The Cultural Revolution Essay example -- essays research papers

Mao Ze Dong started the Great Cultural Revolution in 1966, in what appeared to be a massive cleansing policy to ensure the final victory of Mao and his supporters over the rest of the Chinese Communist party. Mao Zedong officially launched the Cultural Revolution at Eleventh Plenum of the Eighth Central Committee. Over the next decade, literally millions of people were destroyed, imprisoned and blamed for previously hidden 'bourgeois tendencies' while tens of thousands were executed. Mao Zedong also attempted to change the beliefs and old ways of the Chinese people by changing the education in schools. Mao Zedong made the amount of time a child needed to spend at each level or grade shorter so that the youth would explore more of their own beliefs instead of the older ones. Mao Zedong also fired all elderly teachers because he believed that they would continue to teach the Chinese children the "old way". He also changed the curriculum of the schools to fit his beliefs and to encourage more pride amount the Chinese youths for their country. Mao adopted four goals for the Cultural Revolution: to replace his designated successors with leaders more faithful to his current thinking; to rectify the Chinese Communist Party; to provide China's youths with a revolutionary experience; and to achieve some specific policy changes so as to make the educational, health care, and cultural systems less elitist. He initially pursued these goals through a massive mobilization of t...

Fashion and Gender

Introduction In the western culture, fashion has affected and reflected the distinctions between the social and economical status of men and women throughout the years. From the 19th century on, gender, social understanding of femininity and masculinity, became clearer and more precise. They were identifiable through fashion and clothing and were an important aspect in distinguishing roles of men and women. However, changes in fashion will blur as much as emphasise the differences between gender, evolving in parallel borrowing from one another.Thus, as the constant changes in fashion, the level of differences between men and women varied very so often. Fashion was influencing and defining gender role and gender lifestyle was influencing fashion. Masculine men and feminine women The first signs of gender distinctions appeared at the start of the 19th century following the French Revolution. In addition to separating social classes, fashion now established a clear division between male and female clothing. Men were no longer powdered or perfumed and they got rid of ornaments and wigs, now signifies of femininity.Their clothing was characterized by a restricted use of material, tailored construction, simplified set of surface, uniformity, net and spotless garments, perfect hats and limited color (29 January). According to the trickle-down effect, fashion trends were still created by the upper-classes and were followed by others down the scale (05 February). Then, according to Georg Simmel, two types of males emerged from the middle-class. Dandies were followers of the leisure class and never went against a particular fashion dress code while bohemian were rejecting fashion (05 February).Men of the upper-class are characterized as a Flaneur by Walter Benjamin: â€Å"Empathy is the nature of the intoxication to which the flaneur abandons himself [†¦]† (05 February). The upper-class still needed to follow three rules in order to stay on top and keep the m iddle-class from rising; the expensive fabric, the lack of movement inflicted by the garment and the novelty of the ensemble (05 February). They conformed to a conspicuous lifestyle with their absence of labour and function in the society, but still in a more subtle way than women in terms of dress (29 January).Indeed, women became a physical display representing the husband’s wealth through fashion, assuring their social rank in the leisure class; the new aristocrats. Important gatherings such as the Grand Prix de Paris were a place where â€Å"one went to the races, as to the theater, partly to look over the women and their apparel† (Hebert, 24). They would wear multiple colors, dresses with pouf skirts, light fabrics, beading and flower ornaments, parasols and other accessories. Women were placed in the forefront with fashion and devoid of any role or power. [†¦] the adornment of both the female person and her environment was an expression of women’s inf erior economic power and her social status as a man’s chattel† (Veblen, 91). Unattached and unmarried women were also expected to dressed respectfully and fashionably for the dignity of her family and for future husbands. Lower-level women such as actresses and prostitutes, who were mingling with the upper-class, wore more revealing clothes but still in fashion. Women were thought of as irrational and sensible creatures who adhered to fashion by weakness, to have a sense of belonging.During the 19th century and early 20th century, there is a clear distinction between man and woman fashion. It is reflected in their clothes and in their social status and role in the society. Gender was easily identifiable with the shape formed by the garment. While men wear clean cut, sober and solid suits, holding all the power, the women dress in soft, elaborate and colourful dresses, trophies to the men. ? Fashion upside-down With the start of the World War I, women were now helping ou t and filling more masculine jobs. Roles were no longer clearly defined according to hysical characteristics. â€Å"Because while war work forced women to life in new social and physical environments, they had to adapt their clothing to unfamiliar activities and spaces† (Matthews David, 101). New technology and new combat techniques meant also a change in menswear. Soldiers had to wear uniforms that hid their masculine forms to allow movement. They replaced their flat and boxy hats with a more feminine and round one with leaves and flowers to hide in the trenches. â€Å"A definite outline, a traditionally masculine attribute, proved a deadly handicap in battle† (Matthews David, 97).Upper-class men were traditionally supposed to show their status through clothing. The advent of the war blurred distinctions between classes as both had to participate in the war effort. Men were no longer useless and ineffective in the society, with meant a necessary change in fashion. Res trictions in luxury fabrics, such as silk, fur and ornaments, forced a transformation of men’s masculine and luxurious attire. All men were now wearing jersey fabric clothing, darker earth colours and softer silhouettes. In the early 20th century, there was a eminent need for change in fashion.While men were adopting feminine fashion to survive during the war, women started borrowing the simplified and linear masculine silhouette. â€Å"The flip side of this feminization of the sniper was the much more generalized masculinization of women’s civilian and uniform dress during the war† (Matthews David, 101). They started wearing suits with sober colours to adapt to their more active lifestyle in the warfare. The latter was the start of a changing role in society for women. Before this change, women had no power on fashion or society.They were now needed for labour and they showed to be very efficient. This allowed women to make decisions and have a definite role so ciety. By adopting the masculine look, they gained power. They were no longer considered as an accessory to men. The exchanges of particular characteristics of gender made the distinctions and the differences more blurry. The World War I was a turning point in fashion for both men and women. Shortages of materials transformed clothing; new fabrics emerged, new silhouettes using less fabrics, less ornaments, leaner cuts, suits for women and softer clothes for men. Women were now looking more or less like men with the square suits and linear dresses, requisitioning their roles as women as though the clothes itself hold the power. While men were still the dominant figure, women were revising their position in the public and private sphere. ? Conclusion To conclude, gender is a social perception of masculinity and femininity. Through the 19th and 20th century, both men and women were affected by fashion; gender leading the distinctions.Sexes were defined by gender in the 19th century wi th the specific trends of clothing for each. Men were wearing clean and linear cuts, showing their boxy figures, while women wore elaborate and frivolous clothes highlighting their silhouette. Roles were also clearly different according to gender. Men held all the power and women served of accessories, displaying the husband’s wealth. The World War I acted as a turning point for men and women. Both were transforming their fashion because of their active lifestyle by adopting each others gender characteristics of fashion.Men softened their figures while women started wearing masculine suits. Gender differences became were blurred and roles redefined; women gained power and all men got functional for the society. Hence, the level of distinction between gender is in constant change. Fashion influences gender roles and gender lifestyle influences fashion. The latter blurs, blends as well as emphasis the social perceptions of what a men and a women is and looks like. Gender contin ues to affect and reflect distinctions between sexes, both constantly borrowing and exchanging from one another.

