you like gossip, and waste time on frivolous things, you are contented to be petted and admired by silly people, instead of being loved and respected by wise ones. Amy lets Laurie have it, and this moment of brutal honesty is the beginning of their romantic relationship. Of course, Laurie is still pining over Jo at this point, but Amy’s words seem to straighten him out. This is sort of a pivotal quote from â€Å"Little Women,† because it reflects Alcott’s personal views about vanity, gossip and the like.   Trying to Tame Jo March Much of Little Women is spent describing how Jos stubborn, headstrong behavior needs to be subdued.   Ill try and be what he loves to call me, a little woman, and not be rough and wild; but do my duty here instead of wanting to be somewhere else. - Jo March. Poor Jo has to suppress her natural personality (or try to) in order to please her parents. It’s easy to infer that Alcott may have been projecting a little bit here; her father, Branson Alcott, was a transcendentalist and preached strict Protestant values to his four daughters.   An old maid, thats what Im to be. A literary spinster, with a pen for a spouse, a family of stories for children, and twenty years hence a morsel of fame, perhaps... Jo says it, but this is yet another example of Alcott’s voice coming through her main protagonist. Some literary scholars have interpreted this and some of Jo’s other â€Å"tomboyish† points of view to indicate a homosexual subtext, which would have been taboo for a novel of this era. But in another instance Jo laments Meg’s impending marriage, saying: â€Å"I just wish I could marry Meg myself and keep her safe in the family.† Whether intended or not, to a modern reader, Jo’s personality and resistance to being paired with a man (at least in the early chapters) do indicate the possibility that she was uncertain about her sexuality.

The Existentialist Views of Hamlet Essay - 756 Words

The Existentialist Views of Hamlet Do we matter? Will anything we do endure? These are questions from existentialism. The dictionary defines existentialism as the plight of the individual who must assume ultimate responsibility for his acts of free will without any certain knowledge of what is right or wrong or good or bad (Merriam Webster). In the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, Hamlet struggles with the concept that nothing from our lives last and time grinds everything away. Hamlets major conflict was his existentialist view of the world. Does a prince of Denmark have any worth if Alexander died, Alexander was buried, Alexander returneth into dust; the dust is earth; of earth we make loam; and why of that†¦show more content†¦Even with this proof, Hamlet will not kill Claudius during prayer because he believes his decision will matter and he must choose wisely. In the graveyard, Hamlet saw peoples skulls and wondered what the couriers compliments or the jesters tricks had brought them but another spot in the earth. Hamlet saw the acts of well respected men not protect them from the grave and anonymity when he said, This fellow might be ins time a great buyer of land, with his statutes his recognizances, his fines, his double vouchers, his recoveries: is this the fine of his fines, and the recovery of his recoveries, to have his fine pate full of fine dirt? will his vouchers vouch him no more of his purchases, and double ones too, than the length and breadth of a pair of indentures? The very conveyances of his lands will hardly lie in this box; and must the inheritor himself have no more ( V. i. 98-103). Hamlets inaction appeared in his relationship with Ophelia. He admitted at her grave that he loved her but he did not attempt to have more than a physical relationship. Hamlets fear of action led to other problems. Hamlet was so obsessed with his lack of action and the worthlessness of life that he contemplates suicide asking, For who could bear the whips and scorns of time ( III. i. 69-70). He believes he would be foolish to suffer through his life when he will simply beShow MoreRelatedEssay on Existentialism in Unknown Places1409 Words   |  6 Pagescertain characteristics and behaviors that describe existentialist views. Throughout today’s world, there are examples of it everywhere, it’s found in movies, books, songs, and just people in general. Existentialists are known to think and do for themselves only. They believe that to understand what it means to be human requires understanding of themselves first. Some very well known pieces of entertainment existentialism is found in are: Hamlet by William Shakespeare, The Metamorphosis by Franz KafkaRead More Hamlet, the Existentialist Essay1082 Words   |  5 PagesShakespeare’s Hamlet is a tragic play about murder, betra yal, revenge, madness, and moral corruption. It touches upon philosophical ideas such as existentialism and relativism. Prince Hamlet frequently questions the meaning of life and the degrading of morals as he agonizes over his father’s murder, his mother’s incestuous infidelity, and what he should or shouldn’t do about it. At first, he is just depressed; still mourning the loss of his father as his mother marries his uncle. After he learnsRead MoreThe Relationship Between Ophelia and Hamlet: William Shakespeare970 Words   |  4 PagesThe play Hamlet, by William Shakespeare, looks at the issue of madness and how it effects the characters of the play. Madness can be looked at from very different perspectives, such as strong and uncontrollable emotions, a person’s desires, and also a persons mental stability. Throughout the play, the audience is questioning the sanity of the main character, Hamlet, as he goes on his quest for revenge. The people around hi m also show signs of madness, such as Ophelia and Claudius, but in differentRead MoreHamlets Existential Crisis1429 Words   |  6 PagesWhen looking at Hamlet, one could say that William Shakespeare put the play together as a very cathartic tragedy. The emotional result of dealing with so many deaths brings on a plethora of emotions which are not usually felt in a typical play. Hamlet begins not with the normal prosperity and good fortune as do most tragedies, but with a more stifling and depressing sort of mood (Tekany 115). However, something else could be said about this play as well. The play centers on Hamlet and his existentialRead MoreHamlet And Laertes By William Shakespeare1469 Words   |  6 PagesShakespeare’s characters Hamlet and Laertes, in the play Hamlet, attempt to attain revenge for their fathers, but contrast in their approaches to achieving revenge, and their view of life as a whole, their failures revealing the inevitability of fate. Just as Hamletâ₠¬â„¢s inaction hinders him from achieving his goal of killing Claudius, Laertes’s impetuosity similarly leads him astray from his goal their inability to achieve these goals. The power of fate is thereby revealed through the futility of humanRead MoreUnderstanding Existentialism Essay864 Words   |  4 PagesThe dictionary defines existentialism as an individual’s experience filled with isolation in a hostile universe where a human being attempts to find true self and the meaning of life through free will, choice, and personal responsibility. Hamlet is an existentialist character who believes that he is forced to avenge his father’s death and the hatred builds in his heart because of the many betrayals which direct him towards a senseless life and constant thoughts about suicide; this ultimately leads toRead MoreThe Concept of Bad Faith in the Philosophy of Sartre1335 Words   |  6 PagesUnderstanding the concept of bad faith means to comprehend the existent ialist philosophy of Sartre. The concept of bad faith forms the basis of his moral psychology. Also, bad faith continued to remain main theme throughout Sartre’s philosophical works. The concept emphasizes that bad faith, similar to all our attitudes, determines the manner in which the world and every person within it appears. Bad faith shapes all our beliefs, views, and actions specifically as agents in the world. In this contextRead MoreComparision Of Hamlet With Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead1306 Words   |  6 PagesRosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead (R and G†¦) by Tom Stoppard is a transformation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that has been greatly influenced due to an external contextual shift. The sixteenth century Elizabethan historical and social context, accentuating a time of questioning had specific values which are transformed and altered in Stoppard’s Existential, post two-world wars twentieth century historical and social context. The pro cesses of transformation that are evident allow the shifts in ideasRead MoreThe, No Scene Of Violence Exists For Its Own Sake1350 Words   |  6 Pagesand action. Hamlet is as much a story of emotional conflict, paranoia, and self-doubt as it is one of revenge and tragedy. The protagonist, Prince Hamlet of Denmark, is instructed by his slain father’s ghost to enact vengeance upon his uncle Claudius, whose treacherous murder of Hamlet’s father gave way to his rise to power. Overcome by anguish and obligation to avenge his father’s death, Hamlet ultimately commits a number of killings throughout the story. However, we are not to view the characterRead MoreCharacteristics Of A Shakespearean Tragedy1716 Words   |  7 Pages Characteristics of a Shakespearean tragedy: (Identify three and give an example/connection from Hamlet and a short explanation of the importance) 1. A central character who has status and prosperity A defining characteristic of Shakespearean tragedies is a powerful and high ranking protagonist. Hamlet fits this bill perfectly, being the crown prince of the kingdom of Denmark and thus wielding enormous power. One of the reasons why protagonists of Shakespearean tragedies are characters of status

Religion’s Effect on American Policies Free Essays

string(60) " as opposed to simply allowing religion to take free reign\." America is a country that is characterized as being a nation with multiple cultures, multiple ethnicities, and multiple religions. Plurality in all aspects of American society’s classifications is something that is espoused by most Americans. Numerous individuals with different backgrounds come together on American soil to form and make up the nation that is established on equality and democracy. We will write a custom essay sample on Religion’s Effect on American Policies or any similar topic only for you Order Now Inclusion of all the diverse backgrounds present within this democratic society is the main goal of most American social institutions. Religion is one of the main aspects of an individual’s background that influences his or her behavior and analysis about life. Religion in America goes beyond an individual’s everyday life. (Minkenberg, 2) In fact, religion even affects the numerous American policies conceptualized by the government. Religion is such a potent force that its effect on American policies is not even dependent on the rate of citizens that attend churches for the different religions present in the United States. Minkenberg, 2) This means that religion is able to affect change in US government policies despite possible increases or decreases in religious Americans over given periods of time. The effects on American policies are not a result of the country becoming more religious as a whole but rather on the strength of religion itself as an entity enforcing change in political systems. (Minkenber, 5) There are many who emphasize their disagreement with religion’s effect on American pol icy. These