Small Medium Enterprise

The definition of ‘Small Medium Enterprise’ is a complex issue and in most cases, it would vary from country to country, depending on certain variables. In most cases, it would depend on who is giving the definition and what they regard to be SME in their economical background. Generally, SME or Small Medium Enterprise refers to companies or businesses whose overall turnover is below certain levels or limits.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Small Medium Enterprise specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some of the variables used in defining SMEs in most regions include things such as whether the enterprise is a service-based or goods-producing business, its size, and probably the number of workers they employ (Acs and Morck, 1997). In Canada, for instance, Small business refers to businesses whose employees’ rate is below 100 in a goods-producing business or less than 50 employees for a business wh ich is based on services. Anything beyond these cut-offs, but one that doesn’t exceed an employee rate of 500 would be classified under middle-sized enterprises. Small-medium enterprises are observed to be more than large enterprises or businesses in most developed and developing economies world-wide (Fink, 1998). The most typical characteristics of Small Medium Enterprises in the whole world is determined by factors such as the size of business or its independent ownership; whether it’s a family enterprise or a group investment. As it would be observed, there are many potential benefits that can be associated with SMEs and this explains the need for a vibrant small and medium-sized enterprise sector in any developing nation. One of the common key benefits of this type of enterprising is that they are important sources of employment in a country, especially for low-skilled labor. Another outstanding benefit of SMEs is in their more flexibility capacity compared to larg e corporations and this makes them more sustainable. SMEs are also observed to have the significant advantage of being less mobile compared to large corporations; a feature which makes them more sustainable for development and advancements in emerging economies. In countries such as the United States, various types of business administration would set different levels of businesses, based on ownership structure, industry type, revenue produced, and the number of employees (Asheim, 2007). As observed previously in this paper, there is hardly any universally accepted definition for SMEs and in that case, classifications of SMEs in the U.S. apply differently in various types of businesses.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Basically, the United States International Trade Commission has defined SMEs as corporations that employ fewer than 500 employees, regardless of the context o f the business (Chiao, 2007). In USA, SMEs are classified into two main classes known as the product SMEs and the service SMEs. Generally, both categories plays a crucial role to the development of the country’s economy and for that reason, the role of SMEs can never be underestimated at any value. According to the U.S. International Trade Commission, SMEs contribute about one third of the total exports in merchandise products every year, with Canada being the largest destination for most of these exports (Man, 2007). SMEs have indeed proved to be a major source of employment in USA, by constituting for more than half of the private sector employment, thus leading to a constant growth of employment in the country. More importantly, SMEs have always been significant contributors in matters of product, services, and processes innovations in the country. For these reasons, SMEs are highly regarded as promising initiatives that can effectively support the country towards a comple te recovery from the longstanding effects of the 2007 financial crises, among other economical turbulences such as the current high rates of unemployment. According to Qian (2002), the business environment in USA offers very slight challenges to the SMEs compared to large multinationals, and this provides the SMEs with a strong platform for sustainance. A good example of an SME company in USA is Integrity Applications, Inc (IAI) established in the year 1998. This is a private engineering and software services company with a nationwide recognition across the states. The business is categorized under ‘Consultant of Systems Engineering’ and is located in Chantilly, VA. Some of the company’s products and services include Space Systems engineering, Software Systems Engineering, Corporate Systems Engineering, Control Systems Engineering, and Enterprise Systems Engineering, among other services. Currently, it is estimated that the mid-sized company generates revenue of around $20 to 50 million in an annual basis. The company has a workforce of approximately 100 to 250 staff, working on various segments of the organization. Integrity Applications Incorporated is arguably one of the fastest advancing consultant companies in the country in matters involving system engineering (Forth and Bewley, 2006).Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Small Medium Enterprise specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The company was recently recognized as the second best medium-sized workplace in the ratings of the Best Small and Medium Workplaces in the U.S. More importantly, the company was also recognized as a key employer in the regions around San Diego and Washington, by the San Diego Business Journal and Washingtonian magazine, respectively. IAI has been in the forefront in steering the country ahead in innovative matters, through its qualified and highly-skilled professionals in software engineering. References Acs, Z.J. and Morck, R. (1997). The internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises: A policy perspective. Small Business Economics, 9 (1), 7-20. Asheim, B. (2003). Regional innovation policy for small-medium enterprises. United Kingdom: Edward Elgar Publishing. Chiao, Y. (2006). Performance, internationalization, and firm-specific advantages of SMEs in a newly-industrialized economy. Small Business Economics, 26 (5),475-492. Fink, D. (1998). Guidelines for the successful adoption of information technology in small and medium enterprises. International journal of information management, 18 (4), 243-253. Forth, J. and Bewley, H. (2006). Small and medium-sized enterprises: findings from the 2004 Workplace Employee Relations Survey. New York: Department of Trade and Industry. Man, T. (2007). The competitiveness of small and medium enterprises* 1: A conceptualization with focus on entrepreneurial competencies. Journal of Business Venturing, 17 (2), 123-142.Adverti sing Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Qian, G. (2002). Multinationality, product diversification, and profitability of emerging US small-and medium-sized enterprises. Journal of Business Venturing, 17 (6), 611-633. This report on Small Medium Enterprise was written and submitted by user Carley P. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Introduction to Computing A Review of Google Android OS and Apple iOS Mobile Platforms The WritePass Journal

