Muslims and Islam Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Muslims and Islam - Research Paper Example It was once the religion of a sophisticated and powerful world empire, but is today the religion of some of the least dynamic parts of the world, often found in countries that have deliberately avoided integration into an increasingly globalized world.' Muslims finds their basic teachings explained through the Holy Scripture, The Qur’an, revealed to the final prophet of God, Muhammad, over a period of forty years. However Muslims believe that Islam was revealed to many generations and prophets before this as well, and consider it being the true religion of many prophets that are mentioned in other religions as well, such as Moses, Abraham and Jesus. The basic fundamentals of Islam lie on five basic tenants, or the Five Pillars of Islam as they are referred to. These are Shahada, or testament, Salat, or Prayer, Sawm, or Fasting, Zakat, or Alms and Hajj, or holy pilgrimage. The first pillar of Islam is Shahada. Shahada is to bear witness or testify to the fact that Allah is the One and the only entity worthy of worship as God, and furthermore, that Muhammad is his last prophet. This is the first and fundamental pillar, and is considered the most important one, as all other beliefs arise from this basic belief, that is the oneness of Allah. The Muslims also testify to Muhammad as being the last prophet of Allah so as to rule out the possibility of any future claims to prophet-hood and thereby eliminating any further amendments to the religion. Prayer is the second Pillar of Islam and is fairly straightforward: prayer at five designated times a day, in a designated manner, to Allah. Its purpose is to instill in the believer a sense of scheduled division of time and to keep with the believer a constant reminder of Allah and their beliefs throughout the day. Sawm, or fasting, is observed in the holy month of Ramadan (The ninth month of the Islamic Calender) and involves fasting until sunset for the month, so as to instill patience and perseverance into the Mus lim observing the fast, as well as have them understand how those less fortunate than them live every day of the year, without food or water. It is to instill in the believer a sense of patience and steadfastness, through sacrifice for Allah. The fourth pillar of Islam is Zakat, the practice of giving a designated amount of alms to the poor, which is based on a fixed percentage on the possessions of the believer. It is so the rich can help the less privileged, as well as instilling in them a sense of generosity and teaching the positive use of money rather than encouraging it to be hoarded or kept without being given away to others. Finally, the last pillar of Islam is Hajj, or pilgrimage to the sacred land of Mecca, which every able Muslim must complete at least once in their lifetime, so as to show their devotion to their Lord and offer a pilgrimage to the place that is considered the root of their religion. Nonetheless, even though these are the five most basic and important poin ts of belief, the fundamental 'pillars' on which the religion of Islam stands, one can say that this is what basically gives a base to the religion. In actuality, there are many other beliefs and doctrines that are also considered with fundamental importance. For example, Muslims place significant importance on the lessons taught by Muhammad, almost as much importance as they place on the words of the Qur'an, which they believe to have come from Allah directly through an angel, revealed to Muhammad. The lessons taught

Virgin America Essay Example for Free

Virgin America Essay With the foundation of Virgin Records in 1970, The Virgin Group is one of world’s largest business entities, which in 2009 comprised 300 companies under its structure, in businesses as diverse as space travel, mobile telephony, transportation, travel, financial services, media, music and fitness. The image and culture of the Virgin Group is tied to the image and personality of its founder Sir Richard Branson. The company’s fundamental values foster many of the dimensions of culture, which are highly internalized within the organization. Mr.  Branson realizes the potential and importance of those who work for him and therefore creates a structure, which is decentralized, through empowering his employees and providing them with autonomy. This paper aims at providing a critical view over the Virgin Group’s corporate strategy, in terms of strategic thinking and diversification, as well as a closer look at the business strategy of one of the Group’s businesses, the Virgin America. The Virgin Group is a company that encourages employees to use their awareness to make decisions rather than the standard quo. Because of the company’s corporate culture and structure, Virgin has successfully forecasted possible issues and has dealt with them in a timely manner. Many other organizations have a formalized structure and the Virgin Group is anything but formal and other companies may look at this as an area of concern but not for Sir Richard Branson, the ways he communicates and the way he leads is testament to why he and his companies are very successful and Virgin America will follow suit. Virgin America One of the most recognized name in the world, Virgin, created in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson a leading venture capital organization, is one of the worlds most recognized and respected organizations in the business enterprise. The Virgin Group is a diversified grouping of more than 300 privately held companies, employing approximately 50,000 people, in 30 countries. Revenues around the world in 2009 exceeded 18 billion (http://www. virgin. com/about-us/). The Virgin Group has become one of the most successful businesses in industries ranging from mobile telephony, transportation, travel, financial services, media, music and fitness. Of Virgin’s 300-plus companies, the majority are operating companies that own assets, employ people, and offer goods and services. These operating companies are owned and controlled by some 20 holding companies; most of these own several operating companies within the same line of business. For example, Virgin Travel Limited owns Virgin Group’s investments in Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue, Virgin America, and SN Air holdings. Overall ownership of most of the Virgin Group lies in the hands of Virgin Group Investments Limited a private company registered in the British Virgin Islands. The corporate strategy of the Virgin Group is to operate like a venture capital firm based on the Virgin brand. This strategy involves diversification at the individual business unit level and meanwhile, collaborations are created from hierarchical relationships and the interaction of the corporate head office with individual business units. By leveraging the Virgin Brand which has established a reputation in the customer minds of the unique Virgin culture and also allows Virgin to break into new markets and execute its ventures very effectively. Virgin Atlantic Airways is the largest of the Virgin companies and the number two airline in the United Kingdom, with this said Mr. Branson wanted to branch out of the UK to build his airline image to the United States. In 2007, San Francisco became the headquarters for Virgin America. Virgin America which has flown mostly trans-continental routes in the U. S. since its launch in 2007, has expanded to Canada with flights to Toronto and plans to begin service to Mexico. Sir Richard Branson vision was to have a â€Å"topnotch service† (http://www. irgin. com/company/virgin-america/), for the U. S travelers, with the exceptional service that is known on Virgin Atlantic flights. It has not been an easy road to get into the airline industry in the United States. Because of The Federal Aviation Act of 1938, which restricts foreign ownership of domestic airlines, Mr. Branson would had to partner with another American carrier, example Southwest Airlines and would have to turn over the business to the American carrier. Due to this, he eventually waited until the laws could change into his favor which it did not and decided to follow another avenue. He viewed some finance options that would be enough to satisfy the laws about foreign ownership restrictions. There were other American domestic airlines that viewed Virgin as a threat and tried to block the certification. This lasted for a year and half with Virgin America planes parked and not being flown. It was time and money being wasted because of the fear from the domestic carriers that Virgin may take some of their travel customers. Sir Richard Branson had some laws and political warfare going against him and his Virgin Group because of fear of being challenged and to enter a market dominated by U. S carriers. The Virgin Group sent many of millions of dollars in lawsuits, time and man power to establish a foothold into the U. S territory. Sir Richard Branson has a charismatic style and talent which is a strength that other companies are unable to reproduce, and which describes the Virgin label. The Virgin culture is what Sir Richard Branson has built over decades and that distinguishes the work environment within Virgin Group from other companies. It is a culture that is ‘not looking for clones,’ that is ‘like a family’ and is one that requires employees to have the ‘Virgin Flair. ’ (Branson, 2010) Because of these qualities which have created a corporate culture that is unlike in any organization and has become the way at The Virgin Group. Sir Richard Branson’s personality is the culture at Virgin and like he mentions and has been heard before from other leaders yet he is the only one that adheres to this motto that a companys employees are its greatest asset, particularly in service-based operations where your people are your product. You here this all the time in many organizations and yet you have cultures that are in flux with management, you hear many complaints from the front line to mid-level managers that do not trust or believe the upper management. But you can also say the same from the Executive level that the employees are not listening, what this is, is poor communication, the leader has to establish the culture for the company and Sir Richard Branson has done this time and time again, with over 300 companies. With Virgin America coming to the U.  S, the culture is going to be one that will challenge the likes of Southwest Airlines where the culture of this airline is fun and exciting. Sir Richard Branson talks about the Virgin culture and provides an example that when building a new cabin for one of their aircraft that he invites certain departments from inception so they work together so they all can be responsible for the failure or success of the new project. This also invites all to ask questions as a team so everyone input is valid and that which makes the endeavor more enjoyable and the work fun. It’s all about communication, no matter what the culture is and in the Virgin companies it’s all about customer service, and in the U. S, Mr. Branson will know that Americans are a low context culture that communication is important and is precise. The culture barriers will be minimal for Virgin America since California has a diverse cultural background. Why did Sir Richard Branson want to enter in the United States especially the low cost airline industry? Virgin Atlantic is an international company that has flights all around the world but not based in the U.  S. and with the heavy hitters of the airline industry, example, Delta, United, and Continental, Sir Richard wanted to get into the business that he sees that could be successful like Southwest Airlines. But like this paper mentions, this has been fraught with challenging issues and times (current economic conditions) and the time and money of negotiating with lawyers and political upheaval from other airlines. The goal of Virgin America is to provide the exceptional customer service and the brand of the Virgin name to the United States. In 2010, Virgin America had yet another setback, trying to get a gate at one of the busiest airports in the country, Chicago O’hare. Now the new low cost airline will be looking towards to Dallas, this is a blow to the many Americans looking for another option to flying in and out of Chicago and all because of the two major airlines United and American who control more than 90% of the gates. (Low-cost airlines would land for city-owned gates. 2010). I believe it’s a waiting game, another carrier, JetBlue had to wait of over year to get a gate at the O’Hare airport, patience will be the key to Virgin America and that does not bode well with Sir Richards standards even though he has played this game for some time. What Virgin America can do is work with other cities that are willing to work and make the financial numbers feasible for both parties and in time gate availability for Chicago O’Hare will eventually be available. The Virgin Group organizational structure is quite complex, with over 300 companies that operate in all unique industries. But all of these companies fall under the Virgin brand. The brand is similar or identical within each separate operation. This image is one of quality and innovation and by creating an exceptional brand; the company is able to create a high level of loyalty within its customer base. The diversity of businesses operated by Virgin Group helps the company maintain a high level of loyalty in many different industries. With the Virgin America company, this would fall under the Virgin Travel umbrella, (see chart) and would have a separate management hierarchal structure, almost like a franchise organization. References http://www.virgin.com/about-us/ http://blogs.wsj.com/middleseat/2010/08/11/sir-richard-is-finally-linking-together-the-virgin-airlines/

