The relationship between democracy and Islam in Indonesia

The role of Islam in the transition to democracy in Indonesia This paper will discuss how Islam and democracy interact in Indonesia. The paper will look at the role of Islam in the transition to democracy, in which Islam has played a critical part in the pro-democracy movement.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The relationship between democracy and Islam in Indonesia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Islam has played a crucial role in the research on the compatibility in Islam and democracy, in elections and in the building of a civil society in Indonesia. During the past decades, democracy and Islam have been a debatable topic and continues to be a major issue in political discussions. In the western world, Islam and democracy are viewed as fundamentally irreconcilable. Samuel Huntington argued that collapse of democratic system in the Islamic world is owed to the fact that the Islamic customs and society being un welcoming to Western freethinking principles. According to some Muslim conservatives, the democracy values are contradicted with the concept of fundamental Islam. On the other hand, Indonesia has been considered as one of the Muslim countries that have been able to incorporate and consolidate democratic values into its political system. Robert Hefner points out that in countries such as Indonesia, Islam has became vital to democratization and has turn out to be the single most vital force for political transformation and democracy. This paper will argue the concept of Islam and Democracy can be compatible by looking at Indonesia as the majority Muslim country in the world. Throughout the history, the concept of democracy is marked by conflicting interpretation. The idea of democracy is always contested and vague where it is tricky to apply into practices. Huntington (1984, p.195) argues that the definition of democracy are legion where the term has been far from political area such the term has just been apply to institution. This is where citizens have the capacities to choose freely among political alternatives by making their own decisions that have a direct effect on their lives. Jillani (2006, p.728) states that such values of freedom, tolerance and equality are the principle of democracy that form government in a sovereignty state.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More However, in the western perspective, democracy and Islam are view as fundamentally incompatible. Huntington (1984, p.208) states that Islam are seen to be inhospitable to democracy. This is because Islamic revival especially the Shish fundamentalist in Middle East are strongly oppose and against the development of democracy as it is identified with Western liberal principles and such principle will denies the Islamic concept of the sovereignty of God. The Islamic fundamentalist is se en to be anti-democratic in the view of religious resurgence (Heryanto Mandal 2003, p.122). According to Effendy (2008, p.41) the concept of democracy is not foreign to Islamic thought. The values of democracy such as justice, consultation, egalitarian, trust and freedom are inherent to the corpus of Islamic ideas. As a result Islam is seen to be compatible with democracy through this perception where these values are obliged implemented in Muslim’s social culture, economic and political activities. Heryanto and Mandal (2003, p.123) argues that values have to be substantiate through educational reform and the creation of social institutions that encourage participation of society in the political and religious realm. On the other hand, the most important confront for democratization in the Muslim world are rely on Muslim leaders and intellectuals themselves to come up with rational systems of Islamic democracy that are not easy reformulations of Western philosophy offered in Islamic expression. The diversity of Islam in Indonesia Among other Islamic country, democracy has been able to thrive among the largest number of the Muslims in Indonesia due to the moderate forms of Islam the citizens has been able to adopt (Azra Hudson 2008, p.47). There has been a blend between the myriad ways and the pre-existing religious practices.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The relationship between democracy and Islam in Indonesia specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More This has resulted to a richly distinctive variant. The form of Islam originally from Indonesia does not have the attribute of severity and rigidity. This has enabled it to get praise due to its moderation and tolerance. Hefner (2000, p.18) argues that democracy in Indonesia has become the single most important force for political change and democracy in the Muslim world in regards to the compatibility of Islam and democracy. According to Carnegie, (2006, p.3), Indonesia is the country with the largest population of Muslims. Michael Buehler also states that the country is the third biggest democracy in the world, only after the U.S. and India (2009, p.51). Islam has a prominent sway in the Indonesia’s political landscape and offers an array of political and conceptual potentials for the nation. For instance, home-grown Abangan Islam is highly practiced in the Central and Eastern Java while Nahdlatul Ulama (NU)-the conventional Sunni Islam- is common in East Java. The current Islamic tenets of Muhammadiyah are prominent outside Java and synonymous with contemporary welfare services and education in Indonesia. Muhammadiyah is also popular among the young population who are more intellectual and autonomous in Indonesia (Carnegie, 2006, p.3). One of principal reasons that explain the cordial rapport between democracy and Islam in Indonesia is the disintegration of Islamic power in the country’s social socie ty (Buehler, 2009, p.53). The diversity of Islam in Indonesia is attributed to manner in which the Islamic alteration took place in the previous eras. The conversion of Indonesians to Islam was influenced by a number of factors such as accommodating prior Islamic tenets and observances that were common in various parts of Indonesia. The colonial rulers also contributed to Islamic diversity in Indonesia when they denied indigenous rulers authority to set up unified institutions of Islamic education, worship and pilgrimage.Advertising Looking for essay on international relations? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The absence of a unified Islam structure has led to tectonic movements in the democratization of Islam in Indonesia. The country has thus witnessed the elimination of official constraints on the spiritual life of its population. Moreover, new types of religious practices have emerged thereby reducing the control of Islamic leaders in the whole country (Buehler, 2009, p.54). The role of Islam during election period in Indonesia The diffusion of Islamic authority and the vulnerability of social structure are more visible during voting periods. For example, during the gubernatorial vote in 2005, the authority of religious leader- the Tuan guru- was trivial as a result of a large number of Islamic leaders in South Kalimantan province. The candidates involved in the election knew that political support from religious figures was not adequate to augment their chances since all contestants had a Tuan guru in their campaign teams. Some resorted to use other strategies such as providing fina ncial support to social amenities such as schools, hospitals and mosques to woo voters. In addition, the waning influence of religious leaders has been manifested by the voters who have ditched Islamic leaders that support unpopular political parties (Buehler, 2009, p.55). The modern Muslim parties continue to play a vital role in the Indonesia’s democratic landscape. For example, in spite of their diverse political inclinations, the Muhammadiyah and NU parties strongly support the existence of a secular state and have censured terrorist activities and the parochial interpretation of Islamic laws (Smith, 2005, p.115). The role of radical Islamist in Indonesia According to Amir Santoso, the relationship between democracy and Islam in Indonesia has been characterized by the antagonism and tension between the ruling elites and Islam (1995, p.3). Right from the colonial period to post-Soeharto era, Muslims have used their religion as their platform for struggle against colonial r ule, oppression and as a tool for religious chauvinism (Jillani, 2006, p.727). During the formative years of Suharto’s totalitarian New Order and Islamic organizations were major political forces that strongly sustained the New Order in defeating communism. However, the cordial partnership collapsed in the late 1960s when the state was fully focused on the general election in early 1970s. There are a number of theories put forward to explain the demise of the alliance between the government and Islam in Indonesia. First, the demise of communism in the country meant that Islam was the main ideological option to Suharto’s regime. Second, Suharto’s New Order regime strongly believed that Islamic groups wanted to introduce Islamic tenets in the country. Finally, since the government’s main goals were political stability and economic growth, the government introduced containment policies to weaken the influence of Islam in Indonesia (Santoso, 1995, p.3). The c urrent democratic landscape in Indonesia has reduced the influence of radical Islam by giving its proponents democratic space to form political parties, take part in electoral process and freedom of press. This type of regime has thus been able to establish the politics and policies employed by Islamists. This theory is relevant to Middle East countries since flexible autocratic power of some regimes such as Indonesia have allowed the contribution of radical Islamists. The inclusion of radical Islamic groups in the democratic process compelled them to abandon their initial radical stands and in the end, adopted moderate positions (Nasr, 2005, p.13). In nutshell, the theory of flexible autocratic structure is that the involvement of radical Islam in political process leads to moderate Islam while their exclusion through oppression enhances Islamic radicalism (Hafez, 2005, p.4). References Azra, A. Hudson, H. (2008) Islam beyond Conflict: Indonesian Islam and Western Political Theory . Aldershot, UK: Ashgate. Buehler, M. (2009) Islam and Democracy in Indonesia. Insight Turkey, 11(4), 51-63. Carnegie, P. (2006) The Politics of Indonesia’s Islamic Identification. Dialogue, 4 (1), 1- 24. Effendy, B. (2008) Islam and the State in Indonesia. Web. Hafez, M. (2003) Why Muslims Rebel: Repression and Resistance in the Islamic World. London, Lynne Rienner. Hefner, R. (2000) Civil Islam: Muslims and democratization in Indonesia. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Heryanto, A. and Mandal, S. (2003) Challenging authoritarianism in Southeast Asia.  London: Routledge. Huntington, S (1984) Will more countries become democratic? In Political Science Quarterly, 99 (2), 206-228. Jillani, H. (2006) Democracy and Islam: An Odyssey in Braving the Twenty-First Century. Brigham Young University Law Review, (3), 727-753. Nasr, V. (2005) The Rise of Muslim Democracy. Journal of Democracy, 16 (2), 13-27. Santoso, A. (1995) Islam and politics in Indonesia during the 1990s. Asi an Journal of Political Science, 3(1) 1-34. Smith, P. (2005) Terrorism and Violence in Southeast Asia. London: Sharpe. This essay on The relationship between democracy and Islam in Indonesia was written and submitted by user Johan Gutierrez to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Acid Rain Has a Major Affect on Life in Shanghai Essays

