The Silver Linings Playbook Chapter 11

Filled with Molten Lava The picture I have of Nikki is a head shot, and I wish I had told her how much I liked it. She paid a professional photographer to take the photo, and she actually had her hair and makeup done at the local salon before going to the shoot; plus she also went to the tanning booths the week before the picture was taken, since my birthday is in late December and the picture was my twenty-eighth-birthday present. Nikki's head is turned so you see more of her left cheek than you do her right, which is outlined by her strawberry blond curly hair. You can see her left ear, and she is wearing the dangling diamond earrings I gave her for our first wedding anniversary. She had gone to the tanning booths just to bring out the freckles on her nose, which I love and miss every winter. You can see the little freckles clearly in the shot, and Nikki said this was the main idea and she even told the photographer to make the freckles the focal point because I love her seasonal freckles best. Her face is sort of like an upside-down triangle, as her chin is sort of pointy. Her nose is like the nose of a lioness, long and regal-looking, and her eyes are the color of grass. In the picture she is making that pouting face I love – not quite a smile, not quite a smirk – and her lips are so glossy that I can't resist kissing the picture every time I look at it. So I kiss the picture again, feeling the cold flatness of the glass, leaving a kiss-shaped smudge, which I wipe away with my shirt. â€Å"God, I miss you so much, Nikki,† I say, but the picture is silent, like always. â€Å"I'm sorry that I did not originally like this picture, because you would not believe how much I like it now. I know that I told you this was not such a great present, back before I started practicing being kind rather than right. Yes, I had specifically asked for a new barbecue, but I'm glad that I have the picture now, because it helped me get through all that time in the bad place and made me want to be a better person, and I'm changed now, so I not only realize but appreciate that you put a lot of thought and effort into this present. It's the only likeness I have of you since some bad person stole all the pictures of us that were in my mother's house – because the pictures were in expensive frames, and – â€Å" Suddenly, for some reason, I remember that there's a video of our wedding, and in this video Nikki is walking and dancing and speaking, and there's even this one part where Nikki talks directly into the camera as if she were talking to me, and she says, â€Å"I love you, Pat Peoples, you sexy stud muffin,† which made me laugh so hard the first time we watched the video with her parents. I knock on my parents' bedroom door, and then I knock again. â€Å"Pat?† my mom says. â€Å"I have to work in the morning, you know?† my father says, but I ignore him. â€Å"Mom?† I say to the door. â€Å"What is it?† â€Å"Where's my wedding video?† There is a silence. â€Å"You remember my wedding video, right?† Still, she does not say anything. â€Å"Is it in the cardboard box in the family-room closet with all the other videos?† Through the door I hear her and my father whispering, and then my mother says, â€Å"I think we gave you our copy of the video, honey. It must be in your old house. Sorry.† â€Å"What? No, it's downstairs in the family-room closet. Never mind, I'll find it myself. Good night,† I say, but when I get to the family-room closet and go through the box of videos, it's not there. I turn around and see that my mother has followed me down into the family room. She is in her nightgown. She is biting her nails. â€Å"Where is it?† â€Å"We gave it to – â€Å" â€Å"Don't lie to me!† â€Å"We must have misplaced it, but it's sure to turn up sooner or later.† â€Å"Misplaced it? It's irreplaceable!† It's just a videocassette, but I can't help feeling angry, which I realize is one of my problems. â€Å"How could you lose it when you know how important it is to me? How?† â€Å"Calm down, Pat.† My mother raises her palms so they are both in front of her chest and then takes a careful step toward me, as if she is trying to sneak up on a rabid dog. â€Å"Relax, Pat. Just relax.† But I can feel myself getting more and more angry, so before I say or do anything dumb, I remember that I am close to being sent back to the bad place, where Nikki will never find me. I storm past my mother, go down into the basement, and do five hundred sit-ups on the Stomach Master 6000. When I finish, I am still angry, so I ride the stationary bike for forty-five minutes and then do shots of water until I feel hydrated enough to attempt five hundred push-ups. Only when my pecs feel like they are filled with molten lava do I deem myself calm enough to sleep. When I go upstairs, all is quiet and no light is leaking out from under my parents' bedroom door, so I grab my framed picture of Nikki, take her upstairs to the attic, turn off the ventilation fan, slip into my sleeping bag, set up Nikki next to my head, kiss her good night – and then begin to sweat away some more pounds. I haven't been up in the attic since the last time Kenny G visited me. I am afraid he will come back, but I also feel sort of fat. I close my eyes, hum a single note, silently count to ten over and over again, and the next morning I wake up unscathed.

Authentic Leadership Essay

1. Learning about oneself is an essential step in becoming an authentic leader. What role did self-awareness play in Sally’s story of leadership? Throughout her journey, Sally’s self-awareness made her into an authentic leader she is. Self-awareness is having a personal insight of one’s self, and as Sally was being aware of her strength and weaknesses; she understood herself and what she clearly wanted. She was able to grasp her traits and characteristic, both her assets and flaws to her advantage. Sally also concentrated on her values, emotions, goals, motives and who she really was deep inside. And as she did so, she was able to familiarize herself to the situations she was in. She learned to be a chameleon that adapts to the current surroundings. After her second book, she rose to more fame and finally adjusted herself to be presented as who she really is in front of her audience. After finding oneself along those years of professional experiences and risks sh e took, she learned to present herself as simply an author, and not a social science expert who took advantage of what she has to offer. 2. How would you describe the authenticity of Sally’s leadership? Her authenticity comes from simply portraying herself, not pretending or conforming to what is the trend in leadership. Sally takes her internalized moral perspective, not allowing the pressure or what’s happening around her affect her but leaning on towards her core values and moral standards guide her behavior towards situations. Her experiences in different aspects of life were able to shape her into a genuine person, and that what makes her an authentic leader. She wasn’t simply conformed into following the flow of reality in her life, but she was determined to wait and figure out the vague spots in her verve. She knew what to follow without needing any help or advice, because as said earlier she was aware of whom she really is and what she really want. She had the sense of spontaneity in her probably in result of her inspiration in life who was Holly Golightly, a character known for her instin ctiveness, in contrast to structured leaders who confide to theoretical knowledge. 3. At the end of the case, Sally is described as taking on the â€Å"mantle of leadership.† Was this important for Sally’s leadership? How is taking on the mantle of leadership related to a leader’s  authenticity? Does every leader reach a point in his or her career where embracing the leadership role is essential? Yes, I personally think it was an important part of her leadership. She was evolving and maturing in her leadership as she wasn’t anymore an â€Å"outsider looking in† but someone who embraces the role she has. It is related in a leader’s authenticity because taking the mantle of leadership makes you know what you’re stand is among the community or the organization you are in. You are knowledgeable to what you should do, what you can do, and what are the needs of your followers are as a leader. You won’t be able to lead well if you are not confident enough to take on the shoes of responsibility and walk on it, it ta kes courage and commitment to do so. However, not every leader has the same approach and style in his/her leadership. Some are very hesitant to fully embracing and getting their hands dirty in the process, not being able to take risk as they don’t have a great sense of confidence in themselves. While others, like Sally are able to put their selves out in the open, taking the role and responsibility of an authentic leader and bringing their originality in leading. CASE 10.2 MOVING MOUNTAINS FOR EDUCATION AND PEACE 1. What are the driving forces behind Greg’s leadership? Which of George’s characteristics of authentic leaders does Greg exhibit? When Greg gave up on his attempt to scale â€Å"The Savage Peak† as a way to honor his late sister, it showed the lack of his commitment in reaching his goal. Greg got separated from his group and lost his way on his way down to the mountain, he went missing for seven days until he was found and aided by the villagers of Korphe, Pakistan. He was able to witness and experience the love and care that the villagers were providing him even though he was just a mere stranger plus a foreigner in the land. This incident became the starting point of the force that driven his leadership, it was the need in his heart to be able to give back to the village that once helped him when he was left exhausted, weak and disoriented. From then, he was able to discover more about the differences of their culture in contrast to the culture that the Americ ans were brought up. And as he observed and learn more about the Korphe village in general, he became more engrossed and attached to it. These forces were able to drive the once lacking-in-commitment man he was to a man behind 78 schools (by 2008) in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Greg exhibited the fifth characteristic of an authentic leader, which is having the passion about one’s mission. Everything that Greg did was an act from his heart and not to satisfy any selfish ambitions. He simply started by offering his expertise as a nurse to the village after recovering from the exhaustion of being lost. He then promised to come back and build a school for the people of Korphe, after learning that they couldn’t afford a decent education. Greg began asking for donations and even reached to a point of donating everything he owned. But after all the effort and passion that didn’t go unnoticed, he was finally able to give back and make his promise into a reality. 2. In the chapter, we discussed moral reasoning and transparency as components of authentic leadership. In what way is each of these components a part of Greg’s leadership? Greg exhibited his transparency in numerous of ways in his leadership. He was decisive in revealing his true self to the villagers and was honest to disclose the matter of the promise he needed to fulfill when he came back from Korphe to his relatives, friends and even celebrities. He was also able to share his motives and disposition in an appropriate matter with politicians and even religious leaders without spurring a conflict in between. Greg was able to show both his positive and negative trait, as a result of being transparent; but this transparency and openness in communication became a huge factor for him to be able to meet the needs of the people not only in Korphe but also reaching to Afghanistan and the rest of Pakistan. As the name of Greg Mortenson became rapidly known of, he had achieved in gaining the trust of various people; from Islamic religious leaders, government officials, military commanders and tribal chiefs. Not only those influential people who help position but also those individuals who Greg randomly interacts with, these individuals greatly helped him in his endeavors. His effort weren’t appreciated by everyone; he received death threats and hate mails that reached to a point of having him held at gunpoint. However, Greg used these happenings to his advantage and used to it as a channel for his avocation in regards to education and peace. He was able to make an ethical decision during an unlikely situation to be in, which I think is a characteristic of moral reasoning. This kind of strategy led Greg to make ethical decisions  one after the other, that resulted into 78 built schools by 2008, but I must say that he wasn’t able to give justice in exhibiting moral reasoni ng in contrast to his exhibition of transparency. 3. In pursuing his goals to build schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, Greg faced enormous challenges. What role did authentic leadership play in helping him meet these challenges? Did being an authentic leader always have a positive impact on his work? Greg Mortenson’s authenticity in leadership was probably the result of a critical life event in his life. When he got lost in nowhere on the way down to the mountain and when he got frustrated but got a comeback of a life changing lesson with the chief village, these two were on of his life altering events. He not only became a stronger individual, but also a strong leader. It has triggered all the right characteristics in him that brought the authentic leader out of Greg. As Greg was shaped after the events of his life one after the other, he then knew how to handle the challenges he was faces not confiding in anything or anyone but just doing what he knows best. In the passage, there were a few instances that his authenticity in leadership weren’t well-received. When he was first starting the project of building the school, he was struggling to in searching for thr budget of 12 grand. After the help of a doctor and a good friend of him, he got the budget and started to put his promise into action. However, he encountered problems in regards to the supply and the case of building the bridge. After the success of building one school after three years, he continued doing his work and encountered quite a few more impacts. Greg was an authentic leader, meaning he was a leader whose traits were just merely based one his self, his influence and inspiration. He was not trained or taught how to be a leader and more importantly how to handle certain common situations. This was one of the downfalls of being authentic in Greg’s leadership.

