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Animals kept in zoos, aquariums, and circuses are treated poorly by humans and i ...

Animals kept in zoos, aquariums, and circuses are treated poorly by humans and inevitably suffer of disease, pain, starvation, and fear so they will perform seamlessly for the public. Animals are forced by their owners to carry out pointless tricks and performances and are almost always deprived of their normal behavior. Animals are ripped away from their families and out of their natural habitat by zoo, aquarium, and circus workers and usually do not live their full lifespan due to the mental and physical abuse that comes from the captive place they reside in. They are injected with various drugs because their unnatural behavior interferes with the entertainment they are meant to perform. Animals do not belong in tanks, cages, or exhibits and should not be treated with such poor care and neglect. People should not visit zoos, aquariums, or circuses.

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Wild orcas and dolphins spend their life swimming far distances every day and when in captivity, they are only allowed to swim in tiny circles (Aquariums and Marine Parks). These two animals communicate and navigate with one another by echolocation. When placed in an arena with restricted walls the vibrations from their calls bounce off the pools glass and drive the sea animals insane. Being in a small pool or tank impairs the animal’s mental health and affects their physical health as well. Some orcas break their teeth on the metal bars containing them in hopes of chewing their way to freedom. This often leads to oral hygiene issues and can end in the death or serious illness. Deaths and sickness in marine parks and aquariums are common occurrences that are neglected and overlooked. Orcas that usually live for hundreds of years, only live a few from the consequences of the tight spaces, synthetic food, punishments. Animals endure severe trauma from the confined spaces which drive them insane, gruesome attempts at escaping, and harsh punishments that make them fearful.

The adult male population of the orcas may also suffer from a collapsed dorsal fin if kept in captivity. The dorsal fin, which is used for stabilization, is flopped over and unusable for the animal. This is caused by dehydration, lack of exercise, and unnatural diets and can be extremely painful for the whale. Collapse may also be caused by the lack of swimming. Killer whales are know to swim vast distances every day and are constantly in motion. The water in the ocean provides pressure and keeps the tissues inside the fin healthy and upright. Dorsal fins may collapse due to the orca spending most of its time on the surface of the water. The whale is not able to swim far distances or dive too deep, therefore there is no pressure or water support on the fin (Killer Whale Dorsal Fin Collapse). The results of the condition from immobility may be deadly to the fish.

Natural life in zoo captivity is destroyed for animals (Smith 1). Zoo animals become lonely and bored with their surroundings because they are kept within certain boundaries their whole life. Animals that naturally walk and roam for nearly ten miles a day are not able to. Living among small, enclosed exhibits, animals obtain a condition called “zoochosis”. This causes animals to pace, sway, bite bars, excessively vomit, and excessively groom (Zoochotic Behavior). This disease is sometimes combated by the use of mood changing drugs and medicines so the animals are showcase ready to the public. This is a form of abuse. The drugs are applicable to severely harm the animal and may be detrimental. The animals also face death through escape attempts. The animals lack interest and freedom so they try to free themselves from the metal bars and usually end up scoring injuries or dead.

Thriving for the animals also becomes difficult if the weather is unnatural and the landscape is artificial. The confinement and the small area leads to arthritis, diabetes, bone fractures, and tuberculosis (Smith 1). The diseases the animals obtain are incurable and slowly deteriorate the animals health. Animals not only face medical issues from their enclosures, but face mental issues as well. The animals behind the bars suffer for the satisfaction of humans that pay money to observe the animal for a short period of time.

Circuses are family oriented shows of entertainment that travel the world for performances. The circus may be fun to watch, but the animal treatment is very cruel and harsh. Ninety-six percent of animals that belong to the circus spend their whole lives in cages and chains. Occasionally, the animal is allowed out of its contained space, but it will face brutal punishment if it engages in natural behavior. Sleeping and eating are also difficult for the animals. They are placed in small containers that lack temperature control and are constantly traveling and moving. While traveling, the animals are often denied food and water until a certain destination is reached. Starvation and motion sickness plague most of the animals while on their road trip to a new location.

The tricks performed by the animals in circuses are often painful and scary for the animal to do. For example, tigers have a natural fear of fire, but are still forced to hop over rings and through hoops of it and are often burned. To teach the animals to perform these tricks the trainer will often use forms of pain or food deprivation. This includes whipping, poking, and occasionally the animal will be shocked with an electrical prod (Enjoying the Circus?). The animals learn to do these performances through fear of pain and being harmed. Performances may also be drug induced for cooperation purposes. Animals should not fear humans, suffer from starvation, or be injected with anomalous drugs to carry out tricks for shows and entertainment.

Zoos, aquariums, and circuses should not be visited. The brutal treatment within them is inhumane and cruel. Not only are the animals confined and unable to practice natural behavior, but punished or drugged if they behave as if they would in the wild. This creates the conflict of disease and death of the animal and not only directly affects that specific animal, but in turn affects the species as a whole. Animals physically and mentally decline when kept in small, suffocating cages, boxes, and tanks and they should not be on display or forced to perform meaningless tricks. Animals belong in the wild so they can survive and roam freely to exercise their natural behavior and live a happier life that does not involve metal bars and artificial landscape. 

Works Cited

  1. "Zoochotic Behavior" by animal rights activist Tanya Erzen in The New York Times (2019): https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/18/opinion/zoo-animal-behavior.html
  2. "Aquariums and Marine Parks" by the animal welfare organization World Animal Protection (2022): https://www.worldanimalprotection.us/issues/aquariums-and-marine-parks
  3. "Killer Whale Dorsal Fin Collapse" by the Center for Whale Research (2019)
  4. "Enjoying the Circus?" by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) (2021)
  5. "Zoo Checklists" by the animal rights organization Born Free USA (2022)
  6. "The Costs of Captivity" by the animal welfare organization Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) (2020)
  7. "Animals in Entertainment" by the animal welfare organization Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) (2022): https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/animals-entertainment
  8. "The Ethics of Zoos" by philosopher Michael J. O'Sullivan in the journal Environmental Ethics (2013)
  9. "Captive Animal Welfare" by the animal welfare organization World Animal Protection (2022)
  10. "Animal Training Techniques" by the animal welfare organization Animal Humane Society (2022)

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Table of contentsAnimated CartoonsAnimation before films 1600-1877The Silent Era ...

Table of contents

  1. Animated Cartoons
  2. Animation before films 1600-1877The Silent Era 1900-1930The Golden Age of American Animation 1930-1950The American Television Era 1960-1980Modern American Era 1980-2014
  3. Types of Animated Cartoons
  4. Animated Cartoons as a Teaching Tool
  5. Motivation

In our life, technology became crucial and we cannot separate it from daily life activities especially when it comes to teaching and learning, we all have watched TV and we have learned much from it, even if we did not attempt to do so, it happened subconsciously, technology and media leads to subconscious language acquisition. When it comes to teaching and learning we find that even schools are equipped with the latest equipment to facilitate the process of learning and to be up to date, “many media and many styles of visual presentations are useful to the language learner”. One of these styles is animated cartoons.

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This paper will deal with the different aspects concerning animated cartoons as a type of audiovisuals, and their relation to teaching and learning.

Nunan (1985:38) defines the concept of authenticity as follows: “Authentic materials are usually defined as those which have been produced for purposes other than to teach language. They can be culled from many different sources: video clips, recordings of authentic interactions, extracts from television, radio and newspapers, signs, maps, and charts, photographs and pictures, timetables and schedules. These are just a few of the sources which have been tapped”. Yuanyuan Z. & Lingzhu J. (1997) also defined authentic materials as follows “They are real language … produced for the native speakers … designed without the teaching purposes”

Rogers & Medley (1988) stated “language sample – in reference for the term “authentic” – … that reflect a naturalness of form, and appropriateness of cultural and situational context that would be found in the language as used by the native speakers”.

Morrow (1977) “real language produced by a real speaker or writer for a real audience and designed to convey a real message”

According to Webster dictionary, audiovisual materials are defined as follows “training or educational materials directed at both the senses of hearing and the sense of sight” examples on audiovisual materials: films, recordings, photographs, etc. Oxford dictionary also define audiovisual materials as the act of using both sound and pictures.

According to Djamarah and Zain (2010:124), there are three types of media Audio media, visual media, and Audiovisual media, the latest is divided into four subcategories they are highlighted as follows:

  • Quite audiovisual: media that show a sound and a silent picture. Such as sound slides.
  • Movement audiovisual: this media show the sound and the picture that can move. Example: Animated cartoon.
  • Pure audiovisual: both sound and picture are from one source. Example: film, video cassette.
  • Not pure audiovisual: both sound and picture come from another source. For example, the picture from LCD projector and the sound come from active speaker.

Animated Cartoons

Baek and Layne (1988, p. 132) define animated cartoons as “The process of generating a series of frames containing an object or objects so that each frame appears as an alteration of the previous frame in order to show motion”, According to Ganges (1968), 'animated cartoons are a moving text and pictures or simply interesting transitions between visual tableaus which can be an effective attention grabber, that lay the necessary foundation for learning', moreover Henry and Laura (2010) refer to animated cartoons as' a rapid display of a sequence of static images that create the illusion of movement'. Brainy (2009) also argues that animated cartoons are the act of animating or giving life, the state of being animate or alive.

