Coco Chanel

Fashion designer. Born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. With her trademark suits and little black dresses, Coco Chanel created timeless designs that are still popular today. She herself became a much revered style icon known for her simple yet sophisticated outfits paired with great accessories, such as several strands of pearls. As Chanel once said,â€Å"luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. † Her early years, however, were anything but glamorous. After her mother’s death, Chanel was put in an orphanage by her father who worked as a peddler. She was raised by nuns who taught her how to sew—a skill that would lead to her life’s work. Her nickname came from another occupation entirely. During her brief career as a singer, Chanel performed in clubs in Vichy and Moulins where she was called â€Å"Coco. † Some say that the name comes from one of the songs she used to sing, and Chanel herself said that it was a â€Å"shortened version of cocotte, the French word for ‘kept woman,† according to an article in The Atlantic. Around the age of 20, Chanel became involved with Etienne Balsan who offered to help her start a millinery business in Paris. She soon left him for one of his even wealthier friends, Arthur â€Å"Boy† Capel. Both men were instrumental in Chanel’s first fashion venture. Opening her first shop on Paris’s Rue Cambon in 1910, Chanel started out selling hats. She later added stores in Deauville and Biarritz and began making clothes. Her first taste of clothing success came from a dress she fashioned out of an old jersey on a chilly day. In response to the many people who asked about where she got the dress, she offered to make one for them. â€Å"My fortune is built on that old jersey that I’d put on because it was cold in Deauville,† she once told author Paul Morand. In the 1920s, Chanel took her thriving business to new heights. She launched her first perfume, Chanel No. 5, which was the first to feature a designer’s name. Perfume â€Å"is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. . . . that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure,† Chanel once explained. In 1925, she introduced the now legendary Chanel suit with collarless jacket and well-fitted skirt. Her designs were revolutionary for the time—borrowing elements of men’s wear and emphasizing comfort over the constraints of then-popular fashions. She helped women say good-bye to the days of corsets and other confining garments. Another 1920s revolutionary design was Chanel’s little black dress. She took a color once associated with mourning and showed just how chic it could be for eveningwear. In addition to fashion, Chanel was a popular figure in the Paris literary and artistic worlds. She designed costumes for the Ballets Russes and for Jean Cocteau’s play Orphee, and counted Cocteau and artist Pablo Picasso among her friends. For a time, Chanel had a relationship with composer Igor Stravinsky. Another important romance for Chanel began in the 1920s. She met the wealthy duke of Westminster aboard his yacht around 1923, and the two started a decades-long relationship. In response to his marriage proposal, she reportedly said â€Å"There have been several Duchesses of Westminster—but there is only one Chanel! † The international economic depression of the 1930s had a negative impact on her company, but it was the outbreak of World War II that led Chanel to close her business. She fired her workers and shut down her shops. During the German occupation of France, Chanel got involved with a German military officer, Hans Gunther von Dincklage. She got special permission to stay in her apartment at the Hotel Ritz. After the war ended, Chanel was interrogated by her relationship with von Dincklage, but she was not charged as a collaborator. Some have wondered whether friend Winston Churchill worked behind the scenes on Chanel’s behalf. While not officially charged, Chanel suffered in the court of public opinion. Some still viewed her relationship with a Nazi officer as a betrayal of her country. Chanel left Paris, spending some years in Switzerland in a sort of exile. She also lived at her country house in Roquebrune for a time. At the age of 70, Chanel made a triumphant return to the fashion world. She first received scathing reviews from critics, but her feminine and easy-fitting designs soon won over shoppers around the world. In 1969, Chanel’s fascinating life story became the basis for the Broadway musical Coco starring Katharine Hepburn as the legendary designer. Alan Jay Lerner wrote the book and lyrics for the show’s song while Andre Previn composed the music. Cecil Beaton handled the set and costume design for the production. The show received seven Tony Award nominations, and Beaton won for Best Costume Design and Rene Auberjonois for Best Featured Actor. Coco Chanel died on January 10, 1971, at her apartment in the Hotel Ritz. She never married, having once said â€Å"I never wanted to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird. † Hundreds crowded together at the Church of the Madeleine to bid farewell to the fashion icon. In tribute, many of the mourners wore Chanel suits. A little more than a decade after her death, designer Karl Lagerfeld took the reins at her company to continue the Chanel legacy. Today her namesake