Acid Rain Has a Major Affect on Life in Shanghai Essays Acid Rain Has a Major Affect on Life in Shanghai Paper Acid Rain Has a Major Affect on Life in Shanghai Paper Acid rain is any type of precipitation that has high acid content. This precipitation can be wet (rain, snow, or fog) or dry (gases or acidic salts). Normal rain is slightly acidic with pH 6. 5 but we call it acid rain when it is pH is between 2 and 5. 5. It is formed by chemicals created by the burning of fossil fuels, power plants, factories and auto mobiles. These chemicals are sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide. Sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide react with water in the atmosphere and eventually fall back to earth’s surface as an acid deposition. Shanghai is a city which is located on eastern coast of China. It is a strong commercial and industrial base city in China. Most of industries in Shanghai use 80 percent of electricity and 70 percent its total energy from burning of high sulphur coal. Coal is the main source of air pollution in Shanghai as well as most of other cities in China. The air pollution in Shanghai is sometimes terrible that air ports are shut down because of poor visibility. Nitrogen oxide is mainly released by power plants and automobiles in Shanghai. The high coal fuel consumption from urbanization and industrialization and the rapid increase of vehicles from motorization resulted in the high emission of sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide in Shanghai. The annual mean pH value of rain in Shanghai is 4. 4 and the frequency of acid rain is 71 percent. Acid rain in Shanghai with high sulphur and nitrogen contaminates all water bodies there will lead to water pollution. The high nitrogen in water increase the growth of blue green algae, will pollute whole water body will prevent using water for drinking, cleaning. Also it changes the aquatic ecosystem. Acid rain is very toxic to species in water which can reduce the fish population and could eliminate all fish species form water body and decrease biodiversity. In addition, it may cause constant stress that may not kill individual fish, but will lead to lower body weight and makes fish less able to compete for food and habitat. Natural vegetation and crops are also affected by acid rain in Shanghai. Trees are an extremely important natural resources. They provide timber, regulate local climate and forest are homes for wildlife. The plants can absorb toxic chemicals from acid rain by direct contact with water or from soil. When acid rain is absorbed by the soil the acid empties the soil from important nutrients that plants need to survive. Without these nutrients the trees are more vulnerable to infections and damage cause by extreme climate. This will make plants and trees suffer from stunted growth, damage bark, loss of leaves will ultimate lead to rapid reduction of vegetation in Shanghai. Acid rain allows aluminum to soak into the soil. If the amount of aluminum in the soil is high the trees wouldn’t be able to collect water from the ground. Acid rain damages outer coat of the leaf and when the coat finally wears down the acid makes its way in to the tree which prevents photosynthesis from taking place. Since photosynthesis makes food for the plant without it the plants will eventually die. According to the research report of Shanghai Agriculture and Forestry Bureau, 2004, the area around Shanghai was rich in biodiversity. In the present, there is considerable loss of biodiversity and found decline in native species and an increase in number of alien species. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide can cause serious problem to human health such as asthma, dry coughs, headaches, eye, nose, and throat irritations. Acid rain affects the human respiratory system and cause liver problems. Human skin has an oily coating which protects from bacteria and keeps the skin moist. Acid rain breakdown that oily protective coat which give us a result of dry skin and bacterial infection. Also the final effect on humans is to drinking water. As the content of our water becomes more acidic, it can react with lead and copper water pipes, which eventually contaminate water. Too much copper in drinking water also causes kidney damage as well as liver damage. An indirect effect of acid is the precipitation on human is that the toxic metals dissolves in the water are absorbed in fruits, vegetables and in the tissues of animals. Although these toxics metals do not directly affect the animals, they have serious effects on humans and they are being consumed. As an example, mercury that accumulate in the organs and tissues of the animals has been linked with brain damage in children as well as nerve disorders, brain damage and Alzheimer’s disease. The harm to people from acid rain is not direct as for plants, animals, air, soil and water. Acid rain can be absorbed by both plants and animals through direct contact or from water or soil. When people eat these plants or animals, the toxins inside of their meals can affect them and cause problem in human health. According to the world health organization reports around 300,000 people die per year in China due to out door and indoor air pollution mainly due to high sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide and another particulate matter. A study of visibility, air quality and daily mortality in Shanghai in 2009 has showed decrease visibility and high air pollution in Shanghai significantly increased death due to cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Conclusion Acid rain forms in Shanghai mainly due to air pollution by industries and automobiles. It causes severe affect on Shanghai life. By educating shanghai public about the affect of acid rain, the damage caused by acid rain to the public will be reduced. However to minimize the damage on plants, soil and water, the air pollution of Shanghai should be reduced. BIBLIOGRAPHY Acid Rain Facts, Acid Rain Information, Acid Rain Pictures, Acid Rain Effects National Geographic. Environment Facts, Environment Science, Global Warming, Natural Disasters, Ecosystems, Green Living National Geographic. National Geographic. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. . / Acid Rain How Is Acid Rain Formed? Learn More Our Changing Planet UMAC. UMAC Upper Midwest Aerospace Consortium. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. . Huang, K. , G. Zhuang, C. Xu, Y. Wang, and A. Tang. The Chemistry of the Severe Acidic Precipitation in Shanghai, China. Atmospheric Research 89. 1-2 (2008): 149-60. Print. Zhao, Shuqing, Liangjun Da, Zhiyao Tang, Hejun Fang, Kun Song, and Jingyun Fang. Ecological Consequences of Rapid Urban Expansion: Shanghai,

