Tina Modotti :: Essays Papers

Tina Modotti Even though Tina Modotti is considered a Mexican photographer because her artistic career was mostly based in Mexico and the American Southwest, she was born in Undine, Italy in 1896. She moved to California in 1913 and was employed in various labor-intensive factory jobs. She was first known mainly because of her relationship with photographer Edward Weston, for whom she was a model in the 1920s; but her abstract, portrait, and still-life photographs â€Å"showed her to be an accomplished photographer in her own right† (encyclopedia). In the 1920s, Modotti was active with Mexican revolutionaries, joining the Mexican Communist Party, and having close connections with the Mexican Artists’ Union. When her lover, Cuban revolutionary Julio Antonio Mella, was found murdered in 1928, she was accused but acquitted of complicity in his murder (encyclopedia). Modotti was eventually deported to Berlin because of her revolutionary ties when there was an assassination attempt on the Mexican president Pascal Ortiz Rubio. From Berlin, she moved to Moscow in 1931 and abandoned photography temporarily in favor of revolutionary causes there. She also lived in France and Spain before returning to Mexico clandestinely in 1939. When back in Mexico, she continued photography and political work until her death of a heart attack in 1942 (encyclopedia). Most of her surviving famous photographs were from her period in Mexico between 1923 and 1926. The photograph entitled â€Å"Staircase, 1925† is a good example of an abstract architectural image. Composition features in this work include the use of repetition of a line pattern, and perspective. â€Å"It is a picture of space becoming a pattern – a construction of lines and triangles stretched very tightly towards two dimensions – in which depth is both precisely described and subtly denied† (Szarkowski). It bears a resemblance to the drawings of M.C. Escher, where the eye is tricked into seeing an impossibly three-dimensional object. Here, an obviously three-dimensional subject is shortened to appear flat, due to the lack of contrast between near and far distances. The photograph â€Å"Flor de Manita, 1925† shows great equity between figure and ground shapes. It is a plant that has large sweeping curves, but because of the darkness of the subject and the lightness of the background, if viewed from a distance, the nature of the subject is obscured and one sees only white and black shapes that harmoniously coexist with one another.

