The End of the West The Once and Future Europe Essay

The End of the West The Once and Future Europe - Essay Example While Greece and Spain among other European nations face financial problems. He associates such problems with wrong perception or view of global power or super power. The book talks of some important political considerations or changes to avoid stop Europe from becoming obsolete. He compares Europe with several continents or nations that happened to have experienced similar political problems and he uses some of the strategies employed by such institutions to recommend on the best policies to revive Europe. He specifically considers the history and the current situations of such nations or government institutions that were once in some political crisis, and the strategies employed to bring some nations back on their feet. The author advises both the Europe’s citizens and political leaders to forget about the outdated superiority thoughts and embrace development oriented perceptions just like China and India among other Eastern nations considered worthless by the West. Such tho ughts or perceptions has seen a decline of Europe’s contributions to the global economy while that of India and China among other nations rise, in other words, Europe’s economy is on a decline trend while that of China and India increases. The book considers ethnicity and lack of democratic and economic cohesion policies as some of the main limitations of Europe’s development. Furthermore, the 2008, global financial crisis in the United States is considered an irreversible decline in the West. The author’s summary is that America is falling and Europe is experiencing both political and economic problems while China is picking up from its pieces and is almost embracing the global economic title, to beat the West. History records that in 1700, India and China’s combined economy was double that of Europe. This was attributed by the fact that the Eastern region ventured in farming and mining among other economic activities that saw the West and Europe depend on China and India for raw materials like wheat, cotton and minerals among others. However, Europe economy became much stronger than that of China and India combined after the first and second phase of globalization. Globalization has enabled Europe to expand its trade links to other nations hence improved economy. Globalization began when Greece among other European nations expanded their trade links with Asian countries like India and China for raw materials and marketing purposes. Europe could transport large volume of sisal, wheat and cotton through ships then later transport fabrics among other end products to Asia for marketing purposes. In the process, the slave trade evolved and Europe economy became stronger than its trading partners. Western nations like United States dominated international economic institutions to become the super power. The West ventured much in military and economic sectors and it is believed that the United States is yet to remain the Super pow er for quite a long time despite being previously colonized by Britain. However, the author calls for changes in Europe and United States political and economic perceptions to remain the super powers. It is believed that combination of China and Israel’s military and economic efforts may out do that of the United States. The author categorically pointed that U.S and Europe

Financial Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Financial Market - Essay Example The value of the Euro to the dollar has shown the success in gaining value over the US dollar. In January 2009 the exchange rate was 1Euro/USD 1.3866, in January 2010; the rate changed to 1Euro/USD 1.4389. This upward trend shows that the Euro is getting stronger in the forex market as compared to the US dollar. In 2012, the value of exchange dropped to 1Euro/USD 1.2458. Despite this drop, the value of the Euro is still higher than that of the US dollar. The Japanese Yen is the domestic currency used in Japan. The Yen has developed a relative stability and its recent reputation has led to investors opting to use this currency as a secure investment for the dollar. In 2001 the exchange rate was 1$/Yen 121.2, in the year 2005, the Japanese Yen gained against the US dollar in the forex market where the exchange was 1$/Yen110.2. The trend continued where the Yen continued gaining against the US dollar. Even though today’s exchange rate for the Yen to the dollar is still high at 1$/Yen79.8 the Yen has shown its success by increasing its value and minimizing the spread (Euromonitor International). The Canadian dollar is also gaining popularity among the investors across various parts of the world. As part of its success, its increasing use in the forex markets has shown that investors have recognized its stability. This currency has a remarkable use in transactions and enjoys over 4% of all transactions in the foreign exchange market daily. This is remarkable success in the forex market for this currency. For instance, the exchange rate for the Canadian dollar in 2001 was 1$/CAD1.5 while in 2005, the exchange rate changed to 1USD/CAD1.2; while in 2012, the exchange rate is 1USD/CAD1.0. This shows that the Canadian dollar gained strength against the US dollar to exchange thus it can be termed as a success to the Canadian dollar at the expense of the US dollar. The Swedish dollar is the Sweden’s currency. Its transactional use is above

The Social And Cultural Messages In Apocalypto Film Studies Essay

