Thursday, October 31, 2019
Extra Credit #2 Movie Review Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Extra Credit #2 - Movie Review Example The Credit Crisis is a short video by Jonathan Jarvis, which illustrates the 2007 international financial crisis. It is very challenging to identify an individual or organization that was not negatively affected by the crisis. Understanding the complex financial systems that resulted in the large scale financial meltdown is very difficult. The movie demystifies the subprime lending, poor relationship among the financial stakeholders, and the Glass-Steagall Act adequately. Knowledge is power, and Wall Street has continuously applied the principle to benefit financially. The CNBC Subprime Mortgage Special - House of Cards illustrates issues that closely resemble the current real estate sector. One of the issues is the profit motive among the real estate players. The financial greed among investors is what led to the financial crisis. Quick Loan Funding provided credit to people who could not afford down payment. Thus the number of borrowers increased, and the company recorded millions in profit. Presently, many financial institutions fund mortgage products by providing cheap credit facilities to the investors. The Credit Crisis illustrates that the financial system is complex and large scale. Very many people do not understand this complex financial system, and thus the financial crisis was experienced. Millions of Americans did not understand the magnitude of the large credit bubble that occurred during the past decade, due to limited financial knowledge. When the bubble burst, negative financial consequences were thus realized. Many people currently do not understand the global financial system because of the complexities involved. Due to the greed of financial institutions, many people still get excessive credit products despite of negative effects shown during the financial crisis. The two films have one major similar feature. They both discuss the negative effects of the global financial crisis. The Credit Crisis explains that the financial
Tuesday, October 29, 2019
The Importance of Warming Up Prior To Playing Golf Essay
The Importance of Warming Up Prior To Playing Golf - Essay Example Warming up prior to a game of golf not only enhances flexibility, it prevents injury and improves one'sââ¬â¢ game. By warming up onesââ¬â¢ body otherwise tight muscles are stretched and lengthened decreasing the chance of pulling and straining while allowing for optimum performance during onesââ¬â¢ swing. In todayââ¬â¢s society, golfers range in ages from teens up to seniors. Certainly, as we age our flexibility decreases and our bone structure changes creating greater challenges physically. Age does not necessarily have to be a detriment to oneââ¬â¢s game. It is the approach and preparation that must change. One must treat the body as a finely tuned instrument and by doing so; warm it up prior to execution of the game. A strategic warm up allows the golfer to mentally and physically prepare for the game by going through each stage as if on the green. There is much to consider in the game of golf such as onesââ¬â¢ stance, grip, and setting up of the ball position an d the swing. Where golf looks as though it is an easy and lackadaisical sport, the entire body is in motion when a golfer is taking a swing. One must engage the head and neck muscles, the hands, arms, wrist, shoulders, trunk, legs, hips and the back when golfing. Imagine going into the green cold sans warm up to swing a club and the possible injuries that could occur. What exercises should the warm up programme include? One should focus on doing 10 minutes of continuous exercise to raise the temperature of the muscles, thus avoiding muscle stiffness. Where he found intense stretching is not extremely important, one should perform actions that are similar to what they are about to engage in following the warm up. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine (Fradkin, Finch, Sherman, 2001) a study was held to determine the proportion of golfers that actually warmed up as well as their warm up behaviours. Researchers directly observed golfers over a three-week period and found o nly 53.4% actually warmed
Sunday, October 27, 2019
Wallace Model Policy Ineffectiveness Proposition
