Singapore the Way to a Global City Essay Example

Singapore the Way to a Global City Essay PREFACE Anyone who had a chance to witness a Singapore of the 1950s-the British’s colonial port and a prosperous Singapore nowadays has to admire the rise of Singaporean as well as the wise leadership of the government. There is no doubt that the city-state of Singapore represents a remarkable success story that has placed the country among the developed nations. After its independence in the mid-1960s, Singapore had no more than a deep port. There are no fresh water, no hinterland; all nation’s area just limits in 700 square kilometer. The question made in everyone’s mind was how Singapore could survive with such obstacles after the British’s withdrawal rather than how Singapore could develop to become one of the top-class economies. In contrast of everyone’s thought, Singapore has swiftly moved ahead of all neighbouring countries in almost all fields, turning itself into Asia’s second-richest country in term of per capita income. How has Singapore done to attain such remarkable achivements? What will Singapore have to do to cope with emerging giants such as China, India? It is the content of this essay: SINGAPORE -THE WAY TO THE GLOBAL CITY. We will write a custom essay sample on Singapore the Way to a Global City specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Singapore the Way to a Global City specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Singapore the Way to a Global City specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer In this essay, it is inevitable to have some mistakes. Therefore, I hope you will excuse them and contribute to make the essay better. I/. Singapore’s history and periods of development: The modern Singaopore’s history began in 1819 when Englishman Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles established a British port on the island and Singapore proved to be a prized settlement. By 1820, it was earning revenue, and three years later, its trade surpassed that of Penang. Singapore, together with Malacca and Penang, the two British settlements in the Malay Peninsula, became the Straits Settlements in 1826, under the control of British India. With the advent of the steamship in the mid-1 860s and the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Singapore became a major port of call for ships plying between Europe and East Asia. This led to the prosperity of Singapore until Japanese occupation, starting on Frebruary 1942 and lasting for three years and a half. The British forces returned in September 1945. At that time the people, especially the merchant class, clamored for a say in the government. Hence, Singapore’s first election was held on 20 March 1948. Upon the basis of a new constitution that gave Singapore a greater measure of self-government, the 1955 election was the first lively political contest in Singapore’s history. Self-government was attained in 1959 when Singapore’s first general election was held and Lee Kuan Yew became Singapore’s first Prime Minister. In 1963, Singapore was formally merged with Malaysia for the purpose of benefiting the economy by creating a common free market, eliminating trade tariffs, and solving unemployment woes and Singapore’s security would also be safeguarded within the much larger Malaysia. However, the merger proved to be short-lived. Singapore was separated from the rest of Malaysia on 9 August 1965, and became a sovereign, democratic and independent nation. Thereafter, Singapore commenced the struggle to survive, prosper on its own and create a sense of national identity and consciousness among a disparate population of immigrants. Singapore entered the 1970s as a politically stable state with a high rate of economic growth. On 28 November 1990, a new chapter opened in Singapore’s modern history Goh Chok Tong became the second Prime Minster of Singapore after the resignation of Lee Kuan Yew. In 2004, Lee Hsien Loong , the eldest son of Lee Kuan Yew, became the third Prime Minister of Singapore and has been giving innovative policies to make Singapore become a global city. II/. Singapore’s achievements: When Singapore gained independence in 1965, its leaders cried rather than cheered. The idea that a small island city-state of two million people with no hinterland could survive in what was then a difficult and troubled region seemed manifestly absurd. Nevertheless, by its own effort, Singapore has been from the Third World to the First. 1/. Economy: Singapore’s economy has grown by more than 7 percent annum since 1965, leading to a per-capita income of US$29,610, ranking the ninth in the world. It now has the most efficient port, airport, airline and civil service in the world. Along with Hong Kong, South Korea, and Taiwan, Singapore is one of the Four Asian Tigers. The economy depends heavily on exports refining imported goods, especially in manufacturing. Manufacturing industry which is well-diversified into electronics, petroleum refining, chemicals, mechanical engineering and biomedical sciences constituted 26 percent of Singapore’s GDP in 2005. It also has the third largest oil refining. In 2006, Singapore produced about 10 percent of the worlds foundry wafer output. Singapore now is the worlds fourth largest foreign exchange trading centre after London, New York city and Tokyo. Its total trade is three times the size of its GNP. 2/. Society: In the process of developing economy, Singapore has also concentrated on the conservation of environment in order to become the cleanest country in the world. Singapore has been well-known to have the best living conditions, expressing on some fields: Health: Singapore has one of the best healthcare systems in the world with the assistance of Medisave, Medishield, Medifund. That explains the fact that the population has become healthier each year. Infant mortality rates have fallen from 26. 3 per 1000 live births in 1965 to 3. 2 per 1000 today. Life expectancy is also rising. Education: Singapore has the highest literacy rate in the world. Education is neither totally free nor compulsory, but today 90 percent of the population will complete at least 10 years of education; 20 percent will complete university; 40 percent will complete polytechnic training, and 30 percent will complete vocational training. Housing: Shelter is also plentiful. 