company continues to thrive and is believed to generate hundreds of millions in sales each year. In addition to the longevity of her designs, Chanel’s life story continues to captivate people’s attention. There have been several biographies of the fashion revolutionary, including Chanel and Her World (2005) written by her friend Edmonde Charles-Roux. In the recent television biopic, Coco Chanel (2008), Shirley MacLaine starred as the famous designer around the time of her 1954 career resurrection. The actress told WWD that she had long been interested in playing Chanel. â€Å"What’s wonderful about her is she’s not a straightforward, easy woman to understand. † Coco Chanel Fashion designer. Born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. With her trademark suits and little black dresses, Coco Chanel created timeless designs that are still popular today. She herself became a much revered style icon known for her simple yet sophisticated outfits paired with great accessories, such as several strands of pearls. As Chanel once said,â€Å"luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. † Her early years, however, were anything but glamorous. After her mother’s death, Chanel was put in an orphanage by her father who worked as a peddler. She was raised by nuns who taught her how to sew—a skill that would lead to her life’s work. Her nickname came from another occupation entirely. During her brief career as a singer, Chanel performed in clubs in Vichy and Moulins where she was called â€Å"Coco. † Some say that the name comes from one of the songs she used to sing, and Chanel herself said that it was a â€Å"shortened version of cocotte, the French word for ‘kept woman,† according to an article in The Atlantic. Around the age of 20, Chanel became involved with Etienne Balsan who offered to help her start a millinery business in Paris. She soon left him for one of his even wealthier friends, Arthur â€Å"Boy† Capel. Both men were instrumental in Chanel’s first fashion venture. Opening her first shop on Paris’s Rue Cambon in 1910, Chanel started out selling hats. She later added stores in Deauville and Biarritz and began making clothes. Her first taste of clothing success came from a dress she fashioned out of an old jersey on a chilly day. In response to the many people who asked about where she got the dress, she offered to make one for them. â€Å"My fortune is built on that old jersey that I’d put on because it was cold in Deauville,† she once told author Paul Morand. In the 1920s, Chanel took her thriving business to new heights. She launched her first perfume, Chanel No. 5, which was the first to feature a designer’s name. Perfume â€Å"is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. . . . that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure,† Chanel once explained. In 1925, she introduced the now legendary Chanel suit with collarless jacket and well-fitted skirt. Her designs were revolutionary for the time—borrowing elements of men’s wear and emphasizing comfort over the constraints of then-popular fashions. She helped women say good-bye to the days of corsets and other confining garments. Another 1920s revolutionary design was Chanel’s little black dress. She took a color once associated with mourning and showed just how chic it could be for eveningwear. In addition to fashion, Chanel was a popular figure in the Paris literary and artistic worlds. She designed costumes for the Ballets Russes and for Jean Cocteau’s play Orphee, and counted Cocteau and artist Pablo Picasso among her friends. For a time, Chanel had a relationship with composer Igor Stravinsky. Another important romance for Chanel began in the 1920s. She met the wealthy duke of Westminster aboard his yacht around 1923, and the two started a decades-long relationship. In response to his marriage proposal, she reportedly said â€Å"There have been several Duchesses of Westminster—but there is only one Chanel! † The international economic depression of the 1930s had a negative impact on her company, but it was the outbreak of World War II that led Chanel to close her business. She fired her workers and shut down her shops. During the German occupation of France, Chanel got involved with a German military officer, Hans Gunther von Dincklage. She got special permission to stay in her apartment at the Hotel Ritz. After the war ended, Chanel was interrogated by her relationship with von Dincklage, but she was not charged as a collaborator. Some have wondered whether friend Winston Churchill worked behind the scenes on Chanel’s behalf. While not officially charged, Chanel suffered in the court of public opinion. Some still viewed her relationship with a Nazi officer as a betrayal of her country. Chanel left Paris, spending some years in Switzerland in a sort of exile. She also lived at her country house in Roquebrune for a time. At the age of 70, Chanel made a triumphant return to the fashion world. She first received scathing reviews from critics, but her feminine and easy-fitting designs soon won over shoppers around the world. In 1969, Chanel’s fascinating life story became the basis for the Broadway musical Coco starring Katharine Hepburn as the legendary designer. Alan Jay Lerner wrote the book and lyrics for the show’s song while Andre Previn composed the music. Cecil Beaton handled