Category: Uncategorized

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Ethics Policy

The company that I would like to work for is PwC, which is a multinational. It is known all over the world for being an excellent employer. Being a Software engineer, it will help me in furthering my professional career. Also, all its business dealings are carried out in an ethical manner, as it has an existing policy on ethics. PwC is known as an organization, which engages in services of a professional nature. In turn, it ensures that the clients it deals with are improved, managed, and built upon, for success. PwC ensures that as part of its business processes, it is consistent, trustworthy as well as transparent. The behaviors of employees are governed by laws, internal policies, regulations and professional standards. PwC has an ethical code of conduct, which must be adhered to, by all its firms and people. PwC also ensures that before action is taken by any party, it must be evaluated beforehand. The code seeks to ensure that issues of a territorial nature are addressed (Martin & Schinzinger, 1996. 67).

The other policy, which was obtained, was that of the General Motors Company. It has established its own ethics policy, which is in form of a code. According to the General Motors policy, it ensures that business dealings are carried out ethically, as well as with integrity. All times, the parties, which are related to General Motors, should ensure that ethical standards of an ethical nature are followed. After reviewing the two polices based upon ethics, it seems that the PwC one is better (Martin & Schinzinger, 1996. 89). This is because the document is large and addresses all areas, which the company deals with. There is a lot of valuable information in the General Motors and PwC ethics policies. The PwC ethics policy addresses matters related to types of ethical breaches and repercussions. On the other hand, the General Motors policy is not extremely detailed.

A code of conduct exists in the IEEE, which is essential to any engineer. The professional society believes that it is extremely necessary to ensure that ethical standards of the highest nature are followed. According to them, it is an obligation based upon the morality, which human beings have. There are ten ethical codes, which have been established by IEEE. PwC matches up to every one of them in every way possible. For example, IEEE makes sure that every employee in an organization does not accept bribery and at PwC, this code is followed strictly. At General Motors, there have been cases whereby, some employees have been engaged in bribery acts. Professional societies are extremely beneficial in any sector as they govern behaviors of employees in various firms (Martin & Schinzinger, 1996. 90).

There are various ethical theories, which govern the existing Code of Conduct at the two companies. At PwC, there is mostly the utilitarianism action theory. According to this theory, so long as many people benefit, thus good has been created. This means that depending on what effect occurs to a person, an action is unethical or ethical. In contrast, the General Motors ethical theory is based upon actions, which are deontological. Depending on the intentions of an individual, an issue can be unethical or ethical. This means that consequences are not judged but rather the action (Martin & Schinzinger, 1996. 243). The professional society, which General Motors follows, is IEEE while that by PwC is NSPE. I conclude by stating that the ethics policy at PwC is the best when compared to that of General Motors.

Work Cited

Martin, Mike. & Schinzinger, Ronald. Ethics in Engineering. New York: McGraw-Hill Science, 1996.Print.

Ethics: WHEN DOCTORS MAKE MISTAKES

In as much as the concept of perfection is required by the principles of this profession, mistakes as a consequence of practice do happen at one point. Atul Gawande describes one scenario in which he is compelled to treat a victim of a car crash because the two senior surgeons were undertaking another operation at the same time. He points outs a number of factors to that could have altered the outcome such as his personal decision not to call any of the senior surgeons’ for assistance when it would have worked, the tracheotomy as well as his failure to incubate the patient.

Atul Gawande uses the chapter, When Doctors Make Mistakes to tell his personal experience. In this chapter he brings to the picture what he perceives as being a personal downfall. He explains how this personal downfall at one point almost led to the death of long suffering patient who was under his medical care. Additionally, Atul Gawande also points out that this profession indeed exhibits a number of mishaps; those that are surgical in nature. These mishaps may revolve within and around; leaving surgical instruments in the patient’s body and the abdomen in particular. The mishap may also be biopsying a patient on the wrong side of a body organ. According to him, it is ethical for people to appreciate the natural notion that no human being is perfect thus all doctors do make mistakes. Mistakes therefore are a fundamental part of this profession. He also proceeds to state that good doctoring entails a number of factors such as remaining diligent, paying absolute attention and concentration to details as well as observing the principle of efficiency and effectiveness. He also points out that in this profession; there are Morbidity and Mortality conference, M & M conference meetings which are clandestine in nature. It is in these meetings where the truth is brought to the picture. By truth, the implication is that the good doctors who take responsibility are revealed on one hand. The incompetent doctors, those who neglect the discipline as well as those who have the habit of blaming others for their mistakes are exposed.

A QUEASY FEELING

Atul Gawande discusses the puzzling condition of nausea in the chapter A Queasy Feeling. He points out that while the biological process of vomiting is very clear; associated with pupils dilation, esophagus contraction, increased salivation among other biological processes, Nausea, a precondition for vomiting is a subordinate concept that is rarely discussed in the medical domain. Gawande proceeds to explain that nausea is a classical side effect of pregnancy, motion sickness and side effects of drugs among others.

It therefore follows that, the queasy feeling is a complicated one in the medical profession. In as much as it is common occurring complaint for which the patients do go for consultation in medical centers, the condition is more often than not overlooked. According to him, this condition is related to memory and the biological process of adaptation. He proceeds to illustrate this condition using a typical case of a pregnant woman which highlights that drugs are not the solution to nausea but being at peace with one self is a cure in its and by itself.

EDUCATION OF A KNIFE

In this chapter, Atul Gawande brings to the picture the process in which surgeons learn through hands on experience as well as practice. He uses the first real procedure to illustrate. This entailed putting one central line known as the intravenous line that goes into the key blood vessel of the heart within a patient’s body. In as much as he his supervisor and chief resident perform the operation before, on this day he forgot the three major steps of the preparation and his supervisor had to intervene. Concisely therefore, this is all about the introductory medicine as well as the misconceptions and myths associated with becoming a doctor. In ethical terms, during his first year of study at the medical school he learns the actual education curve. He also learns the various ways in which the associate doctors educate medical students and new residents on the profession. Ethically he also points out that just like in any existing academic and professional discipline; it is indeed practice that makes perfect. He also point out that in as much as medicine as a subject may be deemed infallible, mistakes do crop up while learning.

WHOSE BODY IS IT ANYWAY

In this chapter, the author discusses choices as well as informed decisions. He first highlights the unique case of a patient named Joseph Lazaroff, a patient with an untreatable form of cancer. Despite the warnings from doctors, this particular cancer patient opts to undergo a risky surgery in order to suppress the paralysis. This squarely falls on the patient’s right to choose a care course which Lazaroff had. According to the author, he is of the point of view that Lazaroff made the wrong decision due to the fact that his decision was not in agreement with what the doctors thought would be right. It thus follows that this chapter brings to picture a number of life or death oriented decisions. It also highlights the simple art of being a good doctor or a good patient. He proceeds to state that both parties must choose when to assert or when to submit. He proposes that in as much as patients may choose to or chooses not to undergo a particular medical assistance; they should work in absolute consultation with the doctors. Ethically speaking, doctors should thus be good listeners who should frequently assure their patients that they are in control over vital decisions. It is thus advisable that doctors should advise their patients on what particular choice is good for them at the point of their illness.

Aerophobia-fear of flying

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The Paper Outline

Introduction

Definition of aerophobia

Impacts of aerophobia

Limitation of Past research on aerophobia

Ignorance

Ineffective diagnosis of aerophobia

Conditions associated with fear of flying

Anxiety

Medical complications

Proposed Study

Aims of the research

Sociodemographic characteristics and procedure

Sample characteristics of the study

Achieving informed consent and assent

Assessment of independent variables

Conclusion

PART I: Literature Review on aerophobia

Fear of flying, otherwise referred to as aerophobia may be connected to numerous other unnecessary frightening issues. But sometimes it manifests as a single condition related to being flown. Such conditions of phobia may encompass claustrophobia or acrophobia, which imply a panic that grips individuals in enclosed places and a fear of high altitude common in flights, respectively. Aerophobia is estimated to take toll on about 25 percent of the public, although a full-scale condition of phobia is considerably less recorded across the world. Although, cancellations or delays of flights are ordinary cases in the airline industry, such developments can aggravate fear of flying in air passengers. This paper explores the distinctiveness between aerophobia and irrational fear; the diagnosis of the condition through various ways, the precise characteristics of aerophobia, its developmental stages and the therapeutic interventions that can be taken to mitigate the condition.

