Graffiti & art Essay

The word graffiti is basically used to refer to a form of art that involves making of images, scrawls, scratches or painting letters on surfaces in various ways. It has been in existence for years. The use of graffiti has sparked debate from two camps. It is regarded both as unsightly and unwanted by critics who claim that defacing anything under the pretext of graffiti is simply a form of vandalism while its supporters claim that it is a worthy way of displaying their messages. Introduction Graffiti traces its history to the ancient Greece and the Roman Emperor. It has since evolved from a simple scratch to the modern spray paints and markers. Graffiti has been used to pass social and political messages for quite along time. But though used as such, it still remains an illegal practice in most countries in the world. This has led to a lot of protests and debates from simple artists and scholars alike on whether to legalize it or not. Questions on the safety of the society with legalized graffiti form headlines in such debates. This essay will therefore try to state reasons why graffiti should be left to be in our societies due to its numerous positive impacts that surpass the negatives. Reasons to Support Graffiti †¢ To Preserve Memories The graffiti that are put on stone carvings can stay for years and years to help pass a message to the future generation on how the history of some ancestral practices. A massage that could have required several words to explain can just be put in a single drawing using graffiti. These practices helped revolutionary soldiers to curve their names as well as those of them who died during the war on monuments for remembrance. Cultures have developed and traditions have been preserved, thanks to the graffiti practice. To add onto this it is also reported in (Reda Joseph, 2006) that those countries that are actively involved in the promotion of graffiti have even earned themselves international recognition for example Brazil, which boasts of unique and rich graffiti scenes This has made the country to be considered a centre of inspiration for modern graffiti artists (Lost Art & Caleb Neelon, 2007, 7). †¢ Source of Income The art has been used for decades and decades for the economic advantage of its players. Those individuals that need to have some information sent to the public, or want to uplift the facial look of their premises, cars or any other asset of theirs have to part with some money in return for the services done to them. The artists in this case have therefore benefited a great deal from such payments. There have been reported cases of schools being established to teach those who aspire to have graffiti as a professional course. This has in turn made the instructors to change the societal perception of graffiti apart from gaining from the payments of the courses. The spread escalated in the years 1960s when it was incorporated in the hip hop, rap and rock culture by the then artist (Peter Shapiro) . With this positive reception of the graffiti culture, a lot of exhibitions have been organized leading to staggering sums of money for the artists as well as organizers. Graffiti culture has been picked up by almost everyone in the society. Reported of late in most if not all countries is the graffiti sported on buildings, trains and cars. This shows that the business is not just about to fade away, but needs to be embraced in the modern society then defined well enough to fit perfectly in any given modern setting. This spread has also led to a newly founded wave of creativity and a more professional approach to graffiti. Graffiti also sparks innovation. With the emerging nature of competition in the practice, only technology can help one artist to ride over the others. Modern experimentation has seen the incorporation of some additional arts and technologies as those seen in the graffiti writers in the latest media, where they use projected images and magnetic light emitting diodes (K. Varnedoe and A. Gopnik, 1991). †¢ Radical and Political Use For the voiceless, the oppressed, the socially challenged and all these people who feel disadvantaged in one way or another, graffiti offers a way out to help them address their views. Graffiti is just one tool of expressing resistance to a system of for example governance. In 1990s, graffiti resurfaced with a new look and a refreshed objective, it became more focused on political matters more than social oppression. †¢ Academic and other Uses of Graffiti Contemporary analysts as well as art critics both agree on the artistic value of graffiti and are acquainted with it as a public art which making it a basic necessity for social emancipation or for achievement of a political goals. In case of a conflict in the society, graffiti can be used to bring dialogue and address cleavage between the warring groups. The Belfast and Los Angeles murals have been used to this effect to offer a mode of â€Å"communication and self expression† for those who feel ethnically, socially and racially alienated. Campaigns against moral degradation or any other unaccepted social practice can easily be done using graffiti. When coupled with a bit of stenciling of one or more colors the, the message appears more concrete. This form of advance graffiti was used by artists like Mathangi Arulpragasam, John Fekner and Lucy Lippard, to address decaying environmental concern, political and social issues in their times. Conclusion The life of all human beings is influenced by three main factors: that is, the need to act in a socially accepted manner, to do what one feels good about at that particular time and to maximize ones resources. Without motivating people to act responsibly in any social setting, the first two factors become top priorities. These are the reasons why graffiti has taken a strong root in the current society and has made a stable foundation; instead of just fading away it is seen to be spreading with time. Graffiti has helped people who seek anonymity, but want to give out an opinion to the public on a sensitive matter. Since permanent graffiti is considered a criminal offense, one can resort to the use of non-permanent paints to make it hard for the police to apprehend. Because after all there is a possibility that such temporary graffiti can as well last for a long time than even the permanent works depending on how the community view the artist’s work. Graffiti has evolved to an elaborate painting of letters which is taken as a complete art form with its own aesthetics, particularly the graffiti murals. But it still faces a major opposition from several quarters, from those who treat it as public nuisance†¦to them; it means to deface the good landscape and degrades the community. And the fact that it is illegal makes it unpopular in the eyes of the public. The commercial billboards and numerous advertisements that are spotted in the public space have to be considered if graffiti should be banned. And if the relevant authorities claim that such companies who own them pay tax, then they need to allow graffiti on walls if graffiti artists can find some sponsors like stores, restaurants and other businesses. Or alternatively, such authorities should just let the so called â€Å"public spaces† be made use of by graffiti without charging them. As a final remark, it can be said that, yes! Graffiti is a revolution, and just like any other revolution it might be taken to be a criminal offense. But it also has to be in everyone’s mind that people who are oppressed, depressed or suppressed require an outlet, and graffiti offers them this. So let these people write on walls. Just like clearing the homeless off the streets is not sustainable solution homelessness, erasing graffiti in itself is an act in futility. (Sara Rudin) Work Cited â€Å"Art Crimes† by Sara Rudin: http://www. wm. edu/so/jump/spring96/graffiti. html. â€Å"Is the Writing on the Wall for Graffiti†, PR News Wire (2004-07-28). And â€Å"Jail for leader of graffiti gang†. BBC News (2008-07-11). Retrieved on 21st November, 2008. En Cams â€Å"A History of Graffiti in Its Own Words†, New York Magazine: Press release. K. Varnedoe and A. Gopnik. â€Å"High and Low: Modern Art and Popular Culture. New York: The Museum of Modern Art, 1991. Lost Art & Caleb Neelon: â€Å"Graffiti Brazil†. London: Thames and Hudson, 2005, 7. Peter Shapiro: â€Å"Rough Guide to Hip Hop†, 2nd. ed. , London: Rough Guides, 2007. Reda, Joseph (April 25, 2006). â€Å"Bill/Resolution: O06037†. County Council: Passed Legislation. Council of New Castle County, Delaware: Retrieved on 21st November 2008. Thematic strategy on the urban environment — European Parliament resolution on the thematic strategy on the urban environment (2006/2061(INI))

