Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis

1. The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis meant the comprehension of the world for an individual determines by the background linguistics system or grammar. In other words, language which use in his or her culture influence his or her thought, idea, view of the world. Explanation of this hypothesis will be more apprehensible by examples. ‘Cultural emphasis’ is one of the popular examples of Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis. Cultural emphasis is if a culture â€Å"A† counts more than about certain aspect another culture â€Å"B†, the culture â€Å"A† tends to have more verity of word that the culture â€Å"B† about the aspect.For example, in English words related family relationship might be 20 or less: aunt, uncle, father, mother, grandmother, grandfather, great grandmother or grandfather, son, daughter, cousin, father/mother in law, kin. In contrast, Korea has about 70 or more, which is a natural result as Confucianism was widely spread in Korea. Another obvious e xample to explain about Sapri-Whorf Hypothesis is â€Å"time†, and â€Å"space†. In the book, Whorf have studied to explain his hypothesis with â€Å"time† which is the most common nouns in the English language according to the Lera Boroditsky’s lecture.The Indo-Europeans (most western people) view the time in three major tenses-‘past, present, and future’. Even though ‘past’ and ‘future’ is an abstract concept compare to ‘present’, the language of western people consider ‘past’ and ‘future’ s real as ‘present’. Therefore, the Indo-Europeans have a cultural form of time units(century, decade, year, month, day, hour, minute even seconds), and from that form there are various other cultural form as records, histories, calendars, and even stock markets.However, the Hopis has different concept of time: objective, and subjective. The ‘objective’ is a fact wh ich exist, and the ‘subjective’ is a state is becoming. In other words, rather than past, present, future, there are things becoming that has individual life rhythms like growing, declining, or changing as plants, weather, or any other form of mother nature does. Therefore, Hopis likely to view the present (objectives) as becoming (subjective) can come to pass. Even Korea, had different concept of time before modernization.People divided a day in 12(based on Zodiac); in other words two hours was the smallest universal unit of time in Korea. So, occasionally, a friend should wait for about 2hours. By this cultural difference with western society, create a word â€Å"Korean Time†(being lazy) during the Korean War and the word is listed on Oxford Dictionary. Lera Boroditsky developed Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis by comparing time and space. She insists that the concept of time order in space differs by culture.Lera have shown an interesting video clip of â€Å"3D spacing † which is arranging time order if there is a dot floating on the air. Koreans may arrange time like ‘breakfast-lunch-dinner’(1-2-3/horizontal order) or ‘breakfast(up)/lunch(mid)/dinner(bottom)’ in the self-orientated position as Korean society had accepted western literacy of reading left to right, but still has some cultural trace of reading up to bottom. However, the Kuuk tribe’s answer differs by their direction.They will arrange time as 3-2-1 while facing north, and will arrange time by 1-2-3 while facing south. This order is defined by the direction of sunrise and sunset(east to west); and this is a consequence of a culture of saying hello as ‘where are you going’; and the possible answer for the Kuuk people is ‘Far over there to the north-north-east’ or ‘To the toilet of south west to clean by hand at south east’. In a nutshell, Sapir, and Whorf claims people understand their world by their linguist ic system which is highly related to culture.By comparing Hopis, Korean and Indo-Europeans, We could acknowledge that he norm of ‘time’ is different by culture; and by comparing Kuuk Thaayorre tribe, and Korean, we could admit that the arranging time differs by cultural sense of space. Consequently, Sapir-Whorf hypothesis seems quite reasonable as each group of people thinks and acts differently by the form of cultural language. Reference: http://fora. tv/2010/10/26/Lera_Boroditsky_How_Language_Shapes_Thought#fullprogram David S. Thomson’s (2011/10/25). The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Worlds Shaped by Words.Retrieved from http://uee. unist. ac. kr/webapps/portal/frameset. jsp? tab_tab_grou p_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_7103_1%26url%3D 2. The critics of Sapri-Whorf Hypothesis had insisted the bond between culture and language, doubts the relevance of person’s view of the world. The example of Shona which trib