Baker (2010) suggests that whether or not an individual’s aerophobia condition evolved into a phobia, the repercussions can be devastating on the individuals’ social and economic movements. Nonetheless, the condition is more symptomatic than an illness, and different risk factors trigger it. It varies from one person to another. The fear is in the spotlight compared to other fears, because air journey is often unavoidable for people. Further, Aubry (2009) adds professionals cannot avoid the air means of transport due their everyday activities. They often grapple with the ordinary nature of the phobia, even as it defines human lifestyle in a significant percentage of the people (Hoffman, 2011). Because air travel is the fastest means of transport across the world, fear of flying, therefore, can hamper career development and hurt the general global economy. The proposed study information revolves around the problem of aerophobia and how to tackle it in victims. Further, the study looks into the effective ways of diagnosing aerophobia conditions, and suggesting effective measures which can be taken to solve the situation. As this paper offers the respondents free remedy, it is unlikely that the interviewee was previously ignorant that there is a potentially effective control of the condition (Baker, 2010).

Limitations of past research on symptoms of aerophobia

The fear of flying manifests in ways comparable to those of other kinds of irrational fear, therefore, previous researches failed to effectively diagnose the problem (Aubry, 2009). Physical indications of the aerophobia may encompass trembling, sweating, gastrointestinal pain, and heart beats. Victims may become frustrated, unsettled, and exhibit incapability to reflect clearly. Further, such individuals may experience distress and irritability, and even pick quarrels with friends, kin, or airline crew members (Hoffman, 2011). Some individuals with an aerophobia are reasonably calm while at the airport’s waiting lounge, but begin trembling and experience other symptoms that come with the condition shortly before embarking on the aircraft. Others experience anxiety that begins immediately they enter the airport. A condition in which an individual starts experiencing the aerophobia several hours or days before a planned air travel, otherwise referred to as anticipatory anxiety is highly common in people (Allen, 2010). The analysis of aerophobia symptoms allow better means of handling the victims by airline companies and improve the safety and efficiency of the flights by implementing more effective preparation strategies for crew members.

Significance of the conditions associated with fear of flying

Aerophobia may come as a result of or aggravated by certain other anxieties in an individual (Allen, 2010). Individuals with claustrophobia usually undergo aerophobia because of the confined places and lack of space for normal movement (Baker, 2010). Those that fear socializing or dirt usually develop aerophobia conditions, because flights technically force a passenger to spend prolonged hours with people who they are not familiar with. Moreover, Hoffman (2011) suggests some conditions of physical impairment can occasion anxiety to air travel. Many passengers experience twinge or giddiness while on the plane due to problems in the sinus or difficulty hearing

For individuals who suffering from cold, persistent sinus problems, or problems such as dizziness or ear problems, aerophobia may be founded on a very true fear of experiencing physical discomfort during and or after the flight. If one has an illness related to the cardiovascular section the body or other illnesses that may aggravate the risk of hemorrhage or blood clots, then the fear may be driven by concerns about experiencing cardiac problems during an air travel (Hoffman, 2011). It is advisable that people who have known medical conditions, which may be aggravated by a flight, should discuss with their physician how best they can handle themselves prior to their flight. Such sessions often help with the taking of precautionary measures to reduce the risk and uneasiness during or after the flight (Allen, 2010).

Importance of understanding the causes of aerophobia

According to Aubry (2009), aerophobia conditions that are not triggered by medical conditions or other anxieties may come as a result of different factors. According to Allen (2010), individuals who have ever undergone a distressing air travel or air crash, fear of flight may be experienced. Additionally, watching constant and disturbing news reporting of plane crash disasters can trigger aerophobia. For example, more people in the United States developed some level of trepidation of opting for air travel after the September 11 disaster at world trade center (Baker, 2010). If an individual’s parents experienced fear of flying, he or she may suffer from the condition following hereditary trepidation. This is essentially a common genesis of fear of flying in children, but also takes toll on many mature people. One might borrow the aerophobia from another kin or relation, but parents appear to have the leading influence on their offspring phobias.

Aerophobia conditions can also be traced to a completely different argument. For instance, aerophobia that comes up in individuals who have just been elevated on their job that demands constant air travel may be traced to anxieties about the occupation itself or the manner in which it is likely to alter that person’s activities (Hoffman, 2011). Similarly, children who have only air travel as the only means through which they can frequently make visits to parents living far apart or divorced sometimes develop fear of flying as a survival mechanism for the strain of the separation (Hoffman, 2011).

Significance of understanding the Fear of Flying

Aerophobia is relatively simple to overcome, even without identifying the basic cause. If an individual does not experience other emotional or physical conditions, he or she should register for a training session on how to overcome aerophobia in them. These lessons essentially last 48 -72 hours, and are usually carried out during weekends. Hoffman (2011) indicates these lessons encompass cognitive-behavioral treatment to overcome the condition in several people at the same time. Hypnotherapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy targeted at the participants on individual basis, and more modern virtual reality methods are also appropriate remedies for mild aerophobia (Vanden & De Raedt, 2008).

PART II: Proposed Study – Research Methodology

The aim of the research

The main aim of this section of the paper is to carry out a research based on observation of the participant’s behavior, implementation of treatment, and the observation of behavior exhibited after the treatment. This research will involve a single-case experiment ABA, in which “A” stands for observe behavior, “B” for implement treatment, and “A” for observation of behavior after the therapy being implemented through the study. Respondent “A” will be sampled from my associates through a hand-picking process, implying that they will be known to the researcher already, before his treatment session. I will personally seek the views of my close associates through integrated assessment initiatives for a period of one month. The assessment will be carried out three times a month to settle on one of the best participants.

Sociodemographic characteristics and Procedure

The respondent shall attend a meeting on one occasion, primarily to avail the general facts of the conditions, so as to successfully clarify the facts surrounding it and help with charting an effective solution to the problem (Aubry, 2009). This shall be done through slow process, by exploring all the factors surrounding this issue. The reality of the respondent’s acquaintance to the researcher already may have improved trust between the two parties (Baker, 2010). Trust is an important aspect to the development of the process and for any treatment session. Nonetheless, in this particular meeting, the respondent will be more aware of the intricate nature of the situation.

The researcher believes faster pace might trigger more nervousness (Hoffman, 2011). Generally, anxiety is an impediment to such sessions as this condition erodes the respondent’s courage in taking part. After picking the right respondent, I intend to cultivate a relaxed environment that will lead to the participant “A” opening up on his reminiscences of the first time he actually experience anxiety on air travel, remembering the episode as deeply as possible. In intend to incorporate the services of a research assistant, who will ease the workload by taking notes and helping me with the evaluation of the outcomes. Both the research assistant and the participant will be entitled to compensation to avoid compromised outcomes of the study. The research assistant will earn US$1,500 per month, while the participant will be entitled to US$100 each time we will be having an encounter. An exemption from full review is an IRB review mechanism that will be used. The participant has a normal mental condition; he does not suffer from any psychological problem, apart from aerophobia.

Sample characteristics of the study

The sample characteristics of the study encompass one participant from a team of executive workers in a company, who has adopted the fear of flying syndrome. This study will involve the use single-case experiment ABA. This study will seek dispel the fear in a middle aged man who, despite the regular use of air travel in this contemporary society for business, holiday, and visiting relations continue to endure significant detriment to their own social activities and individual wellbeing. The male participant in Caucasian aged 35. He is married, and is a father of three. The participant is a degree holder and earns a monthly salary of US$2,000. Although, the participant’s aerophobia condition is serious, he has demonstrated keen willingness to rise above the fear.

Achieving informed consent and assent

In most studies, the investigator is obliged to win informed consent from each theme or the participant’s legally official representative. In this study, the consent of the participant’s supervisor will be sought, failure to which the initiative may not be a success. As a researcher, I shall ask for such consent, by tabling the prospective subject, which is evaluating aerophobia. This will also enable the representative adequate opportunity to contemplate participating in the exercise, hence limiting the likelihood of compulsion or undue pressure (Vanden & De Raedt, 2008). I intend to ensure that the participant is given the right information regarding aerophobia is delivered in language comprehensible by the participant. In cases where full revelation of the rationale of the study might bias the results, such as the impact of the condition on limited air travel of the participant, will not be divulged to the supervisor.