90 percent of the population lives in high-rise public housing that occupies only one-sixth of the island. The average dwelling space per family is above the global average. Virtually all Singaporeans live in homes they own because of a compulsory savings program, the Central Provident Fund (CPF). Multi-racial harmony: Singapore includes Chinese, Malays, Indians. Despite difficulties from the variety of ethnic groups and religions, Singapore has been successful with the policies of multi-racial harmony. Therefore, Singapore has been developing stably with four official languages (Mandarin, Malay, Tamil and English). III. Lee Kuan Yew’s contribution to Singapore’s succes s: Singapore nowadays has totally changed its look from the image of a country with poverty and corruption of 1950s. In contrast to todays prosperity, during the 1950s, Singapore was merely one of the many colonial ports of the British Empire, with fewer than 1. million people. In 1959, Singapores GDP per capita was only $400. How could this small island develop into a splendid city and a flourishing country from a poor village-like port 50 years ago? There are many factors contributing to Singapore’s success, in which Lee Kuan Yew (Prime Minister from 1959-1990) played a crucial role. In the limit of this essay, I just would like to emphasize the role of Lee Kuan Yew in Singapore’s development. The success of Singapore is mostly due to the talented leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, who is the architect of many sound policies in many fields helping raise the Singapore’s economy. When elected to become the Prime Minister in 1959, Lee Kuan Yew gained the autonomy for Singapore from the British in all state matters except in defence and foreign affairs. Singapore even is more resource-poor than Japan. It has almost no natural resources aside from its deep-water port. Only 4% of the total area is arable land. In order to gain the control of defence and foreign policy and benefit the economy, Lee Kuan Yew forced to merge Singapore into Malaya, which with the mergence of Sabah and Sarawak became Malaysia in 1963. However, just two years later, in 1965, Lee Kuan Yew had to proclaim the seperation of Singapore from Malaysia and began to lead an independent Singapore with numerous difficulties ahead. Lee Kuan Yew had three main concerns – national security, the economy, and social issues – during his post-independence administration. 1/. National security: Recognizing the vulnerability of Singapore from outside threats, he quickly sought international recognition of Singapores independence as Singapore gained admission to the United Nations on 21 September 1965. He also declared a policy of neutrality and non-alignment, following Switzerland’s model. At the same time, he assigned Goh Keng Swee with the task of building the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and requested help from other countries for advice, training and facilities. Singapore later co-founded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on 8 August 1967 and was admitted into the Non-Aligned Movement in 1970. 2/. Economic issues: Having almost no natural resources except for the deep port, Lee Kuan Yew supposed that Singapore had no choice but joining the international trade and commerce. He believed that creating and sustain a free and open economy is an efficient way for Singapore to develop. In the 1960s, Singapore was still very poor with high unemployment rate, especially after the British’s withdrawal. He tried to attract foreign investment as much as possible, encouraged the growth of private enterprises and avoided any subsidy. The government has adopted an open-door policy and welcomes foreign investment as well as foreign expertise. Singapore’s free-enterprise spirit extends to its relations with foreign investors. An open business environment has evolved in Singapore, evidenced by the size of the countrys external trade which is in fact about three times that of the domestic GDP. A free trade policy ensures that there are minimal restrictions on the import and export of goods. Therefore, almost all commodities, and consumer and industrial items enter and leave the country free from duty charges. Singapore provides international businesses with a total operating capability in a conducive business and free trade environment. In order for policies to be implemented effectively, apparatus of government is very important. None better than him, he was aware that Singapore was only able to grow when it has a pure, dedicated and talented government. Lee Kuan Yew built and ran a totally corruption-free regime by setting an example of exemplary virtues himself. Civil servants are chosen from top of the most excellent students of universities. In first days after independence, Singapore was still very poor. How could the corruption which was soaked into the government since the British colonial time be crossed out? Lee Kuan Yew then, in one hand, inspired civil servants the strong work ethic; in the other hand, he built a strict and close framework of legislation. After the economy overcame some obstacles in the first stage, Singapore’s civil servants were paid handsome salaries so that they remained free from temptations. Lee Kuan Yew made it clear to them that his administration would have zero tolerance for sleaze of any kind. It was not unsual for a foreign entrepreneur wanting to set up a manufacturing facility to get all the approvals from a single officer. In 2001, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Lee’s successors, decided to raise the salary budget for overnment employees from $28 million to $34 million, while Singapore’s public service is regularly rated as one of the most efficient and competent in the world. How did he justify this increase? â€Å"Judge my government by its results, the quality of political leadership is all important, that is fair to make this increase, given the ministers’ huge responsibilities and impact on people’s lives†, he said. The countrys sound government policies hav e enabled Singapore to rank as Asias most stable country. The Singapore government encourages businesses to thrive by keeping red-tape to a minimum. It also has a reputation for being responsive to changes and is willing to adapt quickly to new and unforeseen circumstances by altering its outlook and modifying its policies. The government encourages private sector initiative. Government agencies with regulatory functions have close rapport with the private sector; major policies affecting the business community are often adopted only after consultation with major trade and business bodies. To a small, no natural resources island like Singapore, human resource is the most valuable. Since the first days, Lee Kuan Yew has put education as one of the most important national strategies. Its main objective was to ensure that every child had a place in school. Lee realized early on that English is the future of international commerce, which is what Singapore is all about and students lacking English command are hard to find a good job. Thus, English, with three other languages have become official languages in Singapore. Since then, English has been forced to use in teaching and learning. Top students with exceptional bilingual (Chinese and English) abilities from the national primary school leaving examinations were given options to study in specialized secondary schools