Centex Corporation Firm Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Centex Corporation Firm Analysis - Essay Example Decrease in the customer's affordability for initiating buying inventory. Customers were in a mood to lay off the inventory to overcome the mortgage demands. The high inventory costs to bear with have depleted the market from selling. Thus, there were very few takers for the inventory and lots of unsold inventory was left with no takers. The decrease in buying and selling was due to low confidence levels of the customers who were affected by the adverse market conditions. Due to the financial markets turmoil, customers are ambiguous to venture out to buy new properties. Many prospective customers who are willing to buy new homes were made to shelve their ideas as they were unable to dispose their existing properties. Due to severe mortgage lending crunch and financial institutions tightening the screws to lend loans has created difficult times for customers to take loans. The above depicted issues with respect to customers have affected Centex's housing. Revenues of centex decreased primarily due to decreases in units closed, and the revenues are largely offset by increases in discounts and lower prices experienced. The total closing numbers on sales decreased by 18 percent and total revenue decreased by 32 percent compare to 2007 and 2006 (builder 100). High competitions in the market as customers were trying to sell off their old inventory due to mortgage debt pressures.

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness Essay - 1

Strategic Management and Strategic Competitiveness - Essay Example Because of the enhanced level of connectivity brought forward by the evolution of the internet, the world has transformed into a single connected entity. This technology powered transformation has automatically helped in the process of speedy diffusion of various trends of globalization, which continues to arise from various corners of the world. The trends of globalization bring into effect a significant amount of change in regards to consumer behavior of the masses of various locations. It is highly interesting to cite that the changing consumer behavior of the various markets around the world automatically creates the need for various new kinds of products and services, which in turn paves the way for evolution of significant business opportunities. Hence, it can be said that the factor of technology has largely integrated itself with the factor of globalization for the purpose of development of strong business opportunities in various global markets. It is to be noted that the or ganization that has been chosen in this case is Apple Inc., which is a highly popular global brand in the electronics gadget segment. The organization has a highly diversified global product portfolio which manufactures portable music players, computers as well as latest technology mobile phones. Talking from the perspective of globalization, it can be said that the organization has achieved a tremendous amount of growth through successful capitalization of the business prospects. Because of the impact of globalization the awareness for the products of the company has been widely spread across various global markets. This increased awareness of the products got transformed into a huge demand in the multiple markets around the world. Also the diversified product range which includes iPods, iPads and iPhones has proved to be successful in drawing the attention of the young generation. This ultimately resulted in the high sales of the products of the Apple in the domestic as well as th e international markets. While weighing the aspect of technological change, it has to be considered that the faster evolution and high penetration of the internet has brought a positive impact for the products of the organization. While the products of the company are high on innovation as well as new edge technology, yet a large amount of the product features are tremendously dependent on the connectivity provided by the internet. Also, it has to be highlighted that the advancement in technology by the rival product manufacturing companies has also contributed in developing products with new features and up graded versions by the globally popular company (US Sec, 2012, p. 6). 2. Application of  the industrial-organization model and the resource-based model. The industrial organization model takes into account the variables of complexity and strategic importance. Matching the two variables in a two by two matrix, four kinds of scenarios can be chalked out. Under high complexity an d low strategic importance, the outsourcing option seems most viable. Under situations of high complexity and high strategic importance, the option of business process reengineering looks more valid. Under circumstances of low complexity and varying level of strategic importa

No topic needed. It's only essay assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

No topic needed. It's only essay - Assignment Example As a result, the world was divided into two major blocks; communist and capitalist countries. In brief, cold war was all about these two conflicting ideologies. The war started as the two economic giants started using all means possible to lure other countries to follow their economic system, an aspect that had started as a mild problem only to become serious problem later that ultimately split the world into two blocks that were following different ideologies. Korean war (1950-1953) is one of the key factors that fueled cold war in the 1950s whereby USA was leading the UN forces to support South Korea with China, which was a communist power supporting North Korea. In the 1960s, the most remarkable element that perpetuated the war was the Cuban Missile Crisis that took place in 1962. In the 1970s, the main factor that was prolonging the war was the Vietnam War that had started in the late 1960s whereby the American forces were bombing the Northern region that was led by Viet Minh, and later started bombing Cambodia (Davidson, DeLay and Heyrman 168). Other factors included the issue of Nuclear Arms Race that was very popular in the 1970s and in the 1980s. The war later ended in 1985 as a result of a number of factors with the change Soviet leadership being a major factor. Gorbachev who was a modern leader compared to the past generations took over power and introduced various reforms in order to save the country’s economy that was rampantly dwindling. He reduced the military support Soviet was giving her military in other countries thus leading to the weakening of the communism philosophy that led to breakdown of the Berlin Wall in 1989. After Gorbachev, Yeltsin was elected as the Soviet Empire came to an end and completely ended the war. Â   The Vietnam War originated from the attempt by Viet Minh to gain independence from their colonial masters, France. This attempt led to guerrilla war

Ancient Part Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Ancient Part - Essay Example The western Roman empires started to collapse during this period of time and early modern age had its point of initiation from the end of this era. The phase between 5th and15th centuries is segmented into three phases; early, high and late middle age. After the collapse of the Roman Empire the provinces were under the control of barbarian invaders. Carolingian and East Francian Empires existed in Germany in the early middle ages. These dynasties were taken as the starting point of modern Germany. The institute, administration and regime in the Carolingian empire were in the court of its ruler Charlemagne. The political changes of the empire were made in the capital of Aachen in the province that had an extensive impact in the economy of German in the later ages. Historians often suspect the depth of emperor’s authority and rule. Monarchy was the system of rule when the central power and authority was in the hands of the emperor. This rule was known as Bannan; it was the right of law and charge that the emperor had over his territory (Caviness 49). The various rules of law were introduced by the king and he had complete judicial control over his provinces. The army or the defence of the province was also led by the ruler. It was the responsibility of the king to look after the underprivileged people and protect the church. People in the province were bound to be loyal to the king. The main objectives of the ruler were to systematize the sovereignty, church and cordiality around him. At the end of every norm the efficacy of the king was directly proportional to the effectiveness, support and trustworthiness of his subjects. There was an inbuilt body known as the Royal household who made sure that proper supervision was held in the localities. The count of the palace looked into the activities of the royal household. The priestly affairs of the kingdom were under the supervision of the chaplains, they had great power and importance over the people of the p rovince. Coinage had a strong association with the Roman Empire, after the collapse of Roman administration Charlemagne took control over the coinage system with its own regulations (Bruce 67). The Carolingians exercised control over the silver coinage of the dominion by domineering its concerto and standards. The name of the king, but not its minter appeared on the silver coins. The existence of silver coins showed that the economy was rich with resources. The king concealed the mints in northern Germany on the Baltic Sea and thus kept a secret reserve of wealth hidden from rest of the world. The brief analysis of the state of affairs long back in Germany reveals that before industrial revolution the common people had no freedom over their own decisions (Duby 87). The representative of the God was the chaplains, and the representative of the chaplains was the king. The common folk had no authority over their own political, economic and social activities. The sovereignty of the peop le was completely under the control of the king. Catering to the above factors Germany before 1800 was a heavily rural nation. There were only a few urban trade centres across the domestic borders of Germany. A business treaty of trading cities with their gilts existed in the trading centres of Germany. The farmers lived in the villages

Explain the Meaning of the Four Noble Truths Essay

Explain the Meaning of the Four Noble Truths - Essay Example This truth helps us understand that we should be realistic and seek to better understand suffering inorder to lessen it when it occurs (Molloy 133). The Second Truth: Suffering generally comes from Desire When Buddha took the time to analyze suffering, he found that it is often experienced due to our nature that is rarely satisfied what we may happen to have. The Sanskrit word â€Å"trishna† can invariably be translated to mean craving which is seen to suggest both the fear of loss as well as an addiction (Molloy 133). The Third Truth: To Ending Desire will End Suffering Although this truth is seen to generally contradict a number of western notions that encourage one to try and achieve every imaginable desire, its guiding principles are seen to essentially be true. Buddha himself left his family and possessions and taught his followers that their desire for any form of attachments would invariably result in their suffering. Although it might be impossible or difficult to chan ge the entire outside world, I can be able to sufficiently change how I view the outside world by changing myself (Molloy 133). The Fourth Noble Truth: Release from Suffering is Possible The ultimate goal of the entire Buddhism religion is for one to be able to attain nirvana which suggest inner peace, liberation as well as the end of suffering. One is able to obtain self-control and not be driven by emotional forces. Buddhist followers are generally encouraged to try and follow the noble Eight fold Path as it is perceived that this will aid them in the attainment of nirvana (Molloy 134). What is Nirvana? As is often common in Hinduism, the outside everyday world that experiences constant change is also referred to as samsara in Buddhism. This term is seen to suggest both pain and decay and according to Buddhist teachings, one is able to eventually be liberated from Samsara by attaining Nirvana. It is widely believed that Nirvana is essentially a state where one is able to exist wit hout experiencing any limitations. Although there exists a misconception among most individuals in the West who commonly think of nirvana as being a psychological state mainly because it is often described as helping evoke both peace and joy, nirvana is found to better be thought of as being generally indescribable and largely beyond all the possible psychological states (Molloy 139-140). Why is Nirvana Important? Although the actual attainment of nirvana is seen to occur rather rarely, it is generally theoretically very possible for one to be able to attain this much sought after state within their lifetime. Buddha himself is said to have only managed to finally entire nirvana at the time of his enlightenment. Most Buddhists seek to attain nirvana due to the promise of peace and contentment that is offered. Nirvana is also important as it effectively signifies the end of an individual’s circle of constant rebirth and death. It is a common belief in most cultures inclusive of Buddhism that one is essentially born a number of times before their current life (Molloy 139-140). What are the Basic Differences between the Theravada and the Mahayana Buddhists? Although Mahayana Buddhists and the Theravada Buddhists happen to share essentially similar core beliefs and have an essentially identical devotion to both the teachings and the life of Buddha, there a number of differences existing between the two branches of Buddhism. A key difference is that while Theravada Buddhism is found to be more widespread in the South East Asia regions and is widely believed to essentially be older and close to the original form of Buddhism, Mahayana Buddhism

