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Advancing Sustainable Development through Human Rights: How reimagining foreign policy creates a new approach to the global political agenda and SDGs

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Summary

I share research insights from a project I conducted with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Libya, playing a key role in rebuilding the post-conflict society of Libya. I share my perspective on how foreign policy and public diplomacy are central to sustainability.

Foreign Policy Relevance to SDGs: the Foundation for Human Rights

Human rights create conditions essential to the advancement of sustainable development. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda recognizes that inclusive and participative economies and societies for which the government is accountable, achieving better outcomes for all people while leaving no one behind. The Declaration on the Right to Development emphasizes the right of all individuals and peoples to free, active, and meaningful participation. And the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) set out the duty of States and private companies to ensure that business activities do not abuse people’s rights.

Fundamental among the human rights available to people worldwide includes the right to enjoy a clean and safe environment that developing countries can achieve by adopting sustainable measures. The aspects of human rights in sustainability are related to governments and corporations ensuring that the measures adopted will promote the enjoyment of an individual’s economic, social, cultural, and political rights. On the other hand, tenets of the SDGs, for example, reducing poverty and promoting gender equality, serve to guarantee that individuals can access resources to advance social progress and equality.

Despite this, economic policies in many countries have curtailed social protection and concentrated wealth and political power in fewer and fewer hands. Unsustainable, wasteful growth patterns increase environmental degradation and accelerate climate change, generating effects that harm health, access to water and sanitation, food, housing, and land rights, and endanger life. The poorest, who contribute least to climate change, pay the highest price.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are unprecedented in their scope and ambition for human progress. By diminishing grievances that fuel conflict, progress on the SDGs can be a critical lever to build and sustain peace and stability worldwide. The transformative change they aim to produce can also affect geopolitical dynamics, balances of power, and interdependencies. Thus, progress on the SDGs has significant implications for foreign policy. Despite these critical stakes, the foreign policy dimensions of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda have not been sufficiently broached by foreign ministries to date.

This agenda resonates with fundamental foreign policy objectives such as improving international security, stability, and prosperity. Simply put, because not achieving the SDGs implies severe risks for these priorities, foreign policymakers have high stakes in the SDGs’ outcomes. With the constant shift in international power relations and dependencies in mind, foreign policy must anticipate and help steer the geopolitical implications of a sustainable transformation to minimize the risk of human rights infringements. More than ever, it is time for governments worldwide, especially those of vulnerable nations, to re-appraise their public diplomacy strategies to become more intersectional with cross-cutting political issues, such as human rights, and to re-align foreign policy objectives of conflict prevention and stabilization, with the Sustainable Development Goals.

Implementing the “S” in ESG: Human Rights’ due diligence in Environmental, Social, and Governance Sustainability

Implementing the SDGs will inevitably transform what natural resources are needed, how they will be procured, and how these questions are governed, redrawing the global map of political influence. The foreign policy ensures these changes do not create new threats to stability, or namely, human rights. As such, remodeling the SDGs into being a necessary investment in crisis prevention proves to be critical in unlocking proper governance models for reducing humanitarian issues.

By definition, sustainability is the act of meeting our needs while ensuring that future generation’s ability to meet their needs is not compromised. It is pertinent to note that while there are different definitions of sustainability, the effects brought about because of environmental and social problems facing nations around the world have paved the way to a consensus on the usage of the term. Currently, it is used to refer to the processes that human beings employ to ensure that not only are natural resources depleted, but their utility is not in a manner that sustains balance to allow the continuous enjoyment of quality life.

Sustainability relies on three foundational pillars: the economy, society, and environment. The scope of the pillars is moot among the ranks of state and international actors. However, the effect has been a requirement for corporations to redesign their businesses and the economy. Therefore, there is a need to highlight the impending risks that could arise in failing to follow these aspects for corporations to achieve sustainability. Indeed, following years of long-term damages resulting from the governments and corporations focusing on short-term profits, the public has turned the issue of sustainability into a mainstream concept. Subject to this, there arises a risk of irreparable damage to profits and reputation for corporations that do not align their operations to sustainability.

On the other hand, Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint used to achieve a sustainable future for all. Countries can measure the success of these goals through the 5Ps, which are the foundational aspects of the SDGs, including People, Plan, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships. Notably, SDGs are related to sustainability since the SDGs serve as a call to every state, regardless of the level of development, to initiate plans that will ensure the prosperity of people in today’s world and the future. Subsequently, countries worldwide have rolled out plans to end poverty, limit inequality in health and education, and push for economic growth, which, when coupled with efforts to combat climate change, promise the ability to sustain current resources to serve the needs of the future generations.

Whether sustainability is possible in developing countries has been a subject of debate mainly because elements such as poverty and unplanned urbanization pose a risk to sustainable development. These impediments to sustainable development in developing countries include instability due to civil wars or international conflict and whether implementation will factor in programs related to the local context. Additionally, due to the lack of political consensus in a number of these countries, there is also a lack of political will among the people in power to push the proposed development programs into sustainable long-term practices. However, the need to ensure sustainable development is imperative considering that it borders the delivery of human rights.

Following the adoption of the SDGs, the international community evidenced a new commitment towards ensuring sustainable development. The motivation behind this was that the global consensus on a set of SDGs was a sign of a tremendous diplomatic achievement considering that diplomacy has been an Achilles heel when seeking sustainable growth. This challenge is a result of incessantly changing diplomatic processes, which impede connection between relevant actors and states. However, countries such as the United States can use numerous interventions to address the diplomatic issues impeding sustainability growth in a developing country such as Libya. These issues include civil war and the continuous disregard for human rights by both the government of Libya and the rebel group.

International Cooperation in Third World Countries and Their Relationship with Sustainability/Human Rights: Libya Case Study

Achieving sustainability in countries affected by conflict and extremism demands livelihood security and strengthened governance: core dimensions of sustainable development. Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) has been in constant war with a rebel group, Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) based in eastern Libya. The conflict has exacerbated an already worse situation by further limiting the access to essentials such as health and electricity due to an increased destroying of vital infrastructure. Furthermore, armed groups in Libya have persistently abducted people based on their actual or perceived political or religious affiliation.

The government of Libya limits the freedom of speech through the actions of the police. For example, police have used heavy weapons and live-fire to disperse street protests against corruption and poor living conditions. This limits international cooperation as well as the action of international actors in advancing sustainable growth in Libya. This impasse makes it difficult for individuals to achieve specific SDG goals such as poverty eradication, education, and reduction of inequality in such a country. The state of war places certain groups at risk, including women, children, migrants, and refugees who face challenges such as torture, sexual abuse, and murder in addition to limited access to health and basic essential services. The conflict in Libya, therefore, necessitates the need for solutions to adopt a design that advances diplomacy efforts.

Proposed Solutions from World’s First Youth-Led and Government-Backed Policy Innovation Lab in Africa: CollatEd Lab

CollatEd, a global research NGO operating in over 100 countries, conducted policy research in developing nations, one being Libya, through multi-paradigm quantitative research methods, with ministers and partners across the world, including the United Nations. The objective of the research was 1) to determine the appropriate policy solutions for Libya concerning effective human rights policies 2) to identify key political steps in accelerating the UN global sustainability agenda by providing a better understanding of the foreign policy implications of the SDGs to inform each nation’s respective diplomatic strategy. One of the key solutions identified is that the government of Libya should take necessary steps to define human rights based on national interest and the representation of the people.

The infringement of human rights through violence against women and girls, ill-treatment of detainees through torture, mock executions, sexual violence, and limitation of the freedom of expression highlights the areas where human rights could be applicable. Hence, to achieve the aspects of diplomacy necessary for sustainable growth, it is imperative that the proposed definition of human rights perfectly addresses the issues in the local Libyan context. Furthermore, it was included to support the prevention of conflict, violence, and insecurity, central to improving the state of human rights, public health approaches, including sexual and reproductive health policies, comply with international human rights standards and provide non-discriminatory access, especially to children, adolescents, women, and migrants.