Introduction to Computing A Review of Google Android OS and Apple iOS Mobile Platforms Abstract Introduction to Computing A Review of Google Android OS and Apple iOS Mobile Platforms ). Both have impressive functionalities and features. And both are capable of growing their systems to even more exciting heights in the future. Since the launch of these two mobile platforms, tech analysts and experts have intensely debated the pros and cons of each. Some advocate for Google Android because of its object-oriented architecture based on Java language and for being open-source (Baliton 2012). On the other hand, supporters of Apple iOS praise its enterprise functionality, especially its security and corporate-friendly features (Berthiaume 2012). With these in mind, this paper aims to investigate the similarities and differences between Google Android and Apple iOS mobile operating system platforms. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the two platforms by providing a comprehensive review based on the following criteria: (a) major features and functionalities; (b) advantages and disadvantages; (c) popularity and market share; and (d) the role of application developers Findings and Analysis In order to meet the primary objective of the paper, comparative analysis was used in reviewing Google Android and Apple iOS mobile platforms. Comparative analysis involves the comparison and contrast of two things (Walk 1998). It involves a side-by-side examination of two objects to determine whether they have a common-ground, equivalence, similarities, or differences (Business Dictionary 2012). The review was conducted based on specific criteria. Below are the results of the analysis. Major features and functionalities of Android OS and iOS mobile platforms In order to achieve an objective review of Android and iOS, the discussions regarding the major features and functionalities of both mobile platforms are analysed based on two major elements: (a) Development Features and (b) Applications. Development Features Android OS mainly uses Java, which is the common programming language used by most developers. As such, developing applications are easier for majority of developers. Moreover, since it is open-source, developers can easily access it and make applications for the Android platform. Java’s flexibility also allows the Android framework to be run on a wide range of hardware, including devices from various manufacturers (Viswanathan 2012; Baliton 2012). On the other hand, iOS uses Apple’s Objective C language. Developers who are familiar with C and C++ will be able to understand it because of similarities in the language. However, because it is proprietary, some developers may find it difficult to use, especially if they are not very proficient in C and C++ (Viswanathan 2012). In terms of application development platforms, Android offers developers open development platforms and allows them to use third party tools for app development.   Android developers are also provided with free development tools and documented libraries. This helps developers to play around with their apps, as well as add more functionality to them. (Viswanathan 2012; Baliton 2012). In contrast, for the iOS, Apple has stricter developer guidelines. Developers are given a fixed set of tools to develop apps and they are not allowed to use third party tools that are not approved by Apple (Viswanathan 2012). Android is highly versatile and allows developers to create dynamic apps for multiple purposes. However, the Android’s multi-tasking ability and its fragmented platform pose some challenges to Android developers. As such, amateur Android developers often have problems in learning, understanding, and mastering the platform. For iOS, on the other hand, Apple provides a more stable, exclusive platform for app development. Apple clearly specifies tools and defines their potential and boundaries to make it easier for developers (Viswanathan 2012). Applications The iOS is being commended by its supporters for its enterprise abilities. iOS supports Microsoft Exchange accounts and ActiveSync, which allows contacts, calendars, and email hosted on existing Exchange servers to be loaded on to any iOS devices. Email attachments (e.g. Excel, PowerPoint, Word) can also be viewed without having to download additional software. Additionally, iOS apps are restricted from accessing data from other apps in order to prevent malicious third-party apps from accessing sensitive information (Berthiaume 2012).   In terms of number and quality of gaming apps, it is undeniable that the iOS has a bigger and better library of available games than Android. However, the downside is that consumers have to pay for iOS apps; while Android users get most of their gaming apps for free (Fox 2012). In terms of mapping/navigational applications, Google Maps puts Android way ahead of Apple maps. However, Android still has a lot of catching up to do with iOS in terms of the quality and availability of other apps. Moreover, although developers have praised the portability of Java environment, issues with hardware fragmentation is a big challenge for most developers. There are many customer complaints about unsupported devices and developers face the daunting task of enabling support for a huge range of mobile devices. Despite these issues, hardware fragmentation also has an advantage. Android’s diversity and portability gives consumers a wide array of mobile devices to choose from depending on their budget and needs (Fox 2012). Market share commanded by Android OS and iOS The latest report from market research company IDC (International Data Corporation) shows that Google’s Android mobile OS accounted for 75% (136 million units) market share of all smart phone handsets shipped during the third quarter of 2012. This figure is almost