Global Warming. Western States Increasing Temperatures Research Proposal

Global Warming. Western States Increasing Temperatures - Research Proposal Example With the increasing nature of industrialization in the world, there has been increasing amount of carbon compounds and gases that have been released to the atmosphere (Montzaka, Dlogukencky, & Butler, 2011). These carbon gases constitute most of the green house gases, which have caused lots of havoc in changes of weather conditions and caused extensive changes in the climatic conditions of the world. Global warming has been found to cause the increase of world temperatures, thereby affecting the vegetation and the human activities, which the world population is indulged into. Global warming is also associated with natural disasters such as extended torrential rains, melting of ice in the arctic and Antarctic regions, which have increased levels of the oceanic waters. These climatic changes have caused extensive changes in the vegetation of the world leading to drought and conditions being experienced in most regions of the United States and the World in general (Johanes, 2004). The s tudy will narrow down its research to the natural disasters that global warming has been causing in the West states of the country. This is due to the observed and recorded rise of the natural disasters that have been befitting this region of the country in the recent past. This is extremely related and associated with global warming by scientists who have carried out extensive studies on this topic (Mooney, 2007). The most productive regions in the Western part of the United States, including California, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Montana have been adversely affected by the outcome of global warming. Due to the natural disasters, the economic and social aspects of human beings are affected. The research tries to get the relationship between the increasing temperatures of the atmosphere due to greenhouse gases and the climatic menace of global warming (Weart, 2003). It will also be aiming at establishing the relationship between the global warming and the natural disasters, whic h have befitted these regions of the United States. Global warming has been found to be the major cause of natural disasters including the rising levels of the sea and ocean waters resulting into tsunamis, extensive melting of ice fields in the Greenland nations, extensive climatic changes in the increase of temperatures and reduction of rainfall in the African region. Moreover, global warming is the main cause of the many extensive wildfires, which have destroyed lots of vegetation and forests in the United States especially in the western States of Colorado and California (Mooney, 2007). Purpose Statement The purpose of this survey study will be to test the problem of the western United States increasing temperatures, which relates to past and future climate in the surrounding areas current climate. The independent variables will be defined as (i) increasing temperatures in the mountains are affecting snow melt, (ii) pronounced droughts are the effects of warmer temperatures in th e southwestern United States, and (iii) simulations of present and future climates performed with four regional climate models. The dependent variable will be defined as current climate. Statement of the Problem This study aims to prove the relations of global warming to the rising natural disasters in the western United States. It addresses the following questions in the study: 1. What is the relationship of global warming to changes in the climactic condition of the Western States? 2. What is the current temperature in the mountainous area of the western States? 3. How is the temperature in the mountains affect the melting of glaciers in Glacier National Park? 4. What is the

