Relationship between Labor Market and Education Essay

Relationship between Labor Market and Education - Essay Example From the above table it is evident that majority of full time workers are those with PhD, masters, bachelors degree and 2 year program. Of those interviewed those with masters' degree and work full time amount to 66.2% while only 43% with high school diploma are working full time. In contrast to this we check the percentage of those that are unemployed; from the table only 5.2% with PhD are unemployed compared to 11.7% of those who have attained high school diploma. There it is evident that employment status will depend on education attainment. Now due to the fact that the T critical value is less than the T calculated value we reject the null hypothesis that the two means are equal therefore we conclude that mean percentage of those employed and have PhD is greater than the mean value of those employed and have attained high school diploma. In the labor market people who have higher educational attainment are paid more than others, for example PhD holders will be paid higher wage rates than bachelors degree holders, in this case we analyze education level and lowest wage willing to accept, the following table summarizes the results: The above table summarizes the percentage of those who are willing to paid 4.35 to 9 according to their education attainment; it is evident that only 1% of PhD holders are willing to be paid 6 dollars while 7.8% of GED holders are willing to be paid 6 dollars. ... Variance 1 = (2.22)2 Variance 2 = (2.47) 2 N1 =2535 N2 = 2535 Tcal = 100.2828 T critical at 95% level of test = 1.9599 Now due to the fact that the T critical value is less than the T calculated value we reject the null hypothesis that the two means are equal therefore we conclude that mean percentage of those employed and have PhD is greater than the mean value of those employed and have attained high school diploma. Education and lowest wage willing to accept: In the labor market people who have higher educational attainment are paid more than others, for example PhD holders will be paid higher wage rates than bachelors degree holders, in this case we analyze education level and lowest wage willing to accept, the following table summarizes the results: High school diploma GED 2-year program Bachelors Degree Masters Degree PhD... 4.35 0.1 0 0.2 0 0 0 4.5 0.4 0.9 0.3 0.1 0 0 4.75 0.2 0.9 0.1 0 0 0 wage 5 5.7 11 3.2 0.9 0.3 1 6 4.4 7.8 3 1 0 1 7 4.3 6 3 1.3 0.8 0 8 2.7 6.3 3.1 2.4 1.8 0 9 1 4.1 1.6 0.5 0.8 0 The above table summarizes the percentage of those who are willing to paid 4.35 to 9 according to their education attainment; it is evident that only 1% of PhD holders are willing to be paid 6 dollars while 7.8% of GED holders are willing to be paid 6 dollars. For this reason therefore it is evident that the cost of labor depends in education attainment. Hypothesis: More high school diploma individuals are willing to be paid 5 dollars than Masters Degree holders Null hypothesis: H0: a = b Alternative hypothesis: Ha: a b Where a high school diploma individuals are willing to be paid 5 and b is masters individual willing to be paid 5 dollars therefore a = 5.7and b = 0.3 Tcal = 2.34057 T critical at 95% level of test =

Corporate Strategy and Strategic Directions of Nestle Assignment

Corporate Strategy and Strategic Directions of Nestle - Assignment Example New business policies are created by the form’s managers to help the corporation venture into newer segments like nutrition and wellness through the combined actions of research and development and incorporation of new technology and business principle. Moreover the company further works in enhancing the level of communication with the effective consumer base spread along various regions and thereby to modify its production and business policies. Development or modification in the production lines together working on business policies aimed at creation of local supplier networks helps the company in gaining the due potential of positioning its brand on a higher scale (Schmid, Slabeva and Tschammer, 2001, p.278-279; Bell and Shelman, n.d., p.775). Porter’s Five Forces Model The strategic framework of Nestle can also be analysed based on Porter’s Five Forces Model that would help analyse the industrial environment of the firm. Firstly in regards to the power of buyers, the company works in changing its production and business paradigm to rightly adapt to the changing needs of the consumer sphere. The management body of the company renders special focus on enhancing the level of communication with consumers in the targeted market thereby identifying their needs and changing production patterns accordingly. Secondly the company takes effective control of the supply chain activities by setting of local and regional supply chain and distribution networks. The company acting on the information technology paradigm effectively communicates with the supply chain networks spread along geographical territories to govern their actions pertaining to supply of healthy and fresh produces. Thirdly the company reduces the threat rising from the growth of substitu te products through the gaining of patents and trademarks pertaining to the different innovative activities. Further the company also enhances the assortment of its production base to help develop a huge array of products pertaining to different product and consumption categories like nutrition, pet and baby products, pharmaceutical products and the like. Working on such huge array of products limits the chances of being imitated by local and regional producers. Nestle working on a highly integrated supply chain structure focused on regional and local areas helps in gaining on economies of scale thereby producing products at low costs. Moreover its enhanced communication base with targeted consumers pertaining to regional economies also restricts the consumers to shifting over to other local brands. Its acquisition strategies also help in gaining over the control of regional and local players thereby creating further entry barriers. The company also works based on an umbrella brandi ng strategy that helps the consumers

Determinants of Transport Problems

