Ammaniti’s Novel, I’m Not Scared Essay -- I’m Not Scared by Ammaniti

This is a profoundly moral tale of lost innocence and adult cruelty. Do you agree?Ammanitis novel Im Not Scared set in Acqua Traverse, Italy 1978 is a powerful text, which explores relevant social themes and issues. Besides organism a tale of adult cruelty and lost innocence we cannot ignore the role in which loyalty and betrayal play in the novel. These central themes shed light on this novel a compelling text.In the novel Michelle journeys from a joyful innocent child into a perceptive and wiser youth. Initially we view Michelle as a child who is very compassionate, willing to do the forfeit for Barbara to exempt her from Skulls cruelty. As the story progresses qualities namely courage and loyalty surface in Michelle. These deuce qualities are most noticeable when he states, Im going to see Fillipo Whos Fillipo? Hes a friend of mine. Michelles actions show and justify a belief that he has in a sense lost his innocence. Michelle also shows maturity when he acknowledges that his fa ther may not be a loving man, stating, Papa was the bogeyman. By day he was good, by night he was bad. He realises that the adults are cruel and is astounded when he notices his father stating two ears well cut off. Two. Michelle loses his innocence after witnessing the cruelty displayed by the adults as well as being well-tried by the notions of loyalty and betrayal.The adults with the exception of Michelles mother can all be seen as having key roles in the kidnapping. The treatment ...

Murray Siskind: Wise Man Or Raving Mad? Essay -- essays research paper

Is Murray Siskind a raving lunatic or a wise, precisely somewhat eccentric man? Does he ever take a shit a point, or is he just mindlessly rambling? Hes neither of those things. The first impression he gives is of someone whos in between, barely that proves not to be the case. Hes actually a very cunning man, one who has become the devil voice of shite Gladneys conscience. in conclusion hed akin to become Jack. He covets not only his position and standing in the university, but also his wife, Babette, and he sees no riddle of it. Why else would he do something to lewd as to sniff her hair and grope her the way he does? He tells Jack that the only way to take a shit a woman is with clear and open desire. Well, it dont get no clearer than that. All those things become apparent later on. First, we find out who Murray Jay Siskind is. Hes an ex-sportswriter from New York. Hes Jewish. He was briefly married once during his sportswriter days. We know he is now a visiting bear wi tnesser on living icons at College-on-the-Hill.Physically, he is a stoop shouldered man with little round glasses and an Amish beard (DeLillo 10). Hes hairy, but does not have a moustache, only a beard. He dresses almost entirely in corduroy. He standardizeds his men simple and his women complicated. He is trying to mount a vulnerability that women will find attractive (DeLillo 21), but so far has only managed to create sneaky and lecherous expression. For him, sex seems very matter-of-fact, like a business transaction. Just flat out lust. He even reads a magazine called American Transvestite.Murray is, by his own admission, a solitary go who marrons himself with a TV set and dozens of stacks of dust-jacketed comic books (DeLillo 52). He shares a house across the street from an insane asylum with boarders who seem like they ought to be confined there too. Not that he minds, though. Hes totally captivated and intrigued totally enamored of the small town setting (DeLillo 10). At first, Murray seems like a deep person with interesting quirks (he takes pleasure in sniffing food labels in the supermarket). Hes deeper than the other pop culture professors who read nothing but cereal boxes and have food fights while discussing the culture of public toilets and reminiscing where they were when James Dean died. Murray has theories. Lots of theories. In an odd way, some of them make sense. For exa... ...mps out the fragments of Jacks mind and fills it with his own devious thoughts. Jack is not a killer, and under normal circumstances Jack would never have been a killer. Murray is a killer, if just psychologically. He proves it once and for all when he forces Jack to elicit the truths he already possess (DeLillo 293), that a dier can become a killer. He disguises himself - Im only a visiting lecturer. I theorize, I take walks, I admire trees and houses (DeLillo 293), and prefaces nearly every sentence with in theory or theoretically but he knows what the outcome wi ll be. When Jack shoots Willie Mink, Murray is as guilty as if he pulled the trigger himself.Murray probably hoped Jack would be sent to prison for shooting Willie, freeing up Babette for himself. I stated in the beginning that Murray was cunning. People who are cunning possess a strong ability to mesmerize and manipulate. They can, on some levels, seem very logical. Hitler is often described as a cunning man. Murray is not wise. Murray is bad. He manipulated minds, he played with peoples lives. In hindsight none of it worked out in his favor, but that doesnt change that facts. It was an evil thing to do.

Stratospheric Ozone Depletion and Its Effect on Skin Cancer Incidence E

IntroductionThis term paper is situated in an area of specific health related and environmental concern the human dimensions of global change. For close a decade now there has been growing scientific interest in the global environmental changes resulting from anthropogenic activity. However most of this research has cogitate on the scientific bases of environmental transformations with little attention to how human social responses are linked to global change. As a result, scientists and researchers alike are setoff to ask questions about the symbiotic relationship between human well being and physical change.AbstractThis research compilation plans to use one environmental health component of the global change phenomena - ozone depletion and skin cancer - to advance and convert your understanding of the relationships between human wellness and environmental change. This project should deepen understanding by developing a framework for conceptualizing environmental health policy i ssues. In this way the relationships between scientists, policy makers and the public will be explored theoretically as the interactions of science, the state, and society as a whole.The Relationship of Skin Cancer Prevalence and the Increase in Ultraviolet-B Exposure due to Ozone DepletionUltraviolet-B radiation restitution the human skin Acute exposure causes sunburn and chronic exposure results in loss of elasticity and increased aging. Increased absorption of UV-B triggers a thickening(a) of the superficial skin layers and an increase in skin pigmentation (both of which act to protect the skin against future sunburns). This protective mechanism however, also makes the skin more unprotected to skin cancer. Strong evidence exists of a dose... ...tion/2.htmlMahaney, Francis X., Nocturnal Animals Help Shed Light on Human Melanoma, __Journal of the National Cancer Institute__, 87 (21) (1 November 1995). Available on the World Wide Web at http//wwwicic.nci.ni h.gov/jnci/iss8721/87 -1584.html.Roses, Daniel F., Stephen L. Gumport, Matthew N. Harris, and Alfred W. Kopf, __The Diagnosis and Management of Common Skin Cancers__ (Atlanta, Georgia American Cancer Society, 1989), 89- 50M-No. 3373-PE.Schein, O.D. et al., Ocular and Dermatologic Health do of Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure from the Ozone Hole in Southern Chile, __American Journal of Public Health__, 85 (4) 546-550 (April 1995).Stat Bite Trends in Melanoma Incidence, __Journal of the National Cancer Institute__, 87 (20) (1 November 1995). Available on the World Wide Web at http//wwwicic.nci.ni h.gov/jnci/iss8720/statbi20.jpg.

The Patriot Act Essay -- USA Terrorism Surveillance Wire Tapping

The nationalist Act In the wake of September 11, numerous another(prenominal) things happened very quickly. Along with the beginning of a war against terrorism, an act was passed to help prevent future terrorism in the USA. The name of this is the USA Patriot Act. The act legalizes many surveillance techniques that were once prohibited. The act has been passed without debate, and the new privileges given to our government demand not been thoroughly examined. The law enforcers of our country atomic number 18 now capable of monitor the citizens in ways most people are not aware of. Some of the surveillance laws are self-terminating after four years, but many of the to a greater extent important laws are permanent. What will these new surveillance laws be used for after the war on terrorism is over? Lee Tien, the Electronic landmark Foundation staff attorney, suggests that the new rights can be used to put America into a police state. There is a need for checks and balances in the USA Patriot Act to protect the American citizens. There are two hundred ninety pages in the USA Patriot Act many of these pages are discussing subjects that potpourri the rights of American citizens forever. The act was passed in a little over a month, which suggest that few, if any, congressmen thoroughly read this detailed act. In times of crisis, history has prove that United States citizens willingly compromise their right of privacy without considering the consequences. Many people have openly accepted this act without knowing what it is, most people have never even heard of the USA Patriot Act. The USAPA (USA Patriot Act) has not gone under the scrutiny that any normal act would have, yet this could be more important than any other act to date. The USAPA allows national or domestic law enforces (from the NSA, FBI, and CIA all the way down to the local police) to tap your reckoner or voice mail with a simple assay warrant issued by a judge. Only one out of ten thousand of these search warrants requests are rejected. The law enforcers are also allowed to tap electronic devices without telling the victim about the warrant or that they are being monitored. Also, the CIA and other contrasted agencies are allowed to share information with the domestic law enforcement. This means that agencies that were once not allowed to intervene in the affairs of the USA can do so without punishment. These are few of the many la... ...dly, there should be a report on if the information acquired is used in court. This is a check on the benefit of the information gathered by the law enforcers, and a way to monitor the proper use of the search warrant. Fourthly, a check on how the information achieve is to be shared with other law based government agencies. It is a way to protect the privacy of the victim, so people do not needlessly read private documents. Finally, the public should be aware of the success or failure of the system. The people should be informed if their loss of privacy has done what it is mean to, which is to protect the country. These checks and balances of the USA Patriot Act are needed if the men and women of the USA want to feel safe. Thus, the USAPA must have many checks as hygienic as balances if the people of the United States are to be happy with it. Until then, people remain concerned that Congress has passed such extensive declines in the right of Americans to be liberated from dominating government observation. But having done so, it is essential that Congress where feasible, shares with the American nation basic information about how these wide new powers are being used.

The Controversy Surrounding Multiple Personality Disorder Essay

The Controversy Surrounding Multiple Personality Disorder Multiple Personality Disorder is a condition that legion(predicate) an(prenominal) people probably have not heard of. Among those who have heard of it, there are even less who actually know what it is. However, according to bagpiper (1997) there were about 6,000 cases diagnosed in North America alone in 1986. Some experts estimate that multiple personality disorder, or MPD, affects 5 to 10 pct of the population, or about 100 million people worldwide. For such a widespread disorder, the publics lose of knowledge about it is pretty shocking. One explanation for this lack of knowledge could be the fact that many people, fueled by the beliefs of many noted psychologists, do not believe the disorder even exists. Why do they believe this? To answer this question, one must first understand a little more about MPD itself.Although there is no clear, universally accepted description of multiple personality disorder, one in terpretation that most seem to agree on was stated by Piper Multiple personality disorder (MPD) is characterized by the presence of alter personalities that periodically and unpredictably take control of the patients body (pg. xii). All who have been diagnosed with MPD have shown evidence of one or more alter personalities digression from the host personality. The host is usually described as the personality that is in control the largest amount of time, or the personality that presents itself for treatment. This may sound confusing, but it is nothing compared to the many other aspects of MPD, such as what a personality is, what causes the onset of MPD, whether or not someone really has MPD, and what treatment methods are effective-all of which will be discussed.In ... ...tmlFalse Memory Syndrome Foundation Compilation Dr. Bennett Braun. (1995, September 1). Retrieved March 11, 2004 from http//www.fmsfonline.org/braun.htmlHendrickson, G (2001, July 3). psychotherapy. Retrieved Marc h 26, 2004 from http//health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/3092.htmlMcHugh, P. Multiple Personality Disorder (Dissociative individuation Disorder). Retrieved March 11, 2004 from http//www.psycom.net/mchugh.htmlPiper, A. (1997). bosh and Reality The Bizarre World of Multiple Personality Disorder. Northvale, NJ J. AronsonReyes, A. (2001, July 2). multiple personality disorder. Retrieved March 10, 2004 from http//health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/2909.htmlRichmond, R. Multiple Personality Disorder/Dissociative Identity Disorder. (2003). Retrieved March 12, 2004 from http//www.guidetopsychology.com/mpd.htm

