John B. Watson and Behaviorism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

John B. Watson and Behaviorism - Essay Example This essay explains how Watson's work and ideas are different from those of who came before and after him, his contributions to psychology and the relevance of his work. It also looks at the applications of his psychological theory and the treatment methods that have been created from behaviorism. Watson used animal subjects to study behavior before later turning to the study of human behaviors and emotions. Most notably was his "Little Albert" study where he modified the boy's behavior through conditioning (Hothersall, 1995). He used the little boy Albert to test his behaviorist theory. He determined that white, furry objects, such as cotton, did not produce any negative reaction in the baby. But by pairing together a neutral stimulus such as white, furry objects with an unconditioned stimulus such as a very loud noise that elicited an unconditioned response such as fear, he was able to create a new stimulus-response link after several repetitions. Thus when Albert saw white, furry objects, he responded by becoming terrified. This conditioned fear was then shown to generalize to other white furry objects, including feathers and white hair or beards (Hothersall, 1995). Those psychologists who came before Watson such as Thorndike and Sigmund Freud held a totally different view. Sigmund Freud for instance often received harsh criticism from Watson due to his Freudian psychoanalysis theory (Hothersall, 1995). His work on the other hand influenced the modern behaviorists who "believe that all learning is simply conditioning, and that the conditioned response is the true unit of learned behavior." In fact, Watson was an important contributor to classical behaviorism, who paved the way for B. F. Skinner's radical or operant behaviorism, which is pivotal on modern educational systems (Hothersall, 1995). Even Ian Pavlov borrowed very much from Watson in conditioning his dogs. His contributions to psychology Many of the concepts and principles are still widely used today borrows heavily from behaviorism which dominates psychology. In fact, conditioning and behavior modification are still widely used in therapy and behavioral training to help clients change problematic behaviors and develop new skills (Hothersall, 1995). Obviously anyone who wants to manipulate others and compel them to do their bidding particularly governments and intelligence organizations uses the behaviorist theory. In fact, these two groups have spent the most money and the most time experimenting with the subject of behavioral psychology (Hothersall, 1995). Whether or not his work is still used in the field Watson's work is very evident even today. Modern behaviorists believe that their behavioral psychology have greatly influenced the field of educational psychology throughout the twentieth century. Accordingly, the process of education has been perceived in terms of such behavioral concepts as conditioning, reward and punishment as well as behavioral outcomes (Hothersall, 1995). Also, teaching methods have been devised with a view to rewarding desirable learning behavior with most educational aims being formulated in terms of conditioning human beings for desired purposes and behavioral outcome

Critically discuss difficulties you think an organisation development Essay

Critically discuss difficulties you think an organisation development approach might have in managing change in a large organisation (i.e greater than 1000 employees) - Essay Example these efforts are often directed at keeping the organisation up-to-date, reviving its strategies and fostering creativity or innovationist to keep up with the competition (Naghibi and Baban, 2010). One of such strategy is the initiation and implementation of the Organisation Development (OD) Approach- that is practitioner-driven intercession that influences organisation change to enhance the effectiveness (Uk.Sagepub.Com, n.d.). OD approach had its origin in the early 1930s when a group of psychologists realized that the organisational structure has an effect on both workers’ motivation and behaviour (Med.upenn.edu, 2014). The current OD system has extended to include policies of aligning organisations with swiftly evolving and complex business atmosphere through organisation training, skills management and organisation norms and values transformation (Med.upenn.edu, 2014). However, the process of implementing the OD is not always smooth as some of the difficulties may be experienced. The difficulties may be varied depending on the size of the organisation. For instances, a larger organisation (above 1000 employees) will often have its norms, and values documented than in small organisations (Huberths, 2012). Some of the difficulties experienced in managing change include individual resistance and organisational resistance to change. Several definitions have been generated to explain the meaning of organizational development, some of which are significant. According to Hitt and Middlemist, organizational development (OD) is a systematic way for planned change that engrosses the whole organization and is anticipated to boost organization’s efficiency (Learning Ace, 2014). Another definition by Cumming and Huse is that OD is a wide application system of behavioural science skills to the premeditated development and fortification of organizational strategies, processes, and structure, for fostering an organization’s efficiency (Cummings and Christopher,

How Homework can Help with Your Academic Success Essay Example for Free

How Homework can Help with Your Academic Success Essay Homework is an important part of the academic curriculum and it also plays a major role in ensuring academic success for the students. Let us talk at length about how homework can help in bringing about academic success. Homework primarily helps in building five skills which assist in attaining academic success. Those skills are as follows: Organization: Being organised is an essential ingredient in the recipe of academic success. One has to be meticulous in planning a study routine to ensure that all topics of all subjects are paid equal attention. Also, enough time for practice should be baked in the routine. It is this aspect that homework helps with and gives enough opportunity to a student to practice his/her lessons, which then paves the way of gaining mastery over a topic or subject. In addition keeping track of one’s homework makes a student more organized. Time management: Optimum utilization of time is the key to success in the field of academics. Often at times, one feels flustered and overwhelmed with the vast study syllabus or curriculum. Therefore, dividing one’s time efficiently and as per one’s strength and weakness is a matter of great importance. Homework provides the student with an opportunity to manage time. While doing the homework of a subject which is one’s weak area, he is devoting more time to that subject, which will help him in understanding the concepts better, thereby saving the student’s time as he need not revisit this subject again and can spend the rest of his time in doing other activities or can devote to other subjects. In addition, learning to plan his work well in order to submit the assignment or homework on time will help him/her build time management skills. Prioritization: The skill of being able to prioritize one’s task does not only help with academic success, but is a skill which will come handy throughout your life. If a student is confronted with multiple assignments or homework in multiple subjects, he/she needs to prioritize it based on some factors like submission date, the complexity level of the work, his/her proficiency level with the subject etc. While doing so, they will learn to identify elements based on the urgency and importance levels. Concentration: Undivided attention and wholehearted commitment to one’s study time are per-requisites for academic success. While doing one’s homework with complete focus, a student has to ensure that he is cut off from any kinds of distractions or interruptions and should devote all his stamina and attention in completing the homework effectively. Such single minded focus on completing one’s homework helps a student build his concentration, which proves to be very useful while studying during the time of the assessments or exams. Motivation: A student has to believe in self and has to remain motivated all the time to be successful in academics. Self-confidence is of prime importance for academic success and it can be built and retained only if an individual is motivated to achieve success. If one does his/her homework successfully and wins accolades for the same back in school, then he/she will be motivated to do well consistently, as nothing attracts success more than success itself. To summarize, if homework is done with seriousness and sincerity, then it can prove to be a very useful tool in achieving academic success.

