The Road Away from the Beast :: Personal Narrative Medicien Papers

The Road Away from the Beast Everything begins with a dull agony that is inside my head. The beginning stage differs from the base of my skull, to my sanctuary, or simply behind my correct eyeball. I realize that in the event that I don't get this irritation rapidly enough, it will end up being a monster and can possibly keep me out of commission for quite a long time. The monster doesn't generally remain for a considerable length of time. At times, it introduces itself and afterward changes into an increasingly mellow creature, which is progressively tolerable yet stays with me for up to seven days. At the point when I feel him coming, I quickly feel defenseless. I power my brain to assume me to another position; a spot where this present monster's quality is more fragile than mine. Lamentably, I can just beat him 10% of the time. The remainder of the time, he beats me and I fear much more his next unannounced visit. The subsequent lunch chime just rang and I returned to my work area in the wake of moving toward my third grade educator, Sister Patricia Rose. I never preferred Sister Patricia Rose and this day, I had considerably more explanation not to like her for she ignored my solicitation to return home. Simply put your head down around your work area, was Sister's reaction to my evil inclination. Maybe she didn't concur that a migraine was a sufficient motivation to leave school, yet she had no clue with regards to what sort of cerebral pain I was languishing. As I had anticipated, my cerebral pain was deteriorating. The beating was solid and centered behind my eyes. In the event that I could simply tear my eyes out, I would get alleviation. At that point I realized it had gone excessively far when I started to feel the queasiness. With tears in my eyes, I made one final endeavor to lift my hand and inquire as to whether I could go to the workplace, yet once more, she cannot and carefully an swers, Simply hold your head down on the work area. I could feel my mouth began to salivate, similar to it for the most part does when I become ill from a headache migraine. While tears moved move from my eyes, thoughtful colleagues gave me looks of concern. They realized my sickness was authentic in light of the fact that this day was the day I missed the noon kickball game unexpectedly. I attempted to convince myself not to become ill since I loathe the manner in which I feel when I upchuck.

The Shakespear Stealer

The Shakespeare Stealer Through out the story the principle character Widge whenever confronted with an ethical issue which is either duplicate down in exactly the same words the Shakespeare play Hamlet Or face the obscure agony and paral of Falconer. The English word reference characterizes an ethical predicament as an unpredictable circumstance that frequently includes an obvious mental clash between moral objectives, wherein to comply with one would bring about violating another. I accept that that is actually what Widge is going through.The reason Widge is so frightened of confronting Falconer is on the grounds that Falconer executed a develop man for considering him a grimy Jew. In the event that Falconer would do that to a develop me thing of what he would do to tiny Widge, he would doubtlessly execute him of more terrible torment him. Another key roll being played is Widges destiny, karma, and blame. Widges destiny is the point at which he attempts to get a way structure falco ner at the Globe Theater and winds up getting hit in the face by an entryway when he attempts to open it.Widges karma is that he is currently in a decent home with pleasant individuals who need to support him and be his companion with food and a room, he is additionally sheltered from Falconer. Widge begins to feel coerce about selling out the individuals at the theater since they are the main individuals who have been pleasant to him. What Widge is endeavoring to do isn't right since it is literary theft. Literary theft is duplicate in a bit of composing or other work without approval. Written falsification isn't right since you take someones difficult work and afterward guarantee it as their own.

How Much Will Treatment for My Eating Disorder Cost

How Much Will Treatment for My Eating Disorder Cost Eating Disorders Treatment Print How Much Will Treatment for My Eating Disorder Cost? Will My Insurance Cover Treatment? By Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD, CEDS facebook twitter linkedin Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD, is a certified eating disorders expert and clinical psychologist who provides cognitive behavioral psychotherapy. Learn about our editorial policy Lauren Muhlheim, PsyD, CEDS Updated on August 12, 2019 baona, iStock, Getty Images Plus. More in Eating Disorders Treatment Symptoms Diagnosis Awareness and Prevention In This Article Table of Contents Expand Levels of Treatment Will Insurance Cover Treatment? Getting Coverage Treatment Without Insurance View All Back To Top When seeking treatment for an eating disorder, two of the first questions that often arise are:  â€œHow much will treatment cost?”“How will I pay for treatment?” The answers to these seemingly simple questions depend on a great many variables. Eating disorders are complex illnesses that present with a number of psychiatric, medical and nutritional issues. Treatment needs will vary based on the severity of these various factors. Patients often require coordinated care from several health care professionals. As a result, treatment for eating disorders can often be very expensive. Given this reality, it is not surprising that the vast majority of people in the United States who are suffering from eating disorders do not receive any treatment at all. Yet, a better understanding of the options as well as how to advocate for yourself or your family member with an eating disorder can help you access help. Levels of Treatment One of the first factors affecting the cost is determining what level of care you need. The more intensive the treatment you require, the more expensive it is. For example, being hospitalized in a hospital or medical center is going to be the most costly;  as you progress to less intensive levels of treatment (generally:  residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, outpatient), the cost decreases. Overnight facility stays are the most expensive:  in addition to care from more professionals, the cost includes room and board... Medical centers have even higher costs because of the nursing and medical specialists involved in care. One inpatient eating disorder program in the US charged an average daily cost of $2,295 in 2015; its partial hospitalization program charged $1,567. A residential program charged on average $30,000 per month in 2010. Consider that many patients may require three or more months of treatment. Lengths of stay also vary considerablyâ€"patients may require anywhere from a few days to several months of treatment at different levels. While every patient’s experience is unique, the far greater expense of treatment at the higher levels often results in patients spending relatively less time at the higher levels of treatment and more time at the lower levels. It is an unfortunate state of affairs in the US that many treatments are cut short by insurers that limit stays in the higher levels of care. An Overview of Eating Disorder Treatments Will Insurance Cover My Treatment? If you are fortunate enough to have health insurance, the next question you have will be whether insurance will cover your treatment. This question has similarly complex answers. Treatment in medical hospitals or university health centers is usually covered under a patient’s medical health benefits. Typically only short-term stays for medical reasons (unstable heart rate, etc.) are covered. Treatment at residential centers and all the lower levels of care is typically provided under a person’s mental health benefits. The first residential eating disorder treatment program opened in 1985.  In the 1990s, as managed care started to dramatically shorten hospital stays for eating disorders, other residential centers soon followed to fill the treatment gap.  Patients with eating disorders are increasingly receiving treatment at this level of care, partly in response to changes in federal law. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act Signed into federal legislation in 2008, this law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for mental health and substance use disorders that is equivalent to that for physical health problems. For example, the law requires that insurers do not set behavioral health visit copays higher than medical visit copays at the same level of care. The parity law also impacts treatment limits, mostly eliminating the annual session caps that used to be common among mental health programs.   The Anna Westin Act Passed by Congress in 2015 as part of the 21st Century Cures Act in December 2016,  further clarified that residential treatment for eating disorders was intended to be covered as part of the parity law. Getting Insurance to Pay for Treatment: What to Know You must become familiar with your insurance policy or health benefit plan. Request a copy from your employer or insurance company if you don’t have one. Understand your coverage for the different levels of care. Call your insurance company and ask for a list of facilities and/or outpatient providers who are in-network. In-network providers and facilities are contracted directly with your insurerâ€"they will be the least expensive option. Determine whether you have a large deductible to meet before the insurer starts to contribute to the cost of care and whether after this contribution begins you will have a copayâ€"the portion of the stay or sessions you are expected to pay directly. You can then call facilities and providers and ask them for your treatment options. If you can find an-in network provider who is contracted with your insurance company, this will always be a cheaper option. However, be aware that many therapists who specialize in eating disorders do not accept insurance. Balancing the competing priorities of provider competence and cost of care can be tricky.   If your outpatient provider will not bill insurance directly, some will provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company in order to seek partial reimbursement for the cost of a session. If you can’t find a facility or provider who accepts your insurance, you can also request a single-case agreement from your insurer. This allows your insurance company to treat the facility or provider as if they were in-network and pay their fee for your treatment. This is not guaranteed â€"achieving this can require a lot of advocacy on behalf of yourself or your family member. You should be prepared to take on your insurer to advocate for you or your loved one’s care. Sometimes insurance companies will refuse to pay for necessary treatment or will prematurely curtail treatment. It is common for insurers to demand discharge once a patient’s weight begins to improve.  They may do this without looking at the complete clinical pictureâ€"weight restoration is of course only one short leg of the journey towards recovery. In such cases, your providers can appeal on your behalf.   You may even need to sue the insurance company to get them to pay for your treatment. If you or a loved one is struggling to secure treatment for an eating disorder, visit  www.DontDenyMe.org  to learn about your rights and get connected to resources for filing an appeal and issuing a complaint against your health plan. Regarding publicly-funded programs throughout the US, there is a shortage of specialized treatment for eating disorders. Medicare and Medicaid providers at all levels of care are often limited. Many plans cover acute medical hospitalization but not lower levels of care.  Few outpatient providers accept public insurance. Getting Treatment if You Dont Have Health Insurance Free and Low-Cost Eating Disorder Treatment Eating disorder treatment is notoriously expensive. For many patients, this is a huge barrier. However, there are other options: University research programs may provide low-cost treatment in exchange for participation in clinical research. You can reach out to major research universities and inquire about research studies.Community mental health centers and low-cost counseling centers can provide treatment but may lack providers with specialized training.Support groups can also provide support to those who are unable to access treatment. The National Eating Disorder Association has a list of low-cost options including support groups.Web-centered, app-centered, and workbook-centered self-help and guided self-help options can be helpful as well.Treatment scholarships are provided directly by some treatment centers. Project Heal is an organization that provides treatment scholarships to various treatment centers around the country.Family-based treatment (FBT) for adolescent eating disorders is sometimes an alternative to more costly residential treatment for teens. In FBT, a lot of the treatment is task-shifted to the parents who are charged with renourishing their teen and interrupting eating disorder behaviors. Get Treatment With the 9 Best Online Therapy Programs Other Resources: The Alliance for Eating Disorder Awareness has an interactive treatment finder tool that includes eating disorder treatment options at all levels of care.  You can also search for programs that accept Medicare and Medicaid. A Word from Verywell Financial barriers to treatment are real. It’s tough enough to be struggling with an eating disorder and having to worry about affording treatment adds another layer of stress and difficulty to the problem. But doing your research and advocating for yourself or your family member with an eating disorder can help you to get needed help. An Overview of Eating Disorders

