Modern Thinking of Self Concept

Introduction It is not known exactly when man’s awareness of self developed. However, it is believed that the notion of self awareness has existed since the creation of man. Philosophers such as Renà © Descartes were among the first to define self concept.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Modern Thinking of Self Concept specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the 20th century, the concept of the self took a new turn with the emergence of behaviorism and other schools of thought on self concept. Modern thinking of self concept is varied. Humanistic psychology, spiritual concept of self and other theories constitutes modern thinking on self concept. The History of Self Concept The concept of self possibly dates as far back as the beginning of man. This is because there is no sufficient evidence on when man became aware of such intangible personal attributes self-esteem. However, studies in the development of sel f concept got a boost from the works of Rene Descartes in the 17th century. Descartes suggested the existence of the ego (non-physical being). The concept of the ego remained anonymous throughout the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. It is only during the early 20th century that the concept of the non physical started gaining prominence (Rachlin, 1991: Plotnik, 2005). Some of the early philosophies explaining self concept include behaviorism. Behaviorism is a school of thought suggested by such renowned psychologists as B.F. Skinner and J.B. Watson. Behaviorists concede that self concept can only be understood by carefully interpreting human behavior (Baum, 2005). Within the same period, Sigmund Freud developed psychoanalysis, the psychology of the study of the mind, which deviated slightly from behaviorism (Elliott, 2002). Humanistic psychology developed later in the mid 20th century with concepts such as self actualization gaining prominence. Famous humanist psychologists such as Car l Rogers proposed the idea of unconditional recognition, a concept in which the perception of oneself is motivated by unconditional self acceptance. Furthermore, Robert Burns suggested that self concept is a composition of personal attitudes and beliefs. The concept of self has developed further with varied opinions constituting modern thinking. These include the spiritual based concept of self, whereby each of the major religions such Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam, suggest unique philosophies on self concept (Greenberg, 2008).Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The modern thinking on the self Grego (2007) argues that most of the modern theories on self concept borrow heavily from the works of Rene Descartes. Descartes’ works focus on dualism; the idea that human beings are dual in nature. Most of the modern self concept theorists build their philosophy on self concept around Descartes’ initial idea on the ego. The modern thinking suggests that human beings have an inherent need for motivation. This implies that self concept is largely determined by motivation. There are various factors that determine motivation. Abraham Maslow proposes that an individual concept of self progresses in stages. These stages are equated to progressive levels of human needs. The satisfaction of each level of needs motivates a person to acquire an improved concept about the self. As such a person’s self concept develops in stages. Other modern theories on the self concept include Sociometer and the terror management theories (Kernis, 1997). While Sociometer theorists suggest that the development of self concept is motivated by one’s social needs and the ability to fit into social groups, terror management theorists propose that security issues (and more so those related to life and death matters), determines the development of a person’s self conc ept (Solomon and McGregor, 1997). Moreover, humanistic psychology, which suggests that unconditional acceptance motivates self concept, also constitutes modern thinking. Modern thinking suggests two types of self concepts: high and low self esteem. People with high self esteem characteristically love themselves unconditionally. They also recognize themselves and live comfortably, without letting the flaws affect them negatively (Baumeister, Campbell, Krueger and Vohs, 2003). On other hand, people with low self esteem fail to recognize and accept themselves. They perceive themselves negatively and desire to change certain attributes about themselves.