Friday, March 27, 2020

Overview of GPS Essay Example

Overview of GPS Essay GPS stands for Global Positioning System, and is based on satellites and their corresponding ground stations. As the Americans were the first to introduce such a system they named it NAVSTAR with the introduction of such a system for military use the Russians had also introduced a satellite system called GLONASS, usually the American version is referred to as GPS. Satellites in orbit around the earth not just America are arranged carefully so that sufficient satellites can be seen from any point on the planets surface so as to provide an accurate position.The Transit system was the old system which formed the basis on the NAVSTAR project it was developed in the early sixties, but had major flaws in that it was slow, it gave readings every 90 minutes with an accuracy of 250m at the 95% level was very inaccurate especially for military uses. However a new form of positioning system has emerged, known as DGPS (Differential global positioning system) where a more accurate reading is give n. Current new advances are being made for better accuracy positing systems everyday. Transit was switched off at the end of 1996.GPS provides specially coded satellite signals that can be processed in a GPS receiver, enabling the receiver to compute position, velocity and time, basically the coordinates X, Y, Z and time. To get these positions the GPS uses four satellites. Most GPS receivers display five basic sets of information to the user, they are, altitude above sea level, longitude and latitude, speed over ground and heading when moving. Navigation in three dimensions is the primary function of GPS. The main uses of navigation receivers are made for aircraft, ships, ground vehicles, and for hand carrying by individuals for example, teaching surveying techniques to students. GPS is also finding its way into everyday items such as the mobile phone and is probably going to be in most electrical equipment in the near future.The receiver can be classed as one of GPSs three segment s, with this the user can perform various tasks. The receiver can find its distance from the satellite by measuring the time for a signal to reach the receiver from the satellite, and can find its exact three-dimensional position using triangulation. The other segments of GPS are satellite constellation and ground/monitoring network, or can be known as space segment and control segments.The satellite constellation/space segment is 24 satellites in space and were launched 27 years ago in 1978 with the 24th hitting space in 1994. Each one of these satellites sends signals to the GPS receivers on the ground. In each orbital plane of the earth there can be upto four satellites orbiting that plane, the earth has six orbital planes, which in turn means that signals can be received 100% of the time. GPS transmits low powered signals from the satellites with frequency of 1575.42 MHz in the UHF band. Also the satellites are in twelve hour circular orbitsThe orbits are nearly circular and equ ally spaced about the equator at a 60à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ degree separation with an inclination relative to the equator of nominally 55à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ degrees. The orbital radius is approximately 26,600 km (i.e., distance from satellite to centre of mass of the earth) Corin Gareth PearceFigure1 http://www.ncgia.ucsb.edu/education/curricula/giscc/units/u017/figures/figure02.gifThe figure on the next page shows how the three segments of GPS work together to give information to the user.Figure 2 GPS SegmentsThe second segment of GPS is the control segment, in this part of GPS the main function is for maintaining the satellites and their proper functioning. The responsibility for this comes down to OCS or operational control segment. This includes station keeping which is basically maintaining the stations in there proper orbital as well as monitoring the subsystems status. As with many computer system there needs to be a main system base, where all the data is transmitted and stored for other us es, in the case of GPS it is at Falcon Air Force Base, Colorado Springs.There is also the ground uplink antenna facility, which provides the means of commanding and controlling the satellites and uploading the navigation messages and other data. There are also sub bases along the line of the equator.Figure 3 The Control SegmentPosition determinationFigure 3 http://www.go.ednet.ns.ca/~larry/gps/gps_talk.html1- Satellites position is determined relative to the Earth.2- Location on Earth is located relative to the satellite.3- THEN the Locations position on the Earth can be determined from the VECTOR sum of the other two measurements. All measurements are done to such a precision that the location on the Earth is known to within 15 m.The diagram above shows the general working of GPS however the position determination on the ground in surveying uses many different techniques.R1 = (Ta-Td) C = ?T CThe formula above is the equation to obtain the measured range, R1. We need range because in order to identify a position fix the principal involves the measurement of distance to three satellites of known position.C represents the velocity of light, ?T is the difference in time from when the satellite transmits a signal to the receiver and another name for this would be delay time. However the delay time, ?T is incorrect. The reason for this is because the time difference is wrong. This can be overcome using four satellites instead of the original number of three. The latter makes the distances calculated pseudo ranges because it recognises error and biasness in time delay, ?T C.So the question arises of, how we calculate exact timing on both clocks? What is meant by clocks, the clock in the satellite and the clock in the receiver. The clocks will need to be perfectly synchronised. It is known as pseudo ranges because a correlation procedure using pseudo random binary codes is used. It works in the following way, there are two types of binary code, P and S code. In this case the S code is used. When the receiver gets a transmission from the satellite, it releases the S code. This is then cross correlated with the satellites code, hence the determination of time delay, ?T can be found because it generated the same code received from the satellite to the receiver.However the pseudo-range is only suitable for navigational purposes a more precise measurement of range is needed for positioning in engineering surveying, for surveying carrier phase ranging is required, whereas with pseudo-range the L1 and L2 bands are modulated to P and S codes. This is the opposite in carrier phase ranging, the measurements depend on the carrier waves themselves. I.e. the observation does not use codes.Another difference about both ranging modes is that when the signal is transmitted from the satellite to the receiver, it is different to that of the original transmission this is because of the relative velocity, this is known as the Doppler Effect. The carrier phase is therefore ever changing according to the signal transmitted signal.Data processingGeoidThe actual surface of the earth cannot be defined in terms of a mathematical shape, it is whats called an oblate spheroid. Another way of evaluating the earths shape is known as a Geoid, which is defined as the equipotent of the earths gravity. I.e. the mean sea level. It uses the mean because of unavoidable forces acting upon the waves of the water which cause the sea level to deviate at time up to 2 meters from the Geoid. This was mentioned by J.B.Listing in 1872 as the geoids inconsistencies. Also the solid earths actual surface is too irregular to be represented by a mathematical relation, the Geoid. However because the Geoid is the surface to which all terrestrial measurements are related, it remains an important part to the surveyor.Figure 4 Geoid DiagramGeodetic heightSurveyors use the common Cartesian co-ordinates of latitude and longitude to define relative positions, however the third el ement of elevation, i.e height is not mentioned. In order to calculate further in-depth findings, elevation is needed. A classic determination method would be by sprit levelling, this is where the ellipsoidal mathematical numbering comes into play. The ellipsoid is not a physical reality it is merely a concept, it represents the earth having a smooth shape, and the reason for this is because calculations can be done to get the ellipsoid distance and co-ordinates. To convert the ellipsoid height given by the GPS observation into an orthometric elevation, i.e. height is to know the Geoid-ellipsoid difference at that point. H= h-N where h = ellipsoid height N = elevation.The National GridFor over 200 years the agency known as ordnance survey (OS) has been responsible for the mapping of Great Briton. Their construction, lead it to be used during both world wars, for example, in geological surveying. Its modern day use would be in scientific areas and also commercial and industrial sect ors as well as the military.Following on from the OS, the Transverse Mercator project went ahead, i.e. the basis of the National Grid was formed (NG).The NG uses units of meters and is superimposed on almost all amps. The reason being is that it will give the map reader a single-reference systems as well as a number for large scale maps. The figure below shows this, the lines over the United Kingdom are not real. The lines are at right angles (90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½) to the central meridian. Basically this creates both northing and easting co-ordinates, i.e. x and y values in mathematics.Figure 5 http://www.aditsite.co.uk/assets/images/ukossheets.gifShowing the gird reference for the United Kingdom.GPS MethodsThere are many different GPS field procedures all with varying degrees of accuracies. In navigation, pseudo-range measurements are used. For fields like civil engineering, carrier frequency phase measurements would be suitable where the L1 carrier is 19cm to mm accurate and the navigat ion S-code (C/A) is about 30 mm in accuracy.The problem