The Social And Cultural Messages In Apocalypto Film Studies Essay When one decides to put history on film, one must be prepared for substantial tradeoffs (Rosenstone 16). Films cannot convey historical events with pinpoint accuracy or with exact detail because films like this do not sell or are not financially practical. As a result, historical films are usually laden with historical inaccuracies that are on one hand emotionally and visually compelling and on the other hand, a distortion of a sense of history for many others. As historical films surrender accuracy for dramatic effect and brevity, historical truths become laced with political or cultural messages advertently or inadvertently placed by the producers of the movie (Christen and Haas viii). So what we have are exciting films backdropped against a real past but projecting a largely imagined one on the screen. Films such as Mel Gibsons Apocalyto have captured significant attention for being both a cultural success and failure at the same time (Grandia). A modern depiction of the great Mayan civilization, Gibson assimilated cinematographic elements to create a chase film that is not a historical document as he said, but a social critique of government tyranny and abuse. The cultural preoccupations reflected in the film was heightened with the Iraq War, which divided American public opinion into camps which supported the war in the name of civilizing Iraqis through the restoration of democracy and those that fought the war because it was an illegitimate war waged against a sovereign people. On a personal level, Gibson was conscious in the film being a critique of the Bush administrations megalomaniac tendencies. However, all throughout the film, Gibsons personal religious convictions and political persuasions were perhaps inadvertently reinforced, causing critics to accuse him of racism and bigotry (Grandia). For all its historical inaccuracies (which Gibson admitted), the film projects American social and cultural realities as it struggles internally to deal with migration, terrorism, and the economic crisis factors that threaten its status in the global hierarchy. Upon a closer look at the film, it is hypothesized that the film reflects Americas struggle with its own national identity in relation to its history of imperialism and militarist culture, race and multiculturalism, and conservative theological roots. This paper addresses how these social and cultural preoccupations are portrayed in the film. Synopsis The story is set at the peak of the Mayan civilization when the nation, suffering from drought and disease, pillaged the surrounding tribes in search of slaves and human sacrifices to the gods. The central character, Jaguar Paw, is a hunter and family man, who along with many others of his tribe were taken captive. He protects his family by hiding them deep in a secluded hole and is subsequently saved from having his heart removed by the coming of a solar eclipse. What further ensues is a dramatic chase for survival as Jaguar Paw and his fellow tribe members were hunted down. He succeeds in killing off his enemies and returns to save his wife and child. However, his survival comes at a time when his tribe is decimated and his life changed forever. Social and Cultural Messages in the Film As earlier hypothesized, while Gibson may not have intentionally done so, several social and cultural messages were reflected in his film. Justifying Colonialism Cultural sensitivity is not a strong feature in Apocalypto. As critics have noted, Apocalyptos inaccurate portrayal of ancient Mayan civilization justifies colonialism on two grounds 1) in order to subdue an extremely barbaric and inhumane culture that sacrifices its population en masse and 2) that the inherent barbarity of Mayan culture itself was enough to see to its destruction, making colonialism a benign historical contribution. Americas preoccupation with empire and national prestige is reflected in this film in strong and subtle terms. The strong reference toward imperialism is illustrated by the brutal subjugation of a peaceful tribe by the strong armed force of the Mayan political center. Jaguar Paws tribe, harmonious and self-sufficient, found its very survival threatened because of the imperialistic ambitions of a more powerful tribe. However, we see that this once-glorious civilization was eventually destroyed. Given Gibsons public declaration of opposition to the Iraq War and how he detested it, his own view may be that the film should embody how perilous the imperialistic ambitions of the U.S. are (Grandia). The eventual annihilation of the Mayan Civilization then was used as a testament and a reminder to Bush and to all of the dangers of bloodthirsty power. Colonialism in this movie was underscored with the arrival of Spanish missionaries off the coast toward the end of the film. The cultural messa ge that could be inferred from this scene is that it was Christianity that actually saved and civilized the bloodthirsty Mayan civilization. This is analogous with Americas own brutal history of subjugating the Native American Indian tribes who were the original settlers of the American continent. Other cultural and political analogies could also be inferred. For instance, Americas preoccupation with policing the whole world and teaching democracy to so-called rogue states to the extent of military occupation is one. Another is Americas preoccupation with exporting the free market ideology to the entire world as the only viable economic system at the expense of developing nations unable to compete with industrialized nations in the world market. The most recent analogy would be the Iraq War, a war not sanctioned by the United Nations but crucial in advancing Americas petroleum interests in the Middle East. Race and Multiculturalism Gibson originally hoped to address Americas insatiable hunger for power by using the downfall of the Mayan civilization as analogy. The problem with this decision is that it reinforced racist epithets