double the amount from the same period last year. On the other hand, mobile devices using Apple’s iOS only grew by 57% (26.9 million units), representing a very low 15% of the market share (Hof 2012). Moreover, the latest third quarter report from comScore also shows that Android is the top smart phone platform in the US, with 52.5% market share, up by 0.9 percentage points; while Apple’s share is 34.3%, up by 1.9 percentage points (Flosi 2012). Figure 1. Top Smart Phone OS Platforms (comScore Report) Top Smartphone Platforms 3 Month Avg. Ending Sep. 2012 vs. 3 Month Avg. Ending Jun. 2012 Total U.S. Smartphone Subscribers Ages 13+ Source: comScore MobiLens    Share (%) of Smartphone Subscribers Jun-12 Sep-12 Point Change Total Smartphone Subscribers 100.0% 100.0% N/A Google 51.6% 52.5% 0.9 Apple 32.4% 34.3% 1.9 RIM 10.7% 8.4% -2.3 Microsoft 3.8% 3.6% -0.2 Symbian 0.9% 0.6% -0.3    Advantages and Disadvantages of both Android OS and iOS Despite their immense popularity, both the Android OS and iOS have their own strengths and weaknesses. There are some elements where the Android trumps the iOS; while in other cases, the iOS has the upper hand. The table below summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of both platforms. Google Android OS Apple iOS Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Uses Java language (free, open source) O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Highly fragmented platform à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   More stable, exclusive platform for app developers; tools are specified and defined O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Uses proprietary Objective-C language à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Multi-tasking: Android can run on many applications at the same time O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Inconsistency and instability in application designs à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Easy to use/navigate; user friendly O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cannot run Flash or Shockwave à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Allows interface and settings customization; more ability to customize O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Less apps than Apple à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Unique interface O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Lack of customization à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Easy access to applications and free download from Android App Market and O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Applications are free but advertising can be bothersome à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Cohesive applications; more number of apps O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Have to pay for apps à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Diverse phone options. Android is available from various smart phone manufacturers. O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Not all apps are supported by all Android mobile devices à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Tight integration with social networking O  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Platform is limited to Apple mobile devices only à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Integrated Google services à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Great music experience; good for music lovers à ¼Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ability to use as a USB storage device Sources: Mobilecon.info, iChips Tech Blog, Viswanathan 2012, Fox 2012 The Role of Application Developers Mobile applications are able to penetrate markets where the PC could not enter. They allow mobile phones to be more personalized and provide more valued added services such as integrated social media networks, games, etc (Aiyedogbon 2012). Developers create these applications; they are the ones who elevated mobile phones to what it is right now. As such, application developers have a very important role to play in the mobile devices industry. As market demand continues to rise for apps to run on mobile platforms, there is a high demand for mobile development talent. Application developers are the backbone of the mobile devices industry. They create the applications which companies leverage as their unique selling points. Without these apps, mobile devices will be limited to the basic functions of calling and texting. It is the application developers who provide added value to mobile devices and as such, their importance in the mobile industry cannot be underestimated. For both the Android and iOS, the role of application developers highly influences the growth of these platforms. Android, with its Java-based environment, is praised by many application developers because it ‘promotes market competition, which safeguards against monopolization of the emerging mobile device markets, and spawns creativity among hardware and software companies’ (Baliton 2012, p.1). This openness of Android encourages developers to create new apps in the future. On the other hand, the very diversity of Android leads to hardware fragmentation and this is a major stumbling block for many developers. Moreover, many experts observe that ‘most developers prefer to develop for iOS first and Android second, if at all’ (Fox 2012, p.1). The main reason for this preference is that iOS developers get paid for development and receive royalties from their apps. This monetary reward is the primary incentive for many application developers’s preference for developing apps for the iOS. Conclusions The Android and iOS have pros and cons when it comes to developing new apps. Android’s strength lies in its use of the Java language; while iOS advantage is its more stable, exclusive platform for developers. Android allows developers more freedom and creativity in developing apps; but the iOS provides better monetary incentives for developers. In terms of applications, iOS is commended for its business features and functionalities; while Android is praised because of its better customization and flexibility, which allows it to be used across various devices (regardless of manufacturer). According to the latest IDC report, Android and iOS account for 90% of the global market share in smart phone operating systems. The two platforms are dominating the smart phone market and are expected to continue their leadership in the business. Google Android leads Apple iOS in terms of units shipped but the release of newer iPhone models are expected to decrease the gap between the two. Both the Google Android OS and Apple iOS have their own advantages and disadvantages. Both are equally strong competitors and together they are expected to rule the mobile platform marketplace in the foreseeable future, on the basis of their quality and features. References Anon. (2012).  