Saturday, November 30, 2019
Joe Odd Story Essays - Criminology, Labeling Theory,
Joe Odd Story This is the story of Joe Odd, written by a mentally ill patient in a secure mental asylum. It is possible to pick out several psychological themes, these of which I intend to assess. The story of Joe Odd is clearly a case of social In and Out groups, where in society groups emerge where people have more influence than others. Clear evidence from the text proves my statement: People who lived in the boxes thought Joe was very strange because they all watched television. At first they said, why don`t you live in a house like us? but Joe didn`t want to. So they broke his windows and made up bad stories about him We can learn from this extract above that there is an element of labeling, and the fact that poor Joe Odd once labeled, is prone to increased labeling. Labeling is a very powerful which tends to stick to that person it has been attached (unless he/she adapts to the social norms which society labeled that person with.) Then another social worker wrote a report about how Joe had lived in a hut with the door and windows barred up. So the doctor hung another label round his neck saying Persecution Complex and gave him some pills because they made him feel better, Joe didn`t like the pills because they made him feel strange, and he wouldn`t take them, so the doctor hunt an Unco-operative label round his neck. From this extract we can assume that Joe Odd thought negative of himself due to the excess labeling, and ended up believe himself as a stereotypical being. One night he thought he heard a voice in his head saying, come with me. I know a beautiful place, come with me I can`t. I`m very ill; can`t you see all these labels round my neck? (Joe Odd) Joe Odd believed himself to be out of the social norm, and mentally ill because of his labels, which tell him it is not right to live on a hill and be himself. The labels tell him to watch television in a box house. Psychological evidence can be given for all of the above extracts and evaluations to back up my points. The experiment which was conducted by H.Tajfel was based around the In and Out groups. He proved that easy to trigger off outgroup discrimination could be. The experiment showed how a group of boys would rather end up with less money, rather than allowing another group to have more money than them. We can relate this to the text, as shown that people in a town, would rather have Joe Odd locking and barring himself up at home, rather than let him voice his opinion about how beautiful the sunset was and how it was different from their monotonous TV. The idea of stereotyped expectations (Banuazizi and Mohavedi, 1975), the idea of which people are given a situation, and because of conditioning that they have had with that particular experience, which could have been influenced by many different means (media or learnt through people) the person will act and take on the deemed suitable role according to the situation. This shows in the text with evidence that Joe Odd, finally believing himself to being ill after having too many attached labels by the society for him to handle. He later threw away these labels and returned to a land where he became his old normal self again. Szasz (1972) claimed the medical model was wrong and made criticisms, and said people cannot be mentality ill at all. He suggested that the human brain had more of a decease than disease of the mind. When related back to Joe Odd, we see might assume that the normal people misdiagnosed Joe Odd, penalty of which lead to him being wrongly labeled. The normal people however could not acknowledge their mistake, instead increasing the number of labels on Joe Odd to try and equate for his character. Assessing the idea of in and out groups, my evaluation is that Joe Odd fell victim to real life prejudice. Joe Odd lived a normal life in his eyes, doing normal activities, just living out his life in a peaceful manner. Only when he met people, and more importantly, a society where the majority ran a different view on life, with different activities, Joe Odd was not allowed to corrupt the society with his strange disposition, therefore swift action was taken to remove him. I firmly believe
Tuesday, November 26, 2019
Critical study of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) set forth by the European Union (EU) The WritePass Journal
Critical study of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) set forth by the European Union (EU) Introduction Critical study of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) set forth by the European Union (EU) IntroductionBIBLIOGRAPHYRelated Introduction The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is a policy, set forth by the European Union (EU).It also comprises of a set of rules that control the manufacture, trade, and processing of agricultural products.à The CAP currently accounts for almost fifty percent of the EU budget, however, this number continues to decrease over the years.à The CAP is significant in that it symbolizes Europeââ¬â¢s switch from sovereignty on a national level to a European level. The CAP is funded by the European Agricultural Guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF).This fund is allocated into two different sections, the Guidance section and the Guarantee section.à The Guidance section is one of the structural funds, which contributes to the structural improvements in agriculture and the development of rural areas; the Guarantee section funds expenditures concerning the common organization of the markets. Storage taxes, manufacture taxes, and portions of each member stateââ¬â¢s Gross National Product (G NP) also finances the CAP. The Treaty of Rome, in July 1958, formed the foundation for a unified Europe via the implementation of the general objectives for the CAP.à ââ¬Å"The CAP was established as a means of rectifying the deficit in food production within Europe through supporting internal prices and incomesâ⬠(Blair 123-124).à The CAP succeeded in realizing its initial goals of increased production and productivity, stabilized markets, secured supplies, and farmer protection.à However, the system included problems, which became apparent as the Community established a surplus for most of its agricultural products.à First, the CAP increased output beyond the marketââ¬â¢s need via the guaranteeing of prices through intervention and production aids. Second, the very success of the Cap caused tension within the Communityââ¬â¢s trading partners as subsidized exports affected the market, and thirdly, the desire to produce more food brought with it environmental damage to certain regions ( Blair 123-4). The legal base for the CAP is defined in Articles 32-38 in Title II of the EC Treaty, in which, Articles 33-34 form the basic foundation for the CAP.à Article 33 lists the objectives of the CAP as a means, ââ¬Å"to increase agricultural productivity by promoting technical progress and by ensuring the balanced development of agricultural production and the optimal utilization of the factors of production, to ensure a fair standard of living for the agricultural community, in particular by increasing the individual earnings of persons engaged in agriculture, to stabilize markets, to assure the availability of supplies, and to ensure that supplies reach consumers at reasonable pricesâ⬠(europa.eu.int).Through Article 34 came the creation of the Common Organization of the Agricultural Markets (COM).à These COMââ¬â¢s were to take on one of three different forms, depending on the product.à They successfully eliminate obstacles to intra-Union trade while also keeping a com mon customs barrier with respect to countries outside the Union.à Results of the COMââ¬â¢s include a unified market in which products move freely between nations, community preference, in which EU products are always given preference, price advantage over imported products, and financial solidarity in which all expenses by the CAP are covered by the Community budget. The CAP has had a long history of reform, and is nowhere near perfect.à The main attempt of improvement came just ten years after its operation.à In 1968, the Mansholt Plan in which he aimed at rationalizing farming with the community, giving farmers an adequate income and reducing the burden of subsidies in the economy was put into effect in an attempt to reduce the number of people in the agriculture business and to promote more efficient means of agricultural production.à In 1972, the extensive food surpluses were targeted through the creation of structural measures designed to modernize European agriculture.à This attempt at reform is generally regarded as a failure because many of the problems it tried to fix were still left unchecked.à In 1983, a publication was released entitled, The Green Paper, which sought to balance the on-going differences between supply and demand through improvements in production.à In 1988, the European Council agreed on various refor m measures.à The ââ¬Å"agricultural expenditure guideline,â⬠limited the percentage of CAP expenditure in the complete budget.à In 1991-92 the future of the CAP was addressed through what has been called, ââ¬Å"The MacSharry Reformsâ⬠in which the reforms included the cutback of agricultural prices to make the products more competitive, compensation for farmers that incurred a loss in income, and environmental protection. With the positive effects on European agriculture, the reform of 1992 was generally regarded as successful. However, international trends, the expansion towards Central and Eastern Europe, the preparation of the single currency causing budget constraints, the increasing competitiveness of products from non-member countries, and a new round of World Trade Organization negotiations forced further adaptation of the CAPâ⬠(europa.eu.int).à In July 1997, ââ¬Å"Agenda 2000â⬠was created to address many of the important issues facing the EU and the CAP.à the reinforcement of the competitiveness of agricultural commodities in domestic and world markets were the key focuses of this new agenda , the promotion of a fair standard of living, the creation of extra sources of income for farmers, a new rural development policy, revamped environmental considerations, better food quality and safety, and the simplification of CAP legislation. The European Unionââ¬â¢s common agricultural policy protects and subsidizes agriculture so heavily as to bring serious social losses to the Economic Union.à The policy creates inadequacies in the agriculture sector as well as other sectors of society such as manufacturing, textiles, and service industries.à Furthermore, ââ¬Å"there have been many economic consequences of the CAP, including the high level of protection, the burdens on consumers, taxpayers, and the EU budget, environmental damage, the harm to international trading relations, and the failure to raise farmersââ¬â¢ incomesâ⬠(Howarth 4). There have been a number of negative effects on the European Union countries.à First and foremost, the Common Agricultural Policy has kept agricultural prices in the member countries above world market prices.à ââ¬Å"The CAP has encouraged production of certain products to the extent that net importers of these products have become net exportersâ⬠(Rosenblatt 9).à Also, the CAP has contributed to large agricultural net export or stock-building by the European community.à This has contributed to the CAP hindering the economies of the EU member countries.à Higher food prices, which the CAP causes, and which fall hardest on the least well off, hinder economic development and reduce international competitiveness and EU employment.à Consumers lose twice under this policy since they have to pay higher prices for their good and pay taxes to subsidize the agricultural sector. The CAP has also led to inefficiencies in production and the European Unionââ¬â¢s total budget. The European Unionââ¬â¢s expenditures on agriculture consume roughly 45 percent of their total budget (Rosenblatt 36).à The expenditures are paid to keep farmers from letting land go idle, and there is no condition on what types of crops are to be grown on this land.à Under the Common Agricultural Policy, farmers tend to harvest more profitable crops on land that is not as suitable for their growth.à For example, producers have switched over from producing wheat and oil seeds to butter because the EU has such a high price support for it.à This causes the market to go from excess supply to excess demand, and the producers are becoming a net exporter of butter (Pugel 312).