individuals believe that religion should not be allowed to affect government policies so strongly or at all. However, it is this paper’s argument that religion should is not a necessary aspect of policy-making and that religion affecting American foreign policy should not be acceptable or encouraged. A presentation of the valid arguments with regard to this thesis will be made. Counter arguments will also be presented and refuted in order to provide a clear view into the fact that religion is indeed one of the crucial factors to be considered by America’s policy-making bodies. Before establishing why religion is not an important aspect of American policies, it should first be established that religion is in fact affecting the said policies. A Study on Religion and the Role of It on People and Media†¦. iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted" style="position: absolute; clip: rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);" src="https://phdessay.com/a-study-on-religion-and-the-role-of-it-on-people-and-media/embed/#?secret=Zv7pT3jOpu" data-secret="Zv7pT3jOpu" width="500" height="282" title="#8220;A Study on Religion and the Role of It on People and Media†¦.#8221; #8212; Free Essays - PhDessay.com" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"/iframe One clear example is given by the policies made during the administration of President George W. Bush. Despite the fact that America is experiencing a decrease in church-goers, it is measured to be more religious than equivalent Western countries in Europe. This is evidenced by its housing of more than 200 television channels for evangelism. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Religion is seen to take a role in the government’s policy-making decisions through the highly religious character of the President, himself. The United States’ stand on Israel is a clear case of Christianity becoming the driving force behind foreign policies. Instead of considering the interests of America, as a whole, the drive is largely to expand Christianity and to establish its hold on a nation like Israel. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Sam Harris in his book The End of Faith stresses that religion, specifically Christianity, has affected America in terms of sex and drug policies. Policies such as those against abortion are clear examples of the effects of religion on American policies. Harris goes on to critique such policies as being the main factors behind America’s moving towards a formation of a theocratic society, a society believing that its course is determined by a divine being. Religions role in America must not be equated to its role in a theocratic society. (God and American diplomacy, 33) This is a clear inability to separate church from state, one of the most essential aspects of American society. This is also a clear argument against religion’s evident role in American policy-making. Another clear argument against religion affecting American policies is based on the fact that America is a multi-cultural nation. It houses numerous different religions. Not all religions have the same positions and beliefs regarding policies. (God and American diplomacy, 33) As a result, when religion is allowed to affect US national and international policies, only a few of the total number of religions in the country are represented. It is only those religions with the loudest voices in America or those with members in the upper echelons of power that are able to affect changes in policies. This is no longer democracy or equality at work. However, there are those who posit that religion is in fact necessary in the development and implementation of American policies. One of the arguments for religion to be considered in policy-making lies on the fact that America’s relationship with other nations may be based on such religious foundations. A number of the international conflicts occurring today are largely religious in nature or are motivated by religious traditions. (Minkenberg, 4) One clear example is the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11. Miles, 23) Although there are many reasons behind the said attack, there is no doubt that religion played a role. Miles (35-37), indicates that a strengthening of American foreign policy towards a confirmation of US religious freedom would show countries, such as those the September 11 terrorists were associated to, that America does not pose a religious threat on anyone. Protection of the country through a portr ayal of its acceptance of all religions with equal regard via the mechanisms of American policies is said to be very much a necessity in a world that is largely classified by religious traditions and belief system. However, espousal of religious freedom does not equate to allowing religion to dominate American policies. Also, this logic assumes that if other nations are shown that religion is widely accepted in America, other points of conflict will be foregone. Religion may be one of the motivations behind international conflicts but it is not a primary factor behind the said conflicts. Addressing economic and political factors would be more prudent as opposed to simply allowing religion to take free reign. You read "Religion’s Effect on American Policies" in category "Papers" Also, religion is shown to only be useful to policies when taken at this angle: America has numerous religions. We accept them all. This is not the true form of religion’s effects on American policy and does not even begin to address the numerous global implications of the weightier religion-based policies of America such as those made regarding Israel. Another argument states that religion is actually a very potent source of adaptive social change. Patrick Fagan states some of the social benefits that are derived from religion in