Global Warming's effects on Tornadoes in the Mid West Research Proposal

Global Warming's effects on Tornadoes in the Mid West - Research Proposal Example However, it is quite clear that different locations experiences distinct global warming effects. Indeed, Mid-West and especially Oklahoma is prone to global warming effects in form of tornadoes. Purpose Statement The main aim, of this paper is to research on global warming and provide supporting data on the global warming effect on strength and frequency of tornadoes on the mid-west, specifically Oklahoma and surrounding states. The research will provide evidence that indeed global warming has been leading to adverse weather effects like tornadoes in the mid-west during the recent times. In this study, I will define global warming as an independent variable, which relates to extreme changes in global temperatures due to the increase of greenhouse gases such as Carbon Dioxide (CO2), nitrous oxide, and methane due to anthropogenic (synthetic) causes (Union of Concerned Scientists, 2011). I will also define a combination of atmospheric instability and wind shear as the causes of tornado es (Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions, 2013). I hope that my study will seek to establish the correlation between global warming effects and the changes in the strength and frequency of tornadoes on the mid-west with special focus on Oklahoma and surrounding states. ... Many scientists assert that unless we address the causes and effects of climatic changes from global warming, the world is prone to extreme climatic effects. Various researches establish that carbon dioxide and other global warming pollutants are collecting in the atmosphere thus trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm up (Natural Resources Defense Council, 2011). This has led to fast fluctuation of local temperatures in the last 50 years and scientists claim that this may advance to an increase of 3 to 9 degrees in U.S. temperatures if we do not contain the situation (Natural Resources Defense Council, 2011). Notably, droughts, tornadoes, and hurricanes are some of the adverse effects of global warming across the globe (Kunzig, 2013). Ideally, scientists have been trying to establish the relationship between global warming and tornadoes. As a result, scientists have established that indeed global warming may increase or suppress the intensity or frequency of tornadoes across the globe especially in Oklahoma and surrounding states (Kunzig, 2013). Research Questions This research seeks to address specific questions, which include: 1) Is global warming the direct cause of tornadoes in the mid-west United States? 2) If global warming persist what impact will it have on the frequency and strength of tornadoes in the mid-west United States? 3) What effect will tornadoes have on the environment, economy, agriculture, human life, settlements, aquatic life, transport, and health in Oklahoma and surrounding states? 4) What measures can reduce the incidence of tornadoes in Oklahoma and surrounding states? 6) What are the main causes and influencing

Although some people feel airport security infringes on our privacy, Research Paper