à Thus, farmers may actually grow crops for which production costs are not covered by the prevailing market prices, but payments make production of these crops profitable to them. The CAP has also caused concern for the environment as well as concerns for the economy.à Because of the subsidies provided to farmers, they have the incentive to produce more agricultural products because they will receive more money.à The CAP price policies have encouraged intensive farming and the overuse of antibiotics, pesticides, and nitrates.à This has put a strain on the environment and has concerned the people of the European Union.à The policy did not foresee farmers overproducing and over using chemicals, but this has become an indirect cost created by the policy.à Europeans are also concerned with food safety because of farmers using so many chemicals in production.à Farmers have been getting away with using the chemicals and unsafe practices because of the limited food safety regulations.à Policymakers believed that high price supports would lead to higher food safety and quality.à ââ¬Å"High support prices do not increase either food safety or q uality: indeed, minimum prices and intervention guarantees encourage low quality and standardized produceâ⬠(Consumers in Europe group). Under the CAP, the European Union countries have shifted from net importers to net exporters of food products.à With the EU subsidizing the agricultural sector so heavily, as to raise some sectors, such as non-grain crops, to eight times larger than it would normally be at (Borrell 18).à This has drawn resources and labour out of other sectors of the economy and into the agricultural sector because of the subsidies.à ââ¬Å"These costs and resource misallocation reduce the total output and income of the European Unionâ⬠(Borrell 18).à Borrell charts the percentage changes in specific industries due to the CAP in the EU.à For example, the CAP has caused negative changes in the following industries: construction and utilities are down one percent, the service industry is down two percent, the manufacturing sector in down almost five percent, and other primary products are down almost six percent (Borrell 20).à This information demonstrates that CAP is taking away resources from these service type industries and placing it in the agricultural sector.à The transference of these resources is coming at the cost of the consumers, taxpayers, or society as a whole. The effects of the EU Common Agricultural Policy have not just altered the European Unionââ¬â¢s economy, but it has also restructured other economies throughout the world.à The CAP has caused farmers to produce a surplus of agricultural goods in the EU.à This has led to dumping of these products into other countries.à As a result, importing countries have shifted away from producing agricultural goods to goods such as manufacturing, construction, services, and other primary goods.à The United States and Canada have experienced a decrease in agricultural production due to the CAP.à Combined, the United States and Canada have experienced a decrease of approximately 8.1 percent across primary agricultural goods (as much as 13 percent for non-grain products to as low as 2.9 percent for meat products) (Borrell 23).à Also, with cropping exports down between 26 and 45 percent, this shows implications that output has been dropping in the cropping sector.à The effects of the CAP have also shifted resources in Australia and New Zealand from agriculture to other primary industries.à These countries have experienced an expansion in the mining and forestry industries of 7.5 percent (Borrell 21).à These examples display how the CAP has suppressed exports of agricultural products and has led to the allocation of resources into other industries in other countries. It is apparent that the Common Agricultural Policy has been and is causing problems not only in the European Union, but it has also been creating problems in the rest of the world.à What the CAP has effectively done to the European Union is that it has caused it to become a net exporter of agricultural products when it should be a net importer of these goods.à The EUââ¬â¢s policy has changed the world markets for agricultural goods and has imposed significant costs to the EUââ¬â¢s consumers and taxpayers.à Consumers and taxpayers in the EU bear most of the cost of 70 to 80 million US dollars a year, which is used to increase farmersââ¬â¢ incomes.à The taxpayers and consumers are responsible for this increase in cost, which in turn causes an increase in unemployment. ââ¬Å"â⬠¦The CAP was responsible for a loss of one million jobs in the EU manufacturing sector alone.à The EU unemployment rate is currently around 10 percent, which is currently 40 percent hi gher than the OECD (Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development) averageâ⬠(Borrell 20).à It is clear that the Common Agricultural Policy is responsible for increases in unemployment, increases in taxpayer cost and consumer burden, drops in farmer income, and harm to international relations.à If the CAP were not implemented, many of these issues would be alleviated. There have been significant losses to the European Union as a whole because of the CAP. To understand, however, what this does to an individual country, an analysis of Britain experience must be looked at.à In 1973, Great Britain entered the European Community and, therefore, accepted the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).à The acceptance of the CAP caused Britain to move from an agricultural market of free trade and cheap food, to an agricultural market that became the pawn of the European Unionââ¬â¢s protectionism (Harvey 2).à The CAPââ¬â¢s main goal was, ââ¬Å"to keep agricultural marketââ¬â¢s stable, ensure that farmers earn a fair living, and provide consumers with affordable food suppliesâ⬠(Think quest Library 2).à The CAP achieved many goals it set out to accomplish.à The very generous price supports to farmers and technological innovation have caused surpluses that are not being offset by a decreasing demand. The CAP has run into criticism in recent times by both British consumers and taxpayers alike, and many citizens and even farmers are calling for its reform.à One recent event that caused the European Union to rethink the restrictions of the CAP was the outbreak of mad cow disease in Britain.à British cattle that were infected by mad cow disease experienced nervous system breakdown and eventually death.à The beef industry suffered in Britain and many of the cattle had to be put to death because they were not suitable to eat.à Therefore, the European Union, in 1996, had to impose a British beef export ban (Barclay 21).à The ban, and the fall in beef consumption in the UK market, caused the United Kingdom cattle market to lose sales totalling 800 million pounds (Barclay 22).à The British were not allowed to export tainted beef to member countries and many member countries feared to import any British beef (Barclay 22). The CAP has hurt Britain in more ways than one.à British consumers have been burdened by higher domestic agriculture prices because of CAP policies when they could easily go buy the same product cheaper in the world market.à The taxpayers in Britain have been burdened by taxes the European Union imposes to finance subsidies to farmers.à Undoubtedly, the United Kingdom would still have to face the mad cow dilemma regardless of its prior entry in the Union.à However, the British would be able to develop a unilateral policy in which they would be free from the strict requirements of the European Union. BIBLIOGRAPHY ââ¬Å"Agriculture.â⬠à Think quest Library.à 5 Dec. 2001 Sparks, P. Western Culture and Society: The United Kingdom(UK)-The British Economy[Online],Available on: xiangtan.co.uk/ukeconomy.htm#top,[Acessed on May 20th2011] Anonymous, 2007.Common Agriculture Policy In European Union[Online],Available on: http://referaty-seminarky.sk/common-agriculture-policy-in-european-union/,[Acessed on May 23rd 2011] Borjas H and Rooij D S, Europe[Online],Available on: fao.org/DOCREP/003/W8376E/w8376e06.htm,[Accessed on May 24th 2011] Mardell M (2008).Controversial CAP reform [Online],Available on: fao.org/DOCREP/003/W8376E/w8376e06.htm,[Accessed on May 21st 2011] Kelly J,(2010). European Court Rejects EU Attempt to Promote Farm Subsidy Transparency à [Online],Available on: globalgovernancewatch.org/spotlight_on_sovereignty/european-court-rejects-eu-attempt-to-promote-farm-subsidy-transparency,[Accessed on May 21st 2011] CAP -Swedish Left Party Report [Online], Available on: spectrezine.org/europe/cap.htm,[Accessed on May 25th 2011]
Friday, November 22, 2019
How to Use the Perl Array Push() Function
How to Use the Perl Array Push() Function The Perlà push()à function is used to push a value or values onto the end of an array, which increases the number of elements. The newà valuesà then become theà last elementsà in the array. It returns the new total number of elements in the array. Its easy to confuse this function withà theà unshift()à function, which adds elements to theà beginningà of an array. Heres anà example of the Perl push() function: myNames (Larry, Curly);push myNames, Moe;print myNames\n; When this code is executed, it delivers: Larry Curly Moe Picture a row of numbered boxes, going from left to right. The push() function pushes the new value or values onto the right side of the arrayà and increases the elements.à The array can also be thought of as a stack. Picture a stack of numbered boxes, starting with 0 at the top and increasing as it goes down. The push() function pushes the value onto the bottom of the stackà and increases the elements, like this: myNames (Larry,Curly);push myNames, Moe; You can also push multiple values onto the array directly ... myNames (Larry, Curly);push myNames, (Moe, Shemp); ... or by pushing on an array: myNames (Larry, Curly);moreNames (Moe, Shemp);push (myNames, moreNames); Note for beginning programmers:à Perl arrays begin with an symbol. Each complete line of code must end with a semicolon. If it doesnt, it wont execute. In the stacked example in this article, the lines without a semicolon are values contained in an array and enclosed in parentheses. This isnt an exception to the semicolon rule, as much as a result of the stack approach. The values in the array are not individual lines of code. It is easier to picture this in the horizontal approach to coding. Other Functions for Manipulating Arrays Other functions are also used to manipulate arrays. These make it easy and efficient to use a Perl array as a stack or as a queue. In addition to the push function, you can use: Pop function ââ¬â removes and returns the last element of an arrayShift function ââ¬â moves the whole array to the left. The element that is the first element of the array falls off the array and becomes the return value of the functionUnshift function ââ¬â the opposite of the shift function, places a value at the beginning of an array and moves all the other element to the right.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Arranging a marriage in india Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Arranging a marriage in india - Essay Example In the event, that either of the partners has not identified their partners then the matchmaker plays a central role in the identification. In this case, the matchmaker must be an elderly who is conversant with many families, as well as the surrounding society (Fenton 193). The caste system in India plays a great role. Marriage happens between couples of the same caste. Moreover, the persons intending to get married must be of the same religion. The other factors that determine marriage between couples are horoscope, status, and in some instances physical appearance. The use of horoscope is vital as it is perceived to determine the likely success of the marriage. Those whose statuses are high in terms of finance, social or profession (especially the boys) are highly valued in the marriage process. Unlike many communities (around the world), In India, the dowry payment is usually remitted by the bride to the prospective groom. Before the wedding, an engagement celebration is initiated where the two families perform traditional rituals to make the engagement official. The wedding is usually held at the brideââ¬â¢s home hence it is the bride family that receives the groom (Fenton
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5