Man vs. Society

Society excludes, torments, and sometimes kills people simply because of their religion. We might not always see it or hear it, but it’s there. Religious persecution is everywhere. It is in our schools, it is in our government, it is engrained in our society. Naturally people persecute and torment those who are not like them, be them Muslim, Mormon, Hindu, or even Christian. Yes, even Christians are being persecuted. We in America hear â€Å"so often about Muslims [being] victims of abuse in the West†(Ali).But what we don’t realize that there is another war. An â€Å"unrecognized war†(Ali) taking place everywhere from West Africa to the Middle East to South Asia and Oceania. A war on Christians. Christians are the most persecuted group in the contemporary world. â€Å"According to the World Evangelical Alliance, over 200 million Christians in 60 countries are denied fundamental human rights solely because of their faith†(Persecution of Christians). In Egypt, Christians are forced under strict rules that do not apply to mosques and other religious institutions.For example, under Hamayouni Decree, Christians have to go through the federal government in order to build, or even repair their buildings (Persecution of Christians). Not only does Egypt restrict Christians’ ability to build and maintain churches, but also their ability to hold positions. Christians cannot hold senior government positions, diplomatic positions, be in the military, or hold teaching positions (Persecution of Christians).Also, the Egyptian government does not recognize conversions from Islam to Christianity, and since inter-faith marriages in the country are illegal, converts cannot marry people born in Christian communities, and their children receive an Islamic education (Persecution of Copts). After the â€Å"Arab Spring† movement, there have been even more accounts of Christian persecution. Arab Spring is â€Å"a revolutionary wave of de monstrations that has been taking place in the Arab world †¦ [that is] successfully overthrowing their repressive governments†(Cha-cha).The overthrow of the government of Libya, the civil uprisings in Bahrain, Syria, and Yemen, and the major protests in Algeria, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, and Oman (Arab Spring) are allowing Islamic extremists to gain power, and this is very worrisome for many Christians. The Arab Spring movement is also causing a Muslim â€Å"revival† of sorts, causing them to question their tolerance of Christians thus far. This revival has caused numerous incidents such as â€Å"church-burnings, rapes, mutilations, and murders†(Ali). Christians are being killed in Islamic cultures simply because of their religion.Yet this raises no alarm. Here in the West we have no idea how badly our fellow Christians suffer at the hands of Muslim countries. They constantly live in fear that their houses will be burned, their children killed, and them imprisoned with no hope of a fair trial. â€Å"From blasphemy laws to brutal murders to bombings to mutilations and the burning of holy sites, Christians in so many nations live in fear†(Ali). Christians and Muslims in Nigeria have been on the edge of civil war for years. A new Islamic radical group called Boko Harem provokes most of this action.This organization has stated that â€Å"it will kill all Christians living in the country†(Ali). â€Å"In the month of January 2012 alone, Boko Haram was responsible for 54 deaths†(Ali). This is insane! In the first month of this year, a month with a mere 31 days, Boko Haram has already killed 54 people. That’s almost two people a day. And this is only one group. In 2011, they killed at least 510 and burned down or destroyed more than 350 churches. This â€Å"Christophobia† that Africa is also found in Sudan, but in a very different form.The Sudanese authoritarian government has â€Å"for decades tormente d the Christian minorities in the south†(Ali). In Sudan, it is not extremist groups that are targeting Christians, but the government itself. It began in 2003, at the infamous genocide at Darfur. Since then, the Muslim president, Omar al-Bashir, has been indicted in the International Criminal Court in The Hauge of three counts of genocide (Omar al-Bashir). Even though he granted partial independence to south Sudan, the violence has not ended. Christians in south Sudan are still subject to aerial bombings, targeted killings, and the kidnapping of children (Ali).The UN reports that between 53,000 and 75,000 innocent civilians have been displaced from their homes (Ali). Not only are African Christians suffering, but also ones in the Middle East. Since 2003, more than 900 Iraqi Christians have been killed by terrorists’ actions and 70 churches have been burned in Baghdad alone. â€Å"Christians might disappear altogether from Iraq† says the chairman of the U. S. Comm ission on International Religious Freedom (Muslim Persecution of Christians). In Iran, the government is making laws that make it illegal to spread the Christian faith to the rest of the Iranians.Their goal is to â€Å"cleanse Iranian Christians†(Wahdat-Hagh), completely eradicating them from their country. There is so much hatred from the Islamic society that is directed towards Christians, and for no good reason. They torment and rape and mutilate and murder all Christians who are willing to stand up for what they believe in. And what do we do? What does western civilization do? We stand aside and allow it to happen. We turn a blind eye to our brothers and sisters who are being tortured and murdered for their beliefs, and allow it all to go on. We know it’s happening, but why do we stand aside?Why is America, the country that was founded on the principals of Christianity, the country that was founded for the purpose of escape from religious persecution, standing asid e and allowing people to be massacred? Are we so wrapped up in things of this world, are we so wrapped up in economy and money and oil that we stand aside and allow people to be brutally killed so that we can keep our gas prices low and our people safe? Even if we don’t all agree that Christians are right are wrong, don’t we all believe that human life is valuable, and that it must be preserved?We went to war with the Middle Eastern countries to fight this â€Å"War on Terror,† but what did that accomplish? Safety for our own borders, and not even that to its fullest extent. It did nothing to help the hundreds of thousands of Christians living in fear all around the world. So what should we do? We the people, of the United States of America, must go back to our roots, go back to the reason why we came here in the first place, and abandon all of our petty arguments, so that we can aid those who are the oppressed and the persecuted because of their faith.