the set and costume design for the production. The show received seven Tony Award nominations, and Beaton won for Best Costume Design and Rene Auberjonois for Best Featured Actor. Coco Chanel died on January 10, 1971, at her apartment in the Hotel Ritz. She never married, having once said â€Å"I never wanted to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird. † Hundreds crowded together at the Church of the Madeleine to bid farewell to the fashion icon. In tribute, many of the mourners wore Chanel suits. A little more than a decade after her death, designer Karl Lagerfeld took the reins at her company to continue the Chanel legacy. Today her namesake company continues to thrive and is believed to generate hundreds of millions in sales each year. In addition to the longevity of her designs, Chanel’s life story continues to captivate people’s attention. There have been several biographies of the fashion revolutionary, including Chanel and Her World (2005) written by her friend Edmonde Charles-Roux. In the recent television biopic, Coco Chanel (2008), Shirley MacLaine starred as the famous designer around the time of her 1954 career resurrection. The actress told WWD that she had long been interested in playing Chanel. â€Å"What’s wonderful about her is she’s not a straightforward, easy woman to understand. † Coco Chanel Final Research Paper May 3, 2012 Fashion Leader, Nazi Informant, Compulsive Liar: Coco Chanel (1918-1945) Agent F-7124, code name: Westminster. To those of you who were not involved with German Military Intelligence during World War II, you may know Agent F-7124 as Coco Chanel. Chanel has been one of the top names in high end fashion for almost one hundred years but the woman behind the brand has a shocking past that would make any customer think twice before a purchase. Chanel herself once said during the German Occupation of France, â€Å"For a woman betrayal has no sense—one cannot betray one’s passions1. Chanel held this statement true through three affairs with Nazi officers during World War II, an affair with a French textile heir who introduced her to an English aristocrat who conveniently funded her first two boutiques in Paris2. In short, Chanel slept her way to the top of the fashion industry. Nonetheless, in 1926 the October issue of American Vogue Magazine credits Chanel with standardizing fashion in a caption under her signature black dress, â€Å"Here is a Ford signed Chanel—the frock that all the world will wear. †3 And they did; by 1935 Chanel was selling 28,000 designs worldwide. Coco Chanel was born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel in 1883 in Paris, France and was the second child to an unwed mother. Years later her parents would marry and have five more children. When Chanel was 12 years old her mother died and her father took Chanel and her six siblings to a convent for orphans where nuns would raise them until they reached age 18. At the convent Chanel learned to sew and was able to find work as a seamstress when she left. Living on her own, Chanel started to sing in a cabaret where she adopted the stage name Coco.Military officers and upper class members of society frequented the cabaret and Chanel met textile heir Etienne Balsan. Balsan introduced her to Captain Arthur Capel; Capel would buy her an apartment in Paris and finance her first two boutiques. Chanel began by designing hats, then women’s wear, and eventually perfume. 5 As Chanel made her way into the upper class she frequently fabricated her background to hide that she came from such humble beginnings. Chanel has stated in some interviews that she was an only child and has never publically acknowledged that she was raised in an orphanage.Author Louise de Vilmorin once suggested to Chanel that she see a psychiatrist about the constant need for fabrication. Chanel replied, â€Å"I, who never told the truth to my priest? †6 There is no doubt that Chanel is recognized as an innovator of women’s fashion during the 1920s. Women cut their hair and stepped out of their corsets. They wore clothes that gave them a waif-like silhouette shape, which was a stark contrast to the curvy, maternal shape previously connected with femininity. Women also stopped protecting their skin from sunlight and began to tan.The changes in women ’s fashion were said to make women feel liberated and in charge of their own fate, but whether fashion had the ability to actually liberate women is questionable. Historian Mary Louise Roberts wrote that fashion was a highly charged issue in the early 1920s. â€Å"Every aspect of female dress had not only changed but come mirror opposite of what it had been in 1900. †7 This new style for women was criticized and opposed by traditional conservatives, Catholics, journalists, and most men.The critics felt like gender lines were becoming blurred and women were no longer interested in becoming mothers; which they felt was the ultimate goal for a woman. Roberts also wrote that this new fashion was not a marker of social change rather a maker. 