Howard Zinn Essay Example for Free

Howard Zinn Essay Howard Zinn was born on December 7 19922 in Brooklyn New York. Zinn was raised in a working-class family in Brooklyn, and flew bombing missions for the United States in World War 2, which experience he uses to shape his opposition to war. Howard Zinn is one of the most respected historians, the author of various books and plays, and a passionate activist for radical change. A clear statement of his nature is his autobiography You Cant Be Neutral on a Moving Train. He is perhaps best known for A Peoples History of the United Sates, which presents American history through the eyes of those outside of the political and economic establishment, like the Native Americans, slaves, women, blacks, etc. In his essay Violence and Human Nature Howard Zinn points that; even if humans are capable of violent behavior, it is social conditions that harness that cruelty. He warns us to steer clear of the widespread notion that humans are biologically predisposed to violence and warfare. Mr. Zinn starts off by using an arsenal of famous thinkers, pointing out their pessimistic views and believes on human behavior. Views based on no concrete evidence that we humans are born with this trait called violence. Zinn starts off using Machiavellis positive view in the The Prince that humans tend to be bad. Zinn add great minds such as Einstein and Freud and their correspondence to illustrate their own views on the subject, and their conclusions that humans are violent by nature. Other scholars are also thrown in to support this traditional view of human nature being evil. The writer goes on with the idea that scientific evidence doesnt proves it, and that is the notion that humans are in nature prone to violence. Howard picks on some scientific fields to show as that there is no evidence of human instinct for the kind of aggressive hostility that characterizes war. He turns to sociobiology, where the Harvard professor E.O Wilson in his book On Human nature answers with a yes on the question Are human beings innately aggressive? and finds his evidence not in his field but as Freud did in History. Wilson goes on to describe that humans are born with such a trait as violence, that we own it to our genes. Zinn counter attacks this with the following, Stephen Jay Gould a colleague of Wilson and a expert in evolution categorically just replies when asked that there no evidence for  such a statement by Wilson. Zinn is starting to show us an interesting pattern, a blueprint that clearly show us that every explanation from those important people look to root their selves with evidence found only in History. Zinn invites us to illustrate why History is being picked as the field from where those people can pull their evidence of Human violence. Its easily proven when you choose humans to be evil, you just need to pick your example, and history is flooded with it. Zinn shows us that there is a down side of it picking on history, because it depends on which historical events you examine to be in your favor. Its dangerous and very biased to follow this trail. Zinn goes on to convince us that our concentration get deflected by the real cause of violence and war. Zinn uses the 1986 international conference of scientists in Spain to express their conclusion on the question of human nature and violent aggression, to lure as to the very point of the whole essay that society has the power to harness this violent instinct in humans, and not our biological makeup. To further straighten his observation, Zinn uses the well-known Milgram experiment. In sum, carefully controlled experiments demonstrate that we follow others more often than we might like to think. However, it also seems to true that we dont always conform. We are more likely to conform when authority figures are close by, and are more likely to express our individuality and dissent when the consequences of our actions are more apparent. Also from the area of anthropology Zinn uses the two tribes of The Forest People and The Mountain People from the studies of Colin Turnbull, to show us what an impact can an out side disturbance have on one tribe, which brought out a violent behavior in them. But the second tribe uninterrupted continued on a gentle and peaceful life. Howard decided to turn our attention from all does academic studies to the war itself. He gives himself as an example to explain war. Zinn argues that he and his fellow soldiers killed as a result of a set of experiences that  brought them to the front lines of war, not because they felt an instinctual compel to do so. He doesnt view the soldiers willingness to go to war as genuine to their human nature but is rather triggered by existing social conditions. This is what is expected from you, the pressure of people around him to do his duty. Zinn recalls being brought up to trust that the nations political leaders would make just and fair choices, and that the world was divided into good and bad countries, his own country being one of the good. He also recalls being trained not to question orders and being reminded that there was no reason to question those orders since they all stemmed from good political leaders and you should obey those people. Ones in the war and having such obedience, produced in him by his society, a soldier easily demonstrates the power of culture in extreme ways, like for example the My Lai Massacre. Where a detachment of units annihilated a whole village consisted only by elderly people, women and children. Zinn decides to show us that in the aftermath of the massacre, GIs as in the case of Charles Hutto said that he did what he was told to do. But we see that also a helicopter offices decides to save as much people as he can from the village below, Howard suggests that men are disposed to war under certain setting. Society should come to turns to this power which it holds over people harnessing this violent instinct and avoid doing so at all costs.