Emotional Intelligence Ei And Burnout Among Nurses Psychology Essay

Emotional Intelligence Ei And Burnout Among Nurses Psychology Essay This study examined the relationship between emotional intelligence and burnout among nurses working in private hospitals in Malaysia. Theoretical literatures related to this relationship are presented in the first part of this chapter. The existing literatures on the topics were examined and key pieces were brought together to establish a foundation for this study. While for the second part of this chapter, it discusses about the theoretical framework of this study and finally, the research hypotheses are developed based on the theoretical foundations and empirical evidences from the existing literatures. 2.2 Burnout The term burnout has its roots in the medical and nursing disciplines. It was first defined by a psychiatrist, named Herbert Freudenberger in 1974. The theory of burnout was developed through his clinical experience by exploring the turmoil that people experience every day. According to Maslach and Jackson (1981a), burnout occurs in the helping professions, such as nursing due to the chronic stress associated with doing work that involves people. Basically burnout occurs as feelings of emotional exhaustion, negative feelings, and attitudes within the job and the increase of negative self-concept. The earliest use of the burnout term in nursing literature was found in the articles published by Seymour Shubin in 1978. Shubin described burnout as hazardous to nursing and all other helping professions. The study of burnout, although not exclusive to nursing, continues to be an important occupational issue for the nursing profession. 2.2.1 Definition of Burnout There are many definitions of burnout, however most definitions share a view of burnout as a state of fatigue and emotional exhaustion, as a result of emotional depletion and loss of motivation. The term burnout that was first coined by Freudenberger in 1974 refers to wearing out from the pressures of work. It was used to describe the experience of employees in professions that needs high degree of people contract. Freudenberger in 1975 further defined burnout as wearing out, failing, becoming exhausted, and it occurs when excessive demands on energy, strength or resources are made. Cherniss (1980) was among the first to describe burnout within human service field who defined burnout as a process that leads to an individuals attitudes and behaviors change in negative ways in response to work stress. On the other hand, Maslach (1982) who had extensively researched about burnout has provided the most commonly accepted definition of burnout as a syndrome of emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment that can occur among individuals who do peoples work of some kind. Maslach identified three related themes: (1) painful emotional experiences often resulted in clinical practitioners feeling emotionally exhausted and drained; (2) as a result, they developed negative and cynical attitudes towards their clients; and (3) personal competence suffered resulting in feelings of failure about their ability to work in the healthcare profession. These three themes were summarized as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal ac complishment and later operationalized to measure burnout using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) (Maslach, Jackson Leiter, 1996). Garrosa, Moreno-Jimenez, Liang and Gonzalez (2008) indicated that burnout is a specific form of chronic and occupational stress in the professional social services. According to Westman and Eden (1996), studies have shown a strong relationship between work stress and burnout in many occupations. Especially, burnout has been repeatedly linked to job stress in the human service field due to the frequent and intense interactions with clients (Cordes Doughery, 1993; Lee Ashforth, 1996). Additionally, studies have also shown that nurses who experience occupational stress experience greater burnout (Stechmiller Yarandi, 1993). Thus, burnout is related to stress whereby burnout is a reaction to stress. Prolonged and unrelieved work stress often leads to burnout which results in negative attitudes towards work. Freudenberger (1975) postulated that burnout involves physical and behavioral symptoms. Behavioral consequences of burnout include decreased interaction with care recipients, ineff ective absenteeism, and high levels of job turnover (Maslach, 1982; Maslach Leiter, 1997). 2.2.2 Models of Burnout The burnout literature provides several models of burnout. This section describes three models constructed in the early eighties which proceed from the simplest to the most complex model. 2.2.2.1 Cherniss transaction model of burnout Cherniss (1980) was a significant figure of the first wave of burnout researchers and offered a burnout model that articulated transactional imbalance between the personal resources of the giver and the demands of the recipient or situation. Cherniss described burnout as a transactional stress process that involves three stages. The first stage is stress whereby demands placed exceed individual resources for coping. The second stage is strain, the initial emotional response to stress which usually includes feelings of anxiety, tension, fatigue, and exhaustion. Finally, defensive coping occurs which leads to changes in attitudes and behaviors such as the tendency of burnout individuals to treat clients in depersonalized way. Two years later, Cherniss modified his model and elaborated on the model that the causes of stress can either be internal or external demands. Additionally, the limited resources contributing to stress can also be external (e.g. availability of time, work space, a nd equipment) or internal (e.g. skills, knowledge, energy, and personality). In summary, Cherniss theorized that burnout is a coping response in a transactional process that begins with excessive and prolonged exposure to job stress. The uncontrollable stress causes strain in the individual which influences the coping process. If the stress is prolonged or becomes more intense, it will deplete the coping resources of an individual and force the individual to withdraw psychologically. 2.2.2.2 Edelwich and Brodsky: Five stages of burnout Edelwich and Brodsky (1980) suggested five stages of burnout: (1) enthusiasm; (2) stagnation; (3) frustration; (4) apathy; and (5) intervention. At the first stage, employees have great enthusiasm for their new jobs. They do not know much about their job and have unrealistic expectations about outcomes of their effort. Therefore, when the outcome is not as expected, they become disillusioned. During the period of stagnation at stage two, realities of the job become evident. The job is no longer satisfying as it first appeared. Employees are now more concerned with meeting personal needs, working hours, and career development. The third stage is called the period of frustration. Employees begin to question their job effectiveness and the value of their job. The limits imposed by bureaucracy frustrate the individuals and they become dissatisfied with the job situation. At this stage, employees begin to develop emotional, physical, and behavioral problems. Proceed to stage four; employees frustration turns to apathy because individuals feel trapped. On one hand, they feel frustrated by the job situation but on the other hand, they need the salary. The emotional and physical responses of individuals become worse whereby they would avoid clients whenever possible. The final stage is intervention. Nevertheless, it cannot be determined whether this stage would occur in an organization or the individual who is experiencing burnout would recognize their psychological state as undesirable. In summary, Edelwich and Brodsky viewed burnout as an evolutionary process that begins with idealistic enthusiasm and commitment. Subsequently, the loss of idealism, vigor, and purpose are triggered largely by work conditions (Edelwich Brodsky, 1980). 2.2.2.3 Maslach: Burnout caused by social interaction Maslach, a social psychologist, who became a stellar figure in the emerging research of burnout, has provided the conceptual definition that begun the second wave of research. Maslach (1982) described burnout as a three-dimensional syndrome characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment. Another specific contribution Maslach made was the theoretical emphasis on the relational causes of burnout which linked to the social roots of emotional expenditure (Leiter Maslach, 1988; Maslach Leiter, 1997). Maslach (1982) saw that emotional overload and subsequent emotional exhaustion are the heart of the burnout syndrome. Thus, the first response to a stressful interaction with other people is emotional exhaustion. As people become emotionally depleted, they cope by cutting back on their involvement with others. This detached response which called depersonalization is the second aspect of burnout and leads to various negative attitudes and behaviors. At this stage, individuals who experience burnout feel more emotional distress and guilt about how they have treated those that they are trying to help. Finally, the feeling of reduced personal accomplishment which is the third aspect of burnout appears. At this point, the individuals feel inadequate about their ability to treat or help others. They tend to believe that they have failed professionally and chosen the wrong profession. A major contribution by Maslach was the development of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Maslach and Jackson (1981a, 1981b) developed the MBI, which was one of the first reliable instruments for valid measurement of burnout. MBI is still the most widely-used measure of burnout in current research. MBI assesses psychological burnout and has three different versions, which include one general survey, one for human service professionals, and one for educators. The most commonly used measure of burnout is the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey or MBI-HSS (Maslach, Jackson Leiter, 1996) which was developed to measure occupational burnout among people working in the field of human services. 2.2.3 Burnout and Nursing Employees in general experience burnout on the job, especially those in jobs with high contact with people. Nevertheless, nurses are considered at high risk of work-related stress and particularly susceptible to burnout among the different healthcare providers (Keane, Ducette Alder, 1985; Kilpatrick, 1989; Schaefer Moos, 1993; Schaufeli Janczur, 1994; Duquette, Kerouac Sandhu Beaudet, 1994; Farrington, 1995; Decker, 1997; Marsh, Beard Adams, 1999; Koivula, Paunonen Laippala, 2000; Taormina Law, 2000; Shimizu, Mizoue, Kubota, Mishima Nagata, 2003; Jenkins Elliott, 2004; Piko, 2006). This is also proven by the fact that burnout in nursing has received world-wide attention (Demerouti, Bakker, Nechreiner Schaufeli, 2000). Several studies have identified nurse burnout rates are as high as 40-50% (Hapell, Martin Pinikahana, 2003; Vahey, Aiken, Sloane, Clarke Vargas, 2004). Nurses are particularly susceptible to the development of burnout, mainly because of the nature and the em otional demands of their profession. Nurses experience considerable stress in their job because they have long working hours, a wide range of tasks, interpersonal conflict with patients and their families, doctors, and other co-workers, exposure to death and dying, and noise pollution (Schmitz, Neuman Opperman, 2000; Maslach, Schaufeli Leiter, 2001; Shimizu et al., 2003). Studies have also confirmed that stressful circumstances for hospital nurses are escalating (Foxall, Zimmerman, Standley Bene, 1990; Healey McKay, 2000; Koivula et al., 2000). Basically, nurses are subjected to many demands in the workplace which include physical demands as well as the psychological/emotional demands. The physical demands are related to the physical energy required to perform the daily duties of nursing such as transferring patients in and out of bed and lifting patients onto a bed. On the other hand, psychological/emotional demands are related to the emotional energy required to care for patients with chronic illness (Van Servelle n Leake, 1993). Therefore, nurses who feel overloaded perceive a lack of meaningful connection with the patients. 2.3 Emotional Intelligence (EI) Emotional intelligence (EI) is complementary to cognitive abilities (IQ) (Devrim, Nadi, Mahmut, Mustafa Mustafa Kemal, 2005). Goleman (1995) stated that EI is significant to success. Goleman further explained the difference between people with high IQs who experience difficulties in their personal and professional lives and people with moderate IQs who are very successful in all their endeavours. Emotions are separated from that of the rational mind by having independent views and a mind of their own (Freshwater Stickley, 2004). Therefore, one has two minds, a rational mind that thinks and an emotional mind that feels. In conclusion, both the rational mind and emotional mind, store memories and influence our responses, actions, and choices. Furthermore, EI such as academic intelligence can be learned and developed with age (Mayer, Caruso Salovey, 2000). Research has shown that people with high EI understand their own and others feelings, know how to manage themselves, deal successfully with others, and respond effectively to work demands (Dulewicz Higgs, 2003; Goleman, 2005). Cooper (1997) stated that people with high levels of EI experience more career success, build stronger personal relationships, lead more effectively, and enjoy better health than those with low EI. Hence, developing EI competencies in existing employees or finding individuals who posses these skills will enhance the organizations bottom line (Goleman, 1998a, 1998b) and ensure long-term success for the company. 