The Controversy Surrounding Multiple Personality Disorder Essay

The Controversy Surrounding bigeminalx Personality Disorder nine-fold Personality Disorder is a condition that many people probably have not heard of. Among those who have heard of it, there are veritable(a) less who actually know what it is. However, according to Piper (1997) there were astir(predicate) 6,000 cases diagnosed in North America alone in 1986. Some experts estimate that multiple genius disorder, or MPD, affects 5 to 10 percent of the population, or about 100 million people worldwide. For such a widespread disorder, the publics lack of companionship about it is pretty shocking. One explanation for this lack of knowledge could be the fact that many people, fueled by the beliefs of many noted psychologists, do not believe the disorder even exists. Why do they believe this? To answer this question, one must first understand a little more about MPD itself.Although there is no clear, universally accepted definition of multiple personality disorder, one interp retation that most seem to agree on was stated by Piper Multiple personality disorder (MPD) is characterized by the presence of alter personalities that periodically and unpredictably take control of the patients body (pg. xii). All who have been diagnosed with MPD have shown turn out of one or more alter personalities aside from the host personality. The host is usually described as the personality that is in control the largest amount of time, or the personality that presents itself for treatment. This may sound confusing, but it is nothing compared to the many other aspects of MPD, such as what a personality is, what causes the onset of MPD, whether or not someone in truth has MPD, and what treatment methods are effective-all of which will be discussed.In ... ...tmlFalse Memory Syndrome Foundation Compilation Dr. Bennett Braun. (1995, September 1). Retrieved March 11, 2004 from http//www.fmsfonline.org/braun.htmlHendrickson, G (2001, July 3). psychotherapy. Retrieved March 26, 2004 from http//health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/ encyclopaedia/3092.htmlMcHugh, P. Multiple Personality Disorder (Dissociative Identity Disorder). Retrieved March 11, 2004 from http//www.psycom.net/mchugh.htmlPiper, A. (1997). Hoax and Reality The Bizarre World of Multiple Personality Disorder. Northvale, NJ J. AronsonReyes, A. (2001, July 2). multiple personality disorder. Retrieved March 10, 2004 from http//health.discovery.com/diseasesandcond/encyclopedia/2909.htmlRichmond, R. Multiple Personality Disorder/Dissociative Identity Disorder. (2003). Retrieved March 12, 2004 from http//www.guidetopsychology.com/mpd.htm

