Graffiti as a Subculture

Graffiti is a form of subculture which conveys the author’s message and applies a code in its application that befits the elements necessary for classification as a subculture. Graffiti can be defined as an example of subculture corresponding to the main criteria of contemporary definitions of subculture.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Graffiti as a Subculture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Contemporary theoreticians dispute the origin and meaning of subculture as a social phenomenon, analyzing the sociological parameters of the groups of population and their primary motivation for deciding on self-expression in the form of subculture. McCracken (2002) noted that â€Å"The new groups are the necessary inevitable product of our world, not a transgressive reaction to it† (Plenitude: Culture by commotion). McCracken’s assertions can be defined as revolutionary and gave rise to debates with ot her theoreticians who consider subculture as the phenomenon separated from the mainstream of the community, opposing and struggling against it. Titley shifts the emphasis to the sociological characteristics of subculture representatives, admitting that â€Å"subcultures are often the creative expression of cultural difference by marginal groups† (A New approach to youth subculture theory). Actually, this definition does not contradict McCracken’s statements concerning the subculture groups as an integral product of society, but rather evaluates the psychological basis of the phenomenon. The same idea of joining subculture for expressing their protest was developed by Hebdige (2002): â€Å"Subcultures are expressive forms but what they express is, in the last instance, a fundamental tension between those in power and those condemned to subordinate positions and second-class lives† (p. 132). Using these parameters, graffiti can be defined as an example of subcultu re used by contemporary youths for expressing their protest against the generally accepted society norms. The ‘art’ of graffiti is a unique one. It aims at producing a graphic, which passes on a message. The location of choice for the placement of graffiti is visual areas such as walls and bridges, or in easily accessible hidden areas such as public toilets. The developers pass on context specific information depending on the theme of their protest. To produce a successful piece of graffiti, there is a set of skills required in addition to a defiant mindset. Graffiti finds placement in strategic locations to achieve the effects the creator desires. Different members of this subculture have varying levels of skill in as far as the development of graffiti is concerned. Some produce very intricate diagrams with visually attractive graphics while others use simpler techniques to produce their work.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can hel p you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The illegality of writing graffiti in public places makes it a rushed job in some places while the relative lack of stringent policing in neighborhoods with a graffiti subculture makes it possible to produce intricate designs. Some use graffiti as a means of decorating bland surfaces while others use it to disfigure well-embellished ones. What ties the subculture together is the form of art used to express the ideas, and not necessarily, the specific content of the work produced. The second characteristic of graffiti as an example of subculture is the expression of the views of minority in a non-facilitated environment. In whatever geographical area that a graffiti subculture exists, most likely, it will be in areas where there are no channels of facilitated communication to make possible the effective voicing of the issues. Since there is no channel to vent the frustration experienced, perpetrators use graffiti to communi cate their thoughts and desires. The subculture speaks for the silent masses. Some members use graffiti for other purposes such as humor or for passing on witty comments. The type of graffiti by a single person meant for a small audience finds placement in hidden but highly accessible areas. The expression of the protest against the generally accepted norms is one of the main factors which make the art of graffiti so appealing to the youths. The issue of doing harm to the city landscape and public places is discussed even more often than the art value of particular graffiti. Still, the fact that some of the contemporary painters use traditional canvases for creating their masterpieces proves that in some cases graffiti aesthetics has dominated over the expression of the protest. Taking into account the popularity of graffiti among certain population groups, the development of its aesthetics and the tradition of graffiti painters, graffiti can be defined as a peculiar form of self ex pression and social protest of the subculture representatives. Titley noted that â€Å"Many of these groups engage in protest, but what is interesting is how different this protest is† (A New approach to youth subculture theory). Graffiti is a peculiar form of expression of the youths’ protest, and the overview of the numerous samples and the peculiarities of the styles of particular painters shows the development of this subculture and its unique aesthetics. The analysis of the sociological characteristics of graffiti painters, their motivation for creating pictures on the walls and the symbolic meaning of their masterpieces proves that graffiti at its contemporary stage corresponds to the contemporary definitions of subculture.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Graffiti as a Subculture specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List Hebdige, D. 2002. Subculture; the meaning of style. New York: Rout ledge. McCracken, G. 2002. Plenitude: Culture by commotion. [online]. Tittley, M. n.d. A New approach to youth subculture theory. [online]. This essay on Graffiti as a Subculture was written and submitted by user A1dan to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Impact of the Scientific Revolution on Europe essays