to develop these capabilities further. On the whole, the edu ¬cation system is based on the economy’s needs. In the 1960s, Singapore’s infrastructure was weak and deficient. Lee used military infrastruture for the civil purpose. Simultaneously, to develop the unique advantage of Singapore, Lee tried to attract foreign investment to improve the infrastructure. Singapore nowadays has become the busiest port in the world and become the international trade connection due to its worldwide sea and air links, modern port and airport facilities, sophisticated telecommunications network, and comprehensive land transport system. /. Social issues: Singapore is a very small island but there are three ethnic groups on it. Therefore, one of the main concerns of Lee Kuan Yew is that how to harmonize these ethnic groups in order for them to direct toward the common benefit of the country. The first thing Lee did was making Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, along with English to become official languages, despite the fact that almos t 80% Singaporeans are ethnic Chinese, only about 14% Singaporeans are Malays and 7% are Indians. Lee introduced the teaching of three languages, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil, in English schools. To balance this, he introduced the teaching of English in Chinese, Malay and Tamil schools. Lee Kuan Yew stated publicly that all four major languages in Singapore were official and equal. Thus the Chinese language and culture did not dominate the landscape of Singaporeans social life despite the overwhelming proportion of the Chinese in the total population. Without any natural sources of water like freshwater rivers and lakes, the primary domestic source of water in Singapore is rainfall, collected in reservoirs or water catchment areas. The country also imports a large amount of water from Malaysia, which means that Singapore depends on Malaysia’s water supply. In order to stabilize Malaysia’s water supply, Lee Kuan Yew gave a request for Malaysias guarantee of water supply to Singapore as part of the 1965 Agreement of Separation, which was later deposited in the United Nations. Singapore also relied on the fact that the Straits of Malacca had been international waters for centuries. If any of these were breached, Singapore could go to the UN Security Council. In addition, the authorities also launched a unique process of producing ‘ultra-clean water called NEWater. The lack of good public housing, poor sanitation, and high unemployment led to social problems from crime to health issues. The Housing Development Board (HDB) set up before independence continued to be largely successful and huge building projects were given to provide affordable public housing. Within a decade, the majority of the population had been housed in these apartments. The Central Provident Fund (CPF) Housing Scheme, introduced in 1968, allows residents to use their compulsory savings account to purchase HDB flats and gradually increases home ownership in Singapore. The story on the environment front is also worth studying. Determining the economic growth as a national strategy, simultaneously, Lee Kuan Yew also stressed on the necessity of a green nature in the way to substantial development. With careful land planning, only 49 percent of the island is used for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. Hence, half the island consists of forest reserves, water catchment areas, marshes and other non-built-up areas. It is a green island, even though the World Bank classifies the population as one hundred percent urbanized†. Singapore nowadays, which is the cleanest city in the world, really becomes the paradise of rest and treatment. IV/. Vision to the future: With the unique advantage of strategic location, stable government, competitive workforce, forward-looking economic policies and a pro-business environment, Singapore is not only a convenient link between East and West, but also offers easy access to Asia Pacific’s dynamic market of over 2. 8 billion people. With its rich multicultural heritage, Singapore combines a truly cosmopolitan ambience with classic Asian hospitality. Clean and green surroundings, a low crime rate, affordable housing, and outstanding visitor attractions are just some of the factors that make working and living in Singapore a pleasure. For such those, Singapore deserves to become a global city. In the last period of development, Singapore has been successful in learning from other countries’ experience. However, with the status of one of the top-class economies, from now there is no more experience lesson for Singapore to learn. It will have to find out its own way and be ready to accept falure if any. In a recent research of author Mansour Javidan on the Havard business magazine about future-oriented culture, Singapore has the strongest future-oriented culture, the following are Switzerland, Holland and Malaysia. Since the 1990s, Singapore has given programs to prepare for meeting challenges and opportunities in the 21st century, such as: Public service 21, Industry 21, Human resource 21, the Scheme 21 for building global city- the best house, the plan of developing national technology and science†¦ In the 1990s and this 21st century, we are witnessing the rise of China and India in many fields: economy, military affairs, technology†¦, which has negatively affected Singapore’s position as a leading attracter of foreign investments and a prominent Asian manufacturer and exporter. With their varied natural resources, low labour costs, varying business opportunities and tempting incentives, the two Asian giants have left little for Singapore to do. Realizing this reality, Singapore has been developing a new role for itself in the current millennium. This includes acting as a bridge between China and India on the one hand, and as a bridge between two these countries and other countries in the West and Southeast Asia on the other. Lee Kuan Yew, who strongly supports such a role, had urged Singaporean firms as early as the 1970s to strongly establish themselves in China, so they could successfully compete with other foreign investors and control maximum business opportunities. In line with its new role, Singapore decided to develop manufacturing in favour of higher-value added activities. It emphasized the need to shift to a knowledge-based economy where fine education and training and specific services needed in China, India, and other emerging powers would be available. The government’s strategy in recent years to attract more foreign students and trainees and to have institutions that can train them in certain specialized areas for careers in government and first-class private companies must be viewed in this regard. For such orientation and preparation for future, it can be sure that this city-state, based on strong rule of law, Western economic and