Determinants of Transport Problems DETERMINANTS OF TRANSPORT PROBLEMS IN AUCHI AND ENVIRONS, NIGERIA ATUBI, AUGUSTUS .O. (PH.D) INTRODUCTION Road transportation is a form of land transport which involves the movement of people and goods by motor cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles and bicycles. it is the most popular means of transport (Areola, 1999; Atubi and Onokala, 2003; Atubi, 20005a). As a popular form of land transport, road transportation can contribute greatly to national development when made efficient. However, road transportation in Nigeria is far from being efficient. According to the Web (2006) poor maintenance and years of heavy freight traffic have made much of the road system in Nigeria barely usable. In the same vein, Filani (1982; 2005) rightly observes that the socio-economic development of any society depends to a large extent on the nature and structure of the transportation networks of the society since it provides the arteries through which the economic life stream of society flows (the people, information, raw materials and finished products) which help to build and maintain the society. Transport has been likened to the human blood circulatory system whose healthy functioning is a necessary condition for the sustenance of human life (Adeniji, 2000). Transport systems provide a key to the understanding and operation of many other systems at my different scales. At one extreme, inter-continental transport provides essential communication between the advanced and developing worlds, while local transport to rural markets in many parts of the third world is a vital component in changing dynamic socio-economic structures (Barke and O’Hare, 1984). There is hardly any human society or human settlement system that can function efficiently and effectively without adequate reliable, safe and affordable transport systems. The most fundamental reason for this being the catalytic effect of transport development on socio-economic growth and development (NISER, 2001). Transport can also play a significant role in territorial administration, political development, the defence of territories as well as in promoting the import-export corridors of neighbouring countries). Precisely, transport development is central in the developmental process for the economy and society to grow healthily. This is because transport influences and it is influenced by other sectors that make up, not only the total urban system (Stopher and Meyburg, 1975), but the entire human settlements’ system. The importance of transport to spatial, social and economic growth and development has not been seriously questioned, although its exact role and influence h ave been subjected to periodic reappraisal (Button, 1982). Despite all huge investments in the transport sector, it is disheartening to note that transport systems in most countries of the developing world is performing far below average thereby retarding their socio-economic growth and development. John et al (2005) opines that the use of the word â€Å"crisis† to describe transport problems in European and American cities seems a misnomer compared to what is experienced in the cities of the developing countries. The various associated problems of inefficient traffic flow such as environmental pollution, noise, traffic fatalities and injuries, etc are more severe in the developing world making the problem quite modest in the developed world by comparison (Gakenheimer, 1999). According to John et al (2005), developing countries have several factors in common that contribute to the severity of their transport problems. Overall population growth and increasing urbanisation have led, especially, to the rapid growth of large cities, which have been overwhelmed by the sudden jump in travel demand. The supply of transport infrastructure lagged far behind demand. Public sector finances in general are so limited that funding for transport improvements is woefully inadequate. Commenting on urban transport problems in Lagos state, Nigerians, Atubi (2007a) opines that some of the most serious problems facing development planners and policy makers in the country reside in the transport sector. John et al (2005) concludes that the nature and extent of transport problems obviously vary from one country to another, virtually all developing countries suffer from the following: Unplanned, haphazard development at the sub-urban fringe without adequate infrastructure, transport and other public services Limited network of roads, often narrow, poorly maintained and unpaved. Rapidly increasing ownership and use of private cars and motorcycles. Inadequate roadway accommodation for buses and non-motorized transport. Overcrowded, uncomfortable, undependable slow, uncoordinated, inefficient and dangerous public transport. As documented above, Auchi and its environs shares nearly all these problems of developing countries and therefore the need to examine in details the most prominent determinants of transport crisis in the town. It is therefore, the objectives of this study to examine road network characteristics, transport and terminal facilities, land use characteristics and vehicular traffic flow and the existing traffic control measures, as they contribute to transport problems in the town. Geographically, Auchi is located roughly between latitude 7o4’ of the equator and longitude 6o16’ east of the Greenwich meridian. It is situated in the northern part of Edo state, Nigeria. It serves as the headquarters to the Etsako West Local Government Area. However, as a town Auchi is specifically bounded in the east by Jattu community, on the North West by Ikpeshi and Ihieve Igben towns, on the north by Ayua, Iyaku and Imeke, while on the south by Ivbiaro and Warakpe respectively. Auchi has road as its basic mode of transportation. There is a network of roads that connects Auchi to the surrounding settlements for instance the dual – carriage expressway leading to Jattu, the Auchi-Igarra road, the Jattu – Uzaire road and the Auchi – Okene Abuja expressway. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data for this work were collected from the primary and secondary source. Personal observation method was used to collect data on road network characteristics in Auchi. During the exercise, emphasis was placed on the width of the major roads at intervals. Actual measurements were taken at intervals, areas riddled by pot-holes were examined and noted, drainage system among these roads were all examined and noted, materials used for construction of roads as well as the nature of the roads in terms of configuration and sharp bends were also examined, the proportion of road allocated for right – of – way (motorway), side walk – way or pedestrian walk-way were also measured and noted. On existing traffic control measures along the roads that constitute the study area, personal observation and planning studies were used to collect data. The existing traffic control measures such as traffic wardens, channelization, zebra crossing, roundabout, traffic light etc were looked for along the major roads. Physical survey method was also used to collect data on transport and terminal facilities. Terminal facilities such as bus-stops, off-streeting parking lots and motor parks were examined and their locations and state noted. DISCUSSION Most of the roads in Auchi lacked pedestrian walk way or where they exist, are in dilapidated condition that always prevent people to put them into proper use thereby resulting to pedestrians struggling with motorists on the right of way that is too narrow for vehicular movement alone. As a result of lack of maintenance culture, nearly all the roads are in deplorable conditions. Things are made worse during the rainy season. Along the Jattu-Uzaire junction, the road has so much been riddled with pot holes that vehicles reduce their speed to approximately 0.5km/hour. Apart from the pot-holes, these roads are also characterised by sharp bends and poor configuration. The drainage along these roads is nearly non-existent. During rainy season, flooding is a common phenomenon along these areas. The dumping of rubbish and the gully erosion menace have greatly hinders the functionality of these drainage system in Auchi. At times, water enters into the engine or vehicles which further delays movement of motorists. All the above mentioned characteristics of these roads contribute in no small measure to the vehicular traffic flow problems experienced in the town. These findings corroborate what Adefolalu (1977) and Atubi and Oriero (2004) in their study of urban traffic problems in the city of Lagos and importance of drainage systems to development in Lagos respectively. Transport facilities refer to the vehicles that apply the major roads in the town. It is a fact concerning the characteristics of traffic flow and safety. The length, width and height are often limited by law so that vehicles can fit geometric standards of the roads. While passenger cars are well below this limit, commercial vehicles such as trailers and tankers often constitute problems. These commercial vehicles often find it difficult to negotiate curves because of their large turning radii and in the process cause undue traffic delay. The weight of vehicles must also be limited to suit structural designed standards of pavements. Mostly, pavements fail structurally because of over stressing due to these heavy vehicles. All the identified vehicle characteristics and situation apply to Auchi. Tankers, trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles struggle for the limited space along the major roads in the town thereby compounding traffic flow problems. Furthermore, on several occasions, traffic problem is caused by motor vehicles having mechanical break downs. These breakdowns are in part caused by lack of inspection for adequate equipment such as break lights, tyres, fuel, etc. Terminal facilities are facilities put in place to aid efficient and smooth flow of vehicular traffic on the roads. These facilities include: motor parks, bus stops, off street parking lots, on-street parking lots, etc. Where all these are adequately provided and properly put into use vehicular traffic flow is not always a problem. Fieldwork exercise revealed that the major parks for the on-loading and off-loading of passengers by commercial vehicles in the town are in most cases put into use. However, sometimes commercial bus/car operators in a bid to make quick and more trips per day abandon these parks and had turned themselves to nuisance in the city. Landuses are the various ways by which land had been put into use. In Auchi, various land use types such as educational, residential, institutional, agricultural can be identified. From all indications, these dominant landuses are traffic generators and attractors as they are either places of residence, learning, working, shopping or transacting business which attract both vehicular and pedestrian traffic resulting sometimes in traffic flow problems. It was also observed that on a daily basis, especially between Monday and Friday, the Auchi Polytechnic being an educational landuse attract and generate vehicular traffic both in the early morning peak when students and workers, majority of who live off-campus move to the Polytechnic premises and afternoon peak periods when they move from campus to town after normal activities. Apart from educational landuse in the town, residential landuse also attracts and generate traffic. The Uyisin, Ukphe and Constance Momoh quarters in Auchi town being places that are highly populated generates traffic and attract traffic on a daily basis. People from this axis move to different parts of the town for their normal daily business. Another notable landuse type in the town is the commercial landuse, and this abounds all over the town but more prominent where markets are located in the town. The Etsako central market at Aviele is an attractor and generator of vehicular traffic anytime of the day. A lso markets such as Iyekhe market and Utukwe market also attracts and generates vehicular traffic commercial vehicles, motorcycle operators and private car owners comb these areas regularly for commercial activities. Shop owners and potential buyers move in and out of this town in either private cars or motorcycles thereby resulting in vehicular traffic volume in the town. Apart from the commercial activities going on in this part of the town residential landuse also play a significant role. This area houses the palace of the Otaru of Auchi which is a place of attraction to the natives on a regular basis. Meetings and other traditional engagements around the town also account for traffic problem in the area. FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST EFFICIENT ROAD TRANSPORTATION The following factors have over the years militated against an efficient road transportation Years of heavy freight traffic: Over the years the road system has been subjected to heavy freight which were beyond the carrying capacity of the roads. This made the condition of the roads to deteriorate and the result is that much of the road system is barely usable. The heavy freight traffic is part as a result of the failure of the railway system. From the 1970 successive administrations have failed to redesign and modify the obsolete nm-row network to serve the new economy dependent on oil (Nwakamma, 2006). Hence roads were built