Secondly, International actors should enter into discussions with the Libyan government and the rebels, for example. The extent of international interference should rely on the ill-treatment of refugees, detainees, asylum seekers, and contravention of international customary law. The position of these laws is that if the actions of a state have contravened any law from which no derogation is permitted. Such laws referred to as jus cogens include the prohibition against torture and other inhumane treatment. Several activists have been tortured to death by armed groups affiliated with the LAAF.

International interference is necessary considering that having governments that respect and uphold human rights for their citizens is less likely to threaten international peace and security. Therefore, the responsibility of delivering human rights and sustainability efforts in Libya is dependent on action by international organizations and state actors. Ultimately, State authorities should adopt and implement laws, policies, and strategies on land and housing that increasingly comply with human rights. This includes assisting accountability mechanisms to address forced evictions, homelessness, displacement, land grabs, and other violations of housing, land, and related rights such as food, water, and sanitation; strengthen partnerships to increase awareness of the right to housing and land rights; and develop practical approaches to implement the SDG commitment to ‘leave no one behind’ concerning housing, land and related human rights. In short, governance is the DNA of the 2030 Agenda and needs to be prioritized both for government and non-government actors of the SDGs to see a positive difference in the current state of human rights.

Equally important, there should be a negotiation for a united political will. Currently, there are sectors under government control and others under LAAF control. As identified, one of the main reasons behind governments failing to deliver sustainability is the lack of political collaboration to adopt measures and push for their success. 13 As such, peace negotiation treaties can be constituted to ensure that both the “rebels” and the government are on the same page concerning the mutually beneficial impact of government capacity building: optimizing sustainable development through the promotion of human rights and its effect on ESG sustainability.

Lastly, to further any solutions suggested above, it was concluded, throughout the project, that national and multinational institutions, assisted by communities, systematically collect, disaggregate and use data relevant for advancing human rights when they monitor and implement each of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Bibliography

“Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals – United Nations Sustainable Development.” United Nations. United Nations. Accessed June 24, 2021. https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/.

“THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development.” United Nations. United Nations. Accessed June 24, 2021. https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

Cohen, Roberta. “Integrating Human Rights in US Foreign Policy: The History, the Challenges, and the Criteria for an Effective Policy.” Brookings, April 9 (2008).

Hendricks, Cheryl, and Annie Chikwanha. “The role of the United Nations in the search for peace in Libya since 2011.” (2019).

Inguila, P. (2019). The Role of the United Nations in the Search for Peace in Libya Since 2011. University of Johannesburg (South Africa).

Kjellén, Bo. “Pathways to the Future: The New Diplomacy for Sustainable Development.” (2004).

Leal Filho, Walter, Shiv K. Tripathi, J. B. S. O. D. Andrade Guerra, Ricard Giné-Garriga, V. Orlovic Lovren, and J. Willats. “Using the sustainable development goals towards a better understanding of sustainability challenges.” International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology 26, no. 2 (2019): 179-190.

Leal Filho, Walter, Shiv K. Tripathi, J. B. S. O. D. Andrade Guerra, Ricard Giné-Garriga, V. Orlovic Lovren, and J. Willats. “Using the sustainable development goals towards a better understanding of sustainability challenges.” International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology 26, no. 2 (2019): 179-190.

Moomaw, William R., Rishikesh Ram Bhandary, Laura Kuhl, and Patrick Verkooijen. “Sustainable development diplomacy: Diagnostics for the negotiation and implementation of sustainable development.” Global Policy 8, no. 1 (2017): 73-81.

Purvis, Ben, Yong Mao, and Darren Robinson. “Three pillars of sustainability: in search of conceptual origins.” Sustainability Science 14, no. 3 (2019): 681-695.

World Report 2021: Rights Trends in Libya.” Human Rights Watch, January 13, 2021. https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2021/country-chapters/libya.

Purvis, Ben, Yong Mao, and Darren Robinson. “Three pillars of sustainability: in search of conceptual origins.” Sustainability Science 14, no. 3 (2019): 681-695.

“THE 17 GOALS | Sustainable Development.” United Nations. United Nations. Accessed June 24, 2021. https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

“Take Action for the Sustainable Development Goals – United Nations Sustainable Development.” United Nations. United Nations. Accessed June 24, 2021.

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development-goals/.

Leal Filho, Walter, Shiv K. Tripathi, J. B. S. O. D. Andrade Guerra, Ricard Giné-Garriga, V. Orlovic Lovren, and J. Willats. “Using the sustainable development goals towards a better understanding of sustainability challenges.” International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology 26, no. 2 (2019): 179-190.

Author Biography:

Sara Ketabi has worked as a foreign policy advisor for 3+ years with the H.E. President of Rwanda and consults in international development policy for the UNDP.

Movie Industry A and B

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Abstract

The ascendancy of the movie industry has been the subject of copious studies. It provides a fruitful research domain for the scholars in marketing and other disciplines. The industry has a high economic importance, which drives the researchers to gather numerous data that covers the entire products. The video viewers then use this information in making comparison of preference across the world.

This thesis reviews the economic, organizational and marketing issues between Movie industries A and B. Further, it utilizes the existing theoretical explanations for acquisition and persistence of the market dominance of their products. It concludes that major theaters ascend in market leadership and supremacy because they develop strategic management capabilities that are superior to the rival firms. It argues efficient marketing procedures create a unifying theory for industry’s enduring dominance because it accounts for the utilization of its resources in establishing the industry for over long periods. Charts, graphs and appendices are utilized to facilitate creation of a strategic analysis on competitive marketing (Rothaermel, 2012).

Introduction

Dominant firms that control the manufacturing sector and the flow of products have a horizontal power which enables them to leverage their positions to manipulate industry prices to their advantage. As long as sufficient demand exists, and only a few manufacturers controls supply, then manipulating industry prices will be easy. Vertical power exists when the dominant firm is vertically integrated and operates in two or more industry sectors. Production, distribution and retail are conductedwithin accurate thresholds. This strategy based on the vertical power is termed as ‘vertical integration,’ and provides the firm with the ability to erect barriers of entry, shift of the costs and revenues among affiliates in ways to disrupt efficient market operations.Vertical integration is important particularly when a firm seeks to create or exploit market power, or as a defensive move against competitors who possess significant market power or when the industry faces a risky and unreliable market. Alternatively, any emerging company must fast-integrate the market in order for its operations to flourish. Vertically integrated industries succeed by targeting segments where the leaders are weak or do not have full dominance. Consequently, the challengers develop their business to achieve the scales necessary to mount a serious market challenge on a wider front (Rothaermel, 2012).

The measurement of market power is based upon market shares held by industry leaders. The number of shares is proportional to the marketing power of a company. Market share is a comparative measure of firm performance relative to its rivals, and is often calculated on basis of a firm’s total sales or the volume of units sold relative to sales in the market.

Porters’ five forces analysis

This is a conceptual structure, which provides a basis for analysis of industry and business strategy.

Threat of entry

The movie market has proved to be profitable to industries actively involved in the business. The essence of profitability will lead to new entrants into the market that essentially leads to disbandment of any monopolistic competition that prior existed in the industry to embody a more perfect competition paradigm in the industry. Movie industries remedy this problem through formation of alliances. The movie industry provides an ideal setting for exploration of the role of strategic alliances. First, alliances in the movie industry are more consistent than in any form of industry. For example, biotechnology industries collaborate at different points of project development, leading to their dominance in the market compared to their rival teams. The boundary of the movie industry is also well established: a movie project has a short-term horizon and a clear starting and end. Conversely, projects in other industries are complex and less distinct or highly interrelated. Still, they have long-term horizons, making it difficult to identify the project boundaries. These features are essential as they provide grounds for analysis of meaningful distinction in the manners of business operations (Rothaermel, 2012, p.215).

Threat of substitute products or services

The existence of substitutes present a threat to dominant companies offering the same product since there is a possibility that the customers can switch to the new product. Movie industry A acts as a threat to Movie industry B by challenging the norm that is digital movie viewership to theatre. Piracy is highlighted as the major threat in the movie industry. It creates substitutes, which meet the need of the customers in an equal way to the genuine products. This limits the ability of the industries to raise the prices, which could lead to drifting of customers.