2.3.1 Background and Definition of Emotional Intelligence (EI) The idea of EI has its roots in the social intelligences. EI was first proposed by Thorndike in 1921, who noted that it was of value in human interactions and relationships. Gardners (1983) multiple intelligence theory later also contributed to the theory of EI through the identification of intrapersonal and interpersonal intelligences. Interpersonal intelligence comprised of the ability to understand others and to co-operate with them, whereas intrapersonal intelligence comprised of the ability to be self-aware, to recognize ones own feelings, and to use this to operate successfully in life. However, the term EI was not brought into mainstream psychology until 1990s (Mayer, DiPaolo Salovey, 1990; Salovey Mayer, 1990). Hence, EI is a new construct since the first peer-reviewed article that was published in 1990 (Salovey Mayer, 1990). The concept is also described as a new theory which is still in the initial stage of development and testing (Ashkanasy, Hartel Daus, 2002; Cherniss , Extein, Goleman Weissberg, 2006). As a result, definition of EI varies. Salovey and Mayer (1990) first coined the term of EI and defined EI as the ability to monitor ones own and others feelings and emotions, to discriminate among them, and to use this information to guide ones thinking and actions. Mayer et al. (2000) further defined EI as an ability to recognize the meanings of emotions and their relationships, and reason and problem-solve on the basis of them. EI is involved in the capacity to perceive emotions, assimilate emotions related feelings, understand the information of those emotions, and manage them. However, the concept of EI was popularized by Goleman (1995) through his book Emotional Intelligence, which became the best-selling book for business and education leaders. Goleman (1998a) identified EI as the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships. In addition, Bar-On (2005) defined EI as a cross-section of interrelated emotio nal and social competencies, skills, and facilitators that determine how effectively we understand and express ourselves, understand others and relate with them, and cope with daily demands. In conclusion, recognizing feelings and controlling emotions are described as the core competencies of EI. Individuals who are emotionally intelligent can understand one another and each others views to overcome conflict and avoid damaging the relationship. Therefore, EI is about sensing what others are feelings and handling relationships effectively (Dulewicz Higgs, 2000). Previous research also addressed the relationship between EI and work outcome variables such as stress perceptions in the workplace (Bar-On, Brown, Kirkcaldy Thome, 2000; Nikolaou Tsaousis, 2002), job satisfaction (Wong Law, 2002), job commitment (Nikolaou Tsaousis, 2002), leader effectiveness (Higgs Aitken, 2003), and performance (Lam Kirby, 2002; Van Rooy Viswesvaran, 2004; Lopes, Grewal, Kadis, Gall Salovey, 2006). 2.3.2 Theories of Emotional Intelligence (EI) Many theories have been proposed since the emergence of the concept of EI in 1990s. Nevertheless, three theories have gained acceptance among scholars and practitioners (Dulewicz, Higgs Slaski, 2003). These three major theoretical constructs each focused on understanding the roles of skills, traits, and abilities in EI (Emmerling Goleman, 2003). EI has been defined as an ability (Salovey Mayer, 1990), a set of traits and abilities (Bar-On, 2005) or a combination of skills and personal competencies (Goleman, 1995). The ability model is based on an individuals ability to use emotions as part of the reasoning process (Mayer et al., 2000). Mayer et al. asserted that EI depends on the ability to process emotional information and to use core abilities related to emotions. Bar-On (2005) conceptualized EI as a set of personality traits and abilities that predict emotional and social adaption within environments. Bar-On also affirmed that EI is teachable and learnable. According to Goleman (1995), EI is a set of learned skills and competencies and this conceptualization is most widely accepted outside academia. Golemans ideas have contributed to the development of leadership models that outline skills and competencies related to emotionally competent leadership (Emmerling Goleman, 2003). Apart from that, the literature has evolved into two main categories of EI models: (1) ability model; and (2) mixed models (Feyerherm Rice, 2002). The Salovey and Mayer theory is considered as an ability model of EI, while the Bar-On and Goleman theories are considered as mixed models of EI (Mayer et al., 2000). Basically, the ability model encapsulates EI as a skill and the mixed models go beyond ability by including additional personality characteristics that lead to certain behaviors. 2.3.2.1 Ability Model The ability model of EI is the Salovey and Mayer (1990) model which officially launched the field of EI. Salovey and Mayer viewed EI as an ability that exists, interacts, and complements an individuals cognitive capabilities. Ability theory promotes the relationship between cognition and emotions based on mental abilities (Mayer, Salovey Caruso, 2004). Salovey and Mayer conceptualized EI as a set of interrelated skills composed of four branches of abilities, which include: (1) perception and expression of emotions; (2) using emotions to facilitate thought; (3) understanding and analyzing emotions; and (4) managing emotions (Mayer et al., 2004). The four branches can be described as follows: (1) the perceiving emotions branch relates to the ability to detect emotions in oneself and in others; (2) the using emotions branch relates to the ability to use emotions in cognitive activities such as problem solving; (3) the understanding emotions branch relates to the ability to comprehend t he complexity of emotional languages and emotional relationships; and (4) the managing emotions branch relates to the ability for one to regulate emotions in oneself and in others. The ability model of EI is different from other theories because the model is the only one which utilizes an instrument designed to measure ability (Dulewicz et al., 2003). This model operationalizes EI using ability-based measures: the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MECEIT) (Mayer, Salovey Caruso, 2002) and its predecessor, the Multifactor Emotional Intelligence Scale (MEIS) (Salovey Mayer, 1990). The ability tests measure how well people perform tasks and solve emotional problems, as opposed to other EI scales which rely on the individuals subjective assessment of his or her perceived emotional skills. However, ability tests are expensive and require more resources to administer and score. MSCEIT instrument is difficult to score and lacks workplace applicability (Brackett, Rivers, Shiffman, Lerner Salovey, 2006). Consequently, self-report assessment outnumbers ability tests are more widely used in the mixed models. 2.3.2.2 Mixed Models EI mixed theories highlight the emotional and social functioning of individuals (Goleman, 2005; Bar-On, 2006). Therefore, Bar-On categorized his model of EI as a key of emotional-social intelligence (ESI). Bar-On (2005) asserted five key competencies are associated with ESI, whereby the five domains of these mixed models are: (1) intrapersonal capacity (the ability to be aware and understand ones own emotions and to express ones feelings and ideas); (2) interpersonal skills (the ability to be aware, understand, and appreciate others feelings as well as to build and maintain effective and satisfying relationships with others); (3) adaptability (the ability to adapt to various situations by effectively managing personal, social, and environmental changes by employing various skills such as problem solving, reality testing, and flexibility); (4) stress management strategies (the ability to manage emotions and to use those emotions to stay motivated and persistent); and (5) motivational and general mood factors (the ability to be optimistic, to enjoy oneself and others, and to maintain positive feelings) (Bar-On et al., 2000). The Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i), a self-report measure is considered as the most widely used measure of ESI (Bar-On, 2005). The EQ-i analyzes the concept of emotional and social functioning by measuring a persons ability to deal with daily demands and pressures. People who are taking EQ-i answer questions based on five competencies: (1) intrapersonal skills such as emotional self-awareness, self-regard, self-actualization, or independence; (2) interpersonal skills such as interpersonal relationships, empathy, and social responsibility; (3) adaptability, including problem solving, flexibility, and reality testing; (4) stress management, including tolerance and impulse control; and (5) general mood of optimism and happiness. Goleman developed his mixed models theory of EI by building on the work of Salovey and Mayer, in addition to other researchers in the field (Emmerling Goleman, 2003). Basically, Golemans model of EI can be grouped into personal competencies and social competencies that affect personal success in the workplace. Goleman (2005) stated that a personal competence is the ability to keep self-awareness and manage ones behaviors while a social competence is the ability to understand the behaviors of others and manage relationships effectively. These competencies are described in detail as: (1) self-awareness (knowing ones internal states, preferences, resources, and intuitions); (2) self-management (managing ones internal states, impulses, and resources); (3) motivation (emotional tendencies that facilitate reaching goals); empathy (awareness of others feelings, needs, and concerns); and (4) social skills (adeptness at inducing desirable responses in others) (Goleman, 1998a). Based on the emotional competencies identified by Goleman (1998a), the Emotional Competence Inventory (ECI) was designed to assess EI. ECI is a 360-degree scale which gathers self, subordinate, peer, and supervisory ratings on social and emotional competencies of individuals in organizations. Subsequently, Boyatzis (2007) designed Emotional Social Competency Instrument (ESCI), a multi-rater assessment in real organizational contexts which comprised of four emotional and social competencies, which include: (1) self-awareness; (2) self-management; (3) social awareness; and (4) relationship management. In general, EI mixed models stress performance based on behavioral competencies and personality traits suitable for a wide range of work contexts, job roles, and job levels (Petrides, Furnham Martin, 2004; Goleman, 2005; Boyatzis, 2007). The mixed models are also comprised of other measurement instruments. For examples, measures such as the Schutte Self-Report Emotional Intelligence Test (SSEIT) (Schutte, Malouff, Hall, Haggerty, Cooper, Golden Dornheim, 1998), and Wong and Laws (2002) leadership-focused measure of EI. Many studies in the literature utilize self-report measures of EI based on mixed models perspective that incorporates both disposition and ability (Chan, 2006). According to MacCann, Matthews, Zeidner and Roberts (2003), mixed models scales vastly outnumber ability tests at the stage of EI development, meaning that EI is more commonly assessed as a disposition, rather than as an ability. Additionally, self-report or peer-report measures require less amount of time to complete and are most cost-effective than the ability based measure. 2.3.3 Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Nursing There is a large body of knowledge related to EI exists outside nursing whereas EI theory and research within nursing is scarce and a more recent phenomenon (Akerjordet Severinsson, 2007; Smith, Profetto-McGrath Cummings, 2009). Smith et al. (2009) conducted a literature review related to EI and nursing during 1995 to 2007. Smith et al. found only 21 theoretical and 9 empirical articles related to the subject and concluded that although the body of theoretical literature in nursing is growing, scientific research about EI and nursing is just beginning. Apart from that, researches that link EI and nursing are mostly correlation designs using small sample sizes. Akerjordet and Severinsson (2007) asserted that EI has significant implications for nurses quality of work in healthcare. Therefore some qualitative studies have been carried out to explore the concepts and ideas of EI in nursing (Akerjordet Severinsson, 2004; Freshwater Stickley, 2004; Kooker, Shoultz Codier, 2007; Hurley Rankin, 2008). Akerjordet and Severinsson (2004) used qualitative interviews to gain insight into mental health nurses emotional experiences in practice and sought to understand the connection between nurses articulations of emotions in practice and EI concepts. Four main themes emerged from the study, which include: (1) relationship with the patient; (2) the substance of supervision; (3) motivation; and (4) responsibility which are related to different aspects of EI. For instance, relationship with the patient which was a central research finding is linked to EI through the ability to interpret and communicate emotional information. Akerjordet and Severinsson concluded that EI implies important personal and interpersonal skills in nurses therapeutic use of self, critical reflection, and stimulates the search for a deeper understanding of professional nursing identity. In another study, Kooker et al. (2007) used the conceptual framework of EI to analyze nurses stories about their professional practices. The stories reflected evidence of EI competencies that could provide fresh insights into ways to keep nurses engaged in practice and to improve nurses retention and patient/client outcomes. The domains and competencies of EI identified across the stories include social awareness, the most common one, followed by social management, self-awareness, and lastly self-management which was represented less frequently than the other domains. In summary, EI concept is increasingly recognized and is making an appearance in nursing journals (Cadman Brewer, 2001; Evans Allen, 2002; Freshman Rubino, 2002). The literature revealed EI is important and relevant to nursing from both an empirical and a theoretical perspective. EI influences emotions within quality of care and stress management, thus influence employees retention, quality of patient care, and patient outcomes. Therefore, further research that investigates potential uses for EI theories, skills, and competencies related to nursing practice and patient care is warranted within the healthcare environment (Akerjordet Severinsson, 2007; Smith et al., 2009). 2.4 Relationship between Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Burnout Emotional Intelligence (EI) expressed in the ability to recognize, understand, control, and utilize emotions may have impact on the perceived job stress and the consequences of experienced stress. Many empirical studies have shown that the relationship exists between EI and burnout syndrome (Reilly, 1994; Duran Extremera, 2004; Gerits, Derksen, Verbruggen Katzko, 2005; Chan, 2006; Duran, Extremera, Rey, Fernandez-Berrocal Montalban, 2006; Benson, Truskett Findlay, 2007; Rimmer, Bedwell, Bay, Drachman, Torey, Foster Caruso, 2009; Brackett, Palomera, Mojsa-Kaja, Reyes Salovey, 2010). These studies also proved that there is a negative correlation between EI and burnout syndrome. For instance, Reilly (1994) in a study of hospital nurses identified that nurses who scored higher on EI experienced fewer symptoms of burnout. Apart from that, other empirical studies have shown that the components of EI are correlated with the components of burnout (Mendes, 2002; Farmer, 2004; Palser, 2004; Potter, 2006; Froese, 2009). Farmer (2004) conducted a study to examine the relationship between EI and burnout using a sample of 169 newly graduated nursing students in practice. The results showed significant correlations which included a negative relationship between using emotions to facilitate thinking and depersonalization (DP) (r = -.240, p Palser (2004) investigated EI and burnout among ministerial workers. The researcher utilized bivariate analysis and produced two significant correlations. Firstly, an inverse relationship between emotional exhaustion (EE) and using emotions to facilitate thinking was presented among the 101 pastors sampled (r = -.25, p < .05). Secondly, a positive relationship was identified between personal accomplishment (PA) and understanding emotions (r = .21, p < .05). In another study, Froese (2009) examined whether the four abilities of EI predicted the components of burnout among 57 professional caregivers after accounting for the contribution of caregiver's demographic characteristics, which were licensure level, age, and ethnici