The researcher will guide the respondent on air travel and the touching down process of a plane, while maintaining the sense of relaxation. The two parties will then pick a conversation for sometime about the victim’s experience (Hoffman, 2011). The researcher is likely to notice a benign ecstasy in his face and response as this success is acknowledged, although in thoughts, at confronting this panic. As the one hour session will be nearing the end, the researcher will recommend one more issue (Aubry, 2009). The researcher will briefly tell the respondent what he intends to: the antidote to his aerophobia condition; though until it will start rolling out, the respondent’s reaction might not be predicted. The main aim of the careful explanation of the likely events will likely enable the respondent have a feeling of absolute calmness as the session winds up and to recall the accounts with some ecstasy (Vanden & De Raedt, 2008).

Assessment of the independent variable

After the treatment, the respondent’s capacity to cope with air travel will be assessed in terms of the number of air travel trips he will be making after the treatment, and how long the flights will be taking. Independent variable will be evaluated by enquiring from the participant about his confidence in taking flights: positive outcomes will be declared if he demonstrates high spirits flying. Generally, in an individual suspects he or she has a phobia, they should begin by discussing it with a medical expert who can suggest a therapist. Once in a therapy session, the victim will likely be helped out through exposure therapy, although additional medications may be prescribed. Exposure therapy involves a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy encompassing overcoming aerophobia through the acquisition of new knowledge (Hoffman, 2011; Vanden & De Raedt, 2008).

Conclusion

Generally, aerophobia is a serious challenge that can be eliminated by effective therapies for the victims. Although, coaching sessions rarely take place, the successes of such sessions have been documented and are pinned on correct timing and presentation of the issues that matter most. The slow release of uneasiness meant that the respondent needed psychological and body relaxation before and after the session (Baker, 2010). Emotionally, the diffusion of extreme anxiety prepares individuals psychologically for such session and how to handle him after the session.

References

Allen, J. (2010). Fear of flying. Therapy Today, 21(3), 47.

Aubry, T. (2009). Erica Jong’s Textual Bulimia: Fear of Flying and the Politics of Middlebrow Consumption. Journal of Popular Culture, 42(3), 419-441.

Baker, J. (2010). Fear of flying. Rural Society, 20(1), 21-34.

Hoffman, J. (2011). Fly the Friendly Skies. Angels on Earth, 16(2), 16-18.

Vanden, B.A., & De Raedt, R. (2008). Cognitive vulnerability in fear of flying: the role of anxiety sensitivity. Depression & Anxiety, 25 (9), 768-773.

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Aesthetics of music and stage performance as opposed to Kierkegaard’s

Music is an art that is practiced and appreciated by many in the society. It is practiced by a good number of people and not actually identified with a given social class or race. Aesthetics from a philosophical point deals with nature of art, beauty and taste. It is also associated with the creation and appreciation of beauty. Kierkegaard’s philosophy concerning live music performance and aesthetics has many shortcomings. Music is constituted of several other factors and not aesthetics only. Therefore, it is succinct that live performances and music composition are not in any way related with aesthetics.

Music composition and creativity is all about the mind and the various factors put together to make the whole concept plausible. The typology of music composed depends with the theme and rather the main subject being relayed by it. These factors in the first place determine the energy and nature of the performance of these songs. Stage performance entails a lot being combined, the high mental involvement, the nature of the crowd, say, revelers and the message being conveyed by the song itself concerning the music genre. These are logical mindsets with no lame attributes being assembled to mystify any sober mind thinking in the name of philosophy as we are being made to believe.

Kierkegaard generally bases his argument on three major perceptions and attributes them to values that are in a way likely to have an impact on live stage performance and composure. These are the aesthetic existence, ethical existence and religious existence in that order. They are all essentially attributed to enjoyment, struggle and victory and suffering respectively. Well, when the entire above are put under deep scrutiny and given a musical and entertainment relevance, they will bring some sense but still leaves unanswered questions to the concerned.

Mary Warnock helps us understand the three spheres that Kierkegaard is putting across and helps us bring out the illusion and the ambiguity in his theories.

The authenticity of Kierkegaard’s thinking is based majorly on the hurdles these artists have to skip in order to be classified as those who never constitute to the extinction of live music performance. This is not usually the case; a good performance is not usually planned for as it naturally comes out given the prevailing circumstances as per my point of view. He is giving the artist too much anticipation and desperation at the same time, if they actually put such aspects into consideration then they can never deliver what their fans expects of them as sometimes it may be too much.

This should not actually be the reason these artists are setting anticlimactic targets that are easily achievable but citing their desperation regarding aesthetic performance can be a bruise on their career in a way. His approach on subjectivity and objectivity on the artist’s side also suffers a cripple as he has collectively conceptualized the whole thing instead of analyzing it on an individual basis. Objective approach is therefore generally an extreme catalyst for exhaustion of the whole concept and only precipitates a negative aesthetic experience.

Generally, Kierkegaard’s philosophy phases a challenge whereby he is trying to analyze and understand all the music genres through the three spheres. Secular music and gospel music are performed differently depending with the artist’s subjective approach towards his deliverance. He is a real thought initiator by coming up with such complex illusions that are barely truthful and making us believe his analysis of Christianity and stage performance.

The philosopher also failed to highlight his strong views and opinion on the role of women in live musical performance and the general entertainment when it comes to that. Women cannot be sidelined when it comes to the nature and beauty of this whole art; they add some appeal and give it some sense of belonging. Any lively stage performance is associated with levitating females especially if it’s secular, this generally boosts the crowd’ energy and that of the artist as well. Therefore, when it comes to struggles and victory, this is one of the things that constitute them.

It is also interesting to know that whatever one feels when listening to a given music may not be mutual with the party they are with at the same time. Music genres and any other music category tends to be associated with a particular group of persons, that is why music comes in with esoteric psychology and therefore the poignancy might not be related. Therefore, these feelings evoked by whatever we listen to are never the same and so our opinions and views concerning live stage performance will always differ. In addition, I strongly believe that there is no social scale of measuring this whole concept or rather no identified brain to determine a performance unless it was generally whack.

The music environment also plays a major role in this whole concept. It is mainly associated with the age of the concerned parties and nurturing musical literacy. It therefore inspires the type of music that is listened to and the subjective way of delivery. If this were given an objective approach, it would definitely result to a pathetic fail, as you should make the people and the environment your subject. This is on the contrary to the gospel Kierkegaard is preaching in his illusion spheres. The music environment should be a matter of concern to any aspect of performance because it assists in the rhythmic development especially when kids are involved.

When it comes to achieving aesthetic stage and live performance, music representation must be given a damn. The manner in which the artist stages his performance counts a lot and points a mark to the general outcome of what is expected of him. The aesthetic importance of musical contribution is considered by factors such as the pictorials, general musical semantics as analyzed by the American philosopher Nelson Goodman and other dramatic stage aspects. How the picture grid and the art is portrayed in the pictorials in a given clip depending with how the caricature is typified adds something on the product of the performance. These are among the major things that one Mr. Kierkegaard failed to highlight in his entire work hence raising eyebrows.

Music can also be viewed as a philosophy whereby we tend to link it to poetry and put in the philosophical discourse that brings in the reality. With this, the nature of its composition and the real touch that is brought out is based on culture and maybe touches on the real life of a given society or community. It fundamentally and explicitly tags a claim that music in a give way provides a main feature of existence into the reality. With such in mind, it is definitely not implausible to cite that it will have an even tremendous effect on the live stage performance when the artist is delegating his duty. This is just one of the many important that we lacked in the prior argument concerning Kierkegaard’s work.

The other necessary factor that missed out in that particular work comes in where Sonnet Kierkegaard failed to explicate something on performance and obligation. The nature of a performance that is got from san artist is not only determined by the factors he was cited, that is aesthetics, ethics and religion. Factors such as energy find their way in, positive energy, motivation from the event organizers and other general social factors. These might include the general security in which the event is taking place, due payments must also be given a concern. Nelson Goodman says that a true definition of a performance involves the artist idea of being aware of usual practice. This will enable the artist to consider the expected contemporary matters such as self-obligation. This also involves the musical literacy in consideration with the genres and giving an absolutely competent performance much to the chagrin of many.

Music popularity and intolerance also points a mark. This has been clouded by contradictory stereotypes and various perceptions that majorly negate the actual performance of an upcoming artist or may an unpopular artist. Music more like sets our culture, determines the societal moral behavior and etiquette. This has seen music classes develop some horrific and unwanted injustices from production to the general stage output. The end result precipitated by these all is music being the obvious culprit of intolerance due to the number of people immersed in this particular art. This has seen the distinction in aesthetic sense drastically take course to being blurred in educational setting.