Power of suppliers

Suppliers that have autonomous mandate to the market input use this power to their will in defining their terms of compensation for provision of the good or service. Such suppliers may choose to levy high prices in return for offering goods or services unique to them. Movie industries share this bounty by having the privilege to dictate terms of service provision. In the previous year’s Movie industry A, the number of admission grew at much lower rate of 5% from 120 million to 420 million. The exhibition industry responded by lowering the number of screens from its peak of 500 million in 2000 to 420 million in 2002.

Rivalry

Competition is a common aspect of any market hence the defining aspect in the measure of rivalry is in the measure of the competition intensity between two industries. The difference in profitability is assessed along the number and size of the competitors, similarities and differences in products and services offered, and the height of entry and exit barriers, and the scale of economies. Notably, theater’s profitability would increase by 40% by running manageable exhibitions for a long time, and by procuring movies from larger set of movies running in the country over the same period.

Power of buyers

Customers also hold the ability to dictate terms concerning the nature of output by them having the capability to hold a company under pressure effectively dictating terms such as price set by the firm. Movie industries in most cases deal with the problem by endorsing schemes such as loyalty programs that restrain the customer powers. Perfect competition rule states that if there are many small firms in an industry, the industry is fragmented and exhibits low average profitability. If there are only a few large firms in an industry, this industry structure is more favorable and can exhibit higher industry returns. Moreover, the bargaining power of buyers can put on the seller’s company’s margin through demanding a lower price and a higher product quality. As result, strong buyers could reduce the company’s revenues (Rothaermel, 2012).

Analysis of industry A

Theatrical exhibition landscape is comprised of major theater chains and independent exhibitors. The movie industry has been over-screened. This means that the size of the movie-going population is not proportional to the number of theatre screen in the world. For instance, an examination of the total number of screens and theaters in this industry suggests that the movie industry started upward adjustment of the total number of screens in the year 2002. The growth rate between 1998 and 2000 (8%) and between 2000 and 2002 (9%) are lower than the corresponding growth rates in terms of the number of admissions (10% in 2002 and 2005, and 12% between 2005 and 2008).

By econometric modeling, it occurred that the relationship between screens and revenues for movies released in 2000 and 2002 was concave for the residents, but convex in international markets. Again, this concept was in line with the idea that the foreign market was under-screened while the internal market was over-screened.

Dominance of Industry A in 2002

Market Studio share market Rest of the industries Market share Annual cinema admission Average ticket price U.S.$ Annual Box Office U.S $ billion

1998 India N/A N/A 120 million $ 0.35 $ 0.21

1999 China 54% 46% 220 million $ 1.23 $ 0.59

2000 Europe 80% 20% 500 million $ 5.45 $ 1.045

2001 Japan 75% 25% 350 million $ 11.75 $ 7.85

2002 U.S 78% 22% 420 million $ 2.85 $ 1.05

Analysis of industry B

The profitability structure of this industry is more favorable than those of industry A. For example, the average rate of return on invested capital for the period between 2006 and 2008 was 20.6%, 3% more than what was realized in Industry A. The top five-exhibition chain including Regal Entertainment Group, AMC Entertainment, Carmike cinema, Cinemark and Lowes accounted 45% of the total number of screens in the market. It was conceivable that the movie industry would become even more concentrated in future, with countries such as U.S, Europe and China leading in the market.

Dominance of Industry B in 2008

Market Studio share market Rest of the industries Market share Annual cinema admission Average ticket price U.S.$ Annual Box Office U.S $ billion

2004 India N/A N/A 110 million $ 0.45 $ 0.25

2005 China 64% 36% 210 million $ 0.23 $ 0.39

2006 Europe 70% 30% 400 million $ 6.45 $ 0.045

2007 Japan 85% 15% 380 million $ 4.75 $ 5.85

2008 U.S 68% 32% 112 million $ 1.85 $ 2.05

Summary

The difference between the performances by these industries was attributed by a safe bet in the products and the consumer’s preference. Industry A had a lower standard deviation of the rate of return (1.64) compared to that of Industry B (2.21). When the PG rated movies are removed from the market, the difference in rate of return between these two companies will be statistically significant at the level of 4%.

High skewness indicates that the number of successful projects drives the success of each category, whereas low skewness indicates relatively unpredictable symmetric distribution. Very high skeweness indicates that the success is driven by the incompetence of the rival company.

Conclusions and recommendations

In most cases, companies concentrate on improving their profits in bid to remain successful. However, it does not happen automatically. Indeed, further improvement is required for the company to par its performance. It is therefore importance to consolidate different strategic skills in sustaining performance, both internally and externally.

It is important to measure the percentage output of a company from the inputs invested in the production of its export commodities. Such a strategic vision is efficient in determining the performance of a company in a given period. Moreover, this move will enable creation of a scorecard related to the entire performance of a company compared to that of the rivals.

Company should benchmark on their facets and profits. It is a fast track solution to unearthen the threats to the performance of a company; including the policies and the production processes that should be altered. A high growth niche is also commendable as it will lead to assimilation of the competitive products in the market. Some of the products in the market may be differentiated into different brands to increase the profits (Rothaermel, 2012.

The six sigma theory stresses on improvement of company’s infrastructure, thus reducing the barriers of a health market. The management should also focus on what the customers require. This resonates with the operating models and the products required in production of high quality goods. Redesigning could promote opening of new market channels.

References

Rothaermel, Frank. (2012). Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. Irwin Professional Pub

Appendices

Appendix 1

Comparison of standard deviations

variable Std.dev (variable =1) N Std.dev (variable=0) Differences in std.devp-value skewnessPG-rated 0.9563 54 2.453 -1.6754 <0.0002 0.453 Sequel (a) 1.976 45 2.465 -0.241 0.1243 0.243 Sequel (b) 1.5634 65 1.976 -0.0243 0.215 0.432 R-rated 2.765 50 2.876 -0.234 0.142 1.542 G-rated 0.6464 55 2.789 -0.452 <0.0001 2.487 Pg rated or Sequel 1.0008 80 2.325 0.3065 <0.0001 0.985

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References

ANON (2020). 10 best compression shorts pants 2019 honest review. Retrieved 13 May 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nLVeKp3n1M

ANON (2020). Retrieved 13 May 2020, from https://www.amazon.com/Champion-Mens-Powerflex-Compression.Bringard, A., Romain, D., Belluye, & N., Perrey, S. (2006). Effects of compression tights on calf muscle oxygenation and venous pooling during quiet resting in supine and standing positions. The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness

ChampionTeamwear (2020). Champion Double Dry® 7″ Compression Short Retrieved 13 May 2020, from https://championteamwear.com/product/double-dry-7-compression-short

Compression+Design. (2018)Champion Compression Shorts Review Retrieved 14 May 2020, from,https://www.compressiondesign.com/champion-compression-shorts-review/

DICK’S. (2020). Day flash sales. Retrieved 13 May 2020, from https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/champion-womens-practice-shorts-19chawprctcshrtxxapb/19chawprctcshrtxxapb

Gearhungry. (2020). 6 best compression sorts in 2020. https://www.gearhungry.com/compression-shorts-for-men/

Human Kinetics (2020). Compression garments may be beneficial to recovery process. https://us.humankinetics.com/blogs/excerpt/compression-garments-may-be-beneficial-to-recovery-process

Lauren, R. (2020). The best men’s compression shorts on amazon, according to hyperenthusiastic reviewers. https://nymag.com/strategist/article/best-mens-compression-shorts.html

McDavid. (2020). Top 10 benefits of wearing compression shorts during your workout. https://www.mcdavidusa.com/blogs/posts/top-10-benefits-wearing-compression-shorts-workout

MensFashion. (2017). Champion Men’s Sport Shorts // UK New & Popular 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztEcjXrenWA

MensFashion.(2018). Top 10 Champion Compression Shorts [2018 ]: Champion Men’s Powerflex 6″ Compression Short, Black,Retrieved 14 May 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsP5p27Zv-k

Original, V. (2020). Compression Shorts for Women: An Overview. Retrieved 14 May 2020, from https://www.blogarama.com/individual-sports-blogs/528810-compression+design-blog/23578418-compression-shorts-for-women-overview

Swistaa. (2016). Spandex Shorts from Champion – Michelle’s Thoughts. Retrieved 14 May 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w52Eo6Li8f0

Target (2020). Champion C9 Compression Shorts. Retrieved 13 May 2020, from https://www.target.com/s/champion+c9+compression+shorts

TechInsider. (2018) How Compression Pants Work And Why They Are So Popular Retrieved 14 May 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmb_ZYJ9T-

Introduction

The success of any business body totally rests on its ability to accurately generate, comprehend and analyze all its financial statements which helps in understanding success and the business’ financial state. Free Cash Flow is a degree of financial performance calculated as operating cash such as sales revenue minus capital expenses such as bills and wages. Free cash flow (FCF) indicates the cash that a company is able to generate after setting aside the money required for asset base maintenance and expansion.