Investigating Cameron Balloons Essay

Cameron BalloonsThe starting line short letter I contri howevere elect is Cameron Balloons. I defecate water chosen this occupation be put up back it seems interesting to me virtually investigating a hot air balloon experience waterr.ActivityCameron Balloons manufacture Hot Air Balloons, Inflatables and overly Airships, which argon also know as Blimps. Cameron Balloons ar also known for their special shaped balloons, which they created. Cameron Balloons apply diversified into making medical products for hospitals and nursing dwellings. Jim Howard from Cameron Balloons and surgeon Harry Espiner teamed up to stir Espiner health check Products Ltd, which were supplied with materials by Cameron Balloons. angiotensin converting enzyme of their medical products is called Laparoscopic Sacs, or Lap Sacs in short. They wait on with tissue retrieval. They also produce hyperslide take sheets which easily help transfer patients from wheel chairs to beds.This instrument that Cameron Balloons operates in the secondary sector, because they do non present raw materials themselves, and they manufacture the materials and lot them. They relieve oneself also diversified into making medical products and supply hospitals. Other creasees in this sector embroil* Aerospace manufacturing* Car manufacturing* Clothing indus campaign* Electronics* Engineering* Energy industries* Metalworking* Softw be engineering* Telecommunications patience* Tobacco industry* The of import clients involved with Cameron balloons would be hot air ballooners* The chief(prenominal) competitors involved would be other(a) hot air balloons manufacturers (See D1 Cameron Balloons External Influences line Competitors for a list of cameron balloons worldwide competitors)* Cameron balloons only used to desexualise hot air balloons just uniform or so(prenominal) ordinary balloon manufacturer. In 1975, Cameron balloons began making special shaped balloons. Cameron balloons boas t also recently began making medical products* When Cameron balloons began making special shaped balloons, they became the biggest manufacturers of hot air balloons. They also expanded by diversifying into making medical productsLocationCameron balloons location is in St. Johns Street in Bedminister, which is in Bristol. It has legion(predicate) travel links (for different common fictitious characters of transport) and also has many an(prenominal) points of interest nearby. Cameron balloons have chosen a good place for the pargonntage because* There be many transport links close to the Cameron Balloons point. Lots of study roads, including the A38 and the A4, argon close to the site, Bristol Airport is 9 kilometres away a huge the A38, the develop station contiguous to the site, and the M32 is 5 kilometers away.These links are in-chief(postnominal) for Cameron Balloons suppliers, customers and staff. Good rail links cerebrate that heavy equipment and supplies lay roughl y be brought in easily good road and rail links give employees behind access to the site. Bristols air and sea links are also important as frequently than 80% of Cameron Balloons output is exported.* The site in Bedminster is large enough to drop by the wayside the moving in to expand when it needs more than space.* Cameron Balloons need employees with convenient access for them to get to work. It also needed a certain amount of experts in the aeronautical industry, which was quite simple as the airport was so close to the site.* Because Cameron Balloons is one of the biggest and best ballooning companies, the reputation of it helped to attract both skilled employees and newborn customers.* Because on that point are many points of interest nearby, it should be easy to watch the location of the businessIt was a coincidence that the location of Cameron balloons was in Bristol, as this was where Don Cameron first started his business as a sole trader. Here is a map of Camero n Balloons location along with a smaller map showing the main roadsHere is other(prenominal) map showing subject scopes of points of interest and travel linksOwnershipCameron Balloons is a private peculiar(a) caller (Ltd.). When Don started the business, he was a sole trader. Owners usually make their businesses private limited companies because at that place are more advantages than disadvantages. The advantages and disadvantages of a private limited company areAdvantagesDisadvantagesProtection of restrict liabliltyProfits have to be shared out amongst a authorizationly larger number of populateOwner isnt personally responsible for companies debtsNo benefit from collection plate economies (e.g. bulk buying, cheaper imbibeing e.t.c.)If business name is l icingnsed, it cornerstonet be duplicated by someone elseOwner is accountable to shareholders for the operation and gainability of the companyMore cracking give the gate be scoldd as no limit on number of shareholders Detailed legal procedures must be followed to format up the business consuming duration and cashCheap and easy to set upIf the owner has to sell any of his shareholding, he could lose his businessOwner is major shareholderFinancial information can be inspected by any member of the public once filed with the registrar, including competitiorsOwner can raise cash from fri give notices and familyOwner can sell the business if he wants toControl of company cannot be lost to orthogonalrs shares only sold if all shareholders agreeEasier to borrow moneyThe business leave behind continue to run even one of the owners dies, shares being transferred to another ownerAims & ObjectivesThe main aims of Cameron Balloons are* To make a winnings* To expand* To be the biggest balloon manufacturers* To make 500 balloons in a year and hit a turnover of 10,000,000* To rectify the efficiency of their balloons to help alter performance and care for the environment* To provide hospitals with med ical products to help patientsThere are fair games for for each one(prenominal) aim. Cameron Balloons are a succeederful company, so they dont have to worry close to surviving at the present time unless they get hard competition from another business and start making losses, so the business mainly focuses on making a profit. They are currently aiming to make 500 balloons a year and hit a turnover of 10,000,000, which is round 3,000,000 more than what they made in 1996.They want to make more sales than their competitors, and they have currently achieved this by manufacturing special shaped balloons.They are always hard to make a new special shape or improve the performance of their current balloonsCameron Balloons are an expanding company. They have diversified into producing medical products for hospitals. Marketed by Espiner Medical Products, Cameron Balloons have been producing lapsacs which helps in tissue retrieval in trading operations. They also produce Hyperslide pati ent transfer sheets, which are made from balloon fabric. The sur spirit has no clash which helps to easily move patients from wheelchairs to beds.This could help Cameron Balloons as well as hospitals as Cameron Balloons can use their own balloon fabric, and if they have spare or buffalo chip fabric after making balloons, they can make use of it, make profit and make less waste, which is good for the business, hospitals and the environment.Cameron Balloons wanted to become the largest balloon manufacturer in the world, which soon turned into a success after producing the first special shaped balloons. The first special shape balloon was built in 1975 and the company has produced more than 400 designs, including Disneys Fantasia castle, a dragon, a space shuttle, several cows and numerous cans, houses and bottles.Cameron balloons always need to detainment checking whether they are concourse their objectives. Only wherefore give they be able to meet their aims. A way to help to c heck if Cameron ballons are collision their objectives is by having objectives which are measurable. For example, if an objective of Cameron balloons is to make 40 balloons per month, then they can see after each month whether they are meeting their objective or not. If they are not meeting their objective, then they give know that they wont meet their aim unless they make more balloons next month until they reach their objective and account for the preceding(prenominal) month. But if an objective of Cameron balloons is to make more balloons than their competitor each month, then if they are meeting their objective, they still might not be successful. This is because even though Cameron balloons is ahead of their competitor, Cameron balloons wont be making many balloons if their competitor is failing.Richer SoundsThe second business I have chosen is Richer Sounds. I have chosen this business because I already have some knowledge about the business.ActivityRicher Sounds sell enter tainment systems. They sell their goods in three ways, which are from the lay ins directly, by mail order and over the internet. They had tried to diversify into selling telephones, musical equipment and videos. However, these were all unsuccessful. Richer Sounds is in the tertiary sector because it gets supplied by products tho Richer Sounds dont make the products themselves. Other businesses in this sector complicate* Franchising* Restaurants* News media* Hotels* Consulting* Hospitals* Waste disposal* Real estate* Personal servicings* Business services* richer lowerings main customers could be anyone as most people buy what richer sounds sell* richer sounds have lots of competitors. a competitor of richer sounds could be a retailer of anything that richer sounds sells. The main competitors could be the ones that are close to richer sounds. Richer sounds still have to keep in mind about other competitiors as well as lots of businesses sell their blood online.* Richer sounds h ave tried to diversify into selling other equipment, but failed, so they stay as a specialist of what they always sell* Because richer sounds hasnt changed and waistband as a specialist of certain equipment, it factor they can provide better, specialist customer service, which is one of their main qualitiesLocationRicher Sounds have 44 descents nationwide. Their first breed was apprehendt-to-heart at London bridge walk in 1978 because Julian Richer was working in that flying field and bought the shop. After that, a store was opened in Stockport because people from Manchester were going to the London store, so if they made a store closer to them, it would believe less hassle for more people and more profit for Richer Sounds. Their main store is in Lancashire. It has more than 74,000 sq ft of storage space. The products get distributed to all the stores or customers who bought something from Richer Sounds from the internet. The distribution director is Solomon Essah Essel. He and the employees that work with him are responsible for the storage and distribution of the goods in the warehouse. The warehouse is in a good location as it is near central England, and because richer sounds is a nationwide company, it means that the shops and customers can be supplied with not much hassle. It also has good travel links to help with delivering.OwnershipRicher Sounds is an unlisted public limited company (Plc.). They became a public limited company so they could get limited liability benefits, so Julian Richer doesnt become personally liable for the companies debts. But they do not put their shares on the stock market. This is because they do not need to get additional capital by giving their business away to people outside the business. The advantages and disadvantages of a Plc. are listed belowAdvantagesDisadvantagesSame as Ltd.expensive set up cost of all forms of business organisation consideredIncreased potential for raising finance by share issues or through other financial investorsDue to public transfer of shares, more open to hostile putsch bidsDue to size they can gain from Economies of ScaleTighter levels of regulationThe Plc. can use its power/size to dominate a market, (e.g. purchasing competitors)Public pull up stakespower by minority shareholders does not provide them as owners with any veridical ascendence of the businessLarge Plc.s may suffer from diseconomies of scaleBy having limited liablility, the owners personal possessions (e.g. his/her house, car e.t.c.) cant be taken to repay for the businesss debts. Many owners prefer choosing this type of liability. There is also unlimited liability. This can apply to sole traders, small businesses e.t.c. their personal posessions can be taken from them if their business gets into debt.Aims & ObjectivesRicher Sounds have aims and objectives to help keep the business moving forward. This is why they have a perpetration statement, which is shown belowRICHER SOUNDS MISSION STATEM ENT1. To provide second to none service and order for money for our customers.2. To provide ourselves with secure well paid jobs working in a stimulating and live opportunities environment.3. To be profitable to ensure our long term appendage and survival.Richer Sounds have many aims. The main one is to provide good customer service and provide good value products. Richer Sounds aim to reward employees and to be personify with everyone. Another main aim is to make a profit, which is the aforesaid(prenominal) with all profit making organisations. Richer Sounds dont just pay salaries. They like it, and are generous in giving it. They also have bonus schemes for employees.Julian Richer, the chairman and David Robinson, the group managing director decide on ten goals for the business for the next 12 months which they want to achieve.One of Richer Sounds objectives is to keep the business fun. This keeps employees motivated and makes them work to their full potential. They also want to continually improve on customer service and produce new services. They also change the business to help it work more efficiently. Employees also get the chance to submit suggestions to richer sounds and they also get rewarded for it. Richer sounds also provide services for homeless people, by having touch screens available to them to help them find places where they can stay.Richer sounds need to make sure their objectives are measurable. For example, if richer sounds aim to get a certain amount of profit by the end of the year, then their objectives could be to get a certain amount of profit by the end of the month. This can help them to keep track and to help them see if they need to work harder or if they need to set a higher aim.A2ActivityOne of the main differences between Cameron Balloons and Richer Sounds is that Cameron Balloons is a manufacturing company and Richer Sounds is a retailing company. Cameron Balloons also managed to successfully diversify into manufacturing medical products. Richer Sounds, however, tried to diversify into making telephones, musical equipment and videos, but failed.LocationCameron Balloons is determine in Bristol. It is good for this type of business because it has good transport links and it exports products as well, so it has a good location for doing business inter nationally. However, it isnt a that much of a good position for doing business nationally, although it does have good road links. So overall, it does have a good location.The warehouse for Richer Sounds is located in Lancashire, which is a good position as it is near the midlands. It doesnt do business internationally so they have chosen a very good position for the warehouse. It is also good to have the warehouse to be situated there because they deliver to stores all over England so it would be best to have the warehouse near the midlands.OwnershipCameron Balloons is a private limited company. The advantages and disadvantages for a Ltd. company areAdvan tagesDisadvantagesProtection of Limited liabliltyProfits have to be shared out amongst a potentially larger number of peopleOwner isnt personally responsible for companies debtsNo benefit from scale economies (e.g. bulk buying, cheaper borrowing e.t.c.)If business name is licensed, it cant be duplicated by someone elseOwner is accountable to shareholders for the operation and profitability of the companyMore capital can be raised as no limit on number of shareholdersDetailed legal procedures must be followed to set up the business consuming time and moneyCheap and easy to set upIf the owner has to sell any of his shareholding, he could lose his businessOwner is major sharholderFinancial information can be inspected by any member of the public once filed with the registrar, including competitiorsOwner can raise money from friends and familyOwner can sell the business if he wants toControl of company cannot be lost to outsiders shares only sold if all shareholders agreeEasier to bor row moneyThe business will continue to run even one of the owners dies, shares being transferred to another ownerRicher Sounds is an unlisted Public limited company. The advantages and disadvantages for a Plc. areAdvantagesDisadvantagesSame as Ltd.Expensive set up cost of all forms of business organisation consideredIncreased potential for raising finance by share issues or through other financial investorsDue to public transfer of shares, more open to hostile takeover bidsDue to size they can gain from Economies of ScaleTighter levels of regulationThe Plc. can use its power/size to dominate a market, (e.g. purchasing competitors)Public ownership by minority shareholders does not provide them as owners with any real control of the businessLarge Plc.s may suffer from diseconomies of scaleThe boxes in underlined italics do not apply to Richer Sounds as Richer Sounds is an unlisted public limited companyAims & ObjectivesCameron Balloons main three aims are* To survive or make a profit* To expand* To be the biggest balloon manufacturersRicher Sounds main three aims are* To provide second to none service and value for money for their customers* To provide themselves with secure well paid jobs working in a stimulating and equal opportunities environment* To be profitable to ensure their long term growth and survivalRicher Sounds make it easy for people to understand their aims and objectives because they have a mission statement. Cameron Balloons do not have a mission statement.A3ActivityCameron Balloons have expanded by diversification into making medical products. They could also diversify once more using their materials to make something else.Richer Sounds could keep trying to diversify until they manage to successfully diversify into doing something. It could benefit them just like it benefits Cameron Balloons. I think the main cause why it is easier for Cameron Balloons to diversify is that Cameron Balloons is a manufacturer, and Richer Sounds is a retailer.Lo cationCameron Balloons have expanded their business by diversification into medical products. They could also expand by initiative a new site. This will double the amount of products they sell. They could also open it in the north since their current site is in the south. This will make it easier for national deliveries.Just like what Cameron Balloons can do, Richer Sounds could make another warehouse as it could be hard and complicated for them to distribute goods to 45 stores. As their warehouse is situated in the midlands, they could have their next warehouse in the north or south, the busiest area would be a sufficient location.OwnershipCameron Balloons could become a plc as there are less major disadvantages. I think Richer Sounds shouldnt change their type of ownership but keep it as it is because they dont want anyone to buy their shares and because of this, they have less disadvantages as a plc., and would be better off as a plcAims & ObjectivesThe only similarity between Cameron Balloons main three aims and Richer Sounds main three aims is to make a profit, as they are both profit making organisations. From the other two aims, Cameron Balloons only focuses on the success of the business. However, Richer Sounds focuses on the wellbeing of the employees and the satisfaction of their customers. Both of the businesses need to have a mix of the aims. Cameron Balloons need to think more about the employees and their customers and Richer Sounds need to think about how the business could improve in the long term.B1I will be describing three functional areas at Richer Sounds. The three functional areas I will be describing are* Store Operations* selling* Customer ServiceStore OperationsThe head of the store operations is John Clayton, the operation and training director. He gets help from employees working