Following are excerpts from a speech made by Frederick W. Taylor in 191 Essay

If any of you will get close to the average workman in this country—close enough to him so that he will talk to you as an intimate friend—he will tell you that in his particular trade if, we will say, each man were to turn out twice as much work as he is now doing, there could be but one result to follow: Namely, that one-half the men in his trade would be thrown out of work. This doctrine is preached by almost every labor leader in the country and is taught by every workman to his children as they are growing up; and I repeat, as I said in the beginning, that it is our fault more than theirs that this fallacy prevails. While the labor leaders and the workmen themselves in season and out of season are pointing out the necessity of restriction of output, not one step are we taking to counteract that fallacy; therefore, I say, the fault is ours and not theirs. 1.Do you think Taylor’s position is equally applicable today? Be prepared to justify your answer. †¢I don’t believe Taylor’s position would be equally applicable in American business today, as it did in 1911. Since the end of World War II, it’s more apparent in American business culture for more short term employment. Some examples include contract maintenance where specific skills are required for a specified time or project completion. There are government agencies with Directors and Administrators who are filling a senior management position for as long as the current President serves. Businesses today are finding that through outsourcing some of their responsibilities to teams of highly skilled employees specializing in the needed field, this will alleviate some of the financial liabilities needed in if they were to maintain their own permanent team. The founder and chairman of APQC (formerly known as the American Productivity and Quality Center) in Houston, C. Jackson Grayson, warned several years ago that if management and labor cannot make their relationship less adversarial, â€Å"then we won’t get the full, long-term kick in productivity  that we desperately need.† 2.Looking at Taylor’s and Grayson’s remarks, which were made approximately 73 years apart, one has to wonder what we have learned. Many similar comparisons could be made. Why do you think managers don’t seem to learn as much as they could from the past? †¢Traditional relationships between management and labor looks nothing as it did 100 years ago, especially when it pertains to unions. Being the only industrialized country with its infrastructure mostly intact after World War II, the United States basked in economic superiority with American industry. However, management in the past rarely included employees in the decision-making process. There was a disconnect between management and labor which union leaders were utilized to close gaps and ensure fairness in areas such as pay and benefits, but more importantly, where safety is involved. In American businesses today, with government regulations and restrictions, differences in American and global markets and customs, outsourcing and contract services, and improvements in technology have changed the relationships between management and labor. According to an article written in Governing.Com, relationships between management and labor can be minimized by forming a joint process improvement committee (PIC), who are focused on driving organizational efficiencies. The committees are formed which enables both sides to pursue their interests with mutual respect and communication (O’Leary, 2010). Although there is no quick fix with regards to management and labor relationships, one thing is still very clear, there is still a significant divide. References Huebsch, R. (2014). The Evolution of the Labor-Management Relationship. Houston Chronical. Retrieved from http://smallbusiness.chron.com/evolution-labormanagement-relationship-36056.html Leslie W. Rue, L. L. (2009). Management kills and Application. McGraw-Hill/Irwin. O’Leary, J. (2010, September 8). Labor Pains: Repairing the Manager and Union Relationship. Governing. Retrieved from http://www.governing.com/blogs/bfc/repairing-management-union-relationship.html

