Historically speaking Essay Example for Free

Historically speaking Essay Globalization is one of the most recent phenomenons ever to strike humanity upon its entrance to the 21st century. Historically speaking, globalization itself has been around for decades long before it was conceived as a field of study of international trade. Some economists and historians contend that the concepts of globalization have been prevalent even during time when the Silk Road started in China up to the Roman Empire. Some, however, argue that globalization began during the 19th century; when the prevalence of the Industrial Age was at its fastest and that trade between Europe, their colonies and the Americas were growing steadily. Major advances in technology, especially during the 20th century, eventually led countries to lower trading costs; hence, highlighting the inevitability of the expansion of trade within the International Community. Still, globalization, as a term, was never used by economists; at least not until the early 1980’s. Furthermore, all its concepts and ideas were never really fully understood by the academic community until the early 1990’s. Fortunately, after seven years into the 21st century, much of the world is already aware of its contexts and aspects – from outsourcing to currency trading via wireless applications. Still, despite our knowledge of globalization, we cannot deny the fact that we know less about its implications for the future. Globalization, as a field of study, is a volatile subject that, even with the assistance of factual data and information, is almost ultimately unpredictable. Despite the existence of a myriad of books, journals and articles pertaining to the topic of Globalization, we cannot deny that we have yet to fully understand its future trends. Indeed, a major advancement brought by sophisticated technology can ultimately change, once again, the face of the International Community; thus, affecting international trade and ultimately affecting the â€Å"globalization† of the world. On a further note, third world countries that would eventually become first world countries in the future may end up shifting the international balance of trade and commerce for first world countries. As such, it is very tempting to imagine what the International Community would be like if, for some infinitesimal chance, the African Continent booms like Asia. If such an event occurs, will globalization be the cause for it? Alternatively, will globalization even allow such an event to occur? People who are against the advancements of globalization argue that globalization only benefits the rich north and detriments the poor south. This is evident from the fact that countries in the northern hemisphere tend to play in a neo-imperialist fashion among the countries in the southern hemisphere. Anti-globalization movements insist that the prevalence of globalization only means the prevalence of multinational corporations (MNC’s). They contend that these corporations, while providing employment for the local population, only encourage more poverty in the country. Multinational corporations, upon entering a country, immediately eliminates local competitors; thus, destroying the balance of power between local and foreign. As such, the country becomes subject to the influence of foreign countries that originally holds these multinational corporations. This automatically becomes a sort of leverage for foreign countries (which are, most of the time, rich countries coming from the north) against the country holding their MNC’s. On the other hand, people that are for the advancements of globalization argues that free trade – the main tool of globalization – encourages more growth for developing economies compared to protectionism. Primarily, globalization allows several countries access to several goods and services that they could never produce or emulate from other countries. Furthermore, they contend that globalization encourages competition among local and foreign businesses. Though unfair at times, supporters of globalization claim that encouraging competition allows small businesses to grow, to become more efficient and to become more versatile. The arguments of both sides are truly credible. Indeed, globalization, as a concept, is considered by many as a double-edged sword – though benefiting the user, it can, if careless enough, harm him/her as well. Globalization has many facets. As such, it has many implications – some we are aware of and some aren’t. But according to one scholar, Thomas Friedman, globalization has one important implication that has been very prevalent over the past couple of years but has only recently gained attention. In 2005, Thomas Friedman – a columnist of Foreign Affairs and the New York Times – published a book entitled The World is Flat. According to Mr. Friedman, the world is becoming smaller and that the competition between countries in different parts of the world is becoming or â€Å"being leveled†. One example that he noted was that the economies of India and China, two emerging economic superpowers in the eastern hemisphere, are now becoming so becoming so advanced that they can now compete with the economic powerhouses of the west. He further claimed that, ironically, much of the west, most especially the Americans, weren’t ready for such events unfolding. Indeed, the unexpected booms of India and China have made the Asian continent an attractive place for foreign investment. Another important point is that both countries’ huge populations have played a vital role in the labor market – both in manual labor (i. e. manufacturing) and professional labor (i. e. information technology). Not only do these two countries outshine the United States in terms of cheap labor, but they also outdo the American population in terms of efficiency and productivity. Simply said, employers are getting the same level of productivity and efficiency from both Chinese and Indian workers, but at a lower cost. This, according to scholars, has proved very detrimental to Americans. Not only does this threaten the employment of future American workers, but it also threatens the economy of the United States on the long run. As such, how can one defend himself from such negative advancements to one’s own country? On a more general level, how can the populace protect itself from such a deadly competition? As an American Citizen and as a soon-to-be professional entering the world of competitive employment, I can indeed come up with several answers to that question. First, as a country, the United States must make huge investments on education. Improving the workforce of the country is imperative if we are to face foreign competition. One important thing that we can put into consideration is the introduction of language classes in our academic system. Learning the language of foreign countries can surely make our general workforce a seemingly good investment for foreign companies. Yet another note is the introduction of new laws which will, in some way, discourage young students from dropping out of school. An example of these laws is the prohibition of issuing driver’s licenses to adolescents who have dropped out of school for no particular reason. By doing so, the general workforce of the country will remain efficient and highly educated. Despite the rapid growths of China and India, it cannot be denied that much of their population remains below the poverty line. As such, this problem becomes a drain on their economy (for the simple reason that the government has to continuously spend huge sums of money on anti-poverty programs and such). Ironically, this could play both a huge disadvantage and an advantage at the same time for the United States. For one, since people live in very poor conditions, corporations can take advantage of them by paying them low salaries; which, for the population, could seem very high. On the other hand, the good living conditions of the American population can imply the demand for high-paying jobs; which, of course, corporations would not prefer. Alternatively, this could also serve as an advantage for the United States since the American workforce – compared to the cheap yet impoverished populace of India and China – are more efficient and educated; thus, implying more productivity and growth for the corporation. Education is one thing. But as a person who’s about to enter into the competitive world of employment, how can I prepare myself against the competitive nature of foreign workers that will most likely ensue?