managerial practices, effective corruption- free admininstration and top-class infrastructure, can meet the challenge and present the world with another success story with the global city status. CONCLUSION The success story of Singapore has been so well-known that many countries in the Third World have considered Singapore as a model to strive. Under the leadership of Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore had remarkable achievements in all aspects: economy, social life, national identity, education, science and technology†¦ The face of Singapore has totally changed compared with that in 1950s. The policy that has brought success for Singapore are: Sustain a free and open economy, avoid any subsidy, set up uncorruption administration, elcome foreign investment. Due to sound policies of government, Singapore has used very well its unique advantage to develop it to the busiest port in the world and Singapore has become the gateway to Asia. Besides, the key to Singapore’s economic success has come from the free trade. Free trade has given Singapore many business opportunities and made Singapore become the strategic link between the West and the East. In order to meet forwarding challenges in a more and more competitive world, Singapore has proposed many forward-looking missions, in which has attached special importance to training future human resource. Being a vibrant, dynamic city state with one of the highest standards of living in the world, a key regional trading center and the world’s busiest port, Singapore deserves to be a global city. It is also sure that successors will keep Lee Kuan Yew’s principles, which have being made Singapore an uncorrupt and meritocracy based society, to maintain Singapore as a global city.

Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities

Colleges for Students with Learning Disabilities Finding the right college or university is a challenging task for every student, but for those students with learning disabilities, the additional considerations that go into choosing the right school can make it even more overwhelming for them and their families. For those students who have had a 504 or IEP plan during high school, there are colleges and universities that have programs that can be helpful - and in many cases, essential - to the their success in school. For students who need extra support during college, there are schools that offer a variety of programs that include everything from one-on-one counseling to study groups. Finding the program that fits your students needs, along with a college environment that will keep him happy and motivated, can take a lot of thought and investigation. Parents must be a part of the decision making process.   Having a 504 or IEP plan in place is, for the most part, essential for admission to these programs. If your child does not have one, its important to get that done when he begins high school to facilitate the accommodations he will need in college.   Especially important for students with disabilities is becoming their own best advocate. Speaking up, informing professors and teaching assistants of their accommodations, utilizing the services available to them, and communicating with those who are in a position to assist and guide them will help them to successfully navigate the sometimes complicated college experience. When visiting prospective schools, be sure to spend some time at the center where those with learning disabilities can get support. If possible, set up a meeting with both a staff member and a student to get an idea about how the center operates, what the benefits are and whether the environment will be a good fit for your child. Some programs are very hands-on and require accountability from the student, while others are more of a drop-in kind of program. For learning disabled students, the support system offered at a school should be the top priority when choosing where to apply and attend college. While a good football team or nice dorms may seem like top considerations to your student, its essential that he understand that the emotional and academic support available to him are what will make or break his college career.   Schools with learning disabilities support programs   LARGE SCHOOLSLarge schools offer the traditional big campus experience, which can be overwhelming for students with learning disabilities. Utilizing support programs can greatly increase the likelihood that a student will manage his academics while enjoying campus life. American University - Washington DCAcademic Support and Access Center (ASAC)Application requiredFee: $4500 per year Northeastern University - Boston, MALearning Disabilities Program (LDP)Application RequiredFee: $2750 per semesterScholarship available Rochester Institute of Technology - Rochester, NYAcademic Support CenterOpen enrollment for any RIT studentFee: Weekly University of Arizona - Tucson, AZStrategic Alternative Learning Techniques (SALT) CenterApplication requiredFee: $2800 per semester - lower division students (tutoring included)  Ã‚           $1200 per semester - upper division students (tutoring $21 per hour)  Ã‚           $1350 per 3 months - life coaching for ADD/ADHD students (optional)Scholarships available SMALL SCHOOLS Small schools give students the sense of intimacy and belonging that can be a challenge to find at a larger school. Curry College - Milton, MAProgram for Advancement of Learning (PAL)Application RequiredFee: Course-based fee, varies by topicScholarships available Fairleigh Dickinson University - Teaneck, NJRegional Center for Learning DisabilitiesApplication RequiredNo fee - free to any student at Fairleigh DickinsonMarist College - Poughkeepsie, NYLearning Disabilities Support ProgramPrimarily for freshman studentsFee for learning specialists only SCHOOLS EXCLUSIVELY FOR STUDENTS WITH LEARNING DISABILITIES Beacon College - Leesburg, FLAdmissions requirementsFees: May qualify for medical tax deduction Landmark College - Putney, VTAdmissions requirementsFees: May qualify for medical tax deduction   Scholarships for students with learning disabilities BMO Capital Markets Lime Connect Equity Through Education Scholarship for Students with Disabilities$10,000 for U.S. students$5,000 for Canadian studentsGoogle Lime Scholarship: for learning disabled students studying computer science$10,000 for U.S students$5,000 for Canadian studentsRise Scholarship for students with learning disabilities$2,500  For a comprehensive list of scholarships and financial assistance programs targeting students with a variety of physical and learning disabilities, visit this website. For more information about additional scholarship opportunities and financial aid for learning disabled students, visit this website. Want to stay up to date on the latest news for families with college kids and 20somethings? Sign up for the free  Parenting Young Adults today!

