Advertising :: essays research papers

Advertising Advertising promotes more than mere products in our popular culture. Because images used in advertising are often idealized, they eventually set the standard which we in turn feel we must live up to. Advertisements serve to show us what the ideal image is, and further tell us how to obtain it. Advertisers essentially have the power to promote positive images or negative images. Unfortunately, most of the roles portrayed by women tend to fit the latter description. The irony lies therein since it is these negative images which have been most successful in selling products. It is easy to understand the appeal which these ads hold for men, as they place women in an inferior role; one characterized by helplessness, fragility and vulnerability. Certainly one can not deny that visual images serve to create the ideal female beauty within the material realm of consumer culture. The problem is that if one strays from this ideal, there's the risk of not being accepted by men. Advertisers, by setting ideals, not only sell their products, but in fact reaffirm traditional gender roles in mainstream America. Women portrayed in sexual ads are depicted as objects and commodities, to be consumed by men for visual pleasure and by women for self-definition. Any depiction of a woman in scant clothing ultimately makes her look vulnerable and powerless, especially when placed next to a physically stronger man. Studies show that advertisements will concentrate primarily on a woman's body parts rather than her facial expressions. Also, it was proven that over 50% of commercials portraying women contained at least one camera shot focusing on her chest. Men enjoy these images, and sadly, women tend to try to embody them, regardless of the extent to which they degrade themselves. Perhaps one of the most recent, successful, and controversial ad campaigns of the nineties is that of Calvin Klein. Ironically, in contrast to the normal, objectifying advertisements that deface women altogether, Klein focuses on his model's expressions. However, these expressions are similar to those of a scared child. The naked female model in turn looks even more vulnerable than when she was faceless. Here, in this ad Kate Moss is depicted as an innocent scared child. Her fingers touch her lips as if she is not permitted to speak, while her eyes look as if they are bruised. Moss' breast is exposed in this image, but instead of appearing voluptuous, Moss appears to be almost prepubescent. She stares vacantly and helplessly into the camera. Again, women see these images as attractive to men and subsequently feel the need to embody them. Advertising :: essays research papers Advertising Advertising promotes more than mere products in our popular culture. Because images used in advertising are often idealized, they eventually set the standard which we in turn feel we must live up to. Advertisements serve to show us what the ideal image is, and further tell us how to obtain it. Advertisers essentially have the power to promote positive images or negative images. Unfortunately, most of the roles portrayed by women tend to fit the latter description. The irony lies therein since it is these negative images which have been most successful in selling products. It is easy to understand the appeal which these ads hold for men, as they place women in an inferior role; one characterized by helplessness, fragility and vulnerability. Certainly one can not deny that visual images serve to create the ideal female beauty within the material realm of consumer culture. The problem is that if one strays from this ideal, there's the risk of not being accepted by men. Advertisers, by setting ideals, not only sell their products, but in fact reaffirm traditional gender roles in mainstream America. Women portrayed in sexual ads are depicted as objects and commodities, to be consumed by men for visual pleasure and by women for self-definition. Any depiction of a woman in scant clothing ultimately makes her look vulnerable and powerless, especially when placed next to a physically stronger man. Studies show that advertisements will concentrate primarily on a woman's body parts rather than her facial expressions. Also, it was proven that over 50% of commercials portraying women contained at least one camera shot focusing on her chest. Men enjoy these images, and sadly, women tend to try to embody them, regardless of the extent to which they degrade themselves. Perhaps one of the most recent, successful, and controversial ad campaigns of the nineties is that of Calvin Klein. Ironically, in contrast to the normal, objectifying advertisements that deface women altogether, Klein focuses on his model's expressions. However, these expressions are similar to those of a scared child. The naked female model in turn looks even more vulnerable than when she was faceless. Here, in this ad Kate Moss is depicted as an innocent scared child. Her fingers touch her lips as if she is not permitted to speak, while her eyes look as if they are bruised. Moss' breast is exposed in this image, but instead of appearing voluptuous, Moss appears to be almost prepubescent. She stares vacantly and helplessly into the camera. Again, women see these images as attractive to men and subsequently feel the need to embody them.