to carry freight that could conveniently be carried by railways. Today, road transportation accounts for over 95 percent of passengers and freight transport (Ojabo, 2007). Traffic congestion: Traffic congestion have become a permanent feature of urban roads and some highways in Nigeria. This is in spite of many attempts to reverse the situation. During rush hours when people are going to work valuable productive time is wasted in traffic hold-ups. Hours that could have been utilized efficiently in work places such as companies, private organisations, and government offices are spent on the urban roads and highways. There is also environmental pollution caused by traffic congestion which affects the health of individuals and consequently their productivity. Though traffic congestion is a feature of urban centres throughout the world, the Nigerian situation is permanent due to the absence of an alternative means of transport such as railways. Highway armed robbery: Armed robbery is a major problem affecting road transport in Nigeria especially the highways. the robbers kill, injure and frighten their victims, terror generally unleashing on commuters/travellers. Highway crimes like armed robbery thwart efforts towards national development. Furthermore, the highway armed robbery give the country a bad image abroad. Foreigners proposing to come to Nigeria for vacations are usually advised by their embassies that â€Å"public transportation throughout Nigeria is dangerous and should be avoided† (The Web, 2007). Thus such people fear coming into the country as a result of the insecurity caused by the highway armed robbery. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION For effective traffic flow and perfect road transportation system in Auchi the following recommendations are indispensable. There is need for repairs and rehabilitation of all existing urban roads which are as at now riddled with pot holes and other problems. Investigation revealed that most of the mort parks in Auchi lack essential facilities that could confine traders, hawkers and passengers to the parks. Facilities such as shopping complex, eating places etc should be provided. This would make these parks attractive to users. Introduction of bus-stops in the town and the orientation of road users on their importance. Mass-transit is recommended for effective and smooth movement between residential landuses and employment centres in the town. The federal government should improve the security situation on the highways in a bid to eliminate the activities of armed robbery gangs on the road. Aerial and ground surveillance should be mounted around the operational areas of the gangs in order to put an end to their nefarious activities. REFERENCES Adefolalu, A.A. (1977) Traffic Congestion in the city of Lagos. Nigerian Geographical Journal Vol. 20, No. 2. Adeniji, K. (2000) Transport Challenges in Nigeria in the Next two Decades. Keynote address delivered at the 5th National council on transport meeting organised by the Federal Ministry of Transport, Held at the ECOWAS Secretariat, Asokoro, Abuja between 29th and 31st August, 2000. Areola, O; Mamman, M; Onweluzo, F.A. and Omotoso, O. (1999) Exam Focus Geography for WASSCE and JAME. Ibadan University Press Plc. Atubi, A.O. and Onokala, P.C. (2003) Road Transportation and the Socio-economic Development of the Niger-Delta: A Case study of Warri Metropolis. Journal of the Social and Management Science Review, Vol. 1, No. 1, Pp. 102-113. Atubi, A.O. (2005a) The Effects of Osubi Airport and the Socio-Economic Development in Osubi community and its Environs in Delta State, Nigeria. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Dynamics, Vol. 3, Pp. 1-8. Atubi, A.O. (2007a) Network Accessibility and Occurrence of Public Facilities in Lagos Island, Nigeria. Journal of Geography and Planning Sciences, Vol. 1, No. 1, Pp. 1-17. Atubi, A.O. and Oriero, S.B. (2004) Importance of Drainage systems to development in South – Western Nigeria. The case of Ebuffmetta in Lagos Mainland. International Journal of Environmental Issues. Vol. 2, No. 1 and 2, Pp. 209-216. Barke, M. and O’ hare, G. (1984) The Third World, Edinburg, Oliver and Boyd. Button, K.J. (1982) Transport Economics, Aldershot: Gower Publishing. Filani, M.O. (1982) Transportation in Filani, M.O. (ed) Ibadan Region, Department of Geography, University of Ibadan, 137-153 pp. Filani, M.O. (2005) Rail Transportation as a mechanism for sustainable development of a Nation. Ago-Iwoye Journal of Social and behavioural Sciences Vol. 1, No. 1: 4-10. Gakenheimer, R. (1999). Urban Mobility in the Developing World. Transportation Research,33A, 671-690Pp. John, P; Nisha, K; Neha, M. and neenu, I. (2005) Urban Transport Crisis in India. Transport Policy, Vol. 12, No. 3:185-198. NISER Review of Nigerian Development (2001) The State in Nigerian Development (NISER), Ibadan. Nwakamma, N. (2006) Modernizing Nigerian Railways. New Nigerian Newspaper, Thursday, August 10, 2006. Ojabo, L. (2007) FG and Road Construction since 1999. New Nigerian Weekly. Stopher, P.R. and Arnim, H. Meyburg (1975) Urban Transportation Modelling and Planning, Lexington, (Mass); Lexington Books, D.C. Health and Company. 1

A braid of loneliness Essay -- Character Analysis, Rayona, Ida

â€Å"The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.† –Mother Teresa A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris is a novel about Native American, narrated by three generations of Indian women; Ida the grandmother, Christine the mother, and Rayona. The stories of three people, â€Å"twisting and tying and blending,† fabricate the braid of their relationship. Each of three strands is a complicated composition of hairlines. There is a hairline that all strands have in common and shape this braid: loneliness. Through the story, loneliness played a crucial part in every character’s life. It is the important cause of characters’ action. It shapes the relationship between mother and daughter. Ultimately, one’s loneliness shapes not only that character, but also affects and causes the loneliness in the next generation. The first character who tells her story is Rayona. Being the last generation, she is in the bottom of the well of loneliness. After her parents separated, Rayona lives with Christine, her mother, who habitually changes her job and moves to the new place. Consequently, she never stays in any schools long enough to make some friends. Her life with Christine is also bitter. In Rayona’s opinion, Christine does not take care of her much. She said â€Å"I try to recall what Mom says when she’s sentimental and lonesome: how he was the best one, the only one, because he left her me. How I’m her sterling silver lining, the one who’ll never leave her like he did. Like she did me.