Advantages and Disadvantages of Family Businesses

Family ownership or management of business is predominant in different countries. Family businesses exist in different sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and services. Many of today’s prominent business firms that provide popular products and services and own respected brands are family businesses. Some businesses also start out as family businesses before shifting to other forms of business organisation. Family businesses are also significant contributors to economic growth. Firms owned or managed by families can be small, medium or large.Regardless of the size and scale of operation, the sheer number of family businesses translates into a diverse range of consumer products as well as employment opportunities and household income. However, like other forms of business organisations, family businesses have advantages and disadvantages that require consideration to support justifications for suitability in the present business environment.Advantages of Family Businesses Family businesses offer a number of advantages. These advantages explain the predominance of family businesses and the increase in firms owned and operated by families.The first advantage is the commitment towards the business that family members exhibit (Leach & Bogod 1999; Longenecker et al. 2006). Firms established and operated by families enjoy the commitment of family members involved in managing the business.There is a strong attachment to the business, as an outcome of direct and personal efforts. There is also the strong motivation to keep the business going. This leads to prudent decision-making over expenditures and investments (Longenecker et al. 2006). The business has high value to family members as a source of family pride and a legacy passed on from one generation to the next (Fleming 2000).The second advantage is flexibility over a wide range of areas, particularly work arrangements and responsiveness to change (Leach & Bogod 1999). Family members managing the busine ss are flexible when it comes to the time and effort they give to their work. As a highly valued venture, the family business becomes a priority to ensure business success (Fleming 2000). Family businesses also exhibit flexibility in responding to changing conditions in the business environment. Direct involvement in operations supports immediate recognition of problems and emerging opportunities (Sonfield & Lussier 2009).Decision-making over solutions or in tapping into opportunities also happens fast to respond to issues and needs. The third advantage is long-term planning fuelled by the goal of sustainability (Leach & Bogod 1999). The intention for family businesses is to continue across different generations (Fleming 2000). This intention influence strategic planning to ensure the stability and sustainability of the business. There is better anticipation and control of risks. Contingency plans are set in place. There is also high reliance on business knowledge and skills acquire d by the family (Lee, 2004).The fourth advantage is the exercise of direct control over the business by family members (Sonfield & Lussier 2009). The management of the business by family members supports speedy decision-making (Leach & Bogod 1999). Direct knowledge of operations provides information needed to support sound decisions. Decision-making can happen on the spot as problems emerge or comprise an expedited process. Moreover, family businesses are able to transmit family values into the corporate culture to ensure that operations align with the goals envisioned by the family (Fleming 2000).The last advantage is the achievement of employee motivation (Leenders & Waarts 2001). One source of employee motivation is the trust (Tagiuri & Davis 1996) emerging in the relationships within the business adopted from the fiduciary relationship among family members. Employees are extended trust to create the perception of value to the business.Another source of employee motivation is goo d channels of communication (Tagiuri & Davis 1996) that create a pleasant work environment. Communication not only eases work but also ensures the necessary support for the conduct of work. Appreciation and recognition are also easily communicated.Disadvantages of Family BusinessesFamily businesses also have disadvantages. Even if family businesses comprise the predominant form of business organisation worldwide, there are also family businesses that fail when the disadvantages overshadow the advantages. The first disadvantage is the rigidity of business structure and culture (Leach & Bogod 1999). Family businesses have the tendency to stick to tradition. While traditional practices may have led to the success of the firm, the changing business environment may require change.The value accorded to traditions and the fear of losing control may work against needed change. The second disadvantage is the impending conflict between family values and business interest (Leach & Bogod 1999) and conflict between personal life and the business (Longenecker et al. 2006). There is an overlap between family and business interests. Conflict emerges in areas when there is deviation between family and business interest such as in decisions to bring in external investors or change business practices. Decision-making can also become emotional when personal considerations intertwine with business (Fleming 2000).The inability to find a point of compromise can result to serious problems. The third disadvantage is the difficulty of continuity or succession (Leenders & Waarts 2001). Succession is a process charged with strong emotions and high stakes (Fleming 2000). Conflicts can arise when there are different family members aiming to become successors. The process requires consideration of competence apart from membership in the family to ensure not only the continuity of the family business but also the sustainability of the business itself (Lee, 2004). Unaddressed emotional issues can lead to the failure of the business.The fourth disadvantage is the threat of leadership crisis (Leach & Bogod 1999). A problem in the allocation of power can emerge when there is reluctance to allocate greater power to one member of the family to facilitate decision-making. There is likely to be preference for equal sharing of power, which can delay decisions during a deadlock (Sonfield & Lussier 2009). Problems with leadership can also relate to succession. There may not be good leaders in the family but there is preference for family members to lead the business (Fleming 2000).The last disadvantage is difficulties in achieving efficiency and profitability because of the preference for equity to the detriment of efficiency (Lee 2004). The placement of unknowledgeable and inexperienced family members in key positions instead of hiring external experts to take charge, while the family member gains experience, can lead to irrational or rash decisions that affect the performance o f the business (Fleming 2000). Similar situations focusing solely on equity can result to inefficiency that has a direct adverse effect on profitability.ConclusionFamily businesses have advantages and disadvantages. The family business, as a form of business organisation, suits today’s business environment through the advantages that are inherent or prominent in family owned or managed firms such as commitment, flexibility, control, long-term planning, and employee motivation. Addressing the disadvantages can be by finding the strategic balance between family and business concerns or interests that work for the business at present and in the future. In doing so, family businesses can ensure sustainability even in the fast-paced business environment.

