Theories of Human Communication, the social media and the Arab spring Essay

Theories of Human Communication, the social media and the Arab spring - Essay Example The first wave of such a change was felt with the advent of mobile phones and the short messaging services (SMS) offered by them. Electronic media like e-mail and instant messaging followed next. Just when it seemed that communication couldn’t get any better, social media and networking via the internet took over, bringing people from every nook and corner of the world together onto a single platform. Though the world has been called a ‘global village’ since the beginning of this century, it was in this decade that the label served its true purpose. Human communication has attained a new definition, and is now at its full force through social media. Social media has been the major driving force behind the Arab uprising that is reverberating in the Arab world today, and it is only through social media that people are at freedom to voice their thoughts and fight for what they deserve. According to S.F. Scudder, "All living entities, beings and creatures communicate. They communicate through movements, sounds, reactions, physical changes, gestures, languages, breath, etc†1. This statement is a part of the theory of communication and is known as the ‘Universal Communication Law’. Indeed, communication is an integral part of living, and it is impossible to survive without it. Communication models and their relevance in today’s times Adler and Rodman, in their insightful book, Understanding Human Communication, describe two different modes of communication, namely linear and transactional. According to the linear communication model, â€Å"communication is like giving an injection: a sender encodes ideas and feelings into some sort of message and then conveys them to a receiver who decodes them† (12). Face-to-face contact and other conventional channels like writing are included in this form of communication. The transactional model of communication is more fluidic and relational. There is a â€Å"simultaneous sen ding and receiving† of messages. This kind of communication includes mass media2 and social interaction. Face-to-face communication is decreasing rapidly, with the advent of social networking and electronic means of communication. In fact, many major surveys have pointed out that those who are more prone to the use of social networks are less likely to maintain face-to-face interactions in daily life. This brings us to the relevance of the linear mode of communication. While it is still a necessity in daily commute, human communication in recent times is largely based on the transactional model. Everyone is turning towards video conferencing, instant messaging, tweeting, and social networking in order to â€Å"stay in touch† with acquaintances. How social media defines our lives today An assessment of the impact of social media, in recent times, indicates that a majority of the population depends on the internet for most of their daily needs. As described by Adler and R odman: Until recently, most social support came from personal acquaintances: friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, and so on. In the last ?fteen years, though, there has been an explosion of â€Å"virtual communities† in which strangers meet online to share interests and concerns, and to gain support from one another on virtually every problem. The most popular support topics include medical conditions, eating disorders, sexual orientation, divorce, shyness, addictions, and loneliness (140). As is evident from this scenario,

Seven Years War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Seven Years War - Essay Example During these seven years of battle, Britain and France differed and took parallel side in battle because both of them were eyeing North America as a colony of choice. India was dragged into war since it was a place of colonial interest by the major European powers, Britain and France. France got involved in the seven year’s war because it was interested in the colonies which by coincidence were also the target of Britain. 3Because of this conflict of colonial interest with each of the two counties wanting to have a larger sphere of influence, war was inevitable. In this case India was just a victim of circumstances, drawn into war unprepared and unwillingly. The war ended with the signing of the Franco-British Treaty in 1963. In this treaty, Britain took Canada and Florida initially controlled by France and Spain respectively. France controlled the West Indian cane islands allowing Spain take Louisiana. Britain won the war as it managed to take both North America and India as its colonies4. The seven years war crowned Britain the master in abroad colonies. Frederick II the Great retained Silesia affirming Russia’s as the main European

Media and Government Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Media and Government - Assignment Example Theyre doing all the right things, but unfortunately the right things may not be good enough," Rahn said and "My advice to them at this point is to keep up the good work and then pray to the Mongolian Weather Gods to send cold fronts. That’s their best hope for clean air." Government has an authoritarian effect on the media because writer is telling all the details about the bad quality air and said this problem cannot be resolved but he still said government is doing their level best. Vivian states that the premise of authoritarian media systems is that â€Å"the government is infallible, which places its policies beyond questioning† (2011, p. 397). How is this attitude reflected in the Chinese article? In the Chinese article, writer tells all the facts about the bad air quality. He tells all the reasons and how this problem can be solved. His statement about government shows the authoritarian system that is â€Å"Theyre doing all the right things, but unfortunately the right things may not be good

Should children under the age 14 be allowed to make treatment Research Paper - 1

Should children under the age 14 be allowed to make treatment decisions - Research Paper Example However, recently, such presumptions continue to receive criticism from policymakers and other activists, thereby raising the question of the justification of children’s decisions regarding their health. There have been several conflicts between the caregivers and the teens below 14 years regarding their welfare, and some children’s arguments seem justifiable over those of their parents (Cherry, 2013). As such, there is a critical need to address the issue, and give such kids a bigger voice in making decisions regarding their health. Besides, since such children have the direct impacts of their health conditions, they may suggest treatment modes that may improve their conditions (Cherry, 2013). However, the assistance of a physician is critical, and it should be at the best interest of the patient (minor) (Cherry, 2013). The key advantage of such a decision is that it will aid in the recovery of the child, particularly in emergencies where the caregiver may be unavailable. However, this ought to be within the allowed legal standards. Besides, children with long-term disorders are perceived to be more acquainted with their conditions, and hence they may make wise decisions regarding their health. This is evident in cases where parents advocate for a misinformed treatment prescription that only leads to the deterioration of such children’s conditions. Such cases have been evident in numerous US states, thereby highlighting the need for child involvement in cases regarding their health. However, owing to the legal obligations of parents to make such decisions, the challenges still loom (Cherry, 2013). Besides, negative consequences resulting from a physician allowing such children to make decisions concerning their health may compel the physicians to undergo unjustified legal proceedings, thereby jeopardizing their careers. Although children may be under the care of the parents and guardians, the children’s consent to treatment may