† (64) She is disappointed by Christine’s care that exists only in her speech. Lacking of both friends and warm family, Rayona suffered from loneliness. When she goes back to the reservation with Christine to stay with Aunt Ida, Chris... ... ease her with the warmth of my body, to support her with the strength of my arms. But she did not expect this from me, and I did not give it.† The loneliness of mother is the unwanted gift. From generation to generation, the hairlines of loneliness twist and tie the braid of this family. It obstructs the hairline of love. It obstructs the hairline of care. It leads the braid of this family to nowhere. Loneliness is a cell that imprisons mother’s love from reaching the daughter, leaves them feeling unloved, and became lonely. This baneful hairline will continuously distort the braid until they realize. Until they realize that the solution is turning back to face the reality, holding hands and let the truth comes out, then, the three-generation-long loneliness will disappear. The braid will be set in the right shape and tie the family members together with love. A braid of loneliness Essay -- Character Analysis, Rayona, Ida â€Å"The most terrible poverty is loneliness, and the feeling of being unloved.† –Mother Teresa A Yellow Raft in Blue Water by Michael Dorris is a novel about Native American, narrated by three generations of Indian women; Ida the grandmother, Christine the mother, and Rayona. The stories of three people, â€Å"twisting and tying and blending,† fabricate the braid of their relationship. Each of three strands is a complicated composition of hairlines. There is a hairline that all strands have in common and shape this braid: loneliness. Through the story, loneliness played a crucial part in every character’s life. It is the important cause of characters’ action. It shapes the relationship between mother and daughter. Ultimately, one’s loneliness shapes not only that character, but also affects and causes the loneliness in the next generation. The first character who tells her story is Rayona. Being the last generation, she is in the bottom of the well of loneliness. After her parents separated, Rayona lives with Christine, her mother, who habitually changes her job and moves to the new place. Consequently, she never stays in any schools long enough to make some friends. Her life with Christine is also bitter. In Rayona’s opinion, Christine does not take care of her much. She said â€Å"I try to recall what Mom says when she’s sentimental and lonesome: how he was the best one, the only one, because he left her me. How I’m her sterling silver lining, the one who’ll never leave her like he did. Like she did me.† (64) She is disappointed by Christine’s care that exists only in her speech. Lacking of both friends and warm family, Rayona suffered from loneliness. When she goes back to the reservation with Christine to stay with Aunt Ida, Chris... ... ease her with the warmth of my body, to support her with the strength of my arms. But she did not expect this from me, and I did not give it.† The loneliness of mother is the unwanted gift. From generation to generation, the hairlines of loneliness twist and tie the braid of this family. It obstructs the hairline of love. It obstructs the hairline of care. It leads the braid of this family to nowhere. Loneliness is a cell that imprisons mother’s love from reaching the daughter, leaves them feeling unloved, and became lonely. This baneful hairline will continuously distort the braid until they realize. Until they realize that the solution is turning back to face the reality, holding hands and let the truth comes out, then, the three-generation-long loneliness will disappear. The braid will be set in the right shape and tie the family members together with love.

Gran Torino Essay

After a while, the two bonded and where Walt helped him through manhood by toughening him up, providing dating advice and helping him get a job in construction. During this, Walt learned that Thao had tried to steal the car to be a part of the gang that he confronted earlier in the movie. Throughout the rest of the movie, the gang had harassed Thao by destroying his construction tools, conducted a drive-by shooting, sexual and physically assaulting Thao’s sister. He then realized that Thao and his sister will never safe as long as the gang is still in the neighbourhood. For this reason, he had gone to the gang member house and committed one final act to help save them. In this paper, the effects of social construction of race and how it is portrayed in the film will be examined. First, the concept of social construction will be analyzed, providing an overview of the definition and its effects. Furthermore, how it is illustrated in the film will be examined. Race as a Social Concept Historically, race has been utilized to differentiate individuals based on their biological and physical appearance. Traits including body shape, skin color and hair style were used to divide individuals into particular racial group (Machery and Faucher, 2005, pp. 1208). However, no empirical evidence exists to supports these classifications. This, in turn shows that differentiations are not rooted biologically or based on getting differences. Rather, the concept of race is explained through process of social construction. Through the lenses of social constructionism, it does not deny the evident physical differences in skin color and characteristics of individuals (Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 10). It simply sees these differences on a continuum of diversity rather than as reflecting innate genetic differences among people† (Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 10). Therefore, race exists due to society’s placing significance on the differentiation between individuals. Effects of Social Construct of Race Takaki stated that â€Å"race†¦has been a social construction that has historically set apart rac ial minorities from European immigrant groups† (as cited in Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 9). Throughout time, the categorization of race had form white hierarchy and domination over other groups of race. This in turn caused an effect of inequality, marginalization and unfair treatment towards particular groups. Asians, Blacks, Aboriginals, and Latinos are among the