The song and music drama also crops up a serious debate that in long run pulls out a significant difference in aesthetic aspect, which is so much a concern to us. Song is generally common to human culture that has music of any kind. There are debatable moments in which songs can be said to be fundamental music, natural music and also the most expensive of them all. This usually depends with what has been put in place to categorize the said song into a classified genre that will eventually alter its performance. Gospel hymns are identified with humility while hip-hop and anything related is identified with a lot of energy, bravado and some kind of unapologetic braggadocio. These transitions from songs to music are what actually bring out the difference when it comes to live performance. This will determine the degree of aesthetic appeal on the outcome. We are also aware that Kierkegaard failed to highlight or rather have them based on his arguments.

History also gives a cake bite on this diverse and much debated aspect, the Aesthetics of music, professor Sparshott argues on the evolution of this particular culture and how the societal practices affects the deliverance an general stage performance in this art. History plays a major role especially when something concerning the people’s culture is a major future on the said song. Kierkegaard failed to consider this to back up his argument to make it so concrete and convince us that his research and final work was worth the hype.

In conclusion, we realize that there is factual information and opinionated information. The entire argument and debate regarding Kierkegaard’s philosophy of the aesthetic stage of existence and live musical performance is just a case study of opinions versus facts.

We realize that he gave objectivity a major concern over subjectivity on the contrary to what should be done by the artists immersed in this musical art. Objectivity results to an epic fail when so much upon insinuated. His opinions were so much related to human facts and others believed the authenticity of his thinking until Mary Warnock challenged his whole work.

Basically, aesthetic performance requires mental involvement with real facts and not illusions as Kierkegaard made us believe so much. I therefore defer with his whole concept of stage performance. He combined religion, ethics and aesthetics in his whole analysis and did use the plural ‘we’ for everybody and not ‘I’ for a personal opinion or maybe for an individual reference. I actually expected a diversified argument based on this because we have different music genres, which are either secular or gospel.

All these songs have different cultures and different expectations from their various audiences regardless of the process used to give the final product. I therefore strongly believe that music representation, music history, popularity and intolerance, music and song drama constitutes to be the better determinants of aesthetics and live stage performance as opposed to Kierkegaard’s three spheres.

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Ethics, The Divine Command Theory

The Divine Command Theory incorporates two basic claims: a god or gods approve of or command certain actions and the deeds that the god or gods endorse or command are morally right because of this approval or command (Gierrson & Holmgren 33). This theory places importance on religion and the god worshipped in the determination of whether something is right or wrong. What has been chosen by god or the gods as being right is followed as being correct. In religion, this is based on what is written, for example, in the Bible or the Quran as being what one is expected to do. This school of thought has, however, brought many issues due to its ambiguity and the lack of a specific ‘god’ who approves what is noble or what is not. This causes conflict as what is right according to one god may not be so according to the other. An example of such an issue is where a group of physicians who performed abortions were killed by a group of people who claimed they were following the word of God (Gierrson & Holmgren 33). The people considered their actions as being morally correct.

There is an ethical dilemma as the underlying act in both sides was killing which God does not approve of in the Bible. The use of this theory in solving ethical dilemmas, therefore, brings confusion as there are different things that are approved of by the god at different times. For example, in the Old Testament, God brings a storm and kills everyone on the earth except Noah and his family. However, it is later written in the Bible that one shall not kill. Using the Divine Command theory has led to the upcoming groups of extremist individuals who take it upon themselves to avenge those who do what they do not consider morally correct. As with the group above, they condemn and even hurt those against them. Another example of such a situation is the Jihad wars against Christianity where one religion see themselves as being better that the rest of the religions. The theory cannot be used conclusively to come to a decision in regard to whether a deed is right or wrong. If the Divine Command theory is true, then would it also be true that god’s choice of moral laws is, in essence, an arbitrary act of will. This means that god has to choose between actions deciding which among them is right or wrong. The theory impedes on the free will human beings were given as they cannot make decisions based on their own judgments. They have to rely on preapproved laws that are either right or wrong. Consequently, where one interprets actions that harm others as being right, according to their god, they may go ahead and cause a lot of harm to others.

The major advantage derived from Divine Command theory is, it espouses facts of moral rightness or wrongness as an objective and non natural facts (Clark 101). This means that it is not subject to the thoughts of any one individual and hence if consistent can define what is noble or what is not. The non natural state of the theory is because it cannot be proven or tested by human beings and one has to follow it out of their own belief. Its primary shortcoming is that it is not consistent and hence one can interpret it in whichever way they want and decide to fulfill the higher beings wishes on what is noble or what is not. In addition, those who do not believe in gods such as atheists will have no moral compass to steer in regard to what is noble and what is not.

The claim about human beings subscribing to the Divine Command theory is not true as they have been given free will to undertake or participate in what they perceive to be right. Human beings act institutively in choosing what is morally right depending on their past experiences and values. The Divine Command theory and religion form an underlying concept which an individual considers in making a moral decision but may not necessarily do the right thing. An example is in cheating for an examination that one has not studied for in order to get good grades. However, it is considered morally wrong as it entails reaping where one has not sown. The Divine Command theory also comes into play here as cheating is considered bad in the Bible. The individual faced with this dilemma may consider the religious teachings and decide not to cheat or may put himself past and consider the consequences of not getting a good grade to their future and decide to cheat in the examination. In this case, the individual did not rely on the Divine Command theory to make the decision. The average person tends to be geared towards taking care of their own interests and of things which are pertinent to him such as their community and cultures. They are, therefore, when faced with a moral dilemma, likely to cater for themselves and their needs before thinking of other people. These needs may come before any of the teachings and religious beliefs that one may have. Making a decision on whether an action is morally right or wrong is largely dependent on their personal values and what they intrinsically believe is the right thing. This explains why an action considered right by one person may be wrong to another person.

Works Cited

Gierrson, H. & Holmgren, M.R. Ethical Theory: A Concise Anthology. New York: Broadview Press Limited, 2001. Print.

Clark, K.J. Readings in the Philosophy of Religion. New York: Broadview Press Limited, 2008. Print.

Advisory report

Introduction

Included in the core elements of public governance is policy formulation and planning (Sykes et al, 34). It is necessary to determine the meaning of a public policy, which is a deliberate decision that is carefully studied to provide guidance that addresses special public concerns. The process of policymaking involves the government translation of their political visions into actions or programs that is likely to deliver desired changes in the state. The policies provide a framework that for setting planning, which is necessary for outlining how the policies can be implemented. One of the most vital considerations that are instrumental in coming up with public policies is that during the planning process, it is essential to incorporate citizen participation, which ensures the democratization of the entire process. The active involvement of the members of public would possibly ensure the effectiveness of the policy.

While referring to the situation in the Indian reservation lands in the southwest of California, this advisory report looks into some of the relevant information that will aid in discussions between the governor and representatives from the Indian tribes from California. The talks consider the fact that the government is legally not in a position to infringe on the private property rights of the Indian tribes of California. With this situation, it would be necessary to consider talks that would create a suitable agreement between the government and the community. By assuming a participatory policy-making framework, it would be possible for the two groups to achieve transparency, accountability, as well as active citizenship. This will also mean that the parties will follow some of the legal considerations, which is necessary for avoiding conflicts.

Background

The need for talks between representatives from the Indian tribes and the governor emanates from the discovery of oil reserves located in the Indian reservation lands in the southeast of California. The discovery was a result of some construction work that was taking place in the region. However, the amount from the discovery is not known, which is a situation that creates a need for further exploration. Even though the amount of oil reserve is not definite, suggestions from the first signs indicate a possibility that the amount could be huge. Nevertheless, getting consent for further exploration requires approval from the residents of the area since the land they occupy is private property.

After indications of the presence of an oil reserve in the area, the California Indian Council issued a statement directed to the state government that further exploration, as well as future exploration in the area would only be possible if some of their demands were met. The California Indian Council is a group that links the Native American Indians from several tribes living in California. The council was demanding an agreement that would require the state to start bilingual education programs in the area, meant for the native American Indians living in California, which is a proposal that is within their rights. Since there is a need for the country to find more energy resources existing within its border, coming up with a strategy that will initiate an agreement between the community and the government will be beneficial. For this reason, it would be vital to find a suitable approach that will precipitate the realization of this initiative.