Women and Deception in Homers Odyssey Essay -- Homer, Odyssey Essays

Women and Deception in the Odyssey      Ã‚  Ã‚   As Agamemnon tells Odysseus, â€Å"Let it be a warning even to you. Indulge a woman never, and never tell her all you know. Some things a man may tell, some he should cover up† (Book XI   199).   This is not news to Odysseus, who treats all women with caution ever since he was betrayed by his wife Helen, who acted in a way that defiled all womankind. Agamemnon did not come to this realization all by himself, however; his statement represents the common sentiment that existed throughout all ancient Greece. Even before Odysseus speaks with Agamemnon, he exhibits a similar attitude in his many encounters with women during his long journey home. Every major female character that Odysseus comes across uses deception in one form or another to get the better of him. This being the case, Odysseus fights fire with fire, using his own cunning deception against the evils of womankind.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The first wily female that Odysseus battles wits with is the goddess Kalypso. She is a very deceitful woman, indeed. Kalypso has somehow managed to hide from the gods for 7 years – an unnatural and disrespectable accomplishment. She has been having a secret affair with Odysseus, a mortal, who has been held captive on her island for the... ... Helene Foley, "Penelope as Moral Agent," in Beth Cohen, ed., The Distaff Side (Oxford 1995), pp. 93-115. "The Odyssey, History, and Women," by A. J. Graham, pp. 3-16, and Jennifer Neils, "Les Femmes Fatales: Skylla and the Sirens in Greek Art," pp. 175-84. Lillian Doherty, Siren Songs: Gender, Audiences, and Narrators in the Odyssey (Ann Arbor 1995), esp. chapter 1. Mary Lefkowitz, "Seduction and Rape in Greek Myth," 17-37. Marilyn Arthur Katz, Penelope's Renown: Meaning and Indeterminacy in the Odyssey (Princeton 1991). Nancy Felson-Rubin, Regarding Penelope: From Courtship to Poetics (Princeton 1994).

World Civilizations

Ancient world civilizations date back from 3500-500 BC. Some of the early ancient include Egypt, the Roman Empire, the Baghvad Gita, Mesopotamia and Deities of Warriors to mention a few.. Research conducted by scholars indicate that civilizations did not begin in the west as most people believe. As a matter of fact ancient civilization began from the northern desert and the Mediterranean regions. Civilization was not an event but a process. It therefore did not happen spontaneously but took length of time. There are various ancient civilizations as already mentioned which include Egypt, Mesopotamia, Warriors and Deities in the Near East, India’s Beginnings, Ancient China among others. This paper focuses on each one of them analyzing how each was established. The history of ancient Egypt was characterized by fascination. Egypt is actually of the ancient establishments that may be said to have been rich in civilizations. Some of the memorable fascinations that characterize Egypt’s civilization included; the pyramids, the sphinx, Chariots of the Gods, writings wall paintings and a whole lot of works of art. These among others help us understand the style and way of life in ancient Egypt including their way of life. The geographical location of Egypt is north eastern of the African continent. It took slighting above 300 years. Civilization of ancient Egypt was also characterized of control of resources both human and natural. Other activities included irrigation, mining of minerals, trade and military ventures. Mesopotamia is also another ancient civilization whose geographical location is between two rivers known as Tigris and Euphrates. Mesopotamia is actually said to be the first world civilization among all other ancient civilizations. Some major activities that characterized ancient Mesopotamia included construction of levees to control destructive flooding. Irrigation using canals was also very common. History has it that the southern part of Mesopotamia came to be known as Sumer and thus the residents were known as Sumerians. The Sumerians had civilized systems of administration where they organized themselves in city states. Their place of worship was known as Ziggurat and only priests were allowed since it was a sacred place. Every city state had at lease one temple. Other characteristics of ancient Mesopotamia included was an ancient form of writing known as Cuneiform and Stylus which was instrument made from reed which they used to write. Young boys also attended a school known Edubba after which they graduated to scribes. Also classified among the ancient world civilizations is China whose history of establishment dates back to 15th century BC. The major characteristic of this ancient civilization is the writings which looked like turtle shells. However China is known to have experienced political instability. This may have been as a result of the various dynasties that constituted the whole Kingdom. Originally ancient China was made up of city states which later grew to dynasties. China administration was based on dynasties until recently. In the Near East the Major characteristic was warriors and Deities. The warriors were considered stronger active and more hardworking than other people. There were gods who facilitated the success of war. In conclusion every ancient civilization had some features which characterized its establishment. However, as noted all civilizations took quite a process. All civilizations have however changed and most of them are now modern.

