Arguments For or Against Women in Combat essays

Arguments For or Against Women in Combat essays Women should be allowed to fight in combat with infantry units and Special Forces units in a wartime environment. A number of arguments have been traditionally given against women in combat that range from women's lack of aggressiveness, the possibility that female soldiers will be raped, the familial damage caused by the absence of female soldiers, potential damage to military cohesion, and the physical weakness of women. Each of these arguments will be discussed, and revealed as inherently flawed. In addition, the historical value of women in combat suggests that women can play a valuable role in the US military in combat. Further, inability to experience ground combat seriously limits the potential career track for women in the military. Taken together, these arguments suggest a potentially valuable role for women in ground combat in the US military. The issue of women in a combat role in the US Military is one of the most hotly contested topics in the public arena today. Both supporters and detractors of women in the military seem to have deeply held, often inflexible opinions, and debate has often been emotional and heated. This paper will attempt to identify some of the key arguments of each side, and provide a reasoned, careful look at the issue of women in combat. Ultimately, the evidence and reasoning presented in this article suggests that women should be allowed to fight in combat with infantry units and special forces units during a wartime environment. Much of the opposition to women in combat seems to be based on the argument that women are not "geared" toward combat duties. This stems from a traditional, conservative view of women as nurturing and maternal, with few aggressive tendencies. Generally, I think that most people's experience would agree with the assertion that women, as a whole, tend to be less aggressive than men. After all, ...

Madonna essays

Madonna essays Who comes to mind as the creator and developer of female sexual freedom in the past 20 years? Most would answer with one name: Madonna. When Madonna was asked where she wanted to go with her career she replied I want to rule the world. Madonna meant that she wants to change things for women in America. Madonna didnt exactly rule the world but according to many aroudn the world she has made a huge impact on the lives of many women. Her power was in her arrival; he rmost important characteristic was her ambition, blonde or otherwise, and the perception that although she came with nothing-she already had it all ( Nelson 2) Madonnas drive for power, and Ambition to make females and males equal in all senses is one of the many reasons why Madonna is an excellent icon. She has shown many women that attempting to put men and women on the same level is the only way to gain equality among both sexes. This in the Madonna that teenage girls aspired to be, the funky dresser and great dancer who wrote playful, upbeat hits and relished the potential of her life. She also desired sex without concern for her reputation, and wasnt looking for a husband to fatten her bank account- no small feats for a teenager navigating towards womanhood ( Nelson 3) Madonna is promoting that all people; men, women, and kids go out into the world with an ambitious attitude. She brought a new and different voice to our otherwise quiete conservative culture. She is an ideal icon, her skillful stage act, image and music combining to make an oddly innocent pop phenomenon, harking back to the flirtatious glamour of earlier times: it was an illusion then, more so now; but she seems likely to endure one way or another. (McGregor 4) Some people today feel that the way their kids idolize teen pop stars like Britney Spears and Courtney Love is hazardous. Even experts say t...

Public shipping - marine pollution and aspects of marine environment Essay

Public shipping - marine pollution and aspects of marine environment cases - Essay Example It is observed that disputes that arise in territorial waters have seen the port states exercise their special rights on territorial waters and claim to do so for the safety and security in their national interests. Marine environment and pollution is a concern for those holding rights over the territorial waters as well as on high seas, particularly in territorial waters due to its utilization for various activities like fishing, sea-bed activities, etc. The subject of Marine environment and pollution encompasses marine environmental activities and related principles, jurisdiction of port states over ships moving in the territorial region, and other sea-bed activities by the port state. In the particular cases of Corfu Channel and Anglo-Norwegian Fisheries conflict, marine pollution and environmental issues have been raised in the political, economic and historical contexts. It also seen that the port states have a rather diligent advantage over the claimant states in both the cases wherein in Corfu Channel case, the court put the responsibility of proof on the British government which is the claimant (Kazazi, 1995, p 86), while in the case of Anglo-Norwegian Fisheries case, the courts ruled that Norwegian government has the right to exercise its sovereignty on its territorial waters keeping in view the geo-socio custom of the Norwegians in depending on sea waters for fishing as an occupation by a majority (Wise, 1984, p 70). The Corfu Channel case- In 1946, two United Kingdom's ships have been damaged with loss of life of over 40 naval staff in the ships in the territorial waters of Albania. It is alleged by the United Kingdom that Albania has violated International law and had planted or was aware of the presence of mines in its territorial waters which caused loss of life and damage to two of its ships Soumarage and Volage when they struck mines lying under the sea. Earlier in 1944 and 1945 when the British seamen along with a team of international bodies swept the territorial waters of Albania, they had acted according to the law and had promptly informed and taken safety measures to keep the ships away during the minesweeping operations. However, on 15th May 1946 and again on 22nd October 1946, the British ships were shot at by the Norwegian authorities as a defensive attack alleging that the British ships were violating their orders and regulations in the international law to inform the port of their entry. In the second attack, in October, two of the ships that were sent by the British government after informing the Norwegian government of mine sweeping operations with the permission of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), were attacked and they stuck mines that lay under the sea resulting in loss of life and damage to the ships. The British government claimed that the Albanian government deliberately laid mines in the sea to disrupt the innocent passage rights of other nations. Also, since it had sent the two ships for mine sweeping operations, it alleged that Albania had violated the regulations in International law. It cites the articles 3 and 4 of the 8th convention of Hague of 1997 noting that Albania had violated the International law and failed to inform the other nations of the impending dangers due to the mines present in the territoria