Issues for consideration

The first thing to consider is that bilingual education is a program that helps students less proficient in the English language, for instance the Native American Indian students (Zimmerman 66). Such a program helps students with a limited English proficiency to keep up with some of the academic requirements in the American educational system. The students need to have the knowledge of English for it will enable them to become successful in the American schools, which is a factor that might have been considered by the California Indian Council. With this consideration, the governor has to choose between two approaches, which includes heeding to the demands of the California Indian Council or denying them this demand.

Several issues might arise when the governor heeds to this demand. One of the gravest issues that might come up is that the other minority ethnic groups might react negatively to this provision. The minority group denied this opportunity might site a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits any form of discrimination based on national origin (Hames et al 168). Instead, they would equally demand for access to bilingual education, which might require a change in the educational policy of the country. Changing the educational policies will not only be tedious but there are financial implications that might come about because of the changes. This change might not be feasible for the government since minority groups are scattered across the country, which means that there is a probability that the groups would demand for the same treatment for their students. With these provisions, it would not be feasible to consider the Native American Indian students as a special lot in the number of immigrant students present in the country.

The other issue that might occur with bilingual education is related to the cost. The costs that the government might have to incur upon the consideration of offering bilingual education to the Native American Indian students are predictably high. The financial implications attached to offering this education is that the state should be able to construct new classes, employ new teachers and acquire other resources that might be unavailable currently. With the consideration that the government might have to source for more funds to promote this system of education, the provision might seem impossible. For this reason, the debate on whether there are sufficient funds to support this cause might appear to be redundant. The available funds might be insufficient to ensure that the students get satisfactory results. With the cost implication consideration, it would be necessary to make the California Indian Council aware, which might help them in deliberating whether the provision is possible.

Policies that Brown could attempt to adopt

One of the policies that Brown can attempt to adopt is to set a transition period that is restricted to a number of years for the program. This period would be beneficial for the students for it might enable them to master the English language before moving into the mainstream educational system. This consideration is necessary for ensuring that the Native American Indian children fit into the school society after learning some of the basic things that will improve their prowess in the English language. Since the system of bilingual education will require new teachers, who help in the transition, Brown should propose a number of years, for instance two years that a student would be allowed to attend the classes. This is a proposal that might benefit these students since they will be able to communicate effectively using the English language. With this consideration, the community should be able to allow the government to exploit the oil reserve in the region, also allowing for future exploration when the need arises.

The consequences of this provision include the benefit that the government is likely to obtain from the exploration, eventually increasing the energy reserves in the country. This is not only likely to increase the government’s income, but it will also be beneficial to the native American Indian community since their children will get the opportunity to be fully integrated in the community through the bilingual education system. On the other hand, the state government will have to incur further costs for providing this education for the Native American Indian students.

Recommendation

It would be beneficial for both parties if the governor would be able to adopt the proposed policy. It is necessary to consider that cultural, as well as immigration integration is not something easy to deal with since different communities within the country have their own views of what they think would be beneficial for the community. By adopting this policy, it would be necessary for Brown to insist on the fact that the restrictive number of years for the bilingual education would benefit the students to blend into the largely English-speaking American society. This means that the governor has to find ways of satisfying the other educational needs of the minority groups in the state in order to avoid violating the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Hames et al 168).

Works cited

Hames, Joanne B, and Yvonne Ekern. Constitutional Law: Principles and Practice. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.

Ornstein, Allan C, Daniel U. Levine, and Gerald L. Gutek. Foundations of Education. Belmont, Calif: Wadsworth Cengage Learning, 2011. Print.

Sykes, Gary, Schneider, Barbara, and Plank, David, N. The AERA handbook on educational policy research. Routledge, 2012. Print.

Zimmerman, Lynn W. Esl, Efl, and Bilingual Education: Exploring Historical, Sociocultural, Linguistic, and Instructional Foundations. Charlotte, N.C: Information Age Pub, 2010. Print.

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Ethics: The Ford/Firestone Debacle

Case summary

It presents a manufacturing company Ford explorer that manufacturer’s car. The explorer was designed to use the same frame that was used in older vehicles in the assembly line. Tests done before the launch of the car showed that it performed dismally in terms of safety, but the management went ahead to implement and force its launch even after being presented with a variety of options and steps to take to rectify the problem ( ABC, 297 ) . Continuous challenges and complaints led to investigations being launched by the relevant authorities and findings in most of the studies revealed that the problem resulted from a compromised quality in the tires used. Several regions and areas that Ford had sold their products experienced similar challenges relating to safety and the quality of the products that the company offered. It reached a point where they stopped using the explorer tires as most of the studies conducted from both within and without the institution revealed that the problem resulted from the quality of tires from firestone.

Problem analysis

problems that range from the action taken by the leadership of the companies involved, communication challenges as well as ethical and moral challenges. The leadership of the firm is the problem in this case because of the poor decisions that do not conform to business ethics and standards besides raising more questions and concerns relating to social morals ethical values

Data collection and interpretation

Sufficient data is available from the players involved such as Ford, Bridgestone, and partners involved in the trade from many parts of the region including the middle east as well as data from the various studies conducted in the case revealing the percentages and numbers of people affected from the case by actions taken by the leadership and those responsible from the case. The amount of money spends in recalls and compensation makes the business unsustainable.

Critical ethical issues

Despite the leadership getting informed about the challenges, they failed to take adequate steps and actions necessary to prevent the concerns raised on safety. The organization ethical concerns are also questioned regarding the value that they give their clients relating to safety. Bridgestone tried to introduce the ethical and moral concerns that they have through their experience in Ford explorer, but it resulted in vain. The society presented in the case through consumer federation has taken measures and steps to protect and guarantee their members which are the public in most cases.

Ethical frameworks

Utilitarianism principle that allows the highest number of beneficiaries over a service or product made was not considered by the Ford explorer. The leadership had a duty to act and take necessary steps and actions that would address the situation (Brusseau, 1). The employees that went on strike had the right to demand for better working conditions and they had the duty to provide services of high quality to their employers.

Relate the case to the concepts and topics in the books

The case fits into the context from the text book by presenting various ethical decisions that are made that impact on the overall performance of the business

Generating solutions

. Ethical principles should be looked upon to provide guideline for generating a better solution relating to the case that benefits all parties involved.

Possible legal solutions

The consumers and all beneficiary from the products offered by Ford and the related parties such firestone who have resulted into losses of any kind relating to safety and security should take legal actions to be compensated.

The employees who were on strike and should be compensated for the period that they were out of work demanding for better services and terms

possible legal but unethical solution

Divert the Legal costs faced by Ford to firestone and Bridgestone who made the tires for them

Sue the body that authorizes and standardizes products made and sold to the market in the US.

No payment for workers who were on strike and no reengaging back to the company.

Possible ethical solutions

Compensate all people who have incurred losses relating to safety and security concerns that result from the poor quality of products that Ford offers. The owners of the firm must change the leadership and restructure it to suit to business ethics to remain relevant and competitive.

Selecting best solutions

The best solution caters for all parties involved that result into a fair decision that cuts across many parties. The Ford Company should take responsibility and pay all its clients and associates who incurred direct or indirect losses that resulted from the compromised quality of their products. The firm should look for a long term solution that steers it back to success in the industry.

Works cited

ABC News. The Ford/Firestone Debacle. Business and its External Exchanges: Ecology and Consumers. The Ethics of consumer Production and marketing.

Brusseau, James. Business Ethics Workshop, Edition 1. FlatWorldKnowledge2014. Internet Sources http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/business-ethics/index.html

Advocacy Against Racial Discrimination

Author

Institution

Introduction

Every country has varied aspects of its past and present that it wishes it could bury in a bottomless pit. For some countries, such elements may include economic deprivation, bad governance, insecurity or even civil wars. It goes without saying that these aspects or events have a bearing on the pillars or foundations of the country, in which case they have the capacity to cause degeneration in the country. This underlines or explains why countries are always striving to eliminate such negative aspects. As much as the United States has several things that it is not proud of, I doubt that there is anything that racism or racial discrimination as far as being shameful is concerned. Racial discrimination has been one of the key dark spots in the fabric of the United States. Unfortunately, it has always been deeply rooted or founded in the history of the United States, continues to be expressed in the current days. In fact, it threatens to continue eating into the United States’ fabric if comprehensive measures are not taken to eliminate it once and for all.