Technology and Gabriel Marcel :: Philosophy Essays

Technology and Gabriel Marcel ABSTRACT: I present the arguments of Gabriel Marcel which are intended to overcome the potentially negative impact of technology on the human. Marcel is concerned with forgetting or rejecting human nature. His perspective is metaphysical. He is concerned with the attitude of the "mere technician" who is so immersed in technology that the values which promote him as an authentic person with human dignity are discredited, omitted, denied, minimized, overshadowed, or displaced. He reviews the various losses in ontological values which curtail the full realization of the human person in his dignity. The impact of technology leads too often to a loss of the sense of the mystery of being and self, authenticity and integrity, the concrete and the existential, truth and dialogue, freedom and lover, humanity and community, fidelity and creativity, the natural and the transcendent, commitment and virtue, respect of the self and responsiveness to others, and especially of the spiritual and the sacred. Thus, the task of the philosopher is to be a watchman, un veilleur, on the alert for a hopeful resolution of the human predicament.. Technology as the ever-present dynamic factor affecting our daily lives and transforming our contemporary civilization could be described as the rationally created artificial world of learnable operational rules, methods, recipes, and skills furnishing a complex of universally available standardized means used automatically to attain predetermined goals in any variety of endeavors with more mastery, more efficiency, more productivity, more predictability, more durability, and more practicality. (1) Technology, under all its forms, dominates every aspect of our lives by making it possible for us to manipulate any physical or mental activity dealing with domestic, social, political, economic, medical and aesthetic concerns, facilitating means of transportation and communication, enhancing conditions of work and play, and helping in harnessing the forces of nature and in transforming raw material. (2) The advent and progress of technology as it becomes a global all-encompassing phenomenon appears to be both a blessing in the way it improves the human condition in its efforts at coping with life and the world and as a tragedy in its destructive outcome as it is affecting the physical universe and impacting on the future of humanity. (3) It lessens the hardship, the suffering, and the despair in the face of overwhelming odds in mastering the universe and achieving chosen goals and enhances self-mastery, higher achievements and hope in performing essential tasks and chores demanded or chosen for survival or human flourishing.

Reflective Independent Learning Essay

1. A critical part of being an independent learner is reflecting on your learning. Go to the following link from the University of Hull and learn more on how to be a reflective learner: University of Hawaii Reflective Learning 2. Being an independent learner is a guiding principle for university learning and success. Clearly, learning independently is a complex activity that involves many things but crucially it requires the ability to take responsibility for and to reflect on your learning so that you can achieve the goals that you set for yourself. Find out more about what it means to be an independent learner and how you can improve in this area by going to the following link and reading this article from Hull University: â€Å"Study Advice† 1. Write a short paragraph answering the following questions: a) Describe several things that you have done or are doing at university that would be defined as independent learning. b) Being motivated, confident and reflective were highlighted in the article as key to independent learning. How do you rate yourself in these areas? c) Referring to the articles above, describe how you can improve your independent learning. One of the important things that I use and I define as independent learning is portfolios. I use them not only for all my classes but also for everything I take a picture of or draw or write or even tutorials that shows how to make things. I consider that very important because it helps me to remember everything I did and I liked, so every time I take my portfolio and browse it, I remember all the good and positive things I did and that make me happy. In my opinion, motivation, confidence, and reflection are the fundamental keys to be an efficient independent learner because they give energy that make you feel that you want to do something that you like. And when you do something you like it gives you motivation and confidence. It‘s a kind of cycle that never ends. And personally I think those three elements are what keep artists doing the good work. In my case I use normal portfolios, but the negative thing about that is that a certain time I will end up having many portfolios which will take a lot of space.

Conflict Minerals A Crisis Unknown Professor Ramos Blog

Conflict Minerals A Crisis Unknown In central Africa sits a large country known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, home to the most grossly under reported large scale conflict of modern times. Having hosted decades of various ongoing conflicts collectively claiming more lives than World War II, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, or DRC, ranks 156 of 162 in a European Union assessment of peacefulness (Woody 2018). Although conflict fueled by grand corruption has consumed the DRC for 130 years it wasn’t until 1994 when several groups of militia men fleeing the genocide in Rwanda arrived that an already burning hot conflict was stoked to new levels (Progress and Challenges on Conflict Minerals: Facts on Dodd-Frank 1502). Just as more sides joined the crowded conflict the commercial need for four minerals found in abundance within the DRC sent an already fledgling country plummeting into chaos. Known commonly as the 3TGs: tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold are used in everyday products such as phones, lapto ps, jewelry, and cars (Conflict Minerals Regulation explained). These four minerals are conflict minerals and although they are not directly responsible for the horrific violence in the DRC they provide the bulk of funding for countless rebel groups. A study by the Enough Project documenting armed groups in the DRC during 2008 found an estimated $185 million in revenue was generated from conflict minerals (Progress and Challenges on Conflict Minerals: Facts on Dodd-Frank 1502). This is an uncomfortable problem for America and nations governed by the European Union, but the only answer is a dramatic shift in public awareness and legislation towards the purchasing of conflict minerals. Western media bias is well documented and has played an integral role in the rapid deterioration of the living conditions in the DRC and neighboring countries. In 2015 a comprehensive study found that nearly six-times as many articles are written about terrorist attacks in the western world compared to all non-western countries (Adams 2018). Western media bias is unceremoniously exposed again in 2016 when the deadliest terror attack of the year in Baghdad’s Karrada district, claiming over 400 lives, is overshadowed by a week of reports on the unfortunate shooting of Charlie Hebdo (Adams 2018). Without ethical and thorough journalism being conducted no amount of statistics, no matter how ostentatious, will be able to sway public opinion in favor of ending these atrocities. The scale on which innocent people are dying cannot be overstated, one report found a gut wrenching 5.4 million â€Å"excess deaths† caused by indirect fall out of wars funded by conflict minerals bet ween August 1998 and April 2017 (Clark 2011). Countries like the DRC who are ensnared by their abundant natural resources are consistently cannibalized by more developed nations to the extent that the phrase, â€Å"resource curse† has been coined (Woody 2018). However, the DRC and surrounding countries are unique in how the problem and has been unaddressed and even exacerbated for decades. Public opinion will never be swayed if people are not given the opportunity to understand how the implications of their purchases are destroying the lives of millions. For those people born within the DRC being asked to grow and mature facing unending conflict for the last 130 years the emergence and prevalence of conflict minerals is unavoidable. As of 2018 more than 140 different groups militias are actively funded by conflict minerals and are currently waging civil within the DRC (World Report 2019: Rights Trends in Democratic Republic of Congo 2019). As a result, in just one year during 2018 upwards of 4.5 million Congolese were displaced from their homes, forced instead to wander nomadically with no aid or hopes of humanitarian assistance in sight (World Report 2019: Rights Trends in Democratic Republic of Congo 2019). On top of the staggering amount of people who have lost their homes another eight and a half million were found to be in desperate need of humanitarian aid during the same time frame. With millions of innocent men, women and children caught in the catastrophic meltdown of a country torn apart by foreign greed and almost no aid in return it’s logical to look next to the government of the country in question. In April of 2019 the Congolese government denied any human rights crisis and went even further, denying to attend an international donor conference organized to raise 1.7 billion U.S. dollars in relief funds. The Congolese government was accused of widespread irregularities, voter suppression and violence during their most recent election causing the vast majority of voters to lose faith in their already decrepit system of power. During that same election voting in the three largest voting-sectors opposing the government was delayed from December 30, 2018 to March of 2019. Cases of government backed violence against civilians began to arise and with that the people of the Congolese became victims once again, victims of: civil conflict, consumer greed and violence perpetrated by their own supposedly democratically elected leaders. Though these human rights atrocities are not made public often, if at all, many world powers are aware of the ongoing situation. Begging the question of what, if anything, is being done (World Report 2019: Rights Trends in Democratic Republic of Congo 2019)? Nearly twenty years ago in 2001 the United Nations Security Council first acknowledged what was then a developing problem of wealthy nations funding human rights atrocities with massive exports of tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold. It is worth noting that none of these exports have benefitted the DRC as the country itself ranks last in the world for GDP per capita (Woody 2018). Instead warring groups fight to control mining operations and the workers forced to maintain them in order to fund cyclical conflicts. Despite the UNSC acknowledging the problem in 2001 no legislation was proposed until 2006. Even then nothing was done as a number of measures were proposed and passed on until a group of politicians including: then U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Sen Richard Dustin (Dem-Ill.), Sen Sam Brownback (Rep.-Kan.), Sen Russell Feingold (Dem-Wash.) and Congressman Jim Mcdermott (Dem-Wash.) visited the DRC in early 2010. The same year Section 1502 was passed to attempt to addre ss the purchasing of conflict minerals in response to the human rights crisis they witnessed first hand. Unfortunately, while Section 1502 has had some positive impact on the DRC since its inception it’s overall impact has been handicapped by several glaring flaws. For starters, the provision requires only the disclosure of purchased conflict minerals from companies selling commercial products. This in effect turns a blind eye on the majority of the supply chain targeting only the last piece and least culpable member while providing no guidelines for responsible purchasing or consequences for the opposite. Even worse, the de facto embargo of the DRC by responsible purchasers, without widespread backing across the market, has encouraged the growth of black market sales furthering complicating the tracking of human rights violations. Section 1502 has led to some conflict free sourcing of the 3TG’s, but it’s far too weak and short-sighted to stop the powerful curre nt of violence washing over the DRC. Without public interest in consumer responsibility world governments must impose strict regulations on conflict minerals sold from areas of human rights crises. The European Union is finally making another attempt at addressing the purchasing of conflict minerals with legislation set to go into effect January 1, 2021 (Conflict Minerals Regulation explained). As the world’s largest trading block, the EU has made an unprecedented move by providing a set of regulations and guidelines for all levels of conflict minerals supply chain to follow. Regulations specific to each level of the supply chain aim to ensure that from mining operations to store fronts the presence of responsibly sourced 3TGs is well documented and accounted for. Up to a thousand importers of 3TGs will be effect and the EU plans to release a â€Å"white list† of dangerous operations for importers outside of their jurisdiction. Each individual EU state will be responsible for overseeing importers within their boundaries and ensuring they are following the new standards for responsible sourcing. Hopefully, these more comprehensive and well thought out regulations will at the very least raise public awareness of the depths of the horrors occurring in the DRC and neighboring countries. Even so this legislation is just one step towards resolving a conflict raging for over a century (Conflict Minerals Regulation explained). Tens of millions of people dead, countless lives changed, families separated and displaced, a country on the verge of collapse with more casualties accounted for than the second World War. This is the true reality of the cost of electronics and jewelry when wealthy nations neglect their role as stewards of the world economy. There must be a paradigm of thorough honest reporting and policy making coupled with diligent inspections of the sources of 3TGs by these nations. Furthermore, civilians of these nations whom are concerned with world affairs have a responsibility to seek more information on all major human rights atrocities, not simply those that are conveniently solved. Despite nearly a century and a half of death and destruction it seems the DRC may finally have a chance to establish control over the natural resources they rightfully own. It’s my sincerest hope that the proceeding century and half in the DRC will be marked by unimaginable economic growth fueled by the s ame minerals that had once threatened to end their country’s existence. Adams, Abigail. â€Å"Selective Sympathy? Exploring Western Media Bias in the Reporting of Terrorism.† International Journal of Media Cultural Politics, vol. 14, no. 2, June 2018, pp. 255–263. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1386/macp.14.2.255_7. Clark, JohnF. â€Å"A Constructivist Account of the Congo Wars.† African Security, vol.4,no.3, June 2011, pp. 147–170. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/19392206.2011.599262. â€Å"Conflict Minerals Regulation Explained.† Trade European Commission, ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/in-focus/conflict-minerals-regulation/regulation-explained/#definition. â€Å"Progress and Challenges on Conflict Minerals: Facts on Dodd-Frank 1502.† The Enough Project, enoughproject.org/special-topics/progress-and-challenges-conflict-minerals-facts-dodd-frank-1502. Woody, Karen E. â€Å"Can Bad Law Do Good? A Retrospective on Conflict Minerals Regulation.† Maryland Law Review, vol. 78, no. 2, Feb. 2019, pp. 291–322. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=truedb=a9hAN=135858149site=ehost-live. â€Å"World Report 2019: Rights Trends in Democratic Republic of Congo.† Human Rights Watch, 17 Jan. 2019, hrw.org/world-report/2019/country-chapters/democratic-republic-congo.