Another definition by Pande (2008) stated that cartoon movie is an exaggerated amusing illustration caricaturing in moving diagram way of criticizing a person or event with some thoughts. A cartoon movie is a special form of art to present amusing appearance with the help of colorful moving diagram exaggerated.

we may think that animated cartoons are recent phenomena and that it is only restricted to the 20th century till today, in fact, it is found way back in history it has been improved for sure but if it was not for these primitive work we could not evolve to the existing works. According to “History of animation” (2015) animated cartoons are divided into six eras:

Archeological artifacts prove that we’ve been attempting to depict things in motion as long as we’ve been able to draw. Some notable examples from ancient times, as well as an example from the European Renaissance

Animation before films 1600-1877

With the rise of the industrial revolution in the 18th and 19th century many machines have been invented that helped in animating pictures

  • 1603 Majic lenter: the invention of Majic lenter it is an image projector using pictures on sheets of glass it is considered to be the first example of projected animation.
  • 1824 Thaumatrope: The thaumatrope housed a rotating mechanism with a different picture on each side. When rotated, you saw a combined picture (known as persistence of vision).
  • 1831 The phenakitoscope: is a machine that presented spinning disks reflected in mirrors that made it seem like the pictures were moving.
  • 1834 The zoetrope: it was a hollow drum that housed images on long interchangeable strips that spin and made the images appear to move.
  • 1868 The flip-book: also known as the kineograph, reached a wide audience and is credited with inspiring early animators more than the machines developed in this era.
  • 1877 Movieola/Praxinoscope: The praxinoscope expanded on the zoetrope, using multiple wheels to rotate images. It is considered to have shown the first prototypes of the animated cartoon.

The Silent Era 1900-1930

The early 20th century is the beginning of theatrical showings of cartoons, especially in the United States and France. Many animators form studios, with Bray Studios in New York proving the most successful of this era. Bray helped launch the careers of the cartoonists that created Mighty Mouse, Betty Boop, and Woody Woodpecker. In 1914 the first cartoon to present attractive character Gertie The Dinosaur. In 1928 it was the born of one of the greatest characters in animation history Mickey Mouse, the first cartoon with the sound printed on the film, it was founded by Walt Disney that was his first big success

The Golden Age of American Animation 1930-1950

During this era, the animated cartoon became a fundamental part of popular culture. These years were the peak of success to Walt Disney works like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Silly Symphonies, in addition to Warner Brothers, MGM, and Fleischer works such as Betty Boop, and Popeye. In this era, Walt Disney founded Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs the first hand drawing animation in 1937.

The American Television Era 1960-1980

In this time and due to the vast spread of television as an entertainment media for the American Family, studios have made many cartoon films based on a limited animation style. In the mid-80s, cable channels such as Disney Channel and Nickelodeon helped in the globalization of cartoons. One of the famous animated series in this era are The Flintstones (1960), Yogi Bear (1961), and Pink Panther (1964).

Modern American Era 1980-2014

In this era, computer-generated imagery CGI has redefined and made a revolution in the production of animated cartoons, the main critical difference is the use of 3D modeling instead of traditional. One of its remarkable works is The Simpsons (1987), Toy Story (1995) it was the first fully computer-animated feature film, Big Hero (2014) that was the first Disney animated film that is based on a Marvel comic character.

Types of Animated Cartoons

There are mainly three types of animated cartoons Traditional animation, Stop motion, and Computer animation.

  • Traditional animation

This method first appeared in the 20th century. Thomas and Lisa (2003) clarify that this type of animation is called cell animation due to the nature of its individual frames of drawings of animated film and photographs, which are first drawn on paper, each individual frame slightly differs from the one before it to create the illusion of motion.

  • Stop motion

This type is made by moving objects by hands and taking several pictures while the person moves them, it gives the impression of movement. There are many different types of stop-motion animation including puppet animation, clay animation, cutout animation, graphics animation, etc.

  • Computer animation

Bancroft and Keane (2006) define computer animation as a program which uses animation software to create and copy individual frames. This type of animation has a variety of techniques including 2D animation and 3D animation. This animation takes less time than previous traditional animations

Animated Cartoons as a Teaching Tool

According to Wright (1976) “many media and many styles of visual presentation are useful to the language learner”, and taking into consideration that animated cartoons are an audiovisual material, this means that they have a good influence on the teaching process if they were used in the right place and context. Wyk (2011) as cited in states that the cartoon is beneficial not only to entertain but also to teach students in a different way, it provides an enjoyable learning atmosphere, in addition, Harmer (2007) explains that using video can be much richer than using audio. because video produces moving picture; the speaker can be seen, their gestures add more clarification to the meaning; so do the clothes they wear, their location, etc. the background information can be filled in visually.

Many studies were conducted to see the influence of animated cartoons on learning, Doring (2002) as cited in (POŠTI?, 2015) has conducted a study that focused on the e?ect of exposure to cartoons on language learning, he has concluded that the language learners exposed to cartoons can produce oral answers that are very productive and interesting. In a research conducted by Rule and Auge (2005), the results suggested that students prefer cartoons in language learning since cartoons create an atmosphere that causes a high degree of motivation.

In another study made by Bahrani and Sim (2012) as cited in (ibid) the results have raised the attention about a very interesting point about the low-level language learners, that they can achieve a significant language proficiency improvement through exposure to cartoons, also Haque (2015) notes that the dialogue of cartoons is characterized by sentences that are simple and complete, repetition is used frequently. Children, therefore, learn a significant number of words from the context of cartoons that they can use in real life. Moreover, by watching cartoons, students are highly stimulated to speak the target language.

Sarko (2008) states that “exposure to authentic language would serve learners to practice language not only in the classroom but also in outside where they can utilize language input to learn more about cultures by their own” in addition Nunan (1999) as cited in (ibid) adds that exposure to authentic language material has a vital role in motivating language learners to match the content and subject matters to their life.

According to Abuzahra, Farrah, & Zalloum (2016) animated cartoons have many advantages concerning EFL teaching and learning:

  • Facilitating understanding of subjects:

Chen and Dwyer (2006, p.203) state that presentations of animated cartoon in classroom facilitate understanding knowledge which has a superior effect under specific conditions. Animated cartoon has the potentiality to improve students’ comprehension of various subject matters or that of distinct cultural backgrounds. Educators can simply represent abstract ideas of the curriculum into visual animated pictures which mainly aims to enhance students’ capabilities to recognize solid concepts.

  • Enhancing and facilitating immediate and delayed achievement in the EFL classroom:

Canning-Wilson (2000) confirmed that cartoon films were beneficial not only of clarifying messages, but they also enabled learners to have immediate understanding of a language point in a positive way.

  • Increasing EFL/SFL Vocabulary:

In a study made by Sarrko (2008) that investigate the impact of watching cartoon films in the language classroom he has concluded that their ability to acquire new word and use them in their daily life activity has been increased; as primary source of authentic language input, animated cartoon helps in illustration meaning and facilitating the process of acquiring new vocabulary and understand their meaning by the help of gestures and facial expressions.

  • Enhancing listening comprehension:

when students are exposed to animated cartoons they acquire the correct pronunciation of words in English accent, which is the case of our study, it helps in the pragmatic acquisition of contextual language.

In a study made by Heffernan (2005) he claims that the students who were exposed to authentic videos, and who watched cartoon films have notably improved their listening comprehension skills. Also, Danan (2004) has worked on the pedagogical impact of audiovisual materials in language classroom, he states that cartoon films have many reasons to be a powerful tool in the foreign language classroom, the most notable reason is to improve students’ listening comprehension skills.

  • Enhancing EFL / SFL writing skill:

According to Abuzahra, Farrah, & Zalloum (2016) “Cartoon films stimulate learners’ power of imagination that can be reflected in written or spoken discourses. When students write a response or an essay about a cartoon film, they tend to employ vocabulary they get from film into meaningful writing tasks which the cartoon film is the main focus. They respond by imagining situations and characters that reflect their own view towards a social context”. Baralt, Pennestri and Selvandin (2011) confirm that the use of animation wordle which is the most popular form of visualized data, positively affect students’ writing skill. The visual representation of frequent text or tag cloud influence students’ writing capability.

  • Enhancing EFL / SFL Speaking Skill:

Doring (2002) concluded in his study that aimed to investigate the impact of using cartoon in language classroom on foreign learners that students who were exposed to cartoon films can produce oral answers more than those who weren’t. Students became more confident to practice English language in the classroom; as a result of low effective learning atmosphere that watching cartoon creates. Abuzahra, Farrah, & Zalloum (2016) also adds that the employment of cartoons in language classroom enhances students to discuss or argue no matter the student’s level of proficiency was, because cartoons are embedded with language and paralanguage facilitating tools which need less comprehension skills than that needed to analyze solid learning texts or materials.

  • Enhancing EFL/SFL Reading Skill:

Abuzahra, Farrah, & Zalloum (2016) state that watching cartoon film as a pre-activity of reading class would let students interpret and analyze reading text more effectively. With the suitable selection of cartoon film, effective and cognitive aspects in language classrooms would be supported. Cartoons display vivid reading, comprehensible texts that are embedded by motion sound, and colors which allow students to live with the plot of the film and share roles and attitudes. This facilitates learners’ interpretation of the text, getting the main idea and making inferences. Learners’ power of imagination and prediction would be notably increased as a result.

In a study made by Ouda (2012) that deals with the impact of utilization cartoon as a method to enhance students’ reading comprehension, students were exposed to cartoons for six weeks, and it results of better reading skills, ability to explain complicated meaning and difficult terminology, ability to grasp the main idea. It helped them to get better grades.

  • Enhancing the process of second language acquisition:

“cartoon films are essential source of authentic language input that match the purposes of second language acquisition. However, teachers must be more cautious while selecting a cartoon film for second language learners. Cartoon films that suit students’ level encourage learners to absorb language input and motivate them to utilize linguistic knowledge indifferent communicative contexts, if they are accompanied by practical teaching strategy”.