While there exists varied definitions of racial discrimination or racism, it may simply be defined as a set of actions or beliefs that view an individual or a group of people as inferior to others. These beliefs are fundamentally based on the physical appearance of the individual especially the complexion or color of his or her skin (Ezell, 2001). Almost every person has come across racial discrimination in the United States, either as a perpetrator, victim or an indifferent witness. For quite a long time, there has existed a common misconception that racial discrimination involves whites to blacks only, with blacks as victims and whites as perpetrators. This has emanated from the fact that racial discrimination has, in the past, been perpetrated by individuals of European descent against varied other groups such as Latinos and African Americans. It is worth noting, however, that racial discrimination also entails the tension that exists between varied other groups of people. For example, there has been a long-standing friction between Asian-American populations and African Americans in varied parts of the United States. The increasing globalization, mobility and diversity experienced in the United States and the entire world demands that comprehensive measures are taken to safeguard the position of the United States, both in the present and future (Ezell, 2001).

Racial discrimination cuts across almost every aspect of the United States’ fabric. It is worth noting that, irrespective of the culture that an individual comes from, the effects of racism can be seen even in cases where an individual has never directly felt the vice directed to him or her. The expansiveness of the effects underline the fact that the vice crosscuts almost every area of the society including schools, workplaces, prisons, correctional facilities, as well as the varied law enforcement agencies (Strolovitch, 2007).

As much as many people may not acknowledge the magnitude of the problem, the effects of racial discrimination cannot be ignored. Unfortunately, every person pays the price for allowing the vice to grow or continue being perpetuated in America. This is especially considering the devastating effects of racial discrimination (Strolovitch, 2007).

First, research has shown that stereotyping and racial discrimination can result to severe mental health effects, as well as emotional trauma. It is worth noting that these effects trigger other damages such as loss of promotional opportunities, jobs, pay, as well as damaged reputations. Unfortunately, the entire public has everything to lose for condoning this vice. This is in terms of decreased production, especially in public institutions, as there exists chances that discrimination led to the elimination of individuals who may have been more experienced or suited for certain jobs than the current ones (Strolovitch, 2007). Scholars opine that racial discrimination may be carried out structurally or individually with consequences being equally adverse. It is worth noting that, in cases where the vice is carried out or perpetuated institutionally or structurally, it has the capacity to diminish a country or institution’s collective capacity to enhance the progress or advancement of the members.

In addition, racial discrimination and other types of stereotypes have for quite a long time been blamed for violence that is experienced in varied parts of the globe. Researchers have, more often than not, opined that individuals who perpetuate stereotypes or racial discrimination select scapegoats on whom they take out their aggression and frustrations. In most cases, they select scapegoats or individuals who may be seen as inferior as or even weaker than them. This explains the numerous wars that have experienced in varied parts of the world, especially pitting different communities or races (Saha, 1999). Scholars opine that such stereotypes create a misconception that certain groups of people are getting or are entitled to more than what they should get. In this case, when they do not get their perceived level of entitlement, they more often than not resort to unmitigated frustration and aggression pointed towards the inferior or weaker communities. This is because they believe that the inferior groups are responsible for their predicament and the “denial” of their entitlement (Saha, 1999).

Moreover, ethnic or racial discrimination and stereotyping has the capacity to influence the wellbeing or health of the ethnic minorities via its association with variations in physiologic and mental states, as well as via its influence on an individual’s participation in risky behaviors including substance abuse and alcohol consumption. Numerous studies have attempted to examine the effect than racial discrimination has on mental health. Most of these studies have shown that racial or ethnic discrimination may be a considerable source of stress for ethnic or racial minority populations. In addition, it is associated with decreased sense of wellbeing including life satisfaction, happiness and self esteem, as well as increased hopelessness, psychosis, anger, substance abuse and anxiety (Saha, 1999). Perceived discrimination has been shown to have a bearing on depression. Varied studies have tried to examine the impact or relationship between physiologic changes and self-reported experiences with ethnic or racial bias. These have shown that there exists some relationship between discrimination-related stress and increased blood pressure. As much as other studies have shown that the levels and magnitude of the effects are dependent on an individual’s coping style, there is consensus that it has negative effects on an individual’s psychology (Saha, 1999). These have been complemented by other studies have shown a connection or relationship between discrimination and a high prevalence of constant or chronic diseases caused by behavioral risks such as alcohol consumption, substance abuse and cigarette smoking. It goes without saying that risk factors including substance abuse and alcoholism have a bearing on the economic soundness of every country. This is especially due to its bearing on the productivity of individuals.

The magnitude of the adverse effects that racial discrimination has on an individual, as well as the entire community underlines the importance of enhancing advocacy efforts against the vice (Harries-Jones, 1991). As much as many people assume that the government is the only key player in these efforts it is worth noting that, every person has a duty or role to play in eliminating it. This is especially having in mind that everyone is affected, whether directly or indirectly. Of course, the government and its varied agencies have a role to play, especially in crafting laws and regulations against the vice, as well as implementing them (Harries-Jones, 1991). However, creating awareness amongst all the parties involved is of utmost importance especially since it is the basic things that people do that make or establish a difference in the state of the nation. It is imperative that everyone recognizes the existence of racial discrimination, which underlines the importance of creating awareness (Saha, 1999). When individuals limit themselves to expressing compassion and mercy for victims of racial discrimination without making a commitment or taking a stand to eliminate it, they are essentially skirting the problem and even abetting it. Pretending that one is color-blind even when young Asians, black and native youngsters encounter despicable hardships, and professing not to perceive any variation in treatment, is tantamount to sidestepping the problem (Harries-Jones, 1991).

The first step towards advocacy is acknowledging the existence of the problem. It is imperative that individuals desist from looking for explanations so as to justify isolated cases of deviant behaviors such as racial discrimination (Saha, 1999).

Secondly, the awareness must involve determination of the degree of institutional and personal participation that contributes in reinforcing racial discrimination. It is imperative that individuals engage in a critical assessment of behavior, attitude, as well as institutional practices whether collective or individual (Saha, 1999).

Third, it is imperative that all people see and spell out racial discrimination in its true form (Scheurich, 2002). Many are times when individuals skirt around the issue of racial discrimination by using incorrect vocabulary, attempting to reduce it to a simple problem of being “socio-economically deprived” or even lowering it by placing the vice on the same footing or platform as discrimination that is based on religion, language (Scheurich, 2002).

Fourth, it is imperative that there exist a guarantee of active and sustained participation of individuals who have been victims of racial discrimination in crucial levels of decision making (Romero, 2005). In quite a number of instances, black, Asian, and Native communities complain that studies and consultations are carried out, seminars held, committees set up and even spokespersons named without direct or even indirect involvement on their part. This is even in cases when such actions would jeopardize their interests. Of course, this triggers the question as to how such policies would be a true representation of their needs without involving the victims (Romero, 2005).

Fifth, it is imperative that the advocates against racial discrimination must maintain their consistency (Roberts, & Ash, 2009). The adoption of antiracist policies underlines the implementation of a mechanism that includes guidelines, rules, human resources and financial materials, methods of continuous and progressive evaluation, committees, as well as strategies that recognize the existence of racial discrimination and which aim at eliminating it from the country’s fabric (Roberts, & Ash, 2009).

In enhancing racial awareness, advocacy groups must engage in clear strategies that challenge the existing laws, as well as the attitudes of the people.

First, the groups must identify and make alterations of retrogressive policies that abet this situation or that seem to promote it. In this case, it is imperative that an all-inclusive team of professionals is formed and incorporate community leaders (Miller, & Covey, 1999). Reformers, religious leaders and other community leaders play a crucial role in setting up the attitude and mind of the public, especially in cases where they treat all people equally. It is extremely crucial that issues pertaining to creed and caste are handled while incorporating a clear, as well as open conscience to ensure that everyone obtains justice and lives with respect (Miller, & Covey, 1999). It is imperative that the victims of racial discrimination are represented adequately in these formal and informal groups.

In addition, advocacy groups may organize community events that involve or appeal to all races. These activities would allow for the enhancement of relationships between the varied races (Sue, & Sue, 1999). Research has shown that racial discrimination is promoted by misunderstandings and ignorance about other cultures. In essence, such events would come in handy in eliminating the tension and stereotypes as people from different cultures and races learn about each other (Sue, & Sue, 1999).