Although some people feel airport security infringes on our privacy, It is necessary in order to keep our country and everyone that flies safe - Research Paper Example Any loophole on the part of airport security may lead to security threat to passengers. Although some people feel airport security infringes on our privacy, it is necessary in order to keep our country and everyone that flies safe. The intention of this paper is to identify the need for security in airports. Arguments for security check at the airport indicate that security checks prevent air terrorism attack (Schneier). The September 11 terrorist attack was a great lesson for the need of tight security at the airport. Analysts argue that proper security screening at the airport prevent passengers with harmful intentions from executing their plans. Some people do not intend to travel, but to blow airplanes. Security check prevents such individuals from bordering planes carrying their weapons of mass destruction. Before the September 11 terror attack, many passengers could carry some weapons. It is quite hard to read what is in the human mind. It is important to take precaution by observing security measures in order to avoid issues of security or terror threats. Terrorists usually look for slightest security weakness in order to execute their terror attack. Research on airport security revealed that the cost of preventing security attack is quite cheaper than the cost of security damage . Airport security seeks to protect facilities serving in the aviation industry and the aircraft against unlawful acts (Bajoria). Aviation facilities costs million of dollars thus they require protection from destruction. Mounting a security check at the airport is the only secure way of preventing individuals with ill intentions from carrying out their plans. When individuals with ill intentions get an opportunity to blow an aircraft, the aircraft company would lose its property and workers. This would be harmful to the economy of the country. Aviation industry contributes to the economy through provision of employment, taxes, promotion of trade among others. For a country

Family in Europe Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 6

Family in Europe - Coursework Example This was generally expressed in terms of the father as king over the family. He was the ultimate authority who decided all things and in whose hands the welfare of all rested. However, problems at the state level began to change this dynamic. It was proven again and again that the kings did not necessarily take their paternal duties seriously, allowing many of their ‘children’ to die of disease and starvation. In order to break with these monarchs, it was necessary to break the linkage in people’s minds between the king and the father. This break, once instituted, remained and the political role of the family in terms of defining the operations of the state waned. The idea that the father was the king of the family led to a natural relationship between the king and the father. Viewed as a king, the King of a nation was often too abstract and distant for common people to fully understand or heed allegiance to. However, thinking of the king as the father made him instantly more accessible as his duties became clear in the minds of the populace. While peasants had a very little conception of what a king was required to do in order to make the state operate efficiently, they were able to envision him as the man taking care of all the top-level orders that would be necessary for the running of an efficient estate as the father normally did. This was true whether the estate was a leased cottage on farmland or a grand collection of homes and properties that each had to be maintained. This connection was reinforced by Biblical connection to the tasks laid upon Adam and the analogy between king and God in that each determined the fates of the flock of ‘children’ under him. Adam was given the rulership over all life on earth, highlighting the need for a supreme ‘decider’ while God was the ultimate father in heaven.  