groups who are subjected to this form of treatment. Some examples include the justification of enslavement of black people, and the denial of access to Canada for non-white individuals. The success behind these social constructs is these divisions of race appear to be natural and a part of everyday lives rendering it to be invisible (Perry, 2011, pp. 16). Thus making it easy to be taken for granted (Perry, 2011, pp. 6). As Michael Omi and Howard Winant (1994) stated, Everyone learns some combination, some version, of the rules of racial classification, and of her own racial identity, often without obvious teaching or conscious inculcation. Thus we are inserted in a comprehensively racialized social structure. Race becomes ‘common sense’—a way of comprehending and being in the world. (as cited in Perry, 2011, pp. 16) Therefore individuals are aware of these divisions but choose to accept it as it has become a natural dynamic in society. Identifying Asian The concept of race is a social process that constructs differences creating divisions among individuals. Throughout time, the classification of certain groups has resulted in prejudice and stereotyping of particular racial groups. This is portrayed in one scene in Gran Torino when Walt was looking with scorn at Thao’s grandmother and said, â€Å"Why the hell do this chinks have to move in this neighborhood for? † (Eastwood, 2009). The protagonist’s use of the word â€Å"chinks† shows the stereotypical label of the Asian community. Chinks† is used to refer to the epicanthic fold found in the inner angle of the eye (wisegeek, n. d. ). This use of this term is associated to the racialization of the Asian race because this difference in appearance was utilized to negatively identify members of this group. Other perceptions in the film include Walt’s snarky comments such as â€Å"aren’t Asians supposed to be smart? Or the assumption as the Hmong as â€Å"jungle people† (Eastwood, 2009). These stereotypical and prejudiced statements are seen extensively throughout the movie. The irony of it is the statements reflect society’s views of the Asian identity. This leads to the notion that through the social process of differentiating groups based on racial traits and characteristics leads to the division of races with the effect of oppressing some. This, sequentially cause the stereotypical and prejudiced associations to be made. If society had not placed a meaning on physical appearance or characteristics, the racial assumption would not exist. Furthermore, if no classification were made towards these individuals, the Asian race will not exist. Youth Asian as Gang Members The Montreal police define a street gang as ‘a group of individuals, usually adolescents and/or young adults, who use the power of group intimidation in order to carry out, on a more or less regular basis, violent criminal acts’ (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, pp. 116). Police documentation had identified five ethnic groups where street gangs originated (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 117). Among the five is the Asiatic ethnic group (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 117). The process of police construct of race in terms of street gangs involves the process of racialization (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 123). Robert Miles defines it as â€Å"a process of categorization through which social relations between people are structured by the signification of human biological characteristics in such a way as to define and constructs social collectivities† (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 12). It is when negative characteristics, traits and behaviour are associated with particular groups (Jiwani, 2011, pp. 43). This is due the perception and presumed differences of the group (Jiwani, 2011, pp. 43). In terms of the police construction of police, this can be seen through the provision of â€Å"Images of violence-prone ‘ethnic youth’ from war-torn countries (it is taken as given that the ‘ethnic youth’ in question are male) (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 123). When compared to children in Quebec, Ontario, a police man stated â€Å" ‘ Here in [Quebec] our kids are born with a hocky puck in their hand, but there [a country of origin of immigrants] they come into the world with a grenade in their hands† (Symons, 2002, pp. 18)†The culture belief portrays the racialization of the street gang issue (Symons, 2002, pp. 118). The ideology that street gangs originated from the upbringing in a war-torn country signifies street gangs as an immigration issue. As another police stated â€Å"‘They have guns there [in country of origin],â€⠄¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ ‘It’s part of their more’† (Symons, 2002, pp. 118). This is seen with the portrayal of the Hmong gang in Gran Torino. Earlier in the film, Sue had shared to Walt that the reason they resided in America and is to escape the violence that is occurring in their homeland (Eastwood, 2009). By providing this background story of escaping a war torn country and the portrayal of young Asiatic gangs terrorizing the neighborhood, supports the racialization of Asiatic gang members. This has come from the social process of constructing that living a life in a war-torn country makes the individual a gang member. Since this living condition is associated with the Asian youth, these members are automatically perceived as a gang member. Other scenes in the film include the portrayal of the ethnic group Latinos as gang members, which are also identified as the patent of street gangs Minority groups and Immigrants as Criminals A key stereotype of Asians race is that of the mysterious, devious, fearsome Asian† (Zong and Perry, 2011, pp. 115). This consecutively marks the group as different and foreign which causes them to be feared and avoided. (Zong and Perry, 2011, pp. 115). Within society this is reflected through minorities and immigrants being â€Å"over police and under protected† by the criminal justice system (as cited in Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 69). Often times, during the legal process, immigrants are provided longer sentences and severe punishments compare to those who have lived in Canada for 20 years and more (Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 8). In terms of other minority groups, Blacks and Aboriginals are overrepresented in the correctional system ((Zong and Perry, 2011, pp. 115). Individuals in society are aware of these unfair treatments, but