Economic - Essay Example Subsequently, the bulk off the sloppiness emanate from the irregular investment decisions of that JP Morgan undertook. According to Greenberg and Eavis, managers were admitting the bank has a lower quality of risk management that was not sophisticated enough to cushion it from the $2bn loss. Dimon was adamant that the execution of the hedging strategy was inappropriate and poor. This revelation of the loss was causing ripples in the Stock markets of the US and did affect the share price of JP Morgan. The loss dented the share value of the investment bank by 9.3% on Friday and for a bank that was previously recording significant earnings, this was shocking to its stakeholders2. The bank has enlarged its credit quantities over several years of trading in profitable investment projects, which were subject to exhaustive monitoring from management. However, recently JP Morgan did not incorporate these stringent measures into the diverse hedging strategies of the bank thus resulting in the disastrous loss in their earnings. In 2007, there was discontent of various stakeholders of the company in the manner The Chief investment Officer (CIO) Bruno Iskil was utilizing the corporations resources in undertaking unnecessary risks. In addition to the financial woes, the CEO of JP Morgan was suggesting the company could further experience losses of $ 1 billion due to the inevitable economic turbulences. This supposition will increasingly injure the share prices of the bank, which will dwindle further downwards3. This can discourage potential clients from trading in the stocks of JP Morgan since they will be of a lower value. This factor will diminish their confidence and the clients will not be enthusiastic to deposit their savings in JP Morgan. Furthermore, Fitch, a credit rating agency, did downgrade the bank and was affirmative that this decline could extend unless JP Morgan acts upon the
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Organizational Performance Essay Example for Free
Organizational Performance Essay Abstract The measurement of organizational performance has undergone changes in relation to its measurement focus. From a uniquely financial perspective, it began to consider other nonfinancial perspectives, as well as to include a cause and effect relation between the operational dimension and the strategic dimension of organizations. Based on this current view, Performance Prism presents itself as a performance measurement system alternative to be used by organizations, with its main focus being the stakeholders in its field of operation. The objective of this study is to present a conceptual approach to the measurement of organizational performance by means of a review of literature, introducing the Performance Prism as the system for this measurement. Besides introducing the entire conceptual structure, based on the authors who proposed the model, Andy Neely and Chris Adams, this paper introduces a theoretical review regarding the concepts of performance measurement, differentiating the new tendencies of new approaches and showing the relation between performance measurement systems and the management of organizational performance. The Performance Prism model presents itself as a new performance measurement system alternative within the current need that goes beyond the financial approach. In relation to the Balanced Scorecard, a broadly used model nowadays, Performance Prism stands out for having a broader aspect with regard to the stakeholders considered, which are the modelââ¬â¢s core focus. However, literature shows that the Performance Prism does not stand out yet as a broadly used model in the world. We conclude that this model can contribute towards organizations that seek changes in how they manage performances, mainly due to the fact that most often the stakeholders that belong to the environment in which they are inserted are whoà generate the sustainability of these organizations, and therefore it is reasonable that they should be the focus of this organizational performance. Keywords: performance measurement; performance prism; stakeholders. 1. Introduction The measurement of organizational performance has undergone changes in relation to its measurement focus. From a uniquely financial perspective, it began to consider other nonfinancial perspectives, as well as to include a cause and effect relation between the operational dimension and the strategic dimension of organizations. Based on this current view, Performance Prism presents itself as a performance measurement system alternative to be used by organizations, with its main focus being the stakeholders in its field of operation. The objective of this study is to present a conceptual approach to the measurement of organizational performance by means of a review of literature, introducing the Performance Prism as the system for this measurement. 2. Measuring performance in the new context For a long time, performance measurement was focused only on financialà indicators, failing to address other perspectives influencing an organizationââ¬â¢s global performance. Eccles (1998) understands that not considering financial indicators as the basis for performance measurement and treating them solely as a single aspect in a broader array of indicators is a requirement for this current competitive environment. Bogan and English (1997) present a differentiation among performance indicators in past and current contexts. Figure 1 shows the indicator set known as ââ¬Å"old performance indicatorsâ⬠, focused on finance. Source: Bogan and English, 1997, p. 60 Figure 1 ââ¬â Old performance indicators Figure 2 shows the approach with quality seen together with the financial aspects. Currently, other non-financial dimensions are included, as well as stakeholders such as clients and employees. In this context, changes shown in Figures 1 and 2 reflect the transformation of this performance measurement approach using only financial indicators into a set of financial and non-financial indicators. According to Cavenaghi (2001), for years financial performance measurement was seen as the only way, the correct and legitimate way of assessing effectiveness and efficiency in an organization. Drucker (1998) stresses that, regarding performance, it is important to consider the strategic approach that goes over an organizationââ¬â¢s internal boundaries, overcoming the vision contemplating cost centers and approaching issues like proprietary and third-party technologies, changes in economy, markets, clients and future targets and financial markets. Source: Bogan and English, 1997, p. 60 Figure 2 ââ¬â New performance indicators Dornier et al. (2000) see performance indicators as a guide for making investments, defining goals and also benchmarking vs. the actual status, in addition to a facilitating instrument for predicting and reducing uncertainties, identifying high priority actions, helping in engaging and managing staff and being a dynamic tool reflecting the organizationsà behavior. For Simons and Dà ¡vila (2000, p. 73), ââ¬Å"classic financial indicators for measuring performance, i.e. return on net assets, return on assets and return on sales, are useful, but are not specifically destined to reflect the companyââ¬â¢s quality of work when implementing strategiesâ⬠. According to Corrà ªa and Caon (2002), traditional corporate performance measurement systems, in addition to focusing almost exclusively on financial indicators, did not support adequate decision making by the executives, since they did not adequately reflect the level in which the organization is being able or unable to reach meet strategic goals. According to Miranda and Silva (2002), any action to be implemented in a company needs follow-up to know to what extent it is progressing regarding defined goals and which corrective actions should be adopted if required. According to these authors, companies need to valorize performance measurement for the following factors: Controlling the companys operating activities; Feeding employeesââ¬â¢ incentive systems; and Controlling planning. Thus, performance measurement needs to be a part of the control process, involving strategic, tactic and operating levels, continuously assessing planning and actions implemented under different perspectives, such as clients, processes, collaborators, shareholders and other that can interfere with an organizationââ¬â¢s global performance, not solely contemplating the financial perspective. 3. Performance Management and Performance Measurement System To Neely et al. (1995), a performance measurement system must contain individual indicators, but inter-related regarding a specific environment, as shown in Figure 3. According to these authors, when designing a performance measurement system the following aspects must be considered: What performance indicators are to be used? What are they used for? How much will they cost? What benefits will they bring? Source: Neely et al, 1995, p. 81 Figure 3ââ¬â A structure for the performance measurement system design According to Lebas (1995), measuring performance and managing performance are not separated. He states that there is an interactive process between those two aspects. Performance management is an organizational philosophy supported by performance measurement. According to the author, approach types are different, but in the first case, it is worried with related issues, such as training, incentives, compensation, management style and communication. In the second case, it is aimed at measuring potential, inputs, outputs and deviations. Bititci, Carrie and Mcdevitt (1997) understand the performance measurement system as the information system that represents the core of the performance management process. Figure 4, presents the performance management system according to the authors and the position of the performance measurement system. Source: Bititci, Carrie and Mcdevitt (1997) Figure 4 ââ¬â The performance management process and the position of the performance measurement system. For these authors, performance management is the process in which a company manages its performance aligned with corporate and functional strategies. The goal of this process is to promote a continuous, proactive control system where functional and corporate strategies are outspread to all business process, activities, tasks, and people and feedback is obtained through a performance measurement system, allowing for an adequate decision making management. According to Martins (1998), the performance management process must be the way in which a company manages performance, aligned with corporate and functional strategies and goals derived from these strategies. According to this author, strong market competitiveness characterizes corporate environment, requiring products with quick technologic innovationà and short life cycles, forcing the performance management to be aligned to these concepts, as presented below:- Acknowledgement of manufacturingà (operations) as the missing link in company strategies and a subsequent source of competitive advantage; Appearance of Total Quality management as a management philosophy ââ¬â continuous improvement for products and processes; Leaving the mechanistic view of the world for a systemic view; Company aimed at the satisfaction of its stakeholders; Multiple competitive criterions: quality, cost, reliability, time, flexibility, innovation and service; Importance of integrating the companyââ¬â¢s supply chain, both external and internal; and Valuing teamwork and proactive decision making, anticipating potential future problems. Regarding the performance measurement system, Martins (1998) sees it in the core of the performance management process, integrating all relevant system information, such as strategy development and review, managerial accounting, management by objectives, nonfinancial performance indicators, bonus incentive structure and individual performance evaluations. For this author, new performance measurement systems must possess the following characteristics: Be aligned with competitive strategy; Contemplate financial and non-financial indicators; Drive and support continuous improvement; Identify trends and advancements; Be clear in cause-effect relationships; Be easily understood by employees; - Encompass the entire supply chain process; Real -time information and be dynamic; and Evaluate the group, not the individual, in addition to influencing the attitude of collaborators. For Corrà ªa and Corrà ªa (2005), performance measurement systems are part of the control and planning cycle, crucial for operations management, provided that performance indicators provide the means for collecting performance data that, after evaluated according to certain standards, support the decision making process. According to these authors, establishing an adequate performance evaluation system is crucial for influencing desired behaviors in people and in operations systems so that certain strategic intentions are more likely to become actions aligned to the desired strategy. Thus, performance measurement systems provide, through a set of information, support for the performance management process, which has a broader approach. When designingà a performance measurement system, one must understand the adoption of me measurements, in terms of acquisition costs, justification and utilization and these must be inter-related, being part of the organizationââ¬â¢s planning and control cycle. 