Favourite music channel Essay

Sitting in the all alone sipping at her chilled root beer, Natalie watched her favourite music channel. The lights were off and the volume low as she was babysitting her little sister, who was fast asleep in the dead of the night.  Natalie was staring at the TV in a gaze, like a tiger watching it’s prey until it falls into it’s trap; eyes fixed, yet the slightest movement or sound could trigger an upheaval. She was disturbed by the alarm of the microwave, and with a slight groan, she rested her can and lifted herself off the deep-set couch, which sprang back once she had left. Arriving back, munching at her salted popcorn she sat back into her seat that once again sunk down. With a sigh of relief she gazed at the television screen. She munched away and took another sip of her root beer, which was not very cold anymore. She was disturbed once again by the sound of the phone; she couldn’t be bothered to answer it, however she knew it would awaken her sister. With a depressed attitude she answered,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Yes?†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hello dear how are you?† It was her mother.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Fine,† she replied with a distorted voice as she shoved another handful of popcorn in her mouth.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Is Bianca asleep?†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Yes,† once again using a miserable tone.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Well dear, we will be back in a few hours, if your father ever decides to stop talking with everyone he sees.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I don’t mind, take as long as you want,† this time with a much more civil manner, as she knew full well, that the longer her parents were away the better.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Okay darling take care, remember don’t stay up too late!†. After hearing the dialling tone, she slammed down the receiver and got out of her seat, which took a while as it had sunk too far down. With the bowl of popcorn in her hand, she headed for the kitchen. She refilled it vigorously until it was in a mountainous shape, where one slight jolt would set off an avalanche of popcorn. With a rather slow yet forceful tug she opened the refrigerator door and pulled off another can of root beer.  Entering the living room she placed the items on the table beside her. While taking her seat, the phone rang again.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hello,† She said with convivial speech. There was a pause for a few seconds.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"There is a man walking down your road.† The anonymous voice whispered. â€Å"Whatever!† She replied, and put the receiver down harshly, clearly annoyed by the anonymous prankster. Natalie sat there snug on the sofa, slippers off, knees up and kept lightly grinding away at her popcorn that was still at an adequate level. A few minutes later, after being wedged securely into her MTV program, she was again interrupted by another phone call. Although she had very high feelings that is was the anonymous prankster she decided to answer it.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hello.† She said abruptly.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Sorry to bother you again dear,† her mother said, hardly in a sympathetic approach,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I had forgotten to tell you, that I have left you a few slices of pizza from yesterday’s meal, it’s on the top shelf of the fridge, if you begin to become a little hungry that is.† Natalie sighed,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Yeah, thanks mum.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Is every thing all right dear?† Her mum asked in a concerned voice.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Yeah†¦everything’s fine.† She replied, still mentally immovable from her program.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Good, call me if you need to. Okay†¦bye†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Wait!† She shouted, not realising Bianca was sleeping.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"What?†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"A man just called, and pranked us, for a joke I think.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"That happens all the time, don’t worry about it.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Okay, I’ll try. What shall I do if he calls again?†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Then†¦threaten him, say you’ll call the police†¦that usually works.† â€Å"All right then, I guess I’ll see you later.† She put down the receiver. Leaving her program, she set off once again, this time to check on Bianca. As she got up from her seat she glanced at the clock it was a quarter past eleven. As she ascended up the rather steep staircase, which creaked on every footstep taken, she yawned profoundly and stretched her arms wide out as if she was reaching back for her root beer and popcorn. She approached the final step when the phone rang again. She ran through the landing into her parents’ room and answered the phone, which lay on the bedside table.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Hello.† She said with a gasp for some air.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"There is a man outside your house.† It was once again the anonymous prankster.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Listen, you better stop, or†¦I’ll†¦I’ll call the police!† She said at full volume, not caring the slightest about Bianca, who was sleeping in the room opposite.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"There is a man outside your living room window.† He said gloomily yet softly. â€Å"Please, just leave me alone or I†¦I really will call the police.† Her voice was now breaking down and emotions were getting to her, she was getting scared. She didn’t know whether to put the phone down and check if there really was somebody outside or whether she should stay and hope that this was just a sick joke.  The prankster was laughing sadistically. Tears started to form in Natalie’s eyes, as something silently crept up behind her. Too terrified to turn around she closed them and whispered,  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Please, I told you to leave me alone!† The tears were now running down her cheeks.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Why are you crying?† It was Bianca; she had awoken to the noise.  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Oh, nothing.† She had turned around now and was wiping her tears with one hand as the other was still on the receiver. How could Natalie tell her what was really happening. â€Å"How, very comforting,† the anonymous man remarked sarcastically. â€Å"There is now a man inside your house.†Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Oh, SHUT UP WILL YOU!† She screamed. Disturbed by the uproar, Bianca also started to break out a cry.  Natalie slammed down the receiver and grabbed hold of her. She hugged and calmed her down; she wiped the tears from her eyes and told her that everything was going to be okay. Natalie had now turned from being a lazy slouch to a caring mother like figure. Bianca ran into her room switched on the light with a sharp snap and opened cupboard, which made a dragging groan as she forcefully slid it out. Meanwhile Natalie, in a panic shut all the windows and doors. She desperately looked for her car keys in her room but she couldn’t find them. She was planning to leave the house and take off with Bianca to one of her friend’s house. She opened her wardrobe and quickly changed from her slippers to her trainers.  Returning back to Bianca’s room, the cupboard door was open but she had disappeared. Natalie checked all the rooms carefully and there was no sign of her. She shouted her name but there was no reply. Natalie started panicking even more now and was breaking down into tears, â€Å"Bianca!† She shouted, running down the stairs. There was still no reply. She searched everywhere except the living room, not bearing in mind what the anonymous prankster had said, nor wondering about whether he was even in the house. Natalie was determined to find her sister no matter whatever happens. She entered the living room via the kitchen and searched under tables and curtains. It was silent as ever except for Natalie trying to catch her breath, until she realised. Before coming upstairs to check on her sister, she remembered her can of root beer being on the table and her precipitous bowl of popcorn along side it. And most of all her MTV music channel on the top twenty countdown, all was gone, maybe it was Bianca, however Natalie knew it was a situation where there was no precious time to lose. This led only to one final conclusion; the anonymous prankster was inside the house.

