Cultural hyrbidity Essay Example for Free

Cultural hyrbidity Essay The fusion of cultural and ethnic identities refers to hybridisation. Most people acknowledge that they can be affiliated with an individual culture. Banton (2000) notes that in the contemporary UK ethnicity is becoming increasingly recognised as something everyone has. 1 Common interests or shared values help form and develop cultural attachments (culture, descent, ancestry, religion, languages, food and traditional values) which in turn develops and forges ethnic identities. Migration of ethnic minorities has stirred some of the UKs population into feeling the British national identity is under threat. Hybrid identity can be attributed to the exchange of culture through globalisation. Sheila Patterson (1965) studied first generation migrants in Brixton, London during the 1950s. Her study involved interviews, observation and participant observation with 250 whites and 150 Afro-Caribbeans. Patterson (1965) believes the relationship between hosts and immigrants as not fixed but evolving all the time; Whilst adaption through socialisation and acculturation was difficult for immigrants, the hosts experience was a more passive form of acceptance. 2 Eriksen (2002) points out that no serious scholar today believes that hereditary characteristics explain cultural variations. 3 Patterson (1965) also states the incoming group as a whole adapts itself to permanent membership of the receiving society in certain major spheres notably economic and civil life. 4 Pattersons final stage of adaption is assimilation, where migrants or minority groups achieve complete acceptance in society. Patterson observed that physical amalgamation may lead to distinctive features of migrant groups and that of their hosts to be lost. Patterson found the progress of the West Indian migrants in Britain was limited, there was still opposition to the employment of West Indians by white workers. 5 Nick names and jocular references resulted in conflict. A rise in the number of West Indian landlords and the acceptance of West Indian tenants did however help alleviate housing problems. Racism existed with some shops refusing the custom of ethnic minorities due to the colour of their skin. Social relationships between migrants and hosts existed but only on a casual contact basis. Patterson (1965) noted that some of the West Indians had adopted the British way of life however, there were few inter-racial marriages. Paterson concluded over the next decades in Britain the West Indian migrants and their children will follow in the steps of the Irish and achieve almost complete assimilation into British Society.

