Abstract This paper briefly examines how the recent spate of high school shootings, has brought attention to the crisis of violence afflicting the young generations all over the world. It looks at how one of the possible explanations for youth aggression is the exposure of children to violence in the mass media. It shows how with technological advances, children are constantly bombarded by violent images in movies, television programs and video games. It also looks at how the widespread use of walkmans and portable CD players, heavy metal, rock and rap music also play a large part in introducing children to a world of violence and how consequently, impressionable children are encouraged to act aggressively in an effort to emulate their role models.
From the Paper "Teenagers? lives are dominated by music, whether via the public airwaves or television. Although teenagers may not understand all the lyrics of their favorite songs, they fill in the gaps by watching music videos. Therefore, the effects of the music and lyrics are now bolstered by graphic images from the videos. Unfortunately, music videos often portray violent and negative behavior, such as sexism and substance abuse. Studies of the content of the music videos reveal that about half of thematic music videos contain violence (Mendelsohn, 1989, p. 313). According to research, teenagers who veer towards heavy metal music demonstrate signs of "alienation, substance abuse, psychiatric disorders, suicide risk, or risk-taking behaviors during adolescence" (Mendelsohn, 1989, p. 312)."
Abstract This paper explores the effects gays have had in the media and what role they play in shaping the entertainment we see. The paper begins with a list of some important examples of homosexuals in the media, including Marlene Dietrich and Rock Hudson. The writer presents a brief history of homosexuality and society's view of it. Included is a look at the recent homosexual movement in the U.S. towards freedom and equality.
From the Paper "In the words of George Steiner ?Neither sociology nor cultural history, neither political theory nor psychology has even begun to handle authoritatively the vast theme of the part played by homosexuality in Western culture since the late nineteenth century. The subject is so diffuse and of such methodological and emotional complexity that it would require a combination of Machiavelli, de Tocqueville and Freud to produce the great missing book.? (qtd. in Altman) Unfortunately Steiner's words are true. In fact, when researching the history of homosexuals in America, I found very little that gave me a true and accurate account of their place in American culture."
Abstract The paper begins by discussing the necessity of good communication in workplace for maximum efficiency. One of these tools of communication is classified as good listening and the writer explains the difference between hearing and listening. It then describes what an active listening process is and how this increases clearer communication in general and in the workplace in particular.
From the Paper "In the work place environment, there are many factors that help determine an organization's ability and skill in maintaining the stability and organization among its employees/members. One of these factors includes attaining an organizational communication process through effective communication skills. The most prominent forms used by most organizations are the development of verbal and non-verbal communication since these are the most obvious ways of communication that provide a dialogue for employees and the management in an organization. However, what is not realized by both the employees and management is that listening is one important communication aspect that precedes verbal and non-verbal communication. This means that in order to attain effective communication verbally or non-verbally, communicators must first learn to listen in order to assess carefully the issues at hand and the required action that must be taken."
Abstract The paper analyzes Hart and Bing's communication problem: They used to work together but Hart got promoted and the two are no longer equals. The author recommends that Hart, as a member of management, needs to talk to Bing one-on-one. The author feels that Bing needs to pay close attention to the employee handbook and other information as it may give him insight into issues that the boss, Hart, has with him.
Table of Contents
Problem Identification
Situation Analysis
Recommendations
From the Paper "Hart had been given power over Bing that he did not previously have and it seems, from a review of the symptoms, that Bing has some animosity toward Hart because of his new position. Another cause of the problem is the fact that other employees are following Bing's lead and leaving for lunch a few minutes early. This, from Hart's point of view, appears to be both Bing's fault and a lack of respect for Hart's authority. Because of this, Hart begins to dislike Bing even more, rather than exercising his authority as manager and letting everyone know that this is unacceptable behavior. Hart has not been discussing the issues with other employees; rather he has been allowing his dislike of Bing to hamper his management style with these other employees."
Abstract This paper points out that the only consistent approach to the definition of "family" is that, in modern Western culture, family is increasingly being defined not through marriage and biological reproduction but through conscious choice of association. The author stresses that the typology called the Traditional Family Life Cycle, which describes the "five stages" of family life, is open to questions of validity. The paper concludes by discussing TV sitcoms and series that illustrate traditional and alternative family structures.
From the Paper "However, other sources define non-traditional families differently. Blended families are considered examples of non-traditional families. Same-sex couples with children fall either under the single parent or unmarried-couples categories. Extended family is sometimes confined to instances of adult children and grandchildren living with their parents. In reality, extended family situations are often far more complicated, with children shuffled between a wide array of relatives and relatives of all sorts cohabiting with their respective children. Finally, most people considered adoptive families to be somewhat non-traditional; others classify them as traditional. Likewise, foster families seem as if they should be classified as non-traditional families or non-families."