with carrier phase and pseudo-range measurements is that there are timing and propagation delays. However this can be solved by a few calculations, hence different methods are introduced to eradicate or minimise this disadvantage.To understand this better here are a few general terms explained,L1 and L2These are basically frequencies and are just carriers of codes.P codeThis is short for precise code. Satellite broadcasts have both L1 and L2 frequency broadcasting to the GPS, however because they are different the GPS needs to define which transmission is from which satellite. This is where the P code comes into play.C/A codeThis is much slowly broadcasted to the GPS than the P code, so in turn identification is very simple. This code is repeated every millisecond on the L1 frequency which makes C/A code unique to every L1 frequency.Static positioningThis was the first positing system for GPS surveying and since its introductio n it is still used today. This surveying technique takes around 30 minutes to 2 hours. The reason for this is because the satellite can take multiple readings from different positions which in turn would minimise systematic errors. If this type of field process is to work it needs one or more receiver and 2 or more satellites. The data is then collected and simultaneously processed to the user which then gives a position fix.Also if the user is surveying over large areas, say a few miles, static processing would be a good idea to use, since it is used to determine the length of long baselines and has the advantage of 5-10mm accuracy. For measurements of a shorter range the carrier phase errors can be ignored because of the high accuracy static has incorporated. It works like this, the surveyor with the GPS receiver sets up over a known position with coordinates x,y,z. then using a different receiver the user stands over a position which he/she wants to know.To understand why this pr ocess needs time is because of the cycle ambiguity problem this is where it needs time to solve the integer number of cycles between the satellites. This is one of its drawbacks, in that static processing is to slow but accurate.Rapid staticVery closely related to static positing but with a difference in occupation time, where static takes hours, this method only takes minutes. To achieve a shorter time has something to do with the ambiguity problem discussed above. There are two ways in which the problem can be eradicated, the problem of occupation that is. Often the problems money is thrown to solve it, one way would be is to have very expensive equipment and software, which could calculate equations very rapidly. This is the simple way of solving a problem but expensive. A less expensive approach would be to combine carrier phase with p-code measurements which would then get rid of the least squares solution for ambiguities and the combination of both the measurements would invol ve search routines as the GPS receiver is well capable of doing.Where static positions can take up to two hours, rapid static can reduce this time to around 20 minutes, a technique called wide laning makes this possible. Basically the GPS frequency bands L1 and L2 are put together in a linear combination, when both L1 and L2 are combined, 2 distinct signals arise. One is called narrow lane and the other wide lane. Also one is slower than the other and the wavelengths are different compared to L1 and L2. Ultimately these changes make the resolution much easier and a bigger wavelength increases the spacing of the ambiguity.A major advantage with rapid static is that the user can move around with the GPS receiver and not have to worry about what position the satellite is fixing too. This method is ideal if there are many points to be surveyed.KinematicsThis method of positioning is faster than static. It achieves this by suing the same field process as static where one receiver is in a known position of x,y,z coordinates and at least one receiver moving form point to point. When at a point of unknown coordinates the receiver only stops here for as little as two minutes before moving on to the next location, this is where it differs from static positioning. Another difference is that the data collected, shows not only x,y,z but also vectors between themselves and the original receiver of known coordinates.Re-occupationSimilar to both static and rapid static re-occupation works by going over the survey after a time gap of around two hours. It takes this long because of the satellite and the surveyor with the GPS receiver, the reason for this is when either of the equipment relocates, it alters the geometry to resolve the ambiguities.The techniques used here starts off the same as static positing. The master receiver, i.e. the receiver which has known coordinates of x,y,z is placed in position.The other receiver is then used to find particular unknown points, once c ompleted the cycle is started again and the second GPS receiver does exactly the same as the first time.To combat the problem of ambiguity this method uses the first few readings and the last few readings for which show the difference in receiver/satellite geometry.Stop and go kinematicsAlmost identical to the description above, but as the name suggest, the GPS receiver which determines the unknown position fix stops at that position. Time here can vary from a few seconds to minutes. Once stopped the correction is then made on individual positions unlike before where it was on a trajectory route.The problem of ambiguity is solved at the beginning of the process using various techniques. Another requirement is that for this method to work the moving receiver must maintain lock onto at least 4 GPS satellites or it will not work. This in turn renders it useless in areas where there are tunnels, woods, towns etc. i.e. where signal shading occurs.Traditional kinematicsSurveying the tradi tional way is very simple to the other types of kinematical techniques described above. However in this case the rover, i.e. the moving GPS receiver is constantly moving at a very slow pace. One receiver is stationed over the position of known coordinates. The rover basically moves over the points where the surveyor wants to know the position point. For all this to work lock must be maintained too at least 4 satellites. Traditional kinematics is used for a quick survey of linear details such as roads, railways, rivers etc.Real time kinematics RTKAs the name suggests, the position of an unknown point can be found in real time, i.e. almost instantaneously. With the other methods described before it never gave the position fixes instantaneously, the surveyor either had to wait for computer calculation or they themselves had to calculate it using raw data.This method uses mobile data communication to transmit information from the reference point to the moving rover. The transmission fro m the reference point sends carrier phase data to the rover, then the on-board computers resolve ambiguities and also solves for differences in coordinates.Uses of GPSOther than surveying GPS can be used for many different purposes and industries. The use of mobile phones is ever increasing and with the latest handsets comes GPS navigation. So for certain agencies in the UK the whereabouts of individuals can be located providing the phone is switched on. Also on a large scale the users of GPS are oil producing companies, so that they can find an appropriate route for oil pipelines and once established maintain its existence, GPS is used for surveying platforms. The reason why GPS is used in this field is to reduce the number of large scale disasters, i.e. tanker spills.Just like the mobile phone, GPS devices in new cars can find there way around new areas, weather it be other countries, cities, towns etc with the help of the map displayed on the GPS receiver.GPS can contribute to sa ving lives, with the recent earthquake in South Asia and mother natures countless events GPS can be used in geo-tectonic research (in earthquake movements). It does this by keeping track of minute shifts in the shape of the earths surface. Overall the introduction of GPS has saved many lives and made peoples everyday lives easier there isnt much criticism about GPS, apart from the expensiveness of the product and the handling and understanding of it to a novice user. But this can be overcome by means of background reading and manuals supplied with the product as well as manual demos.Reference:J.Uben ; W.F.Price, Surveying For EngineersJan Van Sickle, GPS for Land SurveyorsW.Whyte, R Paul, Basic SurveyingN.Short, Lecture Notes, 2004.Personal Achievements during the CourseTeam workAt the beginning of the task, there were 5 members in our team. But differences arose as to who would be a better leader, which resulted in our team having 4 members for the remainder of the surveying course , which became a disadvantage, however we pulled together well and certain tasks were assigned to certain people, which gave reliable and accurate result, an example of this is, that our levelling absolute error was 11mm. Personal I learnt how to listen to instructions, follow surveying procedures and was able to express my opinion of how certain tasks should be carried out and I felt that I was listened too.Surveying TechniquesAt first the task seemed difficult to grasp but I can honestly say that I learnt more about surveying during that week than I would have from books in that amount of time, I believe surveying is easier to learn practically. Basic equipment such as the Scope and the Staff for the levelling exercise from the OBM to our point 1, needed to be read correctly because if these readings were incorrectly recorded here it would result in the whole exercise being in error. I found the levelling exercise to be least difficult from all the tasks because of the understandi ng of the group and equipment.The reason for levelling to point 1 was because it would have being impractical to detail around the library and level off to the Woodcock sports gym. Overall the course allowed me to make friends with different people and I was able to see if I could cope within a surveying