Wallace Model Policy Ineffectiveness Proposition Critically discuss the following statement: ââ¬Å"The Sargent and Wallace (1976) model of policy ineffectiveness has no basis in reality. It is of no practical or theoretical value to policymakers and economists alike.â⬠The Sargent Wallace model (1976) produced the ââ¬ËPolicy Ineffectiveness Propositionâ⬠which is viewed as a radical turning point for monetary theory and part of the ââ¬ËNew Classical revolution that dominated policy during the 1970s and 1980s. Despite criticisms, it holds great significance as a benchmark model. The model is built upon the Lucas supply function: (1) yts = yn + (pt t-1 pte) + u t This stipulates the natural rate hypothesis that output can only deviate from its natural level by price forecasting errors or a random supply shock. The money supply rule is given by: mt = à ± + à ² (y* yt-1) + à µt, Where à ± is a constant term, à ² is a parameter and y* is a target level of output. And ultimately, output in the model is given by: (3) y t S = y n + à µt + ut It can be seen from (3) that the parameter set by anticipated monetary policy has no effect on the behaviour of output. Only the unanticipated money shock, à µt , will have effect. The model is structured upon New Classical assumptions of rational expectations (RE), a Lucas supply curve and that only real variables matter. By substituting for more realistic assumptions, the policy ineffectiveness proposition would not hold. RE is defined below: t-1 Pt e = E (Pt / t-1) RE contrasted with the backward-looking expectations assumption of the adaptive expectations model that dominated previous theory. With RE, an activist policy would be predicted by agents who would then revise wage and price expectations upwards, resulting in unchanged real variables. There is no money illusion and agents do not make systematic mistakes. However empirical evidence suggests persistent expectational errors, seen by constant underestimation by agents of UK inflation (Carlson Parkin, 1975). Friedman used expectational errors to argue against the short-run neutrality of monetary policy. However RE is widely accepted, shown in the impact of inflation forecasting by the Bank of England has upon expectations and its use within the Efficient Market hypothesis. However the acceptance is seen as, ââ¬Å"necessary but not sufficientâ⬠(Spencer, 2009) for the validation of the PIP, as models that are fully consistent with the rational expectations hypothesis with more realistic assumptions, have taken precedence. One such model, and a critic of the Friedman style ââ¬Ëmarket-clearing assumption was Fischer (1977). He introduced short run wage rigidity, with agents making nominal contracts that lasted longer than one period. Monetary policy could change at higher frequencies than prices and wages, implying non-neutrality in the short run, Taylor proposed nominal rigidities in his model, with the inclusion of staggered wage contracts with similar results. The market clearing model seems distinct from reality, with real world lags. This assumption is credited by the Bank of England, who set a horizon for up to two years for achieving their inflation target and suggested adherence to a Taylor style rule. The Keynesian assumption is that the large unemployment seen throughout the world today is evidence that labour markets do not clear. The assumption of fully flexible prices is discredited by the Calvo model. Its inclusion of menu costs supports the fact that numerous imperfections within today s economy stop people reacting to news immediately. Hoover states if the symmetric information structure is removed, monetary policy does affect real variables. Grossman Stiglitz (1980) state that agents would not pay the cost to become informed as under rational expectations no profit could be made. This leaves policy-makers with an informational advantage and the ability to affect real variables. Support for symmetric information structures is seen via the UK, where transparency is vital, thus information differentials not persisting for long. In addition to invalid assumptions included within the model, it has been criticised for its exclusions. Econometric evidence suggests when assessing factors affecting output, exclusion of ââ¬Å"monetary..policy wouldâ⬠¦create the greatest potential shortcomingâ⬠(Hutchinson Glick). Shammout argued the impact of monetary policy upon interest rates, exchange rates stock prices, instead of just prices, that can affect output. Money is seen as the only financial asset, excluding even government bonds. There is little evidence supporting its practical application, with early evidence by Barro (1977) deemed a ââ¬Å"research failureâ⬠. Blanchard (2003) postulated the Mundell-Tobin effect of the ability of monetary policy to alter the natural rate of unemployment, with evidence in the evolution of European unemployment. Mishkin (1982) found both anticipated and unanticipated