History Of What Is Piracy Media Essay

History Of What Is Piracy Media Essay In its typical sense, the word piracy refers to the manufacturing of unauthorized copies pirated copies of protected and copyrighted material and then distributing or selling said copies. The rights of authorization infringed by those who make and deal in pirate copies are the rights of authorship generally protected by copyright, as well as the rights of ownership, particularly in the case of sound recordings, which are generally protected by neighboring rights regimes. In its wider sense, and as often spoken of in the popular press, piracy may also refer to acts of bootlegging (the making of an unauthorized recording of a live performance) and of counterfeiting (selling works made to resemble a genuine copy, as by replicating the label, the packaging, or the recording itself). Origin Piracy in the West The word piracy was used to label the infringement of exclusive rights in creative works for the first time in 1603, and, as such, predates any statutory law. Before the establishment of the Statute of Anne (which was the first copyright law in the Kingdom of Great Britain) in 1709, the Stationers Company of London was given a Royal Charter in 1557, which gave the company a monopoly on publication, as well as the responsibility of enforcing the charter. Those people who were found violating the charter were labeled pirates as early as 1603. After the Statute of Anne was established, the term piracy was used to describe the illicit manufacturing, sale and distribution of copyrighted material. b. Piracy in the Philippines Piracy of films and music in the Philippines has existed since the technology necessary to replicate tapes and disks became easier, cheaper and more available. In the 1970s, the cassette became a popular music format; and, as such, opened up a whole new market for portable music. Tape recorders also became easily accessible and cheap to the market, which brought along the problem of pirated music cassettes. In the 1980s, the Betamax became the first audiovisual playback device that gave the public the opportunity to record a show. This brought a trend in the Philippines. However, during martial Law, access to foreign material was limited. There would usually be a delay of a few months before a movie would be viewable in local theaters. This gave birth to the era of video rental shops, and these shops became a refuge for the entertainment-hungry Filipino. Betamax players were phased out in other parts of the world, to be replaced by video home systems (VHS) and laser discs. However, they did not become obsolete here in the Philippines. In fact, the loss of Betamax player buyers caused its price to plummet and become very affordable, causing its popularity to increase drastically. (Beginnings of Piracy, omb.gov.ph) The trend repeated itself with the VHS. At the same time that this was happening, camcorders were also being made. People discovered that camcorders were easy to use because they could bring it inside a cinema and record the movie showing. From the VHS, the material used moved to video compact discs (VCDs) and now we are using digital video discs (DVDs). All of these made possible by the advancing and upgrading of technology. Forms of Piracy Optical Disk Piracy Optical disk piracy refers to the illegal distribution, manufacturing, trade and/or sale of copies of movies, television programs, software programs, music, and games in digital disc formats which include Blu-Ray, DVD, DVD-R, CD, CD-R and VCD. These disks are sold on websites, online auction sites, via e-mail solicitation and by street vendors and flea markets around the world. The relatively inexpensive cost of blank discs and reliable disk-burning machines has led to the increase in number of DVD-R and CD-R burner labs. Internet Piracy In general, Internet piracy refers to the employment of the Internet to supply unauthorized downloadable copies of music, games, television, movies, and software programs. Internet piracy can also refer to the use of the Internet to spread codes or other technologies to bypass anti-copying security features in software products. Auction sites, Peer to Peer (P2P) networks, social networking sites, B2B websites and botnets are all common paths through which Internet piracy occurs. Theatrical Print Theft Theatrical print theft is exactly as its name suggests-the theft of an actual film print, usually 35 or 16 mm types, from a film depot, theater, courier service or other industry related facility, purely for the purpose of making illegal duplicates and then selling and/or distributing them. Having the original film print then allows the pirate to craft a high quality videotape from the original, which then serves as a master copy for future duplication purposes. However, this form of piracy is extremely rare, mostly because it is difficult to even obtain the prints and it is difficult to transfer the print to another format. Signal Theft Signal theft occurs when someone gains access to a cable TV system without the cable service provider being informed, or when someone receives satellite signals illegally. Usually pirates will provide satellite signal descramblers or illegal cable decoders for consumers. Counterfeit Consumer Goods Counterfeit consumer goods, regularly called  knock-offs, are  counterfeit  or imitation products presented for sale. The spread of counterfeit goods has become global lately and the range of produce subject to infringement is greater than before. Effects of Film Piracy First of all, I would like to stress that the main focus of this paper is on film piracy; therefore, the following points will deal with the effects of film piracy in particular. Economic Effects a. Business Loss in the Part of the Producers Those who are most obviously affected by film piracy are the people who invested their money and resources into the production of said motion picture. Seeing as how they gain returns on their investments through the sales of their film, allowing pirates to sell copies of the film without having to forward any margin of their profits to the producers of the original film would effectively rob the producers of the money they ought to earn if consumers were to purchase copies of the film from them rather than the pirates. One of the effects of piracy to films, especially local films, is that it shows that the people do not really support the films shown. It is a big problem especially during the Manila Film Festival. Piracy makes it an option for the people to wait for a cheaper alternative, and just watch it at home. Another of the effects is this: through the introduction of the illegal pirate market, pirates are effectively providing less expensive alternatives to the original at nearly, if not the same quality. This forces the producers to lower their selling prices in order to compete with the illegal market. We need only to look at the prices of original DVDs over the last few years in order to show this. In 2005, the prices of legal DVDs were about Php 700. Now, the prices have gone as low as Php 250 for two DVDs. Still, these prices are still not as preferable as the prices for an illegal DVD, which can go as low as four DVDs for Php 100. These effects can easily discourage any person from producing his own film for fear that he may not get a good return on his investment. If this continues, there may come a time when independent films will simply cease to be made. Social Effects Of course, the consumers are completely aware and fully informed that purchasing pirated DVDs practically amount to theft, but still people continue to patronize these illegal merchants. The existence of these pirated goods, these less-expensive alternative goods, is clearly promoting lower moral values and ethics. It is a well-known fact that, if presented a choice between two products that are of the same quality but of different price, consumers will always choose the product with the lower price. But in most cases, if you mention that the cheaper one will prevent cash from going to the producer of the good, then most consumers will suddenly have second thoughts. Unfortunately, this seems to happen only to a handful of consumers when it comes to movie piracy, providing more evidence to the case that film piracy promotes lower ethical standards and morals. Chapter III Actions and Precautions This chapter will deal with the actions and precautions taken in order to combat film piracy here in the National Capital Region. A. Local Goverment 1. Municipal Level As far as my research has uncovered, only two cities here in the Philippines have enacted a total ban on piracy in any area of the city. They are the cities of Manila and Quezon. It is important to note that the Quiapo district in Manila was previously listed as among the worlds 21 most notorious markets for pirated and counterfeit items. This caused Manila authorities to implement a total ban on the sale of pirated DVDs in the district and other parts of the city last July 28, 2011.