A Fable by Mark Twain

One of the basic exercises (or progymnasmata) practiced by students of classical rhetoric was the fable—a fictional story meant to teach a moral lesson. What lesson about the nature of perception is contained in A Fable, by American humorist Mark Twain? A Fable by Mark Twain Once upon a time, an artist who had painted a small and very beautiful picture placed it so that he could see it in the mirror. He said, This doubles the distance and softens it, and it is twice as lovely as it was before. The animals out in the woods heard of this through the housecat, who was greatly admired by them because he was so learned, and so refined and civilized, and so polite and high-bred, and could tell them so much which they didnt know before, and were not certain about afterward. They were much excited about this new piece of gossip, and they asked questions, so as to get at a full understanding of it. They asked what a picture was, and the cat explained. It is a flat thing, he said; wonderfully flat, marvelously flat, enchantingly flat and elegant. And, oh, so beautiful! That excited them almost to a frenzy, and they said they would give the world to see it. Then the bear asked: What is it that makes it so beautiful? It is the looks of it, said the cat. This filled them with admiration and uncertainty, and they were more excited than ever. Then the cow asked: What is a mirror? It is a hole in the wall, said the cat. You look in it, and there you see the picture, and it is so dainty and charming and ethereal and inspiring in its unimaginable beauty that your head turns round and round, and you almost swoon with ecstasy. The ass had not said anything as yet; he now began to throw doubts. He said there had never been anything as beautiful as this before, and probably wasnt now. He said that when it took a whole basketful of sesquipedalian adjectives to whoop up a thing of beauty, it was time for suspicion. It was easy to see that these doubts were having an effect upon the animals, so the cat went off offended. The subject was dropped for a couple of days, but in the meantime, curiosity was taking a fresh start, and there was a revival of interest perceptible. Then the animals assailed the ass for spoiling what could possibly have been a pleasure to them, on a mere suspicion that the picture was not beautiful, without any evidence that such was the case. The ass was not troubled; he was calm, and said there was one way to find out who was in the right, himself or the cat: he would go and look in that hole, and come back and tell what he found there. The animals felt relieved and grateful and asked him to go at once--which he did. But he did not know where he ought to stand; and so, through error, he stood between the picture and the mirror. The result was that the picture had no chance, and didnt show up. He returned home and said: The cat lied. There was nothing in that hole but an ass. There wasnt a sign of a flat thing visible. It was a handsome ass, and friendly, but just an ass, and nothing more. The elephant asked: Did you see it good and clear? Were you close to it? I saw it good and clear, O Hathi, King of Beasts. I was so close that I touched noses with it. This is very strange, said the elephant; the cat was always truthful before--as far as we could make out. Let another witness try. Go, Baloo, look in the hole, and come and report. So the bear went. When he came back, he said: Both the cat and the ass have lied; there was nothing in the hole but a bear. Great was the surprise and puzzlement of the animals. Each was now anxious to make the test himself and get at the straight truth. The elephant sent them one at a time. First, the cow. She found nothing in the hole but a cow. The tiger found nothing in it but a tiger. The lion found nothing in it but a lion. The leopard found nothing in it but a leopard. The camel found a camel, and nothing more. Then Hathi was wroth, and said he would have the truth, if he had to go and fetch it himself. When he returned, he abused his whole subjectry for liars, and was in an unappeasable fury with the moral and mental blindness of the cat. He said that anybody but a near-sighted fool could see that there was nothing in the hole but an elephant. MORAL, BY THE CAT You can find in a text whatever you bring, if you will stand between it and the mirror of your imagination. You may not see your ears, but they will be there.