4. Performance Prism as a Performance Measurement System Evaluating organizational relationships with its main stakeholders and their links to strategies, processes and competencies can be a way to leverage and improve corporate performance. For Frost (2000), depending on business nature, stakeholders can be external, internal clients, regulation authorities, shareholders and others. This author understands one should consider all stakeholders involved with the organization, to the extent of if one is forgotten inà the management and evaluation system, consequences can be dramatic for the business. ââ¬Å"Our business is to create value for our stakeholders; our first job is to know who those stakeholders are and what they value in our performanceâ⬠(FROST, 2000, p.31). The Performance Prism was created by Nelly and Adams (2000). These authors proposed the model from the premise that several approaches or methodologies for measuring performance have their own context; nonetheless, they all seek to measure performance. In this conte xt, these authors propose the Performance Prism, stating that it is a broader models, since it considers the five surfaces of a prism. According to Adams and Neely (2003), in the structure of the Performance Prism, stakeholder satisfaction, as well as its contributions act at the core of the search for success in an organization. For the authors, even though process perspectives, strategies and competencies are involved and serving as supporting perspectives to reach stakeholder satisfaction or receive their contribution, as shown in Figure 5, stakeholders are the focal point of Performance Prism. According to Neely, Adams, and Crowe (2001), the model has been applied in a real number of situations. It has also been used in mergers and acquisitions, aimed at improving these processes. Adams andà Neely (2006) understand that the Balanced Scorecard, proposed by Kaplan and Norton (1992), takes only three stakeholders into account: investors, clients and employees. The Performance Prism also considers employees, vendors, intermediaries, regulation authorities and the community. The model considers stakeholder satisfac tion and contribution in a unique way. Source: Adams and Neely (2003) Figure 5 ââ¬â Performance Prism in action Since this model is derived from the process strategy, thus acknowledging the required competencies, the Performance Prism promotes a more comprehensive approach and stimulates views at a magnified angle, in other business dimensions, where possibly performance is missing in the measurement structure. The result is much more realistic for business leadership (ADAMS; NELLY, 2006). Each of the fine surfaces of the Performance Prism represents a key area crucial to success. The weight of each surface will depend on established strategic goals, such as cost reduction, brand increase, research synergies and others. Figure 6 presents the five surfaces of the Performance Prism model and its approaches. Each surface of the Prism must represent an approach perspective processes, strategies, competencies, contribution and stakeholder satisfaction ââ¬â in performance measurement. Source: Adams and Neely (2006, p.2) Figure 6ââ¬â The five surfaces of the Performance Prism model For Adams and Neely (2006), the following are fundamental questions that must be considered when approaching the Performance Prism: a) Who are our key stakeholders and what do they want and need? b) What strategies are we using to meet their needs and desires? c) What processes are needed to put them into practice and reach these strategies? d) What competencies are required to operate and augment these processes? e) What do we want and need from the stakeholders to maintain and develop these competencies? This way, the Performance Prism model, in addition to considering perspectives of processes, strategies and competencies, also considers stakeholders contribution and satisfaction. It focuses on stakeholders involved in the environment of an organization through five perspectives, considering stakeholders satisfaction, stakeholders contribution ad deriving objectives from this process strategy and evaluating inherent competencies to support them. 5. Final Considerations Through the approach mentioned here, developed using a bibliographic research on the theme, it is possible to see that the Performance Prism model is a new alternative as a performance measurement system within the current perspective, going beyond the financial approach. Compared to the Balanced Scorecard, a model widely used currently, the Performance Prism is different because it possesses a broader aspect regarding the considered stakeholders, who are also the core of the model. This model also has a cause-effect relationship structure that follows an orientation from stakeholders demand, over which the strategy is designed, driving processes and competencies for an organization that wants the satisfaction of these stakeholders. Because it is a more recent model, compared to others, consecrated by their application in organizations, the Performance Prism still does not represent a widely used modelà worldwide. Nonetheless, it can contribute to organizations seeking changes in the way they manage performance, especially because most of the times, their stakeholders generate the sustainability of these organizations, thusà being only reasonable that are central to the organizational performance. As a recommendation for future studies, it is required to study the application of the Performance Prism in depth, allowing for a review of its adaptability and effectiveness in a larger set of organizations, since there are currently a few cases regarding the application of this model for measuring performance in literature. References ADAMS, Chris.; NEELY, Andy. Using the Performance Prism to Boost the Success of Mergers Acquisitions, Accenture, New York. In: . (out. 2006). ADAMS, Chris.; NEELY, Andy. The New Spectrum: How the Performance Prism Framework Helps, Business Performance Management, Norwalk, nov. 2003. In: . (jul.2007). BITITCI, Umit S.; CARRIE, Allan S.; MCDEVITT, Liam. Techniques integrated performance measurement systems: an audit and development guide. The TQM Magazine. v.9, n.1, p. 46-53, 1997. BOGAN, Christopher E.; ENGLISH, Michael J. Benchmarking: Aplicaà §Ã µes prà ¡ticas e Melhoria Contà nua. Sà £o Paulo: Makron Books, 1997. CAVENAGHI, Vagner. Gestà £o do desempenho empresarial: A contribuià §Ã £o da à ¡rea de manufatura. 2001. Tese (Doutorado em Engenharia de Produà §Ã £o) Programa de Pà ³sGraduaà §Ã £o em Engenharia de Produà §Ã £o, USP, Sà £o Paulo. CHIAVENATO, Idalberto; CERQUEIRA NETO, Edgar P. Administraà §Ã £o Estratà ©gica: em busca do desempenho superior, uma abordagem alà ©m do Balanced Scorecard. Sà £o Paulo: Saraiva, 2003. CORRÃÅ A, Henrique L.; CAON, Mauro. Gestà £o de Servià §os, Sà £o Paulo: Atlas, 2002. CORRÃÅ A, Henrique L.; CORRÃÅ A, Carlos A. Administraà §Ã £o de Produà §Ã £o e Operaà §Ã µes: Manufatura e Servià §os: uma abordagem estratà ©gica. Sà £o Paulo: Atlas, 2005. DORNIER, Philippe-Pierre; ERNST, Ricardo; FENDER, Michel; KOUVELIS, Panos. Logà stica e Operaà §Ã µes Globais: Textos e Casos. Sà £o Paulo: Atlas, 2000. DRUCKER, Peter F. The Information Executives Truly Need. In: Measuring Corporate Performance. Boston: Harvard Business Review, 1998. p. 1-24 ECCLES, Robert G. The Performance Measurement Manifesto. In: Measuring Corporate Performance. Boston: Harvard Business Review, 1998. p. 25-45. FROST, Bob. Measuring Performance, Dallas: Measurement International, 2000. KAPLAN, Robert S.; NORTON, David P. The Balanced Scorecard: measures that drive performance. Harvard Business Review. p. 71-79, january-february 1992. LEBAS, Michel J. Performance measurement and performance management. International Journal of Production Economics. v. 41, p. 23-35, 1995. MARTINS, Roberto A. Sistemas de Medià §Ã £o de Desempenho: Um modelo para Estruturaà §Ã £o do Uso. 1998. Tese (Doutorado em Engenharia de Produà §Ã £o) Programa de Pà ³sGraduaà §Ã £o em Engenharia de Produà §Ã £o, USP, Sà £o Pa ulo. MENDES, Dilermando P. O Balanced Scorecard como instrumento de avaliaà §Ã £o do nà vel de desempenho logà stico em uma empresa de prestaà §Ã £o de servià §os. 2002. Dissertaà §Ã £o (Mestrado em Engenharia de Produà §Ã £o) ââ¬â Programa de Pà ³s-Graduaà §Ã £o em Engenharia de Produà §Ã £o, UFSC, Florianà ³polis. MIRANDA, Luis C.; GOMES DA SILVA, Josà © D. Medià §Ã £o do Desempenho. In: SCHMIDT, Paulo (Org.) Controladoria: Agregando valor para a Empresa. Porto Alegre: Bookman, 2002. p. 131-153. NEELY, Andy; GREGORY, Mike; PLATTS, Ken. Performance measurement system design. International Journal of Operations Management. Cambridge, v.14, n.4, p. 81-114, 1995. NEELY, Andy; ADAMS, Chris. Perspectives on Performance: the performance prism. In: Handbook of Performance Measurement. London: Bouine, 2000. NEELY, Andy; ADAMS, Chris; CROWE; Paul. The Performance Prism in Practice. Measuring Business Excellence. v.5, n.2, p. 6-12, 2001. SIMONS, Robert; Dà VILA, Antà ´nio Medindo o Desempenho Empresarial. Rio de Janeiro: Harvard Business Review, Campus, 2000.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
The Jobs of the National Riffle Association Essay example -- National
The Jobs of the NRA Today the National Rifle Association is the largest association that protects your second amendment rights. The NRA was created in 1871 for one primary reason. However what most people donââ¬â¢t know is that its intention has changed very much overtime. There have been many different presidents and spokespersons of the NRA over time, which has always been ready to defend your gun rights at all costs. Furthermore the basis of the NRA has changed with a growing and always changing government. The location of where the NRA is based primarily out of has changed much over time as well. Going into detail the NRA will be thoroughly explained giving knowledge of the history as well as there purpose through out the years to come. Two Union veterans Col. William C. Church and Gen. George Wingate created the National Rifle Association in 1871(1). The Primary reason they created it was to help soldiers with their marksmanship, because Col. Church and Gen. Wingate noticed that their troops had a major lack in their accuracy. Starting in 1873 the NRA would begin holding annual competitions at their range Creedmoor. Their purpose again started to expand quickly with the promotion of shooting in Americaââ¬â¢s youth. The NRA pushed for colleges and universities to start rifle clubs. Still today there are over a million youth involved in shooting competitions. In 1934 the NRA formed the Legislative Affairs Division that was in place to notify people of legislative facts about their second amendment rights. This only informed members of issues however if they wanted to do something about the issues in government they would have to take out action on their own. After time passed the NRA realized they would have to st ep up their game an... ...rvised. The NRA funds classes for firearm safety and conducts simnars around the United States and Canada insuring safety of women. The NRA is Americas longest stand civil rights organization. In the book Gun Crusaders by Scott Melzer he says ââ¬Å"They Fear losing their guns, and they fear losing their freedoms.â⬠(pg.1) This is what the NRA fights for, to keep your rights and freedoms from the government. Works Cited "A Brief History of NRA." A Brief History of NRA. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. Melzer, Scott. Gun Crusaders: The NRA's Culture War. New York: New York UP, 2009. Print. "NRA | History." NRA | History. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. "The NRA Speaks: 14 Quotes from Wayne LaPierre a Week after Sandy Hook tragedy." Gun Control Now USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014. "NRA|Contact Us." NRA|Contact Us. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 April 2014.