Issues of the Increased Elderly Population

Issues of the Increased Elderly Population The â€Å"Greying of America†, refers to the endurance in our seniors which is tugging on all the resources in our society. People are living longer healthier lives. This is a good thing and a bad thing. Are we ready to meet these demands on our society in the long term? Some believe this will be a financial burden on Medicare, long-term care, public pensions and financial programs.The aging population has multiple facets; including the financial, physical, emotional, and psychologicalneeds represented in society. There is increased question if our Social Security and Medicare System will hold out to care for this generation.How will supply and demand be met when there are fewer in the work force? How will the money in Social Security System last, when less is being put in? â€Å"A large population of the United States is old and non-working. Almost 24 percent of the population in US is over 50 years old.† http://www.naswdc.org/pressroom/features/issue/aging.asp Officials refer to this changing time in our history as the â€Å"Greying of America†. For a long time over population was stated in our country and others, like China. One child in China and in the United States two children were plenty, now, it seems the baby boomer generation will be the largest demographic, the older generation. Some of the baby boomers have already reached this time in their lives. Baby Boomers were born in the years 1946 to 1964. If you do the math those born in 1946 are now 67, which is retirement age or it was. Retirement age used to be 65, but as the demands on our economy, so the retirement age is pushed back. Some say 72 is the new retirement age.â€Å"Statistics project that by 2030, Americans 65 and older will actually outnumber their younger counterparts. With the aging of the baby boomer generation and the lengthening of life spans, both the number and proportion of older people are rapidly increasing. Many of the health related problems that contributed to decreased life span have been combated†. http://www.naswdc.org/pressroom/features/issue/aging. Another question is housing, some live in their homes, assisted living, nursing homes or independent living, but will there be enough structure in place to meet these growing needs? There are also the needs of the families, caring for their elderly parents, while raising their children, and working. An article written by Joan Mooney, â€Å"Housing America’s Graying Population, she states: Eighty to 90 percent of Americans want to â€Å"age in place,† either in their current home or in their neighborhood. But most homes and communities are not set up to house the elderly. And also in an interview with Henry Cisneros, former Hud Secretary, he stated, â€Å"The solution will lie not just in individual homes, but also in the surrounding communities. The number-one fear of people as they age is isolation,† said Cisneros. â€Å"They need to be able to get to the doctor, stores, parks, and other public amenities† (Mooney). http://urbanland.uli.org/infrastructure-transit/housing-america-s-graying-population/ Another area of concern, are the growing needs for professional social workers for this demographic in our society. Will there be enough workers for all the needs characterized by this growing segment? Social workers serve as advocates for the older people and their families, providing necessary connections for the services needed. As these demographics change and grow there is a growing requirement for social workers to provide for the necessities of these individuals and their families. There are also questions about how this generation will be taken care of since the largest part of the population will be older, and less will be in the market place. Social workers are essential to this growing segment in our population. The professional, skilled social worker, who is equipped in problem solving, can lend peace, security and hope to the individual. They are knowledgeable about how human behavior, social, financial, and cultural issues, and how they relate and affect daily lives. So, as there are economic factors that lead to nervousness about the future of our economic growth. There are also valid arguments for supply and demand. Yes there are possibly less workers in the work force, though people are working longer. There are new or growing markets for healthcare, housing, social work intervention and pharmaceuticals, among other things that will drive the economy. There is definitely going to be cause for growth in the Gerontology field. Currently this is not an area, where social workers tend to stay due to financial restrictions, among other things. In a testimony given by: Worker needed to avoid a dangerous outcome, for the coming era. She also advocates education and marketing to avert the common ideas that are related to working with older generation. That it is depressing working with the sick and the dying. A perception also exists that there are few personal, professional, and societal rewards for working with older people. Social Workers need to take an aggressive approach to change the opinions that older individuals lack value, these needs to change in the hearts of Americans and in the hearts of the people reaching this age. It is also concluded, NASW agrees that the existing health care workforce will be inadequate to meet the needs of older Americans. They believe the Federal Government should be involved and encouraged towards loan forgiveness, stipends for students and faculty, and financial support for field placements in geriatrics to be able to attract and retain social workers and other health care professionals in the field of geriatrics.