in operations, distribution, the store service and repairs, stock control and Hi-Fi Direct.Some of the responsibilities of store operations are* Setting each stores budget* Checking that all the stores achieve their targets and taking action if targets arent being met* Communicating with stores* Deciding the minimum staffing level* Sorting out any problems with employees* Sorting out any other problems* Checking orders of stock* Organising store visits* Checking that store passenger cars undertake health and safety risk assessments* Helping store managers and employees* Making stores suitable for the area that they are in.MarketingThe market director is Claudia Vernon. The things that she does with the employees under her control do can be split into 4 main categories. These are* Marketing* Design* Point of sale* Their netsiteCustomer ServiceJohn Clayton is the director of customer service, who is also the operations and training director. These are some of the things they have for customer service* Knowledgeable and friendly staff* A national call centre* A corporate sales section* Mail order and web sales* An order line for fre e catalogues* Specialist customer service staff* A service and repairs section* Well laid out, welcoming stores with easy access* Demonstration rooms* Pets welcome policy* Competitive prices* 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back* New products by known manufacturers* integral access to technical back-up and spare parts* Computerised stock control system* Web access in stores* Part-exchange scheme* A clear product line code* All repairs covered by a three month warranty* Till receipt customer questionnaire* Informative in-store catalogues* bump seasonal refreshments* Free delivery scheme* Mystery shopper schemeB2How the three functional areas work together to support the businessOperations keep everything organised and under control so there are no problems. This can help the other functional areas work better. The marketing area will be able to do its bit easier as the stock order has been checked and they know what they have to sell. The customer service area will then begi n and they will try to help the customer as much as possible and resolve any problems.Example 1 (Operations)Operations organise visits to the stores to make sure everything is in order. If a store isnt visited then something could happen without operations knowing. If an employee in the marketing segment has an argument with another employee from the customer service department, and if the operations department does not sort this out, then both of the employees could be slacking on their jobs. If they slack on their jobs then the marketing department wont be able to reach its targets. The customer service could also be a failure which would harm the business more as it involves interacting people from outside the business. This could cause losses in the store as less people could be going to it. The store may then close down. This would all be because the operations didnt do their job properly.Example 2 (Marketing)Marketing is split up into 4 groups. If one of these areas doesnt pe rform well, then that could collide with the other groups and could affect the whole marketing area. The operations will have to sort this out as if it isnt screen out out, then more work will be put on the customer service area, and if they cant handle it, then the store could close down as above.Example 3 (Customer Service)If the customer service area isnt performing well, then this could have a major impact on the business. This is because the employees are interacting with people from outside of the business. The business could lose a lot of customers in a short amount of time if customer service isnt good as customers wouldnt like the service and would stop going there and wouldnt recommend others to go there. This could also make the store close down.If any store is disliked for some reason, then it could affect other Richer Sounds stores as well because they will be losing their reputation.B3Richer Sounds main three aims are* To provide second to none service and value for money for their customers* To provide themselves with secure well paid jobs working in a stimulating and equal opportunities environment* To be profitable to ensure their long term growth and survivalHow the functional areas work together to achieve the aimsAim 1 To provide second to none service and value for money for their customersThe operations area keeps things organised and make sure that stores arent performing less than expected. They also keep in contact with stores and the stock/prices of products are sorted and organised for the stores. Depending on the location of a store, it will be customised to adapt to the environment it is in. Any problems with store managers or employees will get sorted out. This makes things easier for the marketing area.The marketing area tries to make products sell by advertising, making them look attractive e.t.c.The customer service area tries to keep the customer satisfied.Aim 2 To provide themselves with secure well paid jobs working in a stimulating and equal opportunities environmentThe operations area makes the jobs easier for the marketing area and the customer service area. They sort out any problems with store managers or employees. They set budgets for stores so they can sell products, but not buy too much. They make sure that the stores are achieving their targets, otherwise something will be done about it. They keep in contact regularly with stores and also visit them.The market area tries to make products sell and want the business to be successful.The customer service area tries to satisfy the customers so the business has an increase in their reputation.Aim 3 To be profitable to ensure their long term growth and survivalThe operations area sorts and organises stock/prices of products are for the stores. Setting a budget for each store can help make a profit as well as preventing a loss. Setting targets for each store makes the employees work to their potential. Advice to store managers or employees can help a lot as it could get rid of a major problem, which could help the store improve.The market area tries to make products sell as much as they can.The customer service area try to keep customers satisfied as much as they can.C1Richer Sounds do not call their employees by staff or employees. i think they do this because they want everyone to feel equal as much as they can, and not carry on them like slaves.Also, instead of truism head office they say central office because head office makes it sound more important to the others. Even though central office makes it sound more important aswell, it is better than saying head office.Richer Sounds also use the term career key timepiece (CKT) instead of part-time as part-time could make the part-tme employees think that they are only partly involved in the business.Instead of approaching customers by saying can I help you? the employees use a better way which is by offering the customers a free cup of coffee or ice lolly. This is a g ood way to appraoch a customer as the customer will be happy that they are receiving free refreshments and at the same time can get help if they need it. Some different types of communication are* Writing a letter* Recording a message* Reports* e-mail* Fax* Phonecall* bill poster information on the internet* Meetings* Surveys* Face to face* Oral/Written feedbackAn example of written communicationThe employees are given the directors home numbers. This is because if they have a complaint then they can talk directly so the problem gets sorted out chop-chop. This helps the employees have private conversations aswell, which is why this regularity would be used for any problems or complaints. This also shows that the employees are trusted with these numbers and that they wont misuse them or give them out to any unexplored person.An example of oral communicationMeetings gather people together so that they can talk face to face and elaborate on any issues. This is an legal way of comm unication as more than just one person is bieng communicated, which saves time. People can also debate and have problems sorted out quickly ad in force(p)ley.How ICT is used to communicate and operateICT is used in a variety of ways. Some of them are* Customer service. This includes staying in contact with the customer until they are satisfied, helping them with product issues such as insurance, product support e.t.c.* Posting information on the internet, which could be on their website for customers, or other sites for others to see* direct e-mails to people. Sometimes, this would be easier than going to meet the person as they could be a long distance away, or they may need to know the information as soon as possible.* Sending and sharing files with others. This saves time as people know where all the shared files are, and people dont need to chew out others for information* Having a network for ease of access for employees inside the business* Advertising* Organising products, prices, quantities e.t.c. More than one department is needed to sort these things out, so it is important that they keep in regular contact with each other* Support (this includes people from inside the business and outside the business). This also ranges from different types of communication, but ICT can be used a lot. Employees could help others who are facing a problem with ICT, they can sort out problems within the business and also outside the businessC2The functional areas need to keep in contact with each other and so do the staff inside a functional area for the business to avoid any problems.Examples of how communications methods are used inside a functional area include* Employees could phone each other for convienece if they are a fair distance away* Someone may need to show a report to the other employees to help with improving the functional area* Someone may need to send an e-mail to another employee for privacy, or for more convinience* A meeting could be held for mo re convienience as instead of explaining the same thing to each employee repeatedly, it can just be explained once to all the employees together. This will also allow the employees to show their opinions regarding what is being said* talk of the town face to face can be useful for people talking in private, or if people arent far away so it would be easier to talk to themThis is effective enough to run the functional area but it can be improved.Examples of how communications methods are used between functional areas include* A manager could write a letter to another manager of a functional area* Julian Richer records a message weekly which all the managers can hear* Someone may need to show a report to others to help with improving the functional areas* Someone may need to send an e-mail to another employee for privacy, or for more convinience* A Fax could also be sent for the same reason as an e-mail* Employees could phone each other for convienece if they are a fair distance away The business needs to keep in contact with its customers and the other businesses it is involved with. Communcications methods used outside the business include* An employee could write a letter to a customer for customer service* An e-mail could also be sent to a customer or another business such as a supplier* Phonecalls could be made to customers and other businesses for customer service or to sort out transactions e.g. with suppliers* Posting information on the internet may be useful for anyone. However, this can be a bad thing as rival businesses can find out about Richer Sounds and improve their own business* Surveys can be given to customers so Richer Sounds know where to improve on thei customer service* Talking face to face can help with transactions and helping customers* Advertising shows customers attractive products and prices. But this can also help rival businesses to improve on their advertising to get more customers aswellC3Improvements which could be made to commun ications inside functional areas may include* Being connected to a network so that people can stay communicated with each other and share files more easilyImprovements which could be made to communications between functional areas may include* Being connected to a network so that people can stay communicated with each other and share files more easily* Having surveys between employees to help improve on functional areas* To have a chat area for Richer Sounds employees only, so that they can all stay conneced to each other and help each other with problems within the businessImprovments which could be made to communications outside the business may include* Feedback. If Richer Sounds do this then they will know how to improve on their services* Having a chat area in which Richer Sounds customers and employees can have general conversations. This could be done by allowing people to register onto the Richer Sounds site and having an available chat areaD1Cameron Balloons External Influe ncesBusiness CompetitorsCameron balloons have worldwide competitors. This is because they are a large company, exports goods to customers abroad and they also have a cooperator in the United States, which is called Cameron Balloons US. Here is a list of some of the competitors of Cameron balloonsEurope UKLindstrandRest Of Europe Excluding UKBallonbau WornerBalony KubicekUltramagic BalloonsUSAerostarAvian Balloon CorporationFirefly Balloons intellect BalloonsAustralasiaKavanagh BalloonsGermanySchroderAs I have shown above, Cameron balloons has about nine competitors. However, Cameron balloons is a very successful company so it is hard for some companies to compete with Cameron balloons. This can particularize the list of competitors down for Cameron balloons. So Cameron balloons main competitors are* Lindstrand* Ultramagic Balloons* Aerostar* SchroderEconomic Conditions* Changes in interest rates* Changes in exchange rates* Inflation* The amount of unemployment* Changes in govern ment taxEnvironmental Constraints* Noise contamination* Air Pollution* Waste Pollution* Global WarmingRicher Sounds External InfluencesBusiness CompetitorsRicher sounds have many competitors. This is because they have a large amount of products with different manufacturers. They sell products from approximately 140 different manufacturers and also sell approximately 50 different types of products. This means that their list of competitors would be very big. Although richer sounds have many competitors, they still have an advantage over some of their competitors. This is because richer sounds are specialists in certain equipment.Economic Conditions* Changes in interest rates* Changes in exchange rates* Inflation* The amount of unemployment* Changes in government taxEnvironmental Constraints* Noise Pollution* Waste Pollution* Global Warming* Waste ElectricityD2 + D3Impact Of Changes In External Influences To Cameron BalloonsAnd What Is Done About ItBusiness CompetitorsCameron balloon s is a very successful company and is about twice as big as its main competitor. It has also diversified into making medical products. So there isnt much to worry about unless the competitor starts to rapidly gain more profits and expand.Economic Conditions* If interest rates go higher, and if Cameron balloons make a loan, then they will have to pay more back to the financiers. This would put them in a big dilemma if they stopped making profits. So if interest rates go lower, then that would be the best time to make a loan* If exchange rates change, then this can affect Cameron balloons depending on whether the pound is stronger or cheaper. For example, if the pound is stronger than the dollar, then the prices of imports from America will be cheaper and the prices of exports will be more expensive to American customers. But if the pound is weaker than the dollar, then imports from America will be more expensive, and exports will be cheaper to American customers. So Cameron balloons will benefit more if the pound is stronger. This is because they order materials in the UK, so there is no need for imports, but if they did import, then it would be cheap, and also, when they export, they would get more money from their customers* Inflation will mean that Cameron balloons will have to pay more for materials and will have to sell their products at more expensive prices if they want to keep getting the same amount of profit* An increase in government tax would mean that Cameron balloons would have to pay more for materials and so they would have to sell their products at more expensive prices if they want to keep getting the same amount of profit* If there is a large amount of unemployment, then Cameron balloons can let go of the employees that arent doing their job properly, and they could get better employees. They could also make new jobs to make space for more employees. If there is a low amount of unemployment, then Cameron balloons will have to hold onto their employees and will have to train them if necessary, which will mean that it will cost time and moneyEnvironmental Constraints* Cameron balloons dont have to worry much about the amount of noise pollution as they have a large site and the equipment they use isnt very noisy* Air Pollution isnt a major factor for manufacturing the balloons but Cameron balloons have to make sure that their balloons work properly and dont cause too much air pollution when in use* Cameron balloons have come across a solution to lower the amount of waste pollution. Using their balloon fabric, they produce medical products. They could use their scrap or oddment fabric for this so they have less waste and, at the same time, more profit* Because Cameron balloons are manufacturers, they have to make sure that they dont contribute too much to global warmingImpact Of Changes In External Influences To Richer SoundsAnd What Is Done About ItBusiness CompetitorsIf one of richer sounds competitors cuts prices on the ir products then richer sounds will cut their price as they monitor competitors prices. They also offer a price reduction on any product if a customer finds the same product cheaper at a different store. I think it may be hard for richer sounds to do this as they will have to constantly find cheaper suppliers otherwise they may end up with losses that could end up in bankruptcy.Economic Conditions* If interest rates go higher, and if richer sounds make a loan, then they will have to pay more back to the financiers. This would put them in a big dilemma if they stopped making profits. So if interest rates go lower, then that would be the best time to make a loan* Exchange rates dont affect richer sounds as they are only a national company* Inflation will mean that richer sounds will have to pay more for supplies and will have to sell their products at more expensive prices if they want to keep getting the same amount profit* An increase in government tax would mean that richer sounds would have to pay more for supplies and so they would have to sell their products at more expensive prices if they want to keep getting the same amount of profit* If there is a large amount of unemployment, then richer sounds can let go of the employees that arent doing their job properly, and they could get better employees. They could also make new jobs to make space for more employees. If there is a low amount of unemployment, then richer sounds will have to hold onto their employees and will have to train them if necessary, which will mean that it will cost time and moneyEnvironmental Constraints* Richer sounds dont allow any sound systems to be played in the store as someone could be affected and may complain or leave the store. This doesnt just include customers, as employees could be affected as well. People with hearing disabilities could also be affected. That is why if a customer wants to listen to a sound system, they have to go to a demonstration room, which is sound pro of, to listen to it. Richer sounds help to protect peoples hearing by having warnings in their stores and also by selling ear-plugs.* Richer sounds also try to keep waste pollution low. They take to old sound systems as part exchanges for their products. This helps keeping customers waste low as well as putting the systems to good use. Cardboard and wood which arent needed are recycled* Lights, heating and all equipment are turned off at the end of the day so richer sounds dont contribute much towards global warming* Electric forklift trucks are used at the warehouse to prevent air pollution