In a study made by Hull (1943) in his “behavioral theory” claims that there are four factors that influence second language acquisition; stimulus, association, reinforcement, and imitation. Watching cartoon films creates an opportunity for the students to employ vocabulary they gain in different contextual situations because they are able to get the stimulus needed for building up vocabulary and using language in different forms

Even though animated cartoons have many advantages, there are some negative aspects that were mentioned by Agina (2003):

  • Some information of real-life learning will be lost in the animation program.
  • Computer animation programs may function well from a technical point of view, but they are difficult to fit into a curriculum.
  • Animation programs cannot be adapted to take into different student levels into account and consideration within a group or class.
  • Animation programs require special equipment for a quality presentation.
  • Animation programs cannot depict actuality like videos.

Motivation

Motivation is defined by (Dembo, 2004, p.2) as follows “…the approach taken in this book views motivation as the internal processes that give behavior its energy and direction. These internal processes include your goals, beliefs, perceptions, and expectations”. In addition, Laming (2004, p.) defines motivation as follows “the switching on of some pattern of behavior, of a program of action specified within the individual. That program might be innate or it might have been modified by experience”. Pandey (2005) states that motivation is the impetus to create and sustain intentions and goal-seeking acts it is important because it determines the extent of the learner's active involvement and attitude toward learning.

Gardner and Lambert (1972) state that motivation is an extremely influential factor in successful second language acquisition, and the term motivation was brilliantly bolstered in 1985 by Gardner who defined motivation as being “the combination of effort plus desire to achieve the goal of learning the language, plus favorable attitudes toward learning the language” (ibid)

According to Oxford and Shearin (1994, “Research shows that motivation directly influences how often students use Second language (L2) learning strategies”. Students need motivation it is what makes them get excited to study or to accomplish anything in life, Ur (1999) as cited in (ibid) stated that when parents or teachers do not develop real motivation, the student will not feel learning foreign languages as attractive and could become very indifferent during lessons.

As we have mentioned the importance use of motivation in foreign language classroom, there are many strategies highlighted by Daniel Madrid, José Luis Ortega, and Bryan Robinson that enhance and improve motivation in the classroom:

  • Group work
  • Interviewing in the street
  • Using authentic videos
  • Singing songs
  • Using game-like activities
  • Acting out dialogues
  • Others.

Gardner (1985) comments on the need of different strategies in foreign language teaching process as follow “motivation is a combination of effort plus desire to achieve the goal of learning the language plus favorable attitudes toward learning the language”.

Taking into consideration that animated cartoons are considered as authentic videos, and the latest is a strategy that improves learner’s motivation Abuzahra, Farrah, & Zalloum (2016) claims that Watching cartoon films in language classroom would change students’ attitude from negative to positive. Bates (2000) also clarifies that the utilization of animated cartoon in the language classrooms would develop students’ language performance. Many researchers agreed that computer-animated cartoons do not only have the potentiality to improve language proficiency, but they also enhance students’ positive attitude to learn English in other words it motivates learners to learn English.

There are several reasons to choose animated cartoon as an authentic audiovisual tool in learning languages, these reasons mentioned by Abuzahra, Farrah, & Zalloum (2016) are highlited as follows:

  • Pedagogical Values: Utilization of cartoon films encourages teachers to improve pedagogical practices by constructing activities that allow students to interact with dialogic exercises in the classroom.
  • Audiovisual attributes: Animated cartoon doubles information storage in the brain. Information in an animated cartoon film is coded verbally and visually which is more likely to be remembered than abstract information that students receive by exclusive listening to teachers’ instruction in classical classroom.
  • Using sounds and music effects: The sound and music effect would deepen students’ understanding of meaning and content, as it facilitates learners’ ability to recall information and analyzing of cartoon messages.
  • More creative fun/ satisfying tool: the use of audiovisual as educational material in classrooms like animations and movies encourage team building and group work that both help students to success, they also confirm that the use of animated cartoon is a more satisfying and engaging than traditional learning modalities.
  • Informal Learning Settings: Cartoon can’t be exclusively assigned for formal learning contexts. The nature of cartoon has the ability to bridge the gap between formal and informal learning, because it is mainly established on everyday situations that encompass ordinary character practicing habitual daily life activities.

In this paper we have dealt with Animated Cartoons from many aspects, we have shed the light on the historical background of their creation, we have dealt with the importance of involving them into the learning process of foreign languages classroom, as an authentic audiovisual tool that facilitates the process of acquiring and understanding the target language, we also have mentioned the motivational aspect that they add to the learning process, taking into consideration that motivation is a crucial factor that guarantees the success of the lesson that the teacher presents.

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This material should be selected as a tool to enhance pupil’s pronunciation, due to its crative way in presenting correct pronunciation in a context that grabs the pupil’s attention and motivates them to learn the language in a correct form.


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Table of contentsIntroductionAfrican Kings and Merchants Sold Fellow AfricansThe ...

Table of contents

  1. Introduction
  2. African Kings and Merchants Sold Fellow AfricansThe Power Dynamics in Annamaboe
  3. Conclusion

Introduction

The remarkable Trans-Atlantic slave trade transpired from the late 15th century to the mid-19th century. As a whole, millions of Africans were sent to America and became slaves. Because most commodities in Africa were essential to the growth of industrialisation in Europe such as gold, ivory, rice, camwood and guineawood, Europeans used Annamaboe as a major slave-trading port (Rice, 2017). Annamaboe was once a sleepy fishing village until the Europeans came and turned the peaceful place into a slave-trade hub.

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At first, Europeans thought about forcing slave trade on African leaders but realized that they had to use diplomacy. While the African slaves were forcibly sent to America, Europeans did not actually have to use force on African leaders because they paid them massive amount of money to use their fellow Africans as slaves. This event sparked the beginning of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the destruction of the once quiet and peaceful village, Annamaboe.

African Kings and Merchants Sold Fellow Africans

Europeans were viewed by many as selfish and cruel because of what they did to African slaves. Many of the slaves died from hunger and exhaustion while Europeans were enjoying their lives caused by the growth of industrialization in Europe. Their actions were apparently unforgiveable especially for Africans who became slaves for a long span of time. However, people should also look at the other side of the coin. By looking back at the entire history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and having a comprehensive analysis of what really happened centuries ago, one would realize that Europeans were not the only perpetrators of the slave trade. African leaders and merchants too are to be blamed for the death and suffering of millions of Africans whom they sold to Europeans. In point of fact, the Portuguese sent African princes to Portugal to study there.

Also, African kings and merchants did not regard poor Africans as fellow Africans but as debtors, criminals or prisoners. They looked down on them because of their social status and they did not care if they become slaves or die while working. For the African kings and merchants, the important things were money, power and safety against neighbouring enemies (Hazard, 2014). By selling these people as slaves to Europeans, they would have lots of money while still maintaining their power and influence. Because of the slave trade, African kingdoms even prospered while their fellow Africans were suffering from intense cruelty and greediness of Europeans. As they worked hard all night and day, African royalties and merchants were enjoying their wealth and power.

Though the Africans sent to America were mostly debtors, criminals and prisoners; it was still unjust to just sell them and turn them into slaves. They were kidnapped and forced to work for the benefit of Europeans and also for African traditional rulers. Some even died before they reached their destination because of the long, tiring journey. Apparently, Europeans denied buying the slaves from kings and African leaders also denied selling the slaves to them. It was also surprising that the Africans who died in this period outnumbered the African slaves who actually worked for the Europeans. This was because African kings killed anyone who would disagree with the slave trade. It was also known that African kings collaborated with Arab slave traders even before the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. The Arabs kidnapped adults and children and had them convert to Islam (Priolo, 2008).

The slave trade occurred many years ago but people especially Africans find it difficult to move on from such unpleasant event. In 2009, a Nigerian Civil Rights group asked their tribal leader’s ancestors involved in the slave trade to apologize like what US and Britain did. According to the group, not only the white men should be blamed but also the African leaders who cooperated with them and sold fellow Africans as slaves. Some chiefs also played a role in capturing these Africans by kidnapping them. The head of the Congress, Shenu Sani, called for an apology from traditional rulers because they were looking for inclusion in a constitutional amendment in Nigeria (Smith, 2009). Though the issue was not the priority of most Africans these days and many politicians remained silent about this shameful history of their ancestors, it is still reasonable for them to receive an apology for what these leaders have done to their people and their country. Instead of fighting for their people, traditional rulers pursued their selfish intentions.

Considering these facts, it can be determined that Europeans did not really force the slave trade on their African counterparts in Annamaboe. African merchants and kings also had selfish intentions and reasons for allowing the long lasting slavery where fellow Africans were the victims. Eventually, the Trans-Atlantic slave trade left a huge impact on Africans especially on the poorest ones. Because of the slavery that occurred for many years, Africans suffered from racism where they were looked down by white men and were treated unjustly. Up to this day, the memories of the slave trade were still fresh in Africans’ minds and the issue in racism has not been solved as other races still see them as slaves and consider them weak and useless.

The Power Dynamics in Annamaboe

Even before the slave trade, Europeans had links to Africa and as they discovered the advancement in various African societies, they became interested in the country’s natural resources and civilization. During that time, the country was ruled by kings and they have different kingdoms and empires. Significantly, Annamaboe was the place where Fante merchants had daily contact with different people such as Rhode Island Rum men, European slave traders and Englishmen from the Royal African Company. African leaders and merchants were free to negotiate with European traders especially if the conditions were beneficial to them (Heller, 2016). In Annamaboe, the Fante merchants and traditional African leaders were powerful and anyone who would abide to their rules would either die or suffer from their hands or from the hands of Europeans. Because of the slave trade, the power of Annamaboe grew and in there were gods in every Fante town who lived in sacred areas (Sparks, 2014).