Monday, November 11, 2019
Manââ¬â¢s Existence Defined by Being and Nothing Essay
I. Introduction What makes a person alive? Should existence be defined simply by a personââ¬â¢s biological and physical ability to move and breathe? Is existence proven by the mere physical presence of a living person? Philosophers down the ages have advanced many theories of how human existence is defined. Some have advance theories based on the establishment of ââ¬Å"beingâ⬠after the fulfillment of a lifeââ¬â¢s purpose. Others opined that a personââ¬â¢s fear or experience of dread and nothingness defines existence. Some however believe that it is a combination of these yin/yang forces that define human existence. II. Discussions on Existence, Being and Nothingness People are defined as human beings in Biology.à It is what separates humans as a specie from animals.à But shouldnââ¬â¢t the word ââ¬Å"humanâ⬠be enough? What is the significance of the verb ââ¬Å"be?â⬠à Several theories have been advanced to define the tangible things one sees in life but as philosopher Martin Heidegger noticed, they have forgotten to ask what to ââ¬Å"beâ⬠really is (Philipse. 1998. p18). The question of what defines human existence has intrigued philosophers over the ages. Theories have gone beyond the basic qualification of life as the simple and obvious ability to move and breathe. Existentialism however, puts forward the more abstract concepts of defining oneââ¬â¢s being as influenced by boredom, freedom, commitment and alienation (Warnock.1970.p.4).à It separates the human existence into ââ¬Å"beingâ⬠and ââ¬Å"nothing.â⬠What makes a human a ââ¬Å"beingâ⬠? According to Heidegger, a de-constructional view of existence is necessary to include the essence of humanââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"beingâ⬠as opposed to the classical thought of the obvious and therefore unexplored being (Philipse, 1998.p.3). One of Heideggerââ¬â¢s main influences, Edmund Huserll (Grimsley.1960.p.37) said that philosophy should be described in the context of human experience and goals.à People do and live in accordance with one ââ¬Å"planâ⬠or goal.à Heidegger modified this with his theory of ââ¬Å"care,â⬠(Cochrane. 1956. p112) which, simply stated means that a personââ¬â¢s priorities or what he or she considers important defines their existence.à à For him, it is the motivation and the individual needs that define a personââ¬â¢s existence and thus shapes them into what they are. In his work ââ¬Å"Being and Time,â⬠Heidegger created the representation ââ¬Å"Daseinâ⬠of the individual that seeks to answer the question as to why he exists.à He states the Dasein is ââ¬Å"thrownâ⬠into a world of possibilities and responsibilities, and to account for his existence, the Dasein must take responsibility for all these possibilities (Cochrane, 1956 p. 136). Another philosopher who advances the notion of a reality governed by consciousness, Rene Descartes in his ââ¬Å"Meditations on First Philosophyâ⬠states that in human existence, the only thing that cannot be doubted is consciousness.à Reality can have many illusions, but a human beingââ¬â¢s consciousness is constant which therefore makes it the only truth (Snooks, 1998.p 26). The famed German philosopher George Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (Stace,1955. p. 44) summed it up in the statement ââ¬Å"the rational alone is realâ⬠which presented the idea that everything can and will only be expressed in rational categories His various works reflected methods predominantly rooted in logic According to Hegel,à the degree of comprehension of concepts is only limited or expanded by the standards of knowledge a person possesses and the level of society he belongs to (Stace,1955. p. 46) à . The ideas of existentialism contradict this. The definition of a personââ¬â¢s existence is not dependent on rational thinking but rather their individual ââ¬Å"beingsâ⬠in the world they were born in.à Reality in reference to oneââ¬â¢s existence is subjective. In Sartreââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Being and Nothingness,â⬠he defines the actuality of manââ¬â¢s ideal of completion as the fulfillment of state of ââ¬Å"Beingâ⬠while nothingness is the failure or lack of this actuality (Schilpp. 1997.p.48) Like Hegel, Sartre also used the concepts of ââ¬Å"Beingâ⬠in terms of ââ¬Å" in itselfâ⬠, ââ¬Å"for othersâ⬠, and ââ¬Å"for and in itself.â⬠à Unlike Hegel however who defined these as organizational thought processes and logic in the individual, Sartre stated these terms with definitions done to identify and qualify the subjective and objective facets of human existence. Regarded as the ââ¬Å"Father of Existentialism,â⬠and one of Hegelââ¬â¢s greatest critics, Soren Kierkegaard (Malantschuk, 2003.p.11 )was a Danish philosopher who proposed that it is an individualââ¬â¢s feelings such as dread and anxiety that lead to making choices that define a personââ¬â¢s life. Kierkegaard believed that the difference between an individualââ¬â¢s self-perception of being and nothingness stems from the ââ¬Å"individualityâ⬠of a person and that includes emotions and passions. A personââ¬â¢s existence therefore, is brought about by his fears. He cites a parallel of faith and atheism.à In his theories that were viewed as ââ¬Å"anti-organized religion,â⬠Kierkegaard states that for a person to be able to ââ¬Å"make a leap of faith,â⬠one must first have doubt. Otherwise, one may not be able to differentiate ââ¬Å"faithâ⬠from everyday emotions. In the same way, Being cannot exist without ââ¬Å"Nothingâ⬠and vice-versa (Malantschuk, 2003.p.90) Kierkegaard also advanced theà paradoxical theory of the Concept of Dread (Ussher, 1968.p. 52). According to Kierkegaardââ¬â¢s concept of Dread, it is only when one has experienced total misery that one can recognize and experience life and living. ââ¬Å"Only by being a sacrificial Isaac would he recognise himself for the beloved of Abraham: and no miracle (he knew in the end) would intervene.â⬠(Ussher, 1968.p. 27). It is not unusual in todayââ¬â¢s times to hear the maxim ââ¬Å"You never know what you have unless youââ¬â¢ve lost it.â⬠à The misery or anxiety at the thought of losing something makes one realize how much value they have truly assigned to something. The thought of this is echoed in German journalist Helmut Kuhnââ¬â¢s ââ¬Å"Encounter with Nothingness: An Essay on Existentialismâ⬠(1949): ââ¬Å"The question of existence is urged upon us chiefly by our interest. We raise it when we care for the existence or the nonexistence of something. When darkness closes down, we do get excited about the existence of lightâ⬠(Kuhn, 1949) Immanuel Kant presented a style of inquiry that takes to consideration the physiological and empirical facets of a personââ¬â¢s state of Being. Kant believed that an introspective approach was necessary for one to understand and make sense of oneââ¬â¢s own being (Kant, 1965). Sartre, one of the strongest critics of Kantian theory argues that the notion that human emotions are insignificant and occasional ââ¬Å"situationsâ⬠that occur of an individualââ¬â¢s behavior is unacceptable. ââ¬Å"Moreover, emotion must not be considered as a set of empirical facts gained through introspection or as a ââ¬Å"corporeal phenomenonâ⬠, but rather as ââ¬Å"an organized form of human existenceâ⬠à (Schilpp, 1997.p.13) As a personââ¬â¢s existence and state of ââ¬Å"Beingâ⬠are subjective, so is the definition of ââ¬Å"nothingness.â⬠The lexicon meaning of the word ââ¬Å"nothingâ⬠is given as ââ¬Å"1 : not any thing : no thing; 2 : no part;à 3 : one of no interest, value, or consequenceâ⬠In philosophy however, despite the many theories that sought to define existence, the definition of the word ââ¬Å"nothingâ⬠seems to be universal.à It simply means failure to attain a state of Being through lack of fulfillment and failure at the attainment of purposes or goals. III. Summary The human being and existence is a complex and paradoxical concept.à All the concepts are true in a sense, but were never really complete in describing or pinpointing the meaning of life. Different schools of thought range from describing human existence in a mathematical sense then evolving into the more abstract consideration of complex human emotions. Classical philosophy in its rational and logical basis, says it is ââ¬Å"Mind over matter.â⬠Sartre, Hegel and Heideggerââ¬â¢s philosophies are summed up in ââ¬Å"the End justifies the Means.â⬠Kierkegaardââ¬â¢s neurotic view of the existence as a result of anxiety and dread is summed up in ââ¬Å"You donââ¬â¢t know what you have until youââ¬â¢ve lost it.â⬠IV. Conclusion Given the many points of view advanced, there remains a constant, and that is recognition of the human free will. It is the will that makes a choice that rational, experiential or pessimistic, influences the ââ¬Å"Endâ⬠that defines and justifies a personââ¬â¢s existence. A personââ¬â¢s experience of past and present in addition to his perception of what the future could be are subjective.à The significance people place on certain things is also subjective.à Reactions are subjective.à Life is subjective.à One can choose to define existence in the manner of different philosophies. However, it is important to note that these schools of thought are not rules that encompass every personââ¬â¢s experience of life.