Multiply Fractions With Common Denominators Worksheets

The Appeal of Body and Identity Essay Topics

The Appeal of Body and Identity Essay Topics When an identity thief receives a hold of one of your cards there's no telling what he or she'll do with them. The purpose was supposed to stop parents from needing to purchase new clothes for their children at the beginning of the school year. The identity is quite essential for the well being of somebody in their everyday life, on the job and despite their relaintionships. The identity of somebody that's in question needs to be able to realize them, and he has to be identified by other individuals. DID is usually treated with a blend of therapy and medication. Enzyme deficiencies and a deficiency of a DHT hormone, a potent type of testosterone, could result in something similar. Analyze why eating disorders are difficult to cure. Keeping a nutritious diet and eliminating artificial components can only benefit an individual's health. It is essential for the author to learn more about the effect of private life in order to comprehend the effect of distinct people who are forming your identity. That some choose to recognize a person's gender by the way that they dress or appear is a display of ignorance on the topic of gender, which only proves to propel the issue of societal influence over a person. To sum up all the research and theories above, it's safe to say that each facet of somebody's life has an effect on an individual's identity in 1 way or another. Throughout history, relationships have emerged and gone through dramatic changes dependent on the social norms at the moment. The Secret to Body and Identity Essay Topics If there isn't any jam and the cutting mechanism is still operational, you probably require the support of a professional because there might be an issue with the motor or gears. Three goals are necessary for the job of identity formation. After observation is the point where the supp ressers must be extra vigilent. A planning stage which causes the essay outline will help to stick to the logic and include every required thought retrieved during the practice of brainstorming. Ok, I Think I Understand Body and Identity Essay Topics, Now Tell Me About Body and Identity Essay Topics! A cultural identity essay is a sort of creative or academic writing that expresses the sensation of belonging to a specific culture credited to the growing up and becoming a distinct person with its personality. In earlier times marriage and romantic relationships were handled with a specific amount of formality. Before discussing the part of society, it ought to be clarified what we actually mean by society. Generally speaking, a society usually means a huge group of folks dwelling in a place or within a country below the control of same laws, values and culture. Simply speaking, the essays should be concise enough. The themes are opinions of mine and ought to be taken by the expert world as simply a college student's ramblings. Body and Identity Essay Topics - Overview Identity theft isn't something to be played with. Once you get your identity straightened out, you might think about registering with Equifax Credit Watch. Identity is the thing that makes us move in a specific direction. Bodily identity is the claim that personal identity is the same from identity of different objects, such as, for instance, a book. The Body and Identity Essay Topics Cover Up Men are often CEOs or find the job effortlessly. By comparison, many men and women in recent generations appear to have forgotten what commitment means anymore. It is vital to choose what we're seeking to achieve in our lives. Make what you go for an integral portion of all your lives. Hearsay, Lies and Body and Identity Essay Topics For online business, it's a superb conc ept to only shop or share information with reputable sites, if you aren't familiar with the company or agency running the site, you might want to reconsider sharing personal information since you will never know where it may wind up. When you send information over the web, be sure you've got good firewall and anti-virus software installed. The reverse process occurs whenever your computer should communicate to the world wide web. Additional help may be to conduct surveys of the general public. Body and Identity Essay Topics and Body and Identity Essay Topics - The Perfect Combination Begin with the introduction revolving about your thesis and explain what you're going to be exploring in the essay. Essays are given on lots of topics. If you think nobody will read your private essay attentively because it's boring, you can't be more wrong. Make it a conventional 5-paragraph essay.

Ancient Rome vs Ancient Greece Free Essays

In Rome, there are three social classes, arranged according to wealth; Patricians, Plebeians, and Slaves. Patricians are the upper class citizens; they are very wealthy and highly educated. They make up the majority of the senate and therefore control the laws. We will write a custom essay sample on Ancient Rome vs Ancient Greece or any similar topic only for you Order Now Plebeians are the poor, lower-class citizens. They greatly outnumber the Patricians, make up most of the army, and pay most of the taxes. They are not allowed to marry Patricians or take part In government. Slaves are at the bottom of the Roman social order; they make up over 25% of Romeos population, and are essential to Its survival. Wealthy citizens often own many slaves, which they use to complete various tasks around the home. They consisted of prisoners of war, Plebeians whom were In debt, or children born of slaves. Slaves often work on farms, In mills, at shops, doing city construction, or are servants. Roman writer, Seneca, believes that masters should treat their slaves well, as a well-treated slave will work better for a good master rather than Just doing enough begrudgingly for someone who mistreats their slaves. Slaves can receive freedom from their masters if they mom up with enough money, or are released upon the master’s death. Women are not considered equal to men. Their primary duty is to care for their family. The amount of work that they do is correlated to the amount of wealth they have, with rich women usually having servants to do most of their work. Women from lower class families have to do daily chores on their own, or assisted by daughters. This usually includes washing dishes, sweeping floors, and cooking. Rome is home to some of the finest pieces of art in the world. This includes architecture, paintings, sculptures, and mosaics. The sculpture is the most important piece of artwork, with thousands of sculptures located all over Rome. If you’re looking for entertainment, Roman citizens often gather in The Coliseum to see fights between gladiators, slaves, prisoners, and wild animals. These fights are very violent, and therefore enjoyable. They only end when the loser is dead. Chariot racing at The Hippodrome is also very popular in Rome. The Coliseum, The Pantheon, and Circus Maximum, are mongo some of Romeos grandest buildings. Greece: The Greek social structure is broken Into three groups; citizens, emetics, and slaves. A citizen Is born of Athenian parents, and they are the most powerful group In Greece. After compulsory service In the army, they often became government officials, and took part in Jury service. A emetic Is of foreign birth and has migrated to Athens to trade or practice craft. They must pay taxes and are sometimes required to serve In the army, despite this, they can never achieve the full rights of a excellent. This Includes the ability to own houses, and the ability to speak In court. Slaves were servants and laborers without any legal rights. Slaves can be prisoners of war, or bought from slave traders. These social statuses only apply to men, as women adopt their social status from their husband. Women In Greece are not permitted to take part in public life, making it a prime destination for the whole family! Greece is the sculpture is our preferred form of artistic expression, as it shows an expression of individuality, and the beauty of the human body. Aphids, Polytheists, and Myron are three of our most prized sculptures. One of the most distinguishable art feature of Greece, are our columns. They are crafted in three different styles; Doric is the simplest of these three styles. Ionic is thinner and more elegant with a scroll-like design. Corinthian is the rarest but most elaborate column, with many complex designs; it is often decorated with acanthus leaves. In Greece, there is no shortage of entertainment. We have invented the theatre, a place in which audiences come from all around to watch comedies or tragic plays. Greece is also home to the Olympic Games, the world’s premier sport event. Held in honor of Zeus, athletes from around Greece compete in various events in front of thousands of spectators. There are also many marvelous building in Greece, such as The Parthenon, a temple overlooking Athens. The Erection is a temple north of the Acropolis, dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a temple in the center of Athens, with enormous columns. Greece is the premier destination of the World, so why not come by? How to cite Ancient Rome vs Ancient Greece, Papers

Tragedy Is Healthy Essays - Ancient Greek Theatre, Humanities

Tragedy Is Healthy Tragedy is one of many very popular types of literature for many years. There were numerous discussions, about whether tragedy is good or bad. Philosophers feel that using the emotional instead of intellect approach is bad. The popular culture also has negative feelings toward tragedy, because optimistic thoughts are more acceptable. However, tragedy may also be healthy. Emotions are natural for every human being; in some situations emotions can help enable the individual to perceive things in another way. For example, using ones intellect at a funeral type of environment is not suitable, however being emotional and showing sympathy is needed. Another example would be for business people, although intellect is very important toward their decision-making many business people admit that a number of their decisions are from their instincts, hunches, and feelings. Therefore, even in situations where intellect is called for, emotions are never absolutely pushed aside. For the popular culture, most stories are made with a happy ending and the only time death occurs would be when a villain is killed. However, when all the stories are made with perfect happy endings they become fairy tales and fantasies. Unless it is stated as a fiction, some tragedy should occur. For example, even though Romeo and Juliet had a very sad ending, it has been one of the most popular love stories from generation to generation. The tragedy is what touches the viewers heart, helping them to bring out a rather sensitive side of them. Majority of the movies in popular culture has a similar plot. The good characters will live happily ever after, the prettiest girl is always with the most handsome man, and all villains have bad endings. These stories are good for entertainment and relaxations; however, tragedy may help some people to cherish what they have a little more. For example, when a story such as Romeo and Juliet show that lovers may not always be together regardless of how strong their love is, it may make couples treasure each other more than they already do, because no one knows what type of mishap can occur in the next minute. Although the popular culture prefers to have stories with less tragedy, the viewers continue to watch these movies. A rather fmous one would be Titanic, the lovers are separated by death. If happiness is preferred, then why do these type of movies attract so many viewers? Beside the fact that a certain actor or actress is starring in it, psychologically sad movies are the best movies to watch with another person. An article that asked the public how they relieve their fustration, listed that 74% of the poll chose to cry, and 69% of them chose to watch a sad movie. Therefore, showing one reason why these tragedies are so popular. Most of the tragedy movies are about a couple that can give up anything to be with the person he or she loves, even his or her life. These type of movies, although very depressing, is at the same time very romantic. In the present society, most females will choose to watch these tragedy/love stories because it is about love. In conclusion, using the mind is important for business, education, and many other situations, however, being emotional is healthy for the heart and mind as well. If there is no lost, there will be no hope in further achievements. English Essays