Conclusion

In a nutshell, the root of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade was selfishness among two groups which were the Europeans and the African traditional rulers themselves. While people all over the world continue to blame Europeans and Americans for the Trans-Atlantic slave trade, they should also consider the involvement of African kings and merchants in the most tragic and horrible event in the history of Africa. In fact, an apology for what has been done by the African rulers was not enough to eradicate the pain of Africans and the suffering of the people who died in the slave trade. This historical event only proved that money, wealth and power are the roots of most evils and conspiracy is something difficult to avert at present and even in the old days. As the Europeans drooled for wealth and power, the African rulers and merchants desired continuous prosperity, security and influence. If the traditional African leaders did not negotiate with the Europeans, they could have saved their fellow Africans from slavery and brutality. Unfortunately, they did not care about the consequences of their actions and only thought about their personal intentions and satisfaction.


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Anne Boleyn BiographyAlthough Anne Boleyn’s birth was so insignificant that th ...

Anne Boleyn Biography

Although Anne Boleyn’s birth was so insignificant that there is no documentation on it; she pressed her way into the royal courts. There she gained reputation with the renowned. She entranced King Henry VIII and they were soon married. She was thought to be the one that would bring King Henry his long-awaited heir. A scandal materialized against her, though, and she was soon executed on prevaricated charges. Anne Boleyn is known to be the most memorable and controversial of Henry VIII’s wives.

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Anne Boleyn’s place of birth was extremely controversial because she was so unimportant when she was born. She might have been born in Blicking Hall in Norfolk, or maybe it was at Hever Castle in Kent (“Queen” 1). Her date of birth is also vague. Historians have stated that she was born somewhere between 1501 and 1507. She was born to Sir Thomas Boleyn and Elizabeth Howard (Kendell n.pg.).

As a daughter to a somewhat noble family, she would have to take her place as a lady in waiting. When Anne Boleyn was around twelve years of age, she became a maid of honor to Margaret of Austria, the regent of The Netherlands. She was then moved to the French Court a year and a half-later (“Tudor” 2) in the autumn of 1514 (Fraser 120) to be a lady-in-waiting for Henry VIII’s sister Mary. Mary was just married to King Louise as a type of peace offering between France and England (“Tudor” 2). Shortly after the marriage, King Louise died and Anne was sent back to England. As a lady in waiting in Queen Catherine’s court, a scandal occurred between Anne Boleyn and Henry Percy sometime around 1522 and 1523. Percy and Boleyn were secretly in love and vowed to marry one another. Lord Chancellor, Cardinal Wolsey, learned of their affair and told the king. King Henry VIII immediately informed Percy’s father whom ended the relationship and forced Percy to marry the woman of equal class he had selected for Percy. Anne Boleyn never forgave Wolsey for that, and it would show in the future. She returned disgraced to her home (“Tudor” 2).

Around 1524 or 1525, she rejoined King Henry’s court. In 1526, Anne was openly sought after by King Henry VIII (“Tudor” 2). This caused her many enemies who spoke ill of her. Anne Boleyn was said to look very ordinary, pale, with black hair and black eyes (“Queen” 1). This complexion was the complete opposite of the beau ideal of fair hair with blue eyes (Fraser 122). She also had a mole the size of a strawberry on her neck (“Queen” 1), known at that time period as the “Devil’s Pawmark”(Lofts 36), and an extra finger on her left hand (“Queen” 1). The Venetian ambassador describing her pronounced her “not one of the handsomest women in the world” (Fraser 122). But those that were loyal to her spoke of her in a different way. To others she was known to be very attractive with beautiful eyes, a long neck, and dark silky hair (Fraser 123).

King Henry was an experienced seducer and visited with her often, but Anne was sullen, cool, and evasive and gave no interest with him. This caused King Henry to yearn for her more (“Queen” 2). Boleyn’s sister, Mary, was known to be a past mistress to Henry VIII, and she knew that it would lead her no where (“Queen” 4). She simply stated to him, “I would rather lose my life than my honesty” (“Tudor” 2). So, King Henry VIII began his quest to get rid of Queen Catherine and marry Anne Boleyn.

Henry VIII told Cardinal Wolsey that his marriage to Queen Catherine was an offense to God, since it was his dead brother’s wife. Cardinal Wolsey was to annul the marriage between King Henry and Queen Catherine; However, Wolsey failed. The Pope claiming that one Pope could not change what another Pope had declared, Wolsey was denounced from his position, and shamed. He died on his way to London to face his impeachment trial. Because the Pope would not annul Henry VIII’s marriage to Queen Catherine, he drew away from Papal rule. He declared himself head of the church and selected Thomas Cranmer the Archbishop of Canterbury. Naturally, Cranmer declared the marriage of Queen Catherine and King Henry fallacious and he was able to marry Anne Boleyn (“Queen” 2).

Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII’s marriage was set in a disclosed place. There is no documentation of the location, date, and witnesses. Cranmer does say, however, that the wedding of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn took place on January 25, 1533. He did not perform the wedding, though (Fraser 187). It needed to be as discreet as possible because once Anne Boleyn recognized that the King’s intentions were serious, she yielded to him and became pregnant (“Queen” 2) close to the end of the first week of December in 1532 (Fraser 187). If people discovered that their child had been conceived out of wedlock, they would see the child as a bastard, and dismiss it.

Her Coronation began on Thursday, May 29, 1533. People came, but not to cheer, just to stare. She was crowned on Sunday, June 1, 1533 (Lofts 108-115) at eight o’clock in the morning. Kings were not present during their queen’s coronations, so Henry VIII watched at the banquet from a gallery in Westminster Hall (Fraser 195). Because the commoners were ridiculing and mocking Queen Anne, Henry VIII made it illegal to address Katharine as Queen from that point on (Lofts 116).

Anne Boleyn would have problems keeping this title, as she befalls many problems trying to bear a male heir for King Henry VIII. Their daughter, Elizabeth, was born in September 7, 1533 of that year (Kendell n.pg.). Henry VIII accepted the birth of Elizabeth as a promise of things to come (“Queen” 2). After having Elizabeth, though, Anne Boleyn began to worry of her security as queen. She became pregnant again after Catherine’s death and rejoiced (“Tudor” 3). Unfortunately, she had a miscarriage. She was far enough into the pregnancy for it to be a noticeable boy. There is controversy as to how she lost the child. One story states she caught Jane Seymour, one of her maids of honor, on King Henry VIII’s lap. She threw a fit and became hysterical and lost the child (“Tudor” 5). The other story states Henry VIII fell from a horse during a hunting trip and was in a coma for two months, but they told Boleyn that he had died and she collapsed and lost her son. Either way, her son was lost on January 23, 1536 (“Queen” 5).

King Henry VIII was growing tired of Anne Boleyn and beginning to think she could not give him the heir he needed. With the help of Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII created a plot to get rid of Anne Boleyn (“Queens” 3). King Henry charged and imprisoned her with adultery with her brother, three gentlemen of the privy chamber, and a musician of the court and of conspiring with these men against the king’s life (“Boleyn” n.pg.). She and the five men were tortured into admitting the charges were true (“Queens” 3).

Anne Boleyn was held in the Tower of London on May 2, 1536 (“Boleyn” n.pg.). Anne Boleyn’s uncle, Thomas Howard, third duke of Norfolk, presided over the judges who condemned her to death (“Boleyn” n.pg.). On May 17, the musician was hanged and the other four beheaded. Two days later, Anne was also beheaded (“Boleyn” n.pg.). She was beheaded not by a clumsy axe, but by a skilled man, brought over from France (“Queen” 3). As she was brought to the square, she made a speech to the crowd watching:

Good Christian people, I am come hither to

die, for according to the law, and by the

law I am judged to die, and therefore I will

speak nothing against it. I am come hither

to accuse no man, nor to speak anything

die, but I pray God save the king and send

him long to reign over you, for a gentler

nor a more merciful prince was there never:

and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and

sovereign lord. And if any person will

meddle of my cause, I require them to judge

the best. And thus I take my leave of the

world and of you all, and I heartily desire

you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy

on me, to God I commend my soul.(Lofts 178-

179)

After being blindfolded and kneeling at the block, she repeated several times, “To Jesus Christ I commend my soul; Lord Jesu receive my soul” (Lofts 178-179).

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Anne Boleyn is probably the most historically significant of all the six wives of King Henry VIII. She lived the roller coaster life all of King Henry VIII’s women lived. She pushed her way to the top of the social ladder not knowing what the future held for her, enjoying it all the while. Then it all came crashing down when she could not bear a male heir, being punished by death. Anne Boleyn will always be known as the most memorable and controversial of Henry VIII’s wives.

Works Cited

  1. Fraser, Antonia. The Six Wives of Henry VIII. Vintage, 1993.
  2. Kendell, Alison. Anne Boleyn: A Biography. iUniverse, 2007.
  3. Lofts, Norah. Anne Boleyn. Coward-McCann, 1979.
  4. "Queen Anne Boleyn." Tudor Place, tudorplace.com.ar/aboutAnneBoleyn.htm.
  5. "The Tudors: Anne Boleyn." The Anne Boleyn Files, anneboleynfiles.com/anne-boleyn/.
  6. "Anne Boleyn." English Heritage, www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/womens-history-month/anne-boleyn/.
  7. "Anne Boleyn." HistoryExtra, www.historyextra.com/period/tudor/anne-boleyn-death-tower-henry-viii-marriage-execution-life-facts/.
  8. "Anne Boleyn." BBC History, www.bbc.co.uk/history/historic_figures/boleyn_anne.shtml.
  9. "Anne Boleyn." Biography.com, www.biography.com/royalty/anne-boleyn.
  10. "Boleyn, Anne." Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/biography/Anne-Boleyn.