Last Chance for Eden

Last Chance for Eden This documentary Last Chance for Eden is a slightly nine men and women discussing the issues of racialism and sexism in the workplace and even giving their have got acquire and own opinions. Throughout this entire documentary each person expresses how they feel or their experience exclusively some admit that cannot do that in public. I notice that even though we are in the 21st century people give care to believe there is equality.But when asked to someone of color they openly comment there is not such thing. Ignorance is probably in those who say There is no racism in the United States. Shockingly, it evidently still exist but not many will admit to it. People are open to talk about race, however some tend to feel a little uncomfortable and refuse to go deeper into discussion for fear of saying the wrong thing. Someone in the documentary had stated People will talk about race but not racism. Which is pretty much true.I feel as if someone were to set do wn up the topic race it is easily discussed but then when asked about racism racism that is when the room becomes quiet and feel as if they cannot really fully express their own opinion about racism for fear of being in a conflict of a sort. However those who participated in this discussion in the documentary they obviously did not hold back and fully explained what it is really like to be a person of color. The others who are white Americans feel as if they cannot really assemble the racism or think the other participants who are from a distinguishable background are treated just as they are normal Americans.However they interrupt to see the reality of it one man stated People want to hear what its like to be black and male, and I tell them. Then they go Well, I was poor too. I got stopped by the Cops. What purpose does it serve to bring that up? It makes me feel like Im being told to just shut the couple up and get on with your life. Thats the way it feels. They like to thin k everybody experiences the same thing, when really it could be the same situation but a completely different turn out.A woman argues saying, they cannot be called American for the image of an American has been created long before there was equality. They say they would not be seen as just Americans but more of whatever their ethnicity is. A Woman even states she would call herself a U. S. citizen, but not an American, she feel that the American image has already been identified. As I said before, some people are probably blind to notice that there are exceptions to those who have the exact image, than to those who dont.

What Technology Has Made America Today

Technology has been a very big contribution to this generation. Like everything in this world, things shape up as well as evolve and change. One aspect that has begun to change is where and how we single-valued function engine room. Three major examples are in the work place, how we monitor our immemorial parents or siblings, and how it improved our medicine.While these three topics may seem very different, after reading two articles from the New York Times and one from The New Yorker, Technologies process heavy(a) Children Monitor Aging Parents and The Year of the Multitaskers R even soge, from the TImes and The Way We Age Now from The New Yorker, you sewer see they are also a equal in umteen ways. One resemblance these three pieces of writing share is that life can be much easier with the make manipulation of of engine room as you age. At the work place, technology can help one stay on top of tasks he or she has to complete before the day is done with reminders on a briskness phone or their work computer.Also, when it comes to monitoring aging parents, a reminder on any type of technology device they are able to use can help one remember to take their pills or blood pressure for example. And finally technology has improved medicine which has lead to quite a little existing longer and reaching higher ages before death. A nonher similarity these three articles also pick out in terms of technology is people may not want to be watched or monitored. Whether it be in the work place or at home no one wants to feel they are not independent and being observed at all times.At work one can be monitored by cameras and by supervisors checking their computer history. According to the article Technologies Help Adult Children Monitor Aging Parents, a child adult can be updated on al roughly everything their parent does including opening doors and cabinets, taking out pills and medication, and even what time they got out of bed. In America this may not sit well with a lot of people and can very well font a person to choose not to work a this facility. It can also attempt an elderly parent to look elsewhere for permanent residence.With people living longer this is becoming more likely for people to use some type of technology to monitor an elderly sibling. Efficiency is an separatewise similarity all of these articles share. Technology has helped America be more efficient. For example in the work place, one can shoot down and keep everything organized simply by putting things into files electronically and not worrying about transferring them anywhere else by carrying them. There are different ways to transfer files such as emails and file sharing.You can even save files to a memory card or flash drive to take electronic things to go. When it comes to child adults monitoring their parents, technology can help the children by receiving updates straight to their phone about their parents needs in a stress-free manner. Lastly technolo gy has caused medicine to make elderlies immune systems more efficient. Things like digital machines that can take blood sugar levels instead of getting a prick on your finger help efficiency, which is causing people to pop off longer than we are used to.Along with these similarities there are also remnants, one being the elderly may not use or need technology to continue with their daily fails, but at a work place it can be mandated to use on a daily basis. Some jobs may have training for using technology and in order to get the job you may need to know how to work a computer. On the other hand an elderly person may choose to be monitored and learn how to use technology at their own free will. Other elderly people may not use any type of technology.For example, going to the doctors office and using their technology to better their health. One reason they may choose not to use technology is because it was not a part of their generation and they dont think they would find it usefu l. Another difference between these three writings is the types of challenges it may cause for the person using technology. In a work environment technology may cause an employee to lose focus on the job because he or she is multi-tasking or focusing on their phone, facebook, or some type of other social networking.In an elderly home, the person might not fully know how to use all the technology and this may cause some type of frustration. Not only can it be hard for them to figure it out if it gets damaged they most likely would not know how to repair it and calling some one to fix it would make them feel dependent on others. One other difference with technology from the work place and at home with an elderly parent is the kind of entertainment it provides you, or if it provides any type entertainment.At work social networks and medicine can help one move through the day much more smooth and rapidly. Some elderly parents or siblings can become displease or not even engage in any o f the technology present in the house. Many elderly like to do things that have aught to do with technology, like garden and going for walks. So even though the technology has some sort of entertainment for them they might not even use it. With medicine, pills, blood pressure cuffs, or anything else one might have to take or use for health can be very unpleasant.A result of technology is its ability to make America more efficient. It also can be beneficial to everyones life, even the people who are aging. Though there are some arguments that claim it does not always have a positive impact, like the distraction it may have during ones work day. The pros do outweigh the cons and it is better to have technology in the workplace. It is beneficial to child adults as well, if their parent lives in a different city, town, or even state they can keep up with their habits and health all through a phone or computer.Not only does it help the child but the parent as well because the parent ev en-tempered gets to live independently and can speak to their children quickly and easily as long as they learn to use the technology device. Technology has also helped Americans to live longer than usual and as the technology and medicine increase so does the average age of a person passing. It can also help other people with everyday things, and it is rapidly improving from day to day. As people continue to age technology will continue to grow. As long as we keep ourselves up to date everyone can see aging and technology can go hand in hand.

Home Is the Place Where Heart Lives

The first meaning is that where you live, that is where your heart is. You physically may be away from home however your heart is in the nursing home that you live. You wish you were there because it gives you peace and joy and comfort to be there. Consider this verse Philippians 320 For our conversation is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord saviour Christ I believe that real followers of Christ can relate when I say that I would much rather be in heaven than here on earth. When you learn about the love of Jesus and compare it to the lusts of this world, one seeks to be facetiousnessh Jesus more than anything.The Bible does a great job of describing our future home in the Book of Revelation in Chapter 22. My heart is there right now. I wish to be there rather than down here. Where we love is home home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. -Oliver Wendell Holmes Most people dont understand the concept of a home. For some, its just a building with a roof and four walls surrounding us. But on behalf of my involve I find it as a place where the soul lives, the memories get created and the real upbringing from the darkness to enlightment of life begins. crustal plate sweet home is endlessly there deep inside the heart of every living individual.Having ones home is an old dream, as old as this universe is. Home is a place where basic, emotional, psychological and social needs of every individual member are fulfilled a place for family living, where every individual enjoys the happiness, feels comfortable, gets maximal relaxation, passes on family traditions and customs from one generation to the other and can keep their treasure safely . Home is ranked as a mans paradise. It is a place in which human beings enjoy the happiness, love and essence, comfort, entertainment and indulge in various activities they like.Its not built with just the bricks and stones but with the love and affection which it indulges within itself. The greatest example is the Taj Mahal. Its famous and immortal in human minds solo because of the great love of Shah Jahan for Mumtaz. Hence that mansion belonged not only to him but also to his soul. House is a place where our feelings and thoughts get a peace of mind and security. AS we grow up the relationship bondage wit erect increases gradually and it too becomes a part of our life Even for some it is the only memento and remembrance of their father, mother and ancestors.Hence they treat it as God. tally to Hindus, the most sacred place is the place where our essence stays i. e. home. We start dreaming in this place, our inspiration gets its wings in this wonderful creation. But most important the sense of being our own is bent here. In simple sentence I l title its need as-the house shelters day-dreaming, the house protects the dreamer, and the house allows one to dream in peace. Charity begins at home, but should not end there. Thomas Fuller One learns his charity, morality, and ethics of life in this house.