Pantheon in terms of Platos work essays

Pantheon in terms of Plato's work essays Pantheon in terms of Platos philosophy. Pantheon is a great building of a roman empire. Emerged in the time of Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa , totally rebuilt in the time of Emperor Hadrian, and it was perhaps one of the most major of his rebuilding projects. Hadrian was a great admirer of a Greek culture, especially of its Hellenistic period. In the time of Hellenism Greek Culture reached the peak of realism and spirituality, and the Pantheon is the logical evidence of realism and spirituality that are crossing over. The latter rationalistic Plato would probably hardly accept. He would, in fact, appreciate the careful human thought, engineering and mathematical calculation upon which the Pantheon emerged. In the calculative terms, Pantheon is a triumph of people knowledge and of a human intelligence. It also promotes human as capable individual. In emotional or spiritual terms, Pantheon was dedicated to the connection between people and gods. It is questionable how Plato would react to Pantheon in terms of his philosophy, and in particular in terms of the ,, simile of divided line. On one hand It is interesting how the architecture of this unique building corresponds with Greek Classical standards and Platos philosophy. Plato refers to the Good as the light that evokes humans vision and help to activate our senses. Accordingly to Plato, we need a light in order to see forms, and it is not enough for us to have vision and the objects around us. In Republic Plato refers to the light as the source of Good: ,,If the eyes have a power of site, and its possessor tries to use this power, and if objects have color, yet you know that he will see nothing and the colors will remain invisible unless a third element is present which is specifically and naturally adapted for the purpose. In other words the source of light at the top of Pantheon symbolizes the source of knowledge. ...

How to Format a Book 7 Money-Sucking Book Format Mistakes to Avoid

How to Format a Book 7 Money-Sucking Book Format Mistakes to Avoid How to Format a Book: 7 Money-Sucking Book Format Mistakes to Avoid Self-publishinghas changed everything.Before, you were at the mercy of your publisher on how your book format looked, but today, you have control over this entire process.In fact, you have the final say over everything in your finished manuscript is displayed. Therefore, knowing the proper book format you need is crucial. And with great power comes great responsibility.If youre not careful, you may end up with a sloppy and messy manuscript that an editor will refuse to work on until you tidy it up.Or worse, your audience will slam your book with negative reviews because you published it riddled with errors.An unprofessionallooking book will not only distract readers, it will harm your brand and label you as an amateur, affecting the sales of future books as wellas your current one.Your completed self-published book should convey professionalism in all aspects including with its book format.7 Money-Sucking Book Format MistakesThere are over a hundred things that can go wrong with you r book formatting, and if we wrote about all of them youd be reading from sun-up till sun-down. But fear not!From our experience, most authors make the same mistakes when with their book format.In this article, you’re going to learn what the most common book formatting errors and how to avoid them. By avoiding these mistakes, not only will you have a professional looking manuscript, but youll make the process of designing your book to publish on Amazons Kindle or in print via CreateSpace a lot easier.If you have a completed manuscript with botched book formatting on your hands, this article will teach you how to fix it using Microsoft Word.(A quick note: its possible to do many of the fixes in Google Docs, however, Word has a more comprehensive set of features, so its better to use that when formatting your complete manuscript.)NOTE: We cover everything in this blog post and much more about the writing, marketing, and publishing process in our VIP Self-Publishing Program. Lea rn more about it here#1 Avoid Hard Indents in Your Book FormatA hard indent is when paragraph indentations are created by manual use of the keyboard’s Tab key.Many of us learned how to type using the Tab key to create an indent at the start of each paragraph, so this can be a tough habit to break.When it comes to book formatting, use of the Tab key is a no-no, because it results in an indent that’s far larger than you need.With fiction book formatting, you want to have just a small indent at the start of each paragraph. If your book is non-fiction, generally speaking, you want to use block paragraphs rather than indents, unless your book is a memoir or historical fiction. (More on that in tip #2.) If your book is fiction, you may be wondering how to create paragraphs without the Tab key. The fix is simple: In MS Word, set the Paragraph settings to automatically create indentations for the first line in each paragraph.This simple auto fix will make creating your book fo rmat way easier. In Word 2016, on both Mac Windows, to get to Paragraph settings, click the Paragraphdialog box launcher on the Homeor Layouttab. Then on the Indents and Spacingtab, go to the box under Special and click on First line. You can change the size of the indent using the box to the right. If you’re wondering how big to make your indents, my advice is to pull your favorite book off the shelf, open it up, and take a peek. How big are the paragraph indents?Experiment with making yours larger or smaller, printing out the page, and comparing them to the book in your hand.But what if your 535-page tome has already been drafted, using the dreaded Tab key for each and every paragraph? No need to set fire to your laptop!Here’s what to do to clean it up:Use Find and Replace (Ctrl+H or Control+H or here’s how to find it in Word 2016 on Macand on Windows.)Enter ^t in the Find (This will help you find every â€Å"Tab† in the document.)Leave the Replace fi eld blank.Hit Replace All.Going forward, set your Paragraph settings so that you don’t have to remove hard indents again. Presto!You now have a much prettier, easier-to-convert document through the magic of technology that will make your book format much more professional-looking.#2 Indentation vs. Block ParagraphsWorks of non-fiction today typically don’t use indentation, except for some notable exceptions we will discuss momentarily. Rather, a popular book format for modern non-fiction is the block paragraph.What’s a block paragraph? A block paragraph doesn’t have indentation on the opening line, but instead uses a horizontal line of white space beneath each paragraph. This helps to delineate the separation between paragraphs. For instance, I used block paragraphs in my latest bookPublished., which looks like this:The reasoning behind whether you should use indentation vs. block paragraphs is this: in works where one thought should flow smoothly into t he next, such as in a novel, paragraph indentations are used with no line spacing between paragraphs.But in books where complicated information is being consumed, having a single line space between paragraphs aids the brain in processing one piece of information before moving on to the next.Here is an example from a fiction novel, The Saviors Champion by full-time, self-published author Jenna Moreci of what it looks like to use indents instead of block paragraphs:An exception to the block paragraph for non-fiction/indents for fiction guideline:non-fiction narratives,such as a memoiror historical fiction, should use the same indent style described above in tip #1.In non-fiction works where some information should flow, and other sections require more brain power to comprehend, some authors decide to mix formatting types and use indentation where appropriate and block paragraphs where useful.But in general, to avoid confusing the reader and to make your book look uniform, clean, and a s if you didn’t make a book formatting error, it’s best to choose one style or the other and stick with it throughout your book.However, if you insist on getting crazy and mixing it up, knowing how andwhen to use block paragraphsversus when to indent results in a more professional manuscript.#3 Avoid Double Spaces After PeriodsHere’s the truth: Two spaces after a period iswrong. Period. (Ha!) Just as with the good old-fashioned Tab key indent, two spaces after a period may have been the norm back when you were learning to type.This is because, with typewriters, characters were all the same width, so the two-space rule allowed for greater readability. With modern computer fonts, the characters all fit closer together in a proportional fashion, thereby eradicating the need for that one additional space.Most major style guides- including theChicago Manual of Style, which is used by traditional publishers- now formally recognize the more modern single-space rule.Fr om an aesthetics angle, one space looks neater, which your readers’ eyes will appreciate. Before you convert your manuscript, change all double spaces to single spaces. The result will be a better formatted, stylistically correct book.You’re going to use that super handy â€Å"Find and Replace† function again:Enter two spaces in the Find (This will help you find every double space in the document.)Enter a single space into the Replace field.Hit Replace All.Voila! Like magic.#4 Be Cautious with HyphensImproper hyphenation is a common error that may be harder to stay on top of because the rules of hyphenation differ depending on the grammatical situation.So when it comes to your book format, youll have to do some research.Generally, keep these three rules in mind while you write so youll have to do less work when its time for book formatting:Two or more words that, together, function as an adjective are joined with a hyphen. For example, dark-pink skirt or two-wa y street.Two words or more that form a number are joined with a hyphen. For example, twenty-one.Compound words, which are two words that are joined together to make a single word, donotrequire a hyphen. For example, toothbrush or starfish.Two or more separate words that are used as a single word or idea. For example, action-grabbing, top-notch, or larger-than-life.When in doubt, look it up! For a more detailed treatment of the hyphen, here is an important source to consider:Elements of Style.#5 Know When to Use Quotes vs. an ApostropheFew things scream â€Å"new writer† like a book formatted with punctuation errors. You want to make sure you’re usingquotes and apostrophescorrectly so you don’t lose credibility with your readers.When to use quotes in your book format:When you’re quoting someone, use quotes! This means either a person is speaking- like in fiction- or you are borrowing material verbatim from another source, like in non-fiction.Use of quotes is rarely needed for common expressions.Ironic terms can be set off in quotes.Overuse of quotes can get annoying, so be judicious in their application.When to use apostrophes:Use an apostrophe for possessive form (except the word its.) For example: The cat’s toys are blue.Use an apostrophe for contractions, such as it is. For example: The cat’s playing with its toys. It’s a happy cat.Avoid using an apostrophe for plural forms. For example: Five cats ran past her.Again, the rules can be complicated, such as when to use an apostrophe when dealing with an acronym, so when in doubt,look it up.#6 Be Careful When Using the Enter KeyThere are many times in your book youll want to go to a new page or to create a blank page.This is simple right? Hit enter a few times, and presto, youve got a new page.Wrong.Using paragraph breaks, or hitting enter to create a new page can createmanyproblems when it comes to getting your manuscript ready to publish.For instance, you or y our book designer will need to change your page size or page setup according to the book size and style youve chosen. Using paragraph breaks will create extra space where none is needed and will change the page layouts of your book, making your book look ugly.If youre wondering why after you change your paper size, your chapter headings are no longer at the top of the page, but halfway down, it was because of your liberal use of paragraph breaks.Instead, use the page break function. This instantly creates a new page, and it remains a new page even when youve changed the page size, page layout, or added more content above. On Microsoft Word, this can be done by pressing Ctrl+Enter (Windows) or Cmd+Enter (Mac).You can also find it in the ribbon in Word. Google Docs also has this feature. In Word 2016 go to Insert Page Break In Google Docs go to Insert Break Page Break#7 Use the Styles Feature Instead of Formatting YourselfStop formatting your chapter titles yourself. Many writers indicate a title or subtitle by simply changing the font size and changing the font from the default font (ah,Times New Roman, how we miss you) and thinking their job is done.This makes navigating and formatting your book a pain.What you want to do is use MSWords Styles feature. Google Docs also has this feature. In Word 2016, you can find the Styles section under the Home tab on both Mac Windows.In Google Docs the styles section can be found by clicking the box between the zoom level and the font type.When creating a new chapter, highlight the chapter heading, and then make it a header by applying the relevant style. If its the main heading make it Heading 1, if its a subtitle make it Heading 2, etc.This has the added benefit of allowing you to easily automatically create a table of contents page, or to navigate through your 30,000-word manuscript with Words navigation pane, while also making your book format look professional.You Need a Proper Book FormatWithout question you want your book to stand out because of its invaluable content, stunning tone of voice, and laser targeted towards your audience.However, don’t let your book formatting or grammatical errors get in the way of your book’s success. If youve written your book, and are ready to get it published, follow the guide you just read to make sure your manuscript isnt full of errors.For tips on how to format your book for Kindle, its best to follow Amazons comprehensive guideon the matter. It will help you design your title page on a different first page, your copyright page, trimming to the correct paper size, and the million other things you need to do to get your book ready for print.Your Next StepsThirty years ago, it would have been impossible to publish a book yourself. Today you have all the tools you need to produce a flawless manuscript.Take the time to review your book- and hire an editorand a book designer- to make sure your book formatting is perfectly professional.If youre ready to polish your book format and move on in the publishing process, heres what you can do next.#1 Join your free training!Its not enough to put together a pretty book. You also have to know what to do once youre done and how to go about making itsell! Thats where we come in.