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Parents often use fairytales as bedtime stories for their children. Anne Sexton ...

Parents often use fairytales as bedtime stories for their children. Anne Sexton takes these often light-hearted and whimsical tales and spins them into a creation of her own. According to Diana Hume George in “An Overview of Sexton’s Canon,” Sexton, “updated their contexts and language to point out their applications to and parallels with modern life, and she exposed the dark psychic core of each tale in ways that inverted or even reversed their normative meanings.” The poem “Briar Rose (Sleeping Beauty),” begins with a girl in a hypnotic state, sitting on her father’s lap. The stanza is ominous and uncomfortable to read, setting the tone for the rest of the poem. In the following stanzas, the traditional fairytale plays out but as it continues, Briar Rose’s happy ending is nowhere to be seen. Sexton focuses on pivotal events in the story and twists them in a way that recreates the original fairytale and exposes its darker undertones that are otherwise overlooked in the original story.

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Sexton begins the first stanza in third person and describes a girl in a hypnotic trance in order to establish the unsettling tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker states that, “She is stuck in the time machine, / suddenly two years old sucking her thumb” (l. 7-8). The girl regresses to a younger age, making her more childlike and vulnerable. The speaker goes on to state that the girl struggles to find her mother but instead, her father is the one to hold her. Whilst on his lap, he tells her, “Come be my snooky / and I will give you a root” (l. 21-22). Snooky is slang for ones romantic partner and a root is phallic in shape. For the father to tell his daughter this immediately signals the incestual undertones that will be present later on.

Over the course of the poem, Briar Rose’s life is marked by unfortunate events. The first one occurs when she is only a baby. Her father held a christening for her but he only owned twelve gold plates and therefore only invited twelve fairies. The thirteenth fairy, feeling spurned, prophesizes that

“The princess shall prick herself

on a spinning wheel in her fifteenth year

and then fall down dead.

Kaputt!” (l. 37-40).

The use of a silly phrase such as “Kaputt!” contrasts greatly to the grave tone of the situation. It highlights the intended lethalness of the curse, which is otherwise glossed over in the watered-down, bedtime version of the fairytale.

In response to the curse, the king becomes overbearing in his need to protect his daughter. He orders every spindle in the kingdom to be destroyed. This makes sense in regards to the prophecy but the king’s orders eventually become more extreme. The speaker states that, “He forced every male in the court / to scour his tongue with Bab-o / lest they poison the air she dwelt in” (l. 60-62) By having the men clean themselves with a modern-day product containing bleach, it is as if the king wants the men to purify themselves so that they will not corrupt his daughter. The curse said nothing of specifically men doing harm to Briar Rose though, so the king’s need to protect her becomes obsession-like. The king’s obsession over his own daughter’s purity is the beginning of the incestual undertones that subverts the original tale’s message of sefless love.

Try as he might, the king’s precautions to keep Briar Rose safe from both men and the curse are thwarted, resulting in the second pivotal moment within the story. Inevitably, Briar rose pricks her finger on a spinning wheel, sending both her and the inhabitants of the kingdom into a deep slumber. The speaker describes the sleeping inhabitants in terms of modern-day parallels, such as comparing the frogs to zombies and the trees to metal. By doing so, the slumbering kingdom’s fate becomes more sinister, as if the inhabitants are petrified instead of simply sleeping. Over the years, many princes try to break the curse but they, “had not scoured their tongues / so they were held by the thorns / and thus were crucified” (l. 86-88). The princes dying show the king’s control over Briar Rose, even while she sleeps. Ultimately, they cannot rescue her because they had not scoured their tongues as the men of the court had done and thus were deemed unfit in the father’s eyes.

A hundred years pass and a prince finally breaks the curse, although everything is not what it seems. In the third pivotal event, when the prince kisses Briar Rose awake, she cries, “Daddy! Daddy!” (l. 96). After being awakened after such a frightful occurrence, it would only make sense for a girl to cry out for her father, but Briar Rose was specifically awakened by a kiss. This implicates that the father has kissed Briar Rose as well, giving the reader a glimpse of the sexual abuse she suffered as a child.

At this point, the original fairytale ends with Briar Rose living happily ever after with her prince. In Sexton’s version of the story, Briar Rose awakening marks the beginning of her downward spiral. Although Briar Rose marries the prince, she becomes an insomniac, still haunted by the memories of her father’s sexual abuse. She becomes dependent on drugs and cannot sleep, “without the court chemist / mixing her some knock-out drops / and never in the prince’s presence” (l. 106-108). Briar Rose becomes more and more disturbed by the memories her father’s sexual abuse but refuses to let her spouse know. Briar Rose’s sexual abuse at the hands of her father results in the overall deterioration of both her mental and physical health.

Briar Rose’s health steadily worsens until she descends into a state of delirium. The speaker switches from that of third person to first and says, “I must not sleep / for while asleep I’m ninety / and think I’m dying” (l. 120-122). Briar Rose goes back and forth between different points of her life, from when she was a small child at the hands of her father to when she was in the hundred-year slumber. Because of this, Briar Rose becomes even more dependent on drugs, similarly to how real-life victims of sexual abuse can fall victim to drug usage in order to cope with their past.

In the following stanza, it becomes evident that the girl in the beginning of the poem is the modern-day parallel to Sexton’s recreated version of Sleeping Beauty. In the first stanza, the little girl is just “learning to talk again” (l. 10). She lost her will to talk after being sexually abused but slowly starts to come forth with what happened, just as Briar Rose begins to do. The speaker says, “I was forced backward. / I was forced forward” (l. 145-146). The movements mimic the sexual positions that her father forced her into when she was younger. Although older and now married, Briar Rose still feels like a prisoner to her father. This directly subverts the wholesome image of the king in the original tale. In Anne Sexton’s version of Sleeping Beauty’s, the king is the true villain of the story because of what he did to his daughter. By raping her as a child, he ensures a lifetime of unhappiness to follow.

In the traditional fairytale, a prince eventually thwarts the thirteenth fairy’s curse and awakens the princess with true love’s kiss. It embodies a wholesome message of good conquering evil. Sexton twisted the fairytale and utilized specific themes within it – such as a father’s love – in order to give voice to victims of incest and sexual abuse. In reality, many victims do not lead a happy life because of the memories of abuse that stay with them, long after it ends. By doing the same to Briar Rose, Sexton shows that not everyone can live a happily ever after.


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Table of contentsIntroductionStrategic tapping into new opportunitiesStakeholder ...

Table of contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Strategic tapping into new opportunitiesStakeholders and other businesses
  3. Conclusion and Suggestions

Introduction

The purpose of this memo is to discuss key components of the first chapter of Anne Sigismund Huff’s Strategic Management Logic and Action. The memo will focus on the various ways through which an organization can position itself in order to increase its profitability and growth. With reference to a case study by Joanne Snider, the memo will draw conclusions concerning the weight of ideas demonstrated by Sigismund et al and their practicality in the modern world. The memo will also explore the importance of good strategic planning with respect to NCB Capital and its success as one of the largest conglomerates in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the world. Here, the memo will look into various important aspects of strategic planning that have enabled businesses such as NCB Capital to thrive while others fail. The memo will make reference to an article on the Saudi gazette’s business section concerning NCB Capital and its award by the World Finance Magazine in the year 2017.

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In order for any organization to achieve success, it is crucial that it creates a strategy that will enable it to do so. In order to survive, businesses must ensure that they are consistently making profits and paying their bills effectively. According to Sigismund et al, an effective organization strategy must efficiently achieve a number of goals simultaneously. These goals include the following:

  • Being able to adjust to environmental change
  • Make more money and resources than its expenses
  • Clearly communicate the purpose and vision of the organization
  • Make use of the organization’s strengths to meet the needs in the environment
  • Exploring new opportunities in the environment.

Creating a strategy that covers all of these aspects can greatly increase a business’s chance of profitability and consequently, growth. In addition, businesses must be flexible in their strategy in order to constantly change with the environment around them else they may become irrelevant. NCB Capital has constantly evolved over the years to become the number one asset manager internationally that adheres to Sharia law (NCB Capital ‘Best Investment Management Co. (Equities)’). As such, it is a good example of a business that proves these strategies to be effective.

From the article by the Saudi Gazette, one learns that “The World Finance Investment Management Awards”, which NCB Capital received in 2017 is an award that acknowledges forward thinking and resilient organizations that through hard work and proper strategy have outdone their competitors. It is clear that organization has greatly advanced and embraced new ways of doing things. For example, the CEO of NCB Capital as seen in the article is Sarah AlSuhaimi, a woman. This in itself is proof of adaptability of an organization with the changing times. In the past, Saudi Arabia has had a reputation for oppressing women and not allowing women to work, possess property, or drive among other things. However, here, one sees a forward thinking culture in the organization as is evident in the act of a large Saudi firm appointing a woman as the CEO of a company with assets worth over 140 billion Saudi Riyadh. Here it is clear that through NCB Capital’s adaptability and success one is able to see the sense in ideas demonstrated by Sigismund et al applied practically. In the chapter on defining strategy, Sigismund et al discuss how an effective business strategy should be able to respond to the changes that take place over a period of time. In the case of NCB Capital, it is clear that the company is quick to respond to changes and thus remains relevant and is able to tap into the best human resources by breaking limiting barriers such as gender. Strategy Coordination and interaction with others In the age of technology, social media and globalization, starting a new business has become increasingly simple. With just one click of a button, one can buy or sell products across continents. This has led to a great economic boom that has steadily increased the number of people in the upper middle class. In fact, doing business has never been easier than it has been over the last three decades. In NCB Capital, technology and globalization have played a key role in its success. With branches all over the world, and stock trading firms, NCB is largely benefiting from the age of internet and globalization. Additionally, the firm specializes in providing funds for businesses and individuals through loans with compliance with Sharia law. On the other hand, statistics suggest that 20% of businesses fail in within the first two years of their commencement, and that an additional 50% fail within the first five years. These statistics are a strong contradiction of the prevailing circumstances such as ease of access to loans and financing, ease of access to technology and the internet as well as the availability of free information on the internet to assist start-ups in their business venture. As such, living in the age of technological advancement and globalization does not automatically guarantee success. These statistics emphasize on the importance of having an effective business strategy.