Advertising and its Effects on Childhood Obesity Research Paper

Advertising and its Effects on Childhood Obesity - Research Paper Example This essay "Childhood obesity affected by advertising" outlines the connection between junk food advertisement and the level of children obesity. Young children are easily hooked when a product is displayed with the endorsement of role models or cartoon characters that they literally worship. For children who are not keen about cartoons, there are advertisements that portray peers of their own age, which is something that no child can resist following. Advertisements achieve success in their mission of penetrating children’s most basic desires. On the flipside, a child who has to grow strong with lots of physical activity gets relegated to the menial position of a couch potato and in the bargain compromises his or her potential for proper development and becomes obese. Considering the case of children that fall in the age group of 6-11, 22% of Mexican American kids are found to be overweight, 20% African American kids and 14% of non-Hispanic White kids also fall under the same category. â€Å"The childhood obesity epidemic is a serious public health problem that increases morbidity, mortality, and has substantial long term economic and social costs. The rates of obesity in America’s children and youth have almost tripled in the last quarter century. Approximately 20% of our youth are now overweight with obesity rates in preschool age children increasing at alarming speed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity has more than doubled among children ages 2 to 5 (5.0% to 12.4%) and ages 6 to 11 (6.5% to 17.0%)†

Middle East Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Middle East Politics - Essay Example The main goal of this Anglo-American influence is to gain power and control on Middle East which is mainly due to their interest in the vast oil reserves in the region as well as western economic dependence. However, before the discovery of oil reserves in the region; Middle East was targeted by the western powers on the basis of religion (due to the presence different religions such as Judaism, Islam and Christianity in Middle East) and their interest in natural arable land. In the past, western powers had different motives behind this control but in modern times their main interest lies in those vast reserves of oil that has made this region attractive for the western super powers. As a result, these western forces are actively supporting the state of Israel due to their interest in oil reserves and to make Israel as their â€Å"closest ally† in the region. Due to their interest in gaining control upon Middle East; these western powers have played an important role in trigge ring this conflict by funding Israel though military aid and by supporting Israel in various international platforms. This conflict between Israel and Palestine revolve around different key issues between the two states such as control of Jerusalem, borders, water rights, security, violence against each other and Israel’s settlement in the West Bank. More than a dispute between two states; this issue is considered as a war between Arabs and Zionism by the Middle East. These Zionists represented the small Jewish population which was in search of settling down in a Jewish state. The increased immigration of Jews in Palestine triggered the conflict to grow more severe. This raised the tension between the Jews and the Arab population. In 1947, UN intervention gave an opportunity to Zionists to maintain their hold on 55% of the Palestine to the Jews. It was an irony to see that this group is consisted of 30% of the population with a 7% land control. It is also worth mentioning

Assessing Young Learners Speaking Ability in the Fifth Grade of Three Elementary Schools in Padang Essay Example for Free

Assessing Young Learners Speaking Ability in the Fifth Grade of Three Elementary Schools in Padang Essay CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION A. Background of the Problem Communicative view development in English learning makes the focus on English teaching changed. What once became structurally focused, it now moves toward meaningful language-focused. Students are not asked to memorize structure-based dialogues without knowing the meaning anymore. There are no more grammatically controlled sentences for students’ meaningless repetition. Dialogues, if used, center around communicative functions and are not normally memorized (Richards Rodgers, 1986). That makes the teaching of speaking becomes the core part of English teaching. Just like the adults, young learners today are also taught speaking meaningfully and communicatively. However, young learners have distinctive characteristics compared with adult learners. One of them is children are still developing cognitively, linguistically, socially, emotionally, and physically (Teaching Knowledge Test Young Learners: Handbook for Teachers, 2010). In other words, in teaching speaking to them, teachers need to consider children’s development of skills in the native language first. Young learners also enjoy rhythmic and repetitive language more than adults do. They are more likely to play with language than adults are, and they can be more effectively engaged through stories and games (Peck, 2009). The different techniques and approaches in teaching speaking to young learners lead to different ways in the speaking assessment. This is the problem faced by Indonesian young learners’ teachers nowadays. Most teachers do not know how they should assess their young learners’ speaking ability; some finally choose to skip the speaking assessment and focus on pencil-paper-tests. Thus, this research is conducted to discover and reveal ways of assessing young learners’ speaking ability. B. Identification of the Problem Based on the background above, the speaking assessment techniques used for young learners should be different from the adult. It should be suited with their cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical development. As we looked upon Language Assessment: Principles and Classroom Practices by Brown (2010) and integrated it with curriculum standard in Indonesia, KTSP 2006, young learners will be better to be assessed in imitative and intensive speaking categories, such as imitating teachers’ saying, directed response tasks, read-aloud tasks, and dialogue completion tasks. Alternative assessments such as interviews and conferences can also be applied for them. C. Limitation of the Problem In this research, the problem will be focused on the speaking assessment techniques in the fifth grade of three selected elementary schools in Padang. D. Formulation of the Problem * What kind of speaking assessment technique used by elementary school English teachers? * Why do they use such techniques? E. Purpose of the Research The purpose of this research is to discover and reveal the technique used by English teachers to assess elementary school students’ speaking ability. F. Significance of the Research Theoretically, this research is aimed to give a description of how speaking assessment for young learners done in Indonesia. Practically, some techniques used by English teachers provided here can be a source of alternative speaking assessment. CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE A. The Nature of Assessment There has been various explanation of what assessment is. Brindley (as stated in Linse, 2005) refers assessment as â€Å"collecting information and making judgments on a learner’s knowledge†. It means that in assessing students, we need to find out what students know about the subject being taught and how far that understanding has reached the learning indicator. In the same line with Brindley but with an addition, Brown (2010) states assessment as â€Å"an ongoing process of collecting information about a given object of interest according to procedures that are systematic and substantively grounded.† In his statement above, Brown implies that the process of collecting and judging students’ understanding is not done orderly in one single time; it is done continuously. Harris and McCann (1994) also give an essential note that in doing assessment teachers have to measure the performance of their students and the progress they make, as well as diagnose the problems they have and provide useful feedback. In other words, collecting and judging students’ intelligence is not enough; finding out what becomes students’ problem and giving advice to them to overcome the problems is also important to create a more successful learning process. Based on the theories above, it can be seen that assessment involves collecting information about students’ knowledge and judging their understanding in order to diagnose the learning problems they have so that students can get useful feedback to be more-successful learners. B. The Nature of Speaking As stated in the previous chapter, today’s English teaching focuses more on communicative purpose of language learning than in the past. It leads to the more important consideration of speaking skills than in previous time. Just like assessment, there is also various definition of speaking. One of them is from Lingua Links (1998) that defines speaking as productive skill in the oral mode that involves more than just pronouncing words. Referring to today’s communicative view, of course speaking cannot be thought as just pronouncing words; it needs to be meaningful, and communicative. Furthermore, Noonan (2003) states that, if pronunciation included, speaking involves three areas: mechanics (pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary), functions (transaction and interaction), and social cultural norms and rules (turn-taking, rate of speech, etc). All of them are connected to each other and prove that speaking is not only about what is uttered, but also the meaning and social purpose. C. The Nature of Young Learners Young learner is a child who is in their first six year of formal education, from age 6 to 12 (Teaching Knowledge Test Young Learners: Handbook for Teachers, 2010). Many experts argue that it is beneficial to teach the children English since young age. TKT Young Learners (2010) notes one of the advantages that those children will have positive self-esteem toward English and it will help them to learn English more once they are adult. That is why teaching English to young learners considered important today. However, young learners have characteristics that make them different from the adults (Teaching Knowledge Test Young Learners: Handbook for Teachers, 2010). First, they are still morally, cognitively, psychologically developed. Based on Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, children in age 6-12 years old are still in concrete operational thought stage, they already have the ability to do logical reasoning and understand reversibility with the help of concrete objects (Santrock, 1998). It means that explaining theory will not do for them, we need to make them move, do games, sing, etc. Second, young learners often have no obvious reason for learning English. Unlike adults who want to do it because of the career-related reasons or teenagers that do it to pass an exam, young learners do not have concrete reason why they must learn English. However, it does not mean they are not motivated to learn English; their goodwill, energy, and curiosity to learning overcome that. Third, they may not always have well-developed literacy skills to support their learning of English. Many children in the age of 6-12 years old are just getting to know their first language. It means that as a teacher we need to not have too-high expectation and do more. Fourth, young learners often learn slowly and forget quickly. It is related to the first characteristic that young learners are still developed morally, socially, and cognitively. Their still-ongoing developments in those basic things make them forget easily and learn slowly. This is why songs, agmes, and chants do best for them. D. Principles of Assessing Young Learners According to METU Open Course Ware (2006), principles of assessing children’s language learning are: 1. Assessment should be seen from a learning-centered perspective. It means that we cannot get a true assessment by testing kids what they can do alone. It has been stated by many experts that the goal of learning English is to be able to communicate meaningfully in English. Testing students, let alone young children, as a tool to get true assessment will not congruent with the real goal of English learning and it will just be wasting time. 2. Assessment should support learning and teaching. This is something that is not also becomes a problem with young learners, but also with the adult. Before performance-based assessment is introduced, teachers chose paper-and-pencil tests as their source of assessing (Puppin, 2006). It becomes a problematic then since students do not see the connection between the learning and the test they are doing, ; they see them as two different incongruent things. If the assessment done is congruent with the learning they did, children will feel that what they have learned is useful. 3. Children and parents should understand assessment issues. Their understanding will make the assessment process more meaningful since they can participate and supports greatly on behave of children’s English development. On the other hand, if they do not understand why the teacher does this and that, there will be no good communication between these three subjects to help children’s development. E. Techniques of Speaking Assessment Brown (2010) states some techniques of speaking assessment based on students’ language development level: Imitative Speaking This kind of assessment is intended to see whether students can imitate saying in English correctly. Eventhough it focuses on the accuracy of repeating words, it does not mean that it cannot be communicative and meaningful. Besides, in recent years many experts have discovered that an overemphasis on fluency can sometimes lead to the decline of accuracy in speech. Intensive Speaking There are four tasks in this kind of assessing: directed response task, oral questionnaire, and picture-cued task. In oral questionnaires, students are first given time to read the dialogue to get its main idea and to think about the appropriate lines to fill in. Then, as the tape, teacher produces one part orally; the students respond. In directed response task, students elicit a particular grammatical form of a transformation of a sentence. Such tasks are clearly mechanical and not communicative, but they do require minimal processing of meaning in order to produce the correct grammatical output. Picture-cued task requires a description from the students. Pictures may be very simple, designed to elicit a word or a phrase, or composed of a series that tells a story or incident. This task is meaningful since sometime a little sense of humor is injected. Responsive Speaking Assessment of responsive tasks involves brief interactions with an interlocutor, differing from intensive tasks in increased creativity given to the student and from interactive tasks by somewhat limited length of utterances. The kinds of this assessment are question and answer, giving instructions and directions, and paraphrasing. Questions and answers involve oral interaction with teacher.