e has only three category of colors does not mean that Shona’s eye is psychologically different; and can’t see rainbow as English-speakers do. It’s just hard to speak the definition of the color.Moreover, Whorf probably didn’t consider dead metaphors for Hopi language. For example, â€Å"God be with you,† doesn’t mean that person will imagine God being with him. I do admit that Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis’s example has some risk of uncertainties as it is hard to totally understand culture of Shona or Hopies for Whorf of other people. However, I do not agree that it Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis is wrong twofold: one is the hypothesis is more related to mental state of people rather than physiological state; and the other is dead metaphor still affects in other way.First, even though it is true that people physiologically that human eyes are same, it doesn’t mean they recognize at the same way as others. For example there is an experiment f rom BBC ‘Do you see what I see’ that could reject critics concern. A person from BBC went to the tribe, Himba. The western experimenter showed 12 colors which only one color is different. The western person have shown 11 colors of no. 80-188-12(red,green,blue), and another color of no. 93-188-2(red,green,blue).Both colors seem ‘green’ and it is pretty hard to recognize the difference of us; nevertheless, the Himba recognize them without hesitation. In another experiment, the western person has shown 11 colors no. 35-95-65 and one color of no. 35-95-110. To the western, the two colors is apparently divided as blue and green; however, this is not the case of Himba tribe. And the second experiment seemed like a knotty problem for the Himba. Second, although it is a dead metaphor it still influences in an indirect way of person’s view of the world.Even the words ‘God bless you’, or ‘God be with you’ means just good luck, it stil l influences the view of the world. Though the person isn’t Christian, the linguistic system means that there is a culture of Christianity that is recognizable. There is an obvious difference of knowing about Christian and not knowing about Christian. A person knows about Christian heard ‘I’m a Christian’, he or she may see the person with some prejudice; but a person who doesn’t know about the Christian won’t care that much about it. In onclusion, although it is insecure to define another culture from the western view, it doesn’t mean that Sapir-Whorf is wrong. As matter of fact, critics concern about physiological view of the eye wasn’t related enough to the problem of human thought, and the dead metaphor still gave influence to the person’s view of his or her own world. Reference: David S. Thomson’s (2011/10/25). The Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis: Worlds Shaped by Words. Retrieved from http://uee. unist. ac. kr/webapps /portal/frameset. jsp? tab_tab_grou p_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_7103_1%26url%3DBBC HORIZON (2011/08/20) Do you See what I see? www. youtube. com/watch? v=4b71rT9fU-I 5. People occasionally see each other sex as a different creature; and we easily have misconceptions about the differences between. Deborah Tannen argued â€Å"both women and men often feel they are not getting sufficient credit for what they have done, are not being listened to, are not getting ahead as fast as they should. â€Å"(p. 64); He explains several reasons why people misunderstand different sex with twofold aspects: conversational rituals, and strategies.In conversational rituals, Tannen claims â€Å"men often involve using opposition such as banter, joking, teasing, and playful put-downs, and expending effort to avoid the one-down position in the interaction. † while â€Å"women are often ways of maintaining an appearance of equality, taking in to account the effect of the exchange on the other person, and expending effort to downplay the speakers’ authority so they can get the job done without flexing their muscles in an obvious way. † For example, men tend to speak quite direct, including emotions, like ‘Hey! Chicken!Go and clean your dirty the room’; by contrast, women might ask ‘I think it would be really nice if the room is cleaned’ even though she thinks the room is dirty and disgusting. Tennen insist † Men whose oppositional strategies are interpreted literally may be seen as hostile when they are not, and their efforts to ensure that they avoid appearing one-down may be taken as arrogance. When women use conversational strategies designed to avoid appearing boastful and to take the other person’s feelings into account, they may be seen as less confident and competent than they really are. According to my experience, among friends between men, the conversation betw een friends includes