many still links race and crime together. This is due to the belief and perception of immigrants and minorities as dangerous and different. It is important to note that these factors cannot be found when looking at the white population. This leads to the notion that â€Å"‘Canadians’ do not break the law, but racialized ‘immigrant groups do’† (Chan and Mirchandani, 2002, pp. 9). The portrayal of minority groups and immigrants in the film can be seen when no white individual is shown to be a criminal. The members of the street gangs were of Latino, Black and Asian descents. The white characters portrayed were successful businessmen, a hero and a priest. In fact, the protagonist was a Korean War veteran where he killed several men in battle. Instead of being convicted for his actions, he was provided a medal of honor. The portrayal of these scenes shows that white individuals do not commit crime and so cannot be identified as criminals. Society had classified certain inviduals to be part of the Asian and Black race dividing them from the white population. Throughout various events and social processes the perception of Asian and Black race to be dangerous was constructed. This in turn had let these groups to be viewed as criminals. This is believed to be taken a significant effect due to unfair treatment and portrayal of minorities and immigrant in the criminal justice system. White as ‘powerful’ The notion of race as a social process has caused an effect where certain groups are marginalized. Within the society, a white individual is the dominant and superior while others are oppressed, and inferior. This perception has led to the view of that the white population is powerful compared to the other racial groups. The portrayal of this can be seen with the protagonist of the film. Thao and the other gang members had gone to his house to attack him. During the fight, Walt comes out pointing a rifle towards the gang threatening them to get off his lawn and leave. By doing this, he earns the respect of Thao’s family and the Hmong community. To show their gratitude, they showered him with gifts, meals and flowers. Through the remainder of the movie, Walt was shown to be a leader, influencer and hero. He was guiding Thao away from becoming a gang member by providing a job, teaching about manhood and purchasing items for him. He was also shown as a savior when he gave up his life so that Thao and his family can live a life without any gang violence. Within the racial context, the representation of Walt as the savior illustrates the ideology that white is powerful, whereas the Asian group is seen to be helpless, powerless and vulnerable. This leads back to the notion of social constructionism where the division of race had caused some groups to be in power and the others as powerless. In this case, the white group is seen to be of dominance while the Asian group is perceived to be inferior and vulnerable. Conclusion A once popular belief in society was that everyone was born into distinctive biologically and natural based differences known as race (Rothenberg, 2008, pp. 9). However as time passed, the notion of race had transformed into the idea that it was created through human interaction known as social construction. In other words, through social processes, the differences between racial groups were constructed and not from nature itself. However, through the development of division among groups, some were placed in a position of power while others in a minority position. Throughout time, the white group have become the dominant and powerful group over other racialized group. This, sequentially have led to several unfair treatment, marginalization, and oppression against this group. These effects have been portrayed in the film Gran Torino in regards to the racial group of the White and Asian. Through social constructionism, prejudices and stereotypical terms have been used to identify the Asians groups. Secondly, the notion of Asian youth as gang members. Thirdly, the perception of Asian individuals as criminals. Lastly, the ideology of white power over Asian groups. These reflections of currents societal beliefs and perception towards the White and Asian groups originated from the process of social construction. In other words, the reason why it the racial groups of Asians and White exist is through social collectivities . If society did not place a meaning towards the differentiation among individuals, race would not exist, thus these assumptions would be of non-existent as well. References Eastwood. C. , Gerber, B. , & Lorenz, R. (Producer). (2009). Gran Torino [Motion Picture]. United States of America: Warner Brothers. Jiwani, Y. (2011). Mediation of Race and Crime. In B. Perry (Ed. ), Diversity crime and justice in Canada. (pp. 39-56). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press. Jiwani, Y. (2002). The criminalization of race and the racialization of crime. In Chan, W. , & Mirchandani, K (Ed. ), Crimes of Colour (pp. 67-86). Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. Machery, E. , & Faucher, L. (2005). Social Construction and the Concept of Race. The Philosophy of Science Association, 72, 1208-1219 doi: 0031-8248/2005/7205-004. Perry, B. (2011). Criminal Justice/Social Justice. In B. Perry (Ed. ),  Diversity, crime, and justice in  Canada  (pp. 3-38). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press. Rothenberg, P. (2010). Race, class, and gender in the United States  (8th  ed. ). New York: Worth Publishing Symons, G. (2002). Police constructions of race and gender in street gangs. In Chan, W. , & Mirchandani, K (Ed. ), Crimes of Colour (pp. 115-127). Toronto, Ontario: University of Toronto Press. Zong, L. , & Perry, B. (2011). Chinese Immigrants in Canada and Social Injustice: From Overt to Covert Racial Discrimination. In B. Perry (Ed. ),  Diversity, crime, and justice in  Canada  (pp. 106-124). Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.

Blood and Oil Essay