The Biggest Cause Of Waste On Building Sites Construction Essay

The Biggest Cause Of Waste On Building Sites Construction Essay One of the major problems in the construction industry is the wastage of materials. The construction industry generates more waste than the household sector and can account for more than 50% of the deposited material in a typical landfill. Construction waste can be separated into three major categories: material, labour and machinery waste (Ekanayake and Ofori 2000). Material waste however is a greater concern as it is extremely expensive and is made up of non-renewable resources. According to H Lau (2008), large amounts of material wastes are generated from construction sites. Great amounts of costs on construction projects are directly increased through the wastage of materials. Construction waste is an international problem as In the UK construction waste results for more than 50% of waste deposited in a landfill (Ferguson et al. 1995) and according to Rogoff and Williams (1994) 29% of solid-waste in the USA consisted of construction waste. Levels of waste within the construction industry need to be reduced for environmental and financial reasons. The current unrestrained use of natural resources and the pollution levels resulting thereof are becoming unsustainable (Chong, Tang Larsen 2001) Waste management is a low project priority and there is a lack of appropriate resources and incentives to support it (Loosemore, 2001). Judging by the aforementioned statement one can already assume that waste management is something contractors are not too keen on. The minimising and disposal of waste has become one of the most significant environmental issues of recent years, especially as the total volume of available landfill is decreasing (Institute of civil engineers). A landfill can be defined as a method of solid waste disposal in which refuse is buried between layers of dirt with the aim to fill in or retain low-lying ground. One can clearly assume that sometime in the future landfill space will eventually run out. This is indeed a problem in Cape Town. The disposal of construction waste is becoming a major cost in construction projects. Many case studies have been done to monitor construction waste trends on construction sites and the impacts that it has on costs. In South Africa the construction industry generates an estimated 5 8 million tons of construction and demolition waste per annum. Over one million tonnes of building rubble reach landfill sites every year throughout the country (Macozoma, 2002). In order for contractors in the construction industry to be competitive, ways of minimising construction waste need to be addressed with benefits of lower construction costs and higher productivity. This can be beneficial to the contractor in terms of cost and it can assist in contractors doing their duties towards a good clean environment. Objectives of the study Aim of study: The aim of this research is to identify what is the major cause of materials wastage on site. Research Objectives: The main objective of this research is to find out what elements is causing wastage on construction projects. The research will be supported by a literature review showing the current wastage situation that the construction industry is faced with. Importance of the study According to Chang and Chen (1998) every business is started for earning profit. Waste has a negative impact on producing profit as it results in increasing expenses. One of this studies objectives is to investigate and recommend steps to eliminate wastage which will automatically reduce the companies expenses and therefore increase its profit. When materials are damaged and cannot be used for its intended purpose it is considered to be a waste. This leaves the material useless with no other alternative but to dispose of it. All this waste eventually adds to the already increasing negative statistics concerning construction waste. Many contractors fail to adopt a proper controlling procedure as they see it as an expensive and time consuming process (Illingworth Thain 1987). The approach has been that it is more efficient to allow losses to occur than to involve the use of extra resources to control them. Contractors require some sort of incentive to enable them to be more motivated when it comes to monitoring waste on site. 1.5 Research design and methodology The method of research to be used for this investigation will be in the form of qualitative and quantitative research. Qualitative data will be gathered from interviews taken to determine the nature of the problems with regards to construction waste and what contractors are doing to control it from competent staff in the building industry. A literature review will be done by gathering information from various textbooks, the Internet, web pages and journals etc relating to the research topic. All interviews will have pre-determined questions which were formulated before the interview, without the individual knowing about them, so as to effectively use the time. Quantitative data will also be obtained by sending out a questionnaire to various construction companies in Cape Town. The results will then be recorded and various graphs and charts will be drawn up to represent the data collection process. 2: Literature review 2.1 Construction waste It is important to understand the concept of construction waste. Listed below are definitions of waste. 2.1.1 Definitions: According to Mossman (2009) Material waste can be defined as anything that is not required to create value for the end-user. Waste can also be defined as an excessive use or carelessness of material (Chandler 1978). Construction and demolition waste means non-hazardous waste resulting from the construction, repair and demolition of structures. 2.1.2 Types of waste Construction and demolition waste can be categorised into five categories, namely roadwork material, excavated soil, demolition waste, site clearance waste and renovation waste (Alarcon 1995). It also results from natural disasters such as earthquakes and tornadoes. Construction and waste includes but is not limited to concrete, bricks, asphalt, glass, carpeting, roofing, site clearance, excavation material and site sweepings. Waste such as timber, plastics and steel should be recycled as they form majority of the waste material 2.1.2.1 Direct waste: According to Skoyles (1987) this type of waste is the physical loss of a material. It is the complete loss of materials which are damaged and cannot be repaired or used. Below are forms in which direct waste occurs: Deliveries waste comprises all loses in transit to the site, unloading and placing into the initial storage. Site storage and internal site transit waste comprise losses due to bad stacking and initial storage, including movement and unloading around the site to stack at the work place or placing into position. Conversion waste comprises losses due to cutting uneconomical shapes, e.g. timber and sheeted goods. Fixing waste comprises materials dropped, spoiled or discarded during the fixing operation. Cutting waste include losses caused by cutting materials to size and to irregular shapes. Application waste includes materials such as mortar for brickwork, paint spilled or dropped during application. Similarly, materials left in containers or cans that are not resealed. Mixed materials like mortar and plaster left to harden at the end of the working day. Waste due to the incorrect type or quality of materials. This includes waste stemming from materials wrongly specified, waste due to errors, particularly in the bills of quantities and specification. 2.1.2.2 Indirect waste: Indirect waste is distinguished from direct waste in that the materials are not usually lost physically only the payment or part or the whole of the value. Indirect waste is normally only a monetary lost and can be referred to as materials used for purposes other than that for which they were ordered (Skoyles 1987). Below are forms in which indirect waste occurs: Substitution, where materials are used for purposes other than those specified. Production waste, where materials are used in excess of those indicated or not clearly defined in contract documents, e.g. additional concrete in trenches, which are dug wider than was designed, because no appropriately sized digger bucket is available. Operational waste, where materials are used for temporary site work for which no quantity or other allowances have been made in the contract documentation, e.g. tower-crane bases, site paths, temporary protection. Negligent waste, where materials are used in addition to the amount required by the contract owing to the contractors own negligence 2.1.2.3 Natural waste: Natural wastes are wastes which cannot be avoided and is therefore inevitable. Cuttings required for tiles and timber and resulting in unusable material or off cuts are examples of natural waste. (Skoyles 1987) 2.1.3 Causes of building waste on site Waste is generally caused by a series of events and not due to a remote aspect (Skoyles and Hassey 1974). Guthrie (1998) mentions however that wastage of material can be directly involved to one of the following: damage and spillage, contamination, storage beyond expiry date, over supply, out of specification, theft and vandalism. There are many contributory factors and theses factors are outlined in the diagram below: Figure 2.1: the origin of waste (Department of Civil and Building Engineering) Low and Tan (1997) states that construction waste can be classified into seven types: Transportation and storage Over-production Delays Unnecessary processing Surplus inventory Unnecessary movement Defects Table 2.1 sources and causes of construction waste (Gavilan and Bernold 1994) Source Cause Design Error in contract documents Design Contract documents incomplete at commencement of construction Design Changes in design procurement Ordering error and over ordering procurement Suppliers error Materials handling Damaged during transportation to site Materials handling Inappropriate storage Operation Error by tradesmen or labourer Operation Equipment malfunction Operation Inclement weather Operation accidents Operation Damage caused by subsequent trades Operation Use of incorrect material Residual Conversion waste from cutting uneconomical shapes Residual Off cuts from cutting material to length Residual Over mixing of material due to lack of knowledge Residual Waste from application process Residual packaging Other Criminal waste due to damage or theft Other Lack of onsite materials control and waste management planning 2.1.3.1 Theft and vandalism 2.1.3.1.1 Theft According to Skoyles (1987) criminal activities cause waste. The construction industry in South Africa is constantly challenged with the high crime rate in our country and theft is an everlasting setback from staff on site to the public off site. Theft has a huge impact on time, money and productivity because material has to be reordered and more money has to be given out for the purchase of new material (K Brulliard 2005). Criminal waste is inevitable and the cost of extra security has an additional cost on the contract sum. Contractors must establish their own security measures like taking more caution and recording any irregular activities. 2.1.3.1.2 Vandalism The construction project is most vulnerable to vandalism during the finishing stages. Graffiti artist and children tend to play a big role in vandalism which ranges from breaking windows to spray painting freshly painted walls. Vandalism is an international problem, even occurring in the Soviet Union (Skoyles 1987). There are two types of vandalism namely: intentional and unintentional. Intentional vandalism is hard to prevent as these are people who get pleasure out of ruining other peoples property but boosting up security should sort out the issue. To prevent acts of unintentional vandalism tougher and stronger material should be used that resist damage like special paints and glazes to resist scratches (Skoyles 1987). 2.1.3.1.3 Principal points to control criminal waste Cause Preventative measures Minor items stolen Keep all valuable goods in lockable storage and keep a record of all materials withdrawn. Theft Control access to site and prohibit strangers from entering. Vandalism Make sure there is security during work and after work. Prevent items from being accessible which are vulnerable to vandalism. Trespass: By public Keep boundaries defined. By children Advise schools of how dangerous building sites are. By builder Ensure drawings and setting out are carefully checked near boundaries and make sure deliveries are supervised and always placed on site. Table 2.2 Skoyles (1987) As soon as graffiti is noticed it should be removed to prevent encouragement of further graffiti. After hour security should be hired to prevent any unauthorized entry. No Trespassing signs should be put up around the construction site to daunt unauthorized entry. 2.1.3.2 Sub-contractors Many main contractors are adopting a new attitude towards sub-contracting a large portion of their work so that their work load can be decreased. According to Costantino (2001) main contractors sub-contract a large portion of their work to cut down on the high overhead expenses which is needed to manage a large work force. There are two types of sub-contractors the first one is labour only sub-contractor. They are groups of artisans and labourers and are usually employed by the main contractor to undertake labour intensive work such as brickwork, plastering and formwork. The second category of sub-contractors performs specialist work on site such as the construction of piles and installation of escalators or lift systems (Wong, 1990). Sub-contractors are usually employed to provide labour only on a job. This type of sub-contractor is called a labour only sub-contractor as they will be providing labour and the main contractor will provide the material required. It is therefore imperative for the main contractor to have control over the sub-contractors usage of material and to encourage the sub-contractor to have a wasteful attitude. Since large portions of the main contractors work are being sub-contracted, sub-contractors are therefore to blame for wastage. Sub-contractors see waste minimization activities as an extra workload and are seemed to be irrelevant (Lingard et al. 2004). The main contractor is the principal player and must set a good example of waste minimisation by motivating an attitude which puts reuse and recycling in use (Ofori and Ekanayake, 2003). Material planning and waste control policies should be included in the invitation for sub-contracts to cover the main contractor from any risk caused from waste (Skoyles and Skoyles 1987). Disciplinary clauses should be inserted to prevent and discourage wastage from labour only sub-contractors. Wasted materials are wasted profits and waste concerns everyone involved from the client and contracts director to the sub-contractor and labourer. Providing adequate training for sub-contractors will improve their attitude to minimize waste and will lead to more efficient and productive waste minimization. The contractor will by incur a small expense from the training but will gain a large return as the construction process proceeds. 