Influence of Other Characters on the Transformation of Elizabeth in Pri

Influence of Other Characters on the Transformation of Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice      Ã‚   In "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen, readers witness the profound transformation of the protagonist. Although the drastic changes are largely due to the character's self-propelled growth, the influences of other characters play a key role in igniting the permanent metamorphoses.   This essay analyzes the two most influential characters in "Pride and Prejudice" and Elizabeth's self-realization.   We are working under the presumption that two other characters serve as catalysts to boost the final changes of the protagonist. Elizabeth's transformation and growth are greatly attributed to two other characters; namely Darcy and Wickam.   At first Elizabeth notably concentrates on Darcy's conceited attitude and on Wickam's pleasing manners.   As the story unfolds, the prejudices against Darcy and for Wickam are to face profound reversals.   While Darcy's real identity, which is not that arrogant, is being revealed to Elizabeth, she is ushered into the darker side of Wickam.   In the process of this remarkable revelation, Elizabeth obtains the reconfiguration of her attitude from prejudice-ridden to broadened perspective.   In figuring out the specific process, Dar... ...t things may be opposite.   This suspicion is strengthened when Wickam shows uneasiness about her stay at Rosings(175).   On the heels of her subtle change of attitude toward Darcy, she visits Pemberly where Darcy lives and comes to hear about Darcy through the housekeeper as follows: "I have never had a cross word from him in my life, and I have known him ever since he was four years old"(183). Works Cited Austen, Jane.   Pride and Prejudice.   Ed. Donald Gray.   New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 1996. Fritzer, Penelope Joan.   Jane Austen and Eighteenth-Century Courtesy Books.   Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Press, 1997.