Medical Marijuana A Safe and Effective Alternative...

In today’s society, there are certain diseases that are debilitating and causing painful reactions to Americans throughout the United States. The patient with MS who cannot control the spasms created by their disease, the rheumatoid arthritis patient with pain so severe they cannot rest and nothing seems to be easing the pain. Then there is the AIDS patient who cannot eat, as they are so nauseated from the HIV medications that they are taking; these patients have just some of the disease scenarios that medicinal marijuana can help. Many people have long used marijuana for both medicinal and other purposes for many years. However, its modern use is a very controversial issue having both strong supporters as well as firm opponents. With†¦show more content†¦One of the problems is that since marijuana is a Scheduled I drug, physicians cannot prescribe it, but they are able to make a medical recommendation for its use. Yet another issue is that even though these states al low it, the people use it are not protected from criminal punishment if they are in possession, or using marijuana. Which is worse for ill people: marijuana or prison? There are already established drugs available that work better for the conditions that marijuana is being used to treat so why the push for marijuana. There are numerous prescriptions available for treatment of such conditions however, people respond differently to different medications. This is why there are so many various medications available for the same conditions. A medication that is effective for one person may do nothing for another. The need for many different options is necessary in the medical field. When there are people suffering every day because they are not finding relief from any of the currently available medications, and there is the slightest chance that marijuana can help, then the choice should be the patients. Percocet, Codeine, Oxycontin, Vicoden, Morphine, Dilaudid, Fentynal, those are all p rescription drugs that are prescribed for pain for numerous ailments; these are all opiods, which are related to heroin. Therefore, the real question is, why not push for marijuana? Marijuana is an illegal substance and designated aShow MoreRelatedMedical Marijuana in Pediatric Patients1087 Words   |  5 Pagesprescribe medical marijuana to their adult patients out of fear, why would they even start considering prescribing it to children . This fear mainly originates from the fact that as medical students in medical school, doctors learn absolutely nothing about prescribing it, therefor, cannot knowledgeably advise patients on dosage and side effects of this medication. This is quite sad considering how much benefits can come from medical marijuana, especially in paediatric care, as it useful, safe and inRead MoreAlternative Medicine and Mainstream Medicine Essay1417 Words   |  6 Pages I feel like alternative medication is disgusting, because you do not know how clean or sanitary the tools, or treatments are. Alternative medicine is any treatment that is not part of the traditional medical system,like someone would learn in nursing school, or paramedic training. Complementary are those used alongside conventional medicine. Recent research has disproved the usefulness of many of these therapies. (USA Today) Alternative medicine is a different way to cure a disease, or anotherRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1486 Words   |  6 PagesMarijuana should not be legalized as a medical option. This has become one of the most debated topics since the 1990s. Although there are some who say there are positive medical benefits, the truth is that it may even make things worse. There isn’t enough improvement, if any, when marijuana is used to justify allowing to become a medicine. It is not recommended by most doctors, physicians, and government authorities. Most people believe that marijuana, when used medically, can help cure variousRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?943 Words   |  4 Pagesavailable for safe consumption to combat a plethora of illnesses and disorders ranging from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to chronic depression. As a result of the growing options for prescribed remedies to health complications, there has been a blur on the line distinguishing beneficial medicine to recreational drug use. The growing call in the United States for a legalization of recreational marijuana has led to much criticism of apparent double standards between medications and marijuanaRead MoreWhos in Charge of the Store? Essay1449 Words   |  6 PagesWho should be regulating medical marijuana? Majority leader of the California State Assembly, Alberto Torrico asserts that marijuana, used for medicinal purposes, should be legal