Employee Relations In Human Resources Management Commerce Essay

Employee Relations In Human Resources Management Commerce Essay In general, employee relation is very important part of human resource management and employees is the heart of any organization. Mainly, employee relation known as from Employees are the resource of the organization and they are act as the companys creator to make successful in the competitive business world. On the other hand demotivated people become the tragedy for the company. According to Banfield and Kay (2008), Demotivated employees have an impact on the organization, but in different and more negative ways, This can include individual and less visible expressions of dissatisfaction, such as high absenteeism, poor timekeeping and low productivity, as well as collective action such as strikes and working to rule, all of which undermine the organizations ability to ensure its financial health and long-term competitiveness. In the words of Armstrong (2006), the components of employee relations as follow: Formal and informal policies and practices of the organisation. The development, negotiation and application of formal systems, rules and procedures for collective bargaining, handling disputes and regulating employment. Policies and practices for employee communications. Informal and formal process regulating the interactions between managers and employees. Policies of the government, management and trade unions. A number of parties including state, management, organisations, trade unions, employees, etc. The legal framework. Institutions (e.g. ACAS) and the employment tribunals. The bargaining structures, recognition and procedural agreements enabling the formal system to operate. Setting an employment relations policy requires work under a number of headings as suggested by From the above component, it is clear that principle of management, employer-employee relation, terms and condition, companys recruitment, training, performance appraisal and procedures are main factors for an organization to make sure the employee relations. In the employee relation, collective bargaining is very important in modern business world. The following figure shows the exact procedure of employee- employer relation through collective bargaining. Figure Reconciliation of interests between employers and employees Source: Resource Development International Ltd. (RDI), 2009 Originally, the employee relation known as an industrial relation. According to Armstrong (1994), industrial relations are conducted within the external context of the national Political environment, the international context and the internal context of the organisation. On the other hand, Collective bargaining is defined as the process of turning disagreements into agreements in an orderly fashion. Collective bargaining is the process followed to establish a mutually agreed set of rules and decisions between unions and employers for matters relating to employment. This is a regulating process dealing with the regulation of management and conditions of employment. Collective bargaining is used as the negotiation process between employees and employers with unions acting as the representatives of employees. Task b: What may McDonalds have considered in order to establish their approaches to collective bargaining in both Germany and the UK? According to Allan, C and et al (2006), Fast food is an important area of employment particularly for young people. McDonalds, the largest restaurant chain, has more than 30,000 restaurants around the world. A large proportion of its employees are young people. There is an international debate about the quality of jobs in fast food. McDonalds is the top brand name in the world and in the research work of Royle, T (1999), discuss about the fast food industries labour relation by referencing the McDonalds. McDonalds not only the world largest MNC but also the leading the sales system and growing up the employee relation. McDonalds follows the limited menus and highly standardized product and proper utilization of low skilled labour by proper training and guideline. UK is always following the US developing system from Second World War. They tried to develop the economic system like US, though as a part of Europe. At the beginning of 1980s, in UK there was rapidly de-industrializing because of rapid growing up of service sector like United State and becoming the real life British features. On the basis of that development they tried to follow American HRM system. According to Royle, T (2002), Until the 1980, the regulation of UK union activities had been minimal and they enjoyed reasonable statutory immunity from the strictures of common law, a system applies described as collective laissez fire. He also discuss about employee relation in Germany compare to UK employee relation. Compared with the UK industrial relations systems, the German system is more organized. German system is totally different from UK and the German system is highly justified and represents a clear structure of rights and responsibilities for both management and employees. Collective bargaining is normally carried out at advanced level of management and link between employers federation and trade union. McDonalds is not interested operating any trade union in their company. They are trying to mutual through their management. The main reason behind this is, the employees are part-time, temporary, low skilled. The company giving the facility and training-up as they need. If they got any problem, they solve by in-store management. There was problem with that employees are staying longer and majority of the employees are under 21. So, it is so quite impossible to involve with union and carryout the union fees. According to collecting bargaining approaches there are two forms of collective bargaining, conjunctive bargaining and cooperative bargaining. Conjunctive bargaining: This form of bargaining requires an agreement so operations to which both parties are dependent can continue. The agreement defines certain responsibilities for each party. Cooperative bargaining: This form of bargaining recognises that both parties are dependent on each other and it is in their best interest to obtain the support of each other. There are also two views on the relationship of management with trade unions, the unitary view and the pluralist view. Unitary view: According to this view, management regards its function as directing and controlling the workforce in order to achieve growth. Pluralist view: This view sees the organisation and its workforce as two forces in balance with mutual trust for their respected relationship supporting their efforts towards different objectives. In general, on basis of those above forms, McDonalds is mainly is not operating proper trade union relation. Both UK and Germany, they are operating their business by franchisee and more profit is coming from them. If their employees feel any problem, they negotiate with the employee by the management. They are not interested to involve with the trade union. But, the franchisee company, for their safety they are keeping small room for