2.1.3.2.1 Most common causes of waste by sub-contractor and effect on building operations. Labour only sub-contractor 1 Waste of materials causes profit loss to main contractor 2 Waste causes delay to sub-contract operations 3 May become liable if penalizing clauses used Labour and material sub-contractor 1 Loss to business for material wasted 2 Delay and consequential waste to own and contractors work 3 Can add to waste accumulating on site and therefore adding to contractors waste 4 May be liable for penalizing clauses in sub-contract for consequential waste, particularly damage to other trades Table 2.3 Skoyles and Skoyles 1987 2.1.3.3 Design A building is designed without any consideration of the method of construction being used. The size of materials is not taken into consideration and a vast amount of wastage results from cutting and excess use of materials (Skoyles and Skoyles 1987). It is recommended that designers should prepare designs which have less potential to cause site waste (Ekanayake and Ofori 2000). One of the major contributors to waste is the change in design while construction has already commenced. It is therefore imperative for the parties involved in the construction and design to co-operate closely to avoid any unnecessary waste related to design issues (Ekanayake and Ofori 2000). Wasteful practice should start in the design stage already by specifying materials that will reduce the amount of wastage and also resist any harmful activities against vandalism and theft. Designers should educate themselves with the sizes and lengths materials come in so that unnecessary cuttings will not occur (Skoyles and Skoyles 1987). 2.1.3.4 Manufacturers Most of materials are manufactured in standard sizes and comes in standard packaging. Materials should be manufactured in such a manner that it is in favour of the contractor. A typical example is cement, this product comes in a 50kg bag which most labour find extremely tricky to handle. This product is extremely heavy and strenuous handling results in the packaging being damaged and the product being wasted. Suppliers should give the end users necessary knowledge on how to handle, store and transport their products (Skoyles and Skoyles 1987). Mehta (2008) states that a large amount of waste results directly from the packaging the material is stored in and more environmental friendly packaging should be used which can be used on site after the goods are unpacked. Materials are usually damaged when they are delivered because buyers do not state the requirements. When material is transported it should be protected against rain or dirt from the road. Careful checking should be taken when materials are delivered and any damaged goods should be reported immediately. Manufacturers can reduce waste by: Placing appropriate protection around materials. Sizes of bags of cement to made available for easier handling. Metal banded goods to be protected from the weather Delivery vehicles to be designed to guarantee that materials will be protected during transit. Loaded vehicles should Have less loose material delivered. 2.1.3.5 Storage and handling Skoyles (1978) identified that storage and handling were the major causes of waste. Majority of the labour in the construction industry are unskilled. Unskilled labour is available at abundance as the country is currently faced with a recession and people are desperate for work. The availability of this cheap unskilled labour has a major impact on construction wastage. Poor workmanship and incorrect use of tools are key factors which contribute to wastage. Skilled tradesmen are less cautious about wastage as they can rely on the unskilled labour to clean up after them. Proper site supervision should be instituted at all construction sites to encourage workers to minimize wastage. Workers should be trained to make use of building materials effectively and efficiently. A well trained employee should be given the responsibility of keeping control of all materials. Storage facilities should be well managed and correct inventory list must constantly be attended to. The location of the storage area is vital to avoid double handling and travelling long distances to the place of work. There should be sufficient space at storage areas to accommodate for all the materials. Expensive materials should be stored in a lockable room to prevent theft and material should be stored in such a manner to prevent any damage. Material with a high value should not be stored on the job site any longer than necessary. 2.1.3.6 Delivery of materials All deliveries should be thoroughly checked for any shortages or damages. It is important for deliveries to be properly planned to reduce the risk of materials laying around that will only be used in the future. Contractors should make use of appropriate material delivery planning systems. Copies of the schedules should be kept on site to assist site management in the control of materials. Proper material delivery management will eliminate double handling and reduce wastage dramatically. Expensive materials should be delivered only when it is required on site. 2.1.3.7 Site security Access points to the site should always be locked and controlled. All access points should have gates so that it can be locked after hours. There should always be someone monitoring the access points to restrict any unauthorised entry. Lighting the site is very useful. Thieves are generally more comfortable in the dark and by lighting up the site the public will be able to see if any criminal activities are taking place A good fenced site will reduce the risk of theft and vandalism dramatically. Barb wire on top of the fence will secure the site even further. 2.1.4 Summary of literature review It is inevitable for a Construction company to produce waste. Identifying and categorizing the types and causes of waste help in minimization. It is important to enlist the cooperation of all parties involved in the construction project because they are the parties using the construction materials. Through proper planning and control, material wastage can be minimized without compromising on quality and time of completion. 2.2 Construction waste management 2.2.1 Introduction to waste management In terms of Schedule 5B of the Constitution of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996), waste management is a local government proficiency that must be executed to protect human and environmental health (Constitution, S.24). Macozoma (2006) stated that 40% of a countrys waste is contributed by the construction industry and 15% of materials purchased ends up as waste. Waste dumping has huge effects like filling landfills and damaging the environment. It is vital for construction companies to get involved with waste management so that pollution levels, natural resources and energy can be reduced. The key component in waste management is waste minimisation (WBDG 2010). The definition of waste minimisation is: any activity that can prevent the amount, supply and environmental impact of waste (City of Cape Town 2010). The following are benefits from waste minimisation (Camm and Nuttall 1995): Reducing the amount of landfill space Saving natural resources Saving energy Minimizing pollution 2.2.2 What is a waste management plan? According to Macozoma (2002) it is a plan that gives the guidelines and conditions to how waste should be handled and managed on site. Waste management should not only be the contractors responsibility but everyone involved in the project. A typical waste management plan will contain the following fundamentals: Waste management goals Waste prevention strategies Waste salvage strategies Material storage strategies Recycling methods A waste audit Waste disposal options Waste handling requirements Transportation requirements The following are benefits from good waste management practice (Clacksweb 2010): Decrease in disposal costs Decrease in waste transportation costs Increase in the reuse of materials Decrease in levels of material wastage 2.2.3 Why construction wastes management? The following are answers generated from Oikos (2010) 2.2.3.1 Cost By re-using materials you are cutting down cost by not purchasing new materials and you are therefore increasing your profits. 2.2.3.2 Efficiency Material should be salvaged to prevent ordering of new materials. 2.2.3.3 Resource Conservation Contractors can conserve natural resources by recycling their wastage materials. 2.2.3.4 Liability Contractors should take responsibility by getting rid of their waste through legal sources 2.2.3.5 Marketing Contractors who make use of waste management planning will have a positive situation in the market. 2.2.4 Summary of literature review Construction waste management planning is vital to the construction industry and to the environment. By applying waste manageable construction pollution levels will drop and contractors will reap the benefit of producing larger profits. South Africa is a growing country and should follow first world countries by adapting to waste management. 3: Fieldwork 3.1 Introduction The design of the data collection was undertaken in two parts. In Part one a questionnaire was drawn up based on the literature review and part in part two personal interviews were done to establish further information in concluding this research. 3.2 Questionnaire A questionnaire was drawn up relating to Table 1.1 sources and causes of construction waste (Gavilan and Bernold 1994). The questionnaire had 15 short questions which had to be rated on a scale of one to five. One was were the person strongly agreed and five was were the person strongly disagreed. The person who under took the questionnaire had to state their job title in order to get results from competent staff. The questionnaires were sent via email to 25 building companies in Cape Town out of the 25 companies only 22 responded. The data is therefore a representation of only 22 companies opposed to 25. (Refer to appendix A for copy of the questionnaire) 3.2.1 Questionnaire response 22/25*100=88% response to questionnaire The response received is more than sufficient. A failure to respond rate was targeted at 20% and an actual failure to respond rate of 12% was achieved. 3.2.2 Position of Respondents who under took the questionnaire This was vital because the questionnaire was designed for competent staff to fill out. Chart 3.2 Respondents positions According to the results received all the questionnaires were filled out by competent staff and all the questionnaires can be used for the data collection process. Quantity surveyors: 9/22*100=41% Site managers: 7/22*100=32% Contracts manager 2/22*100=9% Buyer: 2/22*100=9% Contracts director: 1/22*100=4.5% Foreman: 1/22*100=4.5% 3.2.3 Data analysis Chart 3.3 Survey response Table 3.1 Data recorded 1-strongly agree 2-agree 3-neutral 4-disagree 5-strongly disagree question 1 16 4 2 question 2 15 2 3 2 question 3 4 8 2 6 2 question 4 11 1 7 2 1 question 5 12 6 4 question 6 2 6 12 2 question 7 2 9 9 2 question 8 4 2 6 7 3 question 9 4 10 6 2 question 10 1 9 7 5 question 11 2 4 7 8 1 question 12 3 5 11 3 question 13 7 7 8 question 14 4 3 5 6 4 question 15 2 3 14 3 3.2.3.1 Analysis of questions Question 1 73% of the respondents felt that errors in the contract documents caused wastage. Question 2 68% of the respondents strongly agreed that a variation in the contract causes wastage. Question 3 Only 54% of the respondents thought that a lack of waste management planning causes wastage. Question 4 50% of the respondents believed sub-contractors have a major influence on wastage. Question 5 0% of the respondents disagreed that cutting of standard material to sizes causes waste. Question 6 54% of the respondents had a neutral feeling that vandalism and theft influences waste. Question 7 50% of the respondents believed proper storage has an effect on waste. Question 8 45% of the respondents disagreed that security could minimize waste. Question 9 63% of the respondents believed unskilled labour influences waste. Question 10 54% of the respondents believed that are not any waste caused from the transportation of material from the suppliers. Question 11 40% of the respondents disagreed that waste is caused due to machinery malfunctioning. Question 12 50% of the respondents had a neutral feeling that waste could be resulted from the lack of waste minimization training on site. Question 13 The sum of 5% of the respondents felt that over ordering influenced waste. Question 14 45% of the respondents believed over production causes waste. Question 15 63% of the respondents had a neutral feeling to waste minimization being of any importance. 3.2.3.2 Ranking of questions A ranking of the questions was done in order to clearly illustrate the main cause of waste according to the questionnaire. Neutral answers were ignored and strongly agree and agree were joined together to form yes and strongly disagree and disagree were joined together to form no. Table 3.2 Ranking of questions yes no total Question 1 20 0 20 Question 5 18 0 18 Question 2 17 2 19 Question 9 14 2 16 Question 3 12 8 20 Question 4 12 <