Cash is the liquid asset of a business such money in hand, petty cash, account balance available in bank, customer checks, and marketable commodities. It may also include the unutilized portion of an overdraft facility or line of credit.

Free cash flow is has many advantages to businesses since it allows a company to pursue prospects that will enhance shareholder value. Without cash, it’s tough to develop new products, order products, pay dividends and decrease debt among many other things

Capital Expenditures are also netted from free cash flow .These are payments which are made to obtain property and equipment, that have a useful life expectancy greater than the period stated. Maintenances and renovations to property and equipment that have long life are also capitalized. Depreciating assets are usually valued on the books at a reduced amount of deprecation method. The depreciation expense of the asset should match its useful life or usage. This helps in reducing the amount available to pay the dividends, reduce debt or repurchase share

Conclusion

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The Godfather part 1

The Godfather part 1 attained a world status as an epic film that set the stage for other gangster-depiction films. The film is based on a prominent book that goes by the same name; The Godfather by Mario Puzo. The film has been heralded as one of the greatest films of all times as it occupies the top 500 films of the Empire magazine annually. It has an indelible foundation in the world cinema as it set a new stage for the production and conception of films.

This film describes the feuds and wars that exist between five families in the organized crime sector of New York. The story has killings on both sides of the families as they violently settle their disputes. It also follows the development of Vito Corleone who is worried over handing his business empire to his sons.

There are vital unique aspects that herald this movie as an epic in the production and directing of movies. To begin with, the movie depicted actual human struggles in a high crime family. In another setting, Vito’s family was an ordinary family that expressed the wishes of a father in ensuring the prosperity of one’s lineage. In addition, it depicted, not sensational, but actual human struggles into realizing oneself and providing a purpose to the self. This is because the movie avoided meaningless and endless gun shootings. Every part of the plot struck a meaning to the intended process of the story. In close relation to this concept, there was a clear emphasis on the process, instead of end, of the movie. In the end of the film, it was discernible that there was no clear star character that converged the movie towards a particular direction. The movie operated on a broad base of individuals whose lives were unique and articulated in different perspectives. In the beginning, the audience would have viewed Vito Corleone as the central character. As the plot develops, it is notable that the meek and subtle Michael is developing into a fearless head of a large crime business empire.

The movie entailed proper graphics that effected the contexts and themes of the different scenes. As the movie opens up, it is discernible that the family occupies a serene and garden setting. There is depiction of warmth and familial love in light settings. However, the movie used intense and quick-changing effects in depicting murderous scenes. This was an intention of showcasing different sides, thoughts and emotions of characters as the movie progressed.

The color of the film is principal in setting the mood of different contexts. In the scenes that entail Vito sat as the don in his office, there was mild light that accorded the same a dangerous feel. However, there is enough light that humanized the godfather. The wedding provided the brightest scene in the form of brig costumes which influenced a joyous mood. The major part of the film grounds in dark and gruesome representation of the mob nature.

The key scenes employ graphics, colors and additional effects to portray Michael’s character development. At the restaurant, where Michael expresses a plan to kill Sollozzo and his counterpart, the camera shot projects in a menacing sense. As Michael elucidates the plan to Sonny, the camera advances forward on him. It is notable that Michael does not carete an eye contact with anyone. Through his positioning in the chair, it is discernible that he professes power and authority. As the camera stops moving, Michael blurts that he would kill both Solozzo and his counterpart. This form of camera movement focuses the audience into Michael’s eyes. Since he possesses a monotone voce, his eyes embody the emotion. This is a turning point for Michael whose dark and cold nature effuses. At the killing of Sollozzo and McCluskey, the camera pans to express the intensity in Michael’s eyes. Additionally, complimentary sound effects occur in the form of a squealing train whose breaks’ noise intensifies the experience of the scene.

The movie showcased a wholly different side of crime and dubious businesses. Vito is a powerful and wealthy person who opens the public eye into the true nature of the state. This is, initially, ironical since he is a ruthless and violent man who, sometimes, employs force to attain his needs. The nature of the state contrasts with Corleone’s intrinsic discipline and morality. In the opening scene, a man goes to Vito Corleone in order to attain justice in the case of his daughter who had been beaten up by other people. Corleone points out that that killing an individual is not the best strategy of attaining justice. He emphasizes on friendship, and not payment, as the best strategy for according justice.

The corruption of the state is eminent in the Sollozo’ request, who deems Vito Corleone as a man of powerful connections. This is because Vito easily buys the politicians into granting him favors. However, Vito is an individual who anyone cannot buy. He exercises his violence with restraint, and towards individuals whom he deems as unjust.

The concept of familial love is evoked within the existence of crime and manipulations. Vito Corleone is at the center of family concerns as he worries about the advancement of his son. This occurs at a scene of his daughter’s wedding whereby Vito is a suited up and a decent family man. When Sonny hears of the news that Carlo is mistreating her sister, Connie, he attacks him. At the beginning of the family, Sonny embodies the brutality and vigor that defines a criminal family in the sixties. He, however, loves his family as this manifests in his attempts at saving the sister from the brutal husband.

The theme of this movie centralizes between the character of Vito Corleone and Michael Corleone. Vito Corleone is a strong, rational and standard leader. While he is strong in his businesses, he is caring and soft to his family. While he is an honest person who keeps his word, he turns brutal when someone interferes with his plans. However, emotions considerably control Michael as he strives after avenging the death of his father. While Vito is spending his life’s last minutes with his grandson, Michael is hatching a plan to kill the family’s enemies. Vito has a static character of a man of whom individuals fear but also need. He strives to keep peace with other families who had threatened and killed his son. Michael is, on the other hand, a dynamic character who switches his caring character to a ruthless individual. Michael conceals a dark side that surfaces in his murder for all the New York dons.

The Godfather is a robust story from the beginning of the plot to the end. It follows the character development and change of Michael, which serves to draw the audience’s attention. It also possesses a simple cinematography that is effectively visceral. The acting is sincere and realistic and this lends credibility to the portrayal of the crime families in the 1960’s.

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Change in Huck’s Attitude Towards Jim

At the beginning of the novel, Huck considers Jim property and just but an ignorant slave that was not in the same class that he was. There might be an influence by the society Huck grew up in which makes him think of Jim this was. The culture at the time of the setting of this story put no value on slaves and their individuality, they were mere property, that did not have its own thoughts and could be passed around between owners. This paper will clarify in which ways Huck’s belief shifts from hatred at the beginning of the story to friendship and admiration of Jim at the end of the story.

The first mention of Jim by Huck is when he calls him “Watson’s big nigger, named Jim” (Twain 5). This word choice makes it clear what Huck thinks of Jim-as an object that has an owner and is not free (Smith). Huck and Tom Sawyer do not consider the feelings of Jim when they prank him and make fun of him. Huck is growing in a society that has no regard for people like Jim. When they get lost in the fog and they each go a separate way, Huck tries to convince Jim that it was all in his imagination as if he were so stupid to believe that it was all an illusion. Jim is not happy about this and he calls him out. Huck responds with a tone of superiority and says, “It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger.”