insult. Usually, the more trust, the more insults exist between male friends; however, women tends to appraise nearly everything each other, appearance, clothing, make ups, and so on. For instance, there is a famous example of a true-ish story related to this. There is a couple. The man met his old friend in front of her girlfriend. While being happy meeting with his friend, suddenly, she said â€Å"Let’s break up, I didn’t knew you were such a crude person†. The man was just showing friendship in a universal way of other men do.In conclusion, men and women are easy to have misconceptions each other as they have their own cultural-like difference between. The gap of between is not only because of the conversational rituals, but also, the strategies they use. Reference: â€Å"Women and Men Talking on the Job†, from Talking from 9 to 5 by Debora Tannen. Copyright ? 1994 by Deborah Tannen. 6. The culture of Kula, the Potlatch, and food t aboo (pigs in the reading) are seems quite imprudent from the view of modern society led by western culture. However, it exist whether it is awkward or not for us.Through Marvin Harris’ logical objective point of view in adaptation, being economical, or being ecological, I would describe my possible reason of ‘why’ these culture exist. In the Milne Bay Province of Papua New Guinea the 18 island community holds a closed trading system called Kula or Kula Ring. The Kula was an enclosed trading system for only few senior male trading partners from each island were able to participate. With only a large outrigger sailing canoes, the long life-risking voyages were taken for this trade. And the result of this trade is to have few so-called luxuries which are made out of shells or similar form.This strange custom that was held between islands far apart had beneficial aspects for the each tribe. First, each tribe can show diplomacy. The better reciprocity of each tribe o verseas, the power of the island tribe is more influential. Second reason is that men of the tribe can have more unity. When people go through a hardship which is people each other feels more unity as more risk was involved in the incident. Through, this dangerous voyage, men in the tribe could have strong unity of going through hardship. Lastly, island tribe could have better economic status.By using surplus, they could get rich and have more stable economy of the island tribe. Potlatch is an undated ceremony which is held for incidents to celebrate like son's marriage, the birth of a child, a daughter's first menses, and so on. During the potlatch, tribal leader tenders to other tribe member a banquet which includes not only providing foods and presents, but also burning or tearing patriarch’s own property. Marvin Harris explained this as First, it is a feast for unity. And it could actualize his or her status as a patriarch. By showing off in front of other member of the t ribe, he could unify his tribe by earning respect.As respect could give the cause of gathering more asset of from his tribe member, he could continually gather and lose money and sustain his reputation as a tribe leader. Second, it is a way of bragging his power to other tribe with less blood or war. During Potlatch, other tribe leaders occasionally been invited. And the invited leaders have moral duty to open another Potlatch in his tribe. Through the ceremony, the tribe leader could show the economic situation or power of the tribe. Therefore, each patriarch could show better diplomacy to other tribe.Raising hog is one of the most economical ways of getting protein comparing between the amount of meat and the crops consumed. Nevertheless, Quran describe pig as a devil and not to be eaten. And Islamic version of Bible is still followed today. Though it seems not rational in present, Quran’s taught was greatly reasonable dozen centuries ago. Quran was an enshrined book for th e nomadic people in the Middle East which is filled with dessert. For them, water is more valuable then diamond. And among the cattle that nomadic people raise, pigs were the best consumers of water at that moment.Also, pigs that are raise in farms had more economical value as they simply don’t have to move and burn fat as much the nomadic people do. Most of all, pigs cannot sweat. They don’t have sweat hole as other mammals do. Their adaptations weren’t for the hot weather itself; and easily died in the hot and dry dessert condition. Harris’s argument is there is always a very logical reason for a culture whether it is strange or normal. And his logical reasons could be found by an objective point of view such as in adaptation, being economical, or being ecological.References http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Kula_ring http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Trobriand_Islands