Problem of Historical Distortion – Muhammad Ibn Abdul Wahhab

THE PROBLEM OF HISTORICAL DISTORTION A Survey of Literature on imam Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab as viewed through the western sandwich slant of bill By Kazi Zulkader Siddiqui The caper of diachronic anguishOf the past fourteen centuries of the Moslem civilization, its thought, its institutions and the per countersignalities who eat contributed to its development and glory, stagnation and disintegration, the historical perspective painted by the Judaeo-Christian West has been markedly distinctive from the picture presented by the Muslim scholars, varying from outright hostile and distorted versions to the recent sympathetic (and sometimes empathetic) accounts. invoice is one of those branches of knowledge that can be engrossd most effectively for the glorification and upliftment of ones own people at the expense of the traditions of separates, leading eventu every last(predicate)y to a subversive imposition of ones own norms, value and way of life as the standard for anforme r(a)(prenominal)s. Most, if non all of the people emanating from the Judaeo-Christian tradition who move over penned their at a lower placestanding of the Islamic civilization, have been prey to such underlying motives.This is not unique though since the subjective bias and assumptions of the historian in chaseion argon an integral part of the writing of history. What becomes remark fit in this type is the effective use of the historical perspective of other people for the exploitation of the same. This becomes manifest and so, for example, in the notorious Divide and Rule policy of the post-renaissance British Empire. The Old will Hebraic heritage has a lot to attainer in comprehending this attitude and mentality of the Western writer.The Old Testament (in the Bible) was indite primarily to identify the roue and heritage of the Jews and thereby declare their superiority over all other nations. The other nations mentioned in the Old Testament are merely for the sake of exculpation of the crimes of the Children of Israel. Likewise, the modern Western writer is not concerned active the absolute and relative truths. He is more concerned about justifying or explaining away the phenomena of other civilizations. Through this he either hopes to dominate over the other civilizations, or to convert them to his own ways.We are well aware that our foregoing remarks are hard loaded with our own assumptions but there are certain assumptions, which are derived through the cognitive and perceptive processes using the facts of history as the starting invest. Thus, in this case, the assumptions are elevated to the level of derived facts and axioms. To prove our point, we have chosen for this paper a survey of the literature in English produced by the West during the ordinal and nineteenth centuries on the famous and controversial imam Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703-1789).As a prominent figure in Islamic history, loved by many and hated by many others of the Muslims, he has managed to attract the attention of the Western colonialists, missionaries, and historians who were neither, right from his own lifetime to the present. Far greater than the imaum himself is the impact of his followers the Muwa idun or the questionable Wahhabis on the Western literature about Islam. The schismatic element in the nature of the controversy between the followers of the Imam and other Muslims has held great affair for the very reasons we have outlined above.The analysis will become far more categorical as we proceed with the survey itself. Besides, this analysis can be made much more precise, consummate and to the point if one were to attempt a similar exercise on the survey of the Western literature about the followers of the Imam. In this paper we shall limit ourselves to the Imam only. To begin with, it would be appropriate to narrate the salient features of the Imams life briefly. scalawag 2 The Problem of Historical Distortion Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab A Brief Biography Coming from a learned family, 1 Mu? mmad ibn Abd al-Wahhab was born in 1115/1703 at Uyaynah, a small town or so 30 Km northwest of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. His ancestors had been steeped in the ? anbali tradition, and so was young Mu? ammads education. As a young man, he left Uyaynah for hike studies. His search for learning took him to Makkah, Madinah and Damascus. He acquired great admiration for Ibn Taymiyah (d. 728/1328) through the shaykh Abd Allah ibn Ibrahim al-Najdi at Madinah. Madinah similarly offered him a chance to teach for quite some time. Subsequently, he go on this occupation at the Umayyad mosque of Damascus.His journeys took him east to Basrah as well, where, besides acquiring further knowledge of the traditional sciences, he got the chance of getting acquainted with Shii and Sufi circles, their ways and ideas. This period ascertained for him the formulation of a mission in his mind. According to the Lam al-Shihab, 2 he stayed in Basrah for four social classs and then moved to capital of Iraq. There he married a wealthy lady and remained for five years. He abutting went to Hamadan and then to Isfahan in 1148/1736 to study philosophy and Sufism. His quest for knowledge led him to Cairo and Damascus as well.Upon the settlement of his father in Huraymilah near Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab joined him, and it was here that the Imam composed his front work on taw? id, and excessively gathered disciples. After the death of his father in 1153/1740, he left Huraymilah for Uyaynah where he spend four years. During his stay there, the governor Uthman ibn Bishr of the Banu Muammar became his follower. This became a cause for consternation among the powerful Banu Khalid. His preaching against shirk (associating partners with Allah) that was practiced by the masses, and against their moral laxity shook the root of the society.As a result, the Imam was forced to leave Uyaynah and sufferk refuge in Diriyah (which is around 10-15 Km from Uyaynah in the direction of Riyadh), where he found followers among the amir Mu? ammad ibn Sauds brothers and son. Eventually the Amir in any case supported him. The Amir and the Imam took a bayah (an oath of mutual loyalty), to strive, by force if necessary, to make the kingdom of Gods record book prevail. 3 This was the beginning of the religio- policy-making reality that was to engulf the whole of Najd and its neighbouring territories during the decades to come, jump under the amir Mu? mmad ibn Saud (d. 1178/1765), then under his son Abd al-Aziz (d. 1218/1803) and his grandson Saud (d. 1229/1814). We leave the story of the Al Saud for other historians to narrate, and return to the man who called for the return to taw? id (Gods unity) and a true(p) practice of Islam. Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab continued his role as teacher in the mosque of Diriyah, as political counselor of the Amir, and as a preacher writing theological works and ex tending his dawah to the neighbouring areas until his death in 1204/1789. 4 Bearing this brief picture of the Imam in mind, we ow turn to his Western biographers and their accounts. His grandfather Sulayman b. Mu? ammad had been mufti of the Nadjd. His father Abd al-Wahhab was kadi at Uyayna during the emirate of Abd Allah b. Mu? ammad b. Muammar he taught ? adith and fikh in the mosques of the town and left several works of ? anbali inspiration, which in part arrive. Laoust, EI2, trinity677, col. 2. 2 Abu Hakima, Ahmad A. , ed. , Lam al-Shihab fi tarikh Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, Beirut, 1967 3 Laoust, EI2, III678, col. 2. Most of the facts have been taken from this same source. Most historians give the year of death as 1206/1792. See Muinuddin A? mad Khan, A Diplomats Report on Wahhabism of Arabia, Islamic Studies 7 (1968), p. 38, for the argument in favour of 1204/1789 as the correct date. Page 3 1 The Problem of Historical Distortion WESTERN ACCOUNTS ABOUT THE IM M M. Carste n Niebuhr (1733-1815) The first European to mention the Imam in his publications was M. Carsten Niebuhr who visited the peninsula in 1761-1764, that is in spite of appearance four years of the bayah taken between the Imam and ibn Saud. He published his accountings in German in 1772 and 1778.An abridged English version of his writings appeared first in 1792 entitled Travels Through Arabia and new(prenominal) Countries in the East. 5 Niebuhr and his companions had embarked upon an ecclesiastical mission to gather some information about this ancient cut down of Arabia, which had been the cradle of Christianity just as it had been for Judaism and Islam. Many people have noted the false and misleading remarks of Niebuhr with regards to the Imam. In the drama depicted by Niebuhr, there are two important characters in the founding of the New trust of a Part of Nedsjed, 6 namely one Abd ul Wahheb and his son Mahomet. His description of ibn Abd al-Wahhabs youth seems to campaign with the facts of the Imams life. Now this Abd ul Wahheb, having founded his religion, converts several Schiechs (i. e. shaykhs) to his faith, and virtually becomes their ruler. He reduces a great part of El Ared, thus seemingly also performing the role of ibn Saud. After the fathers death, the son Mahomet takes over the small empire built by his father, sustaining the supreme ecclesiastical character in El Ared. Among his beliefs cited are that he considered Mahomet, Jesus Christ, Moses, and many others, well-thought-of by the Sunnites in the character of prophets, as merely great men, whose history might be read with improvement denying that any book had ever been written by divine inspiration, or brought down from the heaven by the angel Gabriel. 9 Against the beliefs of Abd ul Wahheb, he contrasts the Sunnites as a superstitious sect whose opinions are false, depending on their own whimsies to explain the Alcoran, acknowledging saints to whom many absurd miracles are ascribed, etc. 0 Finally, he concludes that The new religion of Abd ul Wahheb deserves therefore to be regarded as a rehabilitation of Mahometism, reducing it back to its original simplicity. 11 The inaccuracies of Niebuhrs reporting continued in the Western understanding for many decades as we shall see. Sir Harford Jones Brydges Far more accurate in his reporting was the civil servant of the colonialist British, Sir Harford Jones Brydges, who sent his first report on the Wahhabis from Baghdad to the British Foreign Office in C. M. Niebuhr, Travels Through Arabia and Other Countries in the East, trans. nto English by Robert Heron, vol. 2, Edinburgh, R. Morrison & Son, 1792. Cf. also Muinuddin A? mad Khan, op. cit. , p. 33 and a review of Niebuhrs life in Islamic Culture 7 (1933), pp. 502-505 by V. B. Mehta. 6 Niebuhr, II130. Note that Nedsjed is Najd. 7 ibid. , II131-3. 8 Ibid. , II133. 9 Ibid. , II134. 10 Ibid. , II135. 11 Ibid. , II135. Page 4 5 The Problem of Historical Distortion 1799, that is within a decade of the death of the Imam. 12 The weakest part of his report is the following anecdote Shaik Ibn Mahamer 13 proud of possessing this new Sectuary gave Moolah Mohammed 14 his own Sister inMarriage and Moolah Mohammed sometime later on, under pretense, that his Brother in Law Mahamer perverted Justice and oppressed the Tribe, murdered him with his own hands in the Mosque as he was at prayers meaning thereby, as he declared, to give to the People of Ayenah 15 a proof that his love for Justice was so great, that neither the obligations which he had to, nor alliance he had with Shaik Mahamer could withhold him from laboured even in him that he conceived to be a deviation from it. The People of Ayenah however appear to have had too much good Sense, to esteem as meritorious, so horrible a Transaction, and they obliged Moolah Mohammed, to abandon Ayenah, and he fled to Dereah 16 where he found an Asylum and Protector in Shaik Ibn Soud, the Governor of that place, who als o embraced his Doctrines. 17 Historically we know that Uthman ibn Muammar died a natural death after the Imam had left for Diriyah, and that his expulsion from Uyaynah was due to the pressures from various parts of that area against his teachings.Other than this error, Brydges report to his masters in London faithfully depicted the doctrines taught by the Imam. He says, The Religion they possess is Mohammedan according to the literal meaning of the Koran, following the Interpretations of Hambelly. 18 Thirty-five years afterwards, in 1834, Sir Harford Jones Brydges produced a far greater authoritative account of the Muwa idun in his A Brief History of the Wahauby. 19 We shall return to this inscription after looking at other developments during these thirty-five years. e Sacy In 1805, we find the Frenchman de Sacy writing in his paper Observations sur les Wahhabites that the Muwa idun are enemies of Islam. He considered them to be an offshoot of the Qarmatians. 20 Rousseau Four yea rs later in 1809, another Frenchman by the name of Rousseau produced two short treatises 21 in which it was positively asserted, that the Wahabys have a new religion, and that Muinuddin A? mad Khan, op. cit. , pp. 33-46. i. e. Uthman ibn Muammar, the governor of Uyaynah. 14 i. e. Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab 15 i. e. Uyaynah. 16 i. e.Diriyah, the first Saudi capital in the eighteenth century. It is now a ruin, lying on the outskirts of present day Riyadh 17 Muinuddin A? mad Khan, op. cit. , p. 41. 18 Ibid. , p. 42. By Hambelly he means the ? anbali School of Fiqh. 19 Harford Jones Brydges, An Account of the Transactions of His Majestys Mission to the coquette of Persia in the years 1807-11, to which is appended A Brief History of the Wahauby London, James Bohn, 1834. 20 M. A. Bari, The early Wahhabis, some contemporary assessments. minutes of the 27th International Congress of Orientalists Ann Arbor, Mich. , 1967.It may be recalled here that the Qarmatians were a 9th 12th century Ismaili sect that sprang up in southern Iraq and al-Hasa. 21 J. B. L. J. Rousseau, Descriptions du pashalic de Baghdad suivie dune notice historique sur les Wahabis, et de quelques autres pieces relatives lhistoire et la litterature de lOrient, Paris, Trouttel et Wurtz, 1809, pp. 125-182. Idem. , Notice sur la secte des Wahabis, Fundgruben des Orients, Vol. I, Wien, 1809, pp. 191-198. 13 12 Page 5 The Problem of Historical Distortion although they acknowledge the Koran, yet they have entirely abolished the pilgrimage to Mekka. 2 He claimed to derive part of his information from le Chapelain de Saoud. 23 Burckhardt, Brydges, 24 and other later Western writers reprimanded Rousseau for his obvious misinformation, the indignation arising over his claim to an authentic source of information. Corancez The following year, i. e. in 1810, Corancez published his work in French. 25 Nashshabah says that after Burckhardt, the next best Western account of the early history of the Wahhabis is Cora ncezs Histoire des Wahhabis, depuis leur origine jusqua la fin de 1809.Corancez, who was the French consul in Aleppo from 1800 to 1808, carefully checked the information he had been able to gather, and his informants were a lot first-hand observers but his account of the life of the split up of the Wahhabi movement is inadequate. He ascribes Wahhabi expansion totally to the weakness and misrule of the Ottomans (whose authority in most of Arabia was at times merely nominal) and ignores the fervour stirred up by (ibn) Abd al-Wahhab which, combined with the leadership of Mu? ammad ibn Saud, mustiness certainly have been the main reason for their astonishing victories. 6 Vincenzo Maurizi During the following years, we find the writings of another Niebuhrian, 27 an Italian by the name of Vincenzo Maurizi alias Shaik Mansur. He amused his European audience with his History of Seyd Said, sultan of Muscat in 1819, which also devoted a considerable section to the Muwa idun. Maurizi, in h is zeal to abase the movement, overstepped even the limits of Niebuhr and painted a completely ridiculous picture. To give a full flavour of his deliberate misreporting, we quote part of his narrative below. About the middle of the last century (i. e. ighteenth century), a man named Abdulwahab, or Abdulvaab, a native of Hellah, or Ellaa, 28 on the banks of the Euphrates, pretended to have a vision, in which a flame appeared to issue from his body and burn to ashes all the neighbouring country he confided the extraordinary circumstances which had befallen him to a Mullah, or Mulla, and the interpreter of the will of heaven declared that this sign portended the turn in of a son, who should become the founder of a new religion, and perform extraordinary actions. Soon afterwards the wife of Abdulvaab really became pregnant, and bore him a son, who was named Maam? . 29 footnote in the text reads This happened about the year 1757. . The tribe of Neshdee, or Nescede, 30 to which the fam ily belonged, soon imbibed the doctrines which appeared to be sanctioned by divine authority, and Abdulvaab, as general of J. L. Burckhardt, Notes on the Bedouins and Wahabys, vol. 2 London, Henry Colburn & Richard Bentley, 1831, p. II103. 23 Ibid. , p. 103. 24 cf. ibid. , and Brydges, The Wahauby, p. 109,112. 25 L. A. O. de Corancez, Histoire des Wahhabis, depuis leur origine jusqu la fin de 1809, Paris, Grapelet, 1810. 26 Hisham A.Nashshabah, Islam and patriotism in the Arab World A Selected and Annotated Bibliography Montreal, Institute of Islamic Studies, McGill University, 1955. Unpublished M. A. thesis. p. 11. 27 About Niebuhr, Maurizi remarks where the accurate and indefatigable Niebuhr could afford me any assistance, I have not hesitated to avail myself of it, and on the other hand I have occasionally remarked any alterations which have taken place since his days. 17th page of his Preface to the History of Seyd Said, Sultan of Muscat, 1819. 28 He believably means al-? illah in Iraq. 29 i. e. Muhammad 30 i. e.Najdi. Page 6 22 The Problem of Historical Distortion an army and prophet of a rising sect, had an opportunity of spreading his political power, and the opinions of the new faith, which he considered himself commissioned to promulgate while his son accompanied him, and was shown to all as the precious pledge of Almighty acclaim towards the Vaabi religion. After Abdulvaabs death Maam? t succeeded in his command, but being blind, was obliged to employ, as his deputy, in all affairs of state except those relating to religion, a soul named Abdullazis, 31 an adopted brother of his fathers. This minister followed up the victories of the deceased prophet with the greatest facility. As the first barriers of opposition had been already overthrown, it would be very difficult, and possibly useless to name all the Seek 32 who resisted in arms the aggrandisement of the Vaabi, or the particular periods of their several conquests but at the death of the hea dsman last mentioned, 33 almost all the interior of the Arabian peninsula acknowledged their political and religious sway.Abdullazis succeeded to the supreme authority, and greatly extended the limits of their power, having sacked Mecca and Medina and destroyed the grave accent of Mahomet, whom he declared to be a deceiver, and not a messenger of heaven he also penetrated to the gates of Aleppo and Baghdad, massacred a caravan of Persian pilgrims on their route to visit the burial place of Alle, or Eli, 34 at Ellaa, 35 and plundered that depository of the accumulated wealth of ages. 36 The historical errors are far too many to comment on in detail but we shall make observations on some salient distortions.The dichotomy between Abd al-Wahhab and Mu? ammad ibn Abd alWahhab is carried on from Niebuhr, but Maurizi goes a step further in proclaiming Abd al-Wahhab to be a prophet, and giving Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab almost the position of a demi-god. Besides, he transfers the hometown of the family to al-? illah in Iraq and moves the year of birth of Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab to 1757, the year when he contracted the bayah with ibn Saud. The fallacy of a tribe called Najdi, of the existence of Alis tomb at al-? illah, of Abd al-Aziz being the adopted brother of the Imams father, etc. eed precisely be commented upon. But the interesting development that must be noted is the so-called declaration by Abd al-Aziz of the Prophet Mu? ammad (p) being an impostor. Maurizi elaborates on this and other so-called beliefs of the Vaabi by quoting an answer which he claims to have been given to him by an envoy of Saud ibn Abd al-Aziz. It reads We do not differ from other Musaleems, or Muselims (Musselmen) 37 except in thinking that Mahomet arrogated to himself too much authority and, that the Koran was sent to the earth by the hands of angels, nd not of that man, who has even dared to falsify many of its doctrines we also consider that the prophets, and especially Maamet i ben Abdulvaab were beings like ourselves and, therefore, not worthy of being addressed in prayer, although deserving of admiration and imitation for their piety and moral conduct 38 Obviously, Maurizi could not have known more than a few words or phrases in Arabic, or else he would have rendered the envoys answer truthfully. Instead, he has oblige hearsay and his own 31 32 Presumably Abd al-Aziz ibn Mu? ammad ibn Saud. . e. shaykhs. 33 i. e. Maamet, the son of Abdulva b. 34 i. e. Ali ibn Abi Talib. 35 i. e. al-? illah in Iraq. 36 Maurizi, , op. cit. , pp. 36-38. 37 i. e. Muslims. 38 Maurizi, op. cit. , p. 40. Page 7 The Problem of Historical Distortion assumptions into the mouth of the envoy. His lack of knowledge of Arabic is hypothecateed also in the fact that he misconstrues Abd Allah ibn Saud, the Saudi amir after Saud ibn Abd al-Aziz as Abdullahazis (Abd al-Aziz). Similarly, in the last passage cited, the envoy must have said the prophets, and especially Mu? mmad ibn Abd All ah were beings like ourselves which Maurizi took to mean Maamet iben Abdulvaab. Maurizis account even disgraces fiction. J. L. Burckhardt John Lewis Burckhardt was the first to bring a balanced view of the movement to the European audience. The epistle of Brydges in 1799 was not a public document. Thus Burckhardts Notes on the Bedouins and Wahabys published in 1831 was a turning point in the Western understanding of the Imam and his followers. This work goes into fair amount of detail about the movement.Burckhardt dispelled many of the misunderstandings that had been current in the West as a result of the earlier writings. The very first thing he set out to correct was that The doctrines of Abd el Wahab were not those of a new religion his efforts were order only to reform abuses in the followers of Islam, and to disseminate the pure faith among Bedouins who although Muselmans, were equally ignorant of religion, as indifferent about all the duties which it prescribed. 39 Comparin g the Muwa idun to the Ottoman Turks, he says Not a single new precept was to be found in the Wahaby ode. Abd el Wahab took as his sole turn over the Koran and the Sunne (or the laws formed upon the traditions of Mohammed) and the only difference between this sect and the orthodox Turks, however improperly so termed, is, that the Wahabys rigidly follow the same laws which the others neglect, or have ceased altogether to observe. To describe, therefore, the Wahaby religion, would be to recapitulate the Muselman faith and to show in what points this sect differs from the Turks, would be to give a list of all the abuses of which the latter are disgraced. 0 One can quote Burckhardt at length to show his positive attitude which led him to a fairly objective analysis of the confidence and practice of the Muwa idun, and the reasons why Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab was misunderstood both by his friends and his enemies. 41 The former took offense at his seeming attacks on the Prophet (p) a nd the latter saw a political threat in his preaching thus leading to an intentional distortion of the facts. Despite this objectivity in Burckhardt, one cannot but comment on the Western slant of his perception.The usage of words often has a psychological effect on the reader. For instance, Burckhardt, writing about the Imam says that being convinced by what he observed during his (b. Abd al-Wahhabs) travels, that the primitive (emphasis ours) faith of Islam, or Mohammedanism, had become totally corrupted and obscured by abuses, . 42 The value judgment involved in his use of the word primitive is apparent. The Western notion that the progression of thought and ideas essentially leads to the procession of civilization is a result of their philosophical heritage.The Islamic notion, that the absolute is derived solely through the process of divine revelation in history and not through cognitive, intuitive or perceptive processes which are bound by the limitations of the humanity min d, stands markedly in contradistinction to the Western assumptions. Thus, while the 39 40 Burckhardt, op. cit. , II99. Ibid. , II112 41 Ibid. , II99. 42 Ibid. , II96. Page 8 The Problem of Historical Distortion Muslim (including Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab) would view the life of theProphet as a supreme get hold ofment in the history of man, the Western thinker would regard it as a primitive stage in the life of man. However, it is remarkable that if one is to compare Burckhardt with the later Orientalists, he was far ahead of his own time in this respect. His value judgements are very limited. Hitti, a century later, echoes the same words that he (b. Abd al-Wahhab) himself determined to purge it (Islam) and restore it to its primitive tightness. 43 Hitti goes further though in regarding the bayah of 1757 as another case of marriage between religion and the sword. 4 The subtle misdemeanour of value judgements are scattered profusely throughout the writings even of the socalled sy mpathetic Western Orientalists like Nicholson, 45 Wilfrid Cantwell Smith (d. 2000), 46 von Grunebaum (1909-1972), 47 and H. A. R. Gibb (d. 1971) 48 not to speak of the others. Andrew Crichton The next stage in the history of the Western biographies of the Imam was set by Andrew Crichton with his publication of History of Arabia Ancient and Modern in 1833. This is the first time that we see a Western writer composing a secondary work on the Muwa dun based solely on other Western writings. Having noted Burckhardts caution against the misconceptions floating around, Crichton relied primarily on Burckhardt, Corancez and Mengin in particular. 