Advantages and Disadvantages Android mobile phone. Available: http://mobilecon.info/advantages-and-disadvantages-android-mobile-phone.html. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Baliton, D. (2012).  Android provides the whole answer.  Available: networkworld.com/community/tech-debate-android-ios. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Berthiaume, J. (2012).  iOS the only choice for a modern enterprise. Available: networkworld.com/community/tech-debate-android-ios. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Business Dictionary. (2012).  Comparability Analysis.  Available: businessdictionary.com/definition/comparability-analysis.html. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Dix, J. (2012).  iOS vs. Android in the enterprise.  Available: networkworld.com/community/tech-debate-android-ios. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Flosi, S. (2012).  comScore Reports September 2012 U.S. Mobile Subscriber Market Share.  Available: comscore.com/Insights/Press_Releases/2012/11/comScore_Reports_September_2012_U.S._Mobile_Subscriber_Market_Share. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Fox, J. (2012).  iOS 6 vs. Android Jelly Bean.  Available: ign.com/articles/2012/09/25/ios-6-vs-android-jelly-bean. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Hof, R. (2012).  Googles Android Crushes Apples iOS In Smartphone ShipmentsBut Does It Matter?  Available: forbes.com/sites/roberthof/2012/11/02/googles-android-crushes-apple-in-smartphone-shipments-but-does-it-matter/. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Viswanathan, P. (2012).  Android OS Vs. Apple iOS – Which is Better for Developers?  Available: http://mobiledevices.about.com/od/kindattentiondevelopers/tp/Android-Os-Vs-Apple-Ios-Which-Is-Better-For-Developers.htm. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012. Walk, K. (2012).  How to Write a Comparative Analysis.  Available: fas.harvard.edu/~wricntr/documents/CompAnalysis.html. Last accessed 27th Nov 2012.

Marxism in Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marxism in Anthropology - Essay Example Definitely, the purpose of Marxist anthropology must be the clarification of class struggle. On the contrary, it "has recently become for anthropologists a new source of obscurity as a result of recent work which is difficult and barbarously phrased' (Bloch, 1983, p. v). The problem is that such terminology does not free the social reality form its bourgeois mystifications or wrappings. Ethnographies are widely used in modern anthropology to analyse the complexities of labour and societal development. The ethnographic relativism of the real world which is fragmented into nations and regional societies could only be adequately explained through a theoretically rigorous anthropological paradigm. Marxist anthropology could be used effectively in order to analyse the way people and societies are alienated in contemporary world. Many a Marxists, who were variously influenced by structuralism and the interpretations of Althusser and Balibar, tried conspicuously to invent structure in pre-capitalist societies believing that that's what Marx did for capitalist societies. What they forgot to see is the fact that alienation and labour are the central categories through which Marx delineated his critique of the social structure of bourgeois society. It is labour theory of value as theoretical tool enables an anthropologist to shed light processes and patterns related to social formation, forces of production and mode of production, relations of production and exploitation. It does not mean that the Marxian labour theory of value could directly be applied to pre-capitalist societies as Marx developed it in order to deal with societies where modern market structures are prevalent. Maurice Godelier, who was influenced by Lvi-Strauss, has a prominent role in developing the Marxist anthropology. Godelier endeavoured t o apply the critical Marxist insights on the relationships between infrastructure and superstructure, and alienation and labour, especially to non-western societies. He conducted extensive researches among the Baruya of Papua New Guinea in the period of 1966 to 1969. Among the ethnographies in anthropology, Godeliers' 'The Making of Great Men' has a unique place. Godelier defines commodities as 'objects which are detachable from persons or groups which circulate in impersonal relations between persons or groups' (1978, p.66). For the purpose, the Marxian labour theory of value could be generalised as an analytical category for all types of societies. It means that commodities need to be excluded from the social reality of its production. Godelier asserts that 'the mainstream of capitalism is the desire to make money with money--money is transformed into capital which is then invested in the production and circulation of commodities' (1978, p.63). Without analysing a social formation from the point of view of labour time, the hidden social relationships of actual production cannot be revealed in. Therefore, the capitalist fetishism of commodities 'appear as an independent beings endowed with life, and entering into relation both with one another and with the human race' (Marx, 1965, p.72). What is necessary is to reveal the social relations associated to the embedded amount of labour time in specific commodities, be it of prehistoric or post-modern societies. It is still true that '[a]s

( Construction field ) differences between iron and steel Research Paper