http://anthro. palomar. edu/economy/econ_3. htm 7. The Native Americans of the Great Plain were highly depended their lives to buffalos. Buffalos were not only the method of food, but almost everything they need: shelter, clothing, fuel, tools, weapons, and other equipment by using buffalo’s horn, skin, and even dung. Nevertheless, the Native Americans of the Great Plain never worshiped them. Instead, they worshiped Mother Nature, and Father Sky.In other words, they believed everything living and of nature had a spirits I believe that Marvin Harrison might guess this reason as that buffalos were very plentiful for them, and buffalos were not the only ‘sprit’ that influenced Native Americans: but, most of all, if they have worshiped buffalos, the ritual of hunting ‘holy’ buffalos might be thought as taboo. Buffalo’s economical value exists only by killing them. As they were valuable, but not valuable enough not to kill, the belief of Totemism might have been a great alternative to them. Reference: Darko-Adara (2009. 04. 20) Psycholog y Concert, StarBooks, Seoul http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Plains_Indians http://www. buffalofieldcampaign. org/aboutbuffalo/bisonnativeamericans. html Midterm Essay AHS10404 20101695 Lee, Sang-Deok Answered questions 1. Define the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis and explain it by giving examples of ‘cultural emphasis. ’ In your answer, refer specifically to the concepts of ‘time’ and ‘space’ in your language. Your answer should refer to the reading AND the lecture by Lera Boroditsky (10 points) 2. State how critics of the Sapir-Whorf Hypothesis criticize the hypothesis and discuss whether you agree or not, and support your argument with specific examples in your own language (5 points). . Describe Tannen’s arguments about why men and women misunderstand each other, and find some examples from your experience or from other sources. (5 points) 6. Describe the Kula, the Potlatch, and food taboo in the readings. How would Marvin Harris (possibly) exp lain all these cultural practices? Discuss Harris’ arguments in relation to these three practices. (10 points) 7. Native Americans of the Great Plains never worshiped the buffalo. Why not? Based on what Harris has written, can you think of reasons why they did not worship the animal that was the source of their food? (extra 3 points)

The Process Of Modelling Erosion Environmental Sciences Essay

This papers is intended as a literature reappraisal of research on how to pattern the eroding. Erosion is a natural procedure that has become a serious environmental job due to the action of several natural and human factors. For case, deforestation, fires, unequal agricultural patterns or inordinate building of edifices and roads have skyrocketed this phenomenon. Erosion causes transit of deposits to rivers, swamps and lakes, increasing the hazard of deluging when raining. Besides, eroding reduces the capacity of dirts to hive away H2O, and do the loss of foods and organic affair worsening the biodiversity of the part. The engagement of the governments is needed to set up programs to command this phenomenon. 2 Definition of Erosion The word eroding, from Latin, means gnaw off ( Ghanshyam, 2009 ) . Erosion means the remotion of stuff from one topographic point of the Earth ‘s crust to the other by the impact of geological agents ( Krebs, 2003 ) . Erosion is a phenomenon that occurs at really slow rates. For illustration, Patric ( 1976 ) references some illustrations of a general rate of 0.18 to 0.30 dozenss / acre / twelvemonth. Obviously this rate will change depending on many variables on the surface of the Earth. Areas on the Earth surface that is more immune to erosion, such as forest land can supply rates of 0.05 to 0.10 ton / acre / twelvemonth. In contrast, countries with high rates of eroding such as agricultural land may stop up giving rates of 1 to 5 dozenss / acre / twelvemonth. Erosion is a natural procedure linked to the kineticss development of the planet and is a measure within the geological rhythm of the Earth ‘s crust. The geological rhythm which includes eroding is intended to accomplish a mass balance between the highest countries of the planet and the lower countries ( Khan, 2006 ) .3 Erosion within the Geological rhythmThe Earth ‘s crust is subjected to a uninterrupted transmutation ensuing from the action of geological agents, both internal and external, which are the elements that model the Earth surface ( Ramberg, 2008 ) . The Internal geological procedures have their chief beginning in the internal heat of the planet, and they are constructive, they are responsible for the formation of the Earth surface. These geological procedures appear in signifier of slow motions ( orogenic ) or sudden