It is clear that he sees Jim as unintelligent and can be held by a prank from a stupid child and when he has to apologize, he has a hard time doing it (Phiri). there are other instances such as when they are arguing about language and Kind Solomon and Huck states “it warn’t no use wasting words–you can’t learn a nigger to argue. So I quit.” His attitude indicates that despite knowing Jim he still holds to the idea that he is incapable of learning, using reason and applying logic, or making intelligent arguments.

However, as they go a lot of trials together, Huck’s attitude changes. He learns to be respectful and to care for the feelings of Jim appropriately and considers him an equal. In the end, he says this of Jim, “I know’d he was white inside.” By referring to Jim as white, he is seen to consider him his equal. His attitude changes from considering him an object to a person with feelings, intelligence, and with the capacity to apply logic.

Works Cited

Phiri, Aretha. “SEARCHING FOR THE GHOST IN THE MACHINE: THE ‘AFRICANIST’PRESENCE IN MARK TWAIN’S THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN.” English Studies in Africa 54.1 (2011): 88-104.

Smith, Cassander L. “Nigger” or” Slave”: Why Labels Matter for Jim (and Twain) in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Papers on Language and Literature 50.2 (2014): 182.

Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Broadview Press, 2011.

Movie Analysis

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Movie Analysis

Introduction

American revolution refers to a period during which British colonists in the United States rebelled against the requirements of the Great Britain. Many battles were fought during this period and led to the development of the United States. The revolutionary war was started in an attempt for rebels to gain their independence from England and lasted from 1775 to 1983. The group created a republic that was separate from the monarchical rule and differentiated themselves from the rest. In a bid to explain the American revolutionary, this study will analyze various movies among them being Hamilton, The Patriot, The Book of Heroes, and Drums Along the Mohawk.

The Book of The Negroes

The first set of this series follows through the life of Aminata Diallo (Aunjanue Ellis) who was abducted from Mali in 1706. This part has been powered by deep and moving performances by the young Shailyn Pierre Dixon, an 11-year-old girl playing the role of Aminata. The scenes showcase how the protagonist got captured and underwent strange experiences on her way to th American slavery (Icflix, 2015). The film was given a horrible beauty and sharp-focus dreaminess with diminished elucidation. Although one can feel the girl’s pain as she gets tossed from one place to another, it is evident that the actual life of slavery was deeper and more painful than it is played.

As the film progresses, one can envision that the points are shown more explicitly and the characters are arched such as to represent their stories from a vivid perspective in relation to historical significance. The tone of production showcases, as well as the performances, have shown the injustice involved in slavery and the audacity of the involved parties to see themselves as tender people with just measures.

In a bid to bring the effects of the revolutionary period into action, the director employed a creative cast with Aminata Diallo as the protagonist. After being sold to Allan Hawco (Solomon Lindo), Aminata’s life changes for the better especially after meeting with her lover Chekura (Lyriq Bent). Other characters to note included Cuba Gooding Jr (Samuel Fraunces) who helps her to return home. The miniseries could not be a success without the participation of Ben Chaplin (John Clarkson) and the blind preacher Loius Gossett Jr. (Moses) who encouraged Aminata continuously to keep her head high amidst the struggles. Others included Jane Alexander (Maria Witherspoon), Greg Bryk (Robertson Appleby), and Stephan James (Cummings Shakspear), among others.

The director motive to bring the best character in a slave woman was a success following the flawless representation of her skills, beauty, sense of style, and wisdom. As a young girl, Aminata is a skilled midwife after helping her mother severally to on the delivery desk. After her abduction, she learned to write, read, and speak English, aspects that made her stand out from other slaves. She is showcased as a clever and rather fearless character who is filled with self-possession and self-knowledge, that has facilitated her ability to survive from the beginning to the end (Icflix, 2015). Although she gets thwarted by the unfriendly circumstances, Aminata does not get discouraged. After watching the series, I felt that Aminata’s character was well represented as one of the bravest people in the world; she traded slap for a slap and no person had the power to dictate what she could or could not do. She stated repeatedly that one should never give up and instead, should hold onto hope steadfastly in wait for a better day

Relevant themes showcased in this miniseries are love, conflicts, struggles, conflicts, and death. The theme of love has been showcased in Aminata’s love interest to Chekura (Lyriq Bent) who becomes her husband in the end. As the miniseries progresses to the fifth episode, Revolution starts in New York. At this, Aminata takes the chance to escape in Canvas Town which is a black neighbourhood. Aminata is respected as a midwife in this community and is admired for her wisdom and literacy. Her love story also gets rekindled as she reunites with her lover Chekura.

On photography, it is evident that the film was not taken with a crane shot but rather moving shots that gave the movie a rather subjective experience. Rather than having Aminata move with the camera, one can note clearly that the camera moved with her such as to cause the viewer to get tuned with her life. However, although Aminata is sad and dark, the director (Clement Virgo) made a successful attempt to showcase Aminata from a rather transcendental angle instead of a dark and miserable perspective by adopting a mixture of colour palettes.

Another visible endeavour from photography is that of intimacy. The movie managed to tell Aminata’s from an intimate perspective without making it appear as a mere spectacle. As such, the camera provided an intimate and subjective experience instead of swopping shots in order to create emotional and psychological experiences. Although the view was intended to show a story that was filled with brutality, the visuals and camerawork employed managed to cause the audience to feel the story with intensity rather than just from the brutal and horror perspective like the 12 Years of Slavery. In the first scenes, the movie has a rather naturalistic palette allowing the young Aminata to view the world from a rather rosy perspective.

The dressing has shown historical significance as the cast was dressed in an old-fashioned manner yet beautiful manner. Although Aminata is a slave, it is clear that her clothes are not messy and dirty, an aspect that set the viewer off since it is from the ordinary perception of a slave in the 1700s.

The struggle that the protagonist undergoes with her slave master, Robinson Appleby is evident in the struggle that slaves often endured in the south with their masters. The slave master insists that Aminata was legally his slave, an aspect that reminds me of the case of Dred Scott Vs. Sanford in 1857 following the Missouri Compromise (Icflix, 2015). Although Aminata manages to reunite with her husband Chekura and moves to Nova Scotia, her life has undergone a complicated and painful journey that can be likened to that of Eliza in the book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Stowe as she made attempts to escape with her husband George Harry.

This application can be applied successfully in the study of the American revolution by drawing comparison of the slavery amongst the Southerners and abolitionists by the Northerners. It is through such efforts that the United States managed to become a free state through the Civil war in 1963 (Icflix, 2015). Although the movie shows the painful brutality of the African-Americans, the attempts of people like Lawrence Hill to bring brutality on Africans to light has succeeded

Although the miniseries feels as though it was rushed, it was successful at showcasing the slavery in the South. Although this movie did not showcase the life of the slaves in a profound manner as Harriet Beecher Stowe’s book Uncle Tom’s Cabin, the miniseries was successful at addressing the painful history of slavery in the south. Additionally, the movie expanded the story beyond New York to Canada and Africa, providing a

Drums along the Mohawks

Drums Along the Mohawk is an American classic that was released in 1939 under the direction of John Ford. This is an American Revolution movie that is starred by Gilbert Martin as Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert as his wife. Together, they have set their mind to establish their farm when the Revolutionary war starts. The Indians who are collaborating with the British burn their farms, an action that causes outrage amongst the citizens who gather at Fort Herkimer in a bid to fight for their lands (HD Retro Trailers, 2018). Although they return victorious, the group has many casualties. After a long period of peace on the farm working for Mrs McKlennar, the valley gets attacked again, changing the people’s lives significantly.

Ford’s aspect of composition is striking in this film which was his first technicolour piece of art. From the designs of the title credits, one can see homelike crocheted scenes that showcase Ford’s need to represent a domestic emphasis in the film. Lana is pictured in her new home before a fire with her back to the camera to show the dismay caused by the situation. At this, Gil the husband draws close to her and smiles at her as though to provide assurance that it shall be well and that he is the dominant partner. Following the attack by the Indians, Gil and Lina get a crib at Mrs McKlennar, where they are shown to face the fireplace, suggesting their equality as both are caught up and their powers are diminished.