PhD Thesis Writing

PhD Thesis Writing PhD Thesis Writing PhD Thesis Writing: The Way to Ease Your Job Some students set the precise objects during the education course in the university. The majority of students prefer to graduate successfully and obtain the solid and well-paid job position in the future. It is absolutely normal, but the role of universities could be underestimated. For instance, to prepare the perspective and competent researcher the students have to write the appropriate PhD thesis. For the university it would be a good chance to check the skills of student, his/her predisposition to qualitative and objective research, and his/her ability to conduct the solid research work independently. PhD thesis is a serious, probably, decisive work for the student who intend to build the career of successful researcher. PhD Thesis: Preparation and Key Factors. PhD thesis is a type of work that requires a competence and deep understanding of the subject. The good and thorough preparation will put basis for possible success. Firs t of all, as a researcher, you have to select to area of research try to choose the most appropriate sphere, where you could unlock your analyzing potential. Do not underestimate the option of good adviser the responsible adviser can give some tips and necessary recommendation. Think about possible sources of information beforehand. Make a PhD thesis outline and define the PhD thesis proposals. It will be your detailed plan of actions. When the stage of preparation is over, we get into the next level. PhD Thesis: Tips For the Working Process Here we can mark out the following points:During your work under PhD thesis use general knowledge and the questions you are going to answer. Carefully think about the answers, remember about the regular technical progress in our life, back your words with a facts and real arguments. Do not forget about the thesis proposals and follow only by the points of your plan; point the importance of your researchs purpose; Use the approved informational sources, scientific conferences, highly-rated scientific books; When you are writing, do not forget to defense your information. Sometimes, it is useful to include the general comments of some scientific authorities; Show the reader that you approve and exploit your knowledge in practice; Do not go too far in your description speak laconically and logically. Do not be afraid to show your wide thinking, but stay away from the areas that have indirect sense in relation to your topic. Of course, you must seriously look at this task: prove you are diligent and responsible person, be argumentative and follow the instructions. Good luck, folks!

Was Geoffrey Chaucer Machiavellian Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Was Geoffrey Chaucer Machiavellian - Essay Example In this respect, they have greatly influenced leadership models that have been adopted through time. Emergent philosophers have also borrowed heavily from the insights that were initially put forth by this philosopher. Perhaps the most pronounced in this regard was Geoffrey Chaucer. Notably, his life was greatly influenced by the Machiavellian principle. It is against this background that this paper provides an explicit review of how Chaucer exhibited Machiavellianism. To enhance coherence, it begins by underscoring the principles of this philosophy. Basically, Machiavellian principle places great emphasis on the concept of governance. In particular, it addresses the notion of idealism and suggests informative ways through which the government of a given population can operate with utmost ease. In detail, this philosophy advocates for a type of leadership that is manipulative, objective and overly dictatorial. The chief proponent of this philosophy proposes that any mode of governanc e needs to be augmented by the services of a strong army. He posits that this offers a strong basement upon which a strong state can be established. With respect to virtuous living, Machiavelli believes that no leader can be virtuous enough to satisfy the expectations of all his subjects (Pearsall 59). Nonetheless, leaders need to strive towards attaining virtuous living in order to maintain credible performance and safeguard their reputation. A review of Chaucer’s life, works and general philosophy indicates that he is Machiavellian. He borrows heavily from the preceding principles and seemingly, these inform his decisions, career, education, social life and general way of life. In his biographical review, Pearsall indicates that Chaucer came from a well to do economic background (Pearsall 61). Probably, his father was one of the richest merchants in the region. This enabled him to attend good schools and gain quality education from a very tender age. From this point of view , his background was already grounded on the Machiavellian propositions regarding a strong army. Strength in this regard can be defined in terms of knowledge, strength and expertise. His strong education implies that Machiavellianism greatly influenced his decisions from the very initial stages of his life. In 1357, he enrolled in the house of Elizabeth to perform court responsibilities. Historical evidence indicates that persons from the middle class faction were mostly placed in these positions in order to familiarize themselves with the duties of the royalty. After two years, Chaucer was recruited to serve in the army under the leadership of Edward III. Although he was captured during the offensive at Reims, he was ransomed later on. Then, he was given a chance to serve in diplomatic missions and effectively represented the government abroad. At this point, it is worth appreciating that his career life revolved around serving in governance and in the arm. From their point of view , Chaucer and Larry ascertain that elative decisions were informed by the need to remain assertive in the society (Chaucer and Larry 71). Typically, the roles of the army tend to involve violence and fighting. Cruelty and objectivity are notions that are intrinsic to the values and attitudes that are assumed by the army men. From this consideration, it is certain that Chaucer’s career related decisions were greatly influenced

International terrorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

International terrorism - Essay Example There is no simple reason why the people choose to join a jihad movement. According to Venhaus (2010), Al-Qaeda preys on the potential recruit’s self-definition dilemma to turn them into violent individuals. Nevertheless, the motivation to join the group is always specific to that individual since each one has to have something he seeks to fulfill in life. There are those that seek revenge and believe that jihad is a way out for their frustrations in life. Those that are looking for status enlist into the movement as a means for recognition. There are still some individuals who join Al-Qaeda as a way of searching for their identity. Furthermore, some see enlisting as an adventurous endeavor that can be thrilling to them. These factors added to the hard-line stance of non-compromising ideologies of the terror group (Aaron, 2008) make the reasons youth join jihadist movements a complex one. Venhaus (2010) gives five misconceptions that people have concerning Al-Qaeda recruits, the first mistaken belief that Venhaus dispels is that the recruits are crazy. The author argues that such recruits are in control of their mental faculties although anyone who is not familiar with the workings of such movements would think otherwise. This school of thought concurs with Sageman (2008) assertion that persons with antisocial disorders cannot to be relied on and are prone to compromising the security of an underground group like al-Qaeda. Such individual cannot be tolerated in the organization and are throw out or some choose to leave on their own violation when they realize that the spirit of suicide terrorism is a readiness one has to have to give up for the greater good. Further, hardship it takes to trace information and training added to the organizational demand for secrecy as applied to its vetting would not accommodate a member with unstable mind. In her article, Curcios (2005) notes actual reasons the recruits

Pollution Essay: Responsibility of a Biological Superpower

Responsibility of a Biological Superpower Humanity has always been on a philosophical quest of self-exploration; we seek to define our place in the universe distinct from and yet intricately tied with the nature which bore us. Our relationship with nature, whether we are a gifted child, a final product, or an unrelated superpower, will guide our actions towards nature in all our environmental and psychological pursuits. With unprecedented free reign over other forms of life, the consequences of our actions are vitally significant to more than our own existence. As the only true biological superpower on mother earth, we must decide how to define our roles and how we will exercise our powers -- all life awaits the end of our deliberation. This is most certainly not to say we are beyond the reach of nature. Anyone observing the full force of mindless nature could attest to its fury. A fisherman caught in a storm or mountaineer spotting lightning and counting the seconds would take little comfort in our superiority. Similarly, we are not beyond the grasps of the food chain; many hunters abound from simple, witless swarms of leeches to great stalkers in the jungle. Humans, despite all our clever isolation, are certainly made of flesh that any carnivore is capable of appreciating. Despite these obvious limitations in our achievements -- society can hardly eradicate leeches, yet -- we have experienced a massive growth in influence. Native Americans were excellent hunters, but were no more unbalancing than nature's own pack hunters -- often they even used similar tactics. The land adapts, and thus an equilibrium was reached until Europeans showed up with drastic leaps in technology. Where before humans were arguably a natural... ...forethought can save resources and our sense of morality. Though nature does not lead debates on how best to juggle energy and morality, we can and, if we are to decide nature's fate, we should. We are nature's child, a final product of evolution, and we have now separated ourselves from the natural world; nature is in the hands of a rebellious superpower of its own making. Works Cited Crystal, Charlotte. "Biomedical Engineering Student Invents Mechanical Leech". U. Va News Services 23 Oct. 2002. 14 Dec. 2000 Pollan, Michael. "The Idea of a Garden." Reading the Environment. Ed. Melissa Walker New York: Norton, 1994, 191-201. Silko, Leslie Marmon. "Landscape, History, and the Pueblo Imagination." Halpern, Daniel and Dan Frank, eds. The Nature Reader. Hopewell, NJ: Ecco, 1996.