( Construction field ) differences between iron and steel - Research Paper Example In the absence of steel and iron, the manufacturing of automobiles and skyscrapers like the Burj Dubai (later named as Burj Khalifa) in Dubai was possible. Many people have the false belief that steel and iron are one and the same material. However steel and iron have lot of differences. This paper analyses the major differences between steel and iron in general and answers specifically the questions like how the various steel blocks are formed, how structural shapes are produced, how are the weights and thicknesses of a structural shape changed and the contrast the production of iron shapes and forms as well as the production of light-gauge members. The basic difference between steel and iron is the fact that iron is an element whereas steel is an alloy. To be more precise, steel is an alloy of carbon and iron even though iron is the major constituent of steel. The basic form of steel contains only carbon and iron; however, we can make the properties of steel different by adding oth er elements such as chromium, silicon, manganese etc. Stainless steel is produced by adding chromium to the ordinary steel in a particular ratio. The second difference between iron and steel lies in strength. ... Roll forming, stretch forming, drawing, stamping, etc are some of the popular methods of sheet metal forming in steel industry. I-beam, Z-shape, HSS-shape, Angle (L-shape), Channel, Tee, etc are some of the major structural shapes produced out of steel which are used in the construction industry. The three most common types of structural members are the W-shape (wide flange), the S-shape (American Standard I-beam), and the C-shape (American Standard channel). These three types are identified by the nominal depth, in inches, along the web and the weight per foot of length, in pounds. W-shapes are used as beams, columns, truss members, and in other load-bearing applications. S-shapes are used less frequently than W-shapes since the S-shapes possess less strength and are less adaptable than W-shapes. The C-shape is not very efficient for a beam or column when used alone. However, efficient built-up members may be constructed of channels assembled together with other structural shapes an d connected by rivets or welds (Structural Steel Construction Methods And Terms) Each shape has its own advantages in construction industry. It is impossible to use only a particular shape of structural steel in construction industry because of the diversified necessities. For example, the steel structure suitable for the foundation works may not be suitable for other works. For foundation works heavy weight steel structures are necessary whereas for other works, light weight steel structures are preferred based on the characteristics of a particular construction. Apart from steel, cast iron and wrought iron are the major industrial iron types.

The Key Concepts of Diversity Essay Example for Free

The Key Concepts of Diversity Essay 1. What are some of the ways groups of people are identified? I would say that there are four types of minority or subordinate groups. The classifying of the four criteria in minority groups are the race, ethnicity, religion, and the gender. Then the groups are racial groups, ethnic groups, religious groups, gender and other groups. The last you have is the subordinate groups that could be any groups they want. The racial group is a group that is a socially set apart because of the obvious physical differences in each other. The ethnic group is a group that can or set apart from others because of its national origin or cultural patterns that can be distinctive. The religion groups is just apart what it can say in its group made up with people that are in the same religion. Gender groups are made up of the male or all female. Now you have the subordinate group that can have a whole different set of criteria such as age, disability status, physical appearance, and the sexual orientation. Then I would say that you have groups that are made up of two or more groups put together, such as religion and color, or another combination that might be gender or sexual orientation, and it could be race. It can or it is usually the people that meet more than one of the groups into this that have the way of hardest times of dealing with things in the country or something that comes to mind. I would say that in this country that people are always placing people in groups that is hard enough to be just one group but when you add other groups into it there are even bigger problems or issues. Then to be a female in this country in these days it can be very hard but if you are one then you can add the race into it. The last part is religion to it and the people are more likely to feel something totally different about you. When we said this is all done we the people put too much importance on what groups that we belong to. None of this should even matter at all and we should all be put into one group or that is the human race and that can be all. 2. Why do people label and group other people? I do believe and think that people put labels on the people because they are down deep what they want to feel the superior to all others. The best part in some subconscious ways we put people in these groups and place labels on them to help other boost their egos and make them feel better about themselves. The labeling and the grouping people for hundreds of years and this is not a new thing by any means at all. This has been all the way for people to keep other down were they thought they belonged to. By this way in which people try and make themselves feel better about themselves for the simple fact that can do so many to the people that would have low self-esteem, and it is the way of boosting their own confidence. It is said realty of the way of life that if the people are the type to place people in groups they will not have anything to do with anyone else but for those that are in the same groups as they are in. I would say that a lot of people only have friends from people in which are inside their own group of people. But I do also think if we stop grouping people and putting labels on them we would have such better world. Look at all the problems down through our history that all that happened because of the labeling people. I might have an example of this such as Hitler he place people in groups and also label them and put them into separate camps. Then he thought unless you were a blonde hair and blue eyed you were not good enough to live in his world. Plus he thought the only way to deal with any problems that this could cause so he had an ethnic cleansing by killing those people and we all know how it turn out in that time and day. But he was is far from the only one that has done that. During that same time when the World War 2 was going own and look at what happened in our very own country we placed Japanese American’s in camps for the fact they were Japanese And still to this day and time we separate people into so many groups and keep thinking that are we all not just part of the human race or do we try to something else all the time.