working environment, which I think that I did well considering we lost a member of our team early on and had a few discussions about certain objectives we werent agreeing on.Surveying ProceduresThe group walked around the library marking points where the stations should be placed, they had to be in certain spots because the stations needed to be intervisable between each other. In total we had 7 stations around the library and using the theodolite the group took it in turns to measure the angles between stations and distances. Together with angles and distances between surrounding trees, walls etc. what I learnt during this task is that both concentration and use of equipment accura tely needed to done to get accurate answers. I also found that to set the theodolite the user needs to rotate it 360à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½c horizontally and then 360à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½c vertically to get the theodolite to re-set.In surveying as well as the practical field procedures the data needed to be accurately recorded and worked on, I did a lot of checking to see if the data was accurate and I recorded the measurements myself when other group members were carrying out the practical work. I felt communication between the group was constructed effectively.Diary of summer 2005 Surveying CourseThe group on Saturday mourning went out and walked around the library to locate positions which needed to be intervisable between stations, the diagram below shows the general layout of what the team collectively decided would be the final positions of the stations. This task took no long than 2 hours, which we then had a general idea of what to do on Monday.Monday: day1Levelling exercise from the woodcock s ports centre to station1 was conducted by Andrew Baily and Thomas Docker, whilst they were doing this myself and Henry were conducting the levelling between station, shown on the map above. To ensure we did this correctly we did this a few times to see if we could get the same data as before. I believe the group levelling to station 1 did there exercise 4 times again to get accurate readings. The group took it in turns to use the instruments so that everyone would be able to see and learn what exactly was going on. At this point Sarab Jit was the group leader, but I felt and other members felt he did not know what he was doing, but we never said anything. However the levelling exercise was completed on this day, with very accurate results.Tuesday: day2Angles between stations was our second task to be carried out, I felt that if we worked together on this task we would get a better understand of the equipment and reasons why we do certain measurements in particular ways, because it w as mentioned , that the group should split into 2 groups again. In the end my decision was undertaken. Using the theodolite we sighted to station2 from station1 and then extracted the data, and then we sighted to station 1 from station2, to give the distance and angles. We did this throughout the day, but because we did not know how to start off, it took sometime to get going, we called it a day at station5. Events on this day, reduced our team count to 4, Sarab Jit decided that the whole course was not for him and he left the group, Andrew Baily was then allocated group leader.Wednesday: day3Carrying on from yesterday, we managed to finish of the final three stations, which were stations, 5, 6 and 7. We did not have any problems on this day because we knew what we were doing and I made sure that everyone was taking turns in handling the equipment so that they learn. Around the university there were other groups conducting similar exercises, but were falling behind and so we called it a day, because we were ahead of them all. Another reason was because we did not want to rush the detailing of the area, as we knew this would need concentration.Thursday: day4Detailing of the area around the library, here we decided what should be detailed and what should not, because it was not practical to detail every item around the area, we decided to detail large objects, which ranged from pillars to flower beds. The whole day was spent detailing however we did not manage to finish the detailing.Friday: day 5The final day, on this day detailing was completed and the group sat down and looked at the data to see if it looked correct and that there were no major problems or concerns in general about the week.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Reflective story Essays

Reflective story Essays Reflective story Essay Reflective story Essay Essay Topic: Reflective Phonics Based Reading Decoding I began working with my student relatively late in the program due to scheduling conflicts after many negotiations and time working with student we are able to come up with a schedule that works for us. When we first began the program I noticed that she seemed to grasp the concepts rather quickly and almost became bored with the program from start. My student is a young girl who happens to be my younger sister and she is able to read. While her reading level is not low it is not real high either side. I figured this program would be perfect for her and allow her the chance to really learn some additional class time skills that you may not learning traditional classrooms as she is homeschooled. Her mother agreed to allow me to use the training class for her and teach her to read within the short amount of time that I have in this class. She began following along very well and was able to make quick progress within a few minutes and she even some games and the singing fun. It is y personal opinion that this program will teaching the phonics and skills needed to read words it would also be beneficial to anyone whose native language is not English. I could also see a ssimilar program being developed for teaching foreign languages such as Japanese. Each of the steps of the program are simple and easy to learn and be done in a few short minutes if you wanted to stretch out how long you worked with student. Because I could only do it for two hours a week I did have to modify the version of the program to a certain extent in order to hasten the esults. The mother was very impressed with how quickly her daughter was learning to read simple books and quickly advancing into a larger more complicated reading comprehension and short amount of time. In addition, her handwriting was improving as was her ability to learn other programs that her mother was teaching her when she was not with me. She was able to learn how to build on those small words I had taught her and even write new words by the end of the first week she was able to read a few pages in a book that I had on hand. Her current reading bility before the program was a rather low in comparison to her ability to read the textbook material and reading books that I had. I did notice, however, that she seemed to become bored with the repetitiveness of having to rrepeatedly say the sounds of each letter. The game she did have fun playing and she seemed to understand concepts that were being taught. The fundamentals were easy for her to understand as well. However she did seem to have fun during our training sessions eacn 0T tne games would orlng new oys to ner as sne was aDle to learn more omplicated words. With this program I still would say learning how to read whether it be for English purposes or Just parent wanting to teach their child how to read before they enter school or as a homeschool program this is a fantastic program to have. I look forward to teaching more to the student and even learning a little bit from her to because I think that I may learn a few things from her. References Eller, J. (2000). Fundamentals: A research-based, phonics tutorial learn to read program. Chandler Heights, AZ: Action Reading.

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Movie Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Movie - Essay Example However, it is clear that gender is the main theme since hitch shows gender roles that women and men fulfill in the society, which are highly stereotypical. Thus, watching this movie can help people relate to the characters featured in it; hence, impacting their lives. Therefore, this paper will show how the media, through the Hitch movie, enables people to connect with the characters in the movie; hence, impacting their lives in a significant way. At first, Hitch teaches men how to approach women by explaining the dos and don’ts of dating, and what women prefer in relationships. However, he later realizes that it is not possible to study women since they are all different; thus, there are no basic principles required in looking for women. Similarly, when searching for women, many men start by making a perfect plan on how to get a girl, and then later realize that they cannot make one since people are different. For this reason, I believe that the movie producers incorporated this scenario in order to connect with many people since this is a common situation among many people in the society; thus, making an impact in their lives. Also, the movie shows the common gender norms such as the stereotype that men are over confident, as well as initiators in relationships. Hitch teaches men how to approach women because he believes that men should initiate relationships and act confident when approaching women, as well. For instance, while, in a club with his friend, Hitch noticed that his friend kept on staring at a certain gal in the club. He then said to his friend â€Å"I’m going to get those women over here† (Guinones, 2010). This portrays confidence in Hitch’s character by choosing to make the first move to get the women. Also, it shows that men should be brave enough to initiate a connection with women. Thus, it is easy for men watching the movie relate to Hitch’s character, and may be inspired to act the same way. In summary, according