Global human power Essay

Most of the victims in the novel were Frankenstein’s family, William, Henry, Justine and Elizabeth. These people all suffered due to the creature’s anger from Frankenstein’s original neglect, which is what begun the hatred in the creature. It is not fair to view the creature as a human, as he was artificially created he has no human morals and has never been taught the difference between right and wrong, in the same sense that a court would never convict a baby. Although the creature did manage to master human language skills, it only pushed him further away from society as it allowed him to express his alien nature. We can see this in the novel when the creature put his hand into a fire, because the colours and heat of the fire attracted him † I thrust my hand into the live embers but quickly drew it out again with a cry of pain†. The creature was a victim in the way that he was uneducated of the world before he â€Å"stepped into it†. Elizabeth can easily be portrayed as a hero in the novel as she represented a â€Å"saintly soul† and a â€Å"living spirit of love†. This lets her down however, when she attempts to save Justine in a religiously Christian based way, which was not successful. Although viewed as a hero she doesn’t contain any power over other characters, just a good heart. There is controversy over whether Frankenstein could be viewed as a hero or not, as a cowardly attribute is certainly not a trait of a true hero. When the monster asked him to create a companion for him, he said no as this would enables the creatures to breed and possibly take over global human power. On the other hand he could have spared his family a lot of trouble if he had just created another being who could have possibly shown the love and understanding the creature needed. Frankenstein later realises this when he says â€Å"For the first time, I felt what the duties of a creator towards his creature were, and that I ought to render him happy before I complained of his wickedness†. Elizabeth, Frankenstein’s wife, was also a hero as she managed to bring up everyone’s spirits at sad times, and she continually believed in Justine’s innocence. This particular genre creates a need for both heroes and villains, as it is usually the case of good trying to overpower evil, or vice-versa. To conclude, I believe that there are heroes and villains, as well as victims in this novel. Most of the characters seem to change from villains, heroes and victims throughout the novel, especially the creature and Frankenstein. In my belief the creature was made to be the victim from the opening of the novel as he was neglected, uneducated and ostracised. I believe Frankenstein could have changed everything if he had befriended the creature in the first place. On the other hand Frankenstein was also an isolated individual, although his isolation from society was brought on himself. The novel shows the shallowness of people in society by showing what the monster had to endure because of his appearance, as well as the moral irresponsibility of Frankenstein as a scientist. Frankenstein was always the villain deep down as he attempted to play God, which I don’t think should be attempted by any human being. He was obsessed with the fact that he could create life, but never once to considered if it was the right thing to do. I think Shelley is basing the whole novel on, not what Frankenstein actually did, but what he fails to do.  The way the creature is portrayed in 3rd person narrative allows us to see the creature as a hero, villain and a victim. I believe that the creature viewed Frankenstein as a father figure and was mentally tortured when his own creator neglected him. He had nothing to live for, except revenge.