The Secret Diary of Lady Macbeth :: essays research papers

The Secret Diary of Lady Macbeth After receiving a letter from Macbeth Earlier today, I received a most urgent letter from Macbeth. He told me that he was accosted by three witches on the night of the battle between Scotland and Norway. They greeted him "All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Glamis! All hail Macbeth, hail to thee, Thane of Cawdor! All hail Macbeth, that shalt be King hereafter!" Macbeth was "rapt" with what the witches had said and tried to question them further but they vanished into a haze of fog. I could see his enthusiasm from his vocabulary and could tell that he believed the witches, even though they are feared and many hundreds have been burned. He said he "burned in desire" to question them further, indicating that he was almost on fire with this knowledge that came from the "perfect'st report". Witches have metaphysical powers and "more in them than mortal knowledge". Later that day Macbeth received a message from the King saying he was to become Thane of Cawdor. He called me his "dearest partner of greatness" and plans to share the glory of the golden round with me. He sent the letter by messenger despite the danger of the contents being read by others, when it could have waited until he arrived here. Having seen Macbeth's enthusiasm, I will take my cue from him. His letters have "transported me beyond this ignorant present". I nearly told a messenger who brought news of the King coming to stay, of my thoughts and for one moment, I reacted as though Macbeth were already King, and I Queen, I must be more careful in the future. I have made the decision that Macbeth will be King, the only problem being that he is "too full of the milk of human kindness" and does not have it in him to do the unthinkable deed, at heart Macbeth is a giver and not a destroyer. I see my role as Macbeth's strengthener. I wish that I could persuade him to "catch the nearest way". To this end, I asked the evil spirits to take my womanly qualities away. I asked them to take my milk and replace it with gall. I am asking to become a poisoner instead of a nourisher. I asked for unnatural darkness so that heaven will not see and cry: "Hold, hold!" No one must see the murder, as killing the King is an unthinkable act; it is just like killing God.

Ecoterrorist Groups in the United States Essay

Terrorism, in any form, is frowned upon by many people. However, when it is related to taking care of our environment, it could be quite controversial because environmentalism is embraced across all political spectrums. Like the right wing or left wing extremists, violent ecologists and animal rights advocates have caused some scare among people in the United States. This called ecoterrorism and some of these groups often destroy properties that they perceive beneficial to the environment and animals. As Laquer (1999) informed, the word ecoterrorism has been coined to name violent environmentalists (also called â€Å"greens† and other names) that push their ideologies and beliefs to the extreme. Their complaints are as just as those of Christians, Muslims, Jews, Socialists, Anarchists, and indeed most other ideologies and religions of our time, who cannot possibly be made responsible for the actions of the extremists within their ranks. However, in all these value systems, there are beliefs that, if carried to an extreme, may provide inspiration for acts of violence (p. 99). William Dyson (2000), a retired FBI agent who spent nearly 30 years working on domestic terrorism, says it is necessary to look at the way police officers classify crimes and the economic impact of violent ecological extremism to understand the full scope of ecoterrorism. Dyson contends most of the crimes are reported as localized vandalism. The significance of the total destruction is missed. Dyson says when the total economic impact of ecoterrorism is calculated, it demonstrates that the United States has been victimized by a long term terrorist campaign. In fact, in the testimony of FBI Director Louis Freeh (10 May 2001) about the terrorist threats in the United States, he classified ecoterrorism as â€Å"special interest terrorism†. He reasoned out that this is different â€Å"from traditional right-wing and left-wing terrorism in that extremist special interest groups seek to resolve specific issues, rather than effect more widespread political change. Special interest extremists continue to conduct acts of politically motivated violence to force segments of society, including, the general public, to change attitudes about issues considered important to their causes†. These â€Å"special interest† terrorist groups could support their belief in â€Å"extreme fringes of animal rights, pro-life, environmental, anti-nuclear, and other political and social movements†. Moreover, these groups can belong animal rights and environmental movements and â€Å"they have turned increasingly toward vandalism and terrorist activity in attempts to further their causes†. Bryan Denson and James Long (1999) have conducted a detailed study of ecological violence. They found that damage from ecoterrorism have already reached millions of dollars. They conducted a 10-month review and considered crime only in excess of $50,000. Cases that could not be linked to environmental groups were eliminated. They found 100 cases with very few successful law enforcement investigations. According to Denson and Long (1999), most violence has taken place in the American West. From 1995 to 1999, damages totaled $28. 