Ecological Services Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ecological Services - Essay Example Ecological services help to maintain these necessary requirements. Decreasing evaporation, maintaining proper water quality, using natural resources for clean energy is all very important in ecological services. Each services carries out a specific role that contributes to one another in some way. Two services that are most important from â€Å"The Ecological Service of Rivers†, includes providing water for drinking and the providing of irrigation water. Each one of these services contributes to eating and drinking which are important for human survival. Without clean water to drink and water to replenish growing seeds, human life could not remain stable. A river is an important provider of drinking water. Providing drinking water is one of the most important ecological services that rivers can provide. Providing clean drinking water allows for human and animal replenishment that is free of toxins. Toxins that can be found in water include pesticides, diseases, parasites and carcinogens. Another reason why drinking water is so important is because of the cleaning it can provide which leads to a safe environment. Clean water can help prep an area for surgery and allow for proper and safe preparation of food. Clean drinking water also continues to help maintain clean drinking water. When clean water is used and then recycled it is easier for water to keep its cleanliness. Irrigation is important for proper vegetation. A rivers ability to provide the ecological service of irrigation helps maintain life. Irrigation can help seeds grow even when an area may be in a drought. Being able to sustain enough water to irrigate crops will provide much vegetation. Irrigation also makes for proper land up keep. Many use irrigation to water plants that don’t produce food. Irrigation can help trees grow which provide oxygen and flowers that provide pollen. Each element of life is important as each life feeds

21st Century America Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

21st Century America - Essay Example The events, although completely grievous, have shown how peoples can untie and fight terrorism. As the world watched the deaths of hundreds of people during the terrorist attacks and as people were horrified especially with the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, â€Å"a wave of patriotism spread throughout the United States† (hkluoi, 19--). People were wondering who this Osama Bin Laden was and they were wondering what kind of philosophies he might have held for him to do such terrible acts. As people grieved and others have shown heroic acts in the events, some expressed their anger toward the terrorists and the mastermind, Bin Laden. The events somehow caused people to see what could be done in a world crisis such as terrorism. As a result, this challenge will perhaps have the greatest impact on the future of America and the world because it somehow bound people together regardless of age, gender, religion, philosophies or political affilia tion at such a crucial time. People now know that even if evil rises, good will always win over it because people naturally join hands together to fight for the freedom and peace their ancestors have fought

The relationship between Cooperative Learning and Social Emotional Case Study

The relationship between Cooperative Learning and Social Emotional Learning in a Elementary mixed ability learning environment - Case Study Example materials and ask them to learn the topic on their own at an individual level, without discussing, and then administer a test at the end of the learning. Secondly, the teacher can apply the teaching methodology of teaching the whole topic to the students, while the students take notes, after which a test is administered at the end of the topic to establish their understanding. Thirdly, the teacher can teach the students the topic differently, by teaching the whole topic to each student alone, and then turning on the other student until he is through with all of them. Fourth, the students can ask the students to pick each sub-topic of their interests to learn on their own, and then come teach the sub-topic to the rest of students in a classroom forum moderated by the teacher. Which option is suitable for teaching the living cell topic to the students? In a science class, the teacher has a group of six students of mixed learning abilities. Some of the students have low learning abilities, understanding the content of the teaching very slowly and at times lagging behind in performing the required tasks for the lessons. On the other hand, there is another group that has a high learning ability, being able to learn the content of the science lesson easily, and thus managing to undertake the learning activities and practical tasks very easily. The teacher is highly concerned about the inability of the students with low learning ability to move with the pace he has set, and is therefore worried that such students may inconvenience the students with the high learning abilities, by making the learning process slow, and thus affect the time that the scheduled science lessons should be completed. Thus, the teacher is contemplating various measures to address this problem. First, the teacher is contemplating teaching at the pace that the high ability students are able to adapt, while ignoring the needs of the group with low-learning abilities. Secondly, the teacher is