monetary policy has effect on real variables in the short run. The Quantitative Easing programme in the UK, seen to have helped unemployment, would be ineffective if the PIP held. Despite criticisms, its importance within monetary policy cannot be underestimated. The influential Barro-Gordon model (1977) supported the model with the assumption that whilst output and employment were affected by unanticipated monetary policy, anticipated policy would have no effect on real variables. The ââ¬ËReal Business Cycle model confirmed policy ineffectiveness in a world without the market-clearing assumption. It has promoted widespread use of the RE hypothesis, equilibrium modelling and cemented the need for firm microeconomic foundations in macroeconomic policies (Snowdon Vane). The New-Keynesian models are seen as emanating from the new classical challenge, in which Sargent Wallace played a key role. The Sargent Wallace model significantly impacted upon monetary policy, although not as its creators anticipated. Modern economists generally accepted the New Keynesian approach of the long run neutrality of monetary policy, and its short run potency due to real and nominal rigidities. Critics argue that the model presents a simplified static world, of complete certainty with no relevance in the real world. However in the light of theoretical application, ââ¬Å"unrealistic assumptions are in fact necessary in the formation of a good theoryâ⬠(Gilbert Miche) Thus although its modern practical use is negligible, its application within theoretical developments are vast. Bibliography: Books: Blanchard (2003), ââ¬Å"Macroeconomicsâ⬠, 3rd edition Heijdra (2003), ââ¬Å"Foundations of Modern Macroeconomicsâ⬠Hoover (1988), ââ¬Å"The new classical macroeconomics: a sceptical inquiryâ⬠Romer (2001), ââ¬Å"Advanced Macroeconomicsâ⬠Snowdon Vane (2002), ââ¬Å"Encyclopaedia of Macroeconomicsâ⬠Articles: Barro, (1977), ââ¬Å"Unanticipated Money Growth and Unemployment in the United Statesâ⬠, The American Economic Review Barro, (1978), ââ¬Å"Unanticipated Money, Output, and the Price Level in the United Statesâ⬠, The Journal of Political Economy Calvo (1983), ââ¬Å"Staggered prices in a utility-maximising frameworkâ⬠, Journal of Monetary Economics Carlson Parkin (1975), ââ¬Å"Inflation expectationsâ⬠, Economica Fischer (1977), ââ¬Å"Long term contracts, Rational Expectations and the Optimal Money Supply Ruleâ⬠, Journal of Political Economy Gilbert Michie (1997), ââ¬Å"New Classical Macroeconomic Theory and Fiscal Rules: Some Methodological Problemsâ⬠, Contributions to Political Economy Grossman Stiglitz (1980), ââ¬Å"On the impossibility of Informationally Efficient Marketsâ⬠, American Economic Review Hutchinson Glick (1990), ââ¬Å"New results in support of the fiscal ineffectiveness propositionâ⬠, Journal of Money, Credit Banking Mishkin (1982) Does Anticipated Monetary Policy Matter? An Econometric Investigation, National Bureau of Economic Research Sargent Wallace (1976), Rational Expectations and the Theory of Economic Policyâ⬠, Journal of Monetary Economics Spencer (2009), ââ¬Å"New Classical New Keynesian Economics I IIâ⬠Websites: Shammout (1989), ââ¬Å"Additional Econometric Tests of the Policy Ineffectiveness Propositionâ⬠accessed at http://etd.lib.ttu.edu/theses/available/etd-02262009-31295005775209/unrestricted/31295005775209.pdf on 21/11/2009
Friday, October 25, 2019
Poetry Difficulty :: essays research papers
Poetry Difficulty à à à à à Poetry unlike fiction is solely based on the authorââ¬â¢s personal take on a certain subject. The tone, diction, syntax, and mood of a poem are all determined by the author of the poem. For some readers, to interpret a poem or explain the plot can be a difficult task. Other forms of literature such, as fiction is much easier to understand and discuss. à à à à à One reason fiction is easier to understand and discuss is that it has a plot, setting, a cast of characters, and a theme. Most fiction books follow the same common outline when it comes to structure. Poetry does not fit in this category. Poetry can be written about something or about nothing. A reader can interpret a poem in more than one way. On occasion, a poem may be difficult to discuss or understand because the reader doesnââ¬â¢t know what the author is writing about. à à à à à Fictional stories are usually longer than poems. Poets also utilize literary techniques such as alliteration, assonance, and repetition in their poetry to influence the way a reader feels when reading the piece of literature. Fictional stories may also have some of these techniques in them, but they are lost amongst the plot and story line. à à à à à Every author whether poet or writer has their own personal style of writing. Poets have more flexibility with their style. Long stanzas, rhythm, punctuation, no punctuation, fragments, and repetition are just a few options a poet has when creating their masterpiece. These tools may make it difficult for a reader to understand the full meaning of a poem. Diction can also play a role with problem in understanding poetry. A reader may need to research where the author is from and what year the poem was written in, in order to get the full effect of the poem and the underlying meanings in it.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Iphone and Ipad Innovation