the union. Task b: How may McDonalds have considered individual bargaining as an alternative or additional approach in both Germany and the UK? What benefits and/or problems may this have brought in both countries? In employee relation collective bargaining is very important. According to Armstrong, for managing collective bargaining it should be consider the following factors Collective arrangements which may be practical (the framework) or basic (the outcome) of collective bargaining. The level at which bargaining should take place these days multi-employer bargaining is not common. Single-table bargaining where a number of unions are recognised in one workplace seems the most favourable option for organisations. Dispute resolution typically involving third parties as mediators. To follow the collective bargaining, there should be some mutual agreement and if there any problem with the agreement, they can make solution by procedure. Procedural agreements In these agreements the responsibilities of managers and employees are defined as well as the Procedure followed to make decisions. Definition of the agreement objectives Recognition of the unions negotiation rights General principles Statement of facilities granted to unions Provision for joint negotiation committees Negotiating procedure Provision for terminating the agreement Substantive agreements: These are not legally enforceable and focus on agreed terms regarding pay, working hours, holidays, overtime, regulations, etc. Partnership agreements: In partnership agreement both parties agree to work together for their mutual advantage. Reilly defines the common features of partnership as: a. Mutuality parties recognise common interest. b. Plurality areas of differences and common interest are recognised. c. Trust and respect for the intention d. Agreement without coercion solving problems through consensus. e. Involvement and voice opportunities for employees to shape their environment and express their views. f. Individualist and collectivist dimensions of the other side. Individual bargaining: It refers to the participation of single bargaining units. Organisations prefer these, due to: Inefficiency of multi-unit bargaining. Desire to achieve major changes. Necessity to introduce single status conditions. In individual collective bargaining some critical issues include: Commitment of management to the concept. Maintain negotiation levels. Ensure that managers will have flexibility when responding to employee demands. Willingness of management to discuss with representatives. The need to overcome previous rivalries. The need to guarantee representation rights to unions. Third party dispute resolution: There are three such processes: Conciliation third party facilitates the process to reach a decision. Arbitration issue is determined by the third party. Mediation providing formal but non-binding proposals. By seeing the all kind of collective bargaining, the individual collective bargaining looks very appropriate for the McDonalds in both Germany and UK and it is very helpful for considering as an alternative approach. Because of economic changes, deindustrialization and political factors are led to union to decline industrial relation. Also the both country, McDonalds is leading company and important for the economy. In the time individual bargaining become very popular for the small business and for McDonalds, especially when its coming under franchisee. There are so many benefits and problems are by following the individual bargaining in UK and Germany. The benefits are as follows: To meet the employees requirements Its giving the individual solution of the employee It contains the low administrative cost It giving the flexibility of employer-employee relation There are some problems with the individual bargaining. It increase the high dismissal rates, accidents and high labour turn-over and so on.This approach sometimes cannot fulfil the requirement of the employee. In time of negotiation it can be problem. The employee cannot individually bargain with all times with the employers for their wages and other facilities. Task c: How may the approach to collective bargaining in Germany and the UK influence employee relations for McDonalds internationally? At present global business world, McDonalds is dominating the fast food industry. The company in both UK and Germany dont prefer to the trade union. They are making the employee relation by their internal management system. Actually this is individual bargaining system. To recover this system is the best approaches for a company. In UK and Germany, the fast food industry are expanding rapidly and making good example for employment in the competitive business world. The unique feature of the chained fast-food sector is a combination of generally low skilled work and high labour turnover, combined with what we have termed elsewhere an acquiescent workforce. (Royle, 2000) In general in McDonalds corporation is not interested in unionization and there is no great success of trade union. In UK and Germany, there is some problem with non-union activity. The management company fast food company remain strongly grounded in anti-unionism. But to what extent are these assumptions transmitted and internalized by senior-level and restaurant management at McDonalds? (Royle, 2000) The employee relation is influence by the collective bargaining but this maintaining with the trade union not only in UK and Germany but also all over the world. From above the discussion for the following reason the approach like collective bargaining in Germany and the UK influence employee relations for McDonalds internationally: Employee relations are regarded as better. Strikes are rare. Labour turnover is high. Payment levels are set by management. Higher dispersion of pay. No alternative representation methods exist. Employee relations are handled informally. Managers feel free. More flexibility to use labour. Higher dismissal probability Though there is some problem in the approach collective bargaining, but the in all over the world make a history for employee relation. Their employees are almost 90 per cent are student, under 21 and unskilled but they are doing good business by their proper strategic plan and create great employee relation. So, in this way collective bargaining is very influencing for employee relation. Task d: What additional or alternative methods could support good employee relations for McDonalds? Consider the role an HR function could take. For a good employee relations in McDonalds, there are some methods are very useful. In general, McDonalds is practicing the individual bargaining. In the research work of Dau-Schmidt (1993) stated that among the three primary means of addressing the needs of workersindividual bargaining, collective bargaining and protective legislationeach have its own advantages and disadvantages. Individual bargaining can provide the most individualized solution of meeting the needs of the parties. It also enjoys relatively low administrative costs. Unfortunately, market failures and lack of bargaining power mean that individual bargaining often results in