Abstract Throughout history, women have been fed the notion that beauty is all that matters in life. Today, in the 21st century, women are the primary targets of the media industry. The paper shows that media manipulation of women's perspectives related to their appearance routinely occurs, as media moguls persist to work hand in hand with the cosmetic industry, feeding society with unattainable ideals, encouraging women to mutilate themselves for psychological reasons, often with lethal consequences usually hidden in fine print.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Thesis
History and Ideals of Beauty
Modern Day Cosmetic Surgery as a "Panacea", the Cure All for Life's
Problems
Beauty and Unattainable Ideals
Beauty as a Business Industry
Media and Manipulation
Wrong Reasons for Undergoing Plastic Surgery
Lethal Consequences
Conclusion
From the Paper "Initially, "cosmetic surgery" was intended and typically reserved as a repair mechanism to assist wounded and deformed soldiers in war. Soldiers returning from WWI with missing limbs and shrapnel torn faces entrusted their appearance to the hands of skilled surgeons of the time. The development of cosmetic surgery received a push for movement from the need to repair gross deformities sustained in WWI to the need to change normal and typical physical appearances. Early surgeons intended cosmetic surgery for surgical repair of congenital or acquired deformities and the restoration of contour to improve the appearance and function of tissue defects (Kazanjian, 250). Today however, cosmetic surgery takes on a whole new meaning, and the players are participating in a totally different ball game. Though many plastic surgeons are still touted and well received for their remarkable abilities to restore dignity to the deformed, cosmetic surgery has also taken on a new meaning. Cosmetic surgery has become a mechanism women have turned to in hopes of changing not just their appearance, but also their life."
Discusses how communication breaks down between leadership roles in the educational system and how this problem ultimately affects the school's performance.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, 2002, $ 53.95
Abstract Communication problem in the school system is as common as in other work places. It arises out of leadership roles of superintendents and teachers. Poor communication between teachers and support staff results in poor school performance. Group dynamics and racial prejudice in a multi-ethnic setting further contributes to this problem.
Abstract This paper outlines some possible connections between adolescent eating disorders and body image in relation to the portrayal of bodies in the media, including magazines, the press/media and films.
This paper discusses that non-verbal communication in the workplace not only affects the transfer of information, but also affects the whole emotional atmosphere of a workplace.
Abstract This paper explains that studying the effects of non-verbal communication in the workplace is more important than ever in today's multicultural world because each ethnic group brings their own culture into the workplace. The paper points out that one of the most common uses of non-verbal communication in the workplace is by supervisors and others with high status, who use non-verbal symbols of their status and authority, either consciously or not, to remind those below them of their high position. The paper relates that, in some workplaces, because non-verbal communication can differ so greatly between cultures, management has introduced cultural sensitivity training.
From the Paper "Latinos are one of the fastest growing cultural groups in American workplaces today. Therefore, it is of particular importance for both Anglos and Latinos to each understand the others' nonverbal communication styles. Latinos have several nonverbal communication devises particular to their culture that Anglos do not use. For example, Latinos have a much smaller realm of what is considered personal space. In Anglo cultures, this personal space is between eighteen and thirty inches, while in Latino cultures it is between eight and eighteen inches. This sharp difference in acceptable personal space can cause huge discomfort and misunderstanding for both parties if it is not understood and acknowledged on both sides."
Abstract This paper explains that, despite Paul Renner's strict upbringing during which he learned the value of duty, of leadership, and of responsibility, he was an artist in every sense. The paper describes him as a painter, a designer, an author, but he is perhaps best remembered for his skills as a graphic designer, and in particular, as a designer of fonts.
From the Paper "Paul Renner studied architecture and painting in Berlin, Munich and Karlsruhe; he then worked as a painter in Munich. From 1907 until 1917, he worked as a Production Assistant and Presentation Manager for Georg M"ller Verlag in Munich. In 1911, he became one of the founders, along with Jan Tschichold, of a private school for illustration in Munich. During the years 1925-26, he was Head of the commercial art and typography department at the Frankfurter Kunstschule, and in 1926, he became Director of the city of Munich's Grafische Berufsschulen, and from 1927, the Meisterschule f"r Deutschlands Buchdrucker."
Abstract This paper states that there are no guarantees that a particular decision will be the "right" choice; however, through critical thinking skills, the chances are better that the decision will be more "right" than ?wrong.? The author points out that, similar to scientific and logical thinking styles, the systematic thinking style looks first at the "real" problem; managers must use their critical thinking skills to discount irrelevant information and find the actual problem before proceeding through the systematic problem solving steps. The paper relates that, by "trying on" the various "hats", managers can get different perspectives on a particular problem.
From the Paper "Intuition is another critical thinking style. Many of the decisions made using intuition are trial and error. Intuition usually contributes to decisions where risk and uncertainty are prevalent. Some people, like Edward de Bono, author of several books on the creative process, "see intuition as a set of mental tools separate from logic and judgment that an individual can develop through practice and training". Intuition is often referred to as a "gut instinct" or ?sixth sense.? Intuition skills can be learned. It does involve staying close to the problem, listening to what is being said or not said, going with a hunch and following it through to the end. Intuition skills are becoming important abilities in today's decision-making world."