Strategic tapping into new opportunities

According to Sigismund et al, customers do not focus entirely on international goods and services that are availed through globalization rather they support both local and international brands. As such, it is crucial for one to strategically place themselves and quickly spot opportunities when they arise. A good business strategy must be able to identify a need when it arises and provide a solution for that need effectively and without wasting time. NCB Capital’s success is a good example of a firm’s use of a good strategy. In 2017, the firm received an award from the World Finance Magazine. NCB Capital has been a trail blazer in its endeavors as it quickly studied the needs of the people and swiftly moved to provide solutions for those needs. In the year 1978, the organization became the first of its kind by providing a mutual fund.

In addition, NCB Capital became the first to provide Sharia-Compliant fund and banking in Saudi Arabia in 1987. Here it is clear that the organization saw a need in the Islamic society and moved to solve that problem without wasting time. By doing this, NCB Capital was able to take full advantage of an untapped market at the time. Sigismund et al believes that the success of a business strategy is greatly dependent on both the internal and external environment of the organization or business. In Joanne Snider’s research, it is clear that businesses fail due to a poor strategy and little regard to the environment and particularly the external environment of the business, which affirms Sigismund et al’s belief that a good strategy connects a business’s strengths with the available opportunities in its environment. In her research, Snider reveals that businesses rate of success relies largely on their ability to market effectively. Marketing is a key component in Sigismund et al’s effective strategies. In the chapter, the writers refer to marketing as communication the vision and purpose of the organization to other individuals.

Stakeholders and other businesses

In order for a business strategy to remain successful it must do a self-analysis of the various stakeholders and how they affect the business. Stakeholders are extremely crucial to any organization and greatly influence the performance of that organization. How the various stakeholders interact with the business is extremely crucial and greatly influence the level of success the organization experiences. Additionally, the activities of the stakeholders influence the decisions and strategies of the business. A business must rely on individuals or other businesses purchasing its products in order to remain in business. It also has to deal with the influence it experiences from various stake holders. Key Stakeholders include the following:

  • Clients
  • Government and policies
  • Suppliers
  • Partners
  • Employees
  • Community both locally and internationally
  • Special Interest groups

As such, it is paramount for the organization to apply effective strategies in communicating its products and services to various stake holders. This can greatly influence the outcome of the business in terms of profits and losses. For instance, if stakeholders such as customers decline, the business strategist must find out why people are no longer purchasing their products and how they can improve. Similarly, stake holders such as the community play a major role. For instance, opening a pork butchery in a largely Islamic region would be considered bad business sense. Meanwhile opening any kind of butchery in a vegetarian community would be an equally disastrous business strategy. According to NCB’s CEO Sarah AlSuhaimi, the organization’s success is as a result of the trust of the firm’s clients as well as the dedicated performance of the company’s staff. Here, one is able to see From that statement, it is evident that the firm has been able to effectively communicate their vision, products and services to potential clients effectively, managed to get clients and keep them.

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Conclusion and Suggestions

The use of effective strategies and a clear understanding of both internal and external environmental issues have enabled NCB Capital to rise to the top as one of the largest investment companies in the world. Through constant innovation and evolution, NCB Capital has consistently emerged top in spite of challenges and economic meltdowns over the year. Due to its strict respect for Sharia law, the organization has been able to cater to a niche environment and eliminated a great deal of competition due to the nature of the services it provides. To improve the organization can look into expanding its market share by advertising its products to non-Muslims. Islamic banking organizations are significantly better in their rates and interest rates. Through these rates, the organization can attract many people in need of financial aid but weary of the burdensome interest rates offered by other banks. In addition, they offer financial aid to a very wide range of individuals compared to other banking services. As such, NCB Capital can attract a wider range of customers, cover a greater area and make even larger profits by targeting people outside the Islamic faith as well.


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Normally, parents would always try to give their children an affectionate upbrin ...

Normally, parents would always try to give their children an affectionate upbringing. But sometimes they find it difficult to guide their children through the complex process of growing up, and so, they may fail to help their offspring during adolescence, for instance. This seems to be the situation in the story Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid. Annies mother was a doting parent who cared fondly for her daughter. However, she made Annies first steps into adolescence unnecessarily abrupt, painful and unsettling for she became suddenly detached, refused to spend time with her daughter and started to disapprove of Annie.

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Undoubtedly, Annie Johns mother was a very devoted parent: she showed great love for her daughter and paid a lot of attention to Annie. Many times, both, mother and daughter took baths together. In doing so, Annies mother bathed affectionately different parts of Annies body. She also included Annie in everything: she did the shopping, prepared lunch and supper and made the washing in the company of her daughter. Both were so attached to each other that Mrs. John even made sure Annies dresses were made out of the same cloth as hers. Moreover, she tenderly told stories about Annie while cleaning Annies trunk, which was full of souvenirs of Annies childhood. These stories pleased Annie so much that she always yearned to clean the trunk with her mother it was in such paradise that Annie lived.

However, in seeing that her daughter was on the verge of becoming a young lady, Annies mother became suddenly detached. Probably she wanted Annie to be less dependent on her, but in doing so, she disconcerted her daughter: she unexpectedly asserted that Annie was too old to wear dresses made out of the same cloth as her. She said, Its time you had your own clothes. You just cannot go around the rest of your life looking like a little me. Moreover, she unreasonably claimed that there was no time to clean her daughters trunk anymore. This was also very sad for Annie because her mother would no longer tell her stories in the way she used to. Definitely, this abrupt change in her mothers attitude unsettled Annie and caused her great pain.

What was probably more disconcerting and saddening for Annie was her mothers refusal to spend time with her. Mrs. John informed that they should stop doing the household jobs together because Annie was becoming a young lady, but there was no further explanation. Besides, instead of their usual days spent together, Annie was now sent to learn manners and how to play the piano. In this way, Mrs. John caused pain to her daughter again: the old sweet moments they had spent together were now left behind, without any apparent reason.

Not only did Annies mother refuse to spend time with her daughter, but also she suddenly started to disapprove of Annie. It was sad for Annie to see her mother with the corner of her mouth turned down in disapproval of her. For example, when the piano teacher told Mrs. John of one of Annies misdeeds, Mrs. John turned and walked away from her daughter. Evidently, her mothers back turned in disgust for her daughter was something new for Annie. Her mothers face had always borne a smile for Annie, and so, Annie was taken aback by her mothers harsh attitude.

Certainly, Annies mother had always shown tender loving care for her daughter. Nevertheless, she was unable to make Annies transition into adolescence a painless and easy process. Mrs. John suddenly changed her attitude towards Annie after realizing that her daughter was becoming an adolescent and so, she disconcerted her daughter and caused pain to her. Needless to say, Mrs. Johns behavior was unnecessary, for she could have avoided Annies distress by talking frankly and straightforwardly to Annie, and of course, by supporting her daughter during this arduous and crucial stage in her life.


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The qualitative study of Landmark and her team was participated by Norwegian phy ...

The qualitative study of Landmark and her team was participated by Norwegian physicians and patients as they explored series of recordings of physician’s prescribed therapy to their respective patients. Through these records, the presence of a patient-centered care and a shared decision making approaches were analyzed using 380 video-recorded patient-doctor interactions. Of these, 18 records became the primary source of information.

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The study was conducted in a Norwegian teaching hospital from 2007 to 2008. Video records and transcripts were analyzed using conversation analysis or interactional machinery (where thematic analysis includes). Findings revealed that understanding was “seemed” to be ensured both by patient-centered care and shared decision making as portrayed in their actual or routine practices in the clinical area. On the other hand, potential disagreement or misunderstanding occurs when physicians and patients use their non-native language or when neutral responses by the patients were interpreted by the physicians as either agreeing or disagreeing.

The major implication of the findings of this study highlighted language barrier as potential cause of non-understanding/non-agreement. Moreover, the researchers emphasized that the observed good patient-centered approach in the actual clinical scenario may not be adequately sufficed especially when physicians encountered misunderstanding/disagreement and non-participation of patients in decision making process. Supportive to this include the origin of the native language of both participants and misinterpretation of patient’s neutral responses (e.g. agreeing/disagreeing, instead of misunderstanding/non-understanding). Although difficult and challenging, it is recommended that a model of “actual best practice” be developed with regard to the concept of patient understanding. Such actual best practice must not only be in terms of conversation but also reflect in patient’s actions or adherence to prescribed treatment. Lastly, formulating trainings (regarding communication strategies) which aim to address patient’s non-responsiveness, non-understanding, disagreement, or non-participation in decision making is essential in resolving language barriers, understanding patient’s needs and achieving a patient-centered decision-making.