Saturday, November 9, 2019
Cda and Power Relations
CDA AND POWER RELATIONS Hafiz Ahmad Bilal Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-321-600-2709 Email: ahmadbilal. [emailà protected] com Akkasha Tariq (Corresponding Author) Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-300-600-5445 E-mail: ak. [emailà protected] com Sadaf Zahra Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-342-737-2911 E-mail: [emailà protected] com Saadia Ashraf Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-334-757-2265 E-mail: life. [emailà protected] com Saman Sibtain Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-334-753-0668 Email: [emailà protected] com Kainat Aqsa Department of English, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, Pakistan Tel: 92-341-571-8087 E-mail: [emailà protected] com Abstract This study aims at finding the connection between language and ideology which is represented by language. Through the analysis of Obamaââ¬â¢s speech it will be seen that how dominant forces exercise their power, maintain their superiority and show their dominance.In this study it is tried to show that how come dominant forces or groups adopt strategies which fulfill their personal interests. In other words through the application of critical discourse analysis the text is analyzed to see up to what extent dominance and power is seen in the words and speech of those in power. CDA always aims at exploring the way social power abuse and dominance are enacted in society. Words are not to be considered neutral but as having some particular meanings which are not always obvious to all readers. Keywords: CDA, dominance, Obamaââ¬â¢s speech, Power, Power realations 1. Introduction:Language is a phenomenon which is related to our social and cognitive development right from our childhood and plays a very crucial role in the formation of our identity. Whatever we say always contains some meaning and repr esents our perception toward a certain thing or idea. Language plays a very important role because every action particularly a political action is accompanied and in fact influenced and played by the language we use. We have always got a particular way of understanding and perceiving language. And the way we perceive language builds the foundation of our social construction and individual as well as group relationships.And some branches of linguistics have tried to explain that what kind of relationship is there between the use of language and importance of perception. Because the way we make use of language tells our intention toward any important issue either political or social. Any discourse either spoken or written can emerge from many sources like cultural, social or power background. Language has always its surface and real meanings and surface meanings differ from that of real meanings, and it is in fact one of the aims of discourse to show how language is working and what c ontext it is being used in. .. Using a language involves something that goes beyond the acquisition of structures and the ability to make appropriate choices in the realization of the particular language functions. â⬠(Yalden, 1987, p 39). Every language finds its ways in discourse and in order to understand a speech or a text it so very necessary to get into the depth of that very spoken or written text and go for the context of it. Because unless the text is seen as having more than surface meanings, it would not be easy to get real meaning and understand the motive and intention of speaker.Discourse always intends to bring forth the context of a thing and bring into light which is otherwise not transparent enough to a reader and listener. Because itââ¬â¢s so very evident that our words have never been neutral and language is not an abstract thing rather our words have meanings and they belong to some particular social and political condition. Itââ¬â¢s quite important t o know that what actually people do with words and this takes language from being comprised of structures and grammar to function and communicative competence. 2. Discourse AnalysisDiscourse analysis is a rapidly growing and vast field. Discourse explains that how texts relate to contexts of situation and context of culture. How texts are produced as a social practice, what texts tell us about happenings and what people think and belief. Text analysis is the study of formal linguistic devices that distinguish a text from random sentences. Discourse analysis takes into account the text-forming devices with reference to the functions for which the discourse was produced, and the context within which the discourse was created.The very aim of discourse analysis is to show how the linguistic elements help language users communicate. Cohesive devices tell us the text and discourse is the meaning in the context. When we find out meaning in the context, and when we find out meaning from a t ext that will become discourse, and when analyze the text along with the context it becomes discourse analysis. Itââ¬â¢s a well known fact that language is checked not in the text but in context as well. It is very necessary to know historical background of any event.For example if a text consists of words about 9/11, it will be obvious to for the historical story. To know actually about a text background knowledge is required which will make the sense even more clear. Certain structures are traced out to reach to the meanings and this is called discourse analysis. Discourse analysis is a methodology but a research as well. It brings new things into knowledge and refers to expressing oneself using words. It is evident that words are never neutral and everything which is written or read has some meanings and through discourse analysis those meanings become clear.This is discourse analysis which enables the analyzer from seeing language as abstract to seeing it as having some meani ngs related to particular conditions like historical, social or political. Discourse analysis has been used to describe a number of research approaches whose ultimate purpose is to focus on the use of language. Conversational analysis, critical discourse analysis is some kinds of discourses which have their own methods and assumptions but the ultimate purpose is to explain the way meanings are constructed in communication.A wide range of texts including journals and broadcast media, political speeches, interviews have been understood through the application of discourse analysis. Discourse analysis includes the ways in which people assume meanings of a text within a given context. Conversational analysis focuses on the analysis of the ways language is being used. It tells how people respond to any conversation and how they make use of a specific word or any provided phrase. On the other hand critical discourse analysis (CDA) is concerned with the imbalance sources of power, inequali ty and bias. 3. Critical Discourse AnalysisThe term critical discourse analysis is an approach which studies discourse in which language is viewed as a form of social practice and focuses on the ways social or political domination are presented by text and talk as well. Power is one of the concepts CDA deals with and CDA tends to analyze the language of those in power, of those who are responsible for the inequalities in done in a society. Moreover CDA researchers attempt to know how discourse produces domination, and how power abuse of one group is exercised on others. And how dominated groups may strive to resist such actions. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) is a type of discourse analytical research that primarily studies the way social power abuse, dominance, and inequality are enacted, reproduced and resisted by text and talk in the social and political context. â⬠(van Dijk, 2001, p. 352) One more important perspective concerned by CDA about ââ¬Å"powerâ⬠is that it is a very rare chance that a text is a work of only one individual. There exists in texts certain evidence which, if observed through a critical eye, clearly shows the ideologies of those who intend to struggle for dominance.The constant unity of language with a number of social issues makes one thing clear and obvious that there is a close relationship of language with social power and this relationship occurs in a number of ways. Power is not essentially derived from language but language can be used in a way so as to challenge power. Language enables to establish differences in power in hierarchical social matters, issues and structures. The actions and words of those in power are always considered of great significance and given a particular importance.And they apply different strategies which are more than enough to show their interests, and it so happens that their words are taken as the ultimate truth. ââ¬Å"The words of those in power are taken as ââ¬Å"self-evident tru thsâ⬠and the words of those not in power are dismissed as irrelevant, inappropriate, or without substanceâ⬠(van Dijk, 2000). In fact it is one of the responsibilities of the CDA researchers to play a very important role in bringing into light the problems and issues of those who have become the victims of dominance and power abuse, and then question the voice of those who have been exercising their power over other groups.Indeed itââ¬â¢s so very important to question them in order to reveal their hidden motives, their superiority, personal interests to make others subjugated. ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ home practitioners must engage in critical discourse analysis to make the voice of the marginalized legitimate and heard and to take the voice of those in power into question to reveal hidden agendas and motives that serve self-interests, maintain superiority, and ensure othersââ¬â¢ subjugation. (Henry & Tator, 2002) As already mentioned that CDAââ¬â¢s main concern is about t he power and use of power which is reflected in the text and talk of those who struggle to maintain their authority over others, so it is believed that oppression, inequality and biasness would be left unchallenged if the text is not viewed and analyzed keenly and critically. ââ¬Å"Given the power of the written and spoken word, CDA is necessary for describing, interpreting, analyzing, and critiquing social life reflected in textâ⬠(Luke, 1997). Power, dominance and inequality are equally interpreted by the help of CDA as these terms are major concern of CDA. CDA is concerned with studying and analyzing written texts and spoken words to reveal the discursive sources of power, dominance, inequality, and bias and how these sources are initiated, maintained, reproduced, and transformed within specific social, economic, political, and historical contextsâ⬠(van Dijk, 1988). As a matter of fact CDA aims to bring a reform in the society and tries to illuminate the paths of supp ressed groups and people. Its whole purpose is to let the oppressed groups know of the injustice done to them and make them able to resist it in order to make their lives worth living.It is in fact a path which tends to lead the dominated bodies to transform their lives. CDA has got many objectives and one of those is to uncover the ideologies that are otherwise hidden in the words or written texts. ââ¬Å"â⬠¦ a critical approach to discourse seeks to link the text (micro level) with the underlying power structures in society (macro sociocultural practice level) through discursive practices upon which the text was drawn (meso level)â⬠(Thompson, 2002). Language tends to have some meaning in it which is not transparent always.CDA plays an important role in making those meanings clear which are otherwise opaque to a common man. ââ¬Å"CDA helps make clear the connections between the use of language and the exercise of power (Thompson, 2002). â⬠CDA does also aim to find connection between social power and discourse. According to van Dijk (1996), ââ¬Å"one of the central tasks of CDA is to account for the relationships between discourse and social powerâ⬠(p. 84). CDA actually makes itself involved in many social issues which need to be resolved. They can be political issues, power abuse and many others. CDA sees itself as politically involved researchâ⬠(Titscher et al, 2000, p. 147). Now it will be clear that CDA is interested in analyzing and critiquing the obvious as well as hidden structural relationships of discrimination, inequality, power, dominance and control which are shown by language use. 4. Application of CDA This research study is concerned with the critical analysis of speech of the president of America telling the entire world about the death of Osama Bin Laden (Leader of Al-Qaeda) who was shot dead in his apartment, in Abbotabad (Pakistan), after an operation by the USA troops.Researchers would be interested in criticall y analyzing the whole speech/text in order to find out traces of power imbalance, inequality, and unjustified practice made by the USA. This research will also take into consideration the views of some of the officials of American government as well as the remarks made by Prime Minister of Pakistan. The agendas, ideologies, and hidden motives of the dominant group, in this case America, would be brought into consideration through the help of critical discourse analysis of the speech by President Obama.It will be viewed that how they have managed to show their dominance over others (Pakistan) and what kind of imbalance of power relationship has been generated by the dominating country (USA). 