(Esplanada, 2011) Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim previously gave a 1-month grace period for the DVD vendors in Quiapo to leave the illegal trade. Some vendors said they would obey Lims order, but others complained, claiming that they might not be able to feed their children. Some believe that the governments campaign against piracy will not last long, allowing the vendors to go back into this illegal trade; however, Manila officials strained that they were serious about applying this ban. Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista also declared a total ban on the sale and distribution of pirated discs in Quezon City, and has united with the Optical Media Board in enforcing Republic Act 9239 and City Ordinance No. SP1608, S2005. These two laws make illegal the distribution, transfer, manufacture, rental, and/or sale of fake, pirated, or counterfeit articles, services or goods. (Chavez, 2011) B. National Government In the past, the Philippine government has made it a state policy to protect intellectual property rights. This policy was enshrined in both the 1973 Constitution which offers the exclusive right to inventions, writings and artistic creations shall be secured to inventors, authors, and artists for a limited period and in the 1987 Constitution which clearly mandates that the State shall protect intellectual property. 1. Laws, Acts, and Orders a. Executive Order 60 CREATING THE INTER AGENCY COMMITTEE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS In 1993, President Fidel Ramos issued an executive order that created the Inter-Agency Committee on Intellectual Property Rights. It was supposed to recommend and enforce policies that protect intellectual property rights. (Executive Order 60. 1993) Executive order 736 INSTITUTIONALIZING PERMANENT UNITS TO PROMOTE, PRTECT AND ENFORCE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (IPR) IN DIFFERENT LAW ENFORCEMENT AND OTHER AGENCIES UNDER THE COORDINATION OF THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS (NCIPR) On June 21, 2008 the NCIPR was established to coordinate inter-agency efforts against counterfeiting and piracy, and to provide maximum benefits to Filipinos and ensure significant contributions to national development. (Executive Order 736, 2008) Republic Act 10088 Anti-Camcording Act of 2010 Its full title is AN ACT TO PROHIBIT AND PENALIZE THE UNAUTHORIZED USE, POSSESSION AND/OR CONTROL OF ADUIOVISUAL RECORDING DEVICES FOR THE UNAUTHORIZED RECORDING OF CINEMATOGRAPHIC FILMS AND OTHER AUDIOVISUAL WORKS AND/OR THEIR SOUNDTRACKS IN AN EXHIBITION FACILITY, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR AND OR OTHER PURPOSES. In layman terms, this act forbids the recording of a cinematographic film or other audio visual work and/or its soundtrack in a theater or similar venue. Penalties range from a fine of Php 50, 000.00 up to Php 750, 000.00, and imprisonment of six months and one day up to six years and one day. (Republic Act 10008, 2010) Republic Act 9239 AN ACT REGULATING OPTICAL MEDIA, REORGANIZING FOR THIS PURPOSE THE VIDEOGRAM REGULATORY BOARD, PROVIDING PENALTIES THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Commonly known as the Optical Media Act of 2003, this act reorganized the Videogram Regulatory Board, created under Presidential Decree No. 1987, into the Optical Media Board (OMB). This act established the OMB in order to evaluate the qualifications of any establishment, individual, or entity to engage in the mastering, manufacture or replication of optical media, conduct inspections and raids, etc. In recent news, the Optical Media Board has been active in terms of confiscating pirated DVDs. It has partnered with the government of the City of Manila in keeping the Quiapo district, which was recently named one of the most notorious markets for pirated and counterfeit goods, free of pirates. Republic Act 8293 Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines This acts full title is AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY CODE AND ESTABLISHING THE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE, PROVIDING FOR ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. It established the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines, which is supposed to: [a] Examine applications for grant of letters patent for inventions and register utility models and industrial designs; [b] Examine applications for the registration of marks, geographic indication, integrated circuits; [c] Register technology transfer arrangements and settle disputes involving technology transfer payments covered by the provisions of Part II, Chapter IX on Voluntary Licensing and develop and implement strategies to promote and facilitate technology transfer; [d] Promote the use of patent information as a tool for technology development; [e] Publish regularly in its own publication the patents, marks, utility models and industrial designs, issued and approved, and the technology transfer arrangements registered; [f]Administratively adjudicate contested proceedings affecting intellectual property rights; and [g] Coordinate with other government agencies and the private sector efforts to formulate and implement plans and policies to strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights in the country. (Republic Act 8293, 1997) Chapter IV Effectiveness A. Results of Operations The website of the Intellectual Property Rights Philippines has been so kind to provide data on how much pirated and/or counterfeit goods have been confiscated in the past several years. Unfortunately, the data has proven too voluminous for this paper, so I have condensed it into this graph. Unfortunately, these figures can mean two things. Either these raids and confiscations are indeed improving and these acts, laws, and actions against piracy are allowing us to legally seize more illegal goods, or, the pirate market is simply growing at an exponential rate and we just happen to be able to confiscate more things simply because there is more to seize. So, it has come to my attention that one of the best ways to discover whether the governments methods against piracy are working is to ask those who are sure to be affected (if ever they are): the men and women who man the stalls that sell pirated movies. To my surprise, I discovered that the vendors I had interviewed indeed were experiencing a much harder livelihood compared to a few years back-but not because of laws and actions made by the government. Their main reason for the increase in difficulty of sales of their product is none other than competition. The rise of the number of vendors can only prove one thing, and that is that the government and the movie industry, despite their efforts, were unable to effectively trim the piracy problem in the last few years. However, according to the United States Trade Representative (USTR), we [the Philippines] are one step closer from being removed from the watch list for counterfeit and pirated goods. B. Difficulties in Fighting Film Piracy 1. Greater Demand As has been stated before, film piracy has made the pastime of watching movies and shows much cheaper and easier, which makes it no surprise to find that more people would prefer to purchase a pirated DVD simply because it is much cheaper and much easier to find. It is much more convenient to buy a pirated DVD and watch it at home anytime they want than to go to a mall and spend more money. One thing that film piracy offers that people also look for is the range of movies available. It is not hard to find an all-time favorite, or an old or new movie. 2. Loss of Livelihood Many people rely on their sales of pirated discs in order to support their families. That being said, one of the governments problems in fighting piracy is finding alternate livelihoods and jobs for those vendors who are to be affected by the bans. This was one of the issues that Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista had to deal with first when he declared a ban on the sale of pirated discs in July 2011, especially because those vendors were willing to not put up a fight, and all they asked for in exchange is for the government to provide jobs for them when the ban would start. 3. Incomplete Dedication of Enforcers It is sad that many of those on law-enforcement duty simply look the other way when it comes to piracy. Whether out of bribery or sheer ignorance, well never know. A fine example of this is the flea market known colloquially as Ruins, located in Sucat, Paraà ±aque city. It is a known center for pirated disc vendors, but less than a block away, lies the [Sucat PNP station]. I find it strange that there is next to nothing being done on the part of the PNP when such a large trove of illegal pirates is sitting right under their noses. This shows that not all enforcers are consistent, that others tolerate such crime, and that they may be supporting the idea and action of piracy. It is a bad view on the enforcers. The sellers would also be at ease in selling these pirated products. 4. Tolerance of officials? Piracy has reached such a level of popularity that even those with respectable positions in the government are prone to being clients. Take Ronaldo Llamas for example, he was Presidential Political Affairs Adviser and yet was STILL caught red-handed purchasing pirated DVDs in Circle C Mall along Congressional Avenue in Quezon City.