an impoverished solution for many workers that fails to address many of their basic needs. Before making the decision of right choice of additional methods, it is better to know about the HR function properly. The HR function contains the advice and services that enable organisations to get things done through people there are some listed a number of typical HR management tasks. Human resource planning. Talent management Knowledge management Recruitment and selection Learning and development Reward management Employee relation Health and safety Diversity issues On the basis of HR function and as a part of HR practice of employee relation in McDonalds collective bargaining doing the solution which is created by the individual solution. Collective bargaining is solving the problem created by the individualization and creating employee need, which is addressing the employee relation and there are some problem with this approach. In this time, protective legislation provide the at least one employee needs which is very helpful for employee relation. In overall McDonalds trying to practice of mixed culture of individual bargaining, collective bargaining and protective legislation. By considering overall discussion, the changes in HR function can be developing the good employee relations which are as follows: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employees see the reason for change for a good employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Employees understand why change is important for employee relation and see how it will help them and the business in the long and short term. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The people who need to be committed to the change to make it happen are recognised. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A coalition of support is built for change and creates a good employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The support of key individuals in the organisation is enlisted that is a good example of employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The link between the change and other HR systems such as staffing, training, appraisal, rewards, structure and communication is understood. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The systems implications of the change are recognised. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A means of measuring the success of change is identified for the successful employee relation. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plans are made to monitor progress of employee relation in the implementation of change. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The first steps in getting change started are recognised. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Plans are made to keep attention focused on the change. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The likely need to adapt the change over time is recognised and plans can readily be made and implemented for such adaptations. Task e: Conclude by taking the key elements of your observations in steps a-d regarding McDonalds approach to employee relations in order to make a short recommendation for similar countries or organisations with regard to developing and/or improving their employee relations. From the above discussion, it is clear that McDonalds can operate most of the area independently in employee relation. After long time, McDonalds started the collective bargaining with the union in Germany. But, in UK, they dont like to operate the collective bargaining with union. Because, the change in the method was improving their corporate image. In that time McDonalds follows the pluralist principles though they are resisting of union at restaurants level. McDonalds leading the MNCs in the world and they are successfully handled the corporate level work council and they established it in a small number of restaurants. After that, by this system the unemployment increased and they are confused with their system. However, the adaptability of the system may be a double-edged sword for workers. On the hand it provides workers with rights to representation, but on the other hand its flexibility may in part be dependent on undermining workers terms and condition. (Royale and Tower, 2002) Royle (2000) said that, on the basis of German collective bargaining system which is represent the other countries in the Europe as well. As a MNC company McDonalds is likely to adopt the non-union strategies. As for McDonalds, looks like to continue to dominate and set the agenda for the fast-food sector in the short and medium term. In the meantime, they drive for more efficiencies and more standardized procedures looks set to continue, placing pay and conditions under increasing pressure. In this time they tried to utilize a new approach like individual bargaining and tried improve employee relation between employee and management. They also tried to try some changes in the HR function to improvise the employee relation strategies. By taking the different step for developing the employee relation like UK and Germany, other countries McDonalds corporate body and similar organization can follow their strategies. The other fact is that, which procedure a company following, there should be good negotiation with the employee and then the employee relation will be good. For any bargaining there should be the some steps like- Setting the objectives, define the strategic plan and assembling data Opening Bargaining Closing Like UK and Germany, other country follows the above procedure that will be good for making a good employee relation. Besides that they should keep in mind the following things for developing their employee relation. The bargaining process is used in the hope of coming to a settlement. Legitimate tactics during negotiations should not shake the basic belief in each others integrity. Off the record discussions are mutually beneficial. Both sides should be prepared to move from their original positions. A series of offers and counter offers should be expected. Concessions cannot be withdrawn. Conditional offers, unlike firm offers can be withdrawn. Third parties should not be involved while there is still chance for agreement. The final agreement should be clear and accurate Besides the above factors to build up a good employee relation there should be skilled negotiation and bargaining management. Bargaining skills: Bargaining skills are as follows: Sense what the opposition wants to achieve. Being able to withhold own objectives. Flexible realism seeking a reasonable settlement. Respect for the opposition views. Sensitivity for mood changes. Negotiating skills: Negotiating skills are as follows: Analytical ability assessing factors affecting the negotiation process. Empathy being able to view the situation from the oppositions perspective. Planning ability developing and implementing a strategy. Interactive skills relating with other people. Communicating skills convey information and arguments. From all of the discussion, it can be said that for good employee relation the management strategies and all the development should go through in a right way.