† The reason I include large portions of this article is I believe that will support and show this so-called Greying America does not have to be a problem. It can be solved through its own counterparts. We the nation and the other surrounding developed nations can use their own resources with the help of professionals. With encouragement, marketing, education and direction people can live functional lives even in old age. As the baby boomer generation is different in a variety of ways, this can add enthusiasm to the discussion because, this generation does not want to stop and sit in a rocking chair. Yes, as boomers age, they will put increasing burdens on the health care and financial system. There is proof that there is a shortage in practitioners in the area dealing with aged population. And there is proof that medical advances have taken place due to this encroaching segment in the population. The fact that the older generation is trying to stay younger through exercise and prevention and taking care of themselves is causing innovation in the medical industry. It has been said that many core nations are working toward and getting honestly prepared for the rise in the elder population. There is always the concern for the impoverished segment, like elderly, single women, and some minorities that are on the fringes. But that is where the social worker can be a benefit, searching for crucial answers and direction, and educating society to the benefits age can provide, so the stereotypes can change and empower the elderly, especially in their own attitudes. The cultural views on aging have changed also. Before this age, before the industrial revolution, our elders were given great respect. The family included the elders, grandparents in the home. They helped raise the grandchildren and provided wisdom in the home. But cultural views have changed and the older population doesn’t seem as necessary or crucial to the family and the world. The stereotype of the older population depicts them as old and feeble, they are a drag on society, in their usefulness and value. In many cultures the elders were revered and needed now they are replaced by youthfulness and vigor. They are shuffled off to nursing homes instead of being an integral part of the home. There is great concern over finances, will our economy survive when varying resources are changing. Coming from the perspective of belonging to the ‘baby boomer generation and reading various articles, this generation was a change from previous generations. There was an increase in money to be spent and less saved. There became more emphasis on pleasure and leisure. After the depression, the financial world allowed for more to be had, with a blink of an eye. You did not have to save, before buying as our parents did. So, is this generation ready to quit the market place? Many are working longer due to the need to save and get out of debt. This can be a good thing as working enriches lives, keeps the brain sharp and hopefully the body more nimble. So this is cause and effect, our society is living longer, less population, so we now have to control the somewhat adverse effects of an older population? Or is it an adversity? Are older people nonproductive residues in our environment? Maybe because I am a part of that generation, I believe they have contributions, yet to give. Mother Theresa was older when she passed from this world. Should she have been pushed into a corner to die? I do not believe so. She was a great asset to the community in our world. My mother, until recently resided in our home for years. Now she is in Oregon with the rest of my family, but she is valued and loved. I do not think people intend to relegate the elderly to the corner, but pressures in the home, finances and social perspective seem to guide us there. The Social Work profession wants to work to change these notions and show people their worth, through, information, education, counselling, community assistance and many other problem solving community and government actions. What can be done to change the present outcome? We need to let people continue to contribute in their own way, so they can feel their worth. Yes, generally they cannot move as fast, even think or talk as fast as you or I. But they can show and teach us, if we are willing to learn and listen. We have learned by studying History that we can change things and have a better outcome for the future if we do not repeat mistakes. I believe when families co-existed, the family unit had a greater strength and fortitude to weather storms. Culturally, the breakdown of the family unit exists, but the foundations can still be built through relationships and assistance to the needy. Through reaching out in the community, and again this can be directed with social assistance. S ocial workers in this environment are trying to instill life in the elder patient and the family giving them direction, and assistance through the transition, of being the giver to the receiver as an older person is. But we can still allow them to give through their lives, if we are willing to receive. Working in the public, networking, people are not satisfied to stop at a certain age, but press on to learn new things. There are many people re-inventing themselves at different walks in their lives, to allow for change, challenge and growth as individuals, who will benefit society. This benefit can come in the form of financial advantage and socially for our society as a whole to counter affect the challenges of a so-called decaying society. With encouragement, marketing, education and direction people can live functional lives even in old age. Sources Gibelman, M. (1995). What Social Workers Do (4th ed.). Washington, DC. NASW Press. Dunkle, R.E., Norgard, T. (1995). Aging Overview. In R.L. Edwards (Ed.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of Social Work (19th ed., Vol. 1, pp. 142-153). Washington, D.C.: NASW Press. Zuniga, M.E. (1995). Aging: Social Work Practice. In R.L. Edwards (Ed.-in-Chief), Encyclopedia of Social Work (19th ed., Vol. 1, pp. 173-183). Washington, D.C.: NASW Press.