Caribbean Poetry

Caribbean Voices : Living a Double life / Dual Identities. Caribbean Poetry is the expression of the constant dualistic nature of the Caribbean identity. Caribbean Poetry exemplifies a unique hybrid made from the voice of the Caribbean experience and its postcolonial English heritage but this creates an inner crisis. The inner crisis of two conflicting cultures that create further conflicting ideas of home and belonging on one hand and growth and fulfilment on the other. But it is also about the resolving of these inner issues. A life in limbo. Searching for identity in Limbo.The Carribean Voice is spoken through the Poetry of the Caribbean islands. The answer to the identity crisis can be found amongst the poetry. It’s hybridity, uniqueness and resilience are all characteristics of the poetry and therefore the poet. What does the poetry reveal about the problems of post colonial identity, including the relationships between personal identity and cultural identity and such iss ues as double consciousness and hybridity. Looking at the difficulties inherent in the postcolonial subject's attempt to formulate a new personal and national identity.Social and cultural oppression are the effects of colonialism. The aftermath, language and culture. Hybridization and double consciousness are the effects of colonization. Homelessness and exile. Living in a state of limbo. Caught between two cultures. Introduction: Living in Limbo The poetry not only addresses the issues of the Caribbean people but over time has developed into something much more. It has become philosophical and wise and this is down to its cultural experiences. The Caribbean offers us literature about the process of growth through, or in spite of, a history of exploitation and prejudice, about the turning of negatives into positives.. ’ (Burnett, 1986, Pg23) Chapter one: Home, Hybridity and Diasporic Existence – look at what the poetry tells us about the writers sense of home, national identity, cultural identity. The social and cultural oppression they faced. Chapter two: The power of Language – what does the language in the poem tell us about the identity of the poet, liberating or oppressive, close reading of the poetry.Chapter three: The future of the post colonial subject/ the aftermath of colonialism – is the identity of postcolonial subject destined to be uncertain, identity being cultural or personal? Double consciousness exile and homelessness . Taking of different cultural influences and making them whole. Poetry is a way of breaking through/ deconstructing the colonization and forming new senses of identity that is a combination of all the cultures. Taking the bits you prefer or the best bits and forming something much better out of it. Way to combat is to embrace the differences and create new forms of identity.Introduction Poetry from the Caribbean Islands has evolved remarkably. It has now developed an identity of its own despite emerg ing through the forced combining of different cultures. This new identity is belonging to the poets of the islands and this identity is resilient and clearly uniquely Caribbean. Through colonial education writers were able to take the Great Tradition of European poets and give them a new identity by changing the subject matter of the poems and experimenting with rhythms and poetic languages stemmed from the African heritage these writers uniquely possess.It becomes a magical combination of poetic prose and oral tradition that the writers use to share with the reader the experiences and realities of the Caribbean existence. What results is poetry that is able to communicate to masses of people, from different cultures, in a form so well placed that it becomes both simple and profound. The poetry not only addresses the issues of the Caribbean people but over time has developed into something much more. It has become philosophical and wise and this is down to its cultural experiences. The Caribbean offers us literature about the process of growth through, or in spite of, a history of exploitation and prejudice, about the turning of negatives into positives.. ’ (Burnett, 1986, Pg23) The poetry of these writers has a way of shedding the old skin of western thinking and emerging with a new self awareness, that comes with a new form of self expression. Carribbean poets portray via their poetry, the personal struggles they experience, of yearning to be home whilst fearing rejection and seeking their own national and cultural identity through their own displacement.Chapter Two: Language and Technique within Caribbean Poety: ‘Not Just a Pretty Verse’ Walcott’s poetry is of a high literary quality, is the success of his poetry not an example of the oppressor still containing the power of approval. Walcott represents the colonial subject adopting the style of the colonizer and his remarkable talent becomes impossible to ignore. Brathwaiteâ€℠¢s poetry rebels against Standard English and literary traditions and draws from his African heritage to express himself in a unique form, so that it cannot be compared or approved of by English traditions.Where Walcott adopts and accepts the example set by the European colonizers, Brathwaite is determined to set a new example. There is evidence of a dual identity within Caribbean poetry and it is this dual identity that supplies the poetry its richness and depth that make it uniquely Caribbean thus making it successful in terms of literary value and technique in its own right. This is evidently apparent in the works of Derek Walcott and Edward Brathwaite. Both poets utilise their colonial heritage in different ways.Walcott embraces the duality with some apprehension, but always remains graceful and loyal to his art form's indignity, he writes with dignity and recognition. Brathwaite however is the more accessible poet of the two in terms of his focus in all things historical and so cial. Brathwaite is concerned with the dilemmas of the Caribbean experience. However in spite of their differences, when viewed complimentary to each other, as opposed to compared and critiqued