Moreover, it is imperative that groups exploit instances or incidences where racial discrimination is seen. In such instances, these groups should use such instances not only to sensitize the community about the varied activities that amount to discrimination, but also to draw attention to discriminatory laws and policies (Hair, 2001). This would allow the group to garner support especially with the elimination of the ignorance of people from different races. In addition, it is imperative that the group calls up clean-up activities to eliminate graffiti that seem to promote racial intolerance or discrimination and stereotypes. Such activities would send a clear signal to the perpetrators whether individuals or institutions that such retrogressive actions will not be tolerated or condoned in the society (Hair, 2001).

In conclusion, racial discrimination has been one of the most shameful blots in the United States fabric. As much as it is assumed to be a thing of the past, research has shown that the vice is still thriving in varied places including schools, institutions and even workplaces. It goes without while most people think of discrimination as existing only between European whites and African Americans, the vice also exists between other races such as Spaniards, Asians and even Black Americans. It goes without saying that racial discrimination propels varied ills in the society. These include ills such as racially instigated violence, reduced productivity in the workplace, as well as loss of property. Advocacy against racial discrimination must involve the participation of the affected groups. It is imperative that the advocacy efforts incorporate involve community leaders, as well as religious leaders and other professionals. In addition, the advocacy group may involve holding roadshows and other events to cement the relationships between people of varied races. This will come in handy in eliminating the ignorance of people about other tribes. Moreover, it is imperative that the group comes up hard against instances of racial discrimination. Such actions would serve as appropriate platforms of sensitizing the people about the existence of the vice in the society, as well as calling for reexamination of policies that seem to abet the vice. This should be complemented using cleanup activities to eliminate graffiti that promote the vice.

References

Harries-Jones, P (1991). Making Knowledge Count: Advocacy and Social Science. New York: McGill-Queen’s Press

Scheurich, JJ (2002). Anti-Racist Scholarship: An Advocacy. New York: SUNY Press

Strolovitch, DZ (2007). Affirmative Advocacy: Race, Class, and Gender in Interest Group Politics. Chicago: University of Chicago Press

Roberts, A & Ash, T G (2009). Civil Resistance and Power Politics: The Experience of Non-violent Action from Gandhi to the Present. New York: The Urban Institute

Romero, V (2005). Alienated: Immigrant Rights, the Constitution, and Equality in America. New York: NYU Press

Saha, S C (1999). Dictionary of Human Rights Advocacy Organizations in Africa. London: Greenwood Publishing Group

Ezell, M. (2001). Advocacy in the human services. New York: Brooks/Cole Thomas Learning

Sue, D. W., & Sue, D. (1999). Counseling the culturally different: Theory and practice (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Wiley & Sons.

Miller, V., & Covey, J. (1999). Advocacy Sourcebook: Frameworks for Planning, Action, and Reflection. Boston, Massachusetts: Institute for Development Research

Hair, P. (2001). Louder than words: Lawyers, communities and the struggle for justice. New York, NY: Rockefeller Foundation.

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Affirmative Action – Opinion Paper Economics

Introduction

The current U.S health reform legislation contains affirmative action in which health care and insurance should be made accessible and available to all people, and especially the minority groups. The support for the policy is based on the observation that the U.S is plagued with large health disparities that are related to socioeconomic circumstances such as race, ethnicity, age, employment status, and education among others. The current affirmative action for the health care industry is meant to give a chance to the minority groups to access quality and affordable health care, and thus close the gap of unequal health care in the population. The affirmative action also requires that students from ethnic minority groups are given a chance to study and graduate in medical school. This is a remarkable action to take but it should be known that to achieve this goal, the country spends a lot of money, at the risk of losing competency in health provision.

Affirmative action should not be applied to health business because in the long term it will lead to further deterioration of health care. First, affirmative action in health care is very costly and with time, there will be no adequate funds to support the policy, leading to worse health disparities. Second, affirmative action emphasizes more on recruiting health professionals based on their cultural background rather than their competency. In cases where less-competent people are recruited, the quality of health care will reduce ultimately. Third, affirmative action shows a misplacement of government priorities and divides the nation’s sense of unity, and instead promotes inequality. Fourth, affirmative action increases government’s control on personal social matters, and this can be equated to infringement of individuals’ rights to choice, privacy and freedom.

High Cost and Tax Burden

Affirmative action on health care is very costly and increases taxation burden to the tax payer and with time, there will be no adequate funds to support the universal health care system (Conover, p.8). Instead, the cost and affordability of health care will increase and further lead to inaccessibility of health care to the minority groups. The current health care law requires that everyone-employed and non-employed, insured and non-insured, old and young, among other cohorts should access not only affordable care but should be quality as well. The positive side of the new health law is that it increases the number of Americans with health insurance coverage (Tanner, p. 4). However, to make this happen, the federal requires a lot of money to fund the universal health care system and this definitely means that there will be an extra burden to the tax payer. Conover (p. 8) analyzes the claim that the current health care law proposes affordable health care to all the Americans and finds that it is more costly than estimated. Conover (p. 8) argues that the materialization of all the costs of the Patient Protection and Affordable Act results to a $550 billion, and this is more than half the $3. 85 estimated bill’s cost. Consequently, the total excess taxation burden would amount to over $1.5 trillion which equals a $10.31 per dollar of deficit reduction. To cater for this deficit, Congress may decide to finance the expenditure through borrowing than raising the current taxes. However, this will further increase the total burden associated with the tax. On the other hand, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) admits that the health care reform has a huge impact on the federal budget and that the current costs are just estimates yet to be proven (Elmendorf, p. 2). However, through the legislation, the Congressional Budget office and the Joint Committee of Taxation assert that the Tricare Affirmation Act will not have a significant impact on the federal budget (CBO, p. 1) and that there will be less commitment of federal budget to health care after the first 10 year initiation period (CBO, p. 2). However, as much as the CBO and JTC argue that the health legislation will reduce future federal budget deficits, this estimate is in law as written and the budgetary impact can be different when implementation occurs (Elmendorf, p. 15). Congress seems to commit scarce tax resources without fully accounting for the costs and benefits of the health legislation, especially when it concerns the heavy taxation burden (Conover, p. 9; Tanner, p. 19). As a result of the looming budgetary deficit, millions of Americans will still be uninsured by 2019, the taxation burden will increase, and American employees and businesses will face higher premiums for medical cover (Tanner, pp. 15-22).

Affirmative action vs. Competency

Affirmative action emphasizes more on recruiting health professionals based on their cultural background rather than their competency (Cannon, p. 37). Other than the Patient Protection and Affordable Act of 2010 the new health care law requires that health settings and schools engage in recruiting medical students from minority groups. The legislation promises grants and contracts to medical schools and training hospitals that have a higher diversity of racial make up. Moreover, these institutions are required to recruit students on the basis of racial preference. On the positive side, having a higher number of physicians from minority groups will assist in solving problems of language and cultural barriers between physician and patient this is a remarkable action that will lead to provision of better care for the minority groups (Barton, p. 321). However, this is an uninformed decision as far as the Civil Rights Commission is concerned. Barton (p. 325) argues that studies by the Civil Rights Commission show that health disparities in minority groups is not as a result of lack of physicians in these groups. Moreover, encouraging the recruitment of doctors on basis of race is unconstitutional and promotes nationwide inequality. Ability and competency should be used in physician recruitment as opposed to racial background. Reverse discrimination is a poor strategy for addressing racial disadvantages.

Misplaced Government Priorities and national Divide

Affirmative action shows a misplacement of government priorities and divides the nation’s sense of unity, and instead promotes inequality (Cannon, p. 36). Tanner (p. 7) argues that the government should have considered cutting the health costs and expanding the coverage of health provision rather than emphasizing on cultural competency in health provision and receiving.

The government has taken upon itself the responsibility to take care of the personal needs of people through funding for their health matters, and this is an advantage especially for people from low socioeconomic backgrounds who could not afford quality health care through primary physicians. Richardson (p. 335) analyzes the expenses that the Massachusetts State incurs in federal provision of health fund. The Massachusetts health care initiative that includes supplemental payment to hospital and Medicaid for unfunded care increased from $ 1.04 billion to $ 1.86 billion between 2006 and 2009 and the federal government continues to pay for expenses that relate to unpaid funds. Richardson (p. 336) observes that in Massachusetts alone the federal government spends 33 percent more per person on health care than the national average and the state’s annual health care initiative is expected to increase by $409 million in 2010, even after the federal government compensates half the expenditure. The results are even higher when the other states are included. The affirmative health action on the other hand, therefore seems to be a liability whereby the government spends more and creates less (Crane, p. 2). Definitely, this will further lead to a handicapped economy. Probably, the government’s priority should have been to focus on employment and education. With most of the Americans, including the minorities, being educated and employed, most people will be able to afford their own health care and the government could have directed these health care funds to other notable projects of better economic impact.