Who Is A True Christian? :: essays research papers

It appears that Jane has had a strong belief in God, but she seems to have a more wholesome and wholehearted belief than some other characters in the novel. In the beginning of the novel young Jane is painfully rejected by her aunt, as well as her son and daughter.She is unable to alter the daily pattern of abuse and neglect. This makes it obvious that she did not live as a member of a truly Christian family, but she was mature enough to develop her own beliefs through daily prayers and biblical readings. Further in the story, she meets Mr. Brocklehurst for the first time and interviews Jane about sin, hell and the Bible. At one point in the conversation he asks her if she knows any psalms, she replies that "Psalms are not interesting (Bronte,490). This proves to Mr. Brocklehurst that she has a wicked heart, and must pray to God to change it and give her a new and clean one. Why must Mr. Brocklehurst be so harsh with such a young child? Would a truely Christian man ever be so quick to condemn someone he doesn’t know anything about? Eventually Jane moves to Lowood Institution, an old, drafty, dreary place. It is there that Jane comes to realize that although Mr. Brocklehurst was able to put on a good show at Gateshead Hall about his religious beliefs, he is lacking in basic human necessities. The meals that were served were meager portions; during some occasions it was burned. Her knowledge of the shortcomings at Lowood were supported when she over heard the teachers whisper "Abominable stuff! How Shameful!"(Bronte,499). This situation along with the dreadfully cold sleeping quarters show that Mr. Brocklehurst although knowledgeable in biblical psalms and parables had no concern with the conditions these children lived in. Also, when Jane accidentally breaks her slate he punishes her by making her stand on a high stool as punishment. From this point onward in the novel, it is clear that Mr. Brocklehurst symbolizes hypocrisy and insensitivity. In particular, Mr. Brocklehurst was complaining about holes in stockings and expounding the virtues of a good Christian, he is interrupted by his fashionably dressed wife and two daughters. Their ostrich plumes, beaver hats and false French curls contrast with the cold, underdressed children huddling over a fire to keep warm. Obviously most of the donated money is used to spoil his family, and not being used for what it was given for. Is this the behavior of a true Christian? Jane doesn’t not think so, but she is smart enough to disregard things she can not change and is able to find a few role models that influence her development.

National Association For The Advancement Of Colored People Essay

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Born from the Niagara Movement, led by William E. B. DuBois, the NAACP has had a volatile birth and a lively history (Beifuss 17:E4). The impetus for the creation of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People came in the summer of 1908. Severe race riots in Springfield, Illinois, prompted William English Walling to write articles questioning the treatment of the Negro. Reading the articles, Mary White Ovington and Dr. Henry Moskowitz were compelled to meet with Walling. Consequently, the three along with a group of black and white citizens had considered the present state of the Negro, disfranchised in the South and taxed while going unrepresented in the government, a national conference needed to be held to answer the "Negro Question" (Jenkins). It was then that the idea of NAACP was created. February 12, 1909, Lincoln's birthday, a conference to review the progress that the nation made since Emancipation Proclamation and to celebrate Lincoln's birthday took place; Thereupon, a statement, now known as "The Call", was released. This statement reiterated the treatment of the black race since 1865. Many notable figures in history signed "The Call" , e.g., Ida Wells Barnett, Jane Adams, W.E.B. DuBois and John Dewey. In a matter of two months, another conference was held. As a result of that conference, the NAA...

Jean-Paul Sartre: On the Other Side of Despair Essay examples -- Biogr

Jean-Paul Sartre: On the Other Side of Despair    In an age of modern pessimism and inauthentic, insignificant existence, Jean-Paul Sartre clearly stands out amongst the masses as a leading intellectual, a bastion of hope in the twentieth century. Confronting anguish and despair, absurdity and freedom, nihilism and transcendence, "Sartre totalized the twentieth century... in the sense that he was responsive with theories to each of the great events he lived through" as Arthur C. Danto commented (Marowski and Matuz 371). As a philosopher, dramatist, novelist, essayist, biographer, short story writer, journalist, editor, scriptwriter, and autobiographer, his impact is simply undeniable. Between his expansive body of literary work and the philosophical ideas expressed within his words, Jean-Paul Sartre was one of the leading minds of recent times and perhaps the father of existentialism as we know it. Jean-Paul Sartre was born in Paris on June 21, 1905. Due to his father’s early death, he and his mother lived with his grandfather, Charles Schweitzer. As Sartre notes in his 1964 autobiography Les mots (The Words), Schweitzer was a professor of German and instilled in him a great passion for literature in his early years (Marowski and Matuz 371). Growing up as the only child in a household where the adults doted on him, historians explain that, "Sartre perceived hypocrisy in his middle-class environment as manifested in his family’s penchant for self-indulgence and role-playing" and he therefore "held anti-bourgeois sentiments throughout his life" (Marowski and Matuz 371). While attending the Écà ´le Normale Supà ©riuere in Paris, Sartre met fellow philosophy student Simone de Beauvoir and then formed what was to be a lifelong per... ...d Other Stories. By Jean-Paul Sartre. New York: MJF Books, 1975. v-xiv. Crosby, Donald A. "Nihilism." Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Ed. Edward Craig. 8 vols. London and New York: Routledge, 1998. Howells, Christina. "Sartre, Jean-Paul." Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Ed. Edward Craig. 8 vols. London and New York: Routledge, 1998. "Jean-Paul Sartre". Connect.net Home Page. 2000 Online. Internet. Available http://www.connect.net/ron/sartre.html 19 July 2000. Marowski, Daniel G. and Roger Matuz, eds. "Jean-Paul (Charles Aymard) Sartre." Contemporary Literary Criticism. Vol. 52. Detroit: Gale Research Inc., 1989. "Sartre Cortege Plus Thousands End in Crush at the Cemetery." The Boston Globe April  1980.  Ã‚  The   Boston Globe Online. Internet. 19 July 2000. Turnbull, Neil. Get a Grip on Philosophy. Essex, UK: Ivy Press/Time Life Books, 1998.