Life in correctional facilities Essay

Prisons are used as correctional facilities which are meant to influence the criminal to be a positively charged individual and accepted by the society. The rehabilitation process should be able to benefit the criminal in his life in and after prison. There are certain factors that make one to become a criminal and adapt to the criminal way of life. Correctional facilities should not be brutal but should guide the imprisoned positively and motivate them to become law abiding citizens. The community should accept the prisoner once he is released and treat him like a citizen and accept that he can change and interact freely with them. Life in prison Prison life can prove to be hard if the correctional facility uses correctional means which are torturous. Prisons are institutions where criminals or those who have gone against the law are kept. They are meant to bring an individual to positive life at the end of their sentence and be able to contribute positively to the community. However, this has not been the case in these institutions. In this paper, we take a look at the effects of what prison life is and how one can be able to adapt while imprisoned. We take a look at some correctional policies that can be introduced in prison and what makes one to become a criminal (Crag 1992). In the past years, prison was based on punishing the inmate by inflicting pain on his body; this has however changed as prison is seen as a form of rehabilitation to the inmate. Prisons have positive and negatives effects to the prisoner. There is the safekeeping of inmates where they are provided with the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing. Prisons are used as correctional facilities which maintain and improve the inmates physically and psychologically through counseling and physical exercise. The safekeeping of inmates includes locking them in a confined environment and allowing room for the isolation of welfare activities which satisfy their needs through recreation and education. It however makes them feel dehumanized and rejected by the society and this could lead to mental depression. Timetables are used in this institutions play a major factor in rehabilitation through procedures. They know where to be at the right time because it indicates time for shower, meals, labor time, recreational activities schedule and what time to go to bed. This method turns the criminal into a hard worker and changes his psychology by restoring responsibilities in him. He knows he has a duty to fulfill at a particular time. When a criminal is imprisoned for twenty years and follow the same routine, he is unable to think of what to do with his time as his psychology is already used to one specific routine (Crag 1992). Use of uniforms in correctional facilities destroys the individual’s personal identity and makes them feel part of a group. They are able to associate with each other easily and all feel are on the same level and no one is more special than the rest. The physical condition of the prisons the thick walls, the barbed wires and the constant supervision they gat from guards shape the criminal’s psychology and think positively in order to be accepted by the society. Being surrounded by walls and the supervision makes the prisoner know he did wrong and for him to be free from the walls, he has to change his behavior in order to be accepted by the society. A prisoner can also be undermined in prison. There have been cases of rape and victimization which caused the affected to commit suicide or be damaged psychologically (Sham 1970). Policies that assist an inmate to adapt to prison life. Having a psychologist to assist the prisoners adapt to the changes they are experiencing as they try to adopt in prison life. A psychologist should help in the emotional changes by making them understand that prison is a correctional facility and not punishment. An inmate should be provided with better medical facilities when they get sick . This will make the inmate develop well socially and emotionally (Sham 1970). Activities like sports, debates and singing should be introduced this occupies their minds and makes them live and develop socially and are used to each other. Holding regular competitions will lead to positive spirits and harmony among the inmates. The use of timetables is seen as a way which assists an inmate to adapt to prison life by knowing