Assessment 1: Case Study Report The Success of the iPod and iPhone raises the licensing question for Appleâ⬠¦ again. 1. Use the Cyclic Innovation Model figure to illustrate process in this case and provide a brief description? Innovation refers to the successful implementation and introduction of new products and services to the market. The Cyclic Innovation Model specifically focuses on the innovation processes, looking at the detail and providing a broad perspective. The Cyclic innovation modern does not coincide with the linear-chain concept; rather represents the circle with four ââ¬ËNodes of Changeââ¬â¢.These are: * Scientific research * Technological development * Product creation * Market transition (Berkhout & Rietdijk, 2010) There are also the ââ¬ËCycles of Changeââ¬â¢ which inspire, correct and supplement. In order for the organisation to communicate and connect with various organisations, markets, business and appeal to other disciplines (Berkhout, Hartmann & Trott, 2010); these processes will need to be managed efficiently and effectively by a sole figure who establishes and distributes these cycles.Apple addressed the consumerââ¬â¢s needs and wants by introducing a smart MP3 player that subjugated competitor products for years. The IPod is a clear example on how an organisation can correctly execute the Cyclic Innovation Model. The IPod introduction and implementation can be broken down into the various steps and nodes. Initially, the ââ¬ËScientific Research Nodeââ¬â¢ collects information from market variations and lifestyles variations. With the introduction of my IPod, the social change was that everyone began to want one, therefore the demand increased and also corresponded with the music industry.The ââ¬ËProduct Creation Nodeââ¬â¢ allows them to establish and maintain the product to suit the needs and wants of consumer, considering the changes over time meaning it will be required to upgrade with the improving soc ial recognition of the market. The improvements of the market leads to the ââ¬ËTechnological Development Nodeââ¬â¢ which recognizes and meets required improvements in the product; and then incorporate it with the existing product to allow consumers to easily adopt and absorb.The ââ¬ËMarket Transition Nodeââ¬â¢ is the final products introduction to the market. The introduction of the product is essential; leading to value increasing as well as demand increasing. 2. With sales if iPod falling and Apple facing fierce competition from all quarters such as Sony, Dell, Samsung and other electronics firms as well as mobile phone makers who are incorporating MP3 players in their devices, can the iPod survive? Success| Failure|Portability of music is essential in current lifestyles| Preference of an all-in-one product (Phone, internet, mp3)| Increase iTunes usage and sales| High value for just a single product| Target adolescents who are not able to spend too much on a smart phon e| Synchronisation requirements| Decreasing interest on CD-Rom| iTunes compatibility| Opposing the iPod is the newly introduced iPhone. Many consumers will easily pay the added difference to purchase the mobile device that has an internal iPod.This product has enabled Apple to fight off competitors who have looked at possible beating the organisation to creating such a product. Even so, there is still a large portion of the market who have daily needs that are suited by the iPod. Examples can include people who use it while at the gym or going for a run; retail stores, cafes and restaurants that have background music playing and do not want to occupy their phones, and parents who do not want to spend significantly on an iPhone.The biggest challenge for Apple would be the maintaining of interest in the iPod. Correct marketing; advertisement and promotion of the product will attract consumers who believe that it would be a product to match their needs. 