Impact of the Scientific Revolution on Europe essays The terms Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment are used to describe two interrelated and sequential European intellectual movements that took place from the 1500s to the 1800s (Gale). During this time Europe was distraught due to a variety of economic, religious and social problems slowly creating chaos among its citizens. Economically, the scientific revolution brought upon a new age of prosperity with the increase of international trade. Furthermore, the scientific revolution also benefited Europe by encouraging many to question the teachings of the church and look for a more tangible understanding of the universe and its forces. In addition, this period of time also brought a change to the social classes and daily life of European citizens. Therefore in the midst of turmoil, the Scientific Revolution emerged and slowly created a sense of order. 17th century Europe was experiencing economic instability. The profits of precious metals from the new world cause inflation and forced monarchies to increase taxation (Gale). This caused uproar in the lower class citizens whose meager incomes could not facilitate a higher tax rate. However, the development of world trade during the Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment changed the economic life of Europe from self sufficient town economies to capitalistic national economies (Gale). This created enormous opportunities for the entrepreneurs of the third class who now had the potential to expand their businesses from local, to in some cases an international level. The new wealth from the world trade also helped establish a new mercantile or middle class in Europe creating more wealth for many of its citizens reducing tension between the social classes. The trade also brought with it information of other cultures and beliefs which stirred the minds of many scientists and philos ophers who began to adopt a new understanding of the universe and its ...

Walmart Just In Time focus on procurement and distribution, logistics Research Paper

Walmart Just In Time focus on procurement and distribution, logistics management processes and benefits of process for Walmart - Research Paper Example In this context, this study focuses on the Just in time inventory system and the logistics management Wal-Mart is using. Just-in-Time Concept of Inventory Many authors defined just in time inventory (JIT) system differently, but it all refers to a system wherein materials are delivered just in time for its use whether in manufacturing or selling. In JIT system, it has been the practice of companies like Wal-Mart to schedule purchases and production only as needed to meet actual consumers’ demand. The purpose of this system is to reduce inventories to a minimum level, or wherever possible to a â€Å"zero level† (Accounting for Management, n.d.). As the concept would suggest, JIT for Wal-Mart is a cycle that means products for sale are received from supplier just in time to replenish the stocks on the shelves, thereby reducing inventories from their previous level. The Just in time inventory system has been applied at every stores of Wal-Mart, and as observed, the secret lies in its sophisticated just in time logistics system found in the RFID technology. The system has provided Wal-Mart a continuous tracking, real-time sales feedback from every store and plot stock depletion rates so they can arrange new deliveries just as existing supplies are about to run out. The illustration below depicts a Just in-time system inventory management that begins with the order of the customer, and the processes that channels the ordering system. JIT system is ideal for manufacturing and merchandising concerns that tends to eliminate too much inventories which are not needed in the manufacturing or sale immediately. Source of diagram: (Accounting for Management.com) The logistics management of Wal-Mart, an introduction to RFID In order to understand the complexity of Wal-Mart operations and why there is a need for a logistics management process, an insight to its structure is presented. Wal-Mart manages retail stores worldwide in a range of set-up. Its segments inc lude US market, International market and the on line ordering system. The US segment carries almost all items ordinarily found in a supermarket store, or may be easier said, â€Å"ask it, Wal-Mart has it† (WMT Profile). The international segment has various formats of stores and restaurants that include a combination of discount and grocery stores, supermarkets, supercenters, cash and carry stores, hypermarkets, general merchandise stores and the Sam Clubs. The Sam Club segment, which is available thru membership, carries merchandise, hard and soft goods and selected private-label items. Profile of Wal-Mart stores showed the following number of stores as of January 31, 2010 (Table1). Table 1 Number of Wal-Mart Retail Stores as of January 31, 2010 Number of stores Location Number of stores Location 803 discount stores United States 43 Argentina 2,747 supercenters United States 434 Brazil 1158 neighborhood markets United States 317 Canada 596 Sam Clubs United States 252 Chile 1 70 Costa Rica 77 El Salvador 164 Guatemala 53 Honduras 1 India 371 Mexico 55 Nicaragua 56 Puerto Rico 371 United Kingdom 279 Peoples Rep. of China Source: Yahoo Finance, 2010. Wal-Mart Stores Profile Logistics management process of Wal-Mart In the above scenario of retail stores, tracking of individual products in its different chains and warehouses is a difficult task. This would need an efficient system of monitoring and control such that Wal-Mart saw a need for a