where to be and what to do at a certain time. A newcomer adapts easily to daily routine and feels part of the group by following what they should be doing at particular time. This also makes the inmates feel they are all part of the system because no one is treated in a special way. Dividing of tasks among the inmates also assists them to adapt to the environment as they communicate with the other inmates and are oriented to the tasks which are carried out (Sham 1970). The inmates need constant motivational and uplifting seminars which aid them in proper development. Spiritual uplifting gives them hope and make them develop in the right direction. They should also be given guidance and know there is life after prison. The prison authorities should invite guests who will motivate and uplift the prisoners (Sheldon 1982). Prison is intended to assist the criminal to change positively and bring no harm to the society once they are released. Prison should be used to correct the mistakes and uplift them to be acceptable citizens. Many correctional facilities use brutal methods to correct the prisoners like, physical beatings having one meal a day, no free time and lots of labor. This type of treatment damages the inmate physically and emotionally and does not bring any change to the prisoner. The prisons should give less labor to the inmates and time for rest. They should also introduce a system where they earn from their labor. For instance, if they work more hard, they get rewards lie TV, gym, football. This way they will be more motivated to get the work finished because there is a reward at the end of it. More time should also be put to educate the prisoners. The library should be open to all prisoners who feel free to advance their knowledge. Holding competitions like football and debates makes them grow and are able to respect each other. Creating more time with family and friends gives them the assurance that people still care for them and will need to change to be accepted by their families. Having visitations like once a month will enable them to gather confidence in themselves. These methods lead the prisoner know there is more to life than punishment and they can live a good life by causing no harm to the community. Motivating them will make them start businesses once they get out of prison (Crag 1992). There are many reasons which make one become a criminal. One of the many beliefs is when one was abused and depressed as a child or fell into bad company when they were growing up. These changes their psychology as they grow up and they are filled with hate and revenge and will want to cause harm and that is the only way they will feel god about themselves. The environment where one grew up contributes to who they will be in future. If one lives in a neighborhood where people make a living by stealing, selling drugs and kidnapping, they will adopt to this methods slowly without realizing (Sham 1970). A person can also be labeled by society as a criminal and will adapt to that name. The lack of self control, hate and poor socialization skills make people to live with hatred and wanting to cause harm to individuals. Being in prison and seeing how other criminals behave and how they organize their criminal gangs also contribute to making one a criminal as soon as they get out of prison because they will have experience first hand training from experienced criminals. While in prison, most inmates gather hope and confidence that they will be free one day. They should be encouraged to stay out of trouble while in prison and to develop in a way which will be acceptable by the society. A prisoner should not be excommunicated from the society and needs to be embraced in order to move in the right direction. The correctional institution should be seen as correctional centers whose main aim will be to assist the prisoners grow in the positive direction and should not be perceived as a torture chamber. Once out of prison, the prisoner should use the skills acquired and bring positive development to the society and stay out of danger. However, the society will need to accept the imprisoned and treat him in a good way that will not hurt his psychology. References Crag, W. (1992). The practice of punishment. London: Rutledge Press. Sham, S. (1970). The inmate social code. New York: Wiley & Sons Sheldon, M & GreTosh, J. (1982). The pains of imprisonment. California: Sage Publications.