Choose a city or neighborhood and research the effects of race and Essay

Choose a city or neighborhood and research the effects of race and class on the place - Essay Example r clarification, the subject matter centers on recent situations experienced in Brooklyn’s neighborhoods, where racial diversities may explain how the outlook and evolution in overall economic and social movements in the area. Brooklyn communities in New York City are, in a way, a melting pot of diverse ethnic groups. Contrary to what most commonly perceive, the neighborhood in Brooklyn is not primarily composed of â€Å"white† citizens. Among the overall population of 85, 343 in 2000, white non-hispanic amounted only a small portion of 0.7 %, while majority are African-Americans with 78.2%; followed by Hispanic groups with 18% (â€Å"Brooklyn Community District† 5). This shows migration patterns in Brooklyn, where minority groups, particularly the African and Hispanic descent, gain the upper hand, with their workforce drive increasing economic opportunities. The significance lies on their interaction in the communities, especially in the early parts of the 19th century, where the influx of migrating races is at its peak. In spite of the excess statistics of minority groups invading the Western territory of Brooklyn, the displacement of the original white inhabitants is not as profound as formerly assumed. Class distinctions may have been a primary incident in 18th centuries, where the rich and the poor are clearly divided; however, it seems that the later century still inspires such outlook (Scherzer 6). There is still a high degree of likelihood that low socioeconomic conditions and condensed levels of minority groups are of similar specters, paving way for poor neighborhood conditions (Weintraub 3). At most, although the urban conditions in Brooklyn is not extensively impoverished, its stability is deemed unsecured for households to live in satisfaction. The availability of several educational centers in Brooklyn, New York, from preschool to university institutions, is quite generous in number--perceiving the importance of education in the future of Brooklyn

Characters personality Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Characters personality - Essay Example Vonnegut believes of love as a principality to survival. He depicts that love makes an individual’s life meaningful and worth recounting. Moreover, affection that one possesses towards another can be treasured and expressed in many ways. In his short story, ‘A Long Walk to Forever’, Vonnegut portrays how conflict, sensitivity, and essential decency depict an individual’s character. This paper discusses in depth about Catharine and Newt in the short story ‘A Long Walk to Forever’. Essentially, it outlines their character traits, their perceptions, and values in life (Vonnegut 2). Newt is depicted as a shy person since although he loves Catherine, he does not confess his feelings to her until the last moment when she is about to get married in three weeks time (Vonnegut 2). Evidently, Newt is jealous since as he discovers that Catharine is getting married to another man, he quits from his job and confesses his love for her. Although he is late in making such a confession, he is determined to have Catharine for himself. He is persistent because as Catharine explains that it is impossible for them to have a life together, he still insists of an opportunity to prove his long hidden love for her. The short story uses the word AWOL to symbolize the absence Newt makes in his place of work. He sacrifices his work for the sake of love. He fails consider the consequences that will come along his illegality of quitting the army without any proper leave. Newt is also courageous since he does everything to get the love of his life. He risks his work for the sake of Catherine’s love. As a risk taker, he does not have a second thought in his actions. Catherine goes through a magazine with an aim of choosing a wedding dress. This symbolizes her vagueness in what she needs in life. She is undecided about the dress to wear on her wedding day. She is also undecided of which man to marry. On the other hand, Catharine is irresolute. For instance, she still has feelings for Newt though she is to get married to another man. Despite her denial towards Newt, deep inside her heart is immeasurable love for Newt. As they chat in the woods, Catharine bursts in tear which force Newt to ask, ‘What does that mean?’ in fear of confessing the truth about her love for him, Catharine replies, ‘If I’d loved you, I’d have let you know before’ (Vonnegut 4). Both characters are passionate since though their love is forbidden, they make are determined to realize their dream of being together. They kiss passionately and elope just a week before Catharine is to get married to another man. As evidenced from the short story, love conquers all. This is evidenced by the fact that both Catharine and Newt later find fulfillment in each other’s arms. Catharine gives up the man he is about to marry for her true love. On the other hand, Newt gives up his job for the sake of his love for Catharine. He never gives it a second thought when he quits the army. The two characters depict the triumph they endure as they walk towards their future together (Vonnegut 5). I once lost an opportunity in life when I once had feelings towards my best friend and lacked the courage to make the proposal. I felt devastated in life and lost hope in everything. I felt that I had completely lost the battle and nothing else was to be done to change things. I could not take myself face reality and express my feelings. My friend later left for another country, and I