Gas turbine engine basics Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2

Gas turbine engine basics - Coursework Example This means that if the exit velocity is maintained at a higher value than free stream velocity, and simultaneously, the engine flow rate (m dot) is kept as high as possible, the high engine flow will produce a high thrust in a turboprop engine. Even though a large amount of air is ingested, the change in velocity is very minimal between the intake and the exit so that the exit velocity is at a low value (Low exit velocity). Due to the large value of m dot, a high thrust is developed. If we denote the free stream conditions by â€Å"0†, the propeller exit conditions by â€Å"1†, core exit conditions by â€Å"e† and core entrance conditions by â€Å"c†, then from the basic thrust equation we get: In Turboprop engine, the mass flow rate through the propeller is much greater than that of core engine(High mass flow ). The mass flow rate entering the core is almost equal to the mass flow rate exiting the core. The exit velocity from the core is almost the same as inlet velocity into the core(Low exit velocity). Hence the thrust equation can be rounded off to get: Components and Purpose: The intake also called the inlet serves three purposes, namely (1) recovering as much of the total pressure of the free air stream required for combustion, from free-stream conditions to the conditions and deliver this pressure to the entrance of fan or compressor, (2) delivering air to the compressor under all flight conditions with minimum turbulence and (3) to have minimum drag. The inlet is generally not defined by any particular part, but is formed by structural support parts which are located in front of compressor. The design of subsonic inlet differs from that of supersonic inlet. In subsonic inlets of engines fitted in nacelles air enters in different streamline patterns at different speeds of operation as shown in Fig-1 (Mattingly,p759). Supersonic inlets are

Concept of Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Research Paper

Concept of Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults - Research Paper Example Safeguarding relates to a range of activities that aim at upholding every adult’s fundamental right that amounts to be safe and at the same time respecting individual’s rights regarding the making of choices. Safeguarding involves empowerment, justice as well as protection. All persons within a society need to play a significant responsibility in relation to the role of vulnerable adults safeguarding. In a broader sense, safeguarding stems specialist services to everybody else within the society. Professionals, volunteers as well as the general public need to ensure they partake in safeguarding vulnerable adults. Effective safeguarding relates to four primary activities. The first safeguarding aspect refers to prevention and awareness raising. The action aims to improve everyone’s general wellbeing thereby encouraging communities to support one another in acting as in a manner where they look for one another. The action also aims at ensuring the public and all professionals, as well as volunteers, possess adequate information regarding actions they may take where they think that an individual is being abused or harmed. The second aspect refers to an inclusion that focuses on activities directly designed to make sure that providers of safety services within the community, as well as other services, remain alert. The operation also ensures the inclusion of vulnerable adults from the communities, professionals as well as volunteers (Kingsley, J, 2009, pg. 411). The activity also encourages the identification and support of individuals who are vulnerable to poor life for one reason or another through circumstances and outcomes of different servic es. The third activity refers to the personalized management of both risks and benefits.