Management Decision and Implementation Essays

Management Decision and Implementation Essays Management Decision and Implementation Essay Management Decision and Implementation Essay Manager as a Problem Solver and Opportunity Seeker Introduction â€Å"Managers are playing three characteristics and ten roles†. HenryMintzber Principles of Management- R L. Daft (p. 31) See the definition of manager. So managers have to play many roles in management. Problem Solver and Opportunity Seeker is one of the roles very important to deciding the organization’s persistence. â€Å"Decisions making is the process of identifying problems and opportunities and then resolving them. Decision making involves effort both before and after the actual choice. † †. Principles of Management- R L. Daft (p. 255) Decisions making is an important process follow by Managers who response to opportunities and threats. It can be identified as the mental processes resulting in the selections of a course of action among several alternatives. Decline or Progress of any organization is depending on the decision taken by the management. A managers primary function is to solve problems. A managers understanding of his or her approach to problems and problem-solving style most often used is an essential early step to becoming a more effective creative problem solver. Managers scout the problems, make decisions for solving them, and monitor the consequences to see whether additional decisions are required. Good decisions making is a vital part of good management, because decisions determine how the organization solves its problems, allocates resources, and accomplishes its goals†. Principles of Management- R L. Daft (p. 254) As mentioned the above managers should make the decisions ag ainst the problems and opportunities by selecting the best way and using allocated resource. Managers have to be patiently waited for the opportunity to solve the problems. That mean we can be aware of the manager as a problem solver and opportunity seeker who carefully choose the path to reach the goal. We can examine here how perform the role of problem solver and opportunity seeker by a manager. Problems, Opportunities and the Manager As mentioned the above identifying the opportunities and problems and steps taking to solve them by the managers decision making is doing in one of two basic problem-solving styles: * Systematic. Systematic thinkers are logical and rational. They prefer narrow and focused problems, step by step processes, rules to be followed, and computer programs that grind to a recommendation. * Intuitive Intuitive thinkers are more comfortable with solutions that just came to them. Compared with systematic thinkers, for the intuitive thinker, data are less important, complexity is less bothersome, changing external and internal environments are expected rather than assumed away, and being more or less right is more important than being precisely wrong. On the other hand, we can recognize three types of decision making models. 1. Classical Model 2. Administrative model 3. Political model. According to the systematic decision making system the subsequent steps are followed by the managers Six Steps of the solving problems- Decision Making Process. 1. Recognize of decision Requirements-what is the problem? 2. Diagnosis and analyse of Causes-what are the causes of the problem? 3. Development of Alternatives-what are the possible solutions to the problem? 4. Selection of Desired Alternative-Which is the best solution to the problem? 5. Implementation of Chosen Alternative- what action do we take? 6. Evaluate and Feedback. -What was the result? Decisions against the opportunities. Opportunities are concerning with the many fields of management. One can seek the opportunities for solve the problems in day to day activities. One manager seeks the opportunities to correct the wrong decision already taken. The other one will seek the rooms for expand the business. Decision are given for opportunities must be improvement oriented and the decision must be taken by considering the Sensing (Logically amp; Sensitively), Sizing (Measuring) and Seizing. First of all the steps managers are looking how to deal with the problems because of some problems are not equired solution and some are very quickly needed. So * Managers tend to deal with problems in one of three ways: 1. Avoid them refuse to recognize that a problem exists or not in harm 2. Solve them as necessary deal with the urgent 3. Seek them out anticipate avoiding them becoming urgent The following six questions are available in systematic system- step-by-step approach to problem solving: 1. What are the problem/ Opportunity? A problem occurs when accomplishment is less than expected. The expectation may be a goal, a standard of performance, a rule or a policy. Even if performance is greater than expected, a manager may still see room for improvement. This form of a problem is called an opportunity. Managers have little opportunity for success if they cannot distinguish problems from symptoms of problems. Working on symptoms rather than the base problem rarely leads to problem solution. Problem identification requires continuous surveillance of the internal and external environments within which the business operates. Attention to bits and pieces of information from various sources in combination with experience, judgment and intuition are all part of problem identification. . What are the causes of the problem? More than a careful statement of the problem is necessary to solve it. The manager needs to know the underlying causes of the problem. The following list of questions should be helpful for problem diagnosis and discovering the causes of a problem: * When did the problem occur? * Where did it occur? * Who was involved in the problem? * Were the people involved carefully selected, trained and motivated? * What equipment and facilities were involved in the problem? * What events or conditions were connected to the problem? * What were the hints of an impending problem? What calamities, crises and/or unusual events contributed to the problem? 3. What are the possible solutions to the problem? Creative problem solving requires careful attention to possible solutions for the problem. A paradigm of many possible solutions differs dramatically from satisfaction with the easy and familiar. 4. Which is the best solution to the problem? From the list of possible solutions, one must be selected. The size of the problem and complexity of the problems causes determine how much effort the manager can justify for choice of a solution. Criteria for choice of a solution should reflect the organizations mission, goals and culture. 5. What actions do we take? The first four steps are for naught if the chosen alternative cannot be implemented. Implementation requires resources, courage, persuasion, attention to detail, evaluation of progress and corrective action. Example from the Customs At the end of year 2009, many problems arose about the outside panel examinations. Situation (What are the causes of the problem? ) * 100 to 150 CusDecs were selected for panel examination per day. * 200 to 350 containers had to be examined. Most of the goods were perishable. So it was highly concerned about delay for release the cargo. * Officers have made many reports and complained to the head of the examination division and it was the time to suggest the better procedure for cargo examination. Challengers Most of the cargo allowed for outside panel examination were perishable and they have must been released within a short period. * Outside Examinations of Containers have not been done by the officers properly due to the many reasons. ( examination have to be done in very difficult situation, place in un safety) So: a. There were many threats to the economy and society. b. It was directly involved with the Customs revenue. c. It was brought bad impressions to the Customs. * Officers were faced many threats and unrest. d. Examinations have to be done at the importers place or public place e. Many places were not suitable surrounding (space, labors, equipments) f. Examination time schedules have not been followed g. Suitable transport had not been provided * As a government department it was a very difficult to provide the container examination facilities to entire importers. As the situation was unavoidable and the solutions were immediately required, examination division look in to the opportunities for solve the problems. The following conditions have been measured for appropriate solutions. * Yard for the containers examination immediate out of the Colombo port * Space for more than 250 containers per day. * Containers movement Controlling facility and security of the cargo * Facilitation for the officers The selected best solution- (Which is the best solution to the problem? Call a privet facilitator to provide the yard under the above conditions. Initiated Action (what action do we take? ) In May, 2009 a new container yard at Orugodawattha had been opened and presently all the perishable and some general cargo which were earlier released through the green channel are examine in this yard. Facilitation for the container examination, containers parking,, cargo storing , have been provided by the RCT (Ravi Container Terminal) the facilities for the sta keholders( wharf Clerks, labors, lorry drivers, helpers and officers) also have been provided by the RCT. Under the DC Cargo examination 10 Officers were appointed for the day examinations and after office hours the other officers have been roster for the examination. Outcome of the solution(What was the result) * Major problems were solved. (Mentioned above) * Government revenue is being secured * Relief from traffic inside the Port Conclusion Decision making and implementation is essential in management for survival and better future of any organization. Some time it is not possible to evade the problems. If do not seek the opportunities, the organization will be collapsed. Therefore, it is very important that the correct decisions have to be identified and implemented at the correct time. 2. Motivating employees for achieving results Introduction Managers want to motivate employees because it gets more work from them with less effort on the part of an organization. Workers are motivated when they do something because they want to do instead of have to work or forced to do. Motivated workers do more with less supervision and contribute more to the organization. If any organization wants to achieve the top results motivating employee is good tool for it. How workers deploy at work at best? Can you force them to work best without their willingness? What makes people work harder? The best answer is, no one really knows, but there are many theories, each of which has some relevance in some situations. As manager you must be able to find what motivates people in your organization. It should be considered an art, not a science. Everyone realizes that motivation in a workforce is a good thing. The question is how to get it. To learn how to get it we must first look at what it is. What is the Motivation? Motivation is defined as something that causes or influences a person to act or perform. Motivation is the creation of conditions that encourage an employee to achieve a high level of performance. â€Å"Motivation refers to the forces either within or external to a person that arouse enthusiasm and persistence to pursue a certain course of action. Employee motivation effects productivity, and part of manager’s job is to channel motivation toward the accomplishment of organizational goal. † Principles of Management-R L. Daft (p. 480) Researches indicate that the main reason for an employee to leave an organization is the failure of the organization to acknowledge the employees work. Rewarding the employees for their work is quite important as motivation is the key element required for the success of an organization Types of Motivation. â€Å"Motivation is a process that starts with a physiological or psychological deficiency or need that activates behavior or a drive that is aimed at a goal or incentive†- Luthans (2002) See this definition! It clearly said motivation has been linked with two facts. They are physiological and psychological needs. Theories of motivation have also been buildup within this concept somehow. Theoretically, there are two aspects to motivation techniques intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic Intrinsic relates to what has been described as psychological rewards, such as the opportunity to use one’s ability, a sense of challenge and achievement, receiving words of appreciation, job satisfaction, scoop for development, responsibility, work freedom . These always determined from the actions and the behavior of individual managers. In addition, needs and expectations can be distinguished in economic