Public Opinion and Television Essay -- Mass Media Danger Essays

Public Opinion and Television The paper explores how dangerous such an important mass media as TV can be, if too many power is concentrated in just a few hands, and how our perception of reality can be manipulated by the selection and manipulation of information presented on TV. Introduction The following term paper deals with the development of television from its early beginnings in the 1920s up to now. My attention focuses on the powers which influence what is shown on TV and the analysis of methods they use in order to manipulate the public opinion. Outlining the success story of this important means of mass media at the beginning of the first chapter, I will then explain the effects of globalisation on the TV market. Considering the example of commercialised American television, I will demonstrate in which ways the extreme competition between TV companies and their struggle for the top ratings has influenced the quality of TV programs. In the second chapter I will deal with "media control" and show how television can be abused by political powers in order to direct the public opinion. After describing the general effects of such influences I will finally return to the example of America and analyse the social and political effects of Rupert Murdoch ´s "media monopoly" in the Unites States. Finally I will explain the methods of mass manipulation employed by his Fox News Channel, which are outlined in Robert Greenwald ´s film OUTFOXED. Neil Postman ´s book "Amusing ourselves to death", Noam Chomsky ´s pamphlet "Media Control" as well as Klaus Plake ´s "Handbuch der Fernsehforschung" were important sources of ideas and quotations for my work. 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The development of television: During the nineteenth century the industrial revolution, the formation of new nations and the development of infrastructure and traffic had strong effects on society. Travelling became much easier and cheaper while the means of transportation became faster and faster. Even the media had to adapt to the growing spatial mobility of the people and so the challenge was to find a new mean of communication which was able to make information available wherever you are.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First scientific steps towards an electronic media were made at the end of the nineteenth century, when Guglielmo Marconi invented the transmitting antenna, which made primitive forms... ...r der Unterhaltungsindustrie. Fischer Verlag/Frankfurt/M. Internet Sources: Burnheim, Sally (2003/November 30): "Freedom of Expression: Case law under European convention on Human Rights". The Daily Star. Law & Rights section. [Online]. [2005, Jan. 24] http://www.thedailystar.net/law/200311/05/ Perger, Roman (2000/August 25): "Auf in den Bà ¼rgerkrieg". Die Zeit. Politics section. [Online]. [2005, Jan. 25] http//www.zeus.zeit.de/text/archiv/2000/38/200038_dreiweise.xml Sorkin, Andrew and Fabrikant, Geraldine (2005/January 10): "Murdoch to Buy Rest of Fox for $7 Billion" .New York Times. Bussiness section. [Online]. [2005, Jan. 18] http://query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA081FFF345D0C738DDDA80894DD404482&incamp=archive:search Worm, Alfred (2001/March 31): "Dritte Phase". Message Magazine. Austria Archive. [Online]. [2005, Jan. 25] http://www.message-online.de/arch3_01/31_worm.html Film: Greenwald, Robert (2004): Outfoxed. California Productions, Inc./USA Other sources: Skull, Steven (2003) (2003): Misperceptions, the Media and the Iraq War: An Independent   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Survey on Media Impartiality. PIPA/Knowledge Networks/Maryland

The Filmmaking of Michael Moore Essay -- Entertainment

Michael Moore, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker is known for his highly controversial documentaries. He appeals to the newer generation, trying to educate people along with addressing our unresolved social issues in the United States. He gives insight to corrupt things that our government is involved in that citizens do not know about if they do not read or watch the news. Michael Moore proved to be a big-time influence through his work in the movie industry. His main message is to get people to stop following their government blindly, but rather speak out, ask questions, get involved, and most of all shows people’s power to be able change what needs to be changed. He proves being patriotic means taking responsibility and being informed about what’s happening in the media and all of Michael Moore’s films give the audience this. Time magazine named Michael Moore one of the World’s 100 most influential people. Through his Oscar and Emmy awards, he proves even a powerless author and producer with nothing more than a pen and a movie camera can make a tremendous difference. His documentary Bowling for Columbine reiterated that by a determination and persistence that not only him, but patriots can create change. He interviewed some of the surviving victims of the Columbine shootings along with Charlton Heston, the NRA president. He shows the gruesome effect of allowing guns and bullets to be so easily accessible. Kmart was his main destination and he took it upon himself by going right to the top of a major corporate food chain. The documentary was about how he was able to get them to stop selling bullets completely. Getting Kmart to stop selling bullets doesn’t mean that you’re going to prevent kids from going somewhere ... ...own opinion in public, which many people are not courageous enough to do, and for that many respect him. Michael Moore proves that one man can make a difference. He is a great example of exercising our right to free speech and questioning the government. If something doesn’t seem right he is a spokesperson for finding out the truth. Michael was a small town boy who grew up to become one of the most influential documentary film makers of our time. Works Cited Bowling For Columbine. Dir. Michael Moore. 2002. Fahrenheit 911. Dir. Michael Moore. 2004. Penn, Sean. Time.com. 18 April 2005. 8 March 2012 . Sicko. Dir. Michael Moore. 2007. The Oprah Winfrey Show. Michael Moore's Sicko. 1 January 2006. 8 March 2012 .