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Modern Thinking of Self Concept specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The Spiritual concept of self The spiritual aspects of the self concept are founded on James Hillman’s definition that psychology studies the human soul (Klemp, 20 09). Based on Hillman’s psychology, the concept of the self show a relationship with a higher being, most commonly referred to as the creator of the universe. Modern theosophists such as Helena Blavatsky suggest that the spirit, other than being incorruptible, is above the human soul. The human spirit deals with the non physical aspects of life such as virtues and vices. The spirit, thus, constitutes the self. The human soul can be attracted to the human spirit. If this happens, a person becomes overtly spiritual. The connection between the soul and the spirit forms a person‘s self concept (Creeger, 1994). Theosophists separate the soul and the spirit and argue that the human spirits transcends mortality. Thus, people who are deeply spiritual perceive themselves as immortal; they will live beyond death. Such people live in permanent freedom. People who are overly spiritual characteristically detach themselves from physical cravings, since they consider such to be a hind rance to their self actualization. As such, they concentrate in the spiritual aspects of life such as meditation, prayer and worship, and other aspects that guarantee joy and happiness. Due to their spiritual nature such people perceive themselves as closer to their supreme creator. Major world religions have specific philosophies that explain the concept of the self. The Hindu concept of self is founded on the caste system. Hindus believe that a person’s progressively move towards self actualization, by meeting spiritual needs. The progress through the caste system signifies a person spiritual growth. Similarly, Christianity proposes its own philosophy on the self concept that â€Å"man is created in Gods own image† (Hensley, n.d). In this regard, the Christian concept of self is based on positive self regard. Conclusion The development of self concept can be attributed to the works of Renà © Descartes. However, behavior psychologists made significant contribution to the development of self concept. Behaviorists suggested that a person self concept is derived from studying personal behavior. It is imperative to state that behavior psychologist ignored spiritual aspect of the self.Advertising Looking for essay on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Unlike behaviorists, theosophists focus on the spiritual aspects. They propose that the human being is made up of two distinct parts; the soul and the spirit. The soul is the physical, while the spirit is the powerful of the two and connects one to a higher power. The spirit, which constitutes the self, leads one to self actualization. As such, the self endures beyond death. Similarly humanist psychologists suggest that the concept of self improves with the satisfaction of progressive human needs. Self actualization is the highest level of growth one can achieve. While theosophist suggests that self actualization is only attained through the satisfaction of spiritual needs, humanists propose self actualization is met through satisfaction of human needs. Both theosophical and humanistic approaches are unified by life after death. Reference List Baum, W. (2005). Understanding Behaviorism: Behavior, Culture and Evolution. New Jersey: Blackwell Publishing. Baumeister, R., Campbell, J., Krueger, J. and Vohs, K. (2003). Does High Self-Esteem Cause Better Performance, Interpersonal Success, Happiness, or Healthier Lifestyles?. Psychological Science in the Public Interest 4 (1): 1–44. Creeger, R. (1994). Theosophy: An Introduction to the Spiritual Processes in Human  Life and in the Cosmos. Hudson, NY: Anthroposophic Press. Elliott, A. (2002). Psychoanalytic Theory: An Introduction. Durham, NC: Duke University Press. Grego, R. (2007). Dualism, Consciousness and Self-Identity in Descartes and Sartre. Web. Greenberg, J. (2008). Understanding the Vital Human Quest for Self-Esteem.  Perspectives on Psychological Science. 3(48). Hensley, M. (n.d.). Self Concept and Spiritual Maturity. Web. Kernis, M. (1997). Efficacy, Agency, and Self-Esteem. New York: Plenum Press. Klemp, H. (2009). The Call of Soul. Minneapolis, MN: Eckankar. Plotnik, R. (2005). Introduction to Psychology. Ontario: Thomson-Wadsworth. Rachlin, H. (1991) Introduction to Modern Behaviorism. New Y ork: Freeman. Solomon, S. and McGregor, H. (1997). Terror Management Theory And Self-Esteem: Evidence That Increased Self-Esteem Reduces Mortality Salience Effects.  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 72 (24). This essay on Modern Thinking of Self Concept was written and submitted by user Anya Kirby 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.