rewards, intrinsic satisfaction, and social relationships. Many of them are self generated Intrinsic satisfaction is provided by the work itself like interest in the job itself, personal growth and development which represents a personal orientation to work. Friendships, teamwork, and the need for affiliation are part of the social relationship that constitutes the relational orientation to work. Extrinsic Extrinsic relates the things that are tangible and generated by others such as rewards, salary, promotion, payment for overtime, recognition, ncouragement, support, work environment and working conditions. The extrinsic motivations are normally offered by the organization and the managers’ involvement in this regard is limited. Approaches to motivation â€Å"In general, there are many motivation theories, and have been divided into two contrasting groups: Here it is not the point to discuss all the theorie s in details, but we can identify some leading. Content theory Content theories of motivation define it in terms of satisfaction of needs. Explains why human needs change with time. Content theory includes the work of David McClelland, Abraham Maslow and other psychologists as they attempted to explain why human needs change, but not how they change. Content theories explain the specific factors that motivate people. In other words, they answer the question what drives behavior? It is important to remember that the following are theories, none of which have been conclusively shown to be valid. Nonetheless, they are helpful in providing a contextual framework for dealing with individuals. * Maslows Hierarchy of Needs: lower needs must be met first. Maslows hierarchy of needs is often portrayed in the shape of a pyramid, with the largest and lowest levels of needs at the bottom, and the need for self-actualization at the top. The lower four layers of the pyramid contain what Maslow called deficiency needs or d-needs: esteem, friendship and love, security, and physical needs. With the exception of the lowest (physiological) needs, if these deficiency needs are not met, the body gives no physical indication but the individual feels anxious and tense. * Self-actualization * Esteem * Belongingness NeedsD-needs * Safety Needs f Physiological needs Pig 1 * Alderfers ERG Theory: three key needs. This is further expansion of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs by Clayton Paul Alderfer by categorizing the hierarchy into his ERG theory. They are existence, relatedness and growth. He categorized the lower order needs (Physiological and Safety) into the existence category and love and esteem needs into the relatedness category. The growth ca tegory includes the self actualization and self esteem needs * Herzbergs Motivation-Hygiene Theory. ( Two Factor Theory ) This was developed by Frederick Herzberg. In this theory he describes two factors they are hygiene factors and motivators. He performed studies to determine which factors in an employees work environment caused satisfaction or dissatisfaction * Motivators are challenging work, recognition, responsibility that give positive satisfaction, arising from intrinsic conditions of the job itself, such as recognition, achievement, or personal growth. * Hygiene factors are status, job security, salary and fringe benefits that do not give positive satisfaction, though dissatisfaction results from their absence. These are extrinsic to the work itself, and include aspects such as company policies, supervisory practices, or salary. * McClelland’s Acquired Needs Theory a three-need model. (Learned Need Theory) Need are shaped over time by our experiences over time. Most of these fall into three general categories of needs: * Need of Achievement (NAch) Seek to excel and appreciate frequent recognition of how well they are doing. They will avoid low risk activities that have no chance of gain. They also will avoid high risks where there is a significant chance of failure. Need of Power (NPow) Want power either to control other people (for their own goals) or to achieve higher goals (for the greater good). They seek neither recognition nor approval from others only agreement and compliance. * Need of Affiliation (NAff) Look for harmonious relationships with other people. They will thus tend to conform and shy away from standing out. The seek approval rather than recognition. McClellandâ⠂¬â„¢s Acquired Needs Theory a three-need model Pig 2 Process theories The theories that attempts to explain human behavior. Process theory defines in terms of a rational cognitive process. * Adams Equity Theory: Balanced give and take. Equity theory looks at an individual’s perceived fairness of an employment situation and finds that perceived inequalities can lead to changes in behavior. Employees compared what they received and other receives as a result of their inputs. Mainly we can identify three occasions as 1. EquityMy outcome = Others Out puts More inputs and more gats InputsInputs 2. UnderpaymentMy outcome lt; Others Out puts More inputs and same gats Equity (Guilt)InputsInputs 3. Over payment My outcome gt; Others Out puts Same inputs and more gats Equity (Anger)InputsInputs When individuals believe that they have been treated unfairly in comparison with their coworkers, they will react in one of four ways: * Changing their work inputs to better match the rewards they are receiving. * Ask for a raise or take legal action. * Change their own perception of the situation. * Quit. * Vrooms Expectancy Theory: We expect what we predict. Expectancy theory â€Å"attempts to explain behavior in terms of an individual’s goals and choices and the expectation of achieving the objectives. The probability of an individual acting in a particular manner will increase when an employee associates it strongly with a given, attractive outcome. The theory states that motivation depends on three variables: 1. Performance-reward linkage (the person perceives a desired outcome will result from a certain degree of performance) 2. Effort-performance linkage (the person believe s a certain amount of effort will lead to performance) 3. Attractiveness (the person sees the outcome as desirable) Motivation, then, is a function of attractiveness, expectancy, and instrumentality. An individual’s perception of all three (regardless of reality) must be high for motivation to be optimized. Expectancy theory is similar to positive reinforcement, and both expectancy and reinforcement theory hold that a reward, or outcome, must be meaningful to the individual, and must be seen as highly likely to result from a given behavior to be effective. Motivating and achievement â€Å"You can take a horse to the water but you can’t force to drink† it will drink only if it’s thirsty- so with people. They will do what they want to do or otherwise motivate to do. For motivation you must have a skill which can and must be learnt. This is essential for any organization to survival and succeeds. Employee motivation is a central problem for leaders and managers, as an unmotivated employee is unlikely to expend much effort in the job, producing low-quality work. Multiple theories are available that propose sometimes contradictory, but often complementary, approaches toward work motivation We all are always think about money can make anything but the truth is deferent. Some time money can’t do even basic. So first of all we have to get beyond rational-economic assumptions. You know the idea that we all make decisions rationally based on what will give us the best economic outcome, i. e. , more money. Economics certainly has its place, but it tends to downplay the whole intrinsic side of human nature and motivation. People, almost all are concerning some other things instead of the money. Some clues are there. * People care about more than money and self-interest at work. * Intrinsic rewards are about emotions. * Doing the ‘right thing’ makes people feel good. â€Å"Nowadays, many organizations recognize that employees are not motivated olely by money and employee behavior is linked to their attitudes†- Dickson, (1973). Staff’s attitudes always link to the following point of views other than money: * Interesting work, * Full appreciation of work done, * Job security, * Good working conditions, * promotions, * 06. Freedom in work(mental amp;Physical) Motivation in Sri Lanka Customs It is very acceptable truth that the reward scheme of Sri Lanka Customs is number one in the same systems in Sri Lanka. Actually we are not known a program like that. Almost 100% of the officers are benefitting by working in the relevant branches in turn by turn. Reward, incentive, Commendation (appreciation), scholarships, work freedom, good environment, work satisfaction, proper support for higher education, Law enforcement power and powerful Acts are some of motivators in Sri Lanka Customs. But this situation and some related issues can be identified by some officers as de motivated factors. I also have noticed some incidents which are badly effect to motivation of the officers (De motivated factors). We have all the experience in Customs. Basic needs are filling with the salary, incentives and rewards. And job security is established by permanency, Pensionable and good income. Team works, Union activities, are example for belongingness needs. As a Customs Officer there is a unique recognize. We have a good chance for self-actualization within some branches. Some officers are specialist in some fields. E. g. DC Admin- he is the best gemologist in Sri Lanka. And Mr. Lesly Gamine- author of many books on Sri Lanka Customs amp; Law. Experience I have been working as an investigation officer in Post Clearance amp; Audit Branch (PCAB) for two years and acquired much experience about the motivation. PCAB was controlled under Valuation Division and we were allowed to investigate in to trade fraud. What we were motivated – Extrinsically We were ten officers and worked as a team. We were paid by the department. Office Space, vehicle, computer, and the other necessities had been provided. One experienced senior officer led the team. When we success and recovered the defrauded and penalty there was a reward for the team. Never were we forced to do some unworthy investigation. We had enough freedom for our family life and we were understood that our commitment was more important for our achievement. What we were motivated – Intrinsically Because of my knowledge used for impound the trade fraudsters I was proud like others and it was a good motivator for our team. We were begun to think that we are more intelligent than the fraudsters. By perused the limited No of documents we were able to found some huge tax defrauded done by famous businessmen and international companies. We were able to establish some fraud which practiced for long period with the help of some other government agencies. Sometimes, we went through the whole account systems of a company and analyzed. At that time we did our investigation with an expectation to determine the frauds by breaching the customs law. We used our subject knowledge practically and act as intelligent investigators or prosecution officer. Some time we produced the case in court as a lawyer. There was a very remarkable job satisfaction in that period. What was the result? We could take many smugglers to the law and some long time frauds were revealed. More than 100 million were recovered for two years and we thought it was our duty for the county. Conclusion. Usually managers aim is achieve the goal with less effort. In that purpose motivated employee is an assets the organization. Employees are motivated by self and organization. Self motivated employee must not be supervised or guided frequently. Modern world money has fallen in to second and many other human needs have been secured the top place in the list. If managers want to show their colors, they must be talent to identify employee’s emotion and sense. If any organization wants to achieve the top results motivating employee is good tool for it. 3. Effective Teams and Decision Implementation Introduction There are different levels of problems are arising in day to day functions of an organization and decision for them also would be a suitable level. Aimlessly and suddenly managers can be faced for some critical problems also. According to the situation suitable decisions are making by the managers who responsible for it. Most decisions are straightforward and routine. Sometimes, taking decisions for some problems are more difficult, but are usually focused in one area or functional discipline. These may require several or many team members to make the decision even though the implementation may be straightforward. Therefore, as an important tool for making decision implementation, effective team is good for further studies. What is a Team â€Å"A team is a unit of two or more people who interest and coordinate their work to accomplish