Uncle Tom’s Cabin American History

1. Slavery in the nineteenth century was different than slavery during the colonial times because nineteenth century slaves were exactly that – slaves. In colonial times, black slaves were actually treated more like indentured servants. Census records from 1651 indicate that Africans who completed their indentured servitude were set free as well as given their own land (McElrath, 2009). However, the practice of allowing indentured black slaves to be free increased the need for laborers and many landowners began requiring black people to become servants for life. This was unsuccessful and white landowners began to consider slavery as an option (McElrath, 2009). This differed from other countries and their practice of slavery because America began to implement complex and demanding slave codes that dictated exactly how slaves were to live and exactly what was required of them. For example, in 1661, Virginia devised a statute that required that newly born children would have the same status as their mother. As a result, the slave population continued to increase as female slaves gave birth to children (McElrath, 2009). Further, as time passed, America began to recognize slavery as a law, which also differed from other countries who relied on slavery. These laws required that all black people, even those that were already free, and their children would be considered slaves (McElrath, 2009). Therefore, Harry, the young son of Eliza was considered a slave because his mother was a slave (Stowe, Chapter 1, 2004). Finally, the nineteenth century practice of indentured servitude no longer applied to black people. Slavery is similar to indentured servitude but when black people are slaves they have no hope for freedom as they did during the colonial times. When a black person became a slave, he became a slave for life whereas a black indentured servant could look forward to a future of freedom. 2. According to Marie St. Clare, slavery is an essential aspect of life. Marie is a selfish and self centered woman who only cares about herself. She is constantly dreaming up afflictions in order to gain attention. At the same time, she views slaves with disgust and impatience (Stowe, Chapter 15, 2004). This may also be considered an argument against slavery as well. If Marie is so dissatisfied with her slaves then what is the point of having them in the first place? Marie’s husband, Augustine St. Clare denounces slavery and admits that it is evil. Augustine treats his slaves with compassion but also accepts slavery and continues to have slaves in his household (Stowe, Chapter 14, 2004). Although Augustine makes use of slaves in his own home, he does feel that slavery is morally wrong. This is in direct contrast to his brother Alfred, who strongly believes that the white race is the dominant race. A good example of this conflict comes in chapter nineteen when Prue, a slave from down the street, visits the St. Clare home selling rolls and tells Uncle Tom the sad story about the selling of her children as well as the death of one of them. Very shortly after, word comes that Prue’s master had whipped her to death. Augustine quite obviously disagrees with this act but admits that while he does not agree he is not going to do anything to make such events stop. He states that he is simply going to stay out of the way (Stowe, Chapter 19, 2004). Another example, tells of Augustine and his twin brother inheriting their father’s plantation and all the slaves. While Alfred embraced the notion of slavery and believed that dominating slaves was the rightful job a white man, Augustine had more compassion and â€Å"tamed† one specific slave and then gave him his freedom (Stowe, Chapter 19, 2004). Ultimately, the St. Clare family differed in their views on slavery but the fact remained that all three of these people relied on slavery every day. Marie was indifferent and Alfred wholeheartedly accepted slavery. However, Augustine felt that the danger of slavery would continue to be the difference in moral lines that human beings would draw with regards to what freedom meant and who it was meant for (Stowe, Chapter 19, 2004). 3. The paternalistic view towards slaves that many defenders of slavery internalized allowed them a sort of denial because deep down many of knew that enslaving human beings was morally wrong (Harper, 2003). Many Northern slave owners adopted their slaves and treated them like members of the family (Harper, 2003). However, kindness and compassion for slaves is never enough security for the slaves themselves. Uncle Tom had the good fortune to be sold to Augustine St. Clare and was treated respectably in his household (Stowe, Chapter 14, 2004). No amount of kindness could save Uncle Tom from the harsh reality of slavery after Augustine’s death. He is sold to Simon Legree, who is a cruel slave owner and treats his slaves in the worst possible ways (Stowe, Chapter 30, 2004). The Shelby’s own many slaves and they treat them kindly. However, Mr. Shelby, no matter how kind he is, has to sell some slaves and resolve some debt. In the end his kindness did not protect Uncle Tom from being sold (Stowe, Chapter 1, 2004). Similarly, the St. Clare family is mostly compassionate towards their slaves until Eva and Augustine die. Simon Legree becomes Uncle Tom’s next slave owner, and he is a harsh and cruel man, illustrating once again that the kindness of Augustine did not protect Uncle Tom from the cruelty of Simon Legree (Stowe, Chapter 30, 2004). Mr. Haley is largely indifferent to the slaves and sells and buys them when it will benefit him monetarily. His actions are not directly cruel but they do not ultimately protect the slaves either (Stowe, Chapter 1, 2004). Finally, George Harris tolerated slavery although his disbelief in Christianity prevented him from denouncing the moral problems associated with slavery. 