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Business Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Business Plan - Essay Example Other investment requirements will be financed by a $200,000 loan from Jabal Bank at a 5% interest rate repayable in two years. 3. Human resource plan Renowned hotelier Charles Duncan charged with the responsibility of general business running and procurement will manage Emirates Restaurant. Management foresight in former management undertakings in the industry has won him many accolades. He has masters in business administration from the Dubai University and has a number of successful stints in well performing hotels and restaurants in Emirates. The deputy management will be Mark Weber who has a bachelor in business Administration and is a recognized person in the hospitality industry. The deputy manager will be responsible for public relation, community development, and sales. Marketing duties and sales, pricing are also some of the responsibilities to be undertaken by the deputy manager. The other employees to undertake the support roles for the daily running of the company will i nclude five chefs trained in catering an accountant to aid in recording transactions to the computer and the daily procurement and petty cash payments. A security officer to guard the premises and four waiters to aid in taking orders and deliveries will also be employed by the company. The number of employees will be increased as need arises when the management feel the need to augment the company operations to meet increasing demand. 4. Production plan The production plan at Emirates Restaurant is a main facet for the company’s development and success. This is evidenced by the need for efficiency in inventory management and maintaining healthy foods and high quality for safety of the consumers. This will aid in avoiding costly lawsuits and a taint in the reputation of the company. i. Food Safety Apart from ensuring efficient production, careful inventory handling by the employees of Emirates Restaurant will aid as a measure to minimize food borne illnesses. This ensures no d amage to clients, which can ruin the restaurant’s reputation and emergence of costly lawsuits. Emirates Restaurant will ensure food safety is maintained through meticulous stock rotation and keeping food in apposite temperatures. ii. Inventory Management This entails the need by the management and production personnel to ensure the inventory ordered are enough to meet orders made but in right quantities for use before they spoil. The main reason for ensuring this is to avoid excess inventory. Excess inventory is cumbersome and retard the production process. Comparison of time periods in relation to seasonal demand fluctuations are the methods the management will make use of in ensuring there is efficiency in inventory management. iii. Employee training on handling Supplies Cases of unforeseen circumstances in the production process including delay in inventory and malfunctioning of equipment require trained and informed staff to ensure exercise of discretion as the situation requires. This will create efficiency in the production process and avoid losses to the restaurant due to timely and conscious adjustment of the production process by the employees as the situation calls. iv. Keeping of Records Maintenance of current and detailed records of the production

Monday, January 27, 2020

Link Between CSR and HRM

Link Between CSR and HRM Corporate social responsibility (CSR) prevails in the past four decades. A great number of companies embed CSR principles into their daily business practices. The CSR practices are always subject to debates. Some researchers agree with the benefits of CSR for organizations, whereas others question the nature of CSR and argue that it conflict with business profitability. Definition of CSR has been developed by various researchers; it varies in different context. World Business Council for Sustainable Development (1999 cited in Viljanen and Lahteenmaki, 2009) defined CSR as is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as the local community and society at large. Furthermore, CSR is defined as treating the stakeholders of the firm ethically or in a responsible manner (Hopkins, 2003, p.1, cited in Fenwick and Bierema, 2008). Similarly, in the study by Melynyte and Ruzevicius (2008), CSR was regarded to meet economic, social, environmental and ethical requirements of stakeholders. Moreover, Syed and Kramar (2008) cited the definition of CSR by EU: a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with stakeholders on a voluntary basis. Based on the definition by previous researchers, the author understands CSR from three aspects: 1) Voluntary actions. 2) Concerns of stakeholders, local community and society. 3) The economic, ethical, social and environmental (positive) impacts of business operations. Melynyte and Ruzevicius (2008) summarized CSR activities on the basis of previous research, including ensuring staffs health and safety at work, developing equal rights, providing continuous trainings, being responsible for consumers and customers, decreasing negative impact in environment, generating ecological products and services as well as participating in society activities. In this paper, the author will illustrate two points of views: HRM should be linked to CSR; such a link is still realistic in the current tough economic climate. Both of standpoints are explained on the basis of different perspectives and arguments in previous literature. Part Two: Link between HRM and CSR 2.1 literature debates In this part, four debates are identified, namely, feasibility of such link versus impossibility, classical views versus stakeholder theory, benefits from CSR actions versus CSR without returns, as well as soft HRM versus hard HRM. Winstanley et al (1996) indicated that ethical concerns, such as job insecurity and insufficient regard for the autonomy of staff, should be expressed when criticizing contemporary HRM; it is also important that HR professionals engage with ethical issues. However, some researchers think that the ethical treatment of employees is impossible. Claydon (2000) explained it on the basis of the Marxist perspective on capital and labour relations. He thought that fundamental contradiction exists between capital and labour, so it is impossible to make working conditions more ethical. In addition, Legge (2000)- from the perspective of utilitarianism- indicated that even though it is likely that ethical HRM will be found among the core workers, it is difficult to be found among sub-contracted or agency workers. The study by Friedman (1970 cited in Greenwood, 2002) suggested that business has sole responsibility of making profit for its shareholders and should maximize its profits. He believed that the social responsibility is fundamentally contrary to the principle of free-market economy. This classical view emphasized the sole benefit of shareholders, which was related to ethical egoism; it implies that corporations should pay little attention to building CSR into management system. This classical view was countered by stakeholder theory, which not only presents a conceptual framework of analysis of HRM (Ferrary, 2009), but also offers corporations a new way of thinking organizational responsibilities (Jamali, 2008). The stakeholder theory was defined by Freeman (1984) that managers have a responsibility to attend to all who has a stake in organizations. Similarly, Greenwood and Cieri (2007: 128) indicated managers must act in the interests of stakeholders and management must engage stakeholders in decision-making. Freeman (1984) also gave the definition of stakeholder as any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of organization objectives, consisting of shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers. In addition to traditional interest groups, local communities and environment- regarded as silent stakeholders- should be included (Simmons, 2004 cited in Jamali, 2008). This theory suggested that corporations should turn attention to considerations beyond direct profit maximization, because the needs of shareholders cannot be met without satisfying to some degree the needs of other stakeholders (Jamali, 2008). Since employees are regarded as key stakeholders, corporations must be responsible for staff and take them into consideration to large extent in managerial decision making. It implies that HRM should be linked to CSR. Papasolomou et al (2005) illustrated CSR actions to employees, such as building family-friendly work environment, sharing information with staff, offering equal reward and pay, administering diversity management in terms of selection and promotion, providing training and long-term development to all staff as well as encouraging staff engaging in social activities. Moreover, some researcher (such as Friedman) emphasized that companies should put the profit object first (Woodall and Winstanley, 2000), so CSR actions are minimized. It seems that primacy of the profit motive becomes a primary reason why researchers and managers oppose to connect HRM with CSR or minimize CSR activities. Some researchers questioned whether the company can obtain returns when adopting CSR initiatives (Heugens and Dentchev, 2007). On the contrary, many researchers hold that CSR can offer potential profits and improve long-term corporate profitability. Brammer et al (2007) indicated that it pays off when HRM is linked with CSR, on the ground that CSR is beneficial to the attraction, retention and motivation of employees. Similarly, Bohdanowicz and Zientara (2008) considered that corporations can get payoff in the long run if they treated ethically to employees. In addition, CSR play a critical role in enhancing employees job satisfaction and further organizational comm itment, both of which affect employees performance and workplace behavior (turnover and workplace deviation). Melynyte and Ruzevicius (2008) also hold similar views: the combination of CSR and HRM does indirect positive influence to the organizations financial results through influencing staffs morale, job motivation and loyalty to organizations. Furthermore, in the study by Michie and Sheehan-Quinn (2001 cited in Viljanen and Lahteenmaki, 2009), soft HRM approach, named as high-road HRM, regards employees as resource, which is valuable to continuously develop, and makes efforts to increase employee commitment. On the contrary, hard HRM, called as low-road HRM, is lack of organization promise to job security and pay little attention to the staff training. It seems that soft HRM advocate HRM should be linked to CSR whereas hard HRM do not take CSR into account. However, Legge (1995) indicated that even though some corporations make a display of soft HRM, it is hard in reality. 