and regulated to ensure safe, pesticide free, organic cannabis. However, Torrico maintains no n-medical marijuana should remain illegal for all California citizens who do not have a physician diagnosed medical need, such as AIDS or cancer. He contents that advancing the cause of legalizing marijuana to provide additional taxRead MoreShould Marijuana Be Legalized?1407 Words   |  6 Pagesknown as Marijuana has become a widely known and controversial topic in the United Sates. It is currently legal for recreational use in Washington, Oregon, and Colorado. Medicinal Marijuana has also been legalized in 11 other states. Many people are against the idea of legalizing marijuana for medical use in all states for reasons such as impaired driving, addiction, and a gate way to other drugs. Others say the pros outweigh the cons in this situation . I believe that marijuana is an effective and safeRead MoreMedical Marijuana Essay1059 Words   |  5 PagesMedical Marijuana One of the most controversial issues in the United States is over medical marijuana. Many experiments test the validity of the drug as a medicine, and results of these experiments receive much praise but also some critique. The DEA and the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) are battling over the issue. The underlying matter that cannot be ignored is that marijuana proves to be a useful medication for many patients, especially those with wastingRead MoreMedical Marijuana Should Be Legal1053 Words   |  5 PagesMedical marijuana, also called cannabis, is used in some places as a medication to treat diseases and symptoms. Many people consider it helpful and harmless making it the most used illicit drug in North America. With legalizing medical marijuana people can alleviate some health problems and help ease physical pain, but it also can bring many concerns, questions, and responsibility. Legalizing cannabis can help many people with their health conditions. There are some advantages to taking medicalRead MoreArgumentative Essay On Medical Marijuana1301 Words   |  6 PagesMadison Summers Medical Marijuana   Ã‚  Ã‚   According to a survey by pubmed.gov, â€Å"92 percent said that medical marijuana alleviated symptoms of their serious medical conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, migraine, and cancer.† 86 percent of the United States believe that Cannabis has valid medical uses, says statista.com. Definitions.com states that, â€Å"medical marijuana refers to the use of cannabis or marijuana, including constituents of cannabis, THC and other cannabinoids, as a physician-recommendedRead MoreAlternative Therapy: Fake Medicine? Essay2071 Words   |  9 PagesMany doctors see alternative therapies as only a joke in the medical field. New ideas and procedures without surgery or the use of medication are being portrayed as fake, unneeded and ineffective. Many are not considered serious medicine by the medical field specialists. There has to be another way to help heal the body instead of cutting patients open, or shoving all types of medications into patient’s bodi es. Although alternative therapies are not taken seriously by doctors, the therapies are

The Effects of Regicide in Hamlet - 906 Words

In many cases, the government often reflects on how the country fares. A free democracy has a better quality of life that a totalitarian regime. When a tyrant seizes power, the people resent him and fight, taking away that power, and plunging the country into anarchy. In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, a manipulative politician named Claudius kills his brother, King Hamlet, to ascend to the throne. This evil disrupts the natural order of the monarchy and spreads through the country. In the end, chaos, corruption and rot is the result of the murder of the Danish king by Claudius, which ultimately causes the downfall of Hamlet, the Royal Family, and Denmark. Prince Hamlet, son of the dead king and nephew of the usurper, is a popular and well-regarded†¦show more content†¦His reputation in the eyes of the audience declines further, when he orders the death of the unaware spies who were his childhood friends, and explains his attack to Polonius’ son as a product of his false madness: â€Å"Hamlet is of the faction that is wronged; / His madness is poor Hamlet’s enemy.† (V.ii.252-253) The wretched circumstances that Claudius introduces corrupt the noble and loved prince into an apathetic misogynist. Claudius’ actions also cause chaos in the Royal Family. King Hamlet is regarded as a â€Å"valiant† (I.i.96) and â€Å"esteemed† (I.i.97) warrior who defeated Fortinbras and conquered Norway. He is â€Å"Hyperion to a satyr,† (I.ii.144) when compared to Claudius. Claudius is seen as an â€Å"adulterate beast† (I.v.49) whose drinking makes other nations see Denmark as full of â€Å"drunkards† (I.iv.21). His skills lie in deception and manipulation, rather than ruling a country. He is foolish in letting young Fortinbras pass through after nearly attacking Denmark, and is weak when faced with danger. Following the death of Polonius, his first thought is â€Å"it had been so with us had we been there.