events ( temblors and vents ) , which give manner to the formation of new minerals and stones. External geological procedures are caused by the action of external agents ( air, H2O, air current, snow ) .3.1 Weathering, conveyance and depositWeathering is the procedure of break and decomposition of stones by the action of external agents. Weathering occurs in the topographic point where the stones are, without being transported. When the decomposition takes topographic point in combination with conveyance so is called eroding ( Gifford, 2005 ) . Weathering may be chiefly mechanical ( physical ) or chemical, but in most occasions operate combined. The conditions will be a cardinal factor in the laterality of mechanical or chemical weathering. Mechanical weathering is the physical decomposition of stones due to events such as dilation and alterations in H2O temperature ( Gifford, 2005 ) . This instance is common in hot dry climes where the uninterrupted alterations of temperature contribute to do snap and break in the stones. In cold climes, the H2O freezes in clefts perforating moving as a cuneus, doing the break and atomization of stones. Chemical weathering is the change of the mineral components of stones by the action of atmospheric gases ( O, C dioxide ) and H2O ( Gifford, 2005 ) , which performs procedures such as hydrolysis and hydration. Transport occurs on weather-beaten stuffs, fragmented or dissolved which can be eroded and moved from their topographic point of beginning, by the action of gravitation, which will take them from high to low countries. The chief conveyance agents are H2O overflow ( watercourses, rivers ) , ice ( glaciers ) , air current and sea ( coastal countries ) ( Ghanshyam, 2009 ) . The deposition of the eroded and transported stuff ( fragments of stones, dead beings and chemicals ) consequences in their deposit when it stops the consequence of gravitation and make more stable topographic points. The zones of accretion of deposits are sedimentary basins, which may be inland ( a lake or a river vale ) and ocean, deep sea, which are the most of import. In the instance of comeuppances, deposit occurs when the consequence of air current Michigans.3.2 Wind erodingWind eroding occurs in desert parts ( dry conditions ) , where rainfall and flora are scarce, with a preponderantly mechanical weathering. Wind eroding depends on many factors: conditions forms, dirt conditions, and flora screen ( Shao, and Leslie, 1997 ) . The deposition of stuffs occurs when the air current velocity lessening, ensuing the dunes, which are accretions of sand, which besides appear in coastal countries, as seen in some beaches.3.3 Water erodingSurface H2O ( overflow ) is the chief conveyance agent of alleviation modeling in the Earth ‘s surface. The behavior of surface H2O depends on their speed, which is relative to the incline. The greater is the speed larger the eroding consequence. Therefore, a graduation of the features of surface H2O can be seen from the topographic point of beginning until deposition occurs of the stuffs transported.3.4 Ice erodingGlaciers are accretions of ice, being located in the polar caps and in cragged countries. They originate in topographic points where rainfall is in the signifier of snow, which does non run and accumulates, until it becomes compacted and hardened into ice. The erosive glaciers can be of great importance in some countries of the Earth. In some countries of the planet can go the chief agent eroded go forthing a characteristic landscape. Glacial eroding occurs when immense multitudes of ice traveling easy through gravitation. This phenomenon carries the stuff in its way that act as an scratchy, crunching and smoothing the rock bed on which it travels.3.5 Coastal erodingGeological action of sea H2O plays an of import function in coastal modeling. The eroding occurs when moving ridges impact the stone. The accrued energy of the moving ridges crashing against the drops causes its gradual dislocation. Erosion rate depends on the petrology of the seashore and the moving ridge energy. Materials are so transported by moving ridges and currents and deposited in the signifier of pebbles, crushed rock and sand at the pes of the drop. Lighter atoms are deposited on the ocean floor.3.6 Human erodingHuman activities contribute in a meaningful manner t o the eroding of the dirt, including large-scale agribusiness patterns.Factors that determine the erodingAmong the most of import factors that have a major influence on the control of the eroding is without uncertainty the clime. There are several variables which can be derived from climate, including the most of import, the rain. The kinetic energy of raindrops when they hit the land cause the decomposition of the stuffs and therefore the eroding occurs.