2.2 HRM should be linked with CSR On the basis of analysis of previous academic debates, the author personally supports that HRM should be linked to CSR. It will be explained from four aspects. Above all, it is possible to integrate HRM with CSR, although some writers explained the impossibility of this kind of integration (as mentioned above, Claydon and Legge). In the study by Vuontisjarvi (2006), sub-themes of CSR, which refer to the integration of CSR and HRM, were identified: training and development, employee involvement, job security, employee health and well-being, equal opportunities, work-life balance and diversity management. Many corporations took on a series of HRM practices which is linked with the principle of CSR. In the case of PSA Peugeot Citroen, which is a famous French car manufacturer, diversity management was adopted. This company not only sought diversity workforce through recruiting a ration of non-French employees and secondary school graduates in the local city, but also ensure the equal treatment of each staff and non-discrimination. In 2003, the company recruited 129 non-French employees (including 45 women), who are in position of engineers and managers, which account for 10% of new staff. In addition, age issue also was taken into consideration. In 2003, 60% of new staff were younger than 30; 13% of new staff were older than 40. Furthermore, all employees had equal rights to be informed what vacancies are available because all the information was publicized on the company intranet. Further measures also include offering apprenticeships to people who were difficult to find job. (Syed an d Kramar, 2008) In addition to PSA Peugeot Citroen, many cases- such as retraining programme offered to staff by Deutsche Bank in the climate of redundancy (Syed and Kramar, 2008)- prove the feasibility of integration of CSR and HRM practices. Secondly, according to stakeholder theory, firms not only meet the requirements of shareholders but also satisfy employees. A series of responsible HRM practices- such as work-life balance (offer female employee childcare support or flexible working time) as well as initiatives mentioned above- meet the requirements of staff. Moreover, in addition to money, employees are also provided the the feeling of meaningfulness and possibility to take responsibility for quality of future generations life (Melynyte and Ruzevicius, 2008). That companies offer chance to staff to join social activities meet the psychological needs of employees. Given these reasons, HRM should be linked with CSR. Thirdly, the issue of business profitability becomes the bones of contention. Some researchers refuse to build CSR into HRM practices because of consideration of the corporation profits. However, a lot of research (as mentioned above) indicates that potential profits can be obtained if companies effectively incorporate CSR rules into HRM practices. In the case of Scandic (Bohdanowicz and Zientara, 2008), a famous hotel in Scandinavia, CSR was embedded into HRM, which is a part of Omtanke programme. Scandic strives for treating equally all staff. For instance, when the company planed to design new working clothes, different nationalities of employees were taken into consideration. As a result, headband, a part of uniform, is not compulsory to wear. Moreover, all staff were congregated to discuss what CSR actions to community should be adopted. Employees were offered opportunities of information sharing as well as rights of participation of decision-making. In addition, with regard to employee health, the hotel propagated the information about cancer to employees in the form of lectures; the company also assisted staff to quit smoke through offering guidance. Scandic showed that the firm indeed cared for its staff by implementing these initiatives (equal treatment, information sharing as well as health of employees). The outcome of this study revealed that these responsible HRM practices were beneficial to enhancement of employees job satisfaction (employees feel that they are cared), thereby affecting work performance and behavior. As a result, employees performance well, namely offering the high quality of service for customers and the turnover has decreased, all of which are regarded as potential profits of corporation. Therefore, CSR principles should be integrated into HRM practices because it benefits for company by improving job satisfaction, enhancing organizational commitment, advancing employees performance and decreasing the turnover. Finally, even if CSR is sometimes described as window-dressing, it actually helps corporations to establish good image and reputation, which is conducive to HRM. The company who takes CSR measures is more attractive to candidates (Greening and Turban, 2000, cited in Brammer et al). In modern times, CSR has become the trend, potential employees, especially new graduates, prefer to work in the corporation which has strong social responsibility and good reputation. Likewise, Bohdanowicz and Zientara (2008) indicated that socially responsible company can more likely attract and retain employees who care about green issues. In addition, since the company which integrates HRM with CSR advertises the equal treatment and non-discrimination during recruitment and promotion, potential staff are more likely to apply for this kind of company. Therefore, CSR help the corporation to have competitive edge over other firms which pay little attention to CSR initiatives during recruitment Furthermore, employees are always proud of working in socially responsible firm which has good reputation, thereby they have more loyalty and commitment to the organization, which makes employees stay longer in this company (Bohdanowicz and Zientara 2008). In the case of Babyfood which is famous for socially and environmentally responsible food company, a good reputation is considered as the primary factor enhancing staffs loyalty and motivation. The research show that although employees satisfaction is not pronounced compared with other food companies, and salaries are even lower than average in this industry, staff are still willing to work in this company due to its good reputation. Babyfoods rate of turnover is 20% lower than food industry average. (Lamberti and Lettieri, 2009) In sum, Since CSR, leading to good image of company, is beneficial to recruitment and retaining of employees, CSR should be embedded into HRM. Additional advantages of integration of HRM and CSR were identified in the study of Melynyte and Ruzevicius (2008): establishing partnership environment, increasing customers satisfaction and trust as well as attracting external investments. All in all, HRM should be linked to CSR because of its feasibility and positive effectiveness. 2.3 Links between HRM and CSR HRM refer to the issues in people management and treatment of employees; many CSR approaches stress the significance of meeting the requirements of employees who are regarded as key stakeholder. Therefore, how to deal with employees becomes a key point when analyzing the link between HRM and CSR. In addition, Syed and Kramar (2008) indicated that the integration of HRM and CSR can be achieved when they get support from employers, investors as well as institutions. Melynyte and Ruzevicius (2008) reviewed previous research about links between HRM and CSR and then summarized three forms of links. 1) CSR functions identical to HRM functions (interdependent link). 2) HRM functions making impact on CSR (SR activities emerging from HRM). 3) CSR functions making direct or indirect impact on HRM (how SR activities make impact on HRM). The first one includes removing child and enforced labor, establishing healthy and safe work environment, safeguard individual rights, offering job security, producing the process of justice, ensuring equal treatment of staff and diversity management, designing reasonable and flexible working hours (e.g. holiday time and work at night) as well as equal pay and welfare benefits. Secondly, HRM functions can influence CSR. Many practices can be identified. a) HR manager can plan and initiate CSR activities, such as mobilizing employees to recycle paper. b) The process of recruitment, selection and dismissal can be judicial and transparent. c) Managers share information with employees and staff participate in decision-making. d) When companies are faced with changes, HR manager still need to take social responsibility into consideration and ensure staff rights. e) Corporations provide continuous training to employees. f) Employers strive for meeting staff needs, such as addressing the issue of work-life balance and providing medical insurance. Finally, CSR functions also influence HRM. For example, while recruiting, CSR activities are advertised in order to attract competent candidates. In addition, social responsibility issues are introduced to staff. Moreover, employees engage in the CSR activities initiated by companies they work in. Furthermore, CSR can be used as an element of the system of appraisal, reward and promotion (Syed and Kramar, 2008). Part three: the link between HRM and CSR in the circumstance of global financial crisis In the current social-economic environment, global financial crisis is ongoing, thereby leads to mass restructuring and redundancies. A number of HR actions are conducted to react to the economic crisis. Many debates about CSR or ethics and HRM emerge. Based on different perspectives in precious research, the author will explain her own view: in the climate of global financial crisis the link between HRM and CSR is still realistic. Mankelow (2008) indicated that responsible HRM are adopted because employees