Why We Crave Horror Movies by Stephen King Essay -- Why We Crave Horror

Stephen King wrote a very brief essay titled "Why we Crave Horror Movies", in which he explained some of the reasons that people choose to go to horror movies to be entertained. In his essay, King goes on to explain that we as a people need horror movies as a sort of release; to feed the darker elements within all of us without having to sacrifice our humanity (also, civility). King does this by comparing people based on their levels of sanity whereas some societal "eccentricities" are completely acceptable, while some will get you thrown right into the loony bin. It’s summed up pretty well in this quote: "The mythic horror movie, like the sick joke, has a dirty job to do. It deliberately appeals to all that is worst in us. It is morbidity unchained, our most base instincts let free, our nastiest fantasies realized ...and it all happens, fittingly enough, in the dark." I don’t disagree with King in his opinion at all, but I feel that maybe this was a bit of a simple answer to a very loaded question. I mean can we really say this about all horror fans? Horror fans have all kinds of different occupations, personalities, and backgrounds so obviously this theory can’t apply to everyone, so in this case, I can only really say why I watch horror movies, and ask you to do some kind of self reflection on your own. First of all, why do I watch horror movies? That is actually a really good and very heavy question. I often times try to understand why I watch films tha...

Foodborne Illness Essay -- Food Illness Health Medical Essays

Foodborne Illness   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Food borne illnesses are caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. There are many different disease-causing microbes, or pathogens. In addition, poisonous chemicals, or other harmful substances can cause food borne illnesses if they are present in food. More than two hundred and fifty different food borne illnesses have been described; almost all of these illnesses are infections. They are caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can be food borne. (Center 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Food safety is an increasingly important public health issue. Governments all over the world are intensifying their efforts to improve food safety. Food borne illnesses are diseases, usually either infectious or toxic in nature, caused by agents that enter the body through the ingestion of food. â€Å"In industrialized countries, the percentage of people suffering from food borne diseases each year has been reported to be up to 30%. In the United States of America, for example, around 76 million cases of food borne diseases, resulting in 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths, are estimated to occur each year.† (Geneva 2)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The most commonly recognized food borne infections are those caused by the bacteria Campylobacter, Salmonella, and E. coli 0157:H7, and by a group of viruses called Calicivirus, also know as the Norwalk viruses. â€Å"Thousands of types of bacteria are naturally present in our environment, but not all bacteria cause disease in humans.† (Schmutz 1)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Campylobacter is a bacterial pathogen that causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. It is the commonly identified bacterial cause of diarrhea illness in the world. These bacteria live in the intestines of birds, and most raw poultry meat has the bacteria in it. Eating undercooked chicken or other food that has been contaminated with the juices dripping from raw chicken is the most frequent source of this particular infection.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Salmonella is also a bacterium that is widespread in the intestines of birds, reptiles, and mammals. It can spread to the human species a variety of different ways; through foods or animal origins. Some examples of food involved in outbreaks are eggs, poultry and other meats, raw milk and chocolate. The illnesses it causes are typically fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. In people with poor underlying health or weakened immune... ... the time out to inspect the food you are grabbing. Make sure dates are current, the color is normal, the temperature is normal, and it was properly prepared (washed or cooked). A college student could become very sick or even die from a small mistake. Students need to be cautious with their busy lives. Work Cited Archuleta, M. (n.d), Keeping Food Safe. Guide E-508, pp. 1-11, 10/7/2003, www.cahe.nmsu.edu/pubs/_e/e-508.html Bogart, Carol. Kids hospitalized, festival cancelled in wake of E. coli outbreak at Wyandot County Fair. 6 October 2001 http://www.oweb.com/Advertiser-Tribune/text/N100601a.html Center for Disease Control, Food borne illness. 3 September 2003   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.cdc.gov/nicidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/foodborneinfections_g.htm â€Å"FDA Sees Surge In Food Poisoning Dietary changes, imports cause risk.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  San Francisco Chronicle 18 March 2001: A8. Geneva, Sue. Food Safety and Food borne Illness. 25 January 2002   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://www.who.int/inf-fs/en/fact237.html Greene, Alan. Food Poisoning. Dr. Greene.com. 7 August 2002 . Schmutz, P.H. Food borne Illness: Prevention Strategies. 2 February 1999   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  http://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/HGIC3620.htm

Anthrax Prevention :: Anthrax Vaccine

Aside from treatments of the disease, there is also another way to fight anthrax: an anthrax vaccine. For some time now, a vaccine to protect animals from anthrax has been available. It wasn’t until â€Å"†¦1970, when a human vaccine was licensed called Anthrax Vaccine Adsorbed (AVA)† (Joellenbeck). It was licensed for workers at high risk for occupational exposure to anthrax. The vaccine is â€Å"†¦a cell-free filtrate containing protective antigen as the principal immunogen† (Joellenbeck). The vaccine also was â€Å"†¦found to be 93% effective in preventing both cutaneous and inhalation anthrax† (CDC). Starting in the 1990s, the U.S. military created a vaccination program that required all active duty members to receive the anthrax vaccine due to the threat of infection in the battlefield as well as using a biological weapon in warfare. The vaccination involved a series of six shots within 18 months, followed by yearly boosters. For  "†¦the Persian Gulf War, 150,000 America soldiers were inoculated with the anthrax vaccine in 1991† (Joellenbeck). In 1998, the FDA halted production at its manufacturer’s facility due to safety violations. It wasn’t until 2002, when the manufacturer of the anthrax vaccine was â€Å"†¦finally able to meet all FDA production and licensing requirements and was permitted to continue full-scale vaccine production† (Darling). Even though the vaccine is being produced, it is not available to the general public. The closest thing to the anthrax vaccine the â€Å"†¦CDC has offered was part of an investigational new drug (IND) protocol† in response to the bioterrorism events in 2001. Currently, the only allowed people to receive the vaccination are â€Å"†¦those who work with animal tissue imported from areas where anthrax is endemic, military personnel deployed to areas with a high risk of exposure during an attack, and persons who work directly with the organism in a laboratory† (CDC). This is due to a low but significant chance of side effects from using the vaccine as well as a short supply of it. Many groups claim that the vaccine was somewhat responsible for â€Å"Gulf War Syndrome† but a study done on it found that â€Å"†¦the available evidence from studies with humans and animals, coupled with reasonable assumptions of analogy, showed that AVA as licensed is an effective vaccine for the protection of humans against anthrax, including inhalational anthrax caused by any type of engineered strain of B. anthracis† (Joellenbeck). This comes as good news considering the ever-increasing fear of bioterrorism prevalent in the world.