Bonnie and Clyde in Oklahoma essays

Bonnie and Clyde in Oklahoma essays Two of the Southwest's more noted desperados during the early 1930's were Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Bonnie and Clyde (or the "Bloody Barrows", as they were then commonly called) terrorized the country, from Texas to Iowa and back, for two years, slaughtering at least a dozen men, most of whom were peace officers. They regularly visited Oklahoma in the course of their depredations. Raised in the slums of West Dallas, Clyde Chestnut Barrow (or Clyde Champion, as he preferred to be called) and Bonnie Parker Thornton apparently met in early 1930. He was the son of a former sharecropper who now ran a gas station in West Dallas. Both Clyde and his older brother, Buck, then in Huntsville Prison, had been arrested several times for burglary and car theft. Bonnie, as yet, had no record, but did have a husband, Roy Thornton, who was doing 99 years at Huntsville as an habitual criminal. She briefly found solace with Clyde Barrow but their budding romance was interrupted by police, who hauled Barrow off to Waco, where he was wanted for a series of burglaries and car thefts. Clyde pleaded guilty to two burglaries and five car thefts and was sentenced to two years, with 12 years probation. On March 11, 1930, he escaped from the Waco jail, with two other men, William Turner and Emory Abernathy. The suspicion was that Marvin "Buck" Barrow, having escaped three days earlier from Huntsville, arranged Clyde's jailbreak. According to Bonnie's relatives and Clyde's fellow escapee, William Turner, it was Bonnie who smuggled the a gun into Clyde's cell. At any rate, Barrow, Turner, and Abernathy left Bonnie behind and lit out for Middleton, Ohio, where they were arrested on March 18, after robbing a railroad depot of $57.97. The three were soon returned to Texas in chains, accompanied by Sheriff Leslie Stegall of Waco. Clyde's probation was revoked and, on April 21, 1930, as Clyde Champion Barrow, #63527, he was received at the State Penitentiary...

A Worn Path By Eudora Welty Essay -- Eudora Welty, A Worn Path, Narrator

â€Å"A Worn Path† tells a story about a courageous elderly African American woman named Phoenix Jackson. Phoenix endangers her life to get a charity medicine for her grandson, who is unable to fully heal because of a lye accident. She walks an old worn path called the Old Natchez Trace to the city of Natchez in Mississippi. She goes through a series of obstacles on the long journey on a cold December morning. As the reader gets into the story it is apparent that this is not the first time she has made this trip to the city. Phoenix runs into a hunter, who she steals a nickel that drops out of his pocket, because her poverty drives her. This is foreshadowing for good things to come. When the beginning the reader does not know why she is making the trip because it is not revealed until the end. Once she reaches her destination she temporarily forgets why she made the journey in the first place, until reminded by a nurse. She is given the charity medicine and a nickel for the holidays. The story ends on... ... middle of paper ... ...seems reinvents herself every time she has to make that trip back home. The fact that the symbolism and this overall implied theme of â€Å"A Worn Path† collaborate so well together shows the depth of Welty’s writing style. Although the story is simple execution the meaning is timeless. Her repeated journeys reflect the lifetimes she has endured traveling to Natchez. â€Å"Phoenix 's rising out of the over-determination of this culture, as her name implies, is what the reader comes to appreciate.† (Dilgren, 2014) She is determined and persevering like a phoenix. She must deal with poverty, the pains of old age, and racial prejudice to care for her grandson with a scarred throat. The phoenix ties into the ageism as well because the phoenix is an old bird, but fierce, just the like character. The occasional journey on the Natchez Trace is only a small part of her complex story.

The Positioning, Entrepreneurial and Cognitive Schools of Strategy Essay - 1

The Positioning, Entrepreneurial and Cognitive Schools of Strategy - Essay Example It is most commonly used in conducting research on linguistic, history, communication, psychology, political science, education and the study of complex organizations (Waltz, et al, 2010). Strategy content research is especially used in conducting research targeting the often extremely turbulent nursing and healthcare research programs because it is able to provide a basic and relevant approach is suitable in both approaching and retrieval of information and data from a large number of sources in a manner that can be perceived as being more objective and systematic in comparison to intuitive listening or reading this is, in addition to its utility as, a feasible tool in data analysis strategy when one conducts qualitative research (Waltz, et al, 2010). When applied in the conduction of quantitative research, the method invokes the objective simplification and reduction of the recorded data and language to a simple set of categories each representing frequency, intensity or presence of selected characteristics. Strategic thinking is critical in order for one to be able to engage in an effective, strategic planning process. There are several actions that a person can undertake to enable them conduct an effective, strategic planning process. A person needs to try and engage in activities, whether physical or mental that support and encourage the development of strategic thinking on their part. Individuals are encouraged to try and participate in creative art forms. It also greatly aids an individual if the said individual secures the services of a good mentor or coach who can be able to guide them through essential reflective processes involving critical reflection, critical dialogue and critical inquiry. This should be done until it eventually becomes a habit (Sloan, 2012). The use of Constructivist approach can also aid in ensuring adequate mental processes are carried out before an effective mental planning process can be carried