Schwei and her fellow researchers claimed that language barriers in healthcare is a worldwide concern, particularly in Europe, Australia and Canada (other than the United States). These states have one thing in common – immigrants who experience language barriers in healthcare settings. In 2003, the Bush administration has implemented a change in US’ services for LEP (limited English proficiency) individuals. From this perspective, they aimed to describe the state of the language barrier literature in and out of the US (from 2003 to 2010) and compare studies which were conducted before and after such policy change. In addition, literature and studies outside US were reviewed to assess the global trends. Literature review and cross-sectional analysis were employed in their methodology. They had two-phase review. Phase 1 only included annotated bibliographies of 2003 (starting 1974, prior to Bush’ implementation of changes) and phase 2 involved analysis from 2003 to 2011 (after Bush’ implementation of changes).

Furthermore, criteria and parameters set in search and classification were similar in both phases. In their result, they found that the areas highlighted in their review included

  • (a) access barrier
  • (b) comparison study
  • (c) interpreting practices
  • (d) outcomes
  • (e) patient satisfaction.

As they expected, studies focusing on language barriers have increased (since 2003) and this could be attributed to the policy change by the Bush administration. Also, in terms of perspectives in dealing with clients who have language barriers, the researchers revealed that it is more physician-focused within the US but nurse-focused outside the US. As a recommendation, problems pertaining to language barriers in healthcare delivery system around the world must be well-documented in order to accurately identify the problem and provide evidence-based solutions van Rose and her colleagues investigated the risks involved in patient safety caused by language barriers during their hospitalization period.

Moreover, they explored how language barriers were detected, reported, and bridged in a Dutch hospital care setting. In their methodology, they combined quantitative and qualitative research approaches in a sample of 576 ethnic minority in-patients. The study was participated by four urban hospitals in Netherlands. Nursing and medical records of concerned patients were reviewed and analyzed. Supplemental, yet, in-depth interviews with healthcare providers and in-patients were also conducted. The outputs, were compared to patients’ self-reported Dutch language proficiency tool. Aside from this, experts in language interpreters also aided in data analysis and interpretation. As a result, the researchers found that certain hospital care situations where there is language barrier include nursing-related activities such as administering drugs, pain and fluid balance management. Physician-related language barrier also exists in patient-doctor conversations regarding diagnosis, risk communications and acute situations.

More often, the relatives and significant others of these patients served as interpreters. In such cases, professional interpreters were not much used which could mean that professional interpreters were not as effective (as expected) to help in resolving language-barrier-related patient safety issues. These situations showed that risks were possible in hospitals with patients who experience language barriers. This gap could be serious when timeliness and promptness of delivering healthcare services of addressing patient’s needs is not addressed. As a general comment on this study, regardless of the nurse’s competent level of knowledge and skills, promptness in identifying language barrier is primordial to collecting accurate data and delivering safe nursing and medical management. Documentations of these must be secured for future study references concerning policy reviews and updates and in-service trainings regarding communication, language barrier and safety-related health issues.

The annotated bibliographies concerning language barrier, in relation to NSQHS’ communicating for safety standard, have significance to Australian nursing practice despite conducting such in healthcare settings of three different countries (Norway, United States and Netherlands, respectively). Nowadays, standards on healthcare delivery system are becoming uniformed at a considerable pace. Communication plays a substantial role in unifying these standards and ensuring safe delivery of healthcare services. Language barrier is an obvious obstacle to attaining this goal.

Landmark, et. al. (2017) merely focused on physician-initiated interactions with patients in assessing and planning treatment regimen. Physicians could not generate genuine patient participation because they did not stay with them more often. Furthermore, there were physicians who assumed that the patient understood the prescribed treatment regimen simply because he/she nodded or said “uhmm” or “yes.” These responses sometimes did not translate into actions or actual patient compliance. After conversing with patients, physicians would normally leave and just wait for reports or developing responses. On the other hand, nurses are great instruments in bridging this gap because they stay with the patient throughout his/her course of confinement. Considering the trust and rapport they established with their patients, nurses are the ones who can more effectively assess and empathize with them. At the same time, nurses are able to evaluate the actual progress and treatment compliance of the patients to prescribed treatment even before the physician does. As future Australian nurses who are cognizant to patient’s safety, we play crucial role in clarifying patient’s misunderstandings and relay these to the physicians even if they have already left the unit. This intervention further validates patient’s response, ensure full understanding of instructions and allows initiating modification of plan (if any).

In another study, Schwei, et. al. (2016) exposed a considerable increase in language barrier-themed studies after 2003 when Bush’s administration implemented access to healthcare services among people who are limited English proficient (LEP). Among people who greatly benefited included migrants. Currently, migrants prefer highly developed English-speaking countries. Among the advantages of choosing these are quality of life and access to quality healthcare delivery system. However, problem arises when they are not competent enough to speak and express themselves using English language, most especially when they are sick.

Central to addressing this concern are the nurses’ ability to grasp and understand patients’ health concerns regardless of the language they use. In Australia, where key cities are also cultural melting pots, dealing with patients who experience language barrier could occur. Since poor interpretation of patient’s chief complaints could lead to unsafe delivery of health interventions, nurses must be competent enough in analyzing such complaints by not merely grounding his/her judgment on patient’s lingual claims. As future Australian nurse, other interventions such as clinical eye (during inspection), use of context clues and other assessment tools/tests are helpful in clarifying confusions and refining patients claims until one arrives at properly identified patient’s needs.

In the last cited research, van Rosse, et. al. (2016) enumerated nursing interventions that may be unsafely delivered if language barriers were not promptly identified and resolved. They also mentioned the role of relatives as interpreter when language barrier is identified.

In Australian healthcare setting, the clientele are not the only culturally diverse members of the population. Nurses and allied health professionals also come from different cultural backgrounds. Although competent English is a requirement for employment, miscommunications may still occur between and among conversing parties if diction, accent, slang, pronunciation, enunciation or even dealing with newly hired immigrant employee are considered.

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Moreover, the use of ISBAR has established itself as an indispensable tool in significantly lowering or solving misunderstanding between communicating members of the healthcare team. Finally, the role of family and significant others in patient care must not be ignored. They could serve as effective and efficient interpreters of patient’s concerns.

Works Cited

  1. Landmark, B. T., Sandvik, H., Reinertsen, K. V., & Baerheim, A. (2017). How to ensure patient understanding in a consultation. Patient Education and Counseling, 100(5), 926-931.
  2. Schwei, R. J., Del Pozo, S., Agger-Gupta, N., Alvarado-Little, W., Bagchi, A., Chen, A. H., ... & Solow, C. M. (2016). Language concordance as a determinant of patient satisfaction and compliance. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 31(5), 567-574.
  3. van Rosse, F., de Bruijne, M., Suurmond, J., Essink-Bot, M. L., & Wagner, C. (2016). Language barriers and patient safety risks in hospital care: A mixed methods study. International Journal of Nursing Studies, 54, 45-53.
  4. Bush, R. W. (2003). Executive Order 13166: Improving access to services for persons with limited English proficiency. Federal Register, 68(144), 47311-47314.
  5. Flores, G. (2006). Language barriers to health care in the United States. New England Journal of Medicine, 355(3), 229-231.
  6. Karliner, L. S., Jacobs, E. A., Chen, A. H., & Mutha, S. (2007). Do professional interpreters improve clinical care for patients with limited English proficiency? A systematic review of the literature. Health Services Research, 42(2), 727-754.
  7. Diamond, L. C., Schenker, Y., Curry, L., Bradley, E. H., & Fernandez, A. (2012). Getting by: Underuse of interpreters by resident physicians. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 27(3), 309-313.
  8. Divi, C., Koss, R. G., Schmaltz, S. P., Loeb, J. M., & Language proficiency and adverse events in US hospitals: A pilot study. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 19(2), 60-67.
  9. Flores, G., Laws, M. B., Mayo, S. J., Zuckerman, B., Abreu, M., Medina, L., ... & Hardt, E. J. (2003). Errors in medical interpretation and their potential clinical consequences in pediatric encounters. Pediatrics, 111(1), 6-14.
  10. Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Ananeh-Firempong, O. (2003). Defining cultural competence: A practical framework for addressing racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care. Public Health Reports, 118(4), 293-302.

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Table of contentsOverviewOverall descriptionProduct perspectiveProduct functions ...

Table of contents

  1. Overview
  2. Overall descriptionProduct perspectiveProduct functionsConstraintsAssumptions and dependenciesExternal interface RequirementsUser interfacesSoftware interfaces

This section gives a scope description and overview of everything included in this SRS document. Also, the purpose for this document is described and a list of abbreviations and definitions is provided. Purpose The purpose of this document is to give a detailed description of the requirements for the “Tahal” device. It will illustrate the purpose and complete declaration for the development of system. It will also explain system constraints, interface and interactions with other external applications. Scope “Tahal” is an automated board with a mobile application which helps users to travel based on their specified location. The mobile application is available only to people owning the “Tahal” board. Users can provide the location they would like to visit. This information will act as the bases for the search results and “Tahal” board will take users automatically to defined location across a user selected path without any manual effort. The user can also change the path later by commanding “Tahal” Assistant. Furthermore, the software needs both Internet and GPS connection to fetch and display results. The device has the capability of taking turns, instantaneous response to obstacles, speed control.

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Overview

This document includes three parts. The second one provides an overview of the system functionality and system interaction. This part also mentions the system constraints and assumptions about the product. The third part provides the requirements specification in detailed terms and a description of the different system interfaces.

Overall description

This section will give an overview of the whole system. The system will be explained in its context to show how the system works and introduce the basic functionality of it. The constraints and assumptions for the system will be also presented.