Marks and Spencer: Structure and Culture

Marks and Spencer: Structure and Culture 1. INTRODUCTION Marks Spencer is British institution. Opened in 1884, the company emerged as a major retailer of clothes, food, household items and financial services. By 1997, Marks Spencer was an international company with sales of over  £8 billion and very high net profit margins. However, the group experienced a shocking reversal in fortune at the turn of the 21st Century when its main customer base, women aged between 35 and 55 began to stop shopping at their stores. This posed a very serious threat to the companys survival and Marks Spencer thought hard and long about how to rectify the situation. It did so by introducing bold new moves changing its corporate culture and by strengthening existing systems and processes. By doing so, the company was able to regain its loyal customers and grow once again. Yet, the last few years have been challenging as the company was badly affected by the global economic crisis. This report outlines the changing structure and culture at Marks Spencers. It provides a comparison of the contributions of the key business functions to the organizational change. It also identifies the key stakeholders of the organization and the key issues of managing them. Finally, a SWOT analysis is done for Marks Spencer along with an assessment of its long term future prospects. 2. CHANGING CORPORATE CULTURE AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE All organizations have their own cultures, which consist of the values and beliefs shared by its members which determine to a considerable degree how managers respond to problems and opportunities. But corporate culture can become static and excessively bureaucratic over time, even among successful organizations (Huff et al, 2009). An organizational culture is powerful because it automatically shapes the way members see their world. Any culture is deeply rooted in beliefs and values that members have internalized. When beliefs and values are held without challenge for a long period of time, they are even less likely to be questioned (Robbins and Judge, 2007). The norms rarely change to accommodate those who deviate from them. Inertia sets in and employees become stuck in a rut. Employees become resistant to change and are unwilling to do things differently because they involve inconvenience and uncertainty. This could ultimately destroy the company. Like most successful organizations, Marks Spencer was a victim of its own success. Its corporate culture because inflexible, rigid and resistant to change because it was felt that since the company was successful, there was no need to change. Deeply entrenched was a sense of employee entitlement regarding remuneration and working hours. However, when it became clear that the old culture was unable to cope with changing demands of the marketplace, the top management decided on a major revamp. As a result, employees became less resistant to change and began to embrace new ways of doing things. Employees were willing to work for longer hours if it meant better pay and they were less resistant to the fact that they might lose their jobs if the company performed poorly. They were also sent for learning and education programs to equip them with new skills sets so that they were better able to cope with changes in the working environment. All these efforts contributed to the change in corporate culture which is now more dynamic and flexible. A number of major changes were also made to the organizational structure. The formal chain of command was flattened to a certain extent and in doing so the company became more agile and responsive to changes in customer demand and taste. The regional management structure was simplified to delegate more responsibility to individual store managers to give them more autonomy. 3. CONTRIBUTIONS OF KEY BUSINESS FUNCTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGES 3.1 Finance The finance function plays a critical role at Marks Spencer in cutting costs and eliminating unnecessary expenditure. The entire value chain was examined to determine where and how costs could be trimmed. As a result, the company was able to reduce costs, provide better prices to the customers and improve its overall profitability. Ultimately, it is the shareholders who stand to gain the most from the initiatives made in terms of maximization of shareholder wealth. 3.2 Marketing To attract new customers and retain existing customers at Marks Spencer, the marketing function critically examined the cause of declining sales. The main cause negative customer perception of its main customer base women aged between 35 and 55 that the clothes sold at Marks Spencer were unfashionable and even dowdy. Therefore, the marketing function decided to split up the long-cherished St Michaels brand into a number of categories to cater for different customer needs. Consequently, the company launched three new product categories for women (www.marksandspencer.com, 2011). The first, the Perfect and Classic ranges were for basic purposes, for example jeans, sweaters and plain shirts. The second range, Autograph is for the more fashionable woman of a larger demographic group. The final range, per una, is targeted at the younger woman of ages 25 to 35 and is of average dress size. By segmenting its products for different markets, the company was able to regain most of the sales it lost. Different marketing campaigns are held for each range and this makes the companys products appear more attractive to customers. 3.3 Operations A number of critical changes were made to the companys operations. For one, the supply chain was made leaner and in doing so, the company made substantial savings. Fewer suppliers were used and this facilitated transparency and response time. The lead time was reduced and the company placed a greater emphasis on timeliness and quality. These contribute to leaner operations which lead to higher profits. 3.4 Human Resource This function is critical to the successful implementation of a strategy. The HRM function at Marks Spencer played an important role in changing employee mindset and modifying the corporate culture to be more attuned to the changes that need to occur (Hitt et al, 2004). As a result, employees were more receptive to change and aware of the sacrifices they need to make. 4. KEY STAKEHOLDERS The key stakeholders of Marks Spencer are shareholders, management, employees and customers. The following diagram shows their relative importance and power: Power of Stakeholders Meet Their Needs Key Player B, C A D Least Important Show Consideration Interest Key: A Shareholders B Management C Customers D Employees 5. MANAGING KEY STAKEHOLDERS Shareholders would like to maximize their wealth. Share maximization is through share price appreciation and dividends (Aaker, 1996). Therefore, satisfying this group would require increasing profits and the company profile. Management is concerned about maintaining control over operations. Their goals are sometimes similar to that of shareholders but in some cases they differ (Daniels et al, 2007). Hence, there is the agency problem. The employees at Marks Spencer are most concerned about job security and work conditions. Ideally, they would like jobs that pay well and have good hours. However, this may be incompatible with the goal of wealth maximization of shareholders as employee benefits will erode profits. Similarly, if employees are unionized, they may cause problems to management and reduce its influence. Hence, management must strike a balance between making employees and shareholders happy. Customers are concerned about satisfying their needs and wants. Managing them effectively would require Marks Spencer to improve its product offering to make satisfied customers who make repeat purchases. 6. SWOT ANALYSIS 6.1 (S)trengths Excellent control system for suppliers, inventory and layout of stores. Very high quality products Efficient and modern production techniques Good understanding of its core customer base. 6.2 (W)eaknesses Generic clothing that is often perceived as unfashionable An image of being boring 6.3 (O)pportunities Global expansion Utilizing more overseas suppliers to achieve cost advantage Maximize use of existing technology to obtain competitive advantage 6.4 (T)hreats Competition with premium quality clothing manufacturers Competition with discount stores Economic downturn 7. FUTURE PROSPECTS Marks Spencer is facing a very difficult time. After its successful business turnaround, it is once again facing problems due to the recession. Indeed the next few years may be a very difficult time for the company. Not only is it facing competition from high end retailers but discount stores as well. Meanwhile, the middle class is shrinking and if the company does not take bold steps, it may collapse. To succeed, the company must grow its market share by penetrating new markets or new product lines. 8. CONCLUSION Marks Spencer is a company with a long history of success. To overcome its current difficulties, it must draw on its strengths, overcome its weaknesses and revamp its strategy to stay relevant and competitive.