One can also evidence a striking aspect of photography when Indians burn Mrs McKlennar’s farm and Gil reacts to the two drunken men. Martin is shown threshing in a long shot as smoke is seen billowing from the house, after which Gil reacts leading to another shot where we see Gil riding abruptly to the trouble. At this, one also realizes that Mrs McKlennar’s is infused with humour as she interacts with the two Indians as she persuades them to take her bed downstairs. Aspects of comedy are also evidenced when Rosenkrantz explains that there is nothing good that can be spoken of individuals from Massachusetts. Gil also becomes the main centre of attention during Lana’s lengthy birth process amid a group of drunken men.

Lana, a wealthy woman leaves her comforts in Albany, New York with Gil to a sparsely populated region in Mohawk Valley. After Indians raid the valley, Gil and Lana are aware that life is not for the weak and that they should work hard to protect themselves ((HD Retro Trailers, 2018). At this, Ford managed to showcase an accurate depiction of the frontier life such as neighbours gathering and square dances to assist in clearing the land, which is done in loving harmony, as God-fearing people. The community is happy and they do not suffer the loneliness that torments the settlers.

The theme of love, self-sacrifice, and endurance, is also showcased as Lana leaves her luxurious life and settles with Gil in the valley. Although she is initially hysterical, she proves her capability to bear all hardships presented in the frontier, as she shows a strong character. At this, Ford makes a successful attempt to portray the agony experienced as women wait for men to return after having an encounter with armies. Like most directors, Ford did not sugarcoat the effects of the war and instead, he showed the fear, trauma, anger, and courage, amongst the people following the raids. The film shows accurately the fear that settlers had about the Indian raids and the frustration felt in pursuing a group of enemies that could overpower you and melt into nothingness at the blink of an eye.

Listening to the preacher gives me the idea that Ford tried to showcase a moral worldview of Christians filled with prayers, weddings, sermons, generosity, and a lifestyle that revers God. The film has pro-capitalist content and patriotic content as the settlers work in harmony to improve their local economy (HD Retro Trailers, 2018). After finishing the film, I realized that it did not have any foul language or sex scenes although it had reasonable battle scenes and dying and injured troops are shown to return home after the battle. The movie has avoided the use of objectionable scenes except for some mild scenes of drunkenness and brief alcohol use.

Although Ford made an American Revolution movie without including the British, it is understandable that he was attempting to remain safe by avoiding to showcase the British as villains when they were engaging in battle against the Nazis. However, one cannot fail to appreciate the fact that Ford managed to showcase the American revolution from a rather positive perspective, than usual.

The Patriot

The movie, The Patriot provides the viewers with an intuitive glimpse into the life of Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), an American farmer during the 18th century. Benjamin takes the lead role in the movie and his life assumes a rather oppressive and disheartening circumstance. The movie has several characters including Gabriel (Heath Ledger) Benjamin’s elder son and other children. The movie has also showcased Charlotte, sister to Benjamin’s late wife. The director Roland Emmerich also included other participants including Lt. William Tavington and British soldiers, among others.

The movie has showcased aspects of action, drama, and history about the occurrence of the American Civil War in the 1770s. The movie has depicted Americans fighting for freedom against the British military, Indians, and the French, in which Benjamin Martin showed his heroic nature. However, the death of his wife caused him to refuse to return to war after the battle with the British intensified since he wanted to take care of his children, live a peaceful life, and manage the flower plantation (Youtube Movies, 2000). Although Martin is against this kind of lifestyle, his eldest son Gabriel and Thomas have already enlisted in the “Continental Army.” The film presents a story that is filled with perseverance, passion, and livelihood with the need for brave individuals without any self-pity. A closer analysis of the film shows the depiction of technology, Revolutionary War era-life, and relationships.

While Martin is showcased as a humble and virtuous father, Tavington is evil and sadistic monster especially after he burned a church that was filled with a group of innocent men, children, and women after locking its doors. This scene reminded me of the Nazi massacre in Oradour-Sur-Glane, French villagers in 1944. In war and attacks, the movie adopted the use of specific weaponry including the pistols (flintlock pistol), muskets (brown-bess musket), and cannons (smooth bore cannon), among others.

The theme of politics is showcased as slaves are shown as being rather cheerful and have freedom like civilians, an aspect that causes slavery in the region to be deemed as non-existent. However, although Gabriel says that all men are equal before God, this is considered a rather political attempt rather than the true situation (Youtube Movies, 2000). Taking into consideration the time that The Patriot was set, it is evident that the movie did not depict the true situation of slavery considering that it took the efforts and death of men during the civil war to bring slavery to an end, years after The Patriot had been released into the market.

The theme of sex was also showcased although it did not depict the actual status of events on the ground. Although Gabriel Martin was allowed to have a night before his wedding with his lover on condition that his mother sewed a bundling bag for him, this was not an accurate illustration as it was the girl who was supposed to get a bundling bag instead of the boy. In reality, the parents often shared a room with the couple to prevent premarital pregnancies.

Although Emmerich made an attempt to emulate Braveheart and The Last of the Mohicans’ none of them can be likened to this movie favourably. Unlike these movies, The Patriot has showcased the American Revolution by blending feelings, ferocity, action, and drama. The story showed a battle-filled story of violence, guilt, and karma that is set against the rough conditions of the American Revolution. A fascinating perspective of this film is the struggle that Martin is experiencing. Martin has been carrying the guilt of his actions as a result of his participation in the Indian and French war. Under the influence of his wife, Martin always desired to change his life for the better. However, he cannot prevent his actions from haunting him and his family. On this, he states the fear that his actions would haunt his family someday. From a Christian perspective, Martin and his sons are suffering for his actions and his participation in atrocities and massacres that created a load of Karmic consequences that he and his family must suffer. Following the death of his sons, Martin fails to contain the rage in his heart; in the end, he takes the hatchet and sets out to fulfil the rage in his soul.

Hamilton

Hamilton is a musical movie that was constructed around the life of Alexander Hamilton. Through the application of various theatrical methods and innovative musicals, the movie took me through the biography of a politician and invited the audience to contemplate on the momentous and dramatic revolution as well as the founding of the United States. The musical is rather educative and informative owing to the accurate integration of traditional musicals and hip-hop to communication. As I was watching, I could tell of the ingenious integration of various elements, catchy score and flawless rendering (Detti, 2017). Through music, I was able to understand that the story was about Alexander Hamilton which was told through the application of modern tactics in an attempt to assist people of colour to view themselves from the perspective of the country’s history by spreading the story further beyond the property owned by the whites.

The musical has been constructed around the life of Alexander Hamilton who is the protagonist to explain how he rose and fell during the American Revolution. Hamilton did not have the opportunity to enjoy an easy life like most children since he was orphaned and born to a poor family, an aspect that caused him to become overly ambitious. As a passionate and opinionated man, Hamilton manages to rise above the criticism of those around him as he believes in the ability to become the best version of himself. In later scenes, Hamilton gets close to George Washington and becomes his right man in the revolutionary wars (Detti, 2017). He becomes the secretary of the Treasury; however, the election of John Adams causes his removal from the president’s cabinet. Nevertheless, his influence was still significant considering that he facilitated the structure of the financial system and the coast guard. As a result of the great influence, he faces resentment from various people including Madison, Aron Burr, and Jefferson, among others.

The main themes highlighted in this movie are legacy, history, conflicts, reputation, and time. The need for Hamilton to build a legacy has consumed the entire movie particularly his willingness to die and risk his marriage by publicizing his affair in a bid to preserve the reputation of his legacy. The ethical lives of the characters are driven by the fact that every person has a history and legacy. Conflicts and revolution also play a significant role in shaping Hamilton’s success and fame in his participation in the national government. Hamilton involvement in conflict makes him believe that it is the only way that the country could independence and stand out historically (Detti, 2017). At one point in the movies, Hamilton wishes that war was existing amongst them in order to prove that they were worth and that they deserved their honour. This undying determination is what differentiates from other characters in the movie such as Burr who does not stand to protect anything unless it works to his advantage.