4. The existence of a slave was a hard one. Many slaves ran away because they were tortured or beaten. Others ran away because the constant buying and selling of slaves tore apart families and many slaves escaped in an effort to reunite with their loved ones. Slaves were not allowed to get an education and were only provided the bare essentials for survival (Hayden, 2008). George Harris and his wife, Eliza are both slaves. George had the good fortune to work in a factory where he invented a machine that would clean hemp more efficiently. However, the owner of the factory believed he had invented the machine because he was lazy and removed him from the factory. As a result, George saw very little of his family. After some time passes, George decides to escape because he can no longer tolerate his existence as a slave. Further, George was being pressured by his master to take a new wife. George informs Eliza that he plans to escape to Canada and will try to secure her and Harry’s freedom once he gets there (Stowe, Chapter 1, 2004). George escaped slavery for the same reason that many other slaves escaped – he was tired of being treated so badly. Eliza also escapes when she learns that her young son, Harry had been sold. She had already suffered the loss of two children and did not want to lose her only remaining child. Eliza visited Uncle Tom’s cabin and he encouraged her to escape before being sold. Eliza tells them of her intention to follow after George and slips away before she can change her mind (Stowe, Chapter 1, 2004). While Eliza did not suffer direct abuse at the hands of the Shelby’s she did feel a compelling need to escape in order to protect her only remaining child. She obviously did not want to be separated from him, but she also did not want a wicked slave owner to get his hands on her son either. She felt her only option was to run. Ultimately, this husband and wife are both able to escape, but for very different reasons. George is tired of being treated badly and Eliza fears for the safety of her son. These two illustrations show the human nature of slaves and show their strong desires to be treated equally, remain close to their loved ones and protect their children. 5. The primary reason why slaves did not attempt to escape even when they outnumbered the white people is because they were afraid of being caught and returned to their rightful owners subject to even harsher treatment than before as punishment for trying to get away. This was the main obstacle slaves faced. If they were successful at escaping they really did not have any place to go because they lived in fear of being returned to their masters if caught. The main difference with the Federal 1850 Fugitive Slave Act was that it was ultimately created to keep the nation united. It was so controversial because it fueled the flames of the anti slavery versus slavery debated that continue to rage across the country. This Federal act allowed for a compromise. Texas gave up land in return for ten million dollars while the new states would not mention slavery and the issue would be left up to the individual states. Further, the act required that citizens participate in returning escaped slaves. Therefore, people helping slaves to freedom could face trial if they were caught aiding and abetting escaped slaves (PBS. org, 2009). Other things impeded slave action as well. For example, the slaves who belonged to Augustine St. Clare opposed action because they may have felt that life would not get any better than it already was. The slaves were treated with compassion and generally treated well when compared to other slave owners. At the same time, slaves belonging to Simon Legree may have been afraid to revolt because they feared for their lives if they were caught and returned to such a wicked slave owner. However, the interests of all slaves remained the notion of freedom but this freedom was not acted upon for fear of not finding anything better or fear of being caught and returned to an even worse life of slavery. Finally, many slaves may have felt that they were receiving everything they needed and allowed themselves to be dominated by the white people simply because they were afraid that nothing better would come along. They allowed the racial divides to continue because they were certain that black people would never be equal to white people and therefore, escape was futile (Stowe, 2004). 6. Slave rebellions were an extreme form of resistance by slaves against their white masters. Since the Haitian uprising in 1792, white landowners lived in fear of their African American slaves (Hooker, 1996). This slave rebellion proved that African Americans did not accept their status as slaves and there came a breaking point when they just needed to assert their independence and fight for their freedom. The Haitian slaves began an uprising that would leave thousands of people dead. Denmark Vesey was able to purchase his freedom but he was still very angry about the slave situation. Quoting scripture, Vesey motivated slaves to revolt and the result was countless white deaths. The slaves would post themselves at the doors of white landowners and start fires. When the whites came to the door they would be killed and then everyone else in the home would be killed also. Similar to the Haitian revolt, this revolt struck fear in the hearts of white slave owners. Nat Turner succeeded far more with his revolt. He and a slave named Will began the revolt by killing Will’s masters and then methodically killing all white slave owners they could and taking their slaves as part of their cause. Turner went into hiding and during this time the white slave owners were extremely afraid of his return (Hooker, 1996). The Underground Railroad was another form of slave resistance although it was a much more peaceful one. The Underground Railroad was made up of mostly black people, most famously Harriet Tubman, and some white people who helped fugitive slaves escape to freedom. This organization enabled many black slaves to find their freedom (PBS. org, 2009). However, many black slaves quietly resisted their white masters without escaping or revolting. For example, after Uncle Tom is bought by Simon Legree he befriends another slave by the name of Cassy. One afternoon he and Casey help each other in the fields and when Legree finds out he orders Uncle Tom to whip her. Uncle Tom refuses, which is a form of resistance, and he is beaten almost to death. However, he shows further resistance by accepting the beating in order to prevent the injury of a fellow slave (Stowe, Chapter 33, 2004). 