Choose one Frost's poems and present the symbols in it. What are they Essay

Choose one Frost's poems and present the symbols in it. What are they and what do they represent - Essay Example This isolation is tempting and seems to offer peace and quiet but is something no one would want or advise. For example, even the owner of these woods is away in his village on this â€Å"darkest evening of the year† (8). The village symbolizes society and civilization and is separate from this lonely, isolated spot so that even the owner won’t know that this visitor was here. The traveler imagines that even the horse isn’t pleased to be here, â€Å"My little horse must think it queer / To stop without a farmhouse near† (5-6). The horse, although an animal, represents a domesticated and normal part of society. It offers some sense of reality and responsibility and shakes the traveler away from this tempting and even dangerous feeling of staying on too long in order â€Å"To watch his woods fill up with snow† (4). The woods are quiet and the only sounds are that of the wind and â€Å"downy flake† (12). Dwelling any longer in this place, althou gh lovely, is also â€Å"dark and deep† (13). The traveler realizes that he has â€Å"miles† to go, symbolizing the life still ahead to live filled with promises, duties and responsibilities. The repetition of the last two lines, â€Å"And miles to go before I sleep† represent the long years ahead before sleep, symbolizing death, actually overtakes him (15-16). References Frost, Robert. â€Å"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.† Retrieved from http://www.ketzle.com/frost/snowyeve.htm.

Nikki Giovani Comparing Poems Essay Example for Free

Nikki Giovani Comparing Poems Essay Nikki Giovanni uses good choice of words and figurative language to put the reader in a vivid world. She uses vivid verbs, personification, and other elements to really give the right picture in your mind. Her method works because the readers get hooked onto the poem and want to read it. One of my favorite poems is â€Å"poetry.† Poetry is a poem about poets using poetry to express themselves and not to impress anybody. She uses metaphors to show what poetry is, she says â€Å"A poem is pure energy. † These types of metaphors help the reader picture what the poems trying to say. She also uses personification to also have a better understanding. Another one of Nikki Giovanni’s poems is â€Å"women.† I think that this poem talks about a woman who has been rejected. She uses metaphors to express how she feels. She says â€Å"I am glass† to say she is transparent. Nikki Giovanni uses metaphors and simile in both poems. She uses these so that readers will understand the poem better. This is a good way to get readers interested. She also uses other elements like repetition to emphasize it like when she repeats â€Å"I am glass I am glass.† In the poems â€Å"women† and â€Å"poetry† by Nikki Giovanni she uses different elements to express what she is trying to express. We talked about two metaphor and simile. The way she uses the different elements really goes along with the poems. It goes really well because it gives the readers pictures of what the poet is trying to express. This is why Nikki Giovanni’s method works good in poetry.

African-American Civil Rights Movement of 1955-1968 Essay -- Black Civi

The series of African-American Civil Rights movements, which stretched from 1955 to 1968, aimed at restoring the rights of African-American people and liberating them from social and racial discrimination. This movement changed the social and political structure of the United States. The main catch was that the movement accomplished successful results following the ‘nonviolent resistance’, establishing the fact that the Christian religion believed in peace and equality. BIRTH OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENTS United States, since its foundation has endured racial inequality. The government and other major institutions were administrated by the ‘whites’ and the ‘black’ Americans lacked behind in every aspect of life. The reconstruction period, that started after the defeat of the Confederate States of America, lasted for twelve years starting from 1865 to 1877.The elections of 1876 brought an end to this era in which the whites of the Democratic party gained political control in the south while the Republican Party, which mainly constituted of the Blacks, lost terribly because blacks were not allowed to register their votes. By the early 20th centaury, majority of the elected officials in the south were Democrats, the white domination caused increase in the violence on African Americans and they were detained from their rights of education, employment and religion. The consequence was the emergence of the ‘Jim Crow’ system which suppressed and violated the racial and social rights of the African Americans. The conditions in the North and West were comparatively better so most of the African people seek refuge in migration. Previously, the Civil rights movement of 1955 – 1968, with the help of organizations like NAACP (National... ... which was responsible was the division of equal power, took no practical measures in that regard. All in all, this movement was very successful in the general populous and managed to give them a sensation of separate and distinct identity but didnot achieve any remarkable results in the political domain. Conclusion To conclude, Civil Rights Movement of 1955 – 1968 has been the turning point not only in the history of African – American but has also been a source of inspiration and motivation for the further Civil Rights movements, that strived for the equality of gays, women and other minority nations. The key points of the movement were derived from the teachings of Jesus and Mohandas Gandhi and perhaps it was the result of such remarkable teachings that the movement managed to attain triumphant results and turned around the life of the people of America.