Managerial Decision Making Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Managerial Decision Making - Essay Example Retribution: The first R is by far the most detrimental; the managerial application of retribution is little more than threatening. Managers in some situations resort to direct threats of punishment to create coercion. They may also utilize indirect threat’s to create an implied rather than stated punishment or coercion; this is a common form of intimidation. The major pros to utilizing retribution are the immediate effect and delivery of the manager’s task as specified. On the Con side retribution almost always creates resistance, resentment, & alienation. It also within the organization stifles innovation. Effective managers should very rarely resort to retribution as a tool; it should be reserved for crisis situations where direct action is required. Reciprocity: By definition reciprocity is nothing more than compliance by satisfying the needs of both parties. Reciprocity allows the manager to get results without creating resentment. The major pros revolve around mutual benefit. This enables the manager to achieve objectives without having to bargain or justify the objective with the employee. The Cons are the very basic prerequisite of trust and the inevitable negotiation process with the employee. From the stand point of the organization reciprocity undercuts group commitment. From the management standpoint it takes time to initialize and cannot be used effectively in a crisis situation. Reason: Reason creates a rational articulation of the management concept; subordinates recognize the value of the plan and are more supportive and positive about the manager’s task. The pros are seen as a higher group compliance and greater commitment to team principle. While reason is the most positive management tool it takes the longest period to initialize and requires the cohesion of a unified group trust and belief in the individual manager. Superiors usually rate managers that utilize reason as highly effective. Unfortunately,

Unauthorized Trespass Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Unauthorized Trespass - Essay Example It was around 2am when he heard the plaintiff plus another man attempting to break in. the defendant took his shotgun and loaded it, then he poked the barrel via a minute opening in the door, he fired and the plaintiff was hit at a close range of around 5feet on his upper arm, by the armpit and eventually into the chest. Plaintiff pleaded culpable to a number of offences which were committed at that night. Defendant was impeached on charges of injuring/wounding but was later acquitted. Not in favor of the defendant, the plaintiff claimed damages owing to infringement of duty of care in negligence and under Occupier’s Liability Act 1984(sec 1). Held: The defendant was found guilty of significant contributory negligence (one third) since he applied violence to the plaintiff that was beyond reasonable limits allowed for lawful self-defense. The plaintiff was awarded 4,033pounds as compensation for personal injuries, the defendant appealed but this was dismissed by the court of ap peal. The defendant should seek supporting evidence that the cause of action by the plaintiff was founded on illegal or immoral act, self-defense or accident. The property owner by applying comparative negligence as a defense should show that the plaintiff did not apply reasonable care for his own safety; and with reference to a new law that came into effect in 1996, in case the injured party is more than 50% fault for detriment lies with him/her, he/she cannot recover non-economic damages (Zweigert and Kotz 1998).

Asset Forfeiture as a Tool in Combating Terrorist Financing Essay

Asset Forfeiture as a Tool in Combating Terrorist Financing - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that asset forfeiture can be employed as a tool against terrorist financing to control this crime. â€Å"Asset forfeiture laws allow for the seizure (and eventual forfeiture) of property connected with criminal activity†. In addition, Worrall informs, â€Å"forfeiture extends beyond criminal proceeds to include property that is used to facilitate or carry out criminal activity. Such forfeitures can include property that â€Å"is used or intended to be used in any manner or part to commit or facilitate the commission of a violation†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Therefore, asset forfeiture is a confiscation of the assets that are part of a criminal activity and among such criminal activities, terrorism is of superior quality as it affects a wide number of people nationally as well as internationally. The law enforcement agencies working in the USA are of the opinion that asset forfeiture is a fruitful way to combat against terrorist financing. Eric Green informs that money laundering and terrorist financing are such criminal activities that can be controlled by means of asset forfeiture, as â€Å"the criminal proceeds† will be taken away from â€Å"the criminals†. The illegal forces are somewhat dejected to stop their unlawful activities and the proceeds can be utilized for building purposes. According to Green, â€Å"Asset sharing enhances international forfeiture cooperation by creating an incentive for countries to work together, regardless of where the assets are located or which jurisdiction will ultimately enforce the forfeiture order.†Ã¢â‚¬  Therefore, asset forfeiture to control terrorist financing can be used for increasing cooperation between countries and this cooperation is also for combating against terrorism financing internationally. Asset forfeiture is also categorized by some critics as an effort to rob people of their rights under jurisdiction. They claim that government tries to snatch away people’s property making them liable for any criminal activity whether they are indulged in it or not (Levy, 1996). There should be proper lawful activity and the accuser should be facilitated with a right to fight for his right. Otherwise, law enforcement officials consider it their right to confiscate any one from his assets accusing him of involving in any kind of crime (Levy, 1996). To combat terrorist financing, the government of USA has taken enough measures out of which, categorization of suspicious activities is one. Incoherent account transactions, high amount of inward bound and outward account transactions without any specified purpose or reason, transference