and cultural insensitivity. Advocates of multiculturalism strongly disagreed with how racist the film was (Schmidt). When you view the film, with its compelling imagery and graphic detail, one may be bound to conclude that the ancient Mayans were an inherently savage population. Gibsons use of the Yucatec Maya language in telling his version of the demise of the Mayan civilization was effective in giving historical authenticity to the film. Gibsons version of ritual sacrifice in the Maya has been lambasted by more than one historian. The Mayan civilization did not practice mass human sacrifices and when they do practice single human sacrifice, it was not random killing as suggested by the film (Grandia). Hence, the theme that came out of the film was not the critique of empire as Gibson had envisioned, but the emphasis on the barbarity of others, and the need to homogenize culture to conform to a Eurocentric standard (emphasized in the film with the coming of European missionaries). Multiculturalism has taken a hit in the heart of America with the immigration debate. In a bid for greater profits, corporatist interests have banked on tapping cheap immigrant labor, to the discontent of many Americans. A growing number of Americans have protested against the rising tide of immigrants in the country who are out to take their jobs, depress their wages, and contribute to uncontrollable population growth. Greater border security and more stringent immigration regulations have been hotly debated (Honey and Bass 14). Gibsons purported anti-Semitism has made racism an immediate accusation in Apocalypto. He created uproar among the Jewish community in his critically-acclaimed film Passion of the Christ which portrayed graphically how the Jews were the persecutors of Jesus Christ. Having a father who denies the existence of the Holocaust did not help to ease racist accusations in Apocalyto as well. Unfortunately, racism is not only Gibsons cultural preoccupation, but Americas. Despite the triumphs gained by Americas civil rights movement, racism is still very existent today. The global war on terror has heightened racial tensions and fueled Islamophobia and intolerance for other cultures. The most notable public example is fundamentalist pastor Terry Jones who threatened to burn the Koran and proclaimed Islam and the devils religion, despite pressure from top officials and pleas from the White House (Stacy). Moreover, despite having elected the very first Black president in Barack Obama, racism is a ghost that America still confronts. There still remain a substantial number of racially-motivated white groups in America who opposed Obamas election because he is black and who protest against his policies not for their lack of soundness but because is black. Racist Americans are very active in lobbying against legislation promoting racial equality and are unforgiving in their position. Media is populated by right-wing advocates against multiculturalism who are against affirmative action and other civil rights laws (Wallis). Christian conservatism Prominent in the film is the glorification of Christianity at the end of the film. After the viewer undergoes almost two hours of violence and gore nonstop, Spanish missionaries miraculously appear during the last minutes as if to rescue Jaguar Paw and his unfortunate tribe. Although subtle and short in appearance, the message of these scenes is powerful and undeniable. After all, why waste a few minutes of a film on a visually unappealing scene if it does not strike a core message to viewers? The final scene depicts Spaniards aboard the galleons crossing the waters off the coast, bearing crosses. After being convinced of the savagery and barbarity of the Mayans and relishing on how Jaguar Paw saved his wife and child, the sight of Spanish Christian missionaries allow the audience to be relieved. The message is: At last, help has come. God-fearing Christians have come to us. Out of the chaos and destruction of the Mayan civilization, the European missionaries have somehow arrived to make things right and restore peace. That the film ends there does not account for the equally brutal nature of subjugation the Natives endured under colonial rule. Colonialism by the Europeans was portrayed as benign while the internal colonization within the Mayan colonization was tantamount to genocide. The fact that the Spanish decimated almost 95% of the Mayans during their rule was left out (Grandia). The Christian conservatism Gibson injected in the film embodies his own religious convictions. Being a professed devout Catholic, Gibsons view was that the Mayan civilization was annihilated because of their bloodthirstiness and ungodliness. Religion, particularly Christianity, serves as a check against the excesses of power and departure from is perilous. Essentially, Gibson tows the line of religious fundamentalists that all social ills of America today are because it has forgotten its core spirituality. Morality has faded and replacing it has been decadence and wickedness. The film aims to remind America that the social problems it faces now is intertwined with its spiritual and moral struggle. Conclusion Apocalypto aimed to remind that a civilization unable to preserve its long-held traditions, beliefs, and spirituality will face destruction. Gibson inadvertently or advertently drew in Americas issues related to national identity imperialism, race, and Christian morality to serve this purpose. As a historical document, Apocalypto does not meet the accepted standards of accuracy and verifiability (Rosenstone 7). However, it depicts social and cultural preoccupations that America is currently faced with and as a result, triumphs in being a film that inspires and cultivates debate and discussion.