Forensic Accounting Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Forensic Accounting - Essay Example (Lexicom, 2007) The standards that have been set are usually fixed making it hard for investors from other states to operate using the same starndards.Foreign investors usually have their standards and it becomes hard for them to cope with the new standards. (Lexicom, 2007) Principle based systems will provide a conceptual framework basis that will be followed by the accountants. In centrally, rule based systems has detailed rules which are to be followed. Under the principle based system, one will lay out the objectives of good reporting and then provides guidance that explains the objectives. In rule based systems the rules are unavoidable and its intent is not to provide guidance. Both systems are used by accountants depending on the nature of the objective. (Toppe, 2008) 1.2.1 IASC.This was formed as a not for profit organisation that is incorporated in the US. It is the parent entity of the IASB which is mandated with setting of standards. Its structure includes Trustees, Standard Advisory council, IASB and the International Financial Reporting Interpretation committees. (IFRS, 2012) 1.2.2 IASB assumes the accounting standard setting responsibilities from the IASC.This is because there was restricting on the move to shape IASC for the future. The structure includes IASC foundation. (IFRS, 2012) 1.2.3 SAC (Standard Advisory Council) is vital for it ensures that the objectives of the companies are met. This consists of the selected board of directors. They address on the matters that relates to the standards of the organisation. (Board, 2008) 1.2.4 IFRS Interpretation committee ensures that a consensus on the appropriate accounting treatment and providing an authoritative guidance on those issues. This normally consists of 14 voting members appointed by the trustees. (Board, 2008) 1.3.2 EC (European Commission) is mandated to regulate and

Business Research Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Business Research - Case Study Example The second deliverable is data discussion where the outside researcher will work through the data with Joe. This is to provide the initial analysis of the research findings and also aims at instigating debate on the result and get input from Joe on areas where he feels that more analysis would uncover new insight. The final deliverable expected from the outside researcher is a short report that indicates the key findings of the research. The first stage involves defining the research purpose. This is usually developed as a result of recognizing and understanding a problem in a market (Zikmund, 2012). A problem comes as a result of realizing the gap between the expected and the reality, or a difference between objectives and results achieved. The purpose of a research is usually related to the analysis of the business problem, opportunities available, and other factors that can affect the business. In this case, the purpose of the research is to find out the best market to start a new coffee shop. The second stage is coming up with the research objective. This is looking at a specific statement about required information. This breaks down the research problem into a more specific and understandable manner. A research objective has three main parts that include the research question. Research question is the information needed according to the purpose. The final part of the research objective is coming up with the scope or limitations of the research. This makes sure that the research is well focused so that a meaningful and well targeted research is conducted. Some of the limitations expected by Joe can include time limitation. The third step involves estimating the value of the research information. This analyzes if the research is worth and evaluates the amount of money that can be spent in conducting the research. Information from this research involves the investment decision