Netflix Entertainment Industry Analysis Essay

Netflix Entertainment Industry Analysis Essay Netflix Entertainment Industry Analysis Essay Example Netflix Entertainment Industry Analysis Essay Example The primary research targets are the existing customers of Netflix. The purpose of the enquiry is to ascertain current trends that entice customers. In fact, the entertainment industry is a very flexible venture. The changes in technology and preferences necessitate service providers to introduce novel amenities that will attract new clients. In addition, the entertainment industry is one of the most competitive industries in the world. Therefore, it is essential for service providers to conduct periodic research. This trend will help identify the new tendencies that Netflix can adapt to attract a new target market and increase the existing market (Douglas 58). Main Hypothesis about Entertainment Industry Hypothesis 1: Gaming platforms will increase the number of clients subscribing to services by Netflix Hypothesis 2: Epic/fantasy and reality genres are more preferred by clients Hypothesis 3: Clients would consider watching shows from other parts of the world, such as Africa and India Hypothesis 4: Clients watch TV shows more frequently than movies Recent trends in technology have made it probable for customers to watch their favorite movies via gaming platforms. This trend is complemented by the growth of the videogame sector. Now, research proves that the number of people playing games surpasses the people watching television shows and movies (Goldfayn 23). Hence, this primary research aims at establishing the perceptions and views of customers regarding the efficacy of the gaming platforms. The significance of the gaming platforms to Netflix will arise with the expansion and attainment of new target market (Grinapol 96). The current users subscribed to movie shows will have the advantage of subscribing to videogames and movies simultaneously. This move will increase the subscription for clients who need both services. This primary research will establish the views of Netflix customers concerning the genre. Nowadays, the majority of customers have a strong allegiance to a specific genre of TV shows and movies. This is exemplified by the great success of â€Å"Game of Thrones†, an epic TV show airing on HBO. The TV show is currently at its sixth season and has a very loyal and huge audience. Therefore, Netflix could introduce a new show of this genre to obtain a new target market that would be highly attracted by the show (Lüsted 45). Thus, this research will establish the perception of Netflix customers regarding epic genres. In addition, reality television has attracted a new audience that entails the whole family. The reason for this is the fact that the reality shows depict the real issues facing the society today. This genre is also important and should be considered by Netflix when developing shows for television. In a bid to establish a new target market, the primary research will inquire from customers if they would consider watching TV shows from other parts of the world such as Africa and India. In particular, Bollywood has produced movies that have sold many copies throughout the world. For instance, â€Å"Slum Dog Millionaire† and â€Å"Three Idiots† were very successful in all parts of the world including the United States. The TV show outsourced from Bollywood was very successful. This primary research will hence try to establish if the existing customers of Netflix would consider watching movies and TV shows from other parts of the world. For example, many customers have indicated that they love Trevor Noah, a comedian from South Africa (Keating 30). This finding indicates that a new target market can be obtained through acquiring movies and TV shows from other parts of the world. Since these movies will have a different concept from what the customers are accustomed to, the customers may appreciate and buy more movies from these regions. Marketing Objectives This marketing plan is a management approach to achieving the goals of a marketing campaign over well-coordinated use of several promotional means aiming to reinforce each other. The techniques encompass advertising, sales, promotions, direct marketing, and public relationships (Douglas 63). The marketing will offer competitive advantage, increase sales, and proceed while saving money and time. Netflix should employ these marketing techniques to target a different audience. For instance, social media target the young generation while conventional methods such as TV commercials target the older generation. Therefore, internet marketing would be more efficient in ensuring that Netflix reaches its target audience. Netflix should operate at low costs, eliminate intermediaries, and introduce new shows to have a competitive edge over its competitors (Douglas 10). Marketing Strategy The market for Netflix has a great potential for growth. Clients who have subscribed for movies characterize the existing market and TV shows online via the internet and via mail for clients in the United States (Grinapol 96). The number of clients opting for DVD rental services is few as compared to the clients who have subscribed via the internet. Netflix has a tendency of releasing a full show online for subscribed customers. This method allows the clients to access all the episodes of a TV show at an instant. In addition, this approach is efficient for clients who love having all episodes before they commence watching a TV show. However, releasing one episode at a time creates an urgency and desire for the particular show. Therefore, Netflix should adapt a strategy that will allow the famous shows to become available to the public one at a time when the shows are released. The survey conducted included twenty respondents. This sufficient number