on their differences alone, the works of these two poets amalgamate and create a unique Caribbean voice.A voice that expresses the beauty in this new art form, a new mode of poetic expression and poetic language whilst dealing with the problems of a dual identity. The advantage of the colonial subject’s cultural hybridity would arguably be the development of language. A Caribbean writer is not only able to use Standard English to express his art but can as easily slip into the local vernacular of his native home. This invaluable skill of a multiple form of expression creates a very distinctive style and a unique elegance to the poetry.The Caribbean writer inherits the English language, which itself is a hybrid, not forgetting the Spanish or the French-based ‘patois’, and t ogether these European languages are combined and rewritten by the Caribbean poets. This gives the writers of the Caribbean a chance to develop and adapt language even further and create a new form and create a brand new poetic language which results in a unique richness that can only come from the Caribbean. Caribbean poetry can often be categorised and placed into neat sections.By sectioning off the poems in terms of their style is to ignore the importance of the embracing of their hybridity. To fully appreciate the work of the poets is to ignore the neat piles they have been placed into and listen to the voice of the poet, on an individual poem basis. To discuss the language within Caribbean poetry and the expression of Caribbean poetry it is impossible to ignore the term ‘oral tradition’. The use of this term, or more particularly the debates surrounding its literary value, is a frequently discussed topic in the study of Caribbean poetry. It is only since the 1970s that the term ‘oral tradition’ began to be consistently used in connection with the certain developments in West Indian poetry. ’ (Brown, Morris, Rohlehr, 1989, Pg1) There has always been an issue of the viability of this poetry and this leads to debates with regards to class and power. Societies have not always relied on the written to preserve their history and therefore the importance of oral tradition is crucial when trying to grasp any kind of understanding of the culture and heritage of the Caribbean.For the purpose of this essay the term ‘oral tradition’ will be used in conjunction with the words vernacular and dialect, to describe the native dialect of the poets, as and when they choose to use these forms of expression. It is the hybridity of these forms combined with the literary traditions that they are so often compared to, that will be the focus of this essay, and the benefit of its hybrid nature, not the political factors that are involv ed in its validity as an expression of poetry. Focussing on the hybridity of poetic form for now, the poet that excels in this manner is Claude Mckay.McKay’s poem’s formal style shows a clear influence of the traditional English verse, the style of the sonnet. McKay’s appreciation of literary quality is obvious. The rewriting of the sonnet to express the heartbreak of prejudice is arresting and completely enraptures its audience, ‘McKay pours old wine – brilliantly – into new bottles. ’ (Denize, Newlin, 2009, Pg100) What is remarkable about McKay is how he uses the famous verse established by his oppressors to express and communicate the sorrow of prejudice.McKay appreciates the art of poetry in a traditional literary sense yet he uses it to express the realities and emotions of subjects that are personal to him, issues of race and oppression. What is also unique about McKays sonnets is that anger and frustration runs through the poems , parallel with dignity and bravery. This combination of emotions is powerful and inspiring. The combination is achieved through a mixture of technique and chosen language.In ‘The White House’ the first two lines use the cacophonic sounds of the consonants ‘t’ and ‘s’ to portray a frustration and annoyance with the situation. ‘Your door is shut against my tightened face, And I am sharp as steel discontent;’ The cacophony effect replicates a tut sound. The next two lines however are less aggressive in tone as McKay describes his dignity despite his frustration, ‘But I possess the courage and the grace To bear my anger, proudly and unbent. ’ Traditional and vernacular style of Louise Bennett. Her authentic Carribean voice, storyteller.Humour and satire within the poetry of Louise Bennett. Brathwaite revolutionary style, experimented with rhyming patterns and shapes. It appears incomplete and as though the form has not be en established, but the poetry possesses an authority that demands the attention of the reader. Caribbean poerty written in the English language should ponly serve to strengthen a sense of identity by proving that Caribbean ideas can survive translation. There is an undeniable strength and tenacity evident in Caribbean poetry. Chapter Three : What the future holds†¦ the aftermathLinton Kwesi Johnson, younger in Jamaican heritage, Johnson would become more accessible to the Black British youth. Use of music to express his poetry. Evolved from Brathwaite’s rthymitic style. ‘to think of the world you might inherit, less in terms of the size of the estate than in the level of pollution that hangs over it’ (Markham, 1989, Pg19) A formally colonized nation can use language as an aid to progression on the path to reclaiming and recreating its own identity. Poetry is a means of negioting the conflicting cultures to achieve a positive sense of identity.Colonial educa tion should be used as a means by which to strengthen not demean your cultural heritage; a means to forge a new identity of your own. The Sonnet Tradition and Claude McKay Donna E. M. Denize and Louisa Newlin The English Journal  , Vol. 99, No. 1 (Sep. , 2009), pp. 99-105 Published by:  National Council of Teachers of English Article Stable URL: http://www. jstor. org/stable/40503338 Morris, Mervyn, Disappointed Guests: Essays by African, Asian and west Indian Students, ed H. Tajfel and J. L. Dawson, Oxford Uni. Press, 1965, Pg5-26.