Abstract This paper examines how the media plays a prominent role in modern society and how the depiction of controversial topics, such as racism, sexism, and homophobia tends to influence social values, often to an inflammatory degree. In particular, it looks at how, recently, an increasing number of films and television programs have focused on homosexuality and how depictions of homosexuality in the media have not only affected how others view homosexuals, but also how gay people see themselves and the rights that they have.
Outline
Homosexuality in Film since the 1890s
Ignoring the Issue: Censorship
Homosexuality as the Subject of Laughter
Homosexuality and Violence
Conclusion
From the Paper "During the 1990's and the first years of the new millennium, homosexuality has become an increasingly prominent issue in the media. The most controversial issue currently is same-sex marriages, forbidden by law in several states. Not allowing homosexual people to have rights is a type of censorship resulting from willfully ignoring the issue. General society is often not comfortable with the issue of homosexuality because it is either ignored or maligned by the media. Advertisements, television programs and indeed films featuring homosexuality is the exception rather than the rule. The consequences of ignoring the issue however is that the fundamental rights promised by the Constitution to every citizen are becoming a travesty of its original intention (Erwin)."
Abstract This paper explains that, without any conflict, organizational life would be stagnant ,and eventually would get obsolete and collapse. The author relates that there are two different types of conflict: emotional, which is personal, often defensive, and based on resentment; and cognitive, which is an argument about the merits of ideas, plans, and projects. The paper points out that conflicts in teams can be generally classified into three types: relationship; task; and process conflicts.
From the Paper "Culture, upbringing, the society in which individuals grow and live, all have the ability of influencing culture or culture tolerance. Conflict tolerance is often determined by how individuals view policy, evaluate decisions and relate to others in the society. (Dunlop, 2003) Individuals display different personalities and traits when dealing with conflicts and with situations that can produce conflicts. Biltman identified five different personality styles when dealing with conflicts: competing, accommodating, avoiding, collaborating, and compromising. (Blitman, 2002) It is important to note that conflicts in teams are often the result of difference in opinions between two or more people. Consequently, every individual may have radically different ways in which he or she deals with the conflicts."
Tags: emotional, cognitive, relationship, task, process
This paper discusses fallacies from a critical thinking standpoint of using "appeal to force", "appeal to pity", and "two wrongs make a right" arguments in the business arena.
Abstract This paper explains that the major problem with "appeal to force", from a critical thinking standpoint, is that "appeal to force" does not rely on any kind of logic; in the workplace, one important example of the "appeal to force" is sexual harassment. The author points out that "appeal to pity" occurs when someone refers to their sad situation as a reason for someone to make a decision, such as an employee asking for a pay rise because her husband has left her with three small children for whom to care. The paper relates that "two wrongs make a right" is a fallacy in which a person argues that a certain action is justified because someone else does it or because a person imagines that somebody else would do it; for example, an employee may decide to start stealing from the company, justifying this action because he believes the company has been underpaying him, and thus, was "stealing" from him for years.
From the Paper "Another example of the appeal to pity can occur in performance reviews. For employees on the lower scale of achieving in the workplace, appeal to pity can sometimes result in them getting a better review than is justified. An employee may describe how they try hard and request that the boss does not make them feel bad by giving them a bad review. This appeal to pity can often work, with managers being more lenient. On the opposite end of the scale, employees that are high achievers can often have more expected of them and this can result in them getting lower reviews that are justified. Kandola and Fullerton note that performance reviews must be done with objectivity and fairness. Appeal to pity can be a reasons that reviews are not as fair as they should be."
Abstract This paper shows that the media has misrepresented homosexuals in many different ways. Television and newspaper are especially differing in their portrayals of homosexuals. Current television programs have divided homosexuals into a distinct cultural group, typecasting them as sharing the same personality, lifestyle and values. They are often seen on television as being the victims of ridicule, as they are utilized in television program for providing a humorous effect. The paper shows that converse to television, newspaper, and at times radio, expose the negative portrayals of homosexuals, depicting them as being unnatural and immoral. Furthermore, the media has played a part in placing stigmas upon homosexuals, including the association they are believed to have with sex crimes, drugs and terminal sexually transmitting diseases.
From the Paper "Presently, television is a considerable contributor in the stereotyping of homosexuals. Excessively effeminate mannerisms, high pitched speaking voices, exaggerated garish and stylish clothing are images of homosexuals which are common on almost every television channel. This is, however, a vast media misrepresentation, since in reality homosexuals are considerably difficult to identify. Television particularly places gay men in brackets, giving them shared personality traits and occupations. On television programs, homosexual characters entertain audiences by predominantly possessing an energetic and flamboyant character, often even being outspoken transvestites."