Epiphone

The history of Epiphone started in 1873, in Smyrna, Ottoman Empire (now Izmir, Turkey), where Greek founder Anastasios Stathopoulos made his own fiddles and lutes (oud, laouto). Stathopoulos moved to the United States of America in 1903, and continued to make his original instruments, as well as mandolins, from Long Island City in Queens, New York. Anastasios died in 1915, and his son, Epaminondas, took over. After two years, the company was known as The House Of Stathopoulos. Just after the end of World War I, the company started to make banjos. The company produced its Recording Line of Banjos in 1924, and, four years later, took on the name of the â€Å"Epiphone Banjo Company†. They produced their first guitars in 1928. Epi Stathopoulos died in 1943. Control of the company went to his brothers, Orphie and Frixo. Unfortunately, they were not as capable owners as Epi. In 1951, a four month long strike forced a relocation of Epiphone from New York to Philadelphia. The company was bought out by their main rival, Gibson in 1957. It is extremely important to understand that all Epiphone instruments made between 1957 and 1969 were made in the Gibson factory at 225 Parsons Street, Kalamazoo, Michigan. These 1959–1969 Epiphone instruments were, effectively, identical to the relevant Gibson versions, and made with same timber, materials and components. These guitars were made by the same people, in the same place, and with the same materials and components as the contemporary equivallent Gibson guitars were. They even shared the same Gibson serial-number sequence! To note some of the specific examples of Gibson-made Epiphone instruments from this period: the Epiphone Casino was identical to the Gibson ES-330; the Epiphone Cortez was identical to the Gibson B-25; the Epiphone Olympic Special was technically identical to the Gibson Melody Maker; the Epiphone Sorrento was identical to the Gibson ES-125TC (except for a few cosmetic improvements! ), and the Epiphone Texan was (apart from a change in scale-length) an identical guitar to the Gibson J-45. All of the other Gibson/Kalamazoo-made Epiphones had some clear technical or cosmetic relationship with the relevant Gibson version. This wealth of information can, admittedly, be quite confusing so I direct any interested readers to â€Å"Gruhn's Guide To Vintage Guitars† (Gruhn-Carter, Miller-Freeman Press). Most of the specific information that you will need can be found here. Gibson eventually realized the folly in having two identical brands and, therefore, by 1970, Gibson commenced using the Epiphone brand as a budget-line and started having them made, initially, in Japan. Some confusion arises here because the first year or so of Japanese acoustic guitar production utilizes a label that denotes the address â€Å"Kalamzoo, MI†. At no point does this label say â€Å"Made In USA† but some confusion, especially on internet auction websites, still arises. It is equally important to understand that the overwhelming majority of Epiphone-branded instruments made since 1969 are, in essence, exploitation instruments are and are basically facsimilies of either Gibson (most commonly) or Epiphone guitars of the past. The vast majority of these facsimilies are very decent, budget-versions of the iconic instruments that they replicate and are, in may cases, exactly what a student guitarists needs, but they must not, in any way whatsoever, in terms of materials, components and intrinsic quality, be mistaken for the real item. In the hands of a good player the guitars may sound indistinguishable, but that doesn't grant them inherent equality. [edit]Casino Main article: Epiphone Casino The most famous Epiphone model introduced by Gibson after taking over was the Casino. The Casino was made in the same shape and configuration as a Gibson ES-330 guitar. It has a very heavy sound and is a very good rhythm guitar due to its fairly thick sound when strummed. It is a genuine hollow body electric guitar with single coil P90 pickups. Epiphone Casino VT The Casino is famous for being used by The Beatles. Paul McCartney was the first to acquire one and John Lennon and George Harrison followed suit soon after. Paul McCartney used his for the solo in Taxman and the Casino sound is very prevalent throughout Revolver and their later albums. John Lennon made his Casino one of his main guitars and used it for the rest of his time with the Beatles and into the '70s. Paul still uses his Casino, which has a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, in concert and studio today. [edit]1970–present In the early 1970s, Epiphone began to manufacture instruments in Japan. From the 1980s, Epiphones were manufactured mainly in Korea but also in Japan by contractors licensed by Gibson. One of these contractors was Samick, which also built instruments under license for other brands and in its own name. Thus, a Korean-era solidbody Epiphone would have been built under license. The brand was primarily used to issue less expensive versions of classic Gibson models, in a manner similar to that of the Squier brand by Fender. Like all Asian-made copies, these guitars were constructed using different timbers (usually Nyatoh, for example, instead of Mahogany), were stuck together with epoxies rather than wood-glues, and were finished in hard, quick-to-apply polyester resin rather than the traditional nitro-cellulose lacquer used by Gibson. Nitro-cellulose lacquers are applied very thinly, and as a result, do not impede the resonance of the instrument as resin finishes do. Nitro-cellulose, being a solvent-based lacquer (as opposed to a catalyzed resin), requires many more very thin coats (but still results in a lighter, thinner finish because of much more hand-applied cutting and polishing) and is therefore much more time-consuming (and consequently expensive) to apply. Resin finishes are much quicker and cheaper to apply. These particular budget considerations, along with others such as plastic nuts and cheaper hardware and pickups, allow for a more affordable instrument. Although the decent Epiphone copies look (other than upon very close inspection) to be very much like the iconic, original instruments that they replicate, and often, in the hands of a good player, DO sound very, very close to the originals, they are not, as is the case with all of these budget brands, conceived and constructed to the same intrinsic quality. But it is a matter of budget – if you can look and sound close to how your favorite player sounds for a fraction of the cost then it is a good thing. Gibson, via their Epiphone brand, just like Fender via their Squier brand, bring a close approximation of the real thing to countless players who cannot afford, or justify, the expense of a professional-quality instrument. The result is that Epiphone and Squier have become the world's highest selling brands of electric guitar. Samick has stopped manufacturing guitars in Korea. In 2002, Gibson opened a factory in Qingdao, China, which manufactures Epiphone guitars exclusively. With few exceptions, Epiphones are now built only in the Qingdao factory. Unique Epiphone models, including the Emperor, Zephyr, Riviera and Sheraton, are built to higher quality standards than the company's â€Å"Gibson copy† line. Epiphone also produces a range of higher quality instruments under the â€Å"Elitist Series† moniker, which are built in Japan. The â€Å"Masterbilt† acoustics are manufactured in Qingdao.

Consumer Psychology and Marketing Communications Article Analysis Essay

Consumer Psychology and Marketing Communications Article Analysis Consumer Psychology is the art of determining consumer requirements through study and analysis of consumer spending and purchasing habits relating to products or services advertised for sale. The analysis portion focuses on consumer motivation concerning products and mood relative to purchasing products. The Cherry (2012) website Consumer Psychology is a specialty area that studies how our thoughts, beliefs, feelings, perceptions influence how people buy and relate to goods and services. One formal definition of the field describes it as the study of individuals, groups, or organizations, and the processes they use to select, secure, use, and dispose of products, services, experiences, or ideas to satisfy needs and the impacts that these processes have on the consumer and society. Psychological variable associations with buyer behavior represent a very significant part of what researchers study about consumers. Historically, the emphasis has been on several important areas: needs and motivation, perception, learning, attitudes, and psychographics. Many investigations into psychological characteristics and buyer behavior ultimately emphasize the existence of market segments and how well those segments predict differences in consumer activities, examining the intrinsic qualities of individuals and how those identifications facilitate targeting consumer groups (McDonald, 1994). According to the Society for Consumer Psychology, division 23 of the American Psychological Association, consumer psychology employs theoretical psychological approaches to understanding consumers. Consumer psychologists study a variety of topics, including how consumers choose businesses, products, and services, the thought processes, and emotions behind consumer decisions. Other factors considered are how environmental variables such as friends, family, media, and culture influence buying decisions, what motivates people to choose one product over another, how personal factors and individual difference affect people’s buying choices and what marketers can do to reach effectively out to their target customers (Cherry, 2012). Consumer behavior consists of studying buyer’s trends and the processes they use to choose, consume, and dispose of products and services. A more in-depth definition will also include how that process affects the world. Consumer behavior incorporates ideas from several sciences, including psychology, biology, chemistry, and economics. Mood of the consumer can affect buying habits. The line between an emotion and mood is frequently difficult to draw, but often by convention involves conceiving of a mood as longer lasting from a few hours up to days and lower in intensity than an emotion. Still another distinction between emotions and moods is that the former typically is intentional, that is, it has an object or referent, whereas moods are generally nonintentional and global or diffused. Marketing communications are messages and other media that used to communicate the promotion part of marketing that consisting of pricing, products, promoting, and placing. Marketing communications is what drives us to buy, whereas consumer psychology studies how or why we buy. It is the study of why we buy certain products and not others, and the process of what we go through to use, select, secure, and dispose of these products or services. It delves into the reasons of how we satisfy our needs and the impact these processes have on society and the consumer. The study of consumers helps firms and organizations improve their marketing strategies by understanding issues, such as the psychology of how consumers think, feel, reason, and select between different alternatives, e. g. , brands, products, and retailers. Several other psychological factors also considered are how the consumer is influenced by his or her environment, e. g. culture, family, signs, media; the behavior of consumers while shopping or making other marketing decisions; limitations in consumer knowledge or information processing abilities influence decisions and marketing outcome. Finally, how consumer motivation and decision strategies differ between products that differ in his or her level of importance or interest that they entail for the consumer, how marketers can adapt and improve their marketing campaigns and marketing strategies to more effectively reach the consumer (Perner, 2010). Consumer psychology studies human characteristics (feelings, thoughts, perceptions, and beliefs) and how these characteristics governs our thoughts, influence how we relate to, and buy goods and services. It studies why we purchase desired products and not others, and the process of what we go through to use, select, secure, and dispose of these products or services. It delves into the reasons of how we satisfy our needs and the impact these processes have on society and the consumer.