3. How can Apple influence futur e technology developments or establish strategic alliances to ensure it is a dominant force in the hand-held devices that will incorporate both the cellphone and MP3? Apple has created each and every one of their products to integrate with all of their other products to a certain degree.This coexistence has allowed many consumers to only purchase Apple products so that they are all working together. For example, iMac computers, iTunes, iPhones, iPods and iPads all synchronize together to allow a consumer to have certain information and date on all devices. To have this working, Apple have also created a principal to make each product user friendly, thus creating such interest that the brand has become one of the most popular household products in the world. Apple is simplifying modern day technology through user-friendly interfaces.The cooperation with the music industry must also continue to excel iTunes and have it prevailing across all of their products, as it is. Reference List 1. Berkout, G & Rietdijk J, 2010, ââ¬ËCyclic innovation model: circular vision in open innovationââ¬â¢ viewed 18 March 2013 ââ¬Ëapportal. dedicated. nines/Cyclic-innovation-model. pdfââ¬â¢ 2. Berkout G, Hartmann D & Trott P 2010, ââ¬ËConnecting technological capabilities with market needs using a cyclic innovation modelââ¬â¢, R&D Management, vol. 40, no. 5, pp. 474-488. Turn-It-In Paper title: Assessment 1 Paper ID: 314036265
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
The Significance of Minor Characters in A&P
Minor characters are crucial to a readerââ¬â¢s understanding of any story. In John Updikeââ¬â¢s short story, ââ¬Å"A&Pâ⬠this idea is very apparent. In this short story, two of the minor characters are quite important. These two minor characters are Queenie, a young women shopper and Lengel, the manager of the A&P. Qeenie and Lengel are vital minor characters, as Updike uses them for the readerââ¬â¢s understanding of the young adult main character, Sammy, including his personality and motivations, which provides further understanding of the story. In John Updikeââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"A&Pâ⬠Queenie is the lead girl if a group of girls who walk into the A&P. ââ¬Å"She kind of led themâ⬠(17), as Updike puts it. These girls, including Queenie, are all wearing bathing suits, which at the time the story was written, was considered quite risque. Sammy refers to this girl as Queenie because as he puts it, ââ¬Å"- and then the third one, that wasnââ¬â¢t so tall. ââ¬Å"She was the queenâ⬠(17). Based on how much Sammy talks about her and the way he does it, Queenie is his favorite girl of the group. Lengel is the manager of the A&P. According to Sammy, ââ¬Å"Lengelââ¬â¢s pretty dreary, teaches Sunday school and the rest, but he doesnââ¬â¢t miss much. â⬠(19) Heââ¬â¢s a quiet man, ââ¬Å"as I say, he doesnââ¬â¢t say muchâ⬠(19), but he starts the controversy that eventually leads to Sammy quitting his job. The way Sammy thinks of and talks about Queenie reveals parts of his personality and motivations. As for Lengel, the manor which Sammy interacts and when Sammy interacts with him reveals parts of Sammyââ¬â¢s personality and motivations, as it does with Queenie. Throughout ââ¬Å"A&P,â⬠Queenie and Lengel enlighten the readerââ¬â¢s understanding of Sammyââ¬â¢s personality. Queenie, as the lead girl, has Sammyââ¬â¢s hormones raging throughout the story and shows the reader how Sammy is quite fond of women, but also disrespectfully defaces them by analyzing every part of their bodyââ¬â¢s as pieces of meat, not as respectful young woman. Updike reveals this when Sammy refers to Queenie by saying, ââ¬Å"She just walked straight on slowly, on these long white prima-donna legsâ⬠(17). Sammy also illustrates this idea when he says, ââ¬Å"You never know how girls work (do you think itââ¬â¢s a mind in there or just a little buzz like a bee in a glass jar? )â⬠(17). The fact that Sammy is has no respect for women is undoubtedly true. Author, Patrick W. Shaw explains this in his short story criticism, ââ¬Å"Checking Out Faith and Lust: Hawthorneââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËYoung Goodman Brownââ¬â¢ and Updikeââ¬â¢s ââ¬ËA & Pââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ . Shaw states, ââ¬Å"He punctuates his juvenile thoughts with chauvinistic asides and double entendresâ⬠(1). When Sammy talks about his manager, Lengel, he does not seem to respect him, which is another reason why Sammy is disrespectful and not only towards women. An example of this is when Lengel comes in from the outside lot, Sammy says, ââ¬Å"is about to scuttle into that door marked managerà behind which he hides all day when the girls