a specific goal†- Principle of Management- RL. Daft (p. 545) Team management refers to techniques, processes and tools for organizing and coordinating a group of individuals working towards a common goal. A team is a collection of individuals organized to accomplish a common purpose, who are interdependent, and who can be identified by themselves and observers as a team. Teams exist within a larger organization and interact with other teams and with the organization. Teams are one way for organizations to gather input from members, and to provide organization members with a sense of involvement in the pursuit of organizational goals. Teams normally have members with complementary skills and generate synergy through a coordinated effort which allows each member to maximize his or her strengths and minimize his or her weaknesses. Team members need to learn how to help one another, help other team members realize their true potential, and create an environment that allows everyone to go beyond their limitations. In modern world many organizations strategic decision makers regularly use teams to solve urgent problems. Most strategic-level decision-making teams exist for brief periods to resolve a major problem or to develop national policy and strategies to meet future challenges. While these teams carry great responsibilities, they are often ad hoc in nature. Types of Teams: * Self Managed Work Teams: Self managed work teams are groups of employees who perform highly related or interdependent jobs and take on many of the responsibilities of their former supervisors. Fully self managed work teams even select their own members and have the members evaluate each other’s performance. * Cross Functional Teams: Cross functional teams are group of employees who are from the same hierarchical level but from different work areas who come together to accomplish a task. * Problem Solving Teams: In problem solving teams members share ideas or offer suggestions on how work process and methods can be improved, they rarely have the authority to unilaterally implement any of their suggested actions. * Virtual Teams: Virtual teams use computer technology to tie together physically dispersed members in order to achieve a common goal. * Project Teams: A team used only for a defined period of time and for a separate, concretely definable purpose, often becomes known as a project team Members of these teams might belong to different groups, but receive assignment to activities for the same project, thereby allowing outsiders to view them as a single unit. * Informal Teams: Informal teams are generally formed for social purposes. They can help to facilitate employee pursuits of common concerns, such as improving work conditions. More frequently however, these teams form out of a set of common concerns and interests, which may or may not be the same as the organizations. Leaders of these teams generally emerge from the membership and are not appointed by anyone in the organization Process of a Team Many processing stages perform a good team. Initiated action and capacity are very useful. Members of a team without understanding of each other will be away from the path of strategic goal. * Forming Getting to Know You The first stage is when the team is formed and members meet. They learn what the team opportunities and challenge will be. Individual members may be confused about their role or not understand the need for the team. Members will agree on goals and assign actions for work, often working independently. They gating know each other and grow awareness among the members of team and strategies. * Storming High Winds Predicted During the second stage, individual expression of ideas occurs and there is open conflict between members. Members tend to focus on details rather than the issues and compete for influence. Low trust among team members is an evident indicator of this stage * Norming Charting a Course In the third stage, the team develops work habits that support group rules and values. They use established tools and methods; exhibit good behaviors; mutual trust, motivation, and open communication increase; positive teamwork and group focus are apparent. The team relationships grow and individual characteristics are understood and appropriately utilized. Encourage to work together by solving members problems. * Performing The Action Stage The fourth stage shows high levels of loyalty, participation, motivation, and group decision-making. Knowledge sharing, cross-training, and interdependence increases by exchanging their experience. Team is self-directing in development of plans and strategy to meet their goals and carry out work. Personal growth and sharing is encouraged throughout membership * Adjourning Celebrating For project teams, temporary committees, or task forces coming to an end, there will be a finalizing stage as they celebrate and recognize group achievement. Team considers their performance and feedback. Then some mourning over the dissolving of the team relationship and begin planning for the change in individual work requirements. Team Effectiveness and implementation of decision. Decisions must be implemented by the managers of an organization through a team or any other mechanism. For that purpose, team concept is highly accepted by the management teaching. Team effectiveness is fundamental requirement for the implementation of decision. The success of a team majorly depends on much reason including vision, trust and unity, nature of leadership, member’s commitment, and intrinsic amp; extrinsic motivation. The effectiveness of communication within a team is very essential and without team communication there is confusion, misunderstandings and unhappy members. Group communication allows members to freely express themselves, and can provide accurate and comprehensive information. Communication in a team creates an environment of safety and security. When a group member feels the freedom to voice his opinion, he will feel safe in that group. These may require several or many team members to make the decision even though the implementation may be straightforward. When implementing decisions, the team can use every interaction with outside stakeholders to build relationships for the future. Resolving problems quickly and sharing successes with major enterprise participants will pay long-term dividends It may be that the implementation responsibility falls on the team leader, or a subgroup of the team. When this occurs, the individuals implementing the decision need to keep the rest of the team informed on their progress to prevent surprises. As implementation proceeds, rapid feedback is helpful in identifying issues and monitoring results. When disagreements or misunderstandings occur, they should be handled directly and quickly before they escalate. Any anticipated issues during implementation, team members can get valuable feedback on the overall. For quick results, team members should be empowered and given responsibility consistent with their roles on the team and their relationships with stakeholders. Teams, like individuals, should always make sure they follow up on promised actions and represent honest, high integrity professionalism to the outside world. Team members are at their best when they have a common perception of the intent and desired results of the decision and they can communicate these to all concerned. The things we discussed at the above and any other things affected the team effectiveness can be illustrated as follows. Team Effectiveness. Pig. 3 Team work in Sri Lanka Customs. What type of team can be identified in customs and where they are? Sri Lanka Customs is a one major department which involves to the public economics behavior and its activities are directly and significantly affected to the economy. The goods clearance procedure is concerning from the central bank to consumer in the kitchen. One or two day delay for clearance of foodstuffs will lead the government change. Therefore, customs service must be accurate and efficiency. Various type of team work can be identified everywhere in this scenario. Some teams are large some are small. But their effectiveness is evenly important to achieve the goal. As a simple example, we can consider day time work in Long room. Every day the entries submitted to the long room are satisfied in the same day except quarried one. For that purpose from DC to office assistant are working as a team which is unorganized. All the CusDecs must be satisfied in the same day is not a compulsory decision or an order. But there is core understand in the long room staff to satisfy the CusDecs which were already received for the day. Air port duty turn is another example for semi organized team work in Sri Lanka Customs. It is not consistence with the permanent staff of the BIA. Roster officers after taking over the duty points for the day at BIA, continuously cover-up the duty for twenty four hours with help of each other. This team is not earlier design one or officially established. When the officers taking over duty for the day they communicate each other and plan to cover up the duty. My experience in Custom. As mentioned earlier in topic motivation, we worked as a team in PCAB (Post Audit Clearance Branch) and we made the decisions on available information and implemented the same. What type of Team- PCAB? PCAB was established for the purpose of investigation in to the duty defrauded. At the time I served it was consisted of ten numbers of Assistant Superintendent of Customs, who had experience in investigating. We were assigned to probe in to duty defrauded occasions and recover the same. We had one main target that recovers the defrauded duty. PCAB was setup at the main office under the valuation division. DDC and SC supervised and directed the investigation officers. All the officers at head office were involving into the investigation. One senior ASC worked as OIC of the office. Each and every officer responsible for some investigations which handed over by the team leader- SC. However all officers who attached to PCAB work for the same objectives. Therefore, it can be considered as project team. What is the function of PCAB? The main activity of the branch is investigation in to the consignments and importers that have revenue defrauded. With holding the authority to investigate in to the cleared goods all the official copy (Warrant Copy) of the CusDecs are collected and perused by the officers of PCAB. The warrant copies of the suspected consignments are separate for further investigation and there are opportunities to officers for contribute the probe by their knowledge and experience. If it is decided to investigate a consignment one or two officers have been assigned and others are help to collect documents and raid the premises. When one officer records the statement the other one prepare the submission. Another one is ready to prosecution. If there is defraud, within a short period (Mostly within a 2-3 weeks) it can be recovered. Conclusion For any organisation to be effective and efficient in decision implementation and , the people in the organisation need to have a shared vision of what they are determined to achieve, as well as clear objectives for each team / department and individual. In decision implementation team concept is the best mechanism while you compare the systems of achievement. It is necessary to have ways of recognizing and resolving conflict amongst the workers, so that conflict does not become so serious that co-operation is impossible. All members of any organisation need to have ways of keeping conflict to a minimum and of solving problems caused by conflict, before conflict becomes a major obstacle to organizational work. This could happen to any organization, whether it is a business or a government. At that point communication and mutual understand are very essential. Team work is the best method among the systems used for achieve the goal. Individual or group works some time will be the fine but not everywhere. But a team (Two or more) mostly fit for any type of activity because of the team is build with much values like vision, trust and unity, nature of leadership, member’s commitment, and intrinsic amp; extrinsic motivation, co-operation, variation, and Synergy. References 1. Principles of Management-R L. Daft 2. Sri Lankan Case In Management 3. http://en. ikipedia. org/wiki/Problem_solving 4. answers. com/topic/problem-solving- 5. managementhelp. org/prsn_prd/prob_ 6. http://changingminds. org/explanations/theories/a_motivation. htm 7. Approaches to Motivation suite101. com/content/approaches-to-motivation-a252829#ixzz11V8h5Zxy 8. foundationcoalition. org/publications/brochures/communication. pdf 9. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Team_management 10. businessknowledgesource. com/blog/how_can_i_improve_communication_within_my_teams_021634. html