Race, Class, & Gender

Danielle Karkkainen Prof. Shaleen Seward SOC. 301, Race/Class/Gender Writing Assignment December 4, 2012 â€Å"I am an American,† says over 308,745,538 people in the United States this year (â€Å"2010 Census Data. â€Å") These people originate from everywhere; America is a â€Å"melting pot† of culture, and that can unfortunately cause social inequalities to arise through the Matrix of Domination, a theory that mirrors the intersectionality of race, class, and gender, as coauthor of Race, Class, & Gender, an Anthology Patricia Hill Collins claims (Andersen, and Collins xi-xiii. These two terms give label to the commonplace phenomena of race, class, and gender work within a system of social relationships. The understanding of people from other cultures has grown in many ways over the history of the United States. America is starting to realize that the ethnocentric, or judging of others culture through the values of their own, is no longer an acceptable way to approa ch others. There is still a long way to go to more firmly develop a country with a general appreciation of diversity and inclusive thought.Knowledge is the power that will keep populations in peaceful, cultural awareness and harmonious equality. Anderson and Collins share many views of American life and morality through the different cultural perspectives of its citizens (and noncitizens. ) These articles prove that race, class, and gender all play separate, dynamic roles in the interrelated origins of discrimination. In the article, The Culture of Black Femininity and School Success, the realization that black women have historically been raised to consciously be more aggressively determined to succeed as they had the least amount of power in the education system.The conflict between young, black females and school officials usually ended up in a positive social change because the understanding that their race, class, and gender is constantly pinned up against them (Lewis, Mueller, and et al 187-193. ) In our patriarchal society, women lack power. In addition to that, these women are African American, which creates more issues in fighting against discrimination from those who have more power, such as a potential employer. Speaking of employment, black women in America generally come from a lower-class background, which works against them in gaining power to change their status in life.The people with power in America are generally the ones who don't have issues obtaining wealth or status. This social construct has perpetuated many centuries, and today, it is seen most clearly by the white, educated males who are educated to become those with the power, that is, the white-collar employers and employees. On the flip-side of this case, minorities are educated in technical schools often, those with blue-collar or lower status jobs. For this, America has adopted laws like Affirmative Action as a protective measure to eliminate discrimination issues in the workplac e.Some people think this law is unnecessary as â€Å"America means equality for all† however, this color-blind approach keeps those with the white privilege in ignorance (Gallagher 91-95. ) Inclusive thinking is necessary from a young age to create a more accepting atmosphere and society within the United States. To teach these concepts, the hidden agenda initiated from toddler-age on, which keeps the powerless under the thumb of the powerful must be eliminated. Understanding and accepting differences will be the easiest and most valuable, long-lasting way to boost the position of the powerless, i. . the minorities of America. Only when an equal percentage of minorities and Caucasian people obtain degrees and sufficient income will equality be a tangible possibility. American educational facilities have adopted the â€Å"Black History Month† as a role model for inclusion, however, why a single minority of a population have a single month of history created to what seem s like a pacification of the lack of recognition of the importance of African Americans in America since the country's birth. The hidden curriculum keeps social constructions of discrimination alive in our schools.We have a long way to go, as author Jeanne Theoharis proves in her article, â€Å"I Hate It When People Treat Me Like a Fxxx-up† the students of color in one school (as well, assumed in other schools) received unequal treatment, services, and materials because school officials believed the students did not care about their education. However, the minority students kept a journal of how important their education was and the tolerance of the unfair treatment toward the minorities was exposed and corrected (Theoharis 409. The idea that minorities, particularly African American, do not care about their education or are a â€Å"problem population† because of their race, and the typical disadvantages that come along with that is primitive. From the days of Harriet Tubman and slavery, to the powerful resolution of Rosa Parks, to the incredible civil rights acts in the 1960's, to the most wealthy woman in America being African American, black people have changed their face and the face of our history throughout time. African Americans have a type of double consciousness created by society.The majority (white people,) have created a belief shared amongst much of the black population on some kind of level. This perspective is that of an acceptance of a secondary race and not as worthy as Caucasians. The other perspective that may be what powers the young, black female in particular as aforementioned is that of strength and faith. The African American community has always had a strong connection with one another, yet excluded from the mainstream of America. In the days of slavery, the seeds of this double consciousness were planted in the African American culture.Upon rowing on overcrowded ships, ill with plague, and maliciously beaten by the whit e man, Blacks began to see themselves as white people did- property. This was the lowest point in African American history, and many black people rose as a type of â€Å"Over-Man† in order to save their people's culture and lives. Harriet Tubman saved hundreds of different African Americans from slavery by hiding them in an underground tunnel to the more free North, which was the first step in abolishing slavery by the African American population.Many years after slavery of African Americans ended, Jim Crow laws still segregated the minority group from the rest of society. Jim Crow laws were not necessarily legal, nor written, but they were implied, and explicitly enforced. These laws kept the less powerful African Americans away from and in service to white Americans. In the 1940's and 1950's, America's law of the land was â€Å"Separate but Equal,† meaning there were separate areas for facilities, separate lines for tickets, restricted seating, etc. This was further obvious through the lack of proper education for African Americans.If Jim Crow laws were broken, African Americans were severely punished. This could have mean hate beatings, lynching, or imprisonment. Representation of African Americans was entirely lacking and causing a rising tension between the rivaling African Americans and white Americans. With rising violence and aggression, leaders such as Malcolm X and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. arose with two separate types of action calls for African Americans. Muslim activist Malcolm X proposed progression at any cost.Linked with the Black Panthers, a lower-class black activist group, violence was encouraged if peace did not reap reward and cost this leader his life. This caused many riots, resulting in police brutality and discrimination towards people of color. The Hammurabi-like code â€Å"an eye for an eye† approach does not work when attempting for understanding and acceptance. For this, Martin Luther King proposed a so lution to the racial discrimination to end. This was to keep a steady, calm head and proceed with absolute resolution to positive social change and peaceful rioting.This approach seemed to work better, although only with complete determination and self-control. After many marches, protests, and exchanges, as well as Dr. King's assassination, the power of black Americans was starting to be recognized by the world. The Equal Employment Opportunity Committee was created in 1967 to assist minorities receive the jobs they deserve, reviewing and protecting applicants from employer discrimination. This created over 4,000 injuries in ensuing riots and a revived call to action for equal treatment of minorities (â€Å"Jackson Sun. ) This was the result of yet another attempt at equality for all American citizens. However, this attempt joined forces with the Affirmative Action law President John F. Kennedy created in order to stop racism bleeding into the employment world. Giving black Americ ans more power, the social class of African Americans rose for a decade before hitting a bump in the progression of African American historical timeline when crack cocaine hit the streets along with the influx of HIV/AIDS. African Americans were amongst the hardest hit by these two pandemics.Bringing African American morality down, and degrading back to the poverty lifestyle, gangs boomed, creating a family unit and source of income for many urban African Americans. In the 1990's, gang violence skyrocketed. In direct opposition, so did police brutality, particularly of African Americans. The teachings of gang members grew exponentially through the powerful words of American rap by gangsters like Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls, who both grew up in the slums of opposing American coasts and shared the horrific life occurrences they witnessed or took part in.Not only did these artists glamorize the thug lifestyle, but the women in the music videos of these artists created a further degr adation of females as sexual objects, not humans to be respected. Tupac addressed these issues with his poetry: â€Å"I see no changes wake up in the morning and I ask myself Is life worth living should I blast myself? I'm tired of bein' poor & even worse I'm black My stomach hurts so I'm lookin' for a purse to snatch Cops give a damn about a negro Pull the trigger kill a ***** he's a hero Give the crack to the kids who the hell cares One less hungry mouth on the welfareFirst ship 'em dope & let 'em deal the brothers Give 'em guns step back watch 'em kill each other It's time to fight back that's what Huey said† (Changes. ) This is an explicit example of the war-like lifestyle African Americans maintained in the streets of urban centers. Police officers and government officials were discriminating against African Americans more than any other minority. The consistent oppression of black people lead by police roused many riots. Perhaps the most well-known of all instigators of civil rights call to actions is the infamous 1992 Rodney King beating.Four police officers beat Rodney King, a mad guilty of a DUI until he had broken 11 facial bones, among other injuries (â€Å"Rodney King. â€Å") Americans were outraged by the unnecessary brutal treatment of this man and deemed it an extreme example of police discrimination. This tension between African Americans and police officers created 53 deaths, 2,383 injuries, more than 7,000 fires, damage to 3,100 businesses, and nearly $1 billion in financial losses (â€Å"Rodney King. â€Å") Finally, African Americans were making their case for equality known.The United States has just re-elected Democrat, Barack Obama for a second term in office. This man is half African American, half Caucasian. It is almost unfathomable that we finally have a man of color in the Oval Office upon seeing the constant failures of activists who desire to see equality for all. These â€Å"failures† are not what they seem, as collectively, they catapulted African Americans to a much more comfortable position in the United States. Just because our President is half black does not mean the fight for African American equality is over.Unfortunately, there are still plenty of hate crimes heard in the headlines are the country to this day. African Americans are gaining status in society now that there are much more firm laws in place deterring employers, instructors, or officials to discriminate based on race, class, gender, or orientation. In the near future, the minorities of America will no longer be considered the minority as our global as well as country-wide population is ever-changing and increasingly becoming more well-rounded.Hopefully, this will assist in eliminating the hate crimes, prejudice, and discrimination against those who do not have the luxury of inherently obtaining the white privilege. Understanding that race, class, and gender all works for and against us constantly due to social constr uct will create a more positive awareness of the importance equality and the beauty of each individual's unique qualities, experiences, and characters. Race, class, and gender still remains unequal amongst American individuals, so teaching positive social change and appreciation of a multicultural society will always remain a necessity.Works Cited Andersen, Margaret, and Patricia Collins. Race, Class, & Gender. 8th ed. . Belmont: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2010. xi-xiii. Print. Gallagher, Charles. â€Å"Color-Blind Privilege. † Trans. Array Race, Class, & Gender. Margaret Anderson and Patricia Collins. 8th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth & Cengage Learning, 2010. 91-95. Print. Lewis, R. L, Jennifer Mueller, et al. â€Å"The Culture of Black Femininity and School Success. † Trans. Array Race, Class, & Gender. Margaret Andersen and Patricia Collins. 8th ed.Belmont: Wadsworth & Cengage Learning, 2010. 187-193. Print. â€Å"National Civil Rights Timeline. † Jackson Sun [Jac kson] 2003, n. pag. Web. 2 Dec. 2012. . â€Å"Rodney King. † 2012. . Shakur, Tupac, writ. Changes. 1998. Song. 1 Dec 2012. Theoharis, Jeanne. â€Å"I Hate It When People Treat Me Like a F&up. † Trans. Array Race, Class, & Gender. Margaret Andersen and Patricia Collins. 8th ed. Belmont: Wadsworth & Cengage Learning, 2010. Print. United States. U. S. Census Bureau. 2010 Census Data. Washington, D. C. : , 2012. Web. .