Shakespeares Hamlet - Between Pagan and Christian Essay -- GCSE Engl

Hamlet: Between Pagan and Christian Hamlet explores the borders between madness and sanity. It is also located, like King Lear, in a frontier area between a pagan revenge ethic and Christian compassion, and between a ruthless, power-hungry adult world and a younger generation with gentler and more conciliatory aspirations. Hamlet's father, who now torments him, was himself a sinner, otherwise he would not have to return to earth as a ghost, demanding revenge. Hamlet is well aware of his father's crimes (III.3.81). Inviting his son to avenge his death is tantamount to turning the clock back, thereby perpetuating a pagan code of honour that seems outdated in Hamlet's own time. For - in contrast to Lear - Hamlet is a Christian of sorts, a fact that hampers rather than helps him in his mission. His Christianity is one of several reasons why he hesitates to carry out the ghost's instructions - and why, in the most famous of his seven soliloquies, he refrains from turning his weapon on himself. He worries that the spirit he has seen may be a devil. Obviously Christian in its origin is...

When the Levees Broke

The hurricane Katrina is considered one among the greatest disaster that crossed America after the new millennium but the world was not much in awe upon hearing that significant news where thousands are left homeless and needed to be rescued. The media even snoots why the president didn’t passed by the disaster area when he was bound for India. By glancing at New Orleans pre and post hurricane images, one can easily decipher how great the physical damage incurred by the disaster. For instance the New Orleans playground of which the lines and images are almost erased, the lines that delineates its physical make-up is no longer vivid which shows that the state physical structures were badly damaged (Military). The cities were 80% submerged in water when the levees broke and making it the deadliest hurricane since 1928. After the levees broke, the press commented that Hurricane Katrina has put an end to the annual celebration of the Southern Decadence which brought thousands of revelers for the homosexual celebration which was even acknowledge by its past city officials (Releases). Repent America director even concluded that it is the â€Å"act of God which destroyed the wicked city (Marcavage). † Post Katrina victims have to endure depressions which are worsening from 2006 to the present year and psychiatrist often reminds their patients that it is normal to feel that way just like saying men it is alright to feel bad because you loose a job, a wife, a house etc. and it mean that you are not crazy. Sometimes people talked that they will meet in the next Mardis Gras but just to find out that it can not happen that or this year. Social behavior such as depression is increasing as years go by. Social problems create another problem and life is becoming more problematic not to mention the rising criminalities which are brought by poverty in spirit and in material things. Being the costliest among US calamity, there would be no easy way to solve the crisis. However, years have passed and it seems that there is social and physical distance that makes it difficult to arrest the problem. Space is defined by Nicolas Nova as distance between people, a marker which explains the kind of interaction or which reveals social relationships (Nova). The prolonged crisis after the hurricane in the New Orleans does not only envelope the lack in material resources but more so in the lack of concerns for the simple reason that man is repealed by holocaust or in other words, man has the natural tendency to run away from destruction than to rebuild. It is for this reason that the prolonged rehabilitation of the city is not due to the social issue of race discrimination but the inability of those concerns to make a collaborative efforts in rebuilding their state. Since, if it is race related, where are the least of its brethren, the Diasporas, the Africans and African-Americans and the rest with other backgrounds of ethnicity. To rebuild New Orleans after the hurricane is a big job, it must be understood that physically the work is tremendous and socially the barrier is within. These spaces should be re allocated or distributed within ones environment to his most proximate neighbor and to its leaders. There is a dire need to augment the distance of the physical and social spaces that is ruining or leading the city into decay! There is a need for state leaders who are not just politically inclined but with minds and hands that can work consistently together. Re-building a nation after a great disaster is indeed a very great undertaking and that calls for a man and a woman who can perform an ordinary task extraordinarily well. Works Cited Military. â€Å"Satellite Imagery of New Orleans.