People of the Philippines vs Andre Marti

People vs. Marti 193 SCRA 57 Facts : Andre Marti and his wife went to Manila Packing and Export Forwarders, carrying with them four gift wrapped packages to be delivered to his friend in Zurich, Switzerland. Anita Reyes (wife of the proprietor) asked if she could inspect the packages, however, Marti refused assuring that it only contained books, cigars and gloves as gift to his friend. Before delivery to Bureau of Customs/Posts, the proprietor Job Reyes, following standard operating procedure, opened the boxes for final inspection.When he opened Marti's boxes, a particular odor emitted therefrom and he soon found out that the boxes contained dried marijuana leaves. He reported the incident to the NBI who acknowledged custody of the incident. Marti was convicted for violation of R. A. 6425, otherwise known as the Dangerous Drugs Act. Constitutional Issues : 1. Marti contends that the evidence had been obtained in violation of his constitutional rights against unreasonable seach and si ezure and privacy of communication.Ruling : 1. Evidence sought to be excluded was primarily discovered and obtained by a private person, acting in a private capacity and without the intervention and participation of State authorities. In the absence of governmental interference, the libertied guaranteed by the Constitution cannot be invoked against the State. 2. Mere presence of NBI agents does not convert it to warrantless search and siezure. Merely to look at that which is plain sight is not search.Having observed that which is open, where no trespass has been committed is not search. Commissioner Bernas : The protection of fundamental liberties in the essence of constitutional democracy†¦ is a protection against the State. The Bill of Rights governs the relationship between the individual and the State. Its concern is not the relation between individuals, between a private individual and other individuals. What the Bill of Rights does is to declare some forbidden zones in th e private sphere inaccessible to any power holder.