are regarded as key resource to maintain competitive edge in market. The purpose of CSR actions to employees is to improve work efficiency and increase business profitability. It implies that although the importance of CSR is admitted, it after all services for the business profits and is inferior to the significance of corporation benefits. In the current financial crisis, it is no doubt that companies fight with survival firstly and CSR may be neglected. In addition, He suggested that socially responsible activities to staff are subject to certain conditions. It seems that CSR should base on appropriate economic conditions; it is a challenge to connect CSR with HRM in the face of tough economic environment (Mankelow, 2008). Although the link between HRM and CSR is questioned in current environment (can company can afford CSR in global financial crisis? Or CSR should be subject to business benefit, and the current condition does not permit the implementation of CSR), some researchers indicate the possibility that CSR is embedded into HRM in the environment of financial crisis. For example, In the study by Jones et al (2000), good image and reputation, established through CSR actions and other initiatives, can protect corporations from the decline of market in the chaotic economic environment; the stock price of firms with good image fall less than those without good reputation. Schnietz and Epstein (2005) held a similar view. Therefore, CSR is conducive to financial performance even in such tough circumstance. Furthermore, some researchers consider that it is costly to embed CSR principles into HRM practices. For instance, many employers are unwilling to notify downsizing plans in advance, which is a responsible HRM practice, on the ground that the productivity will decrease, employee will lose morale and turnover increase, all of which is costly (Leana and Feldman, 1992, cited in Forde et al, 2009). On the contrary, Hopkins and Hopkins (1999, cited in Forde et al, 2009) suggested that advance notification virtually minimize the costs, because it alleviates the pressure of post-layoff through retraining employees and offering counseling. It implies that some actions comprising CSR principles can be helpful to cost-saving. In current climate of global financial crisis, redundancy and restructuring is inevitable. However, it does not mean that the link between HRM and CSR is unrealistic. Socially responsible restructuring is identified, which embed CSR principles into restructuring. It was defined as the use of one or more approaches to consciously take into account the interest of all the organizations stakeholders- managers, owners/shareholders, workers, as well as the large community (International Labour Organization, 2002, cited in Forde et al, 2009). Since restructuring and redundancies are also parts of HRM functions (Redman and Wilkinson, 2001), socially responsible restructuring can be regarded as special integration of HRM and CSR in special economic circumstance. Forde et al (2009) proposed that- from the perspective of business case- socially responsible restructuring are implemented because it can be beneficial to the competitiveness of company. However, Heller (2009 cited in Forde et al, 2009) argued that with the intensity of global financial crisis and increases of redundancy, fewer corporations take up socially responsible restructuring. In fact, Legislation and labor market policies are enacted and implemented to advance companies to adopt socially responsible restructuring measures. For example, Trade Adjustment Assistance Act is used to promote social accountability when redundancy and layoff increase (Office of the US Trade Representative, 2009, cited in Forde et al, 2009). Therefore, with the support of legislation and government policies, the link between HRM and CSR is realistic even if it is faced with deepening economic crisis. Viljanen and Lahteenmaki (2009) analyzed different HR reactions to global financial crisis from two HRM philosophies: hard and soft. Hard HRM is in pursuit of maximal short-term saving and obtain cost efficiency by direct personnel cuts. On the contrary, soft HRM seek for the maintenance of business in the long run. The HR actions according to this kind of approach include dismiss employees temporarily, implementing pension plans as well as offering support to staff in the face of redundancy (such as outplacement services and retraining). Legge (2005 cited in Forde et al, 2009) concluded that in order to seek for profits, companies are forced to take hard HRM actions, such as direct personnel cuts. Moreover, collapsed market also compels employers to strive for cost-saving by directly cutting headcounts of employees. It seems that HRM actions easily turn hard in the circumstance of global financial crisis. It is indeed a challenging for company not only to strive for survival in tough environment and make the balance of short and long term profits, but also to maintain its good reputation and performance reliable employer. Although these activities appear to be hard in common situation, when they are located in the climate of economic crisis, HRM seems not to be hard. It is possible to integrate CSR with HRM during global financial crisis. (Forde et al, 2009) It is impossible that companies can meet requirements of all stakeholders (including shareholders and employees). In the tough economic environment, what firm can do is to strive for minimizing the loss of benefits of all stakeholders and avoid direct personnel cut (hard HRM). Therefore, CSR can play a potential role in restructuring, on the ground that socially responsible restructuring minimize negative influence of layoffs and redundancy. whilst at present we do not have a viable CSR tool for the successful anticipation and management of corporate change, there are a range of possibilities for connecting restructuring to CSR (Forde et al, 2009). It affirms the viability of the link between HRM and CSR. Indeed, considering that in the environment of financial crisis CSR is beneficial to financial performance, that some actions comprising CSR principles can minimize the costs and that socially responsible restructuring are promoted by legislation and government policies, it is realistic and feasible to integrate HRM with CSR in current economic environment. Three case studies will be illustrated to prove that such link is possible in the face of tough economic environment. In the case study of steel industry in the UK (Corus and ASW), previous to the declaration of layoffs, both Corus and ASW offer high level of training which enhances the employability of employees and help them adapt to changing environment. In addition, ASW held a formal meeting to notify employees in advance that company will lay off staff because of unstable financial situation. During the period of announcement of layoffs, Corus did not put layoff planes into action immediately. Instead, it offered 90-day consultation time. Moreover, in the period of implementation of layoffs, companies establish equitable criteria to choose employees who should be laid off. At Corus plants, workers who were voluntary to leave were hunted prior to the adoption of compulsory redundancy; early retirement schemes were implemented, namely employees, in the age of fifty and above, can retire early with sufficient pension. Furthermore, Corus offer criteria for the selection of redeployment. In addition , many support activities were administered, such as offering information about job opportunities and career advice, providing retraining programme as well as offering counseling. Deutsche Bank also did well in combining CSR with HRM practices in the climate of restructuring. Many HRM actions were devised to help staff whom the bank laid off to find another job. Vocational retraining and job coaching (e.g. advice for job applications) were offered. Staff were redeployed by internal temporary work agency. Both internal (e.g. HR advisers) and external counseling were provided. In addition, the bank also offer part-time working and have outplacement activities (Syed and Kramar, 2008). Another case is Hotel Villa Magna-Park Hyatt. In 2007, the hotel implement redecoration programme which lasted for 14 months rather than lay off employees. The company showed that it truly care for staff by providing chances for employees to participate in all activities (Bohdanowicz and Zientara, 2008). In a sense, the integration of HRM and CSR is realistic by insert CSR principles into redundancy and restructuring, even though it is different from the responsible HRM practices in normal circumstance (such as job security and work-life balance). Part Four: conclusion In this research, the author demonstrated that HRM should be linked to CSR. It was explained with references to academic debates from four aspects. Firstly, such link is feasible on the ground of reality that responsible HRM actions are actually adopted by many companies. Secondly, according to stakeholder theory, corporations should strive for meeting the requirement of all stakeholders (including shareholders and employees). CSR actions can meet the psychological needs of employees. Next, the integration of HRM and CSR can bring about potential profits by improving job satisfaction, enhancing organizational commitment, advancing employees performance and decreasing the turnover. Finally, CSR is conducive to establishment of good reputation of companies, thereby help employers recruit and retain employees. In addition, socially responsible restructuring is regarded as the special links between HRM and CSR in such tough economic climate. The researcher also proposed that such link is still realistic in the current climate of restructuring and redundancies on the ground that it helps companies set up better reputation, which can alleviate the economic loss of firms in collapsed market, that it can be beneficial to cost-saving in the face of redundancy and that it is supported by legislation and government policies. Although restructuring and redundancy are considered as hard HRM actions, such link seems to be soft in current tough climate.