† (2005). 4 March 2008 . Nova, Nicolas. â€Å"Socio-Cognitive Functions of Space in Collaborative Settings : A Literature Review About Space, Cognition and Collaboration.† (2003). 03 March 2008 . Releases, Press. † Hurricane Katrina Destroys New Orleans Days Before â€Å"Southern Decadence† 8/31/05.† 4 March 2008 . When the Levees Broke The hurricane Katrina is considered one among the greatest disaster that crossed America after the new millennium but the world was not much in awe upon hearing that significant news where thousands are left homeless and needed to be rescued. The media even snoots why the president didn’t passed by the disaster area when he was bound for India. By glancing at New Orleans pre and post hurricane images, one can easily decipher how great the physical damage incurred by the disaster. For instance the New Orleans playground of which the lines and images are almost erased, the lines that delineates its physical make-up is no longer vivid which shows that the state physical structures were badly damaged (Military). The cities were 80% submerged in water when the levees broke and making it the deadliest hurricane since 1928. After the levees broke, the press commented that Hurricane Katrina has put an end to the annual celebration of the Southern Decadence which brought thousands of revelers for the homosexual celebration which was even acknowledge by its past city officials (Releases). Repent America director even concluded that it is the â€Å"act of God which destroyed the wicked city (Marcavage). † Post Katrina victims have to endure depressions which are worsening from 2006 to the present year and psychiatrist often reminds their patients that it is normal to feel that way just like saying men it is alright to feel bad because you loose a job, a wife, a house etc. and it mean that you are not crazy. Sometimes people talked that they will meet in the next Mardis Gras but just to find out that it can not happen that or this year. Social behavior such as depression is increasing as years go by. Social problems create another problem and life is becoming more problematic not to mention the rising criminalities which are brought by poverty in spirit and in material things. Being the costliest among US calamity, there would be no easy way to solve the crisis. However, years have passed and it seems that there is social and physical distance that makes it difficult to arrest the problem. Space is defined by Nicolas Nova as distance between people, a marker which explains the kind of interaction or which reveals social relationships (Nova). The prolonged crisis after the hurricane in the New Orleans does not only envelope the lack in material resources but more so in the lack of concerns for the simple reason that man is repealed by holocaust or in other words, man has the natural tendency to run away from destruction than to rebuild. It is for this reason that the prolonged rehabilitation of the city is not due to the social issue of race discrimination but the inability of those concerns to make a collaborative efforts in rebuilding their state. Since, if it is race related, where are the least of its brethren, the Diasporas, the Africans and African-Americans and the rest with other backgrounds of ethnicity. To rebuild New Orleans after the hurricane is a big job, it must be understood that physically the work is tremendous and socially the barrier is within. These spaces should be re allocated or distributed within ones environment to his most proximate neighbor and to its leaders. There is a dire need to augment the distance of the physical and social spaces that is ruining or leading the city into decay! There is a need for state leaders who are not just politically inclined but with minds and hands that can work consistently together. Re-building a nation after a great disaster is indeed a very great undertaking and that calls for a man and a woman who can perform an ordinary task extraordinarily well. Works Cited Military. â€Å"Satellite Imagery of New Orleans.† (2005). 4 March 2008 . Nova, Nicolas. â€Å"Socio-Cognitive Functions of Space in Collaborative Settings : A Literature Review About Space, Cognition and Collaboration.† (2003). 03 March 2008 . Releases, Press. † Hurricane Katrina Destroys New Orleans Days Before â€Å"Southern Decadence† 8/31/05.† 4 March 2008 .