What Exactly Is a Target School How to Find Yours

What Exactly Is a Target School How to Find Yours SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips If you have researched the college application process, you may have heard about the concept of a â€Å"target school.† What is a target school or college? Simply put, it's a college that you are likely- but not guaranteed- to be admitted to based on your qualifications. In this article, I'll define and explain the concept of a target school. Furthermore, I’ll discuss how to identify your target colleges and determine how many of these schools you should apply to. What Is a Target School? A target college is one in which your academic credentials make you competitive for admission.Your GPA, standardized test scores, and class rank fall within the average range for that particular school.You have a very reasonable chance of gaining admission to a target school, but there are no guarantees. Generally, you have about a 30%-80% chance of gaining admission to a target collegebased on your academic resume and the school’s acceptance rate. Schools to which you have less than a 30% chance of gaining admission are reach schools, and schools to which you have greater than an 80% chance of gaining admission are safetyschools. Because this range is relatively large, you can further divide your target collegesinto two categories: high target/borderline reach schools (30%-50% odds of admission) and low target/borderline safety schools (50%-80% odds of admission). Here are a couple of hypothetical examples to illustrate these concepts. Example #1 Claudia has a 3.9 weighted GPA, 610 Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 690 Math SAT Scores, and she's interested in applying to the University of San Diego, a private Catholic college in San Diego, California. Claudia’s GPA is slightly higher than USD’s average GPA of 3.89, and her SAT score is also a bit higher than USD’s average of 630 Math score, although it's a little lower than its average 630 EBRW score. Furthermore, USD’s admission rate is 50%. Claudia would have a very reasonable chance of gaining admission to USD, but due to its relatively low acceptance rate, she shouldn’t be overly confident. USD would be a target school for Claudia. Example #2 Matt has a 3.5 weighted GPA and got a 23 on his ACT. Would the University of Oregon be a target collegefor Matt? Yes. The University of Oregon has an average GPA of 3.55 and an average ACT score of 25. Even though his GPA and ACT score are slightly below average for the University of Oregon, the University of Oregon’s acceptance rate is 83%.Matt’s credentials would make him a competitive applicant, and the University of Oregon would be a target school for Matt. For most public colleges, being an in-state or out-of-state student shouldn't have much impact on your odds of gaining admission. In recent years, though, there has been discussion that public universities have become more eager to admit out-of-state students. University of Oregon (Rick Obst/Flickr) Important Reminder Your GPA and standardized test scores are usually the two most important components of your application, but they’re not your only credentials that are considered when determining whether or not you gain admission. Colleges may also consider other factors like your recommendations, SAT Subject Test scores, the rigor of your course load, your personal essay, your extracurricular activities,anysubstantial obstacles you've had to overcome, and whether you’ll increase diversity on campus.Outside of your GPA and test scores, these other factors can strengthen your application. However, your GPA and standardized test scores are typically the most important factors, and they can help you easily determine your competitiveness for a particular school. How to Identify Your Target Schools Now that you understand the concept of a target college, I'll discuss how you should go about identifying your target colleges. Step 1: Create Your List of Dream Schools Initially, don’t worry too much about your odds of getting in when creating your list of dream schools. In my experience, most students are pretty realistic about where they stand. It's rare that a student with a 2.5 GPA will create a list of all Ivy League schools. If your initial list has too many reach schools, you can adjust it later. Learn how to choose a college, and research colleges extensively to determine the schools you want to go to.Use the best college search websites, college finders, and ranking lists to help you find the colleges that would be great for you. Seek advice from others. If possible, talk to your teachers, counselors, current college students and admissions representatives to help determine which colleges would be a good fit for you. After doing your research, I recommend having an initial list of 8-15 schools. You won’t necessarily be applying to all of these schools, but at this point, a list of fewer schools may not be giving you enough options, and if you have more schools, you probably haven’t done enough to narrow down your college search, and you may need to do more research. McmScience/Flickr Step 2: Determine Which of Schools From Your List Are on Target Use the PrepScholar database to help determine which of the schools from your list are target colleges.You can google â€Å"(name of school) prepscholar admissions requirements† to find a school profile for each college on your list.On the school profile, use the admissions calculator to get a rough idea of your chances of admission.The admissions calculator combines your GPA and standardized test scores with the admissions rate to approximate your chances of getting into the school. If, according to the admissions calculator, you have between a 30% and 80% chance of gaining admission, you should categorize the college as on target.If the school has less than a 15% acceptance rate, you should categorize the school as a reach regardless of your GPA and standardized test scores. The school is so selective that you can’t be confident that you’ll get in regardless of your academic credentials. What Should You Do If Your Dream Schools Are All Reach Schools? You should divide the list of schools you apply to between reach schools, target schools, and safety schools.You want to give yourself options and try to gain admission to competitive schools. Initially, some students, when they first identify their dream schools, select too many reach schools.Because your likelihood of gaining admission to reach schools is very low, you should identify less competitive schools that possess the attributes you like in your reach schools to apply to as well. For example, let’s assume that you have a 4.2 weighted GPA and got a 34 on your ACT. Your dream school is Harvard, primarily because you really want to go to a selective private college in the greater Boston area. Even though your GPA and ACT score would make you competitive for admission to Harvard, Harvard’s acceptance rate is only 4.6%. Therefore, regardless of your credentials, Harvard will be a reach for you. However, with your GPA and ACT score, some of your target colleges could be Tufts University and Boston College, both of which are selective private colleges in the greater Boston area.If you’re thorough in identifying why you like certain schools, that will be helpful for you if you need to find target schools. Pete Jelliffe/Flickr How Many Target Schools Should You Apply To? There’s no exact number of target collegesthat you should apply to.For most students, I recommend applying to about â…“ target schools,â…“reach schools, andâ…“safety schools. Generally, I think applying to 6-12 colleges is good to give yourself options without going overboard. Therefore, applying to about 2-5 target colleges is a reasonable number. Students who are extremely eager to go to selective colleges can apply to mostly reach and target schools. However, make sure you apply to at least a couple of safety schools to ensure you have choices given a worst-case scenario. If you're primarily interested in attending schools that qualify as safety schools for you, you don't have to apply to more than a couple of colleges. However, I do encourage you to at least consider more selective colleges before you finalize your list of schools. If you're deterred by the cost of private colleges or out-of-state public colleges, learn more about financial aid and scholarships that can enable you to afford any school that accepts you. Quick Review A target collegeis a school in which your credentials make you competitive for admission, and you have a decent chance of being accepted to that college (roughly 30%-80%). Identify target schools by doing extensive college research and knowing the traits that you like in your reach schools. Use the PrepScholar database to determine if a school is ontarget for you. What's Next? Even though Harvard is a reach school, learn how you can get into Harvard. Also, find out how to apply for college. When you apply to most colleges, you'll need to write a personal statement. Make sure you know how to write an exceptional college essay. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points?We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Outline President Kennedys foreign policy problems as they related to Essay

Outline President Kennedys foreign policy problems as they related to Cuba - Essay Example This was intended to spur a rebellion to overthrow the then communist leader Fidel Castro. However, the mission was a failure and led to great embarrassment to the president (Haney & Vanderbush 45). Kennedy’s foreign policy was heavily influenced by the cold war, the continuing conflict of the Soviet Union as well as conflicts in Cuba. From 1960 until after the 1962 Missile crisis, the American objective was to get rid of Cubans leader, President Castro. Subsequently, during the years of the cold war the U.S foreign policy objectives were to get Cuba to halt its aid to revolutionaries, reduce its military ties to the Soviet Union and to show greater respect for human rights (Haney & Vanderbush 185). The United States trade embargo and other sanctions against Cuba have been in place for some 36 years, and the U.S policy towards the island has changed a little in that time. In the absence of full access to the diplomatic records in this country and abroad, it is not possible to resolve this debate on Kennedy fully, but certain studies by analysts on the Cuban missile crisis, lend support to the more friendly view of Kennedy. The president certainly made mistakes in foreign policy, and he raised more hopes than he fulfilled. However, he demonstrated a relatively cosmopolitan and sophisticated view of the world, grew in office, and had a feel for diplomacy, which for some time had been lacking in American

Globalization. Globalization In Economic Research Paper

Globalization. Globalization In Economic - Research Paper Example Although globalization is largely viewed as an economic process, it is has been known to have numerous political and social effects as well (Pew Research Center). With regards to the political and economic aspects, globalization is described as the process of decentralization of markets and legal systems (Lynch 6). In relation to businesses, it can be explained as a process in which companies venture into the emerging global markets. Furthermore, entities are taking advantage of the internet to launch their virtual presence in the worldwide marketplace. In most cases globalization is linked to modernization whereby there is transformation of developing nations into developed ones. Internationally, globalization is analyzed in terms of the challenges to the global economy and economic issues in general. There have heated discussions of globalization and its advantages and disadvantages. There have been numerous benefits accruing from the process such as increased trade among nations a nd dissemination of information world over (Knickerbocker 45). On the flip side there have been drawbacks associated with the process including exploitation of the poor nations, erosion of traditional cultures through modernization and the rising levels of global terrorism. In a nutshell, the process has positive and negative implications on countries world over. This essay addresses the complex concept of globalization and focuses on its economic aspect. It can be noted that global economic activities have become more integrated and economically oriented over the recent past. It takes the form of increased trade among nations, an increase in imports and exports, an overall growth of foreign investments and foreign loans. This is due to the existence of better policies and a friendlier economic environment (Knickerbocker 76). In fact, most modern economies argue that it is meaningless to form one’s thinking on national economies as international trade has become the backbone of most domestic economies in most countries. This has been the trend in most countries that have adopted uniform business environments and legal systems that govern the operations of global markets. This has had both negative and positive implications on the global economy. The first advantage linked to globalization development of the industrial economies that are under the Organization of Cooperation and Development (OECD). It is clear that international trading activities contribute to a significant proportion of the economic production or GDP in most countries (Knickerbocker 77). This is because economies tend to specialize in the areas where they have the highest comparative advantage. For example, if a country is best suited to produce steel, it concentrates on its production and outsources other products that may be expensive to produce in the country. Through specialization, countries are able to make optimum profits from their production activities. Globalization has resul ted to intensified trade in the national economies. This is due to the increased flow of goods, services and capital in the global market. This is due to the abolition of trade barriers among nations and uniform regulations on importation and exportation. This simplifies trading among nations and there increasing trading activities in the global economy (Lynch 10). This is facilitated by international trading organizations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) that make laws and regulations concerning the operations in the global economy. Regionally, bodies such as the European Union (EU), North America Free Trade Association (NAFTA), Common Markets for East and Central Africa (COMESA) and association of South East