Disappointment in Kate Chopins Story of an Hour Essay -- Story Hour e

Disappointment in The Story of an Hour      Ã‚   "The Story of an Hour" is a short story in which Kate Chopin, the author, presents an often unheard of view of marriage. Published in the late eighteen hundreds, the oppressive nature of marriage in "The Story of an Hour" may well be a reflection of, though not exclusive to, that era. Mrs. Louise Mallard, Chopin's main character, experiences the exhilaration of freedom rather than the desolation of loneliness after she learns of her husband's death. Later, when Mrs. Mallard learns that her husband, Brently, still lives, she know that all hope of freedom is gone. The crushing disappointment kills Mrs. Mallard.      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Though Chopin relates Mrs. Mallard's story, she does not do so in first person. Chopin reveals the story through a narrator's voice. The narrator is not simply an observer, however. The narrator knows, for example, that Mrs. Mallard, for the most part, did not love her husband (paragraph 15). It is obvious that the narrator knows more than can be physically observed. Chopin, however, never tells the reader what Mrs. Mallard is feeling. Instead, the reader must look into Mrs. Mallard's actions and words in order to understand what Mrs. Mallard feels.      Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚  Mrs. Mallard is held back in her marriage. The lines of her face "bespoke repression" (paragraph 8). When Mrs. Mallard learns of her husband's death, she knows that there will "be no powerful will bending her" (paragraph 14). There will be no husband who believes he has the "right to impose a private will upon a fellow creature" (paragraph 14). Mrs. Mallard acknowledges that her husband loved her.... ... life. When Brently walks in the door, though, Mrs. Mallard knows that she will have to spend the rest of her life as no more than his wife, just as she had been. She knows that she will never be free. This is too much for Mrs. Mallard to handle. Life had been grim before, with her looking forward to the years ahead "with a shudder" (paragraph 19). Now that Mrs. Mallard has tasted what life might have been like without her husband, the idea of resuming her former life is unbearably grim. When Mrs. Mallard sees that her husband still lives, she dies, killed by the disappointment of losing everything she so recently thought she had gained.    Work Cited Chopin, Kate.   "The Story of an Hour."   The Heath Anthology of American Literature.   Ed. Paul Lauter, et al. 2nd ed. Vol. 2.   Lexington:   Heath, 1994.   644-46.

Coagulation and Flocculation Essay

1.0 Introduction In this lab, we are conducting two experiments on natural surface water. The first experiment is to conduct jar tests to estimate an optimum dosage of iron salt to remove suspended solids. The seconds experiment is to observe the rate of floc formation nad sedimentation. 2.0 Background Coagulation and Flocculation: Coagulation and flocculation are important part in water and wastewater treatment. Coagulation is the destabilization of particulate matter by physical or chemical processes. Flocculation is the formation of larger particles that will settle out of the solution. They are usually the first form of treatment of water and wastewater to remove suspended matter or color. Jar tests are used as a control test for plant operations. Aluminum or iron salts can be used to for coagulation of particles and to form flocs that can settle out. Coagulation and flocculation tests provide the optimum dosages to remove turbidity and color, along with secondary effects such as adjusting pH. Jar tests also provide information on the amount of energy needed to provide the coagulation and flocculation treatments, as well as settleability of the flocs, and clarity of the water. They can also be used to study basic processes, for instance, kinetics of reactions and removal of constituents. 3.0 Procedure Determination of Optimum Coagulant Dosage To determine the optimum coagulation dosage, a series of jar tests were conducted. First, 400 mL of clay and sodium bicarbonate amended DI water was measured and poured into a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask using a graduated cylinder. The initial pH of that sample was then measured and recorded. The predetermined dose of coagulant was poured into a 100mL graduated cylinder and DI water was added to reach a total solution volume of 100 mL. A stir bar was added to the Erlenmeyer flask along with the coagulant dose. The flask was then placed on a magnetic stir plate was rapidly mixed for one minute. After a minute of rapid mixing, the speed was reduced to low and the solution underwent slow mixing for ten minutes. The flask was then removed from the magnetic plate and was allowed to settle. Samples were extracted from the top of the flask after five, ten, and fifteen minutes had elapsed using a 10 mL sampling syringe. Special care was taken to not disturb the sediment while sampling. The sample was transferred from the syringe to a vile, shaken, and placed in a Turbidimeter to determine the turbidity. The turbidity was recorded and the vile was emptied and rinsed between each sample. After fifteen minutes had elapsed and the last turbidity reading had been recorded, the pH of the sample was measured and recorded. The sample was then dumped into a specified waste container, the flask was rinsed with tap water and DI water, and the entire experiment was repeated using a new specified coagulant dose. 4.0 Results and Discussion After plotting turbidity against dosage from our results, we found that the optimum dosage of coagulant to be 1000 mg/L Fe2O3 as shown in Figure 1. Also, longer settling times produced lower levels of turbidity, with 15 minutes being most successful. Optimum pH for a coagulant is determined empirically from laboratory testing by keeping dosage constant and testing a pH range for optimal coagulation. Generally after adding Fe2O3, final pH decreased. Although we did not perform this in the lab, our samples had best success with a pH around 6.5 as seen in Table 1. Mixing speed is also important in coagulation and flocculation. Initially â€Å"flash mixing† is used, where high mixing speeds disperse the coagulant evenly throughout the container. Later, slower mixing speeds are used to promote particle collisions, which lead to larger floc formations. The lab is performed this way because higher speeds will help disperse the coagulant but will break up the flocs that form. By reducing the speed to slow after one minute, it allows for an even dispersion but also the formation of flocs.

Respond To Colleagues Post - Impact Of Unmet Expectations On Employee

Respond To Colleagues Post - Impact Of Unmet Expectations On Employee Respond To Colleagues Post Unmet employee expectations Unmet employee expectations Though Nate has clearly explained that the Tobie had some unmet expectations, I do not agree with him on the part of the realistic job preview. I do not think that there is any company out there that is capable of telling its potential employees about its negativities. Even if a company can paint a clear picture of its operations to its employees, it is not new for companies to exaggerate a little about their daily operations (Maden, 2013). The reason is that is such companies could be so frank with their potential employees, and then very few of them would accept the jobs given. It would be difficult for Walden sports to paint a clear picture of its operations to its potential employees. However, it is pertinent for various companies to come up with a forum for their employees to talk about their problems in and solving them. Walden sports is taking a good move in ensuring that they improve their job performance by listening t o issues that employees face and coming up with ways of solving them. I can, however, connect and understand the experiences of Tobbie and other employees in the organization since I also had such an experience. I once worked in an organization that where the picture painted during the interviews was quite different from the actual operations of the organization. The picture painted was that employees are encouraged to communicate freely with their seniors about any burning issue. However, working there was one of the most difficult days of my life. Socialization of new employees was not available and as a new employee, I had to find my way around. In addition, there was literally no one to talk to. Every time I approached a senior person to talk to, they could refer me to another person and the cycle continues until I gave up. ReferenceMaden, C. (2013). Understanding employees responses to unmet career expectations. Academy of Management Proceedings .