Marketing Project Proposal Essay

Can Starbucks pose a threat to Cafà © Coffee Day India? – A lot is happening over coffee! Introduction : Starbucks is the world’s largest coffee house and it has already established itself in the Asian economies of China and Japan. Its recent move to enter into the Indian sub–continent is seen as its market strategy to capture market share in one of the largest emerging economies in the world. CCD, being the undisputed player in the coffee market (with approx. 60% market share) in India, is a well established brand. Objective : To analyse whether Starbucks can pose a threat to the established dominant brand CCD in India. Current Scenario: The coffee chain market in India is more than Rs.1000 crores and is growing at 30% Y-o-Y. Cafe Coffee Day is the biggest coffee chain in India. It has 1550 outlets scattered around Tier-1 and Tier-2 cities in India.1Starbucks entered the Indian market in 2011 with a JV with Tata Global Beverages and currently operates from 40 stores across India and is fast acquiring the high end customer segment.2 Methodology of analysis : a) 5C framework for Starbucks a. Understand the positioning and goals and objectives of Starbucks and CCD b. Understanding the threat that Starbucks pose to CCD and predict future initiatives of each. c. Analyse the market structure, motivation, distribution channels and income level of customers. d. Climate – Indian coffee consumption market and b) Determine the POP and the POD between Starbucks and CCD c) Brand Strategy Frameworks i) Bull eye ii) Color wheelpage iii) Brand Resonance Model iv) Specific to Starbucks- Ansoff’s growth Matrix for strategy of starbucks

Reaction Paper on Economic Forum on Philippine Governance Essay

Our country has great potential for mining developments. It was also mentioned by Dr. Habito that mining has contributed significant economic growth for the country. I am working in a mineral exploration company, and I have witness the mining investments flourished when the government made structural changes to the mining laws. More mineral exploration companies opened acquiring mining tenements and pouring in million of investments. Not only that, we generated employment and uplifted the lives of the local communities thru road developments and other rehabilitation programs where our mining area is situated. But as time goes by, the promises of the government were not fulfilled. Rampant â€Å"Red Tape† is still present every time we process exploration permits and other pertinent documents. The government bureaus still practices bribery for easier approval. Another important concern of my company and other exploration companies is the â€Å"Peace and Order† situation as the government promised to control 10 years ago. The situation has not been improved. Mining camps are still attacked by these belligerents/insurgents groups to threaten the mining companies to fulfill their wishes. The LGU’s of the particular community were not given full force to set directives in dealing with insurgencies. The local military always heed for directives from the national military to propagate security but then incidents have been done. As the same example mentioned by Dr. Habito, on over centralized agrarian policy, that the national government disposed fertilizers to national agrarian in belief that it was good for all farm lands of the country. But then some farmers on respective provinces don’t find this disposition as effective as the use of the Carabaos to mow and cultivate their farms. He pointed out there is a need to give stronger roles for LGU to direct the concerns of the local community. LGU’s knows more what is better for their community. Another good example discussed by Dr. Habito is the development of Clark Airport Tourism. The emergence of international flights in Clark Airport paved way to business expansion but fell short when the crab mentality of other â€Å"Airlines† instigated and aided from the government to minimized the international flights in Clark Airport to serve their self-interests. Dr. Habito instilled that the government should develop more liberal aviation policy and open skies environment to attract more investments. Subsequently, our company is moving our exploration activities to other Asian countries for better opportunity and effective government policies. We believed that our investments here in the country are not optimized due to these flaws and self-serving government operatives. Evidently, Philippines is rich in natural mineral resources that could bring great opportunities for the people. But we cannot maximize development because of poor governance. Even if the laws are severally revised for optimal purposes but they are just written instrument if these are not effectively realized.