was significant in increasing the validity of the research (Goldfayn 23). The major findings from the research included a reality and epic genre preference among the customers. The majority of the customers indicated that they opted for TV shows that had an epic genre. This accounts for the fact that these shows appealed to the imagination of the clients and create a fantasy world that they get in. Gaming platforms were increasingly preferred due to their flexibility and ability to conduct simultaneous tasks. Most of the clients indicated that they watched television shows more than they watched films. SWOT Analysis Strengths Netflix has a high productivity and revenue. The enterprise has a reputable market with no barriers. The executive has developed an impeccable customer relationship. Customers get the value for their cash and embrace the amenities they receive (Keating 30). Weaknesses There is a very competitive market for movies and TV shows. Customers are lured to the cheap products, which may shift their allegiance to other companies. Amazon and Hulu offer the biggest competition for Netflix. The competition is more evident for Amazon since Netflix is hosted via the Amazon Cloud (Douglas 93). Opportunities According to Nielsen, the breakdown of streaming services in America currently stands at 36% Netflix, 13% Amazon, and 6.5% Hulu. Therefore, the company has a favorable platform to expand the services. In such a way, under the right management, the enterprise will grow to become a transnational giant and dominate entertainment in other countries. Threats The rising costs in original programming will increase the cost of operation (Goldfayn 23). For instance, Netflix paid two million dollars per episode for each episode of the black list aired. The higher bidding from competitors is likely to increase this cost further. Marketing Mix The new products introduced by the company will be priced efficiently to attract the target audience. The new products should be introduced on a promotional basis. For instance, â€Å"buy five, get one free† could be employed on Wednesdays. The products will be streamed via the company website for international clients and via mail for American clients (Keating 30). The enterprise will eliminate intermediaries from its chain of acquiring and distributing products and services. Then, the products will be conveyed directly to consumers via the online streaming platforms. The prices for the products will be negligible since distributing products directly lowers their cost. Most intermediaries raise their products in a bid to increase their profit margin. Promotion of the new products and services of the company will be conducted through the successful movies and series that have attracted a huge audience. For instance, the blacklist can be used to advertise a new TV-show such as Sense8. The latter TV-show has attracted a great number of people. Advertising it on an already successful TV-show will intensify the audience to higher levels. Netflix will employ an integrated marketing approach. Integrated marketing communication is a management strategy to realizing the objectives of a marketing campaign through a well-harmonized use of several promotional techniques intending to complement each other. The methods include advertising, sales, promotions, direct marketing, and public relationships. The concept has many benefits. It generates competitive advantage, increases sales, and proceeds while saving cash, time, and hassle. Netflix will employ this method to target diverse audience. Social media avenues target the young generation while conventional approaches such as TV commercials target the older generation. Implementation Plan Netflix has the resources to expand beyond American borders to other parts of the world. The excellent products and services will be sold in any given market in the world. The enterprise should make acquisitions of entertainment industries in other parts of the world where the entertainment market has not been exhausted. This approach would be the fastest way for Netflix to intensify its presence in the global market and have a competitive edge. The enterprise should intensify digital marketing further. This plan will translate to arise in the sales since it reaches the target audience more effectively (Douglas 91). The research and development department of Netflix will engage customers in numerous interviews. This will help the company capture the needs and recent trends in the entertainment industry. The company will intensify and improve its products and services and eventually host its services via its own cloud. Currently, the company is using Amazon cloud to stream its services. Therefore, it does not have complete control of the cloud. Developing its own cloud will result to a situation where the company can increase the number of TV-shows and movies that suits it. The initial cost of acquiring a private cloud will be high, but the long-term use of the cloud will result in lower costs. Netflix will intensify client support through online videos. The videos will show clients how to fix and troubleshoot their internet settings when streaming videos. The enterprise will acquire a large bandwidth to provide services that are similar to teleconferencing. The customer care agents will interact with clients via video facilities that will make it easier for them to identify the areas that the clients are experiencing difficulties and hence help them to resolve the issues. Conclusion Hypothesis 1, 2 and 3 have been strongly supported by the data from the primary research. Hence, they are accepted by the researcher. However, the data available on hypothesis 4 does not strongly support the hypothesis. Therefore, the hypothesis is not accepted. In such a way, further research is necessary to provide more insight on the subject.