Sunday, January 19, 2020

The Soldier by Rupert Brooke

â€Å"The Soldier† A Detailed Look at a Criticized Poem Grief, death, devastation: with the strong exception of Rupert Brooke, these were the themes reflected in most war poetry during WWI. Brooke laced his poetry with sentimentality and nationalism, which was very different from the themes of other works during the time. Many people love and admire his poems, but despite his poetry being criticized by the public, Rupert Brooke was a talented young poet throughout World War I. This poem was first published in Brooke’s book of sonnets, 1914 rightly named for the year they were authored. WWI was an influential time for poetry and a catalyst for an important movement in poetry; war poetry. The poetry of this time reflected the feelings of the general public at the commencement of WWI. Brooke’s â€Å"The Soldier,† though seen as a hymn to the great nation of England during WWI, is today seen as overly sentimental and as romanticizing the horrors of the war through strong figurative language and symbols (â€Å"The Soldier†). The theme reflected most prominently in â€Å"The Soldier,† patriotism, is seen again in many of Brooke’s war sonnets, but not commonly in the poetry of emerging poets during the war. Brooke is notorious for his use of sentimentality and nationalism in his war poetry. The voice in â€Å"The Soldier† talks about his untimely death in a fiercely patriotic manner, undaunted by his likely demise. When referring to the foreign field in which he will be buried, he describes it with â€Å"†¦there’s some corner of a foreign field that is forever England. There shall be in that rich earth a richer dust concealed† (Brooke). In these lines Brooke is saying that the dust, the earth, in which he is buried in will be richer because an English soldier lies in it; because a piece of England lies beneath the earth. Through this statement, Brooke is associating the soldier in the poem with England, making him not just English, but England. Patriotism shines through again in the next lines, â€Å"A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware,/ Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam,/ A body of England’s, breathing English air†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Brooke). â€Å"A body of England’s† supports Brooke’s embodiment of soldiers as not only English, but England. It is these examples of Brooke’s strong patriotism reflected in his poetry that created the riticism for its maudlin nature (â€Å"The Soldier†). In continuation, the second most prominent theme employed by Brooke is the notion of transformation, which is distinguished clearly throughout â€Å"The Soldier. † The second stanza was a prime example of the conversion displayed in the poem. The line in the second stanza, â€Å"And think, this heart, all evil shed away† (Brooke) implies a tr ansformation from a soldier, ordinary and human, to a cleansed soul who will live forever through England. The second stanza is saying that with death for your country comes great honor and transformation into a pure soul, forever remembered for fighting to the end for their country. By making yourself a martyr, you have â€Å"cleansed your soul† and this is a great transformation. This idea is what inspired soldiers to be willing to die for their country, and to want to fight for England. Brooke is saying that there is a larger purpose that can be achieved through death, which is another example of Brooke romanticizing the war and death. To soldiers, the thought of being transformed into a great soul, forever linked to your nation because of your connection with England, is consistent throughout, which is why transformation is a prominent theme of the poem (â€Å"The Soldier†). The figurative language in â€Å"The Soldier† defines the poem and displays the message, but also supports the fact that Brooke’s poem approaches the horrors of war in an indirect and romantic manner. When Brooke refers to â€Å"some corner of a foreign field† he is using the field as a symbol for the simple graveyards soldiers were buried in. Here, Brooke is addressing the war in a lighter tone, which critic Chris Semansky criticized Brooke for. The line in â€Å"The Soldier† addressing how the earth in which an English soldier is richer again uses a light symbol for a serious subject of war. Brooke refers to dust as a body in the line, â€Å"In that rich earth a richer dust concealed;† (Brooke). Dust is used again in the next line, â€Å"A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Brooke). In both lines â€Å"dust† is a symbol for a dead soldier. Another example of Brooke’s figurative language is his repetition of England in his poem. This is another prime example of the theme of patriotism that is presented throughout in â€Å"The Soldier. † Critic Bruce Meyer calls attention to more use of symbols in the poem, including the line, â€Å"And think, this heart, all evil shed away† (Brooke) which is symbolizing a man being purified before offering himself as a lamb to the slaughter (Meyer). The poem also uses an Petrarchan and Shakespearean rhyme scheme, using an alternating rhyme scheme of ABABCDCD rhyme scheme in the first stanza, which is Shakespearean, and then in the second stanza, a EFGEFG rhyme scheme, which is Petrarchan. Many of Brooke’s poems use a Shakespearean alternation rhyme scheme consistently. The entire style of the poem remains â€Å"English,† polite and â€Å"gentlemanly,† and the style matches the figurative language and poetry techniques used: symbols to lighten the poetry’s subject and a Shakespearean rhyme scheme (â€Å"The Soldier†). Furthermore, the time in which Brooke’s â€Å"The Soldier† was written is crucial to understanding not only the poem, but why â€Å"The Soldier† has slipped from a famous to infamous piece of literature. The poem was written in 1914, at the beginning of WWI, during which Brooke had enlisted in the Royal Naval Division. Archduke Franz Ferdinand and Sarajevo, his wife, were murdered by Serbian nationalists, which had catapulted England into WWI (â€Å"The Soldier†). This was a time when England was sending their young men off to fight, without the assurance that they would return home. The public was coping with the deaths of their sons and husbands, and Brooke’s poem was playing to the times. It was a reassurance to the general public about the war and the death occurring, and its strong level of patriotism was met with the public’s own patriotism, as critic Semansky reiterates (â€Å"Semansky†). Brooke had war experience himself, through the Royal Naval Division, but was not fighting on the front lines or having any major experiences in war. He spent his first assignment assisting civilians in the evacuation of Antwerp, though he was originally assigned to help hold down the Channel ports with the navy. He did not complete his next assignment, to take back Constantinople from the Turks, because of his death, of fever, on the way to Gallipoli. Brooke did not have the immense war experience many other poets of the war had, and it influenced the demeanor of his poetry. Other war poets, Sassoon, Owens and Rosenburg did not adopt Brooke’s heavily patriotic views, but rather questioned his attitude towards the war. By the public, â€Å"The Soldier† was revered, but as the war continued, and eventually ended and the horrors of the war made themselves more evident, â€Å"The Soldier† was thought of as sentimental literature, and not as a personification of the war (â€Å"The Soldier†). In conclusion, Rupert Brooke’s â€Å"The Soldier† reflected the attitude of England during the start of WWI, a comparison which has made it both famous and infamous. The historical context of the poem, the background being WWI, is a key to complete understanding the poem and the reason for its notoriousness. â€Å"The Soldier† gives you a small insight into the ideology of soldiers and the public, who were looking for a deeper meaning for the death and destruction occurring. Through this, the poem informs your understanding of Rupert Brooke’s reactions to England, the war, and the mayhem of the beginning of the war. His general attitude towards the war was strongly patriotic, and criticized for being as sentimental as it was. Brooke, as you can determine through the poem, felt that death during the war was a sacrifice for England that would ultimately be rewarded in the afterlife, and that it was the greatest show of devotion that one could show for their country. He felt strongly for England, and appealed to the people, but his poetry lost its appeal as the war progressed and the lightness in which Brooke regarded the war was recognized (Semansky). Through the fact that â€Å"The Soldier† was accepted during 1914, you can make the connection that the public shared Brooke’s view of hope for a deeper meaning to the war and death. â€Å"The Soldier† meshes with Rupert Brooke’s ideology, experiences and style, as well as with the time period. Though Brooke’s fiercely patriotic and light take on WWI in â€Å"The Soldier† strongly appealed to the public as they coped with loss during the commencement of WWI, its sentimentality has been criticized for romanticizing the war and masking the true horrors England was experiencing. If I should die, think only this of me: That there's some corner of a foreign field That is for ever England. There shall be In that rich earth a richer dust concealed; A dust whom England bore, shaped, made aware, Gave, once, her flowers to love, her ways to roam, A body of England's, breathing English air, Washed by the rivers, blest by suns of home. And think, this heart, all evil shed away, A pulse in the eternal mind, no less Gives somewhere back the thoughts by England given; Her sights and sounds; dreams happy as her day; And laughter, learnt of friends; and gentleness, In hearts at peace, under an English heaven. WORKS CITED: Brooke, Rupert. â€Å"The Soldier. † Poet’s Corner. 1914. http://www. theotherpages. org/poems/brooke01. html. Meyer, Bruce. â€Å"The Soldier. † Poetry for Students. Ed. Mary Ruby and Ira Milne. Vol. 7. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2000. 217-227. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Springfield Township High School. 9 Nov. 2008 . Semansky, Chris. The Soldier. † Poetry for Students. Ed. Mary Ruby and Ira Milne. Vol. 7. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2000. 217-227. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Springfield Township High School. 9 Nov. 2008 . â€Å"The Soldier. † Poetry for Students. Ed. Mary Ruby and Ira Milne. Vol. 7. Detroit: Thomson Gale, 2000. 217-227. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Gale. Springfield Township High School. 9 Nov. 2008 .