† (IV.i.14) Also, his reliance on others, like Laertes, Polonius, Rosencrantz, and Guildenstern, is shown when Hamlet attacks: â€Å"O, yet defend me, friends!† (V.ii.355) His thirst for power is so great he cannot give up the queen and throne, even when his guilt is strong. This queen is also corrupted, as she was â€Å"seeming virtuous† (I.v.53) but loses allShow MoreRelated The Character of Claudius in Shakespeares Hamlet Essay805 Words   |  4 PagesThe Character of Claudius in Hamlet As a supporting character in Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet, Claudius is not developed to his full potential. His primary role in the play is to initiate Hamlets confusion and anger, and his subsequent search for truth and lifes meaning. But Claudius is certainly not a static character. While Claudius’ qualities are not as thoroughly explored as Hamlets,   the treacherous King of Denmark is a complete character. When we first see Claudius, he strikes usRead MoreHamlet As A Jealous Of Claudius1417 Words   |  6 PagesOn William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, after the assassination of his father, Hamlet thinks he is living in a world full of corruption and deceit, where everything is falling apart and everyone is against him. An imminent, exaggerated, and passionate love for his mother is his main feature. Although others argue that Hamlet’s obsession to murder Claudius is strictly to claim revenge for his father’s death, it is Hamlet’s obsessive desire to possess his mother in an unhealthy and, perhaps incestuous,Read MoreAnalysis Of The Play Hamlet Essay1438 Words   |  6 PagesHow to Deal with Mortality? Hamlet Edition Hamlet  is full of death. The whole plot revolves around the death of King Hamlet, and  death is what drives the play forward. Hamlet is surrounded by death and struggles with dealing with it. Before the tragic ending, Hamlet loses his father to murder and his love to crazed suicide. Hamlet also murders the father of his love, Polonius. Shakespeare uses Hamlet’s questioning of his own mortality and fear of death to connect with the human problem: that if weRead MoreCritical Review of Macbeth by William Shakespeare1008 Words   |  5 Pagescommits murder only after long plotting, and from Hamlet (1600-1601), where the hero spends most of the play in moral indecision. It is more like King Lear (1605-1606), where destructive action flows from the central premise of the division of the kingdom. Yet Macbeth differs from that play, too, in that it does not raise the monumental, cosmic questions of good and evil in nature (Shakespeare, 1992). Instead it explores the moral and ps ychological effects of evil in the life of one man. For all the powerRead More The Relationship between Hamlet and the Bible. Essay2412 Words   |  10 PagesThe Relationship between Hamlet and the Bible.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It may appear that anything could be twisted into a typological pattern. Such interpretations appear to suffer from the structuralist faults of skating too lightly over actual texts, ignoring details that cannot be forced into a preconceived mold, and robbing narratives of their concrete shapes through abstraction. I would stress that there is more to Shakespeare than typology, but I would also insist that typology is often anRead MoreEssay about The Nature of Evil in William Shakespeares Hamlet1953 Words   |  8 PagesThe Nature of Evil in William Shakespeares Hamlet Works Cited Missing Hamlet is a Shakespearean revenge tragedy, which was a strong, and entertaining form of drama popular in the Elizabethan era during which Shakespeare (1562-1616) lived. Hamlet, like many of Shakespeares plays has been inspired by another famous tragedy, in this case, The Spanish TragedyRead More Comparing the Murder of the King in Hamlet, Richard II, Henry VIII, Macbeth and Julius Caesar2786 Words   |  12 PagesMurder of the King in Hamlet, Richard II, Henry VIII, Macbeth and Julius Caesar  Ã‚     Ã‚  Ã‚   Kings are everywhere in Shakespeare, from Hamlet to Richard the Second, from Henry the Eighth to Macbeth; many of the plays contain a central element of a king or autocratic head of state such as Julius Caesar, for example. They focus more specifically on the nature of that persons power, especially on the question of removing it; what it means on both a political and psychological level, how it can be achievedRead More Shakespeares Hamlet - Hamlet’s Villain, King Claudius Essay3285 Words   |  14 PagesHamlet’s Villain, King Claudius      Ã‚  Ã‚   In the drama Hamlet Shakespeare has concocted a multi-dimensional character in the person of King Claudius. It is the intent of this essay to analyze and probe all the various aspects of this curious personality.    