Difference in Weatherproof and Weather-Resistant Gear

Difference in Weatherproof and Weather-Resistant Gear In the market for rainwear, outerwear, or tech gear, but dont know whether to browse for weatherproof or weather-resistant options? Although the two types may sound alike, knowing the difference could save you money in the long run.   Weather-Resistant Definition Weather resistance offers the lowest level of protection against Mother Nature. If a product  is labeled weather resistant, it means its designed to withstand light exposure to the elements sun, rain, and wind. If a product resists the penetration of water to some degree (but not entirely) its said to be water- or rain-resistant. If this resistance is achieved through a treatment or coating, it is said to be water- or rain-repellent. Weatherproof Definition On the other hand, if something is weatherproof (rainproof, windproof, etc.) it means its able to withstand routine  exposure to the elements yet still remain in like new condition. Weatherproof items are considered longer-lasting. Of course, this rugged durability also comes at a steeper price. How Weatherproof Is Weatherproof?   So youve found the perfect product and its got the weatherproof stamp of approval. Thats all you need to know, right? Not exactly. Contrary to what you may think, weatherproofing isnt a one-size-fits-all kind of spec. As persnickety as it sounds, there are actually degrees of weatherproof-ness. For example, if you want to know how wind resistant a garment is, youll want to pay close attention to something called its CFM rating. This rating expresses how easily air (typically at a speed of 30 mph) can pass through a fabric. The lower the  rating number, the more wind-resistant the fabric is, with 0 being the most wind-resistant (100% windproof). In general, the more ​hard-shelled  the garment, the less able winds are to cut through it.   To measure a materials rainproof performance, companies test to see that no water leaks through it when subjected to a water pressure test. While there isnt an industry standard, youll want a material tested under a pressure of at least 3 psi. (The force of wind-driven rain is about 2 psi, so anything in the 3 psi range is sure to keep you dry during spring and summer downpours.) However, if youre planning on hunting hurricanes, youll want a jacket that exceeds 10 psi. Similar  to how SPF ratings tell how well sunscreen protects your skin from the suns UV, textiles, too, are rated for their level of UV protection. A fabrics Ultraviolet Protection Factor or UPF informs you how many sunburn-causing or color-fading UV rays will pass through. The lower the rating, the less UV resistant the product. A rating of UPF 30 is typical of sunproof  fabrics and blocks nearly 97% of UV radiation.  (It means that if 30 units of UV fall on the fabric, only 1 unit will pass through.) A rating of 50 provides the maximum level of UV protection. If you cant find a mention of UPF rating, look for fabrics having a tight or heavy weave and dark color these will typically offer the most  sun protection.  And dont forget about moisture-wicking features these will offer cooling and breathability. These ratings dont just apply to apparel. To check durability for tech gear and electronics, youll want to  check its outdoor durability by looking at whats called an IP code.   And the Winner Is. While which spec you need weather-resistance or weatherproof-ness largely depends on what kind of product youre buying and how much youre willing to pay for it, weather-resistant is all most of us need. (Unless of course, youre a meteorologist.) One final word of advice when considering weather-resistant vs. weatherproof: No matter how  weather resistant something claims to be, remember nothing is 100% weatherproof forever.  Eventually, Mother Nature will have her way.   Source: ​Rainwear: How it Works  REI, July 2016