Product perspective

Figure 1 Block Diagram This system will consist of two parts: one mobile application and one board. The mobile application will be used to search locations; set paths’ while the board will be used for an actual movement like skateboarding and as a whole it will make an automated board. The mobile application will need to communicate to a GPS application within the mobile phone, which in turn communicates with a physical GPS device to find the location of the user. The GPS will provide the mobile application with locations of both the user and the final destination and the path between them.

Product functions

With the mobile application, the users will be able to search for visiting locations. The result of the search will be viewed in a map view. The map view will show each location as a pin on the map as well as the user’s own location.

Constraints

The mobile application is constrained by the system interface to the GPS navigation system within the mobile phone. Since there are multiple system and multiple GPS manufacturers, the interface will most likely not be the same for every one of them. Also, there may be a difference between what navigation features each of them provides. The Internet connection is also a constraint for the application. Since the application fetches data from the database over the Internet, it is crucial that there is an Internet connection for the application to function.

Assumptions and dependencies

One assumption about the product is that it will always be used on mobile phones that have enough performance. If the phone does not have enough hardware resources available for the application, for example the users might have allocated them with other applications, there may be scenarios where the application does not work as intended or even at all. Another assumption is that the GPS components in all phones work in the same way. If the phones have different interfaces to the GPS, the application need to be specifically adjusted to each interface and that would mean the integration with the GPS would have different requirements than what is stated in this specification.

Specific requirements This section contains all of the functional and quality requirements of the system. It gives a detailed description of the system and all its features.

External interface Requirements

This section provides a detailed description of all inputs into and outputs from the system. It also gives a description of the hardware, software and communication interfaces and provides basic prototypes of the user interface.

User interfaces

A first-time user of the mobile application needs to register for using “Tahal” application which is only possible with a pin number assigned to avoid unauthorised access. A user can search for the location using the search bar. The map view shows each location by a pin, you can zoom into to check the available paths to follow your desired location. Hardware interfaces The hardware component of the system is the board which may conventionally look like a skateboard but works without any manual effort all with the use of GPS device which connects to both mobile phone and the device that feeds the data in the processor. Thereafter processor controls the motor and rotates the wheel to move forward take turns adjust speed.

Software interfaces

The mobile application communicates with the GPS application in order to get geographical information about where the user is located and the visual representation of it, and with the database in order to get information about the pointed location. Functional requirements This section includes the requirements that specify all the fundamental actions of the software system. User Class 1 - The User

Functional requirement

1.1 TITLE: Download mobile application.

DESCRIPTION: A user should be able to add the application through a shared link. Functional requirement 1.2 TITLE: User registration -Application DESCRIPTION: Given that a user has downloaded the mobile application, then the user should be able to register through the application using a given pin number.

Functional requirement

1.3 TITLE: Application - Search DESCRIPTION: Given that a user is logged in to the mobile application, then the user should be able to search for locations. A user should be able to select desired path options.

Functional requirement

1.4 TITLE: Mobile application - Search result in a map view DESCRIPTION: Search results can be viewed on a map. On the map, the relevant information according to the user’s position and movement status are shown. A specific pin will represent destined location. Another will represent user location.

Functional requirement

1.5 TITLE: Mobile application - Navigation DESCRIPTION: When a selection is made, the final location should be sent to the mobile phone’s GPS-navigation program. The user should then be navigated to the destination. Performance requirements The requirements in this section provide a detailed specification of quality of the user interaction

Prominent search feature TITLE: Prominent search feature DESCRIPTION: The search feature should be prominent and easy to find for the user.

Usage of the result in the map view TITLE: Usage of the result in the map view DESCRIPTION: The results displayed in the map view should be user friendly and easy to understand. Selecting a pin on the map should only take one click. System dependability TITLE: System Dependability DESCRIPTION: The fault tolerance of the system. If the system goes into some fault, it should slow down and stop in response to fault.

Safe travel option TITLE: Safe travel option DESCRIPTION: The board should be capable of responding to immediate obstacles. Speed Control TITLE: Speed Control DESCRIPTION: The user should be capable of controlling the speed from user interface. Prioritization and Release Plan and Software Models Software Models In order to get a view of how to divide the requirements and what requirements should be best suited prototype model is best opted for making of this device. Prioritization and Release Plan

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First a prototype will be made to check the implementation of the functionality. After successful testing of object response, speed limits a human sized riding board will be made and henceforth that too will be tested at different speeds on different course paths. After satisfying test results the board will be released as a complete project. Figure 2 Functionality Diagram


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The end of the 2010 decade is soon to come, over 1.2 million American lives have ...

The end of the 2010 decade is soon to come, over 1.2 million American lives have been either lost to gun violence or have been severely injured. Approximately 329 people are shot daily in America. Gun violence is a life-threatening problem. It can be resolved with human effort. It affects the majority of the country tremendously. Gun violence is a national crisis in the United States of America.

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Gun violence is a life-threatening problem. According to Giffords’ Lawcenter, over 1.2 million U.S. citizens have been shot and injured in the past decade. The United States has the highest gun violence rate out of all the first-world countries. Almost all of the persons killed were innocent. America also has the highest rate of school shootings. On November 19, 2019, CNN published an article listing all the school shootings so far in America. It states, “In 46 weeks this year, there have been 45 school shootings.”(Wolfe and Walker 1). Averaging almost a school shooting weekly. 32 of the school shootings were at schools teaching kindergarten through 12th grade. In all these malicious attacks, at least 1 person excluding the suspect was shot. No child should have to live through this type of traumatic experience.

Evidently, the death rate of gun violence only rises day by day and it affects all of America. Across the USA “44% of Americans say that they know someone who has been shot, and another 23% report that a gun has been used to threaten or intimidate them or a family member”(Vargas 1). 67% of Americans have been in a situation where a firearm was involved. Roughly 500 people die daily worldwide from gun violence and more than half of those fatalities come from America. The west coast and the eastern half of America have the most number of injuries. According to German Lopez’s article, “America’s unique gun violence problem, explained in 16 maps and charts”(Lopez 1). America has more guns than people. There are about 120.5 firearms per 100 civilians. This has become such widespread issue guns are easier to obtain than some necessities such as health insurance or a drivable car. Guns have been seen as ordinary accessories used as self-defense mechanisms. The influence of firearms has been “associated with a confluence of individual, family, school, peer, community, and sociocultural risk factors that interact over time during childhood and adolescence”(American Psychological Association 1). The normality of such weapons have been established as standard necessities. America has points that have lower living standards and guns have been introduced to minors at a young age through friends or family in these areas. It has been so normalized that Chicago had its first break from a shooting occurring in several months. Another incident occurred where a man who killed 49 people in an Orlando nightclub shooting purchased assault rifles a few days before the tragedy. Allegedly he was known to be a racist and violent man, but still passed a background check. These mass shootings and murders have been viewed as daily events and don’t have the same impact as before.

In this case, gun violence is a crisis that can be resolved with human effort. In the 2nd amendment, it states, “The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”(U.S. Const. 2nd Amendment). Even though the Senate and other government parties have set up gun restrictions, banning certain types of firearms. This is still ineffective because most homicides and suicides are committed using handguns. If we were to enforce restrictions or full bans on all firearms, the fatality rate in the US would severely plummet. An article by Vox says that states with tighter gun control laws have fewer deaths and injuries from firearms. States such as California, Texas, and Hawaii have stricter gun control laws have fewer deaths caused by injury from firearms. According to an article by Business Insider, in Japan citizens must “attend an all-day class, pass a written test, and achieve at least 95% accuracy during a shooting-range test. Then they have to pass a mental-health evaluation at a hospital, as well as a background check, in which the government digs into any criminal records… they can only buy shotguns and air rifles - no handguns”(Weller et al. 1). Japan has stricter gun ownership laws and has the lowest rate of gun violence in developed countries. It has about .6 deaths per 100 people compared to 10.5 in the USA. If the U.S. government applied harsher laws controlling firearms, casualties would be lower.

Nevertheless, gun control has always been a debate in America. Citizens who are pro-rights say that gun control laws do not affect crime, but instead, gun ownership affects gun violence. According to ProCon.org, “Assault weapon bans did not significantly affect murder rates at the state level” (ProCon.org 2). Throughout the country, people who are pro-guns argue that gun control affect the violence associated with firearms. Assault rifles are used in many deadly mass shooting situations. However, statistics show that handguns are the most common weapons used in shootings. If stricter gun control laws were to be enforced, deaths from guns would be reduced exponentially. Between 1999 and 2016, 572,537 deaths have been caused by guns. 59% of these deaths were suicides and 41% were homicides. Minimalizing access to guns would greatly lower the death rate in America.

Reviewing the articles and reports from across America, gun violence is a national crisis in America. It has affected citizens in life-threatening ways. It is a growing problem that is already widespread in the USA. The United States government has put in efforts to resolve this issue, but they are simply ineffective. Regardless, the country still needs human effort to be allocated towards gun violence. The authors’ articles have supported the claim that gun violence is a national crisis in the United States of America. Gun control laws are said to be worthless in America by some perspectives, but with evidence from many sites, concludes that if gun control laws were to be set in stone, the death rate would be significantly lower. This decade has been the deadliest in the history of America and supposedly also contains the strictest gun control laws, but statistics show that the fatality rate is higher than ever. Shootings happen all over the country and it doesn’t impact citizens as much as it used to before this decade. It was truly a rare thing to see schools being shot up in acts of terror. Or someone you know has been injured by a firearm. Nowadays it’s just viewed as another day in America.    


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