THEME ON EMILY DICKINSON :: essays research papers

Poems of Emily Dickinson Thesis of my paper that I am trying to prove to the reader is that Emily Dickinson is a brilliant extraordinary writer. She talks about mortality and death within her life and on paper in her poem works. Although she lived a seemingly secluded life, Emily Dickinson's many encounters with death influenced many of her poems and letters. Perhaps one of the most ground breaking and inventive poets in American history, Dickinson has become as well known for her bizarre and eccentric life as for her incredible poems and letters. Numbering over 1,700, her poems highlight the many moments in a 19th century New England woman's life, including the deaths of some of her most beloved friends and family, most of which occurred in a short period of time (Introduction, Paragraph 2). In many short poems, several readers or critics of Dickinson point out her methods of exploring several topics in "circumference," as she says in her own words. Death is perhaps one of the best examples of this exploration and examination. Other than one trip to Washington and Philadelphia, several excursions to Boston to see a doctor and a few short years in school, Dickinson never left her hometown of Amherst, Massachusetts. In the latter part of her life she rarely left her large brick house, and communicated even to her beloved sister through a door often left "slightly ajar." This seclusion gave her a reputation for eccentricity to the local towns' people, and perhaps increased her interest in death (The Belle Of Amherst, Dickinson). Some knew Dickinson in Amherst as, "the New England mystic,". Her only contact to her few friends and correspondents was through a series of letters, seen as some authors and critics to be equal not only in number to her poetic works, but in literary genius as well (Introduction Dickinson). Explored thoroughly in her works, death seems to be a dominating theme through out Dickinson's life. Dickinson, although secluded and isolated, had a few encounters with love; two perhaps serious affairs were documented in her letters and poems. But, since Dickinson's life was so private the exact identity of these people remains unsure. What is known, is during the Civil War, worried for her friends and families' lives, death increased in frequency to be a dominant theme in her writings. After 1878, the year of her influential father's death, (a treasurer of Amherst College, and a member of the Congress), this theme increased with each passing of friend or family, peaking perhaps with the death of the two men she loved (The Belle of Amherst, Dickinson).