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Teva Pharmaceuticals

Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and Teva Pharmaceuticals Corbin Wright Teva Pharmaceuticals is the largest generic pharmaceutical manufacturer in the world[1]. As of December 22, 2016, Teva Pharmaceuticals now holds the record for the largest fine by a pharmaceutical company for violating the foreign corrupt practices act. The settlement amount includes $283 million fine from the DOJ and a subsequent $236 million fine from the SEC. This total fine of $519 million far outweighs the previous record of Johnson Johnsons $70 million fine from 2011[2]. The question remains, what did TEVA Pharmaceuticals do that required a fine of $519 million? This paper will discuss the purpose of the FCPA, what Teva Pharmaceuticals did to receive a fine, and what we can learn from their mistake. The purpose of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is to prohibit bribery by any company or person who does business in the United States. This includes not only United States citizens, but also foreign executives and businesses that have operations in the United States. While the act is imposed on businesses that have dealings in the Unites States, the FCPA was especially designed to prohibit bribery in countries outside the United States. The United States doesnt want its companies or people to use bribery as a form of persuasion abroad-whether legal or illegal. By allowing companies to give bribes, this would give these companies an unfair advantage over their competition and give a bad representation for United States. Even if the bribe is typical business conduct in another country, the government will impose harsh fines for those who violate this act. Over the last few years, Teva Pharmaceuticals, specifically Teva Russia and Teva Mexico (Fully owned subsidiaries of Teva Pharmaceuticals) have been bribing foreign officials in order for them to buy more of their drug named Copaxone[3]. While nothing was wrong with this drug from a scientific aspect, Teva was implementing many different measures to increase revenue for the company. Keisha Hall, a former employee and director of finance for the Latin American division, filed a lawsuit stating that, Tevas unethical practices included unauthorized payments to doctors in Chile, bribes to physicians working in regional hospitals, and low inventory controls in Mexico[4]. In another report coming from Ukraine, Teva à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦provided various things of value to a Ukrainian Official to induce him to use his official position within the Ukrainian government to improperly influence the registration of Teva pharmaceutical products in Ukraine. The DOJ investigation revealed emails that explained how TEVA would pay these government officials with money from the incredibly high margins their drugs were being sold for in exchange for influencing the Russian government to purchase this drug through Teva. Teva subsequently entered a plea deal to cooperate with DOJ and SEC. However, because Teva failed to voluntarily self-disclose the FCPA violations to the Fraud Section the fine was not discounted. Teva claims it has since redone its corporate governance program, ceased relationships with fraudulent 3rd parties, and removing any necessary employees[5]. They have also boosted their internal control procedures. Teva Pharmaceuticals disobeyed the law and reaped over $214 million in excess illicit profits by paying government officials around $60 million in kickbacks[6]. While some may argue they were just trying to increase revenue and werent harming anyone, they manipulated the market and broke the law. A fine that is roughly double what they made in illicit profits now seems reasonable. Teva Pharmaceuticals has received pretty negative press and the stock price reflects consumer sentiment. Since 2015, the stock has fallen from $70 per share to $33 per share. While bribing may seem like a quick way to generate extra revenue, the downside outweighs any benefit. As the government continues to give out these large fines, hopefully corporate America will start to act more ethical. [1] https://www.verywell.com/the-top-7-generic-drug-companies-2663110 [2] http://fcpaprofessor.com/depth-519-million-teva-fcpa-enforcement-action/ [3] http://fcpaprofessor.com/depth-519-million-teva-fcpa-enforcement-action/ [4] http://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/teva-sets-aside-520m-to-settle-bribery-investigations-by-doj-sec [5] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-12-22/teva-agrees-to-pay-519-billion-to-settle-u-s-bribery-probe [6] http://www.marketwatch.com/story/sec-doj-fine-teva-pharmaceutical-519-million-to-settle-foreign-bribery-charges-2016-12-22

Increase in Customer Influence on Businesses Essay -- Business, Logist

Increase in Customer Influence on Businesses and its Resultant Effect on Workers and Managers Introduction So many factors have come together to make today’s business environment very competitive and flexible at the same time. Customers now play a significant role in the production and delivery of both goods and services in the global market. Globalization has also made it possible for comparisons to take place between and amongst different markets, giving the customers knowledge (power) to make choices and demanding more value for their money. This stance of the customer goes a long way to determine the performance of organizations; this is because without the existence of customers to patronize the goods and/or services offered by businesses, there will be no need for these businesses to exist. Customer influence on businesses More often than not, studies have examined the relationship behaviour between businesses and their customers from the business perspective with little or no attention to the customers’ perspective. As stated by Keillor et al (1999), for businesses to succeed in a highly competitive market environment, they must fundamentally understand and satisfy customer needs. Heskett et al (1993, 2003) as sited by Maxham J.G et al (2008) posited that the profit and revenue growth of an organization are a function of customer loyalty which stems from customer satisfaction. The key demands from customers as stated by Heskett and his colleagues are high quality goods/services and satisfactions. For customers to remain loyal to an organization, they must experience good value for their money and satisfaction. Akin to the performance and productivity level of an organization is the performance of the manager... ...ple Resourcing: contemporary HRM in practice. 4th ed. London: Prentice Hall International Shenkar, O. & Luo, Y. (2007) International business. 2nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications Wu C.H et al (2008) Structural relationships among organization service orientation, employee service performance and consumer identification; the service industry journal vol 28(9) available from: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liv.ac.uk/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=04c840d7-ec91-4485-bb27-258e51dc1864%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=116 Maxham J.G et al (2008) The Retail Value Chain: linking employee perceptions to employee performance, customer evaluations and store performance. Marketing science journal, vol 27 (2) available from: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.ezproxy.liv.ac.uk/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=e3d4fad3-61ea-4147-8854-dac1e71b41bf%40sessionmgr111&vid=1&hid=116