Tourism Industry in India Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Tourism Industry in India - Research Paper Example Segments such as hotels, tour operators, airlines, shipping etc., are significant contributors to this revenue. With lot of imagination and ideas the Indian tourism sector is gathering momentum and is set to have not only large numbers of foreign tourists but also make a big share in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Theodore Koumelis, in his article on Indian tourism and recent statistics, suggests that the performance of the Indian tourism industry has been very encouraging and has registered an 11% increase in foreign tourist arrivals during 2006. According to Starbucks annual CSR of 2006, Starbucks had then planned to enter the Indian market through a joint venture with an Indian partner RPG Enterprises so as to expand its business. Although many foreign companies see huge potential in Indian market due to huge middle class population, entering into it may not be that lucrative at time due to strict governmental economic policies. Therefore, certain country risks are involved. Almost entire South Asian region has faced severe political instability crisis for many decades with variable consequences. India, by far has been an example not only for South Asian countries but for many developed nations as well. Known as the largest democracy in the world, India has enjoyed continuous trends in its political and economical policies while directly resulting in greater political stability. Thus, tourism and hospitality industry in India has greatly benefited. However, greater stability of such magnitude has resulted in slower shifts and transitions in policy making processes, while negatively affecting the emergence of Indian tourism market for becoming a regional market. Perhaps, this has been the reason why multinational companies did not want to come to India in the earlier stages. Although there is opportunity for domestic and foreign business to grow, there are certain obstacles to these expansions. One of the major obstacles is the entry barriers abound and restrictions imposed on foreign direct investments. The government currently permits on an automatic basis with the exception that they do not already have an existing venture in India in the same field and proposals that may fall outside notified sectional policy/caps. The risk for these new businesses is that regulations are poorly enforced and the restrictions imposed on each zoning and tenancy laws make property ownership among the most expensive in the world. Therefore, the government has ownership of most of the businesses and this lowers the economic growth, making it expensive for other businesses to gain ownership. For Starbucks in India, political and legal risks can include threats to the profitability. These threats derive from the government action or inaction by economic conditions in the marketplace. The threats are included in the action or inaction by political authorities or their agents, rather than changes in supply and demand of goods and services. Therefore, Starbucks is required to open a bank account with an authorized dealer for designated foreign currency. A Foreign Currency Non-Resident (FCNR) account is to be established while converting the foreign exchange to Indian Rupees (Indian Liaison, 2007). India has a tax structure that is well developed to levy taxes divided between

248789_diversity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

248789_diversity - Essay Example not only includes the traditional categories of race and gender but also people with disabilities, gays & lesbians and other non-traditional categories considered having â€Å"diversity of thought† or those from the different disciplines, college degrees, socio-economic backgrounds etc. It was Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. who inspired the concept of diversity when he advocated that people should be judged by their character, not by the color of their skin. This propelled lawmakers to come up with laws that provide equal opportunity to all. (MOR BARAK, M. E., 2000) These laws have been designed protect anyone from being discriminated against by reason of sex, marital status, ethnic or national origin, color, race, nationality, age, disability, religion, and differing terms of employment, including pay for jobs of equal value. As of now, an escalating number of European firms are implementing diversity and equality strategies; not only for principled and legal reasons but also for the trade benefits they are anticipated to deliver. Amongst the most imperative of these benefits are enhanced employee recruitment and employee retention from a broad pool of superior quality workforce, better corporate icon and repute, better innovation and improved promotion opportunities. The term â€Å"Equal opportunity† refers to a situation where a person is entitled to equal access in society. â€Å"Equal opportunities approach† is premised on the principle that all people are eligible to avail certain rights or privileges like education, employment, health care or other welfare services without any discrimination or any preference. Different organizations now apply various equal opportunity practices which consist of a number of means adopted to provide fair conditions for all their members in the process of employment and work. (GILL KIRTON, A. M. G., 2000) This current trend of the embracing of diversity has given birth to the concept of â€Å"the inclusive

Distinct varieties of masculinity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Distinct varieties of masculinity - Essay Example ne, by concurring or differing with different scholars; the conclusion, entailing a summery outline of the main points discussed and a stand on the things discussed and how masculinity manifest. In gender studies, feminist theories concern the discrimination of women by men because of womanhood feminists opine that men suit themselves by controlling sex; women get denied personal choice and exploited on labor issues. The feminists believe that the discrimination curtails women rights and seek to see the situation changed. (Piper 2009) Masculinity refers to masculine which denote something related to a male who include men and boys. (Piper 2011) defines masculinity as an expression to serve and not to be served expressing a sacrifice for the woman, which requires giving direction and having a final say. While looking at the distinct values of masculinity arises from the comparison of feminist and masculinity where feminist seek for equality between men and women, but some things constitute for womanhood and others manhood. The essay below discusses the comparison of the two in regard to distinct variety of masculinity. Distinct varieties of masculinity To begin with thoughts and experiences of men, they help in understanding gender in terms of the masculine variables, as opposed to feminist. (Rotundo, p. 106) argues that women beauty lured men from their known pleasure and secure culture to following women. Therefore, opining that gender gets socially construed with masculine thoughts and behaviors arising from social and cultural processes. The scholar opines that the new complex culture, give rise to the conception of self made manhood. (Rotundo, p. 80 ) Explains the boy’s culture, which prepared boys, for rough and competitive world of politics and business, also the youth culture characterized by debating clubs, where they learned new skills and how to compete in socially acceptable ways. Similarly, (Rotundo, p 86) expresses the idea of masculinity by