touch his eyeâ⬠(19). For a regular employee to talk about his manager in such a way suggests that Sammy does not have much respect for Lengel. That quote also illustrates that Sammy also is a jokingly juvenile young man. The way in which Sammy talks to and about Queenie and Lengel shows very little respect. The fact that Lengel is Sammyââ¬â¢s boss and Queenie is a woman who he doesnââ¬â¢t know says to the reader, Sammy does not feel obligated to show respect for anyone, regardless of who they are or what their status is. This is another large piece of Sammyââ¬â¢s personality, revealed by these two minor characters. Queenie and Lengel also enlighten the readerââ¬â¢s understanding of Sammyââ¬â¢s motivations, which are to stand up to Lengel in order to be a hero to these girls. Sammy shows this after Queenie and Lengel have an altercation, regarding her and her friendââ¬â¢s bathing suits and how the suits arenââ¬â¢t appropriate attire for a food market. This leaves Queenie feeling pretty embarrassed. As Queenie leaves the store, Sammy says, ââ¬Å"The girls, and whoââ¬â¢d blame them, are in a hurry to get out, so I say, I quit to Lengel quick enough for them to hear, hoping theyââ¬â¢ll stop and watch me, their unsuspected heroâ⬠(20). This is a clear example of how Queenie brings out that Sammy really sticks up for the girls as an attempt to get their attention and come across as a sort of hero to them. This reason for Sammy sticking up for the girls shows, that is his real motivation. During the same situation, Lengel also brings out Sammyââ¬â¢s motivation, as his words are the reason the girls feel embarrassed and leave. Lengelââ¬â¢s conversation with Queenie was about the girlââ¬â¢s attire in the store. Lengel starts by saying to the girlsââ¬â¢, ââ¬Å"Girls, this isnââ¬â¢t the beachâ⬠(19). He then explains how they should be dressed more decently in the store because it is the policy. After the girls leave and Sammy says, ââ¬Å"I quitâ⬠(20). Lengel addresses Sammy and tells him not to do that again. Sammy still refuses; he puts his apron on the counter and walks out. When he gets outside to the lot, he is still motivated to find the girls as he says, ââ¬Å"I look around for my girls, but theyââ¬â¢re gone, of courseâ⬠(20). The fact that Queenie is who Sammy sticks up for, along with the fact that Lengel is the reason Sammy feels as if he has to stick up for Queenie show Sammy motivation. This motivation is to be a sort of hero to Queenie by confronting Lengel and even quitting his job, in hopes that Queenie and her friends will recognize his efforts and appreciate him. The idea that Sammy wants to be a sort of hero to the Queenie and the girls, also is felt by Harriet Blodgett as in her critical essay in The Explicator. Blodgett writes, ââ¬Å"Sammy plays a mythic role, too, seeing himself as the distressed damselsââ¬â¢ proverbial knight in shining armorâ⬠(1). In addition, in the book ââ¬Å"John Updike Revisitedâ⬠, by James A. Schiff, the idea that Sammy is a hero like character is also present. Schiff writes, ââ¬Å"Updikeââ¬â¢s apparent intention was to cast his protagonist heroically, via Sammyââ¬â¢s hope that the girls might at some point materializeâ⬠(116-117). Minor characters are a very important part of any story, as they provide a lot of information about others things such as, the main character. In John Updikeââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"A&P,â⬠this remains true. Throughout the story, two minor characters, Queenie and Lengel, reveal Sammyââ¬â¢s personality and motivations. Qeenie and Lengel are vital minor characters, as Updike uses them for the readerââ¬â¢s understanding of the main character, Sammy, including his personality and motivations, which provides further understanding of the story.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Thuy-Khue Tran Ms. Takao Essays
Thuy-Khue Tran Ms. Takao Essays Thuy-Khue Tran Ms. Takao Paper Thuy-Khue Tran Ms. Takao Paper They have covered most memorable and important stories but they do it with a media bias. Behind their words lies a tone of persuasion; they hope to influence us in one direction or another. Since the early days of the newspaper, there have been racial, political, and class bias. Hitler bombarded his public with news of immoral Jews during World War II (Weikart 158). The constant persuasion in the newspaper led the people to believe his words as truth. The media brainwashed them into believing the fictional stories. Although this is an extreme example in history, journalism bias still exists in our current news. As a result we can see things not as they are, but we can see things how others