A Comparative Analysis: Juvenile and Adult Courts

For many years, people have believed that the juvenile justice system was meant to serve as a way to protect the community. Juveniles who commit crimes are different from adults because many do not understand the complexity of the crime committed. In order to respond to these differences, many states have established a way to treat these adolescents through juvenile courts and youth-based recovery systems. While most states recognize that juveniles who commit crimes should not be treated as an adult there are still some that are skeptic that the juvenile justice system works.The juvenile justice system began in 1899, in Chicago, Illinois where the nation’s first juvenile system was established. In the beginning the system was informal and often times it was nothing more than a conversation between the juvenile and a judge (Juvenile Law Center, 2013). Over the years the system has changed significantly where juvenile courts have created a probation system which provided a diffe rent method to provide juveniles with guidance, supervision, and education.By the 1920s all but two states had followed the suit but it was not until the 1960s where the juvenile justice system was given several of the same legal rights as the adult court. There are many differences between the juvenile and adult criminal systems but they also share their similarities. While their differences vary depending on the state, the similarities can be said to be our natural born rights. One of the main similarities is the right to an attorney (LaMance, 2013). The defendant has the choice of either choosing a public defender to represent them or to hire a paid attorney.Both courts not only give their defendants the right to cross-examine witnesses but also the privilege against self-incrimination. The prosecution must also provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before either of the two can be charged and convicted (LaMance, 2013). The two also share the right to receive a transcript of the proceedings and the rights to have an appellate court review the lower court’s decision. One of the main differences is the overall goal for both courts.While the goal for the adult court is to  punish and convict, the juvenile justice system prefers the method of rehabilitation and reformation, thus giving the juvenile a chance to become a productive citizen (LaMance, 2013). Unlike adults, juveniles do not have the right to a public trial and an adjudication hearing is required in order for the judge to determine if the minor is a delinquent. If considered a delinquent, the court then decides which steps should be taken where the best interest for the juvenile is taken into consideration.The juvenile court is still more informal than that of the adult court (LaMance, 2013). An example of their informality is the rule for admissibility of evidence which is much more lenient in the juvenile court. Lastly juveniles are usually not prosecuted for the delinquent acts that he o r she has committed. However depending on the severity of the crime and state laws, juveniles can be transferred and tried in the adult system (LaMance, 2013). The adjudication process in which juveniles are transferred to the adult system varies by state.While some states enable the transfer of certain juveniles with a waiver, depending on their age and offense criteria, other states consider the juvenile to be an â€Å"automatic adult† (OJJDP National Report Series: Juvenile in Court, 2013). Although all states allow juveniles to be tried as adults in criminal court there are a few circumstances that follow. All states except for Nebraska, New Mexico, and New York provide a judicial waiver where the juvenile court judge has the authority to waive juvenile court jurisdiction and transfer cases to the adult court.Other states have a concurrent jurisdiction where the original jurisdiction for certain cases is shared by both juvenile and adult courts. The discretion under the c oncurrent jurisdiction is left to the prosecutor. Statutory exclusion is the legislative method, which mandates juvenile prosecution in adult court. Youths charged with certain crimes can be placed in the adult system automatically, thus removing any kind of decision making process from judges or prosecutors (OJJDP National Report Series: Juvenile in Court, 2013).In recent years states have significantly expanded legislation for allowing the use of judicial waivers. This trend has increased the number of juveniles incarcerated throughout the United States and has expectations to rise. Having a juvenile treated as an adult gives them the possibility of life or death sentences and incarceration in state of federal prisons which can have a tremendous impact on the life and future of a juvenile (Find Law, 2013).Although it may be served as a deterrent to some, sending juveniles directly to the adult criminal court gives the juvenile the impression that there is no room for rehabilitatio n or second chances, thus paving the way for a life of crime for others. Since the late 1970s, critics of the juvenile justice courts have pursued to abolish this system with the assumption that this system has failed its purpose, to rehabilitate juveniles (LaMance, 2013). Abolishing juvenile courts holds ramifications for not only juveniles but also the community.Eliminating these courts would mean that all juveniles, no matter the age or crime, would be treated as an adult. Many jobs and careers would be lost for those who have committed their lives to making a difference in the juvenile justice system, jobs such as social workers, juvenile detention guards, and juvenile probation officers. An argument can be made to abolish this system but the idea that young offenders whom are not mentally competent to understand their behavior still stands (LaMance, 2013).Therefore juveniles should be handled in a different court system. The juvenile justice system has grown and changed substan tially since 1899. The justifications of the juvenile court system are that youth are developmentally different from adults and should not be treated the same. Having a system that focuses on the needs of children, who are maturing into adulthood, not only gives the community hope but also gives the juvenile a real chance to rehabilitation and recovery.