The movie has historical significance in that it was set during American Revolution and has various similarities with the musical 1776 in that both are musical and have adopted a simple plot with a wide array of political and personal conflicts. Both movies tell the story of fierce debates and can be applied in explaining the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The movie has represented the American revolution perfectly through the conflicts of Hamilton and Burr. However, although Hamilton is more ambitious, the movie ends in a rather disappointing nature following the death of Hamilton although he was the protagonist in the movie.

Conclusion

In Drums Along the Mohawk, John Ford was successful at presenting the American patriots from a brave and God-fearing perspective. The movie was constructed along with various themes including courage, prayer, endurance, and self-sacrifice. Unlike most movies produced during this period, it does not have scenes of alcohol use, sex, or foul language. The Patriot is a clear depiction of the life that people lived and persevered during the revolutionary war. Although the movie has introduced themes of love and drama particularly with the love story between Gabriel and Anne, it is evident that the weaponry and life showcased was accurate, making it a rather reliable source of historical depiction particularly in relation the period during the industrial revolution when Britain conquered Barbados. The Books of Negroes and Hamilton have also portrayed the subject of the American Revolution from a rather narrow yet satisfying manner.

References

Detti (2017 October 4). Hamilton: An American Musical | FULL SOUNDTRACK W/ LYRICS [Online]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM7R6xmuz-YHD Retro Trailers (2018 April 23). Drums Along the Mohawk (1939) ORIGINAL TRAILER [HD 1080p]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou6ITVZX9aoIcflix (2015 May 5). The Book of Negroes Trailer HD – icflix [Online]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoC3V000e1gYoutube Movies (2000). The Patriot (2000) – Trailer. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5u1am7pmrw

Advancement of Technology and Change of Attitude among the Elderly – Due 28/04/2022

The advancement of medical technology has contributed a great deal to improving the lives of the elderly, and this has resulted in longer life and good health during the final years of life. With the quality of life has changed for to better, attitudes towards aging have changed, with people developing a new mindset that aging is not associated with dependency. Current technology has the capability of enabling mobility in a person if they are unable to walk. I expect that there will be numerous changes in attitude toward and treatment of the elderly between now and the time when I am 80 years old, and this change of attitude will be based on the faith that advanced technology has provided in improving the quality of life.

The rise of technology will benefit healthy ageing and longevity, enabling people to live a healthier life that is more fulfilling at all ages (Calder et al., 2018). For example, technological innovations have been used to keep the elderly physically active and enable independent living, such as detecting falls, thus helping the elderly to avoid unnecessary injuries. Old people are unable to navigate their way, which makes them susceptible to trips and falls, which may increase the number of deaths in the elderly population. With advanced technology to help in navigation, the elderly will have an opportunity to extend their life expectancy by avoiding deadly falls. Besides, advancements in technology, especially the introduction of smart home technology, which involves the automation of homes, providing homeowners, especially the elderly, with security, comfort, convenience and energy efficiency by allowing them to control smart devices, often by a smart home app on their smartphone or other networked devices (Li et al., 2021). Smart homes will provide the elderly with an opportunity to live a decent life, and this will reduce the chances of the elderly being sent to ageing homes, which are mostly considered dumps for old people. Based on this, smart homes will give the elderly a changed perspective about getting old, knowing that they won’t be sent to aging homes and forgotten by their families.

Advancements in technology will also provide opportunities for people to connect with their loved ones (Roblek et al., 2018). Strong social connections have been found to be fundamental to physical and mental well-being. Previously, the elderly used to smoke cigarettes to kill boredom, which is not a healthy behavior since it can accelerate the chances of getting lung cancer and even dying prematurely. People are supposed to enjoy old age as it is the time for them to relax and enjoy their lifetime benefits. Technological advancements have helped make this dream possible as people have adopted a better choice of living, including adopting healthy behaviors such as using social media to connect with people. For example, older people can connect with their families and other elderly people online, and this can help change the attitudes toward ageing. According to data, the adoption and use of technology have increased tremendously, with 44% of people aged 50 and older being more comfortable with technology than before the covid-19 pandemic (Kong et al., 2021). This positive behavior is expected to continue, increasing socialization and interaction of the elderly, and this will help improve the mental well-being of the elderly.

References

Calder, P. C., Carding, S. R., Christopher, G., Kuh, D., Langley‐Evans, S. C., & McNulty, H. (2018). A holistic approach to healthy ageing: how can people live longer, healthier lives?. Journal of human nutrition and dietetics, 31(4), 439-450.

Kong, S. S., Otalora Rojas, L. A., Ashour, A., Robinson, M., Hosterman, T., & Bhanusali, N. (2021). Ability and willingness to utilize telemedicine among rheumatology patients—a cross-sectional survey. Clinical Rheumatology, 40(12), 5087-5093.

Li, W., Yigitcanlar, T., Erol, I., & Liu, A. (2021). Motivations, barriers and risks of smart home adoption: From systematic literature review to conceptual framework. Energy Research & Social Science, 80, 102211.

Roblek, V., Mesko, M., Dimovski, V., & Peterlin, J. (2018). Smart technologies as social innovation and complex social issues of the Z generation. Kybernetes.

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Argument: Mountains beyond Mountains

Mountains beyond mountains is a book that talks about farmer, the beginner of Partnership in Health, which is an institution that battles poverty and diseases among the world’s sickest and poorest in nations such as Rwanda, Peru, and Haiti. The book is very education, engaging and inspiring as it tries to bring out the quest for Farmer to treat patients, improve their living standards and battle for world health equivalence.

Farmer’s work with his organization Partnership In Health showcases that human beings are congenitally good; he is selfless. The author of the book, Tracy Kidder highlights that it was never Paul’s intention to adjust to the founded norms of the society of whom a doctor should heal. While working in Boston, Farmer managed to stand out of his peers. The author of the book witnessed his treatment of a homeless alcoholic with pneumonia and HIV/AIDS. As Tracy puts, Paul never made his aid public. He not only succeeded in treating the patient, but also made sure that he had a place to call home to avoid often falling heal. Further proof of Farmer’s saintliness is highlighted in stories such as his tenacity to handle Father Jack, a person who suffered from drug-immune tuberculosis. Even after, Jack’s death, he furthered his research on the cause of the disease, which eventually leads to his cure of the disease. He serves as an epitome of selfless human beings.

Mountains in this book can signify hardships that arise in life. Therefore, mountains beyond mountains imply that once a person solves an issue, another bigger issue manifests; the hardships of the globe will never end. However, this does not imply that all good acts are useless. From Farmers experiences, one can term his benevolence as a long defeat but not futility. The first mountains of farmer while in Haiti were poor patients with curable and incurable diseases; Aids, ulcers, malaria. He worked on those cases individually and quickly went on to tackle larger and larger mountains; drug-immune tuberculosis. His beliefs on change around the world were very optimistic and went on to establish an institution helping the downtrodden. Therefore, to tackle mountainous problem of inability among the poor to access treatment, leaders must emerge and stand their ground.

Although Farmer never provided best qualities to found himself as a pioneer in anthropology, such big characterization could have happened in the absence of Tracy’s descriptive and simplistic style of writing. Paul knew he could not shape what Tracy would write in his biography and portrayed this by saying that he did had not done much for Tracy to write citing misgivings given by people about his quest. Such a statement shows that he cared less about people’s comments as long as he treaded his path.

As the author accompanies Paul’s travels across the globe, one feels some sense of respect or both the narrator and the doctor, through their dialogues and interactions. Farmer tries to give the most engaging anecdotes of Paul, such as Farmer’s unfortunate experiences. Many exchanges between the two, especially when Tracy says that there was no couch potatoes in the family bring some degree of personalization to the book. Kidder depicts Farmer as a lover of science and medicine as well as interest in patients. When Paul realized that some of his patients had developed a number of drug resistance tuberculosis after improper treatment, he developed a bad taste about his triumph. Like any other real scientist, he is excited by his discoveries, but his excitement is overwhelmed by the discovery that it was unhelpful to his patients.