view them. Other people can influence our thoughts and beliefs with their opinions. Like World War II, politicians today use propaganda to persuade and sway the public. People rely on the news as a source of information, but some do not realize that through the communication of facts and data, there also is also a transfer of bias. In the 17th century, Europeans believed that mice originated from clothes under a warm hearth because scientists and researchers at the time supported abiogenesis, spontaneous life. The image of mice running to and emerging from the hearth fell on blind eyes. The society of the 17th century in Europe followed the views of others and ignored their own sense of sight and logic because the information originated from professionals in the field of biology. However, it is possible to adopt other peoples views as your own; therefore, it becomes a part of who we are. If we embed someone elses original belief in our list of certainties, then it also becomes one of our beliefs. However, the world is not an utopia where every ones thoughts, ideals, and opinions are identical. We have a predisposition for language to communicate their ideas; therefore, they have a predisposition for bias. Our biases may originate from our innate emotions. If we feel pride, disgust, anger, and happiness then we convey these emotions through our actions. Feelings may be temporary or long lasting but they are still powerful influences on our understanding of knowledge. Emotions can cloud or clarify our understanding depending on our biases. As in the case of the music industry in South Korea, a popular singer was recently exiled from his company and country because he wrote I hate Korea four years ago on a social networking website. Citizens in South Korea were upbraided and demanded that he be reprimanded by sending him back to America. Four years ago as an American immigrant, he was separated from his family, friends, and the culture that he was accustomed to; thus he wrote the words I hate Korea. Although the word hate is exchanged casually in America, it is a great insult in South Korea. The citizens of South Korea have a overwhelming sense of pride for their country and are very nationalistic. As a result, they became angry at a remark made four years ago. Emotions took hold of the media and people of a whole country; their feelings of anger and resentment skewed their understanding of what seems like a small issue. However, this may be a case of lost in translation and cultural differences. The things that we see such as beliefs, information, people and problems can be viewed objectively. As a counter claim, we can assume that some people do not have to sift through their prejudices simply because they do not have any. The counterclaim considers if it is possible to think independently of our inclinations. Do we behave according to nature or nurture? Humans are programmed by nature to be influenced by experiences, emotions, culture, and creed so they need to sort out the filters that create uncertainties and distortions in our minds, therefore refuting the counterclaim. In the case of the observer effect, the presence of an observer may make people nervous or embarrassed by his or her attention and this may lead them to change their behavior (Lagemaat 261). The purpose of human sciences is to dissect why and how humans think and feel. Humans are born unbiased and blank as a slate a shell without beliefs or opinions. As humans age and grow, they become biased with the accumulation of knowledge. However, human sciences do not have a method in predicting the trends in human behavior because each individual has different experiences, backgrounds and religions. The languages that we speak, the senses we have, the culture we belong to, and the emotions that we rely upon play essential roles in peoples understanding of how things really are. An individual must recognize the existence of these filters in order to identify reality which leads to the removal or altercation of the filter. Reflection, analysis, education play important roles in the process of the way we analyze and react to external and internal conflicts. People need to break apart the mechanics of perception and interpretation so they can see past the factors that block them from the pursuit of knowledge. Goode , Erica, and Olivier Messiaen. When People See a Sound and Hear a Color. The New York Times. 23 February 1999 late ed. : 3F. Van de Lagemaat, Richard. Theory of Knowledge: for the IB Diploma. United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press, 2005.
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