Animals Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Animals - Essay Example Mostly compared in the debate on the best pet are cats, dogs, reptiles (turtle, tortoise, and fish). The other point worth noting is that each kind of pet has its own advantages and disadvantages and it depends on what its owner expects of it. In addition, the nature and behavior of a pet also determines whether it is the best or the most appropriate (Radford 24). For an illustration, a dog may be quite laid back by nature while one may acquire and keep a cat which has uncharacteristically high energy. Similarly, if one wants a pet to take a stroll, play, and go places with, then a dog would come highly recommended. On the other hand, cats are easier to care for and are thus recommended for pet owners interested in a more relaxed atmosphere while dogs are for fun and outdoor people. The comparison is however not always about dogs and cats; sometimes dogs and cats are compared with other kinds of pets such as reptiles and fish. In these comparisons, a good pet is defined on the basis of characteristics such as temperament and the ease of care and upkeep (Radford 43). Many pet lovers also concur that the best pet is not only gentle but also good natured and easy to take care of. This paper compares dogs and cats on one side and fish and reptiles on the other. Cats and Dogs versus Fish and Reptiles There are several advantages that dogs and cats have over reptiles, which make them better pets over the latter. Among the positive aspects of cats and dogs are loyalty, easy to manage, simple feeding/diet, easy to find feed, they are playful, and are fun to be with. However, there are several bad aspects of keeping cats and dogs as pets. For instance, they need medications/shots for diseases such as rabies, mange, cough, worms, and they must be licensed. In addition, dogs and cats need to be neutered and are costly. The main advantage of fish and reptiles such as lizards, tortoise, turtles, snakes, and fish is that they are kept in cages hence easy to keep and manage. Moreover kid, especially boys love reptiles. Since they are mostly in cages, they require little attention from their owners once they are fed and have few problems of running away from home. Nonetheless, there are several problems that make reptile pets a bit difficult to keep. That is, they may cause salmonella-related infections, more so to kids, who should always be kept away from such pets. The second problem with reptiles is that they require specialized diets and costly tanks and cages for fish, snakes, lizards, and turtles. These cages must also be cleaned as regularly as possible since reptiles, more so fish are rather delicate. The other pets often compared with cats, dogs, and reptiles are bunnies, which happen to be fun to play with for a lot of people. In addition, bunnies are easy to feed, smart, social, and play a lot, thus entertaining and easy to bond with. A rather boring aspect of keeping bunnies is that one cannot walk and play games such as â€Å"catch† o r swim with them. Further bunnies do not like being held a lot and are rather frail. From the mentioned advantages and disadvantages of cats, dogs, reptiles, and bunnies, it is clear that each pet has its own good and bad sides. As mentioned earlier, what determines the best pet is the owner’s personality, lifestyle, the nature of the pet, and the expected role of the said pet in the owner’s life. In fact, some people have compared pets to children. For example, for someone always working, with little or no time to take care of a pet, a cat would be highly recommended instead of a dog since cats are mostly indoors. This scenario presented by a cat is quite unlike the case of a dog,

Influence of Exchange Rate regime on Effectiveness of Monetary Policy Essay

Influence of Exchange Rate regime on Effectiveness of Monetary Policy - Essay Example According to Cespedes, Chang & Velasco (2002, p. 1), â€Å"this kind of a model treats the financial markets and international capital mobility as perfect.† Therefore, by using this model to explain the effectiveness of a monetary policy, we would be making an assumption that capital mobility and financial markets are perfect. A country can apply either a fixed exchange rate regime or a flexible exchange rate regime in its monetary system. These two regimes differ both in their characteristics and in applicability. Unlike a flexible regime, a fixed regime has an automatic monetary policy response that the monetary institution has little influence on (Klein & Shambaugh 2010). However, they both define how the currency of a country exchanges with currencies of other countries. According to IMF (1988), exchange rates influence capital flow in and out of the country. Therefore, since the exchange rate regime adapted would influence the exchange rates then it would influence the ca pital flow in and out of the country. A monetary policy affects the money market of a country. This type of policy is crucial in finding a solution to economic problems. Its basis is the supply of money rather than the terms and rates of trade (Jain & Khanna 2007). Therefore, the monetary institutions design this kind of a policy to control either the amount of currency in circulation or the cost of a currency relative to currencies of other nations. However, in controlling the amount of currency in circulation and cost of a currency, the policy should control the terms and rate of a trade in a country. That is now where the issue of the effectiveness of a policy comes from. An effective monetary policy is one that has the capacity to control terms and rates of trade thus controlling the economy of the country. The three lines in the IS-LM BP model are the open IS curve, the open LM curve and the BP curve (Chamberlin & Yueh 2006). Although we use the word ‘curve’ to men tion them, in a diagram they are represented as straight lines. We can use this kind of a model for different purposes one of them being the analysis of a policy. When we use this model to analyze a policy, each of these curves would represent a different aspect of the policy that can identify its effectiveness. In this case, what we would be interested in is the intersection point of the lines in the model. Below is an illustration of this type of a model retrieved from the internet. Diagram of the IS-LM BP model (Deardorff 2010, p. 1) Each line in the diagram above is a representation of an aspect of a monetary policy that we aim to analyze. We can observe from the diagram that all the three curves intersect at one point called the equilibrium point. We can use these lines to explain how a monetary policy affects the economic activities of a country and thus draw a conclusion of its effectiveness. According to Furstenberg (1984), international exchange of national money and moneta ry equilibrium are the main causes of the effectiveness of monetary policy. We could use the IS-LM BP model to represent and interpret these aspects of the monetary policy. The intersection of all the curves in the model represent the monetary equilibrium while each of the curves represent an aspect of international exchange of national money. The nature of the curves, its shifts, and their point of intersection depend on the

Strategic Implications of IT Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Strategic Implications of IT - Research Paper Example This is due to the reason that technology has made the preparation, transfer, and dissemination of the information very economical. Therefore, the company and its people need to think and feel bigger coupled to having an apparent direction. However, above and beyond having the external environmental analysis, it has become vital and imperative to understand the organization from internal perspectives as well that is to assess the resources and its competitive position on a critical note. According to one of the well-known authors Robbins, â€Å"Every organization has strategies for doing what it’s in business to do† (2010, pp. 163). Strategic management in the present epoch has become one of the most significant elements of any organization. This is due to the reason that it aid in defining the administrating the planning, and everyday operations of the enterprise. Moreover, it takes account of employee job descriptions, planning and budgeting, and the overall operations goals and objectives of the enterprise. However, studies have provided evidence for the fact that with the implication of strategic management process, the companies are able to fulfill their processes in a much more efficient way than it used to be previously. This is particularly because it encompasses the evaluations, decisions, and actions that facilitate the organization in creating and upholding their competitive advantage (Bateman & Snell, 2010). In the twenty first century, the implication of strategic management more frequently comes under application in the field of information technology on a broad spectrum. Therefore, the primary and chief purpose of the report is to define the strategic implications of information technology in the upcoming years. Moreover, eBay is one of the major information technology organizations that would come under presentation with reference to the strategic implications under next three years. Furthermore, the current issues that eBay are going through and recommendations for the managers of IT would be the key highlighting concerns of the report. Background of the Topic EBay Inc. is one of the leading internet based consumer-to-consumer (c2c) organizations of United States of America that have come under establishment in the latter years of the

Discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Discrimination - Essay Example It can be called much close to ethnic discriminatory behavior. This Essay is based on one of the many victims of language-based discrimination. The subject is one Mr. Gafur Leka who will elaborate on the hard ships he had to face in his personal and professional life due to the bare fact that he was not well versed with the English language. Though it cannot be said as a serious handicap but people made him believe so. Mr. Gafur Leka believes that Discrimination in any form is bad for the unity and diversity of our society and men couldn’t grow and contribute positively to the society if either they are victims or perpetrators of Discrimination. He is equally critical of the Discrimination based on Language as often it goes un-noticed and seldom comes under the scanner. According to him the maximum cases of language based discrimination happen at the work place and often go un-noticed. According to Mr. Gafur Leka language based discriminatory behavior is equally bad and obnoxious for the social fabric. Mr. Gafur Leka works at Harvard maintenance at a fairly senior position of Maintenance supervisor for projects. But his position and standing in the society doesn’t reflect the prejudices and discrimination he had to face before finally attaining this position and gaining the respect of his peers. In the words of Mr. Gafur leka â€Å" I came here in the year 1970, armed with a mechanical engineering diploma from a reputed institute based in India.† It were tough times then for foreign emigrants who came, Mr. leka came here with stars in his eyes, but the moment he landed here it was a rude awakening for him. He was asked uncomfortable questions at the emigration counter about his ethnicity, his purpose of visit and more than anything he was poked at his inability to converse in English. â€Å" It was such a embarrassing experience for me, though I was able to understand a bit about what they were saying but couldn’t