Ward and Trent in The Cambridge History of English and American Literature consider Shakespeare’s options in designing the character of Claudius:    There were at least two ways in which an ordinary, or rather more than ordinaryRead More Melancholy Hamlet Essay1977 Words   |  8 PagesMelancholy Hamlet  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã‚   In Shakespeare’s tragic drama, Hamlet, the multi-faceted character of the hero is so complex that this essay will enlighten the reader on only one aspect of his personality – his melancholy dimension.    Our understanding of the true extent of the protagonist’s melancholic mental state needs to be informed. A.C. Bradley in Shakespearean Tragedy presents convincing evidence regarding the true depth of the hero’s melancholy sentiment:    Hamlet and HoratioRead MoreShakespeares Hamlet: Looking at Integrity2306 Words   |  10 PagesThis above all, to thine own self be true. Hamlet shows that integrity is the most important personal quality to have in a world in which people are often not what they seem. Discuss. William Shakespeares Hamlet, is set in a world much like an unweeded garden. It is a world full of treacheryand deceit, so much so that one may smile, and smile and still be a villain. However, amidst all this corruption, several characters of integrity, such as Hamlet, and his loyal comrade, Horatio, are still able

Global Reporting Initiative and Integrated Reporting

Question: Discss about the Global Reporting Initiative and Integrated Reporting? Answer: Introduction In todays scenario business are seeks to address their risks and opportunities. Because there are many benefits behind addressing sustainability for businesses, people, governments, economic, social and environment. The Sustainability concepts implies fulfilling the current needs without compromising the future generation needs (James ,2013) . This is based on the three areas of TBL which implies that for sustaining in the competitive world companies has to manage three areas effectively (Bohmholdt, 2014). Companies in the UK must Comply or explain their long term strategy regarding sustainability. There are a lot of issues relate to sustainability most important of them corporate and social responsibility (CSR) and Supply chain management (SCM). CSR is the concept which is deeply related to the Sustainability concept (lawrence weber, 2011). If harm is caused to people or society it should be acknowledged and rectified if possible. (lawrence weber, 2011). Increased consumer awareness is putting pressure on companies to be more responsible and conduct their business ethically (Law, 2015). Similarities between GRI and IR This paper will provide Critically compare the Global Reporting Initiative and Integrated Reporting in terms of their effectiveness at communicating with a business stakeholders. According to English and Schooley (2014) The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI)is the institution which into in the sustainability field and a collaborating centre of the United Nations Environment(GRI, 2013). There are some similarities between this two reporting standard. Both standards are prepared to improve the quality of the organization. They give the guidelines for effective strategy formulation. They help the organization to achieve competitive advantage by gaining the confidence of investors (European Dept, 2013). Gri Vs Ir GRI encourage the usefulness of sustainability reporting by which an organization become more sustainable and engage them in sustainable development. The guidelines issued by GRI have become the most important international standard for reporting environmental, social, and economic performance (James,2013 ),(GRI, 2013), Where a report of sustainability which applied through an organisation or a company that explain a linkage between its strategy and its achievement towards sustainable global economy. The GRIs guidelines for sustainability reporting are the most famous reports that used around the world that include different areas that explain the performance of social environment and economic performance within a business (English Schooley, 2014) (James , 2013 ). Where businesses that not provide Managing and reporting on sustainability being viewed as less transparent than their peers because Managing and reporting on sustainability can build a companys reputation for transparency (English Schooley,2014) . The organization which pay attention to the environmental and social issues they must be in a suitable position to gain a positive approach