MGM grand Fire Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

MGM grand Fire - Research Paper Example What could occur if a Second annual computer conference COMDEX’80 would not be held in Las Vegas when the blaze started? I woke up to screams of â€Å"fire†. I got dressed immediately, but by the time I went to the hallway, I could not get out because the smoke was so thick †¦ I did not break my window because there was so much smoke outside. (Canon, M. p.17) The MGM Grand Hotel was constructed during 1972-1973 as a 23-floor building with 2100 rooms that was on top of the great ground-floor entertainment center that accommodated a casino, showrooms, get-together room, and sell space. When the MGM Grand was finished in 1972, it was the biggest hotel on the planet. Though similar to all other Vegas gambling places where slots and table games gather the profit, the stress was on getting it up and running so the returns would begin running in to reimburse for high costs prior to the expected earnings. Having that a main purpose, MGM Grand was allowed to open with almos t no fire protection at all, to the point that minor precautions, like fire doors, were installed only after insurers were about to list the place as â€Å"unprotected†. Later, after the fire, an investigation confirmed that the fire spread so rapidly due to many installations and design flaws. Sometime early in the morning of November 21, 1980, something caused an electrical ground fault. The electrical wiring, which was powering the refrigeration unit for a food cabinet display, sparkled inside the soffit. Hotel’s restaurant Deli was closed for the night so the fire burned for a while, undetected. When the hotel originally opened, the Deli was working around the clock. On that ground, MGM Grand also got an exception on installing sprinkler system. However, open hours have changed. Had the Deli be open, the fire would likely be detected and easily contained. As it was closed for the night, hours passed before the fire found fresh oxygen, and burst into a fireball cros sway the catwalk in the casino. Within only six minutes after the fire was discovered, the whole casino area was ablaze, and the fire was spreading very rapidly. The Clark County Fire Department Unit was alarmed at 7:15 AM, and firefighters from the station straight across the road came in just 4 minutes, in time to witness the fire burst. During the five minutes, fire destroyed plastic and other inflammable materials, and spread through the casino at a speed of nineteen feet per second. The fire burnt the manual alarm amplifiers prior to the manual alarm was activated, so the majority of visitors became aware of the fire only at the time when they noticed or felt smoke, saw fire unit apparatus, or were informed by other visitors. Because the construction was equipped with sprinklers only in some parts, there were not any sprinklers in the major casino area. No automatic smoke recognition or fire alarm system was installed, with only manual pull devices set up throughout the hotel. The area protected by sprinklers at the east and south sides of the casino aided in extinguishing the fire. Force from the fireball raged out the front doors of the hotel all the way down to the northwest side. Blaze ran into the roofed entrance and valet part, wounding several passers-by and destroying a number of parked vehicles. Because of the upright gaps with insufficient protection and the non-stop working heating, and air-conditioning system, smoke spread all the way through the building.

Discuss the arguments justifying torture as a legitimate Essay

Discuss the arguments justifying torture as a legitimate counter-terror strategy and the implications of legitimizing state-sponsored programmes of torture - Essay Example The collective costs of terrorism include its destabilization of governments, civil societies, peace and security as well as its threat to socio-economic development of the affected zones and the entire global society; these collective costs also undermine the stability of human rights. Given that individuals are entitled to security as a fundamental human right and governments are obligated to assure the security of their citizenry, states around the world have consequently adopted significant measures to safeguard their nationals against the insecurity threat posed by terrorism (Piazza & Walsh 2010, p.407). Nonetheless, developments in the recent past including the pervasiveness of global terrorism and the fast changing nature and scope of terrorism have compelled governments to adopt stringent measures as counter-terrorism strategies, consequently undermining human rights and the rule of law (Foot 2007, p.489). Most if not all states are increasingly resorting to the use of tortur e and other ill-treatment as their counter-terrorism strategy while disregarding the legal institutional safeguards designed to prevent torture. Similarly, other states have undermined the global commitment to avoidance of torture and handed over terror suspects to the countries where they are highly susceptible to torture as well as other human rights abuses. The fight against global terrorism has been mired with both pro and anti-torture arguments all over the world, with the opponents of the use of torture as a counter-terrorism strategy claiming that such an approach is counterproductive since it undermines the rule of law, good governance and human rights. In that reservists have often argued that the war on terror should be tampered with respect for human rights as well as the rule of law respectively, through the establishment of counter-terrorism strategies that both