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies Essay - 9

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies - Essay Example The company under consideration is the Burger King. It also identifies a possible business level and corporate level strategies for the organization. The American Airline Group is a company that is publicly traded and has its headquarters in Texas. This company was formed on the 9th of December 2013, with a merger between the United States Airways Group, and the AMR Corporation. These two airline companies merged to form the largest airline company all over the world. The American Airline Group operates not less than 6,700 daily flights to different locations in the world. This covers about 56 countries, and more than 336 locations found in these 56 countries (Agyenim, 2014). The American airline group has operating revenue of about 40 billion American dollars, and boasts of a workforce of over 100,000 employees. The company plans to introduce an additional 607 aircrafts, and this includes 90 wide body airplanes, and 517 narrow body airplanes. The full merger of this company, resulting to the use of a single operating certificate is expected to be complete in the later periods of 2015 (Agyenim, 2014). The merger of the two airline companies was necessitated by the bankruptcy of AMR group. The strategy used in creating this merger is referred to as the stock-swap strategy/merger. Under this strategy, the shareholders of the US Airways received 28% of the shares of the new company. The creditors of AMR, and other equity holders were to receive the remaining 72% of the shares of the new company. This process was to take two years, upon which the company will pay the creditors of AMR their interests, and other stakeholders of the company a share of the company equity (Agyenim, 2014). This is a rare occurrence in bankruptcy cases where creditors usually receive cents, on a dollar they claim. On the other hand common stakeholders of the company are always wiped out, without receiving any benefits from the

Systems and Operations Management Recommendations Essay

Systems and Operations Management Recommendations - Essay Example 4-7). Operations management involves various manufacturing processes such as supervising, designing, and managing so that the business functions can come under redesign for the production of goods and services. Operations management also makes sure that minimum resources come under utilization in the process of production so that it can become efficient and the business strategies come under effective implementation. Besides, the operations management administers the inputs (particularly in the form of materials, labor, and energy) that come under conversion to output (in the shape of outcome that is goods and services) in an effective and efficient manner (Kumar and Suresh, 2009, pp. 9-11). On the other hand, Systems management is the overall administration and management of the organizations information technology distributed systems. ... This company established its business operations in the early decade of 1960 in Sydney, Australia with the core service provider of photocopying. With the success in the photocopying business, Lachlan (the founder) expanded its business operations and started out as Atokowaâ„ ¢ printing and they reproduced copies for different organizations (Lord Ashcroft International Business School, 2012). Today, Atokowaâ„ ¢ Advantage deals and trade a wide range of stationery and office supplies to individuals and businesses (which are the two distinct types of customers they cater). From their widespread businesses, they now own several retail outlets from where they deliver stationery and office supplies directly to organizations. Additionally they also carry out customized printing upon request for different enterprises. Atokowa also prints brochures, flyers, letterheads, business cards, memo slips, and various other products (Lord Ashcroft International Business School, 2012). With the success and growth of the business, the vision came to cognizance to become the one-stop shop for stationery and office supplies. However, with the passage of time, the vision broadened and the focus towards technology was driven. Atokowa widened their focus and initiated the trading of Commodore 64 and the IBM PC 5100 (one of the technological advancements at that time). Moreover, the company continued their interest in technology and provided a range of information technology products in their retail outlets for their customers (Lord Ashcroft International Business School, 2012). Systems and Operations Management Analysis and Evaluation The systems and operations management analysis and evaluation comes under practice that