5. Background of Osama bin Laden Al-Qaida leader Osama Bin Laden is believed to have ordered the attacks on New York and Washington on 11 September 2001 and a number of others. He was top of the US most wanted list. And then a war had been declared against Al-Qaida by the USA.And this operation i n Pakistan was done when the American government was sure enough about Bin Ladenââ¬â¢s presence in Pakistan. 6. Text of President Obama Speech THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Tonight, I can report to the American people and to the world that the United States has conducted an operation that killed Osama bin Laden, the leader of al Qaeda, and a terrorist who's responsible for the murder of thousands of innocent men, women, and children. It was nearly 10 years ago that a bright September day was darkened by the worst attack on the American people in our history.The images of 9/11 are seared into our national memory ââ¬â hijacked planes cutting through a cloudless September sky; the Twin Towers collapsing to the ground; black smoke billowing up from the Pentagon; the wreckage of Flight 93 in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, where the actions of heroic citizens saved even more heartbreak and destruction. And yet we know that the worst images are those that were unseen to the world. The em pty seat at the dinner table. Children who were forced to grow up without their mother or their father.Parents who would never know the feeling of their child's embrace. Nearly 3,000 citizens taken from us, leaving a gaping hole in our hearts. On September 11, 2001, in our time of grief, the American people came together. We offered our neighbors a hand, and we offered the wounded our blood. We reaffirmed our ties to each other, and our love of community and country. On that day, no matter where we came from, what God we prayed to, or what race or ethnicity we were, we were united as one American family. We were also united in our esolve to protect our nation and to bring those who committed this vicious attack to justice. We quickly learned that the 9/11 attacks were carried out by al Qaeda ââ¬â an organization headed by Osama bin Laden, which had openly declared war on the United States and was committed to killing innocents in our country and around the globe. And so we went to war against al Qaeda to protect our citizens, our friends, and our allies. Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, we've made great strides in that effort.We've disrupted terrorist attacks and strengthened our homeland defense. In Afghanistan, we removed the Taliban government, which had given bin Laden and al Qaeda safe haven and support. And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of the 9/11 plot. Yet Osama bin Laden avoided capture and escaped across the Afghan border into Pakistan. Meanwhile, al Qaeda continued to operate from along that border and operate through its affiliates across the world.And so shortly after taking office, I directed Leon Panetta, the director of the CIA, to make the killing or capture of bin Laden the top priority of our war against al Qaeda, even as we continued our broade r efforts to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat his network. Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden. It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground.I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. And finally, last week, I determined that we had enough intelligence to take action, and authorized an operation to get Osama bin Laden and bring him to justice. Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan. A small team of Americans carried out the operation with extraordinary courage and capability. No Americans were harmed.They took care to avoid civilian casualties. After a firefight, they killed Osama bin Laden and took custody of his body. For over two decades, bin L aden has been al Qaeda's leader and symbol, and has continued to plot attacks against our country and our friends and allies. The death of bin Laden marks the most significant achievement to date in our nation's effort to defeat al Qaeda. Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. There's no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us. We must ââ¬â and we will ââ¬â remain vigilant at home and abroad.As we do, we must also reaffirm that the United States is not ââ¬â and never will be ââ¬â at war with Islam. I've made clear, just as President Bush did shortly after 9/11 that our war is not against Islam. Bin Laden was not a Muslim leader; he was a mass murderer of Muslims. Indeed, al Qaeda has slaughtered scores of Muslims in many countries, including our own. So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity. Over the years, I've repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what we've done.But it's important to note that our counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan helped lead us to bin Laden and the compound where he was hiding. Indeed, bin Laden had declared war against Pakistan as well, and ordered attacks against the Pakistani people. Tonight, I called President Zardari, and my team has also spoken with their Pakistani counterparts. They agree that this is a good and historic day for both of our nations. And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. The American people did not choose this fight.It came to our shores, and started with the senseless slaughter of our citizens. After nearly 10 years of service, struggle, and sacrifice, we know well the costs of war. These efforts weigh on me every time I, as Commander-in-Chief, have to sign a letter to a family that has lost a loved one, or look into the eyes of a service member who's been gravely wounded. So Americans understand the costs of war. Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies.We will be true to the values that make us who we are. And on nights like this one, we can say to those families who have lost loved ones to al Qaeda's terror: Justice has been done. Tonight, we give thanks to the countless intelligence and counterterrorism professionals who've worked tirelessly to achieve this outcome. The American people do not see their work, nor know their names. But tonight, they feel the satisfaction of their work and the result of their pursuit of justice. We give thanks for the men who carried out this operation, for they exemplify the professionalism, patriotism, and nparalleled courage of those who serve our country. And they are part of a generation that has borne the heaviest share of the burden since that September da y. Finally, let me say to the families who lost loved ones on 9/11 that we have never forgotten your loss, nor wavered in our commitment to see that we do whatever it takes to prevent another attack on our shores. And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11. I know that it has, at times, frayed. Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice f or all. Thank you. May God bless you.And may God bless the United States of America. 8. Analysis The speech opens with a detail explanation of the whole incident of Abbotabad (Pakistan) and President Obama congratulates the people of his country and the rest of the world about the victory which embraced them after a long span of time. Then there are a few statements about what did the families of the victims of 9/11 go through and what kind of grief surrounded the whole nation. But there then comes some statements which, if analyzed critically, clearly show the efforts America has made to fulfill her personal interests.Obama at one instant states, ââ¬Å"Over the last 10 years, thanks to the tireless and heroic work of our military and our counterterrorism professionals, weââ¬â¢ve made great strides in that effort. â⬠And then he makes further comments which are a clear cut example of their intent to show dominance over Al-Qaeda and then their efforts to fulfill their own se lf-interests. Says he, ââ¬Å" And around the globe, we worked with our friends and allies to capture or kill scores of al Qaeda terrorists, including several who were a part of 9/11 plot. These two above mentioned fragments of his speech just seem enough to elaborate their point of view about their position in the world and their way of doing things. It is obvious that they have been putting themselves in this effort for last ten years. Then the point becomes even clearer when President Obama talks about the result of their continuous efforts and tell the world how they located bin Laden. ââ¬Å"Then, last August, after years of painstaking work by our intelligence community, I was briefed on a possible lead to bin Laden.It was far from certain, and it took many months to run this thread to ground. I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistanâ⬠. This statement if observed superficially will only be discussing about the fruitful results of the US intelligence on the matter of bin Ladenââ¬â¢s capture. But in the eyes of CDA itââ¬â¢s just not a simple statement but it is something greatly related with the imbalance power relationship with Pakistan as well.If analyzed and interpreted critically, it becomes obvious that USA government has shown little reluctance in sharing their plans with Pakistan. For example to understand it more clearly just ponder on the words said by Obama. ââ¬Å"I met repeatedly with my national security team as we developed more information about the possibility that we had located bin Laden hiding within a compound deep inside of Pakistan. â⬠What does ââ¬Å"my national security teamâ⬠mean? It obviously means that Obama has just asked his national security team to go through the process of finding Laden.He has not mentioned that any plan or idea is shared with Pakistani officials or intelligence. So through the application of CDA and considering its main purpose it is evident that nothing matters for them as far as their interests are concerned. Pakistani security team was just not told anything and USA just took their special team in confidence. It means that they have been struggling and making many efforts without letting Pakistan know anything about it.And it must be observed that the process of inquiring about Ladenââ¬â¢s presence was taking in Pakistan and Obama makes it clear in his speech that he learned that Laden was present ââ¬Å"deep inside of Pakistanâ⬠. Now this is again something of great importance, as it is like showing dominance and power over other country. In the above stated comment of Obama two things show the excessive use of their power. First Presidentââ¬â¢s meeting with his security team only and second the action of investigating Ladenââ¬â¢s presence in Pakistan is the thing not being shared with the country where he actual action was to take place. This is to be considered as one of the examples of inequality and wrong use of power by USA. The story is just not over here as there comes many more evidence in the text which represent the inequality USA seems have done to Pakistan. ââ¬Å"Today, at my direction, the United States launched a targeted operation against that compound in Abbotabad, Pakistan. â⬠There again needs to apply CDA and get into the depth of the statement and reach to the real meanings which are otherwise hidden and not easily understandable. Today, at my directionâ⬠is just not simple phrase but something that is more than enough to affect the power relationship between two independent countries. ââ¬Å"Todayâ⬠seems to specify the day and time which appeared suitable to the dominating country and then ââ¬Å"at my directionâ⬠is indicating towards something which goes in favor of USA because here again it is noticeable that President Obama looks like in believing in his own orders and directions, not giving any clue of the direction or requirement of taking the direction of Pakistani government.This if critically analyzed is pointing towards the belief which the USA government might have in them and in their power as well. And this looks like USA tends to imbalance the power relation with Pakistan and makes that country dominated by such remarks and action as well. Then there come another statement which looks even closer to the way one may exercise their power over other group or a country might be. ââ¬Å"Yet his death does not mark the end of our effort. Thereââ¬â¢s no doubt that al Qaeda will continue to pursue attacks against us.We mustââ¬âand we willââ¬âremain vigilant at home and abroad. â⬠In the above mentioned statement there are three