his article Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability. He indicates that through religion, marital happiness and stability are increased, parent-child relationships are strengthened, educational aspirations and achievement are increased, physical health is improved, well-being and happiness are increased, crime rates are lowered, and community-cohesion is strengthened. In Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability, Fagan indicates that the separation of church and state simply meant that a single state-approved church could not be allowed to exist. He imposes his ideas that the government, especially Congress, should educate themselves with regards to the benefits to be derived from religion and its practice. He also stresses that policies should be made with religion in mind and that data on religion’s potency should be included and considered in debates and discussions regarding American policy. Because religion is effective in creating social change in empirical studies conducted in the community-level, it should thus be considered for policies whose implementation will involve an entire nation’s population. The main problem with Fagan’s account of religion and then his recommendations for its use in policy-making is that the success of religion’s success on marginal issues will not equate to its success in essential issues. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Just because religion was shown to have a high value in practices and regulations set for smaller populations doesn’t mean that it will be able to give an equal value for policies and rules set for the entire nation of America. Read also Analyze the Ways in Which British Imperial Policies Also, because it was able to generate positive feedback for areas such as marriage, crime, and community cohesion, it does not mean that religion will be able to generate adaptive ideas for the more complex issues of the same area. These issues may include homosexual marriages, death penalty imposition, and community governance. For more complex matters as the latter, religion is no longer relevant and allowing it to become a factor in such policies would not only be foolhardy but would even be dangerous in the long run. Also, religion’s application on a small scale with individuals practicing only one type of religion does not indicate that it will have equal applicability in a nation that has numerous different religions. The separation of church and state does include that no specific state-ordained church must exist. However, the reasons and thinking behind such a separation are deeper than simply allowing for religious freedom. Considerations such as oppression of the minority and inability to account for all the beliefs and principles of the collection of religions in America were also made. It is clear that religion is indeed affecting American policies. This change is not warranted and should not be condoned. Policy-makers should take an active stand for the separation of church and state. Policies with religion as one of its factors will, in the end, prove to be biased and geared towards the betterment of only one part of American society. Government decisions should be based on more economic, political, and democratic norms. America is a country that is characterized as being a nation with multiple cultures, multiple ethnicities, and multiple religions. Plurality in all aspects of American society’s classifications is something that is espoused by most Americans. Numerous individuals with different backgrounds come together on American soil to form and make up the nation that is established on equality and democracy. Inclusion of all the diverse backgrounds present within this democratic society is the main goal of most American social institutions. Religion is one of the main aspects of an individual’s background that influences his or her behavior and analysis about life. Religion in America goes beyond an individual’s everyday life. (Minkenberg, 2) In fact, religion even affects the numerous American policies conceptualized by the government. Religion is such a potent force that its effect on American policies is not even dependent on the rate of citizens that attend churches for the different religions present in the United States. (Minkenberg, 2) This means that religion is able to affect change in US government policies despite possible increases or decreases in religious Americans over given periods of time. The effects on American policies are not a result of the country becoming more religious as a whole but rather on the strength of religion itself as an entity enforcing change in political systems. (Minkenber, 5) There are many who emphasize their disagreement with religion’s effect on American policy. These individuals believe that religion should not be allowed to affect government policies so strongly or at all. However, it is this paper’s argument that religion should is not a necessary aspect of policy-making and that religion affecting American foreign policy should not be acceptable or encouraged. A presentation of the valid arguments with regard to this thesis will be made. Counter arguments will also be presented and refuted in order to provide a clear view into the fact that religion is indeed one of the crucial factors to be considered by America’s policy-making bodies. Before establishing why religion is not an important aspect of American policies, it should first be established that religion is in fact affecting the said policies. One clear example is given by the policies made during the administration of President George W. Bush. Despite the fact that America is experiencing a decrease in church-goers, it is measured to be more religious than equivalent Western countries in Europe. This is evidenced by its housing of more than 200 television channels for evangelism. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Religion is seen to take a role in the government’s policy-making decisions through the highly religious character of the President, himself. The United States’ stand on Israel is a clear case of Christianity becoming the driving force behind foreign policies. Instead of considering the interests of America, as a whole, the drive is largely to expand Christianity and to establish its hold on a nation like Israel. (God and American diplo macy, 33) Sam Harris in his book The End of Faith stresses that religion, specifically Christianity, has affected America in terms of sex and drug policies. Policies such as those against abortion are clear examples of the effects of religion on American policies. Harris goes on to critique such policies as being the main factors behind America’s moving towards a formation of a theocratic society, a society believing that its course is determined by a divine being. Religions role in America must not be equated to its role in a theocratic society. (God and American diplomacy, 33) This is a clear inability to separate church from state, one of the most essential aspects of American society. This is also a clear argument against religion’s evident role in American policy-making. Another clear argument against religion affecting American policies is based on the fact that America is a multi-cultural nation. It houses numerous different religions. Not all religions have the same positions and beliefs regarding policies. (God and American diplomacy, 33) As a result, when religion is allowed to affect US national and international policies, only a few of the total number of religions in the country are represented. It is only those religions with the loudest voices in America or those with members in the upper echelons of power that are able to affect changes in policies. This is no longer democracy or equality at work. However, there are those who posit that religion is in fact necessary in the development and implementation of American policies. One of the arguments for religion to be considered in policy-making lies on the fact that America’s relationship with other nations may be based on such religious foundations. A number of the international conflicts occurring today are largely religious in nature or are motivated by religious traditions. (Minkenberg, 4) One clear example is the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11. (Miles, 23) Although there are many reasons behind the said attack, there is no doubt that religion played a role. Miles (35-37), indicates that a strengthening of American foreign policy towards a confirmation of US religious freedom would show countries, such as those the September 11 terrorists were associated to, that America does not pose a religious threat on anyone. Protection of the country through a portrayal of its acceptance of all religions with equ al regard via the mechanisms of American policies is said to be very much a necessity in a world that is largely classified by religious traditions and belief system. However, espousal of religious freedom does not equate to allowing religion to dominate American policies. Also, this logic assumes that if other nations are shown that religion is widely accepted in America, other points of conflict will be foregone. Religion may be one of the motivations behind international conflicts but it is not a primary factor behind the said conflicts. Addressing economic and political factors would be more prudent as opposed to simply allowing religion to take free reign. Also, religion is shown to only be useful to policies when taken at this angle: America has numerous religions. We accept them all. This is not the true form of religion’s effects on American policy and does not even begin to address the numerous global implications of the weightier religion-based policies of America such as those made regarding Israel. Another argument states that religion is actually a very potent source of adaptive social change. Patrick Fagan states some of the social benefits that are derived from religion in his article Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability. He indicates that through religion, marital happiness and stability are increased, parent-child relationships are strengthened, educational aspirations and achievement are increased, physical health is improved, well-being and happiness are increased, crime rates are lowered, and community-cohesion is strengthened. In Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability, Fagan indicates that the separation of church and state simply meant that a single state-approved church could not be allowed to exist. He imposes his ideas that the government, especially Congress, should educate themselves with regards to the benefits to be derived from religion and its practice. He also stresses that policies should be made with religion in mind and that data on religion’s potency should be included and considered in debates and discussions regarding American policy. Because religion is effective in creating social change in empirical studies conducted in the community-level, it should thus be considered for policies whose implementation will involve an entire nation’s population. The main problem with Fagan’s account of religion and then his recommendations for its use in policy-making is that the success of religion’s success on marginal issues will not equate to its success in essential issues. (God and American diplomacy, 33) Just because religion was shown to have a high value in practices and regulations set for smaller populations doesn’t mean that it will be able to give an equal value for policies and rules set for the entire nation of America. Also, because it was able to generate