Managing Stress in the Workplace Research Paper

Managing Stress in the Workplace - Research Paper Example Persistent stress in an individual is reflected on the behaviors, responses, result delivery and attitude towards different people within an organization. It is characterized by continued headache, fatigue, lack of motivation to work and deliver severe withdrawal symptoms and depression (Leka, 2003). A number of workplace events create stressful employees and this reduces the overall productivity of the employees as they exhibit severe depression and lack of motivation to work on particular assignments. Stress is caused by time-constrained events, high expectation from the employer, family and relationship problems, job security and related issues and unrealistic deadlines imposed by supervisor. It is worth noting that despite the desire by a company to achieve its objectives within a specified period, the employees are overall responsible for the implementation of the policy and they are psychological beings. Pressure increases the urgency of delivering on a specific assignment but also decreases the productivity as the employees are forced to deal with both job related stress and psychological stress because of the pressures from the employees (Lee, 2000). Stress management at the work place has been given significant time in current management practices at is affects the overall productivity of the business. ... The paper will seek to provide the best approaches that an organization can develop in the management of stress and the different roles the employees play in these approaches. This paper will also seek to persuade organizational managements that stress management begins with the development of positive policies and regulation and not necessarily the adoption of the health and safety policies (Lee, 2000). Impacts of stress to employees and employer Stress is an all round problem that affects both the employees and the employer in equal proportion since the productivity of the employee is of much concern to the employer. Employees are affected in a number of ways by stressful work environments and these have significant impacts on their personal health, work productivity and the overall stat e of wellbeing. Excessive stress affects the normal brain functioning abilities resulting into significant brain related complications on employees. The brain works well in a stable emotional envir onment where an individual views the environment positively and enjoys every moment and responsibilities assigned to them (Leka, 2003). However, stress affects the emotional balance of an employee resulting into increased depression, emotional instability and psychological trauma. This affects the normal functioning of the human brain resulting into loss of coordination and concentration for the employees. Headache, fatigue, loss of interest and concentration, loss of appetite and emotional instability and the resultant effects of stressed brain and this affects the normal health of an employee (Lee, 2000). Employees enjoy working in a free environment free of intimidation, stress, strict and punishing deadline, features that characterize stressful workplaces.

The 1848 Revolution, the Second Reich, and the First World War Essay

The 1848 Revolution, the Second Reich, and the First World War - Essay Example In 1848 Europe saw a series of revolution starting from France and which later drew Germany in. Numerous groups were involved in the revolution that demanded the restoration of the old forms of administration, liberal constitution, economic freedom, and the nationalist demands for the consolidation of Germany. The pressure was being exerted by various different forces and each had a different objective. By 1849 all revolutionary endeavors had halted and during the 1850s the German economy grew as production of coal, iron and textile started. During the Wilhelmine period Germany saw a brisk industrialization. A series of changes occurring between 1871 and 1914, Germany transformed its role. Industrialization took place throughout as the population grew and economic instability rose. The working class people of Germany faced a transition from living in the countryside to dwelling in cities. During the â€Å"restoration† period, the German territories grew in regional power due t o improved power, enhancement in government, and centralization of state power. In particular Prussia grew stronger not only population wise but also territorially and economically. In terms of demographics it was now equivalent to Austria even though both had conservative regimes (Fulbrook, 105). With only slight variations, the social, economical and legal reforms still remained the same as they were in Napoleonic period. In the years following 1815 a number of student bodies were formed and after the reaction by conservatives on the murder of an anti-liberal playwright these bodies were disbanded (Fulbrook, 7). Liberals grew in power who wanted to limit the powers held by the rulers and wanted to establish a new establishment. Reforms in education resulted in an educational growth and hence a more educated workforce (Fulbrook, 109). Economic production, changes in the political groundwork, and socio-economic changes spurred political turbulence (Fulbrook, 114). Following a revolu tion in France various groups within Germany also revolted each having a different aim. The demands included restoration of the old estates, a liberal constitution, economic freedom, and unification of Germany. The liberals took advantage of the political upheaval to demand changes nationwide and the unification of Germany (Fulbrook, 117). In Austria the conservative government was replaced by liberals. In Prussia due to a misunderstanding of the king’s orders by the soldiers resulted in a fight. In order to avoid a civil war, the king himself wore revolutionary clothes and rode throughout Berlin. It was easy to demand for a unified Germany however it was difficult to define a border. By May 1849 the revolution had ended. The implications of the revolution were various including dissolution of a feudal system on lands and economical advancement. After the decline of the revolution, a conservative constitution was regained. Despite this a rapid economical progress took place i n Germany. With the start of production in coal, iron, and textile, more and more people started being employed into the workforce (Fulbrook, 122). Cultural unity was being promoted through festivals, contests, and other events. The spread of cultural and educational institutions encouraged cultural and educational progress particularly in science (Fulbrook, 123). In the 1871 â€Å"unification† of Germany was a result of the Prussian expansion and colonialism of non-Prussian lands. Bismarck organized the