important words which are enough to grab the attention of those who work through CDA. ââ¬Å"We must, we will remain vigilant at home and abroad are not having ordinary mea nings in them as it is well known fact that words are not always ought to be neutral. If viewed deeply there in that statement a word is used ââ¬Å"abroadâ⬠and it seems to indicate some determination of American government.Using words like ââ¬Å"we mustâ⬠, ââ¬Å"we willâ⬠is a way adopted for asserting their power and dominance. And itââ¬â¢s not their country only they will be working but abroad as well. And abroad can be any other country or Pakistan may be as he didnââ¬â¢t mention it at all. , as he said it was not the end of their efforts and any further action could be possible in future. Judging this very fragment of his speech it might be said that it was not at all a neutral statement and contained in it a signal to show their strength and then will to exercise power whenever they feel it to exercise. Over the years, Iââ¬â¢ve repeatedly made clear that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. That is what weââ¬â¢ve do ne. â⬠Such a statement from president of USA for another independent country is indeed of great attention as it again refers to the same thing which CDA aims at. Critically evaluating, this statement contains some meaning which seems to give world an idea about what USA thinks and wants to do. To make an argument like ââ¬Å"Iââ¬â¢ve repeatedly made clearâ⬠is containing a huge meaning in itself.It refers to the idea of being always right, and dominant. And if analyzed this statement more deeply, it appears as if America is biased toward Pakistan and this is shown through the text itself. ââ¬Å"â⬠¦. that we would take action within Pakistan if we knew where bin Laden was. â⬠This remark is showing the bias America is or may have against Pakistan. As it shows that they are already having some prejudice against Pakistan and have repeatedly made it clear that they would take an action if found it good in their interest.Continuing further he adds that he called P resident Zardari and his officials and was told that it was a great day for both of their nations and further Obama states, ââ¬Å"And going forward, it is essential that Pakistan continue to join us in the fight against al Qaeda and its affiliates. â⬠It does seem opaque that what kind of contribution they are asking Pakistan to make, they may be signaling toward the same way they just adopted to attack Osama in Pakistan, and making Pakistani government clear that their contribution lies in the fact that they would not be asked if the action is to be taken again to attack any other member of al Qaeda.President Obamaââ¬â¢s speech consists of many fragments in which he every now and then shows his sympathy with his nation about the incident of 9/11 and ensures to take possible measures to protect their country but that statement itself becomes controversial and looks like to serve their purposes only. Says he, ââ¬Å"Yet as a country, we will never tolerate our security being threatened, nor stand idly by when our people have been killed. We will be relentless in defense of our citizens and our friends and allies,â⬠This statement is just telling the way they want to secure their country.And letting the entire world know of what they think of the security of their people and country. But in a way or other it suggests that it is only their security that matters and they will not allow anyone to threaten their security, moreover they will be relentless in defense of their citizens. But the question arises that what about the security of the country which was threatened and weakened when President Obama took that action in Pakistan and made it clear that they had already said that any action of this sort could take place in Pakistan if necessary.On one side securing their own country and on the other hand not showing any concern about the security of the other country (Pakistan). These kinds of phrases are interpreted with the help of CDA in order to detect the hidden ideologies of the dominating country. And statements like this and many others are a warning to let others know not to take this matter lightly. CDA aims at exploring the motives of dominant group and it tells what one is allowed and expected to do. President Obama concludes the speech with a statement which contains in it a message which confirms their dominance, power and threat to power relation with Pakistan.Adds he further, ââ¬Å"The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether itââ¬â¢s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all citizens; our commitments to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place. â⬠Though these are the closing comments from president Obama but they do have the signs of over dominance. ââ¬Å"â⬠¦America can do whatever we set our mind to. If this and many other above mentioned statements are left unchallenged then power relation and excessive use of dominance by America in this particular case can create many problems for the country who is being repressed and dominated. As it is one of the main aims of CDA to reveal hidden motives which do lie in texts and words, this piece of text does need a critical analysis. Telling what America can do somehow discloses the ideological assumption of America. This appears like America has got some firm belief in their strength and that they can do whatever they want to do.Itââ¬â¢s through the application of CDA that it becomes possible to let others know that how those who in power maintain their superiority and how they want or ensure others subjugation. This statement is just no looks like a warning to al Qaeda only but to the entire world. Saying that America can do anything seems like America can attack Al Qaeda again as well as America can make use of it s excessive power by maintaining its dominance and can again take such sort of action in Pakistan. It points towards the commitment America has made in order to be superior and ensure its superiority over others.CDA is very helpful in such situations as it help in understanding that how one exercises their authority through words. This very statement is a signal toward the presence of imbalance in power relationship between the two countries (Pakistan and America). And CDA helps understand the social problems, inequality and excessive use of oneââ¬â¢s power and superiority over others. Some comments of the American officials have also been added and analyzed with the help of CDA. BBC reports on May 2, 2011. The US official said that intelligence had been tracking a trusted courier of bin Laden for many years.The courierââ¬â¢s identity was discovered four year ago, his area of operation two years ago and then, last August, his residence in Abbotabad was found, triggering the st art of the mission. (BBC News) This news by US official reflects the same idea as it was there in President Obamaââ¬â¢s speech. Their continuous effort to find out Osamaââ¬â¢s residence across the world appears to be their top priorities. And as the official said that at last they found him in Abbotabad (Pakistan), it looks like that they had kept an eye on Pakistan.But what happened actually that the plan was not at all shared with Pakistan, which seems like a way used by US to exercise its superiority and keep its self interest most important. It actually can be fatal for the power relation between the two countries because inequality can be seen in this very case. According to another report by BBC it was said that nothing about the plan was shared with anyone including Pakistan. The official said ââ¬Å"Only a very small group of people inside our own government know of this operation in advance. (BBC News) The statement is what CDA aims to bring into notice. US officials knew that the operation was to be held in Pakistan but it was not their concern to share it with the officials of Pakistan. At surface level this statement is not that dangerous but its critical analysis may make it prominent and questionable. The information was shared with a very few people of the US and it indicates towards the inequality shown by the US. It too shows the power abuse which according to CDA needs to be resisted.Power relations can be at risk if such statements are made by an independent country for another independent country. It looks like as if sovereignty of a country has been challenged through the words of those who have power and this time Pakistan seems to be the victim of such oppression and injustice. The nature of these remarks makes CDA an interesting task. This should be kept in mind that those who are in power they keep asserting their dominance through the use of words and this has just been shown and understood through the critical discourse analysi s of above mentioned remarks of the US officials.BBC News had too added the remarks of different officials of many countries but in this very analysis the remark of Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani would be analyzed. ââ¬Å"Pakistan Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani said the killing was a ââ¬Å"great victoryâ⬠but added that he ââ¬Å"didnââ¬â¢t know the detailsâ⬠of the US operation. â⬠(BBC News) CDA aims to highlight oppression, repression and marginalization by critically analyzing the text to reveal dominance. And what makes the remark of Prime Minister a questioning one. The declaration of Mr.Gilani about having no details about the US operation seems to ensure what America wanted for them. The operation was made in Pakistan and the Prime Minister of the same country has not been told about it. Dominance of America may be observed here as there comes no resistance from the words of Prime Minister. Moreover it seems to ensure the subjugation of Pakistan and do mination of America in the very incident of Abbotabad. This is an attempt to critically analyze the words of those in power. It is shown that what it looks like and what it actually is. . Conclusion Let this fact be acknowledged that those in power have always some hidden motives and ideologies which they adopt to serve their purposes and fulfill their self-interests. Their words are not at all neutral rather they have respective hidden agendas which they use to maintain their superiority. The same has been understood by critically analyzing the text of President Obamaââ¬â¢s speech after the death of bin Laden. CDA tries to illuminate ways followed by dominant forces that favor their personal interests.A text may appear flat if not critically observed but if critically evaluated it reveals hidden traits of those who tend to exercise their power by using words and speech. CDA has played a major role in unraveling the text and meanings which are contained in it. Critical analysis o f text is necessary to challenge the excessive use of power, oppression and inequality, and CDA helps resisting such actions if prevailing in the society. DISCLAIMER: The text of Obamaââ¬â¢s speech was taken for the research purposes only and none other purpose should be extracted out of this analysis.The text analysis should not be taken politically or personally. References BBCNews. (May 02, 2011). ââ¬Å"Osama Bin Laden, al-Qaeda leader, dead-Barack Obama. â⬠(Extracted on: June 16, 2012) Available : www. bbc. co. uk/news/world-us-canada-13256676 CBSNEWS. (May 02, 2011). ââ¬Å"Full text of Obamaââ¬â¢s Speech on Bin Ladenââ¬â¢s Deathâ⬠. Extracted on: June 16, 2012. Available: http://www. cbsnews. com/8301-503544_162-20058783-503544. html Henry, F. , ; Tator, C. (2002). Discourse of domination. Toronto: University of Toronto Press. Luke, A. (1997) Theory and practice in critical science discourse. In L. Saha (Ed. , International encyclopedia of the sociology of education. Accessed March 6, 2003. http://www. gseis. ucla. edu/courses/ed253a/Luke/SAHA6. html(Retrieved on: June 16, 2012) Titscher, S. , Meyer, M. , Wodak, R. ; Vetter, E. (2000) Methods of Text and Disocourse Analysis. London: Sage Thompson, M. (2002). ICT, power, and development discourse: A critical analysis. Accessed March 6, 2003. http://www. jims. cam. ac. uk/research/seminar/slides/2003/030529 thompson ab. pdf( Retrieved on: June 16, 2012) van, Dijk, T. A. (2001). Critical Discourse Analysis. In Handbook of Discourse Analysis. Schiffrin, D. , Tannen, D. nd Hamilton (eds). Malden: Blackwell. (pp352-371) Van Dijk, T. A. (2000). Critical discourse analysis. Accessed March 6, 2003. http://www. discourse-in-society. org/OldArticles/The%20reality%20of%20racism. pdf(Retrieved on: June 16, 2012) van Dijk, T. A. (1988). News as discourse. Hillside, NJ: Erlbaum van, Dijk, T. A. (1996). Discourse, power and access. In Texts and Practices: Reading in Critical Discourse Analysis. Coult hard, C. , Rosa, C. and Coulthard, M. (Eds). London: Routlegde. pp 84-104 Yalden, J (1987). Principles of Course Designing for Language Teaching. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
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