Parents Role in the Care and Development of Children with Disabilities Thesis

Parents Role in the Care and Development of Children with Disabilities - Thesis Example Parents who are taking care of the disabled children have to adjust wit their new condition, expectations and they have to adjust with their emotional, social and financial pressures of life. Hence many of the parents come close to each other and make their relationship stronger. They should understand the fact that all the relationship go through good and bad times which will help them to identify the depth of the each and stay to each other. Support and understanding from the relatives is also essential for the parents to go through their difficult period. A certain responsibility of taking care of these children is in the hand of the teachers at school. Parents and the teachers should work hand in hand for the care and development of the children with disabilities. This paper deals with presentation and the interpretation of the data of the role of parents in the care and development of the children with disabilities. As defined by Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) a child with disability means children with mental retardation, hearing impairment and many other health impairments who â€Å"needs special education and related services†.... A large part of the surveys received constituted of postal surveys which were around 11 in number three surveys were gathered from elementary school while two were received from the program after school, five surveys were directly given to the researcher. The content analysis of the data collected through the survey reveals several interesting facts which are mainly concerned about the education needs for the children who have disabilities not just handicapped, physical and mental disabilities but also learning disabilities. the children who have disabilities have less access to education institutions and in most of the cases education of disabled children is limited to high school, a very meager percentage have the chances of doing their graduate course. 1. What is the profile of the parent-respondents based on the following variables: age, civil status, employment, income, number of children, order of birth of children with disabilities, legitimacy status of child with disability/i es? Most of the parents who took part in the survey were in between the age group 21-35. While analyzing the data we can find that those who are engaged in taking care of the disabled child are females which range to 76.19% when compared to males which are only up to 23.81%. The data interpretation of the results of the survey is highly essential in order to understand the problem situation which is associated with the education needs of the disabled children in the society. The Gender classification of parents who participated in the survey process An analysis of the gender participation of people in the survey shows that there are more female participants in the survey as compared to their male counterparts. The number of

Entrepreneurship and innovation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Entrepreneurship and innovation - Essay Example Initially, innovation was a preserve of large organisations, which invested in improving their R&D capabilities. However, in the modern business environment, individuals are leaving the corporate world to start their own businesses. As a result, venturing into business as an individual requires an emphasis on innovation to gain advantage in a competitive business environment. On the same note, innovation for an entrepreneur requires the ability to generate new ideas that are unique in the marketplace (Crumpton, 2012). In addition, innovation requires entrepreneurs to prepare adequately for the unexpected changes in the business environment. Conversely, entrepreneurship has challenges and requires a well-thought plan by prospective entrepreneurs prior to venturing into a particular business (Crumpton, 2012). This paper examines the key elements of contemporary entrepreneurship and innovation as they apply to the development of individual characteristics associated with effective entre preneurs. In the modern business environment, entrepreneurship is a challenging venture for individuals who want to start a business with the aim of making profits. The business environment is competitive and entrepreneurs compete for the same market with large organisations that capitalise on economies of scales. In this regard, the individual characteristics of an entrepreneur are critical for survival in a competitive business environment. The modern business environment is dynamic because of technological advancement. In this sense, the development of effective entrepreneurs requires adaptation to such changes in order to remain competitive in the marketplace. Entrepreneurs often start small and as such, venturing into business has many risks compared to large organisations with sufficient start up capital (Johnson, 2001). Further, entrepreneur’s main challenge in setting up a business is the start-up capital and most entrepreneurs experience failures with their