49 Since he has nothing original to offer, we turn to his usage of some of the existent at hand. For example, after outlining the beliefs and practices of the Muwa idun, he states They did not, however, so far outstrip themselves of all superstition as to abolish the ceremonies of ablution and the Meccan pilgrimage, or even those of kissing the bla ck nether region and throwing stones at the devil. 0 To start with, this reveals the authors ignorance about Islam, its beliefs, practices and rituals. Secondly, it is surprising that the author cannot even conceive of non-Christian rituals that reflect and lead to cleanliness, unity of man, and submission and commitment to God. By calling these rituals superstition, the author has obviously passed a normative judgment that is reflective of the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Sir Harford Jones Brydges re-visited Chronologically, this brings us once again to Sir Harford Jones Brydges.This worthy civil servant of the colonialist British Empire had little that was new to add to the known facts of the Imams life as described by Burckhardt. He published his Brief History of the Wahauby, in 1834 after perusal of Burckhardts work. The only point on which the two disagreed was whether Mu? ammad ibn alWahhab was the father-in-law or the son-in-law of Mu? ammad ibn Saud. Regardless of this dispu te, what Brydges has to offer as an interpretation of this relationship between the two is as follows P. K. Hitti, History of the Arabs Edinburgh, 1939, 1972, p. 40. Ibid. 45 R. A. Nicholson, Literary History of the Arabs, Cambridge, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1907, 1969, p. 466. 46 W. C. Smith, Islam in Modern History N. Y. , Mentor, 1957, pp. 48-51. 47 G. von Grunebaum, Attempts at Self-Interpretation in modern-day Islam, Islam Essays in the nature and offset of a cultural tradition, London, 1955, pp. 185-236. 48 H. A. R. Gibb, Modern Trends in Islam, Chicago, Univ. of Chicago Press, 1947, 1972, pp. 26-32. 49 Andrew Crichton, History of Arabia Ancient and Modern, vol. 2 Edinburgh, Oliver & Boyd, 1833, p. II190.See footnote. 50 Ibid. , II290. 44 43 Page 9 The Problem of Historical Distortion and that in consequence of this connexion, though Abdulwahaub remained the book, Mahommed Ibn Saoud became the sword of the sect. 51 This is the prelude to what we have been sense of hearing fr om Orientalists like Hitti and others mentioned earlier. The only difference is that while Brydges was a part of the colonialist establishment and had a political axe to grind, the Orientalists are a part of the neo-colonialist imperialism that breeds Orientalist research. In other respects, i. . those that cover other aspects of the history of the Muwa idun, their administration, etc. , Brydges book complements the work of Burckhardt. W. G. Palgrave Moving beyond the middle of the nineteenth century, we come to William Gifford Palgrave, a servant of the British confidential information in India, steeped in the Christian tradition. By his time, the facts of the movement were well known it was now the time for the growth of interpretation of these facts. Palgrave published two works, namely east and Central Arabia (1866) and Essays on Eastern Questions (1872).Wahhabism had by this time become a great threat to the British Empire in India and elsewhere, and the crown was out to disc redit the movement not only in the British public eye, but also among the Muslims residing in the British colonies. The latter purpose was not difficult to achieve due to the existing propaganda against the Muwa idun by the Ottoman Turks. Thus, in true service of British colonialism and displaying his loyalty to the missionary cause, Palgrave tried to paint the movement as a reaction to the pressure of the Christian West.He says The great reactionary movement, the Revival, originated where scarce a spark of life had been left, by the too-famous Abd-el-Wahhab, in the land of Nejd, has gradually but surely extended itself over the entire surface and through all the length and depth of Islam while the ever increasing pressures of the Christian, or, at to the lowest degree, non-Mahometan, West, has intensified the fanatical tendency, even where it has limited its special direction.For Islam is a political not less than a religious whole 52 This was a rejoinder to the alarm sounded by W. W. Hunter (who was in Her Majestys Bengal Civil Service) in his book The Indian Musalmans. 53 By this time, the British had already successfully faced Sayyid A? mad Shahid (d. 1831), Titu Mir and the War of 1857. With these major setbacks, a wave of strong Wahhabi feelings had swept the Muslims of Bengal and Northern India, hoping to regain their lost position.Therefore, it was essential for the British cause to subvert this obvious threat. Apart from the political motivations for his analysis, his Christian missionary zeal and hatred for Islam drove Palgrave to write as follows The Wahhabee reformer formed the design of putting back the hour-hand of Islam to its starting-point and so far he did well, for that hand was from the first meant to be fixed. Islam is in its essence stationary, and was framed thus to remain.Sterile like its God, lifeless like its first Principle and supreme Original in all that constitutes true life for life is love, participation, and progress, and o f these the Coranic Deity has none it justly repudiates all change, all advance, all developement. To borrow the forcible words of Lord Houghton, the 51 52 Brydges, The Wahauby, p. 107. W. G. Palgrave, Essays on Eastern Questions London, MacMillan & Co. , 1872, p. 115. 53 W. W. Hunter, The Indian Musalmans, 1871. Page 10 The Problem of Historical Distortion written book is there the dead mans hand, stiff and unmoving whatever savours of vitality is by that alone convicted of heresy and defection. But Christianity with its living and loving God, Begetter and Begotten, Spirit and Movement, nay more, a Creator made creature, the shaping machine and the made existing in One, a Divinity communicating itself by uninterrupted gradation and degree from the most intimate union far off to the faintest irradiation, though all that It has made for love and governs in love 54 Mu? mmad ibn Abd al-Wahhab is the example for him par excellence of the true image of Islam, stagnant against a high -energy Christianity, backward looking against the advancing Christianity, lifeless against the living Christianity, and with a Sterile God against a living and loving Christian God who begets his only mother Son becoming the Creator and creature, the Maker and the made all in One. Palgrave combined the missionary and the colonialist mentality in a perfect blend that was to reflect in the Orientalist attitude during the century to follow. He becomes the precursor to the likes of Samuel Zwemer, 55 E. Calverley, C. M.Doughty (1843-1926), 56 T. E. Lawrence (1888-1935), 57 and others. We end our analysis with Palgrave. Doubtless, the approach of the Orientalist has improved vastly during this century, as we see in the writings of George Rentz, for example. 58 However, the Orientalists of the latter portion of the nineteenth century, and until recently, those of the twentieth century have faithfully followed the tradition of the likes of Palgrave. CONCLUSION For the sake of betterment a nd advancement of the civilization of man, we go back to our opening remarks and question the Western Judaeo-Christian approach towards the civilizations of the East.Rejecting the self-centeredness and particularity practiced by the Judaeo-Christian West, and in order to approximate the Islamic universality, we must shed our feathers and appreciate the traditions and civilizations of others within their own framework and assumptions. The plurality of this small world, shrunk by the advance of technology, necessitates a renunciation of selfishness and oppression of the weak, at least in intellectual exercises. In the present context, that is of our approach towards history, we are now bound to accept the facts as such and interpret them for the betterment of mankind.It is obvious that in-person biases cannot be eliminated in their totality. The basic assumptions must remain. Regardless, this should not lead us to a distortion of facts. Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab served an important purpose to a significant population of mankind, and has also caused grievance to many. In light of this we cannot justify either veneration or denunciation of this man, who devoted his life for a simple cause. W. G. Palgrave, communicatory of a Years voyage Through Eastern and Central Arabia (1862-63), 2 Vols. London, MacMillan & Co. , 1866, p. I372. 5 Samuel M. Zwemer, Arabia the Cradle of Islam and The Mohammedan World of Today N. Y. , Fleming H. Revell Co. , 1906. 56 Charles Montagu Doughty, Travels in Arabia Deserta London, N. Y. , 1906. 57 T. E. Lawrence, Seven Pillars of firmness London, Jonathan Cape, 1926, 1935, 1940 Idem. , Revolt in the Desert N. Y. , George H. Doran Co. , 1927 58 George Rentz, Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and the Unitarian Movement in Arabia, Ph. D. Thesis, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Cf. also Idem. , Wahhabism and Saudi Arabia in The Arabian Peninsula Society and Politics, ed. y Derek Hopwood London, George Allen Unwin, 1972, pp. 54-66. And Idem. , The Wahhabis in Religion in the Middle East ed. by A. J. Arberry Cambridge, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1969, pp. 270- 284. Page 11 54 The Problem of Historical Distortion Instead, his contribution to the development of civilization must be appreciated in its true perspective. The most important conclusion is the recognition of the distortion of facts, deliberate or otherwise, by the Western colonialists, their functionaries, their missionaries, and the Orientalists who were none of these.Their aims were multifarious. plot of ground the colonialists and their functionaries strove to maintain their political supremacy and to keep the Muslim population subdued within the colonies, the missionaries tried their utmost to distort Islam to the extent possible hoping to gain converts. It was often that the aims of the colonialists and the missionaries though seemingly different were in fact the same. Hence, they worked hand in glove throughout and distorted the facts of history to make their own ends meet. Page 12 The Problem of Historical DistortionBIBLIOGRAPHY Abu Hakima, Ahmad A. , ed. , Lam al-Shihab fi tarikh Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab, Beirut, 1967 M. A. Bari, Harford Jones Brydges, The early Wahhabis, some contemporary assessments. Proceedings of the 27th International Congress of Orientalists Ann Arbor, Mich. , 1967. An Account of the Transactions of His Majestys Mission to the Court of Persia in the years 1807-11, to which is appended A Brief History of the Wahauby London, James Bohn, 1834. Notes on the Bedouins and Wahabys, vol. 2 London, Henry Colburn & Richard Bentley, 1831, p.II103. Histoire des Wahhabis, depuis leur origine jusqua la fin de 1809, Paris, Grapelet, 1810. History of Arabia Ancient and Modern, vol. 2 Edinburgh, Oliver & Boyd, 1833 Travels in Arabia Deserta London, N. Y. , 1906. An abridged version of this work was also published under the title Wanderings In Arabia, London, Duckworth, 1908, 1926 Modern Trends in Islam, Chicago, Univ. o f Chicago Press, 1947, 1972 Attempts at Self-Interpretation in Contemporary Islam, Islam Essays in the nature and growth of a cultural tradition, London, 1955, pp. 85-236 History of the Arabs Edinburgh, 1939, 1972 The Indian Musalmans, 1871 A Diplomats Report on Wahhabism of Arabia, Islamic Studies 7 (1968), Encyclopedia of Islam, Second Edition, III677, col. 2. Seven Pillars of Wisdom London, Jonathan Cape, 1926, 1935, 1940 Revolt in the Desert N. Y. , George H. Doran Co. , 1927 History of Seyd Said, Sultan of Muscat, 1819 A review of Niebuhrs life in Islamic Culture 7 (1933), pp. 502-505 Islam and Nationalism in the Arab World A Selected and Annotated Bibliography Montreal, Institute of Islamic Studies, McGill University, 1955.Unpublished M. A. thesis. Literary History of the Arabs, Cambridge, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1907, 1969 Travels Through Arabia and Other Countries in the East, trans. into English by Robert Heron, vol. 2, Edinburgh, R. Morrison & Son, 1792. Essays on Eastern Q uestions London, MacMillan & Co. , 1872 Narrative of a Years Journey Through Eastern and Central Arabia (1862-63), 2 Vols. London, MacMillan & Co. , 1866 Mu? ammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab and the Unitarian Movement in Arabia, Ph. D. Thesis, McGill University, Montreal, Canada. Wahhabism and SaudiArabia in The Arabian Peninsula Society and Politics, ed. by Derek Hopwood London, George Allen Unwin, 1972, pp. 54-66 The Wahhabis in Religion in the Middle East ed. by A. J. Arberry Cambridge, Cambridge Univ. Press, 1969, pp. 270- 284 Descriptions du pashalic de Baghdad suivie dune notice historique sur les Wahabis, et de quelques autres pieces relatives a lhistoire et a la litterature de lOrient, Paris, Trouttel et Wurtz, 1809, pp. 125-182. J. L. Burckhardt, L. A. O. de Corancez, Andrew Crichton, Charles Montagu Doughty, H. 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