How to explain the post-Cold War violence? Some attribute it to identity politics (xi-xii). Pace Samuel Huntington, the cause is a struggle for resources (xii). Oil as special resource: 2001 and since revelatory of the consequences of oil dependency (xiii-xv). Goal of book: â€Å"Tracing the evolution of U.S. oil policy and weighing its consequences for the future† (xvi). Ch. 1: The Dependency Dilemma: Imported Oil and National Security. Cento (1-4). Military sees it as an extension of the 1980 Carter Doctrine (5-6).Similar development elsewhere of military as â€Å"global oil-protection service† (6-7). Oil asked to U.S. economic and military strength (7-10). â€Å"Oil makes this country strong; dependency makes us weak† (11). U.S. policy has been to â€Å"securitize† oil (12).Dependency on imported oil surpassed 50%in April 1998 (13). Late 1990s policy debate (14). George W. Bush acknowledges problem but does not really counter dependency with policies (15). â€Å"Dependency is not a static condition†. (15) Forecasts of growing dependency thro ugh 2025 (17-18). Table of proven reserves (19). Reserves in volatile regions (18, 20-21). U.S. presence in these regions and the nature of the oil industry are inherently destabilizing (21-22). Competition (or demand) for oil is increasing (22-23).Result: global economic instability (23).Ineffectiveness of military strategy, which has serious unintended consequences (24-26). Ch. 2: Lethal Embrace: The American Alliance with Saudi Arabia. Importance of â€Å"U.S.-Saudi relationship† (26-27). Anxiety about oil supplies in early 1940s led to decision in favor of â€Å"substantial and orderly expansion of production in Eastern Hemisphere sources of supply, principally the Middle East† (April 1944, â€Å"Foreign Petroleum Policy of the United States†) (28-30). SOCAL creates CASOC and finds oil, 1938 (31).Recognition of importance leads Roosevelt to extend Lend-Lease to Saudi Arabia, 1943(32-33). U.S. govt. tries to set up the Petroleum Reserves Corp. to buy CASOC’sconcession, 1943 ― but resistance keeps it from being realized (34-35). A â€Å"public-private partnership† (David Painter, Oil and the American Century [1986]) characterizesU.S. Involvement in development of Persian Gulf oil (35). Roosevelt and In Saud forge alliance, Feb. 14, 1945 (35-37). U.S.commitment to defend Saudi oil fields and the Saudi government ― and other Persian Gulf oil sources ― â€Å"a major theme of cold-war history† (37-38). Iran crisis of 1946 and concern for Mideast oil: need to overcome domestic resistance to overseas commitments led to â€Å"apocalyptic terms† of the Truman Doctrine (39-41). U.S. helps create modern Saudi army and air force, 1949-early 1950s (40). Eisenhower Doctrine (Jan. 5, 1957) designed to bolster pro-American regimes in the context of Nasser’s flirtation with the Soviet Union (41-42).Vietnam War forced proxy-based Nixon Doctrine (July 1969); Saudi Arabia and Iran are proxies of choice (42-43). But it inspired domestic opposition and leads to Shah’s overthrow in 1979 (44-45). Hostage drama and Soviet invasion of Afghanistan lead to Carter Doctrine (Jan. 23, 1980): the U.S. will protect Persian Gulf oil â€Å"by any means necessary† (45-46). Creation of Central Command (46-47). Consequences of the Carter Doctrine: huge arms sales to Saudi Arabia (47-48), tilting toward Iraq in Iran-Iraq war (48-49), ousting Iraq from Kuwait (49-50). Aug. 6, 1990 Cheney-King Fahd meeting leads to Operation Desert Shield (51-52).Desert Storm (52-53). Containment of Iraq: No-fly zones, $40b in arms to Saudi Arabia (53). 9/11 attacks and Osama bin Laden’s hostility â€Å"provoked primarily by the deployment of American troops in Saudi Arabia and the continuing alliance between Washington and the Saudi royal family, â€Å"which was â€Å"a product of America’s thirst for imported oil and the monarchy’s hunger for protection† (54-55). Ch. 3: Choosing Dependency: The Energy Strategy of the Bush Administration. Bush administration’s May 17, 2001 National Energy Policy (â€Å"The Cheney report†) (Feigns commitment to energy independence (56-59). But Ch. 8reveals immensity of growing dependency on imported oil in a chart and calls on the president to â€Å"make our energy security apriority in our trade and foreign policy† (61-64). Hopes for source diversification (Latin America, Caspian Basin, and West Africa) â€Å"face high risk of supply disruptions and shutdowns† (64-66). Defense Planning Guidance of 1992 and the Project for a New American Century highlight military (67-69).George W. Bush’s Sept. 24, 1999 Citadel speech called for greater power-projection capabilities (69-70). A Feb. 3, 2001 secrets document aims at assessing military implications of the energy plan (70-71). These 30, 2001 Quadrennial Defense Review emphasizes power projection (71-72). Warn terror morphing into energy supplyprotection: â€Å"It appears that theadministration has merged its three mainforeign-policy and security policies(increased access to overseas oil, enhancedpower-projection capabilities, and intensifiedanti-terror operations) into a single, unified plan† (72-73). Ch. 4: Trapped in the Gulf: TheIrresistible Lure of Bountiful Petroleum. The Cheney report â€Å"committed the UnitedStates to perpetual dependence on PersianGulf oil† (74-78). U.S. strategy aims atraising Persian Gulf oil production â€Å"from 24.0million barrels per day in 1999 to 44.5 millionbarrels in 2020 † (79). Obstacles: economic,technological, political, and military (79-82).Strands of U.S. policy constitute a â€Å"strategyof maximum extraction† (82-84). Primaryimportance of Saudi Arabia led some toadvocate in 2002 for seizure of Saudi oilfields (84-86). Social, economic, political,and religious sources of Saudi instability (86-89). U.S. approach is to strengthen Saudiroyal family and encourage reform (89-90).Iraq war as a way of being able to withdrawU.S. troops from Saudi Arabia (90).Palestinian statehood also backed for thisreason (91). Likewise. calls for reform andfighting terrorism in Saudi Arabia (91-93).Overthrow of Saddam Hussein needed bothto foster Gulf stability and to boost Iraqiproduction (94-105). Iran’s policies are inopposition to U.S. plans in the Persian Gulf,and sanctions are an inadequate weaponbecause they impede development of petroleum resources (105-07). Iran also hasthe power to disrupt energy supplies byblocking the Strait of Hormuz (107-08). Forthe time being the â€Å"dual-track policy† of Zalmay Khalilzad, consisting of denouncingIran’s government while encouragingopponents of the regime is being followed,but more aggressive policies are beingconsidered (108-10). Gulf problems willcontinue to require U.S. troops: â€Å"No matterhow costly the effort grows, we cannotremove our forces from the Gulf as long aswe remain committed to a strategy of maximum petroleum extraction. To meetanticipated U.S. energy demand in the yearsahead while also slaking the thirst of otheroil-importing nations, the Gulf producersmust . . . boost their combined oil output by85 percent between now and 2020, andthese supplies must safely reach theirmarkets† (111-12). Ch. 5: No Safe Havens: Oil and Conflictbeyond the Persian Gulf.