Cultural Studies Essays Culture Food and Eating

Cultural Studies Essays Culture Food and Eating Culture, Food and Eating It has been argued that changes inwhat has been cooked, when, where and by whom are a function of other featureswithin the food economy and will have considerable social, economic and healthconsequences. (LangCaraher, 20010) This essay will discuss the changein relation to culture, food and eating by firstly acknowledging that food, cookingand eating have traditionally been seen principally as the womans role insociety. As this is of high significance in examining the consequences ofchange, it will therefore be examined from the assumption that our society isbuilt upon a patriarchal system which underpins our culture to this presentday. In addition through the yearsmodernity has brought about change in production and consumption which has rapidlytransformed the way in which we approach food and eating. Technology has takena great leap forward in how we cook and eat food. Globalisation has allowed forfood to be shipped around the planet at whim and for food trends to travelacross the world. Traditions are changing as people move from country tocountry bringing food from different cultures into the home and marketplace. In all cultures food is imbued withmeaning, it is a currency in society. Food can nourish, entertain and givepleasure. It can also be a source of political conflict for example governmenthealth warnings or arguments around vegetarianism. Not enough food causesextreme problems and at the other end of the scale too much food can be fatal. Someof these issues will be considered when examining the issues around change insocietys approach to food. The Extent of Change in Relationto Cooking In the past cooking and buying offood were traditionally seen as the womans role and what was eaten wasdictated by the seasonal food available and the amount of money people had tospend on food. In assessing the extent of change it could be identified as the physicaland social aspect. Miller and McHoul (1998,p.33) proposethat the physical covers geography, seasons, and economics and that the socialcovers religion, custom, class, health education, advertising, age, gender, andrace. They also recognise the importance of the physiological, which deals withgenes, allergies, diets, needs, and biochemical reaction. In the past thiswould have been seen as the sphere of experts but in our information rich,self obsessed society this could be a significant factor in cultural changetowards food and cooking and is one that cannot be overlooked. Cooking skills were customarilypassed on through families usually from mothers to daughters. In the past themen were the breadwinners while the women stayed at home and looked after thehome, a patriarchal concept modelled on the aspiring middle classes of thetime. Although times have changed and most women now work, the notion that foodand cooking are the womans domain still prevails. This has an effect on what haschanged or is changing in food matters. Tansey and Worsley (1995, p.144) acknowledgethat most of the burden of domestic work still falls on women. The fact thatthey go to work and do the housework is having remarkable effects on the foodindustry. It has created opportunities for them to produce what Tansey andWorsley describe as labour-saving and ego-protecting products. This has ledto a change in shopping, cooking and eating that would have been unimaginable ageneration ago. Availability of food from all overthe world combined with new ways of cooking has altered the way in which weconsume our food. Refrigeration, freezing and microwaving are examples ofpractical ways in which shopping and cooking has changed. Globalisation has madea large contribution, one aspect relevant to this assessment is a post-modernphenomenon termed McDonaldization by George Ritzer in 1996 which has causedmuch debate. Concerns that mass culture is creating a homogenous world whereeverything will become levelled out is deliberated by many theorists of postmodern culture. But at what point do individualschange their behaviour and attitudes to food? Miller and McHoul (1998,p.33) gosome way towards identifying what could be central to how change takes place inwhat, why, where and by whom food is cooked. They suggest that food stands atthe gateway of nature and culture and involves choice at the point where the biologicalgiven hunger meets and becomes indistinguishable from a cultural marker appetite. There are many ways in which appetite can be influenced in todayssociety which will in turn have a bearing on the key forces driving change. Someof these will be looked at in the next section. Key forces driving change With responsibility for everydaycooking taken by women for almost eighty per cent of the time compared withtwenty-five per cent of men (LangCaraher 2001, p.9), it is no surprisethat the food industry target women. Marketing of food products can be seen asone of the key forces driving change in the way in which we cook and eat. Therange of advertisements bombarding us can feature anything from foodingredients, ready made convenience foods, to fast food outlets andrestaurants. As consumers we are offered a staggering choice to satisfy ourappetites. One of the reasons women are seenas so important to the marketers is that they are seen as both consumers andproducers. Rather than simple consumer demand, Lury (1996, p.44) suggests thatthere are a number of different cycles of production and consumption involvedbefore final enjoyment of a meal. She comments Consumer demand can thus beseen as to be mediated by the state and/or the social relations of thehousehold or domestic mode of production This highlights the fact that foodis not a simple commodity with a one way relationship between production andconsumption. It could be argued that, particularly with food, it cannot beassumed that consumers are passive and that consumption can be taken forgranted even though we clearly will always need food. Rather it emphasises thefact that consumption itself is a socially organised set of practices. Lury illustrates this with a quotefrom Appadurai: Demand emerges as a function ofa variety of social practices and classifications, rather than a mysteriousemanation of human needs, a mechanical response to social manipulation (as inone model of the effects of advertising in our own society), or the narrowingdown of a universal and voracious desire for objects to whatever happens to beavailable. Critics of the food industry mayargue that we are being socially manipulated by being force fed over-processedfoods which are bad for our health. However, it must be recognised that theindustry has grown in response to social change such as new working patterns,the rise of single households, and a highly stressed society eating on thehoof. With more single households and families not eating together the foodindustry has provided us with ready made meals to suit our lifestyles. Nevertheless there are many issuessurrounding the food industry which have given cause for concern. The way inwhich food and ingredients are manufactured has resulted in worries aboutimbalance in world economies with cheap food from around the world. Healthscares such as BSE and salmonella in the food chain, fats and additives causingobesity and diabetes are just some of the current arguments. Lang and Caraher(p.10) contend thatfrom the available evidence .. large food retailers are not just respondingto a cultural change, but are using market levers to suit their own agendaswith little thought for longer-term public health outcomes. It has nowbecome so apparent that there is a crisis regarding health, and childrenshealth in particular, that the government has launched a variety of campaignsto persuade the public to eat healthily. This also includes putting pressure onmanufacturers. It could be maintained that given the shocking statistics onhealth, the State is destined to become a key force for driving change in thefuture. The Significance of Change As already identified, concernsover the health of the nation is one of the biggest issues in society at themoment. It has been said that if this trend continues we are the firstgeneration where parents are expected to outlive their children. While cookingis purported to be on the decline for younger people, it is argued that as anation we know more about diet and nutrition than ever before. If the number oftelevision programmes and magazines on food and health can be taken as evidenceof this it would seem it is true. It is clear that our relationshipwith food has changed drastically in recent years, and can be argued that it isa post-modern problem, one of the most visible areas being the explosion of thediet industry. An article in the Observer Food Magazine (March 2005, p.17)considers the latest trend in dieting and why we feel the need to follow adiet. One theory is that it is the sheer abundance of food has changed us intoa nation of nearly 13 million diet addicts. Dr Andrew Hill, senior lecturer inbehavioural studies contends: It is only in the lastmicro-second of human evolution that we have become surrounded by a sea ofcalories. Weve become international, non-seasonal feeders and for anincreasing proportion of people, this represents a challenge. We simply donthave the psychological controls to cope. Our biological system is tilted infavour of over-consumption This and other issues around foodhave brought it into the public eye and inevitably become a matter ofgovernment policy. Tansey and Worsley (p.214) point to five areas with whichthe conventional economic approach to policy concerns itself; efficiency,growth, stability, sustainability, equity. They demonstrate how important foodpolicy is with a quote from John McInerney: Food is an exceptionallypolitical commodity the idea of there being a COLLECTIVE wellbeing inaddition to an individual one will lead to an array of policy actions designedto protect or foster the interests of the weak and vulnerable, referee theinteractions both within and between groups all along the food chain, insulateone group from the actions of others, and redistribute the benefits to achievea more equitable pattern than the market system can manage on its own. With health at the top of thepolitical agenda for any government it could be anticipated that policy willchange the way we approach food. While the government lobbies the food industryand bombards us with the latest health campaign they could expect some results.But when it comes back down to individuals who will implement this in the home?Yet again the burden will fall on the shoulders of women as Guardians of thefamilys health. Conclusion There are many factors involved inthe change in our attitude to food, cooking and eating, of which only a fewhave been discussed in this essay. One thing that remains constant is that westill view our society through the lens of patriarchy therefore, whetherconsciously or unconsciously rely on gender stereotypes of the mother as thenurturer. While this is still largely true the last twenty or thirty years haveproved that the feminist ideals of women being able to have it all has notlived up to its promise. Women have had to rely on a flourishing food industryto help them cope with the domestic load as well as going to work outside thehome. While this has been celebrated by many women as releasing them from thekitchen and allowing them to have a career of their own, it becomes clear thatsociety has not been able to offer any real alternative to womens unpaid workin the home. The concern we have at present withfood, health, and eating has evolved as a consequence of new social patterns,globalisation, marketing, industry and state policy. As a society we must askourselves whether culturally we still put the responsibility for these issuesat the feet of women on the basic level that as the nurturers they areletting down their families. If that is so it then it is not until eachindividual takes responsibility for their own approach to food that things willchange for the better. BIBLIOGRAPHY Miller, T McHoul, A 1998, PopularCulture and Everyday Life Tansey, G Worsley, T 1995, TheFood System, a Guide Lang, T Caraher M, 2001, IsThere a Culinary Skills Transition? Data and debate from the UK about changes in cooking culture, Journal of the HEIA, Vol 8, No 2, 2001 Lury, Celia 1996, ConsumerCulture Observer Food Magazine, March 2005,Do the Science, The Observer 13/3/05