7. Abolitionists such as Harriet Stowe called for an immediate end to slavery. In contrast the Anti-Slavery Movement of the 1800s was more of a gradual resistance to the continued use of slavery in the United States. Abolitionists wanted the entire slave trade to come to an end while the Anti-Slavery Movement was more concerned with stopping the spread of slavery into the colonies of the United States. Many abolitionists were Christian people who felt that slavery was against moral rules. However, abolitionism ended up being a gradual process as it took a great deal of time, energy and people to effectively gather the strength necessary to truly make changes that moved towards the freedom of black people. The Anti-Slavery Movement was able to make immediate changes with such passages of law as the Missouri Compromise of 1820 (Vernon-Jones, 2009). The Missouri Compromise determined which states would allow slavery and which states would not allow slavery. The compromise allowed the balance of power in Congress to be equal among slave and anti slave states (Vernon-Jones, 2009). Therefore, the Anti-Slavery Movement was able to immediately make some states free states and some states slave states. So while the Anti-Slavery Movement did not abolish slavery all at once as the abolitionists were trying to do, it did have more success making immediate and lasting changes than the abolitionists were able to do. Further, the primary way that abolitionists were able to gain support was through persuasion. Human persuasion is an extremely difficult task that takes a great deal of time. The Anti-Slavery Movement was more dependent upon actual laws and policy changes which made it more successful in the short term. However, neither movement was without violence as was evident in the Anti-Slavery activities at Harpers Ferry led by a famous anti slavery advocate, John Brown (Vernon-Jones, 2009). 8. All Northern whites were not committed to ending slavery. Many of them felt, as Augustine St. Clare felt, that slavery was wrong but they were not going to do anything about ending it because it certainly benefited their way of life. The senators included in the story held this opinion. For example, Senator Bird votes in favor of the Compromise of 1850 under the guise that slavery does not have anything to do with personal feelings but is more a matter of what the entire country wants instead. In other words, he defended his actions by agreeing that slavery was wrong but also realizing the importance that slavery had come to have in America. An example of this attitude is when Eliza and Harry come to his home looking for help and he helps them escape (Stowe, Chapter 37, 2004). Ophelia holds similar opinions. She does not agree with the idea of slavery while also believing that black slaves were inferior to white people. For example, she does not want Topsy, a slave friend of Eva’s, to touch her (Stowe, Chapter 25, 2004). However, after Eva’s death, Ophelia begins to realize that if a child could have such love towards the slaves, then she could to. She petitions to have Topsy given to her so she can reform her and then take her North and set her free. She finally begins to realize why she believes slavery is immoral through her relationship with a human slave (Stowe, Chapter 28. 004). While many people from the Northern states held similar opinions that slavery was bad many also disassociated themselves with the whole issue. Free black people and former slaves were not treated as cruelly as they were as slaves but they still did not gain equal status either. They were treated as human beings, but as inferior human beings. 9. The Christian churches and Northern economic inte rests helped contribute to the continuation of slavery because they also saw the economic value of slavery. The plantation owners in the North realized the benefit of slavery just as the Southern plantation owners did, even if they did not agree with the idea of slavery. This passive attitude allowed slavery to exist in America far longer than it should have. In this way, the North was every bit as responsible for the continuation of slavery as the South was. Many Northerners were unwilling to take a stand to help abolish slavery because it would hurt them economically, socially and in matters of convenience. This attitude helped contribute to what Stowe felt as the worst part of slavery – the separation of families. The book discusses the separation of parents and children often over the course of the story. Stowe repeatedly discusses the fear that parents will become separated from their children (Stowe, 2004). Further, Stowe felt that slavery as a whole corrupted everyone’s ideas because it allowed white people to view black people as inferior to themselves. Even non slave owners did not entirely embrace the idea that white people and black people were equal. The fundamental principle of slavery is an important component of American history and it was hard to let go of even when slaves earned their freedom. Stowe staunchly advocated for the abolishment of slavery but also for the equal treatment of black people. She believed that black people had equal rights to justice and freedom as those enjoyed by white people. She firmly believed in a society where colonization would be a reality even though equality was a long way off. However, when the white people agreed to colonize with the black people they would be taking one step towards helping justify the hurts caused by slavery (Stowe, Chapter 45, 2004). References Harper, Douglas. (2003). Slavery in the North. Retrieved on April 4, 2009 from http://www.slavenorth.com/index.html. Hayden, Scott. (2008). The underground railroad. Retrieved on April 4, 2009 from http://americanhistory.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_underground_railway. Hooker, Richard. (1996). Slave rebellions. Retrieved on April 4, 2009 from http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/DIASPORA/REBEL.HTM. McElrath, Jessica. (2009). Slavery in Colonial Times. Retrieved on April 4, 2009 from http://afroamhistory.about.com/od/slavery/a/colonialslavery_2.htm. PBS.org. (2009). The compromise of 1850 and fugitive slave act. Retrieved on April 4, 2009 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2951.html. PBS.org. (2009). The underground railroad. Retrieved on April 4, 2009 from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aia/part4/4p2944.html. Stowe, Harriet Beecher. (2004). Uncle Tom’s Cabin. New York: Barnes and Noble. Vernon-Jones, Russ. (2009). John Brown. Retrieved on April 4, 2009 from http://www.arps.org/aro/john_brown.htm.