On the positive side, the affirmative action is meant to bring some sort of national unity through social cohesion by using the single payer health plan (Barton p. 317). Barton (p. 317) argues that an affirmative action on health will end Jim Crow practices, eliminate subtle segregation forms and ensure nondiscriminatory treatment in integrated settings. However, this social cohesion effort is not viewed as such. Fulwood (p.1) argues that the government’s perspective of assisting the racial minorities has been interpreted as crippling the White Americans. This may not true but one thing is clear, the gap between the racial majority and minority will continue to widen as a result of the affirmative action.

Personal Responsibility vs. Government Responsibility

Affirmative action increases government’s control on personal social matters and this can be equated to infringement of individuals’ rights to choice, privacy and freedom (Crane, p. 2; Cannon, p. 36; Hoffman, p.8). The health care legislation makes it mandatory for everyone to have a health insurance cover and also for business to provide health benefits to all its workers failure at which fines are charged (Cannon, p. 37; Richardson, p. 336). Additionally, Richardson (p. 335) reports that a number of Americans in the Massachusetts State (one of the states in which most people signed for the mandatory health insurance) signed up for health insurance not because of the mandate to insure their health, but because the insurance was heavily subsidized and free. Crane (p. 2) questions whether it is the president’s responsibility to mandate health on individuals. Social aspects like health are better left to individual decisions rather than being made a national matter.

Conclusion

Affirmative action policy should be refuted for health care provision. Other than bearing high costs for the government and tax burden to the tax payers, it further disintegrates national unity and promotes inequality. Worse, the policy shows that the government hampers with important economic priorities such as provision of quality education and employment which will assist in minimizing the necessity of affirmative action. Students aspiring to be doctors should prove their qualification through exercising ability and competency skills as opposed to their racial background.

Works Cited

Barton, David Smith. Racial and ethnic health disparities and the unfinished Civil Rights Agenda, Health Affairs, vol. 24(2): 317-324. Accessed November 9, 2010, from HYPERLINK “http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/24/2/317” http://content.healthaffairs.org/cgi/reprint/24/2/317

Cannon, Michael. U.S. Healthcare: What hath Obama wrought? Diplomat Magazine, 2010, May: pp 36-37. Accessed from HYPERLINK “http://www.cato.org/pubs/articles/cannon-what-hath-obama-wrought.pdf” http://www.cato.org/pubs/articles/cannon-what-hath-obama-wrought.pdf

CBO. Cost estimate: H.R. 4887 Tricare Affirmation Act, CBO. 2010, March 24, p.1. Retrieved November, from HYPERLINK “http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/114xx/doc11422/hr4887.pdf” http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/114xx/doc11422/hr4887.pdf

CBO. Comparison of projected enrollment in Medicare advantage plans and subsidies for extra benefits not covered by Medicare under current law and under reconciliation legislation…as passed by senate, CBO, 2010, March 19, pp 1-3. Retrieved November 9, 2010, from HYPERLINK “http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/113xx/doc11379/MAComparisons.pdf” http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/113xx/doc11379/MAComparisons.pdf

Crane, Edward. Obamacare: Medical Malpractice. Cato Policy Report, 2009, June: p.2

Conover, Christopher. Congress should account for the excess burden of taxation. CATO Policy Analysis no. 669, 2010, October 13: pp 1-12. Accessed November 9, 2010 from HYPERLINK “http://www.cato.org/pubs/policy_report/v31n3/cpr31n3-2.pdf” http://www.cato.org/pubs/policy_report/v31n3/cpr31n3-2.pdf

Elmendorf, Douglas. The effects of health reform on the federal budget. Presentation to the World Health Care congress, CBO. 2010, April 12, pp. 1-15. Retrieved November 9, 2010, from HYPERLINK “http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/114xx/doc11439/WHCC_Presentation-4-12-10.pdf” http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/114xx/doc11439/WHCC_Presentation-4-12-10.pdf

Fulwood III Sam. Release: Race and beyond: Obama should speak up. Center for American Progress, 2010, July 27. Accessed November 9, 2010 from HYPERLINK “http://www.americanprogress.org/pressroom/releases/2010/07/fulwood_race_beyondhtml” http://www.americanprogress.org/pressroom/releases/2010/07/fulwood_race_beyondhtml

Hoffman, A. Oil and water: Mixing individual mandates, fragmented markets and health reform. American Journal of Law & Medicine, 2010, vol. 36(1): 7-77.

Richardson, Craig. Mandatory health insurance: lessons from the Massachusetts. Cato Journal, 2009, vol. 29(2): 335-351. Accessed November 9, 2010 from

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Tanner, Michael. Bad medicine: A guide to the real costs and consequences of the new Health Care law. CATO.

Advocacy And Mediation

Contents

TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc377056926” Mediation in divorced populations PAGEREF _Toc377056926 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377056927” Mediation in cases involving breach of contract PAGEREF _Toc377056927 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377056928” Mediation in Criminal justice department PAGEREF _Toc377056928 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377056929” References PAGEREF _Toc377056929 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc377056930” Dispute Resolution Law.Retrieved from http://www.hg.org/adr.html PAGEREF _Toc377056930 h 3

Advocacy and mediation are key aspect in any society and so ethical values are required when one is executing them. Advocacy play a critical role in any society as it assists people in speaking about themselves and make sure that their opinions are heard and understood whereas Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution used to resolve problems among people and thus play an important role in promoting social cohesion. In both cases, ethical standards must be upheld where there shouldn’t be any conflict of interest, best services should be offered and good faith in practice must be maintained. Both mediation and advocacy play a critical role in offering human services by promoting representation where people require their opinion to be heard and understood, and promoting conflict resolution.

Mediation in divorced populationsIn the modern society, the rate of divorce has been rising and this has caused intense emotional pain to both the children and divorced couple. Due to this, there has been need for an appropriate way of reducing the conflict among the divorced couples so that they can live a comfortable life after divorce and offer good parental care to the children. Divorce mediation has played a great role in assisting divorced couples part in a peaceful way as it offers a less expensive and friendly option of solving disputed that transpires from divorce. Divorce mediation carried out under the guidance of a mediator assists the divorced partners come to an agreement on how to relate to each other in a less conflicting manner, how to take care of the children and mode of sharing matrimonial properties.

Mediation in cases involving breach of contractIn any society, contracts do exist where two different parties agree on a given issue and each party is required to adhere to a given condition. A Contract may be in form of writing or oral but in community levels, most of the contracts occur through oral agreement. Most of contracts created in community levels are dowry settlements, employee worker agreement and business agreements. In such cases, mediation is important for the feuding parties because it assists reach a consensus without undergoing the tedious process of undergoing court process while at the same time the parties will come to an amicable solution where the breaching party will have to fulfill its side of bargain without under going much expense.

Mediation in Criminal justice departmentVictim offender mediation is among the current mediation practices that involve a meeting between a person who committed crime and the victim of that crime. This mediation process is advantageous in that the victim has the opportunity of confronting his/her offender to understand the situation and facilitate the process of healing. On the other hand, offenders understand the enduring effects of their crime learn the consequences of their criminal acts and may seek forgiveness.

ReferencesGordon &ELIAS Attorneys. (2010)Alternative Dispute Resolution – Guide to Alternative

Dispute Resolution Law.Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.hg.org/adr.html”http://www.hg.org/adr.html

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Devon county council. (2010)Advocacy. HYPERLINK “http://www.devon.gov.uk/advocacy.htm”http://www.devon.gov.uk/advocacy.htm.

Richard, T.S.(2010).Social service advocacy.retrived from

Lawrence, H. Advocacy in Mediation: Ethics.1999.28 Aug 2010. HYPERLINK “http://www.mccammongroup.com/articles/advocacyinmediation-ethics.asp” http://www.mccammongroup.com/articles/advocacyinmediation-ethics.asp

Jorester,J. Introduction to community and environmental Dispute resolution.2007.28,Aug 2010