Book Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Book Questions - Essay Example They started decoding coded telegraphs, dicing-out captured documents and intercepted mails, and endlessly interrogated their prisoners. The role of intelligence was very vital in the outcome of critical battles. In the absence of the advanced equipment that we have today such as satellite radios, tracking devices and spy cameras, both sides were able to fairly execute their national-level military intelligence service though neither government had any formal training. General Washingtons agents came in different shapes and sizes of men and women. Many of these agents will never be suspected because they were considered to be bandits or outlaws by their neighbors. General Washington done a great job in finding people with best talents in military deception and counterintelligence. Most of all, each was dedicated to the General and the Independence of their country. Espionage ruled over the revolution and without it, the war could have ended in a different way (History of American Int elligence, 2007). The Pueblo revolt can be described as a sudden eruption of a volcano. The underlying causes of the revolt was attributed to their inborn hatred of the Spanish, the love of Pueblos to their ancient way of life, and due to their denigration and prohibition of the traditional religion. The pain-stricken Pueblo natives turned back to their old gods because they were unsatisfied with the protective powers of the the god and church that the Spanish imposed to them. Conflict between the Spanish government and the Franciscans began when the governor issued an order which allowed the native religious rituals. The Franciscans called them â€Å"devil worshipers† and fumed, railed and burned not just Pueblo religious items but the people as well. Peace and harmony were completely vanished. It was a loop of Indians getting hurt, then they would tell the Spanish government that in turn favored them. From the 1660s up to the 1670s, the Pueblo people went through

The thirty year war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The thirty year war - Essay Example Protestant leaders in Bohemian crown soon formed alliances with the neighboring states which were also facing religious conflicts such as France and Sweden. Being in the center of Europe Bohemian crown had the advantage of using its many economic, political and religious linkages to gather an army. During late 15th to early 16th century Catholicism and Lutheranism prevailed in central Europe while Calvinism was also spreading across Germany but Augsburg refused to accept it as a religion. Moreover, Bohemians were mainly Protestants while their new rulers i.e. Habsburgs, were Catholics. Protestants were often repressed by the Roman Catholic kings. Letter of Majesty by the king Rudolf in 1608 provided a vast freedom for the Protestant practitioners and authority to the Church to control activities of Calvinism. Habsburg is a Catholic family of Swiss origin. Its domination in Europe began in 1273 and was characterized by military conquests as well as strategically formed marital alliances which gained political advantages to the family example, the double marriage agreement which enabled Habsburgs to rule Austria, Bohemia and Hungary in unite. The Czech lands fell into the ruling of Habsburgs in 1526 as the Bohemian Diet elected Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, as the king. In 1546 German Protestants assisted by Bohemian noble men started riots against Ferdinand’s brother Charles V. Ferdinand responded by killing Protestants leaders, exerting royal control over Bohemia, removing privileges from the noble, taxing and punishing the people. In 1575 Habsburg ruler, Maximilian II refused authorizing Bohemian Confession which would have formed alliance between Protestants, Utraquists and Bohemian Brethren while preventing the war from taking place. Letter of Majesty was openly violated by the proceeding Habsburg rulers especially king Ferdinand II. On May 23rd 1618 infamous

Discrimination Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Discrimination - Essay Example It can be called much close to ethnic discriminatory behavior. This Essay is based on one of the many victims of language-based discrimination. The subject is one Mr. Gafur Leka who will elaborate on the hard ships he had to face in his personal and professional life due to the bare fact that he was not well versed with the English language. Though it cannot be said as a serious handicap but people made him believe so. Mr. Gafur Leka believes that Discrimination in any form is bad for the unity and diversity of our society and men couldn’t grow and contribute positively to the society if either they are victims or perpetrators of Discrimination. He is equally critical of the Discrimination based on Language as often it goes un-noticed and seldom comes under the scanner. According to him the maximum cases of language based discrimination happen at the work place and often go un-noticed. According to Mr. Gafur Leka language based discriminatory behavior is equally bad and obnoxious for the social fabric. Mr. Gafur Leka works at Harvard maintenance at a fairly senior position of Maintenance supervisor for projects. But his position and standing in the society doesn’t reflect the prejudices and discrimination he had to face before finally attaining this position and gaining the respect of his peers. In the words of Mr. Gafur leka â€Å" I came here in the year 1970, armed with a mechanical engineering diploma from a reputed institute based in India.† It were tough times then for foreign emigrants who came, Mr. leka came here with stars in his eyes, but the moment he landed here it was a rude awakening for him. He was asked uncomfortable questions at the emigration counter about his ethnicity, his purpose of visit and more than anything he was poked at his inability to converse in English. â€Å" It was such a embarrassing experience for me, though I was able to understand a bit about what they were saying but couldn’t

The thirty year war Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The thirty year war - Essay Example Protestant leaders in Bohemian crown soon formed alliances with the neighboring states which were also facing religious conflicts such as France and Sweden. Being in the center of Europe Bohemian crown had the advantage of using its many economic, political and religious linkages to gather an army. During late 15th to early 16th century Catholicism and Lutheranism prevailed in central Europe while Calvinism was also spreading across Germany but Augsburg refused to accept it as a religion. Moreover, Bohemians were mainly Protestants while their new rulers i.e. Habsburgs, were Catholics. Protestants were often repressed by the Roman Catholic kings. Letter of Majesty by the king Rudolf in 1608 provided a vast freedom for the Protestant practitioners and authority to the Church to control activities of Calvinism. Habsburg is a Catholic family of Swiss origin. Its domination in Europe began in 1273 and was characterized by military conquests as well as strategically formed marital alliances which gained political advantages to the family example, the double marriage agreement which enabled Habsburgs to rule Austria, Bohemia and Hungary in unite. The Czech lands fell into the ruling of Habsburgs in 1526 as the Bohemian Diet elected Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor, as the king. In 1546 German Protestants assisted by Bohemian noble men started riots against Ferdinand’s brother Charles V. Ferdinand responded by killing Protestants leaders, exerting royal control over Bohemia, removing privileges from the noble, taxing and punishing the people. In 1575 Habsburg ruler, Maximilian II refused authorizing Bohemian Confession which would have formed alliance between Protestants, Utraquists and Bohemian Brethren while preventing the war from taking place. Letter of Majesty was openly violated by the proceeding Habsburg rulers especially king Ferdinand II. On May 23rd 1618 infamous