positive feedback for areas such as marriage, crime, and community cohesion, it does not mean that religion will be able to generate adaptive ideas for the more complex issues of the same area. These issues may include homosexual marriages, death penalty imposition, and community governance. For more complex matters as the latter, religion is no longer relevant and allowing it to become a factor in such policies would not only be foolhardy but would eve n be dangerous in the long run. Also, religion’s application on a small scale with individuals practicing only one type of religion does not indicate that it will have equal applicability in a nation that has numerous different religions. The separation of church and state does include that no specific state-ordained church must exist. However, the reasons and thinking behind such a separation are deeper than simply allowing for religious freedom. Considerations such as oppression of the minority and inability to account for all the beliefs and principles of the collection of religions in America were also made. It is clear that religion is indeed affecting American policies. This change is not warranted and should not be condoned. Policy-makers should take an active stand for the separation of church and state. Policies with religion as one of its factors will, in the end, prove to be biased and geared towards the betterment of only one part of American society. Government decisions should be based on more economic, political, and democratic norms. References Anonymous. â€Å"God and American diplomacy.† Economist, 366(2003): 33 Business Source Premier. EBSCO. 18 April 2008 http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?vid=1hid=102sid=90034e27-67d3-4391-95af-666cfa43f615%40sessionmgr109 Fagan, Patrick F. â€Å"Why religion matters even more: the impact of religious practice on social stability.† 18 December 2006 Heritage Foundation. 18 April 2008 http://www.heritage.org/Research/Religion/bg1992.cfm Harris, Sam. The End of Faith. New York: W. W. Norton, 2005. Miles, Jack. â€Å"Religion and American foreign policy.† Survival, 46(2004): 23-37 Minkenberg, Michael. â€Å"Religious effects on immigration policies.† Paper presented at the ECPR 32nd Joint Session of Workshops, Uppsala, March 2004. How to cite Religion’s Effect on American Policies, Papers

Pros and Cons of Advertising free essay sample

‘Whether we like it or not we have got it, and we are likely to go on having it. ’ Thus Mr. Taplin in a book which has just been published entitled Advertising: a new approach. Mr. Taplin was formerly the editor of one of our distinguished and irreverent contemporaries: now he bears the striking title of Research Fellow in Advertising and Promotional Activity at the London School of Economics. Whether or not his approach is new, his poet is unique: and his attitude to his subject is, on the whole, approving. Not that he is unaware that the art of advertising has from time to time met with a certain amount of criticism. For example, in a recent number of The Listener Mr. Farneaux Jordan, reviewing recent guidebooks, made some rather gratuitous and perhaps insufficiently considered remarks about advertising to the effect that ‘a fool and his money are soon parted’ and so on. We will write a custom essay sample on Pros and Cons of Advertising or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page It is not our habit to censor our contributors’ opinions, but naturally those who practice the profession of advertising were offended when they got round to reading this. After all, like all people who take their own business seriously, advertisers are extremely sensitive men and women. If one has no met them in real life, one has surely seen them in films. Struggling with that just word or gem-like phrase that makes all the difference between tasty copy and mere copy-tasting. They are well aware that their work is often maligned. Mr. Taplin quotes a sentence from a book on economics by a Professor K. E Boulding: ‘There is a strong presumption that most competitive advertising is a social waste. ’ In Mr. Taplin, however, the profession has found a careful apologist. He brings his fire down on the critics of advertising from many different angles and levels. He reminds us, in a forthright way that the newspaper industry would be ‘decimated’ and ‘whole industries collapse and general depression be set off’ if there were no such things as advertisements. But Mr. Taplin is no mere pragmatist. He is not afraid of philosophical argument. ‘The public discussion of advertising is shot through with moral arguments,’ he says, ‘not to say shot to pieces by them. . . oral questions will keep breaking in. . . ’ But Mr. Taplin reminds us that the art of persuasion is an old and noble one; people like being persuaded: indeed they like paying to be persuaded. Also he emphasizes that the profession itself has its own code. It might perhaps be said, on the other side, that in these days of consumers’ council and their like which exist both in this country and the United States of America, the claims put forward by advertisers are liable to be carefully scrutinized and can , if they are unjustified, to some extent be publically expose. Mr.Taplin is breezy and about consumers’ council(it is difficult to them in his index) and rather critical of Mr Priestley’s ‘Admass’ and Professor Galbraith’s Affluent Society. And he tells us, in effect, that if people like to pay more for their soaps and aspirins when they are presented to them with siren’s songs, well, they get a good deal of pleasure out of it, don’t they? But whichever one looks at advertising, as he says, ‘we have got it, and we are likely to go on having it. ’ And whatever the pros and cons may be, those of us who are journalists at least have reason to be grateful for it.