Firestarter essays

Firestarter essays 1.How do I feel about this novel The way I feel about this novel is kind of mixed because , I couldn't tell if Mr. King was trying to scare me like it was a horror story or if he was trying to make this story more Science Fiction . The way I reacted , when he starts to talk about the power of Charlie McGee and how she is starting to realize her strengths. It freaked me out , because how could somebody have that much power. The way this novel relates to me and others is , when McGee starts to become very controlling with to much power . My friends do the same thing when they think their in charge. The feeling I mostly experienced . Was sadness for McGee because she was blessed with a gift , that many would not want , being able to set things on fire . The way I responded to knowing that she had these powers at first was OK cool, but then I realized what kind of 2.I think the novel means that some people are born with special things or bad things. Such as a good thing being perfect and healthy, but a bad thing wood be in McGee's case being able to burn things or light them on fire . I think the theme of the novel is to try to scare you . I also think that Stephen King is telling an important message by writing these kinds of books . The message is nothing is ever perfect . For example McGee was a great student, daughter, pretty much good over all , but she had a little secret . The author is saying that the world is unfair to different people with special abilities like McGee because she is different. 3.I think the Author created the meaning of the novel by giving a regular eight year old girl a special power. Through this I think Mr. King is trying to say that people of all ages do have certain powers and privileges and when those privileges are taken away people get angry and tend to do bad and cruel things. 4.The evaluation that I gave the novel would be a ...

Is gambling a pastime or addiction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Is gambling a pastime or addiction - Essay Example Prediction cannot be made for all betting risks like lotteries, some slot machines and bingo but for certain other things like sports betting and horse racing, a prediction can be attempted, depending on the predictor’s expertise and insight. In the UK, there are a number of offline commercial gambling kinds available such as lotto, bingo, card games, sports-related betting, non-sports betting, scratch cards, roulette, slot machines, and football pools and spread betting (Griffiths, 2009). In the UK, the terms â€Å"problem gambling† and â€Å"pathological gambling† have been employed in a number of studies to explain gambling that affects the person and family life of the gambler. The general term â€Å"Prevalence† is used for process addictions, which is the epidemiological term for the number of people addicted to a specific problem. In the field of process addictions, only problem gambling has so far produced prevalence estimates (Griffiths, 2009). Various societies have distinct societal concepts of social problems, as in Canada beliefs and values vary on when gambling is to be seen as a problem and the causes behind it. It is not easy to define process addictions, for instance, when gambling is a harmless pastime and when is it addictive (Firth, 2010). The American Psychiatric Association (APA) identified gambling as actually a pathological disorder in the 1980. Even Freud (1929/1950) had researched problem gambling but remained inadvertent about its prediction. According to APA, gambling is a rising psychological disorder, featured by emotional addiction, lack of control and attached negative repercussions in the gamblers’ academic, social, or vocational life. Other popular names for pathological gambling are compulsive gambling and addictive gambling (Jean, 2000). In addictive gambling, the person shows a recurrent and continued disorder of dysfunctional behaviours by remaining busy in gambling. The person wants to put at the risk greater sum of money to attain increased stimulation. Continuous striving is seen to curb, check and/or stop gambling. Feeling of restlessness or irritating behaviour is observed when striving to check or curb the habit of gambling. For an addictive gambler, gambling becomes an escape-route from mood shifts. An addictive gambler reverts back to equalise the loss. Such a person attempts not to disclose the level of engagement with gambling. Wrong means are sought to arrange funds for gambling. Gambling when it becomes an addiction causes the loss of one’s aim in life pertaining to the relationship, scholarship or career. Dependence on others for maintaining status increases with the prevalence of gambling, as a gambler needs financial support due to shortage of funds. The only criterion segregating addictive behaviour is the presence of bipolar disorder. The debate over whether gambling is an addiction or pass time, (Kusyszyn, 1980) has been hyped out of proportion. For instance, many years back, a popular suggest columnist used to publish an article by a doctor explaining that gambling â€Å"could not possibly† be addictive (Jean, 2000). Viewing the perspective of this physician, functions like gambling, stealing and outward expression of sexual behaviours do not engage substance intake and that’s why they are not addictions. Instead, the physician debated, they are generally representations of manic depressiveness although mania is an external recognition for the presence of gambling disorders. Had it been true, then most of the gambling patients would have been managed with lithium, which is not so (Jean, 2000). Those who support gambling as mere pass time and question

Analyzing assignment details Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Analyzing assignment details - Essay Example When the business is expanding, it must take into consideration political concern of the surroundings in order to operate efficiently. The surrounding politics determine whether the company will continue operating or not. For example, when the company is expanding, it must consider such things as the environmental conservation and employment of the local people. If the company is expanding, but it is not given the local priority in employment, it might be faced with politics from the company (Nordhaus,2009). In fact, the local politics might force the company to close down if the pressure from the local people is unsustainable. Thus, for the company to be efficient after expanding in its operations, it must take into consideration the politics of the surrounding people. It needs to analyze the needs of those people for it to expand and operate efficiently. The economic status of the surrounding people also determines whether the company is expanding. For the painting company to grow, it needs to take into concern the economic status of its surrounding (Nordhaus,2009). If the surrounding people are poor, then the expansion of the company might be hard. The economic status of the surrounding determines the purchasing power of those people. It is thus important that the company analyze the economic status of the surrounding people before it expands its operations. Nordhaus,  W.  D., Kokkelenberg,  E.  C., & National Research Council (U.S.). (2009).Natures numbers: Expanding the national economic accounts to include the environment. Washington, DC: National Academy