Travel literature Essay Example for Free

Travel literature Essay Travel literature took place around the 19th century. It was also known as the Augustan Age, the Age of Enlightens or the Neo Classical Age. The art of journeying is a process of self-discovery and to discover new destination, culture and place.During the Industrial Revolution in Europe, traveling became very popular. The Europeans especially the Portuguese, Dutch, English and Spanish started to explore new places in the East. The first expedition to the east was conquered by the Portuguese. In November 1497, Vasco da Gama led the first major European excursion into the Indian Ocean at Cape of Good Hope which was the gateway to South East Asia. The second expedition was led by Alfonso de Albuquerque who extended their power eastwards by gaining control of Malacca in 1511. When the Portuguese first arrived at the beginning of the sixteenth century, the leading emporium of western South-East Asia was Malacca. It continued the practice of other great ports of earlier years where ships from India, China and Java converged on Malacca. They usually will not come at the same time because each group had to plan an inward and a return voyage to fit the seasonal changes of the monsoon winds. The cultural observations made by various writers are what I am going to discuss and it is based on J.M. Gullicks Adventures and Encounters in South East Asia. The two stories that I have chosen to discuss are King Mongkut faces the Camera by John Thomson and Sultan Yusuf faces the Death and Turns Back by Hugh Clifford. John Thomson is a professional photographer who made his appearance in the second half of the nineteenth century. John Thomson (1837-1921) is a Scotsman, who arrived in Singapore in 1862 to join his brother William in the business of watchmaker and photographer. His travels brought him to Bangkok in 1865, and then went to Cambodia to take photographs of the ruins of Angkor Watt. Later he set up his business in Hong Kong and from there made trips to China to take photographs. He became a fashionable photographer in the West End of London, in later part of his life. Thomsons most reliable and outstanding writing was when he had a trip to Bangkok during the reign of King Mongkut (r.1851-68), where he photograph the palace and the king. John Thomson has talked about many cultural observations in his passage called King Mongkut Faces the Camera. Throughout his observations, Thomson has always compares the Local Culture to his own Home Culture. The Home Culture has become a kind of yardstick for his view and reasoning about the Local Culture. After Thomson was better acquainted with Krum-mun-alongkot, he was introduced to his family circle. He had, I believe, sixteen wives, although I never saw more than twelve at a time; some of these were young and pretty.1 The wives were usually engaged in embroidery. They also practiced the habit of chewing betel-nuts and smoking cigarettes. The children on the other hand were also born with cigarettes in their mouths2 According to John Thomson, he actually saw a child leaving its mothers breast for a smoke. In this observation of his, Thomson uses his Home Culture as a yardstick for the reason and view of the local culture. Therefore, he disapproves the idea of more wives, smoking cigarettes and chewing betel-nuts which cannot be found in his culture and consider that the westerns are more civilized. He even regards it as a pity by saying; I thought it a pity to see them smoking cigarettes, or chewing betel-nuts, the teeth blackened with the incrustation and their mouths disfigured with blood-red juice; they also perforce a nasty habit of spitting into golden vases which their slaves help up dutifully for the purpose.3 He regards their behavior has pity because as a member of the royal family, they are not portraying or setting a good example for others. Usually high rank monarchs set a good example to the public. On top of this, the idea of the children who were born with the cigarettes in their mouths is also considered uncivilized. Children at such a young age should not be exposed to bad habits like this. They are to be brought up in a healthy environment and thought the rightful things in life. Thomson also disapproves the way the servants were treated. They have to hold the golden vases for their mistress to spit their betel-nuts juice and crowd in their hands and knees behind their masters. Around his singular figure were grouped a number of his attendants and slaves, who crowded reverently on their hands and knees and they had also perforce a nasty habit of spitting into golden vases which their slaves help up dutifully for the purpose.4 Thomson regards the servant as Slaves because they do not have a social stand in the society. They are treated like slaves and when Thomson saw this, it came as a shock to him. Again, he finds it an uncivilized behaviour compared to his own country. I think that Thomson did not give a fair description on this matter because he is judging based on his home culture and therefore it has become a yardstick for his reason and view. He did not spend much time in Thai to observe and learn about the culture. He only comments on his observation through his short stay in Thai. He did not take the trouble to find out why they are practicing it. In other words Thomson is trying to affirm his superiority by saying the West is more civilized than the East. According to Thomsons point of view, Thai was a much modernized country. This is pictured through the observation that was done in the palace. The room in which we were received was filled with foreign machinery, scientific instruments and articles of domestic use. ..there was a telegraphic machine, backed by a statue of Buddha..There were also watch tools, turning-lathes and telescopes, guitars, tom-toms, fiddles and hand-saws; while betel-nut boxes, swords, spears, and shoe-brushes, rifles, revolvers, Windsor-soap, rat-paste, brass wire and beer bottles, were mingled in heterogeneous confusion.5 Although the Siamese have all the modern equipment with them yet they do not know how to use it or the purposes of it. They only display it to show that they too posses it. For example, in one corner there was a telegraphic machine, backed by a statue of Buddha.6 This shows that they do not know how to use a telegraphic machine and just display it like a statue of Buddha. From this passage we know that the Thai are very ignorant to the foreign instrument and Thomson feels what they really need is a practical use of knowledge. They simply accept the modernization with out knowing its practical usage. According to Thomson, the Thai monarch believes that by doing miracle to the country, the people will look up at him and he can become a very powerful person. In this point of view, Thomson has managed to give a fair and objective view of the Thai who are so ignorant in using the modern equipment. They simply display it without knowing its purpose. For example the entire room was filled with modern equipment together with betel-nut boxes, swords, spears and shoe-brushes7. This clearly shows that the Thai did not have any knowledge on the use of the equipment and they simply put it together with other unwanted or unimportant items. The idea of appropriation is due to the process of post colonial which takes over the local culture. Although Thai has never been colonilized by any foreign forces, yet it has the influence of westernization through the impact of modernization of the country by King Mongkut. Therefore the idea of appropriation has been adopted by the local people and it has a great impact in the local culture. The idea of appropriation in the Thai culture can be seen through many aspects such in the Siamese Kings English and also in the hybrid image of the Siamese Women. The idea of appropriating is to take one as its own. Therefore when the king of Thai speaks his Siamese English, we can say that he is appropriating the English. This is because, he not only mixing his own Thai language with the English but also speaks bad English. Mr Town-shun, ..Ah! you are Scotchman, and speak English I can understand; there are Englishmen here who have not understanding of their own language when I speak.8 The Siamese kings English is not only very amusing to the readers but also becomes as an dramatic irony because the king does not realize that he speaks bad English and at the same time was commenting to Thomson about his own Englishmen who could not understand their own language when he speaks. Therefore, what Thomson is trying to say is the West is appropriating the East by colonization yet here the king of Siam is appropriating the English by thinking that he speaks good English compare to the Englishmen and does not realize that his English is bad. The Siamese women who were trying to mimic the western ladies draws the attention of Thomson. The imitations of English ladies were particularly ludicrous, for while the contrast between the graceful, modest native costumes and the huge crinoline and chignon of the West, could not fail to strike every beholder.9 Thomson totally disapproves the idea of the Thai women who were trying to imitate the English women. According to him, it losses its value and draws the contras. He like the Siamese ladies to be Siam and not to mimicry the foreigners. The Siamese women dressed in western style create a hybrid image. It does not portray their culture and belongings. Therefore, the both examples that were mentioned above, Thomson has given a fair judgment and how it reflects a negative view on the Thai culture. The hair cutting ceremony or also known as coming to age ceremony is also an official ceremony carried out to the young Prince who has come to the throne. It is also known as the Tonsure or So-Kan Festival. I afterwards attended the great Tonsure Festival, or So-Kan, as the Siamese call it, when the heir-apparent, Prince Chowfa Chul-along-korn, who has since come to the throne, was deprived of the pride, pomp and circumstance of a sacred Brahminical rite.10 Thomson describes every procedure in full detail and in each he gives a full description of what was going on. He also gives a very positive and objective view of the local custom and culture which was carried out. Within the grounds of the first kings place, there is a large paved quadrangle ..known as mount Khrai-lat, and bearing a tiny shrine upon its summityoung Prince thrice around the sacred mount khrai-lat. Later two ladies, who was waiting belowbathe his feet in a silver urn. Thence he betakes himself to a temple hard by, where the top-knot is solemnly removed.11 Thomson gives a full description of the entire ceremony from the beginning to the end. He even commons by saying The entire ceremony is long and tedious and I was the only European who witnessed this important part of the Brahminical ceremony.12 In his observations on the hair cutting ceremony, Thomson has not only given a very lengthy description of the ceremony and its importance but also marks his present as a very important one. In this aspect, Thomson has list down his observation which was very unique to him. This was something new to him and he was so amused by it. He give a lengthy description about the entire observation and it gives the readers a better view of what a hair cutting ceremony is all about. Thomson was requested to company Krum-mun-alongkot a chief astronomer and the king Mongkuts royal brother. Thomson notices that he was dressed, when at home, in a light jacket, much too small to cover him and wore a band of silk around his loins. His shrunken limbs were bare and his feet encased in richly-embroidered slippers; but on other occasions, when he paid me a visit, for example, he assumed much more ample and costly attire.13 For a foreigner like Thomson, to see a monarch with Bare Limbs comes as a cultural shock. This is because the royal families in the west are very well dressed and very formal at all times. They do not choose to dress freely as they wish at home and quite formal for occasion. Therefore when Thomson saw Krum-mun-alongkot, in two different ways, it was like a kind of shock to him . Although kind and hospitable, the Prince was not a man calculated to inspire awe into his beholders.14 Indirectly, it also suggests that Thomson was affirming his superiority compare to the Thais. Therefore, he affirmers that although the Thai monarchs are kind and hospitable yet it does not give any positive impression about them compare to the westerns. In this point of view, I totally disagree with Thomson because he did not give a fair judgment. In the Asian society each country has its own traditional costume. Therefore, the Prince attire of a short jacket and silk might be their traditional costume and the Prince might be comfortable with it. Therefore, Thomson can not make his judgment comparing the Prince attire to his own monarch who dressed more formally. Hugh Clifford came much later and became a legendary figure. He had begun his colonial career at the age of seventeen. In a period of conflict between Malay resistance in Pahang and colonial expansion, he rose rapidly to the senior ranks of the government, becoming a Resident when he was under thirty five. He was then suspected to be poisoned but recovered to pursue a more prosaic middle career in other British colonies. In 1927 he realized his long cherished hope of returning to Malaya as governor. However, within a couple of years he was disabled by insanity which lasted to his death in 1941. Clifford was a prolific writer and often a powerful one. He likes to write about the Malay aristocratic and the village life of the Malay states in the late 19th century. One of his personal experiences with the local is Sultan Yusuf Faces Death and Turns Back. Hugh Clifford like wise John Thomson has talked about much cultural observation especially about the Malay aristocratic and the village life of the Malay States. His close relationship with the local monarchs is pictured in Sultan Yusuf Faces Death and Turns Back. Cliffords point of view on the cultural observations can be divided into some subtopic as well. In Cliffords passage called Sultan Yusuf Faces Death and Turns Back, the sultan of Perak called Sultan Yusuf was afflicted by a tumor of the brain, which the European doctors predicted would be fatal. However Sultan Yusuf and many of his Malay subjects, believe that his illness was the result of a curse laid upon him by Megat Pandia ( a withchdoctor).15 In the Malay society, top priorities are given to superstitious believe. In the passage of Sultan Yusuf, although the European doctors have confirmed that Sultan Yusuf is afflicted with brain tumor and predicted that he might live a day or two yet the locals did not believe it and think that his sickness is caused by a curse laid upon him by a witchdoctor called Megat Pandia due to some money problem. So, to break the spell upon Sultan Yusuf, a local medicine-man is called to perform the ceremony. So the medicine-men pattered charms and exorcisms unceasingly; and when the fits seized the King, the most daring and the most mendacious among them would cry out that he beheld the Bajang ( the Familiar One) and his horrible spouse the Lang Suir (the Weird Kite-Hag) sitting over against the body of their victim.16 After the medicine-man has performed his ceremony, the Sultan slowly regains conscious and started to live a normal life. Later, Clifford also explains that on the same day Megat Pandia was found death and the cause of his death is natural. Although we find it hard to believe of what had happen to Megat Pandia and Sultan Yusuf, yet the events that took place shows that the presents of supernatural elements are true and believable especially in the case of Sultan Yusuf. Hugh Clifford has given us of his personal observation and not his opinion. Therefore, although it is unbelievable, yet because he himself encounters it and have lived with the Malay society for many years, make us accepts his point of view which comes as a fact. According to the observation done by Clifford, the sickness of the King also became a national crisis. When the King falls sick, the people too felt the pain. According to Clifford, the people gathered around the balai where the King was laid to see, touch and feel by pressing their hand on him for the last time. Then we, who sat nearest to him, laid violent hands upon him to restrain his struggles and to shampoo his tortured limbsthey made this part of their duty serve as an occasion for touching and pressing the hands of one or another of the young Rajas whose devotion to their dying monarch.17 From the small description, Clifford has made the readers realize of how the Malay society thinks highly on the King and country. Clifford has explained to us of how they show their respect by spending their nights beside the Kings bed by shampooing him to restrain his struggles. Through this small passage, Clifford has made us realize how the locals are so loyal and faithful to their King. Through this, he has managed to give a fair and objective view of the local culture. There are also some minor aspects that Clifford has touch in the passage called Sultan Yusuf Faces Death and Turns Back. The influence of Islamic aspects is very much clear in their daily life. The locals are very much adapted to the religious terms like Ya Allah! Ya Tuhan- Ku and Lam-alif. Lam- alif here refers to a letter the wedded consonant and vowel which forms the first portion of the profession of Muhammadan faith.18 Lam-alif is a kind of holy word that often used when someone is in the sick bed. According to Clifford who has mentioned how Sultan Yusuf who was in the process of dying, confess Lam-alif At Last he said, Guru, I behold the Lam-alif!.19 This shows how the locals have adopted to the term that has become a part of their daily life and culture. Chewing betel-nuts also become a culture of the locals. Clifford has made an observation on this, when Sultan Yusufs guru smiled. The gurus smile widened till his red, betel-stained gash of a mouth extended almost from ear to ear.20 This shows how frequently they chew betel-nuts. Like wise in Siam, it is also a part of the Malay tradition to chew betel-nuts. From the above description, we can say that Clifford has observed very closely of the Malay culture and give an objective view of their practice and living style. As a result, the cultural observation done by John Thomson on King Mongkut faces the Camera and Hugh Cliffords Sultan Yusuf Faces the death and Turns Back has come out with their own perception and view. John Thomson gives his fair judgment in the things he agrees and eventually disagrees when he finds something that is contrast or that is unacceptable. For example he admires King Mongkut and the way he was dressed. I must confess that I felt much impressed by his appearance, as I had never been in the presence of an anointed sovereign before.. His dress was a robe of spotless white;I was admiring the simplicity and purity of this attire.21 Thomson being very frank by saying how he feels about certain things. In another example, when he finds the women are mimicry the western ladies, he gives a negative point of view. The imitations of English ladies were particularly ludicrous.22 Through out Thomsons observation in Siam is based on his Home Culture and therefore he agrees to certain accepts and disagrees in others. Where else in the Hugh Cliffords passage called Sultan Yusuf faces the death and Turns Back, he has given a full description of his personal observation only. Hugh Clifford did not make any commandments or give his personal opinion on his observation. His observations are mainly of what he sees. He gave two different account on the situation the leave it to the readers to judge and make their own stand between the death of the Sultan. The Europeans doctors explained that the growth of the tumor on the Kings brain had been suddenly arrested and the case was quoted as one of the unparallel interest but the Malays say that the King went near to lose his life at the hands of Megat Pendias Familiar.23 WORK CITED 1. Gullick J. M. , Adventures and Encounters Europeans in South East Asia, Oxford University Press, New York,1995. 2. Coedes G. , The Indianised States of Southest Asia, East West Center Press, Honolulu, 1968. 3. Pratt Mary Louise, Imperial Eyes, Travel Writing and Transculturation, Routledge, London, 1992. 4. Spurr David, The Rhetoric of Empire, Duke University Press, London. 1933. 5. Lecture Notes. 6. www.yahoo.com 1 Gullick J.M, Adventures and Encounters Europeans in South East Asia, Oxford University Press, New York,1995. Pg 84. 2 Ibid. Pg. 84 3 Ibid. Pg.84 4 Ibid. Pg. 82 and 84 5 Ibid. Pg. 82 and 83 6 Ibid. Pg. 82 7 Ibid. Pg. 83 8 Ibid. Pg. 84 9 Ibid. Pg. 88 10 Ibid. Pg. 87 11 Ibid. Pg. 87 and 89 12 Ibid. Pg. 89 13 Ibid. Pg. 82 14 Ibid. Pg. 82 15 Ibid. Pg. 96 and 97 16 Ibid. Pg. 100 17 Ibid. Pg. 99 18 Ibid. Pg. 102 19Ibid. Pg. 102 20 Ibid. Pg. 101 21 Ibid. Pg. 85 22 Ibid. Pg. 88 23 Ibid. Pg. 105