The Relationship Between Hrm Practices and Organisational Culture Within the Hospitality Industry Essay Example for Free

The Relationship Between Hrm Practices and Organisational Culture Within the Hospitality Industry Essay 1. Summary The culture in an organisation has a huge impact in the behaviour and development of the business and its employees. Organisation culture should concentrate on the actions, behaviour and effectiveness of employees. It is through effective Human Resources Management (HRM) practices that culture is really implemented by employees on the daily basics. Culture and HRM bonds are critically examined defining links, challenges and opportunities both could face. 2. What is Culture? Clarke Chen gives the following definition: â€Å"Culture is a set of accepted behaviour patterns, values, assumptions, and shared common experiences. Culture defines social structure, decision-making practices, and communication styles. Culture dictates behaviour, etiquette, and protocol. It impacts everyone, and influences how we act and respond. Culture is communication. It is a way people create, send, process and interpret information†. The purpose is to teach employees the values, beliefs, views, goals, and behaviours of the hotel brand and the corporation hotel belongs to. Culture can be used as a competitive advantage. Cole (2010, p.93) affirms that the ‘right’ culture is gradually essential to ensuring an organisation’s long-term viability. Managers have to find and select people who are more suitable for the job and who can make of theirs the organisation’s culture. That is where human resource management (HRM) comes in. 3.Human Resources Management Human Resources Management (HRM) is important for three reasons: first, it is seen as one element for organisations to be competitive. Secondly, HRM is an essential part of organisational strategies. Finally, the way organisations treat their people has been found to considerably affect organisational performance. According to Robbins Coulter (2012, p.313) the thread for HRM among those practices is an obligation to bond with employees; to improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities; also increasing their motivation and enhancing organisation culture. Managers should focus on integrating all  hotel functions with HRM, in order to emphasise its strategic role of setting and achieving the business goals. It is through staffs that a real hospitality atmosphere can be sensed by customer where customers are the centre of attention by employees. 4.Culture HRM Relationship Through culture, hotel aims to mould its employees so they can represent the brand, the organisation; and also that they can provide a magnificent customer service working as a unite work-team that communicates effectively and interacts remarkably. Achieving competitive success through people means managers must change how they think about their employees and how they view the work relationship. They must work with people and treat them as partners, not just as costs to be minimized or avoided. Culture is a priority when creating a high customer service becomes a management priority, and managers must therefore seek the correct practices and procedures which employees should follow in order to meet the requisite service culture. Human resource practices within the organization act to maintain culture by giving employees a set of similar experiences (Langton Robbins 2006, p.338). 4.1.Challenges Employees can be resilient to completely adopt hotel’s culture; also they cannot be comfortable with the management style. One challenge for HRM is to deal with employees talking and listening to them in order to understand them and to apply corrective strategies. Even though in most of cases culture is taught and explained at induction sessions, managers may face circumstances where employees would lose interest on culture. Therefore culture should be reinforced by the use of different resources like staff events, posters, and staff evaluations. But the real challenge is whether HRM practices would evolve and adapt and become more important in an organisation or would disappear and be replaced by outsourcing and technology (Davidson, McPhail Barry 2011); it is also suggested that the type of organisation and its culture will regulate which of these possibilities occur in each organisation. HRM practices in hotels should remain but instead of being purely an administrative tool to hire personnel, HRM should become a strategic department. 4.2.Opportunities Having employees from different cultures will definitely enriched hotels’ culture. A multicultural organisation will be able to understand better customers’ needs and expectations according to their background. Another opportunity is that culture gives members an organisational identity which can lead to better understanding of their place within the organisation, and from there HRM practices can support and develop members towards a better future for them. Dawson Abbott (2011) argue that having the adequate HRM practices include recruiting and retaining the right people; but finding highly committed employees who show a greater understanding about the customers’ needs and desires is the biggest duty. The possession of such knowledge is imperative for hotels which can lead to have a significant chance of creating a sustainable competitive advantage and a more profitable business. 5.Conclusion In order to be successful, a hospitality organisation must have a strong culture. That culture should be learnt by employees. They must show a real understanding of culture and put it in place on their daily duties. Culture gets reinforced by a multicultural staff. HRM practices should aim to create a hospitality atmosphere within the organisation. It is through effective management of people that a hotel can have remarkable competitive advantage and be profitable. The interrelationship Culture-HRM faces some challenges, and must take the most of the opportunities.