A Closer Look into the Boxer Rebellion

The Boxer Rebellion was one of the many periods of history that has almost been forgotten by Western historians despite its importance and impact in Chinese history. Eventually, information regarding this rebellion had resurfaced which some historians have considered to be mythical in the sense that some historians have concentrated the information regarding the Boxer Rebellion only on certain portions that they have deemed to be beneficial to the current society of the country.In line with this, this paper aims to provide an analytical report justifying that the Boxer Rebellion, although may have begun as a political and economical uprising, most of the efforts done during the Boxer Rebellion was to prevent Western culture and tradition from tainting Chinese culture, particularly in terms of religion. This paper will also provide evidence to justify as to why many historians have considered the current image of the Boxer Rebellion to be a myth.In order to present the analysis report with regards to the Boxer Rebellion movement comprehensively, a brief overview of Chinese society during the period when the Boxer Rebellion arose should be first discussed. The Boxer Rebellion first gained attention in the year 1898 (Ch'en 290). During this time, China was currently under the governance of the Qing dynasty. Unlike the Ming dynasty before it, the Qing dynasty was not comprised of Manchus, foreigners from Manchuria who obtained governance on China as a result of conquest.The Manchus, as how the Chinese called them, were viewed as both privileged and idlers, with majority of the Manchus consuming one-third of the total revenue of the country (Purcell i-ii). It was also during this period a shift on the basis of the country's economy from land acquisition to credit acquisition. In fact, Mark Elvin, author of â€Å"The Pattern of the Chinese Past† that was published in 1973 stated that usury, which was the term given to the act of controlling economic resources, became a â€Å"a more important source of social and economic power in the countryside than ownership of land† (as cited in Wakeman, Jr.202). Apart from this, international trade and commerce that were previously banned during the Ming dynasty were re-established (Van de Van 230). Despite the shift in economic power, many members of the lower class in Chinese society still did not enjoy the independence enjoyed by the richer farmers and land owners because the practices of the moneylenders did not provide those the peasants with what they had considered to be essential to their way of life.Instead, they viewed this change in the economic power in Chinese society as a fragile and false link between the Manchu rulers and the Chinese subordinates. As such, most of the uprisings that had occurred during this period of time have been linked to peasantry revolts whose goals centered on the quest to equalize the land and resources (Wakeman Jr. 202-03). The above stated situation th e China during the period of the Boxer Rebellion may have been the reason why many have associated this movement to be another peasantry revolt against the Manchu government.This was also supported by the fact that majority of the Boxers, as how they were called, were young male peasants, and that their revolt actions included stampeding into the cities and burning down blocks of the finest stores and offices of moneylenders (Liu 102). Furthermore, there have been only limited accounts on the Boxer Rebellion movement with these limited resources depicting the members of the Boxer Revolt as being hostile (Ch'en 290). While the characteristics of the Boxers were similar to that of other peasant revolts against the Manchu government, the aims and objectives of the Boxers Revolution was nothing similar.In fact, for a brief period in time, the Manchu monarchy – headed by Empress Dowager Cixi – supported the Boxers Movement (Liu 102). This is primarily due to the aims and ob jectives of the Boxers Movement. Because of the re-opening of international trade routes, many of the Chinese began to develop as sense of Xenophobia, which is, the fear of foreign rule. As international foreign trade blossomed, foreigners began to come in not just with raw items and other commodities, but also their own beliefs, particularly Christianity (Ch'en 290-91).Unlike the Westerners, the Chinese have patronized and supported their current government despite themselves being foreigners as well. This was because when the Chinese were brought under the rule of the Manchus, it was the Manchus and not the Chinese who assimilated themselves to the culture and society of Chinese to the point that if one would compare a Manchu and a Chinese side-by-side, only subtle differences can be viewed between them (Purcell 2). This is not the case with the Westerners who have been known to subtly invade other countries through the process of â€Å"cultural imperialism.† Cultural imper ialism has been defined as the process of a foreign country to impose in a coercive manner, usually through political and economical methods, their beliefs, customs and traditions to another country, usually one that they have deemed to be more inferior than they were (Dunch 302). In the case of China, through its trade activities with European countries, has been viewed to be a country that was static, as compared to the European countries where advancements in technology was at its peak (Purcell 3).As a result, missionaries began to flock into China and began to establish schools in the Shandong province (Liu 103-04). Eventually, many of the Chinese have slowly begun to view these foreign missionaries as a threat to their cultural identity, especially after the missionaries were slowly being granted diplomatic and military support from the Qing dynasty monarchy. The Manchu monarchy increased the ranks and privileges of the foreign missionaries. One example of this was the bishop s ituated in the Shandong province was given the rank by the Empress Dowager Cixi similar to that of the Chinese governor of the province.On top of that, the monsignors and the priests situated in various parts of China were regarded to have the same political power as the Chinese prefects and magistrates. Because of the political power that was granted to the foreign missionaries, they were able to handle their missionary work in a more convenient manner. Not only could they not be touched by members of the local government within the area that they are ministering, but also they had the authority to protect those who have been converted into Christendom against any actions made by local authorities that they consider as harassment on the part of their converts (Liu 104).The members of the Boxers have viewed the actions of the Catholic missionaries as a way not just to make their mark in their culture, but also as a slow, but steady method of overthrowing their monarchy and their gov ernment and invading them. The Boxers viewed Christianity as a form of heresy and against the teachings of both Confucianism and Taoism, which are the prominent religions in China during this period (â€Å"History in Three Keys† 8). It was for this reason that the Boxers launched a propaganda movement against foreign missionaries.As far as the Boxers were concerned, their propaganda movement was justified by the literary pieces that were centered in both Confucianism and Taoism. Perhaps the most influential of these lyric pieces was a lyric poem which they have believed was composed by the god Chi-Kung, who shared it to the Boxers through the medium. The poem referred to the Chinese Christian converts as people â€Å"who have lost all their senses† and whose â€Å"aim was to engulf the whole country† and to â€Å"deceive our Emperor† (Ch'en 292).The propaganda literature distributed by the Boxers echoed the message of the poem of Chi-Kung. These literatur e included notices that they boldly advocated, such as the message that â€Å"The heresy [heresy referring to the missionaries and their converts] has no respect for either gods or Buddhas† (Ch'en 293). Based on these propaganda, it is clear that the Boxer Rebellion Movement's aim was to wipe out foreign missionaries by any means possible in order to protect their beloved emperor and his family as well as the common people of China (Ch'en 293).Sadly, the government that they were trying to protect did not share in their vision. In the end, the Qing dynasty suppressed the Boxer movement and all forms of literature associated with the movement (â€Å"History in Three Keys† 15). There were a number of reasons as to why history presented the Boxer Rebellion more as a political revolution as opposed to a movement to protect the culture, government and people of China during the 19th century.One reason for this was that, as mentioned, all documents pertaining to the Boxer Mo vement, especially those that supported the Boxer Movement were destroyed. What were left were official documents and other forms of literature that were written by those who opposed the Boxer Revolution Movement. These documents depicted the Boxers as a group of illiterate individuals who were afraid of advancement and progress (â€Å"History in Three Keys† 15).But the primary reason for the difference of the viewpoint regarding the Boxer Rebellion Movement was on the historians themselves. While it is true that majority of historians document events that had occurred in a particular area during a particular period based on facts in order to provide the readers an objective viewpoint that is as accurate as the facts and evidences may allow them to, there remains some historians who have been considered by their colleagues as â€Å"mythologizers† (â€Å"The Contested Past† 82).These kinds of historians have been described as those who have a clear understanding of the past events and have access to the same evidences and facts that are available to historians, sociologists, anthropologists and the like. The difference lies in the manner on how they utilize these facts and evidences in their writings. Instead of providing the reader an objective, play-by-play account of the events that had occurred during a particular point in time, mythologizers have been known to utilize the facts and evidences to create an account of a historical event to serve another purpose.These purposes include political reform and psychological formation of the reader (â€Å"The Contested Past 82-83). Examples of this can be found with regards to the manner on how various authors whose works have long been considered as historical accounts on the Boxer Revolution. In one account which was entitled â€Å"The Boxers' Conquest of the Westerners,† the Boxers were described as a group of individuals who were superstitious and irrational.In fact, not much attenti on was actually given to this over the more noble reason for the revolt, which was the protection and preservation of Chinese culture from the changes being imposed by foreign missionaries. As a result, this historical account presented the Chinese as a people who, in a period when everyone else were trying to advance themselves, remained superstitious by believing that gods and deities still correspond through mediums in order for the people to do their bidding as well as a country whose people remained ignorant and even barbaric (â€Å"The Contested Past† 84).Chen's Duxiu's essay is another example of mythologization of the Boxer Revolution. In his essay, he firmly addressed and justified that the Boxer Revolution was brought about by the influence of Confucianism, Taoism and other religions present in China during that period of time has led to the Boxer Uprising. Duxiu further stated that since these religions are still prevalent in China to this very day, it would not be long before another Boxer Revolution will take place (â€Å"The Contested Past† 85).While this does have some truth in it, it is also not entirely accurate because Duxiu failed to take into consideration that one of the main reasons why the Boxer Revolution erupted was because of the imminent overthrow of the current monarchy ruling China brought about by the government itself by providing political power to a certain extent to the foreign missionaries. This allowed them to be in a position to choose on whether they would follow the rulings of the local government where they were ministering.In fact, the term â€Å"Boxer† Revolution by itself may be considered to be a form of mythologization. In his article, Lu Xun had presented it as a metaphor to present the ignorance of the Chinese during the 19th century in his statement â€Å"[†¦] if the Chinese don't learn the military art of using rattan shields, how can they protect themselves against firearms[†¦]â €  (as cited in â€Å"The Contested Past† 86). To summarize, the Boxer Revolution that occurred during the Qing dynasty was brought about by a number of historical events.The first was the experience of the Chinese towards foreign invasion. Although they were currently being ruled by foreigners from Manchuria, they did not fear that this would bring about a loss of their cultural identity and heritage. This was because the foreign rulers assimilated themselves into the Chinese culture and traditions to a point wherein Manchus living in China were not that different from the Chinese. The second historical event was the re-opening of international trade routes by the Manchus during the Qing dynasty that have been closed during the Ming dynasty.While this benefited the country economically with traders bringing in rare commodities in exchange for Chinese goods, it had also paved the way for European missionaries to enter the country, bringing in Christianity into China. This event has caused many of the converts to turn their backs from local customs and traditions, hence, their own cultural identity. The third was the decision made by the Manchu government through Empress Dowager Cixi to grant the foreign missionaries some form of political power. This proved to be the biggest threat viewed by the Boxer Revolt.The decision made by the Empress Dowager has not only provided the foreign missionaries some form of leniency which would allow them to practice their faith and to convert Chinese into Christianity more freely, but it also allowed the foreign missionaries not to adhere with the local government in the various provinces where they were ministering. This is because the political power granted by the Empress to the foreign missionaries has caused them to have the same political powers as those in the local government, if not higher.Based on the evidence presented, the preconceived notion that the Boxers were predominantly made out of peasants is ina ccurate. On the contrary, the evidence have suggested that the Boxer Revolution was actually a movement that was composed largely of educated individuals and since education was a privilege that was enjoyed by the elite during this period of time, it can be assumed that the Boxer Revolution was a revolution created by the elite.This conclusion has been based on the development of the aim of the Boxer Revolution which was to wipe out the foreign missionaries in order to preserve and protect the Emperor of China and its people. They had based this on literary pieces that were usually accessible only to the elite. Among these forms of literature were the plays, poetry and teachings of Confucius and Tao.It will be highly illogical to state that the Boxers were mainly comprised of illiterate individuals since the only way for these to become the basis of the Boxers Movement is if and only if these someone who is literate, that is someone who could both read and write, would be able to no t only understand these forms of literature but would have the capacity to disseminate these information to others.Also, the preconception that the Boxer Revolution was a revolt against the Manchu government has been disproved by the information presented in this paper as well. While it may be true that the Boxer Revolution was ultimately suppressed by the Manchu government, among the objectives of the revolution movement was to protect their Emperor and Empress Dowager. They had viewed the actions of the foreign missionaries as a step closer for cultural imperialism to become rampant in the country.Cultural imperialism refers to the act of members from a foreign country to bring in their own customs, beliefs and traditions into another country and would slowly assimilate this to the citizens of that particular country, usually through some form of political force. The most common method used for cultural imperialism is through religion. This was the case in the Boxer movement.