from the investors (James ,2013) . Integrated reporting is a newly developed reporting standard where the environmental, financial, corporate and social reporting requirements are bring together in a comprehensive manner. On the other side Global Reporting Initiative is a nonprofit organization which is used as a global standard for sustainability reporting (Lockwood, 2011). (MilenGray ,2013). The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) encourage businesses to be sustainable where the mission of GRI is making standers of practice for sustainability reporting. It help organisations to report their performance of social, environment and economic within a business. GRI provide guides in how make sustainability reports as free.GRI is a not-for-profit, network-based organization (Global Reporting Initiative, 2013) . Pros and cons of reporting GRI Global Reporting Initiative is proved to useful because As per the organizations opinion it is not possible to control something if it is not measured according, so this approach provides a standard of measurement. GRI provides indications of possible future opportunities and risks of an organization. It helps to formulate strategies by which an organization is able to face the global risk and improve their sustainability standard. It is helpful in building up trusts among the stake holders and improves the accountability. With the implementation of GRI internal management system can be analysed properly and it smoothen the operation process and reduce wastage. The companies which follows the GRI is in a better position to attract investments, enter into the new market and make new contracts. It will give them the benefit of competitive advantage (McBride, 2011). There is certain negative aspect of GRI like It only considers about the sustainability reports but omits the retirement of other reports so sometimes it proves to be very misleading for the stakeholders. GRI has created many guidelines which are very complex in nature and it is difficult to implement within the organization. There are some barriers in making protocols and external assurance to the shareholders. For implementation of this standard it requires advance knowledge and better understanding of the rules and regulations. IR The benefits derived from the integrated reporting is stated as follows It creates a linkage between financial and non financial reporting. It enhances the clarity and transparency of the organisation. Improve the communication and coordination among the different department. It helps to calculate social return on investment. Values can be created by this for the future of the organization. It proved to be a well integrated approach for maximizing the stakeholder wealth. Some limitations of IR are There is a lack of accepted standard. Clarity is missing. This approach proved to be very complex in nature. It requires more informed guidelines. For example all this reports are giving benefits to different sectors like real estate, oil and gas, media etc. All these above must have to follow the guidelines of the GRI and IR standards and they have to prepare their sustainability report in order to ensure their social responsibility (Neimark and Mott, 2011). Conclusion From the above discussion it can be concluded that both these reporting standard is necessary for enhancing the reliability of the company but proper initiative should also be taken in order to remove the complexity so that it can be implemented in a better way. References Bohmholdt, A. (2014). Evaluating the Triple Bottom Line Using Sustainable Return on Investment. Remediation, 24(4), pp.53-64. European Dept, I. (2013). France. Washington: International Monetary Fund. Law, D. (2015). From Plimsoll Line to triple bottom line: adding value through partnership. Bottom Line: Mg Lib Finances, 28(1/2), pp.44-51. Lockwood, T. (2011). What impacts the triple bottom line more than design?. Design Management Review, 22(1), pp.5-5. McBride, M. (2011). Triple Bottom Line by Design: Leading as if Life Matters. Design Management Review, 22(1), pp.6-14. Neimark, P. and Mott, P. (2011). The environmental debate. Amenia, NY: Grey House Pub. English, D, Schooley, D 2014, 'The Evolution of Sustainability Reporting', CPA Journal, pp. 26-35, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 20 July 2015. James, ML 2013, 'SUSTAINABILITY AND INTEGRATED REPORTING: OPPORTUNITIES AND STRATEGIES FOR SMALL AND MIDSIZE COMPANIES', Entrepreneurial Executive, 18, pp. 17-28, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 20 July 2015. Milne, M, Gray, R 2013, 'W(h)ither Ecology? The Triple Bottom Line, the Global Reporting Initiative, and Corporate Sustainability Reporting', Journal Of Business Ethics, 118, 1, pp. 13-29, Business Source Complete, EBSCOhost, viewed 20 July 2015.