8 million. Crimes included raids against farms; destruction of animal research laboratories at the University of California in Davis and Michigan State University, threats to individuals, sabotage against industrial equipment and even arson. History of Ecoterrorism in the United States The history of radical ecoterrorism goes back to 1980 when a group of five militants belonging to mainstream organizations such as the Sierra Club and Friends of the Earth decided, at the end of a hike, that far more drastic action was needed in view of the imminent destruction of nature, or what remained of it. To them it seemed pointless to work within the system, and thus Earth First was born (Laquer, 1999). Many Earth First activists argue that ecotage (ecologic sabotage) â€Å"can actually prevent destructive activity underway—driving the worst Earth destroyers right out of business— erasing their profits by slowing their work and destroying their tools† (Taylor 1991, p. 263). Despite the fact that ecoterrorism in the US sparked in the 1980s,, two of the most influential books for ecoterrorists were published in the 1970s. These books are Robert Townsend’s Ecotage (1972) and Edward Abbey’s The Monkey Wrench Gang (1975). Edward Abbey’s novel told the story of a group of ecologists who were fed up with industrial development in the West. Abbey is an environmental activist and not a hate-filled ideologue like William Pierce. His novel is a fictional account that has inspired others. In The Monkey Wrench Gang, the heroes drive through the Western states sabotaging bulldozers, burning billboards, and damaging the property of people they deem to be destroying the environment. Incidentally, this is the same type of low-level terrorism German leftists used in the mid-1990s. ) The term â€Å"monkey wrenching† has since became synonymous to ecoterrorism. Laquer (1999) thought that environment radicalism in the United States might have been connected with general political developments. The Carter administration in the 1970s initially was thought to sympathize with the aims of the ecologists, but these hopes proved false. The government neglected more forests to be put at the disposal of the timber industry. Environmentalists reacted in anger, which only increased as more deregulation occurred under President Reagan in the 1980s. The language of the radicals became more violent, as did the character of their actions. As one of the more radical thinkers maintained, the salvation of the earth required an end to civilization and to the vast majority of mankind. They saw human beings as no more important than any other member of the biological community, and with no more rights than animals–or, indeed, than inanimate objects such as forests, rivers, and mountains. Seen in this light, they felt it had been wrong for modern medicine to combat infectious diseases, for bacteria and viruses also had rights–as one of the ecological thinkers put it, eradicating smallpox had been immoral inasmuch as it had been an unwarranted interference with the balance of the ecosystem. Ecoterrorist Groups in the United States In the United States, the most prominent ecoterrorist groups are the Earth Liberation Front (ELF), Earth First, and the Justice Department are interested in environmental preservation. The Animal Liberation Front (ALF), Animal Rights Militia, Band of Mercy, and Paint Panthers champion animal rights. However, it is the violent groups like the ELF and ALF that advocate and engage in economic damage. The rhetorical groups, such as the Church of Euthanasia, simply border on the bizarre, advocating suicide, sodomy, and cannibalism to voluntarily eliminate the earth’s human population (White, 2003). In fact, FBI now ranks both ALF and ELF as the leading domestic terrorism groups that threaten United States, surpassing the Timothy McVeigh-style militia extremists who dominated the terrorism scene during much of the 1990s. James Jarboe, FBI domestic-terrorism section chief said that they estimated that the ALF/ ELF have committed more than 600 criminal acts in the United States since 1996, resulting in damages in excess of $43 million. Worse, the threat is growing because animal and environmental activists are turning increasingly toward vandalism and terrorism to further their causes (Richardson, 2002). According to Atkins (2004), ELF was originally formed by the dissident members of Earth First! in Great Britain in the early 1990s, an American version started operation in 1996 and allied with the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). The group took aim at targets it perceived as causing or promoting harm to the environment, from biotechnology research laboratories to automobile dealerships. In the US, they first made the national news with the arson of five buildings and four ski lifts in Vail, Colorado, on October 17, 1998. Environmentalists had been fighting the Vail Resorts over an area that was wintering grounds for elk and a habitat for the endangered lynx. Since 1997 the Southern Poverty Law Center has attributed ELF with dozens of terrorist attacks and $30 million in damages (p. 91). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said the group had claimed credit for bombings and arson that had caused some $40 million in damage since the mid-1990s, when the group began its campaign in North America. Although no one had been injured in any of the bombings and fires, the FBI considered the ELF one of the most dangerous organizations in the country. Among the acts of vandalism and arson that the group had claimed responsibility for in 2001 were: †¢ An August 21 vandalism attack on a Long Island, New York cancer research laboratory. †¢ Coordinated June 12 vandalism attacks on five Bank of New York branches in Suffolk County, New York. †¢ A June 10 vandalism attack on the University of Idaho’s biotechnology building. †¢ A June 1 fire in Eagle Creek, Oregon, near a timber sale site in a federal forest. Two separate May 21 arson attacks, the first at a poplar tree farm in Clatskanie, Oregon, the second at the Center for Urban Horticulture at the University of Washington in Seattle. †¢ A March 30 fire at an auto dealership in Eugene. †¢ A January 2 fire at the offices of a lumber company in Glendale, Oregon (â€Å"Law Catches Up to,† 2002, p. A01). Because of ELF’s decentralized structure, this allowed separate cells to act independently of each other and its reliance on the Internet computer network to communicate, made it difficult to capture culprits. Typically, the group would claim responsibility for an act through its press office in Portland, Oregon Despite probes of the press office and the people who ran it, authorities had made little progress in seizing members guilty of sabotage. Knickerbocker (2005) presented salient proof that ELF has â€Å"guidelines† that prove their ecoterroristic activities. These include taking â€Å"all necessary precautions against harming any animal, human and non-human. † But they also include a call to â€Å"inflict economic damage on those profiting from the destruction and exploitation of the natural environment. An ELF â€Å"communique† taking responsibility for a 2002 firebombing of a US Forest Service research station in Pennsylvania declared: â€Å"While innocent life will never be harmed in any action we undertake, where it is necessary, we will no longer hesitate to pick up the gun to implement justice, and provide the needed protection for our planet that decades of legal battles, pleading, protest, and economic sabotage have failed †¦ to achieve. † Moreover, the group’s website includes a 37-page how-to manual titled â€Å"Setting Fires With Electrical Timers. † As a cousin of ELF, the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) has been described as the most militant of the American animal rights groups. It has its roots in Great Britain where a small body of activists, the Hunt Saboteurs, opposed hunting and hunters by resorting to disruptive tactics. Two activists, Ronald Lee and Clifford Goodman, decided in 1972 to resurrect a nineteenth-century antivivisection group, the Band of Mercy. After a series of anti-hunting incidents, this group changed its tactics to direct action on animal rights issues and renamed itself the Animal Liberation Front. When the group used violence against animal research facilities, furriers, and farming, Scotland Yard classified the ALF as a terrorist organization. The ALF is organized into two segments—a public organization for publicity, fund-raising, and propaganda, and a covert wing of tightly organized cells of activists willing to carry out attacks on property and rescue animals. The British group has around 2,500 active members, but only about 50 members are radical enough to carry out violent attacks. Because of the success of the British ALF operations, American animal rights supporters formed a branch in the United States (Atkins, 2004, p. 0). According to ALF’s website, animal rights criminals have a system to publicize their activities. Like all terrorists, ecoterrorists try to create an aura of power through publicity. ALF takes it further, using the Web site as a training device. For example, tactics for raiding mink farms are given in great detail. Utilizing a four-part series, an ALF member tells readers the methods for establishing and operating a cell, procedures for obtaining funds, and directions for planning and carrying out operations. However, like all extremists, their positions are full of contradictions and virtual absurdities. For example, the Web site for the â€Å"we-use-no-animal-products† ALF tells people to use leather gloves when raiding a mink farm. It also compares people who eat meat with Nazis and describes farms as concentration camps. Apparently, ALF members are unaware that Adolf Hitler was a vegetarian. Atkins (2004) reported the firebombing of the unfinished Animal Diagnostic Laboratory at the University of California at Davis on April 16, 1987, which resulted in 4. million in damages, was the most destructive operation of ALF. Representatives of the ALF never claimed responsibility for this act, but police officials have been able to uncover evidence of its involvement. Despite numerous violent operations, only two individuals, Roger Thoen and Virginia Bollinger, have been arrested and convicted for activities involving the ALF. Conclusion Ecoterrorists are uncompromising, illogical extremists just like their right-wing counterparts. A review of their ideological literature shows they use ecology as a surrogate religion (White, 2000). While not one action of ELF or ALF so far comes close to the magnitude of the attacks on the World Trade Center, the government should not ignore the threats posed by these groups. With few arrests or prosecutions have followed from the violent actions of environmentalists or animal-rights advocates, these groups may become more violent and bolder in the future. Thus, it is recommended that the US government should monitor the activities of these ecoterrorist groups and apply harsher sanctions for offenders.