Instead of just giving stories to show the character of the doctor, the narrator gives extra clue on his actions and decisions. Such a profound analysis of Farmer’s traits provides thee book readers with a cornerstone to draw more conclusions. Placing Paul’s actual words with Tracy’s conclusions established a logical flow of thought. For instance, the doctor says that he had never known the meaning despair and thought he would never will. The narrator follows these words with his though saying that it seemed that in Farmer’s bid to cure suffering among the poor, he was becoming more immune to such issues. This form of writing allows the book to expose duality in genre; it is both a social commentary and a biography.

By using many statements to describe farmer, the narrator builds on his theses that it is not useless to battle a long win and that equivalence in medical treatment is indispensable towards eliminating poverty. Little in the book is fictional as the narrator places both the doctor’s suitable and unsuitable characteristics and does not indicate some level of bias in his character. In fact, the bias that only exists in his book is Paul’s contempt for class bias and the effect it had on the treatment of the poor. Since the narrator does not attacks a specific individual, policy, group of persons or those in authority, it is not possible to paint an image of controversy when speaking about mountains beyond mountains.

The book deserves a lot of respect for Dr. Farmer from its readers. In fact, someone recommended me to read it before I searched for it and sat down to read it. The motivation with which the recommender gave for the book included his change of mind. After the medical school, the book had inspired him to pursue a major in anthropology. This decision astonished me and went ahead to look for and read the book. Reading the book gives someone the chance to compare and contrast medicine and anthropology. The two disciplines enhance each other leading to medical ethnography, a discipline toured by Farmer. The information gotten form this book expands a person’s knowledge of humanities and natural science studies.

The book evokes the notion that in order to preserve humanity, people must start with its populace. Moreover, everyone on this planet is titled to favorable medical care, irrespective of the handiness of a person’s or a nation’s monetary resources. Therefore, people should work together in groups or as individuals towards preserving humanity.

In a conclusion, the book has explored the life of Farmer, a medical ethnographer, who contributed a lot to the lives of the poor in Haiti, Peru, and other parts of the world. The book has highlighted that in order to save this world from the normal beliefs and customs that let us down, leaders must arise and fight for a world that there is equality in treatment notwithstanding financial setbacks. Briefly, the book is very educative, engaging, and above all inspiring.

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Challenges Prosecutor’s Face When Implementing New Reforms

Introduction

In criminal justice, a prosecutor is an attorney representing the state or government responsible for trying and charging law offenders. They are powerful actors in the corridors of criminal justice. For many years, prosecutors have been labeled supervisors of safety and administrators of justice. Prosecutors’ discretionary powers range from deciding the charges to purse, the witnesses who will be interviewed, bail recommendation, to the kind of sentences to recommend. Additionally, prosecutors are also in charge of the process of plea bargaining which resolves about 95% of criminal cases. There are 2,300 prosecutors’ offices in the United States that house the custodians of the criminal justice system. Over the years, prosecutors continue to face various challenges in their mandate of implementing new reforms. The purpose of this essay is to assess the challenges that prosecutors face in their line of work including struggles with accountability issues, data organization, admissibility of digital information, and staff retention

Staffing and Resources

First, hiring staff members that are qualified can limit the ability of a prosecutor’s office to implement reforms. This is the case especially when there are limited resources to support the prosecutor’s work. Retaining staff requires not only hiring the right people but also identifying their skills and training them to support their advancement (Arnell, and Laura 89). Further, it requires developing incentives to caution workers from searching for better opportunities elsewhere. In essence, it requires offering them attractive and completive remuneration packages. There is a lot of competition from the private sector and other agencies hence the need for prosecutors to be creative in compensating and awarding staff performance as well as to give employees opportunities to develop themselves. Worth noting, prosecutors have the responsibility of educating new attorneys and law students concerning the role of prosecutors in boosting recruitment efforts in the community. There is a perception that the only role of the prosecutor is convicting offenders and ensuring they stay in prison for as long as possible which is not true. As such, young advocates and law students should be exposed to the work and impact of prosecutors through clinics, presentations, courses, and externships. While these practices are well reputable in the field of criminal defense, they can also be used as a model for the prosecution field. In so doing, they will be preparing them for their future roles as they will serve as members of staff in the prosecution offices of in the criminal justice field in general.

Admissibility of Digital Information

Second, prosecutors face the challenge of the diversity of data available for prosecution functions and in particular digital information. This is owing to the emerging trends and advancements in technology. Technology has made it possible for the collection of evidence such as body-worn cameras and social media content (Green, 589). However, this presents a question of its admissibility and authenticity of such evidence in a court of law. This kind of evidence is different from the physical evidence and much is at stake because it can easily be doctored. Additionally, as regards digital information, there is also the challenge of how to store and manage it particularly when the case is ongoing and during case disposition. Although digital evidence is admissible, it can be disadvantageous because it is time-consuming and overwhelming to review. In some cases, the data can be in form of video footage that is hours long. As digital evidence continues advancing, prosecutors with reviewing it accessing funds to store the bulky data. Sometimes the amount of digital data that prosecutors should review can be managed through the use of data reduction and mining solutions, steep learning curves, and high costs are involved making it impossible for a prosecutor’s office to adopt the technologies. Additionally, in the cases of video evidence, prosecutors will be required to secure an appropriate location to redact this information because at times it can involve sensitive evidence such as sexual assault of identities of underage victims of sexual assault. The process can be labor and time-intensive.

The Challenge of Data Organization

Another issue that prosecutors have to contend with is how to manage and organize data. The cases that prosecutors deal with cover various complex issues. To properly manage this kind of data requires a data management system to make it easy to access and understand the various cases. Notably, understanding cases goes beyond looking at conviction rates. A prosecution that is intelligence-led employs predictive analytics among other analysis techniques as they have the potential of attaining, fairer, more sensible and more efficient criminal justice outcomes. Worth noting, technology advancement has raised a question of the availability of large data and ethical concerns including raising legal concerns over the right to privacy of the witness and defendant. Additionally, a prosecutor can be impacted by the ability to give complete and accurate data in the cases posing a financial effect. There is a need to provide quality and transparent data not only in the criminal justice spectra but also across agencies and to members of the public. There is also a need for uniformity to a great extent.

Accountability Issues

In addition to constitutional requirements, prosecutors are held to high ethical standards that inform how they should approach and perform duties. These standards are important as they protect prosecutors through supporting their decisions and also holding them accountable for their mistakes. Historically, the district attorney was tasked with prosecutorial accountability to sanction them when they misbehave (Sarma, 573). The Supreme Court states that district attorneys and prosecutors are exempted from civil liability. Although the decision by the courts was impeding efforts of holding prosecutors to account in the past, the office of prosecutor has recently managed to implement wrongful convictions. Moreover, prosecutors stand the risk of overseeing wrongful convictions which tends to raise questions about their integrity. Instituting conviction integrity units can go a long way in eliminating the risk of wrongful convictions occurring. Such units are instrumental in pointing out the common causes of wrongful convictions among them the discovery of exonerating DNA evidence and evidence which was mishandled. Additionally, with a well-functional and well-organized data management system, organizations’ operations are set to improve which makes it easier to share information and hold employees accountable for integrity issues.

Conclusion

Prosecutors are deemed administers of justice and supervisors of safety. Their powers range from deciding the charges to purse, the witnesses who will be interviewed, bail recommendation, to deciding the kind of sentences to recommend. In their attempt to implement reforms prosecutors go through challenges including accountability issues, data organization, admissibility of digital information, and staff retention.

Works Cited

Arnell, Paul, and Laura Sharp. “Challenges to prosecutorial discretion.” Scots Law Times 21 (2016).

Green, Bruce A. “Prosecutorial Discretion: The Difficulty and Necessity of Public Inquiry.” Dickinson L. Rev. 123 (2018): 589.

Sarma, Bidish. “Using Deterrence Theory to Promote Prosecutorial Accountability.” Lewis & Clark L. Rev. 21 (2017): 573.