of large amounts of money from one bank account to another on the name of charities with no particular need and so on. All the mentioned activities point towards suspicious activities and come under suspicion in terms of terrorist financing and require a check from law enforcement agencies. If the people using account for any suspicious activity are caught and there are proofs for terrorist financing, then asset forfeiture or confiscation is taken as a crucial step by law enforcement authorities with prior permission from government bodies (Rush & Hackett, 2004). Credit card fraud, smuggling, welfare fraud, trading, money laundering methods for funds transfers and much more are employed by terrorists on international basis for transferring and using money for terrorist activities (Levy, 1996). According to The Economist (2005), â€Å"Many experts, both in government and the private sector, admit that the chances of detecting terrorists' funds in a bank sufficiently far in advance of a planned attack that it can be prevented are incredibly small.† Because of minimized chances to stop such activities and financial transactions, the government and law enforcement agencies carry a higher responsibility to find solutions to handle international

Vodun Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Vodun - Essay Example The slaves from Africa practiced their inherent religion when they were brought to other places (Belgum, 1991; Robinson, 1998). Vodun went though a history of persecution. In the reign of Christianity and Muslim in the colonial era, the people that practiced this religion were killed and the establishments and places of worship were annihilated. Conversion to Christianity is widespread in the regions where African slave are deployed. Another contradiction was experienced during the Marxism era. There were deemed to have occurred due to the threat that it incurred on the stability of other religions. Another reason that is perceived is the unconventional practices of the group that can be unacceptable to people outside the religion. Even in Benin where the religion was practiced, also experienced period of decline but was regained in 1989 during the democratic leadership and had become the official religion in 1996. There are also groups in the North America that practices this religion. In the South America similar religions that can be related to Vodun are Umbanda, Quimbanda and Camdomble. In fact, the pres ent population of people that practice Vodun reaches to 60 million allover the world (Belgum, 1991; Robinson, 1998). In the study on the African religion, specifically the Vodun and other related religion, certain impartialities are often experienced. This is on the basis of the accounts that can be observed on the early studies that are conducted. Thus, the determination of the facts and the deciphering of the through behind these religions that are often treated with hostility is a challenge. The problems are oftentimes related to the generalization of the practices of the religions which can be considered rare and unique, thus, is not patterned to other religious practices. This is the main reason for such contempt over the religion that are usually described negatively when seen from the outside due to the fact that powers of the Supreme Being is depicted through the terror it can bring to the mortal (Clarke, and Sutherland, 1991). Although the religion receives criticisms on the basis of the unconventionality of the beliefs and the practices of faith, this very characteristic is the subject of admiration of the groups that are open to eccentricity of different religions. This is due to the meekness of the practices and the expression of great care, sympathy and compassion the natural spirit of the world (Clarke, and Sutherland, 1991). Through the analysis of the African religion through the opposing points of view of the groups that affirm or contradict the Vodun and other related religion, it can be deemed that focusing solely on the eccentricity and unconventionality of the religion works for both ways in relation to the acceptance and propagation of the religion. It can either permit or hinder the growth of the religion. In relation to the views on the Vodun religion in Africa, the insight of the Protestant missionaries is an important affective factor on the development of the religion. The missionaries deemed that Vodun hinders the development of the Africans. This view is due to the fact that they consider this religion as a primitive belief that causes the stagnation of the outlook of the people and affects the economy on the basis it is the main religion on the nation (Clarke, and Suth

Social Value of Scientific and Technological Enterprises Essay - 1

Social Value of Scientific and Technological Enterprises - Essay Example There are many types of social value associated with research. International Business Machines, for instance, has stated that â€Å"Our research needs not only to attract the attention of academia but also to have an impact on a wide range of sectors in society. Fortunately, IBM has various systems to utilize research results for the benefit of society† (Research Value to Society, 2008: n.p.). First, IBM intends to convert its research into products. This creates social value in the form of employment, increased tax revenues for social services, business stability and expansion, and a better standard of living. Second, though the research is protected by intellectual property rules, it does become disseminated in many ways as public knowledge. Although others may not violate the research protected the intellectual property laws, they may learn how to build on the newly discovered knowledge. Finally, research enterprises tend to be rather collaborative in modern times and this means that knowledge is being shared commercially and socially; as an illustration, IBM has stated that â€Å"IBM supports the promotion of open systems that optimize open standards and open sources with the goal of realizing collaborative innovations. TRL is working with governments and corporations to conduct research in open technologies, including open document formats (ODF)† (Research Value to Society, 2008: n.p.). The significance of the research is fundamentally the dissemination of knowledge which is most often commercially-oriented but which is increasingly being used to promote social values such as public health and safety and other social objectives.