Analysis of The Telegram a short story by writer Iain Crichton Smith Essay

‘The Telegram’ is a short story by writer Iain Crichton Smith. The story follows two women’s experiences as the fate of their sons. The writer uses character and setting to increase the reader’s enjoyment of the story. Through the use of setting in terms of time and place the writer increases the reader’s enjoyment of the story. The story is set in a Scottish costal island during the Second World War. The two women live in a one road village and war is alien to them. Not just the women but the whole village does not understand the purpose of the war: â€Å"It came as a strange plague.† The village of the women was a very close knit community and this meant that everybody knew everybody else. To the village people the war was an attack on them rather than the country because the war was killing their young men and they felt that it was not their war to be part of. The Telegram itself had an impact on the village as it felt like ‘a strange missile’ because it would only cause havoc and destruction amongst the village people and most importantly ruin their lives. The setting of the story is effectively used by the writer to influence or have an impact on the characters, this use of setting increases the reader’s enjoyment of the story. Crichton Smith description is mainly focused on the thin women, the writer uses the imagery of a bird: â€Å" The other more aquiline, more gaunt, or to be more precise, more like a buzzard.† The thin women is perceived to be a person who is not very pleasant. The thin women has had a very hard life to cope with and because of this she is very independent. Through the imagery of a buzzard, a bird of prey, the thin women gives the impression that she is better than everybody else and like a buzzard she is stronger too. The use of the buzzard is also significant because the story is set in Scotland and the buzzard is Scotland’s most common bird of prey. However, even though the thin women is portrayed in a bad way, the thin women has been forced to make a lot of sacrifices. The thin women only received ten shillings in pension was forced into not buying new clothes. The realisation of the harsh circumstances that the thin women has faced make the reader enjoy the story more because the reader has sympathy for the thin women and knowing that her son is not dead gives the thin women hope. Despite all the sacrifices , the thin women saved and saved until she could send her son to university. This is a reason why the thin women thought she was better than everybody because others could afford to send their children to university but chose not because they thought of it as snobbish . The fact that the villagers thought education is snobby gives the reader insight into society the women lived in, the society that would not send their children to university in case that someone spoke ill of them. To deal with the hardships, the thin women has had to develop a lot of discipline and self-control to survive. The hardships the women has faced have left her to show no emotions and sympathy towards anybody but herself. However, for a moment the thin women tries to comfort the fat women in her time of need, this change in character is unusual because the thin women does not expect sympathy from others but now she is sympathetic towards someone else. Iain Crichton Smith uses the setting to show how it influences or has an impact on the characters, this use of setting increases the reader’s enjoyment of the story. Like the thin women, the author uses the imagery of a bird to describe the women: â€Å"†¦a fat domestic bird†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The fat women is described like ‘a fat domestic’ this suggests that the fat women is very dependant on others unlike the thin women. The word fat’ gives the reader the idea that the fat women has had it all in her life. Through the writers use of domestic bird’ it is suggested that the fat women. Due to the different lives both women lived they have differing views on things, this causes arguments between them: â€Å" Well, I just thought they’re better off.’ said the fat women in a confused tone, ‘ they get better food and they get better conditions.’ â€Å" The fat women is jealous how the thin women’s son is better off than her son even though the thin women is poorer e.g. the thin women’s son is of higher rank and gets better pay than the fat women’s son. The writer gives insight into the fat women when she explains why she did not risk sending her son to university in case others thought she was snobbish. Despite not sending her son to university it is evident that the fat women loves her son unconditionally, unlike the thin women, the fat women does not expect compensation from her son for bringing him up, this make the fat women a likeable character thus increasing the reader’s enjoyment of the story. When the fat women knows that the elder is not coming to her house she is all excited but then she realizes that it could be the thin women’s son who has died and only then does the fat women realise what the thin has gone through and tries to sympathy but she cannot. The reasons for the fat women showing no sympathy are that firstly, she does not like the thin women and because the thought of losing her own son has emotionally drained the thin women. The setting adds to suspense and tension throughout the story and especially the climax. From the thin women’s window they can see the entire village: â€Å" As the watched they could see at the far end of the street the tall man in black clothes carrying in his hand a piece of yellow paper. This was a bare village with little colour therefore the yellow was both strange and unnatural.† The fact that the women could see the man at the end of the village from the thin women’s window emphasise to the reader how small the village is, the village being small suggests that it is a very close knit community. The village consists of one road and as the elder walks along the road the suspense and tension builds and the reader expects the elder to visit the homes of the women however this does not happen. In the end the reader is shocked how it is actually the elder’s son who has died and the suspense and tension that leads to this increases the impact. In conclusion, Iain Crichton Smith successfully uses setting, character, imagery as well suspense and tension to increase the readers enjoyment of the story.

Hamilton Street Railway Strike essays

Hamilton Street Railway Strike essays Hamilton Street Railway Strike: A Violent Clash...A Lasting Legacy We who make up the Local Division today, owe very much to their foresight and courage, in forming and building this union. We of Division 107 have benefited much in these long 75 years. We have achieved our standard of today at the expense of many tireless and frustrating hours put in by the members before us. It has been a very long and hard road and we have many members to remember and give thanks to. Spoken sixty-eight years after the street railway strike of 1906, the 1974 Local 107 President Henry Austin, could have been directly thanking his predecessor, Mr. John Theaker, President of local 107 during the 1906 Hamilton street railway strike. Labour unions are formed on behalf of workers to ensure that their needs and interests are being addressed. These needs and interests usually are comprised of wages, working hours, and working conditions in general. As in the case of the Hamilton street railway employees of 1906, workers will go on strike to ensure that their employer will recognize these unions during contract negotiations. The Hamilton street railway strike occurred, primarily because the management of the Hamilton street railway company would not recognize Local 107, by not honouring the terms of a joint-drafted contract. The strike lasted twenty-nine days, and was one of the most violent strikes in Hamilton history. The strike had both positive and negative effects on the workers directly involved. Positively, the workers acquired gains by the strike action. Negatively, the company took further action against the officers of the union. The strike had a lasting effect on the labour movement. Allan Studholme used the strike generated public support for workers, to successfully run as an independent working class candidate in Hamilton East. On April 5, 1899 Division 107 of the Amalgamated Association of the Street Rai...