Friday, January 10, 2020

Police Brutality, Have Times Really Changed Essay

The history of Police Brutality for minorities; especially people of color has left America wondering have times changed. Police brutality has deemed the opportunity for socioeconomic advancement or access to good and services for many Black/African Americans dating back as far as 1955. The system of Police brutality has affected many realms of society for minorities’ employment and family life. After some scholarly research, police brutality is still prevalent in the Black/African American community; moreover, it comes in many different forms and fashions. Police brutality is the use of excessive and/or unnecessary force by police when dealing with civilians. Excessive use of force is a means of force well beyond what would be necessary in order to handle a situation. This research seeks to understand the history of police brutality and how it continues to be prevalent; if not, more prevalent in presently than in the past. The history of police brutality dates back to slavery, encompasses the civil rights movement, and defines the growing accounts of modern situation in which Blacks/African Americans have been treated wrong by law enforcement. Elijah Anderson (2000) claims, â€Å"the idea of the race man goes back to the segregated Black/African American community, in fact all the way back to slaver† (Elijah Anderson, 2). Modern leaders like Jesse Jackson could be viewed as a race man; meaning, his help is deeply imbedded when he feels the Black/African American community has been treated unjust. As a leaders of the Black/African American community, there is always a time to become actively involved in the community, especial pertaining to police brutality. Secondly, Emmett Till is another example of police brutality, but in another form. Note, Emmett Till was not beaten by the police; however, his brutal beaten came from a group of white men in Money, Mississippi. I define this travesty as police brutality due to the milestone of social inequality that police brutality has fed off of. Bob Blauner (1992) reveals, â€Å"Chicagoan Emmett Till in Mississippi has been awakening to the end of social equality (Bob Blauner, 1). Instances such as the brutal killing of Emmett Till led to the civil rights movement. The civil rights movement was geared toward  helping not only Blacks/African American community, but helping America dismantle discrimination, segregation, lynching, double standards of laws and rules, police brutality and overall equality. The civil rights movement was filled with many acts of police brutality. For instance, a woman in Riverside, California was shot several times by law enforcement officers. They claim they were threaten by her, but had no idea this woman was engulfed in a diabetic coma. Legalized Cop Violence (1999) shares, â€Å"Dontae Dawson was sitting in his car and was ordered to raise his hands, when he did he fatally shot and killed the officer claims he thought the young man had a gun† The New York News, 12). The civil rights era proved that law enforcement officers did not serve the poor, the powerless or the un-influential. The legalized violence that was committed throughout the civil rights era has drastically changed; however, police brutality is still presently evident. For instance, officers of the law are servants of the state. They hold deeply to the interest of capital, wealth, and government to corporate figures. Currently, Black/African American leaders are still dealing with the vicious killing of two youth. These two particular situations has rocked the nation. First, Trayvon Martin, who was seventeen years old was walking from a community store in Sanford, Florida and was shoot to death at close range. No, he was not shot by the police; moreover, this situation has ignited once again racial inequality which is no stranger to police brutality. Although Trayvon Martin’s assassin was found not guilty, laws in the State of Florida allows citizens to stand they ground if they feel threaten. The 2014 State Statues of Florida 76.013 reveals, â€Å"home protection; use or threatened use of deadly force; presumption of fear of death or great bodily harm† is permitted. Despite the important racial progresss our society has made since Emmett Till’s death, from the civil rights era, to present increase of police brutality has still left the Black/African American community in shadows of segregation. The second most recent shooting of teenager Michael Brown has left citizens in ongoing battles with law enforcement officers of Ferguson, Missouri. New Statement (2014) reports, Missouri police similarly attempted to retain control of the narrative, claiming Brown had stolen cigars, and then paying for them, and then claiming he was a bad child and attacked the officer who shot him† (New Statement, 21). Brown autopsy reveals he was gun less and shot six  times. Police brutality is not solely about Ferguson, Emmett Till, or the civil rights movement, but it is simply about the history of capitalism and police brutality in America and having many forms of it. Which leads us to the question has times really changed are is police brutality still very surreal. Granted we talked mostly about Emmet Till, Trayvon Martin Michael Brown, and the civil rights these are not the only men or eras in time where police brutality has and still to this day is taking place. A few others who have suffered and died from police brutality include: Ezzel Ford who was mentally disabled and John Crawford III who was playing with a toy gun in the toy section of Wal-Mart. I know there are more people and time eras that have faced police brutality but these are just a few that are having a major impact on the world as we see it today. Which rises brings us to the question is Police Brutality the problem or as we as African America/ Blacks causing the problems and then when police are called to settle or solve the problem we over react or act as if we have done nothing wrong. Some cases in which police were called to a scene and they were hurt or out in danger include in July of 1920 five police were called to a home in New York to settle a dispute between two brothers where in return all five of the cops were injured, another time is in September of 1991 when three of duty officers in the state of New York were in a argument with a 18year old who in return pulled out a box cutting razor knife slashing one of the officers. Now I am not saying that because of these incidents this gives cops a reason to act the way that they do, but my question again is are we as African Americans/Blacks completely innocent or do we sometimes react to situations when cops are just doing their jobs that make them feel threatened so they have to kill. Yet there are more and better ways to deal with situations. Just like we the people should not always resort to violence and killing and committing black on black or white on white crime police need to and should follow the same rules of the world. Every man woman boy and girl should be treated how they would want to be treated. I’m sure the way police treat African Americans/Blacks when we commit crimes is not how they would want their family and or friends to be treated. There are some people who think that the way to downgrade police brutality is to adopt more white ways specifically the white perspective and to manifest intensively. Granted this is true; however, I do believe that just like us African Americans can  sometimes over react and over step our boundaries, I believe that cops have a bad habit of doing this as well. Yes your job as a police officer is to protect and serve the communities that you are in but moreover we are all humans and at this day in age no one is better than the next person no matter what race ethnicity sex or community you live in we are all said to be treated equal but are we treated as equals? If we were would there be so much police brutality and hostility toward police. Since the Trayvon Martin, and Michael Brown case I can see and understand why so many people have so much hate in their hearts. Although Trayvon Martin was not shot by a police officer he was shot by â€Å"a watchman of the area† Which in my opinion means if you are here to watch our neighborhood and protect us then he should of known who Trayvon was he should have been tolerant t figure out if Trayvon was really a threat to the neighborhood or if he was just â€Å"overreacting and looking for somebody to shot† and the same with Michael Brown who was actually shot by police men were the jumping the gun and did not take the time to find out if he really was stealing or if there was a miscommunication which I believe that’s what it was. Which leaves us to the question with the belief that slavery has ended and that all people are equal; then why is that police have and continue to get away with the brutally killing of African Americans. Works Cited Abu-Jamal, M. (1999). Legalized Cop Violence. New York: The New York Amsterdam News. Anderson, E. (2000). Beyond the Melting Pot Reconsidering. International Migration Review , 1-7. Anderson, E. (2014). Emmett and Trayvon. Washington: The Washington Monthly. Blauner, B. (1992). Talking Past Each Other: The Black and White Language of Race. The American Prospect , 1-6. Edwards, B. (2014). 4 Dead Unarmed Men and the Police: What You Need to Know. The Root. Penny, L. (2014, August 20). Welcome to America, Where Police Shoot an Unarmered Black MAn Six Times-and then call him a Villain. New Statesman , pp. 22-28. Tucker, W. (1993, January). Is Police Brutality the Problem? Commentary , pp. 23-28.