Antitrust: Cartel and Federal Trade Commission

The purpose of this paper is to discuss antitrust law with regard to federal regulations. In the form of a case study, this paper will examine the legal obstacles faced by the merger proposal between US Airways Group Inc. and American Airlines' parent corporation AMR. The focus of the paper is to examine the legal hurdles posed by antitrust laws used to block the merger and then briefly explore possible ethical issues associated with allowing US Airways Group Inc. and AMR to merge. Antitrust Laws There are three core federal antitrust laws in effect today in our US legal system.They are the Sherman Act, The Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act (â€Å"Antitrust†, n. d. ). The Sherman Antitrust Act (Sherman Act, July 2, 1890, ch. 647, 26 Stat. 209, 15 U. S. C.  § 1–7) is an antitrust law primarily aimed at prohibiting the formulation of monopolies by making them a felony offense. As the Sherman Act evolved the US Supreme Court decided that monopolies in and of themselves are not bad and do not automatically violate the Sherman Act. Instead, it is the particular actions taken to obtain or maintain monopolistic positioning that is illegal (â€Å"Sherman†, 2008).The Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U. S. C.  § 45: US Code – Section 45: Unfair methods of competition unlawful; prevention by Commission) has a primary duty of prohibiting actions within commerce that are deemed unfair to competition (â€Å"15 U. S. C.  § 45†, n. d. ). The Clayton Act (15 U. S. C. A.  § 12 et seq. [1914]) is an addition to the antitrust laws primarily used today to prohibit certain types of business practices making them illegal when their usage severely restricts competition and/or creates a monopoly.The practices specifically addressed in the Act are price discrimination, making it illegal to sale the same product to different people in the same market at different prices; tying and exclusive dealing contracts, making it illegal to forbid a shopper from shopping with competitors; corporate mergers, the acquisition of competing head to head companies by one company; and interlocking directorates, the members of which are common members on the boards of directors of competing companies (â€Å"Clayton act†, 2008).The Enforcers The federal antitrust laws are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. They both open up and conduct antitrust investigations. In situations involving the airline industry the Department of Justice has jurisdiction in matters pertaining to antitrust laws. There are other regulatory agencies that also must give approval before certain mergers can take place. In these instances The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice provide support to the agencies. Individual states may also work in conjunction with the two federal agencies to enforce its state's antitrust laws.Additionally, the states can file antitrust lawsuits on behalf of it s citizens or the state. This is usually done through the state's attorney general office. Individuals and businesses can also initiate antitrust complaints and file suits to have the antitrust laws enforced (â€Å"The federal government†, n. d. ). Mergers Section 7 of the Clayton Act addresses the antitrust laws concerning mergers. Mergers are not inherently bad or illegal. So long as the merger doesn't cause a significant increase in prices, a serious reduction in quality of goods and services, and doesn't deter innovation.Mergers become a problem when they significantly lessen competition or lead to a monopoly. When head to head competitors propose a merger it will usually sets off antitrust alarm bells that most likely will lead to an investigation by one of the federal agencies (â€Å"Mergers†, n. d. ). External Obstacles In 2005, US Airways and AMR publically proposed a merger that was met with a great deal of resistance. The government has the responsibility to regulate mergers to ensure the merger doesn't violate antitrust laws.This merger had to be reviewed by several agencies such as the U.S. Justice Department, the U. S. Department of Transportation, the Air Transportation Stabilization Board, the Security and exchange commission, and U. S. Bankruptcy Courts. This was a very high profile merger proposal and it was met with a great deal of opposition (Cobb, et al. , 2006). The airline eventually won Department of Justice approval but had to agree to give up some airport slots to clear antitrust concerns. Both airlines agreed to the terms in order to keep the merger proposal alive (Majcher & Russell, 2013).Because of a Philadelphia to London route the proposed merger also had to gain some clearance by the European Commission. The airlines once again agreed to give up the route to alleviate any international anti-competitive effects (Knibb, 2013). Ethical Concerns The Department of Justice and six state attorneys-general together filed a suit against the merger arguing that the merger would lead to an increase in airfare, in fees, and also limit choices also the merger agreement will cost workers jobs as American Airline was forced to relinquish hub status at several airports.This merger really benefits the two airlines but leave hundreds of workers out of jobs and taxpayer subsidized airport infrastructure customizations will lose return on investments (â€Å"The airline mergers†, 2013). Higher airfares as a result of the merger would put the merger in violation of antitrust not only would it be illegal but it can also be considered unethical. Conclusion There are laws in place to protect consumers and businesses from anticompetitive behavior. They are called antitrust laws (â€Å"antitrust laws†, n. d. ).When US Airways and AMR announced their intention to merge into one company the merger deal was scrutinized by the Department of Justice and regulatory agencies to see if the merger violated any anti trust laws (Cobb, et al. , 2006). The two airlines were forced to agree to certain concessions in order to gain the approval of the federal government, regulatory agencies and courts (Majcher & Russell, 2013). This paper doesn't show any evidence that the merger was unethical however, many interested parties attempted to block the merger on the grounds that the merger would give the company an unfair advantage over rivals and passengers.

Womens Identities in The Color Purple by Alice Walker...

Womens Identities in The Color Purple by Alice Walker and Behind a Mask by Louisa May Alcott Alice Walker’s novel The Color Purple has a rich array of female characters to examine when answering the above question. I feel that Louisa May Alcott’s short story, â€Å"Behind A Mask† offers an equally rich array of female characters to consider. Through the course of this essay I will show how Walker and Alcott used different narrative techniques and made different use of language and dialogue to create their characters; and how they each respectively created very powerful pieces of work, identifying with their characters and the problems and obstacles faced by them in their everyday lives. The Color Purple is written in the epistolary†¦show more content†¦She misses out on the education that Nettie receives and this is apparent when comparing their styles of writing. Celie writes in the vernacular. This adds some authenticity to her character, makes it easier to sympathise with her. Nettie is one of the few stimuli that turn Celie passive to active. When she finds out that Albert has been intercepting Nettie’s letters, she wants to kill him. Shug has to hold her back. Celie is in awe of Shug and Sophia. Both women show spirit and strength of character. Shug is infamous in the area, particularly due to her long-standing relationship with the married Albert, Until the arrival of Shug, Celie lived in fear of Albert (understandably considering the basis of their marriage) and she is amazed to see the effect Shug has on Albert, reducing him almost into a little boy. When Celie and Shug become friends, Celie’s life improves dramatically. Not only does she now have a close female friend but Shug is able to use her influence and discourage Albert from beating Celie. Towards the end of the novel, the relationship that Albert and Celie both have with Shug draws them together and although Albert asks Celie to marry him again, she declines. Sexually she has no interest in men but is happy to remain friends. At the end of The Color Purple Celie and Albert manage to form a friendship that they didn’t have when they were married. Celie stood up to Albert and had the courage to leave him.