Mattel Inc. Addressing the Component of Cultural Identity Among Essay

Mattel Inc. Addressing the Component of Cultural Identity Among Consumers - Essay Example Barbie the first venture of Mattel into the field of dolls was launched in 1959. Barbie was designed keeping in mind that young girls like giving the role of adults to their dolls. Mattel has been very successful in many European countries and the United States, due to its strategy of incorporating the cultural specification of these countries into its products. Its strategy of bringing variation in their products according to the philosophy, and biological traits of their consumers has made them the brand they are today (Mattel, 2011). Barbie is a brand that acknowledges the importance of cultural identity in the toy market. Biological traits for cultural acceptability have incorporated very carefully. Barbie, Mattel’s biggest and most recognized brand is very detailed in its design. The original Barbie was created to target young American girls, who wanted to grow up to be independent, beautiful women. Many parents initially had objections against playing with Barbie as many thought her physical attributes gave young girls a wrong idea about beauty. The fear was that girls might take thinness as the indicator of beauty. Consumers were worried about the wrong idea Barbie might give their children regarding the definition of beauty in their culture. Consumers who had African, Asian and other ethnic origins were also not very pleased with the physical attributes Barbie was given. Mattel counteracted these notions by coming up with Barbies that represented the culture and traditions of these specific countries. Thus, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, and African Barbies were created. These Barbies have different skin tones than the original Barbie; they are several shades darker than the original shade. The Japanese Barbie has a yellow skin color similar to the oriental skin tone. Many might point out the fact that the features of these dolls have not been changed. Only the skin tone and the clothes have been altered. By diversification of their products, Mattel accessed growing markets. (Grassel, 2011) Barbie now represents a mass- spectrum of culture to gain acceptability into the Latin American, Afro American, and Asian cultures. Barbie’s imaginary friend-circle has been very carefully designed. It is designed in such a way that young girls from all different cultures will feel included in the world of Barbie. Kayla was introduced in 1990. Her ethnic vagueness was done intentionally. She represents the Latina-young friend of Barbie. Kayla can make any young Latin American girl relate herself to Kayla’s style. The Barbie line for girls near their teens also has characters that show the importance of Hispanic and African culture in Mattel’s market segmentation. Including these characters in their doll collection gives Mattel access to consumers who hail from these cultures (Barbie, 1991). ‘Independent women are next-generation women’ is the philosophy Mattel reinforces with its product, Barbie. Girls from a very young age value their independence and dreams. The clothes and accessories donned by Barbie make the statement of her independence. She is a doctor, a nurse, an astronaut, and anything and everything she wants to be professionally. The commercials of Barbie also emphasize the abilities of women. ‘Women can be whatever they want to be’ is what Barbie wants to encourage in young girls.

ENG Comp II- TCP Task 1 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

ENG Comp II- TCP Task 1 - Research Paper Example In this context, Al-Azmi (2013) has provided lots of information on how user behaviors, expectations, and needs are being studied. This paper is selected as a reference since Al-Azmi’s (2013) excellent literature review helps the reader to understand the might of cognitive technologies at full length, especially in the realm of business intelligence. Al-Azmi is a qualified computer engineer with extensive experience in writing journal articles and scientific papers. Bentivoglio, C. A., Bonura, D., Cannella, V., Carletti, S., Pipitone, A., Pirrone, R., .Rossi, P.G. & Russo, G. (2010). Intelligent Agents supporting user interactions within self regulated learning processes.  Journal of e-Learning and Knowledge Society,  6, 27-36. The authors of this journal article clearly show that how adoption of cognitive technologies has proved to be instrumental in improving user satisfaction and performance. Hence, Bentivoglio et al (2010) are of the opinion that development of cognitive tools and techniques with self-regulatory capabilities can give better results. This paper has been selected because the authors have explained several advanced concepts with the help of real world examples. Carlo A. Bentivoglio is a science education specialist from the University of Macerata. Implementation of cognitive technologies in education is one of his team’s current research interests. In this journal article, Dascal and Dror (2005) have successfully attempted to contextualize cognitive technologies as per the demands of contemporary world. The authors show that the cognitive tools can be put in use to improve user performance by the means of process redistributions, semantic understanding of things, text mining, etc. The paper is selected for present research because it contains an exhaustive coverage of the topic that how people can benefit most from intelligences tools and cognitive methods. The authors Dascal (Tel-Aviv University) and Dror (University College of London)