8 This interpretation from Roberts is very common among historians on fashion in the 1920s. Elsa Herrmann wrote that women were finally finding substance in their life, â€Å"Women were making goals and this period awakened them from t heir lethargy and laid upon them the responsibility for their own fate. 9 Feminist historians Caroline Evans and Minna Thornton write that fashion during this time offered women the opportunity to express themselves in a passive manner. The women suggest that it was a way for women to step into the fine arts that have been dominated by men for years. Fashion was also a way for women to use their creativity and become businesswomen. 10 Francois Baudot highlights the success of Chanel’s fashion career in connection with the feeling of women’s liberation: Thousands of women now began to realize that ‘poor chic’ could be the answer to social snobbery.The Chanel look, with its lines reduced to their simplest expression, shows that how clothes are worn is much more important than what is worn; that a good line is worth more than a pretty face; that well-dressed is not the same as dressy, and that the acme of social cachet was to be proletarian. 11 Baudot is sugg esting that this fashion movement started by Chanel actually broke down the class barriers that had been in place in France for centuries. Should Coco Chanel be given sole credit for this powerful new image of women? 12 We must ask ourselves: what other factors influenced a social change this large?It could be said that World War I had an enormous impact on this change in women’s fashion and their feeling of liberation. Throughout this paper I will discuss how World War I gave Chanel the opportunity to start her empire. I will then focus on how Chanel was able to stay an upper class, successful women despite her treatment of the people she employed, her anti-Semitism, and affairs with Nazi officers. To fully understand Chanel’s actions one must be briefed on the context of each one. During WWI men left their families and jobs to fight. Women had no choice but to provide for their families.The brutality of World War I made the chances of spouses returning very low. Fran ce lost 81,000 military men during WWI. 13 Women in the workplace manufactured war goods and faced extremely poor conditions and were often killed themselves. 14 WWI broke down the gender barrier so that women like Chanel could make a name for themselves and express themselves more freely. Historians acknowledge the rise in consumer culture and credit Chanel as ‘the’ female liberator and this image was created of Chanel as an icon for women embracing the new look. While Chanel was talented, she was also unashamed to use herself to get ahead.Without her two affairs she would not have had the money to build her brand. For young women yearning to be designers or businesswomen perhaps Chanel’s way of achieving notoriety is not the most ethical. For some, Chanel could send the message to her peers during this time that sleeping with men for money is how you become successful and internationally known. As an older women describing her beginnings, Coco Chanel said, â₠¬Å"I was able to start a high end fashion shop because two gentlemen were outbidding each other over my hot little body! †15 The Interwar Period created a culture of consumerism.The economy was prosperous and ready to wear clothing was new and very popular. Chanel would have had a harder time rising to the top of the fashion world without this economic boom from WWI. When Chanel’s designs were bought by the Parisian elite she was able to make personal connections to keep advancing herself and it benefitted her career. Towards the end of the 1920s her affair with the Duke of Westminster solidified Chanel into the British aristocracy. She became close with Winston Churchill and members of the royal family, which would help her out in the years to come.Together, Chanel and the Duke of Westminster were outspoken with their anti-Semitic views and homophobia. Chanel’s perfume line had been financed, marketed, and produced by two Jewish brothers. Chanel started a 17-yea r battle with the Wertheimer brothers to gain monetary control over the company for the sole reason being they were Jewish. 16 Once more, Chanel used her body to advance and her blatant intolerance of Judaism and homosexuality is evidence that Chanel was intolerant and yet was still in business. In 1936 French workers went on strike for higher wages and the French labor unions met with management delegations.Chanel refused to pay any wage increases and other demands brought forth. She eventually realized her fall line would not be produced unless she gave in. Chanel had no respect for the seamstresses she employed even though Chanel was once in that position herself. She employed roughly 3,000 women where the working conditions and hours were strenuous and took a toll on them. Chanel’s treatment of the female workers she felt were beneath her is not often written about but it is important to note that once Chanel had become one of the elite she wanted nothing to do with the l ower class.Chanel offered no extra benefits or help to the women working for her after agreements were met. 17 Three years later World War II began and Chanel closed her shops because she felt that war was not a time for fashion. Some see this as retaliation for the labor strike years before. 18 Regardless, Chanel’s actions against the women she employed go against the idea of the liberated woman she is credited with originating. Now in the fashion industry for twenty years, Chanel had an empire and was an internationally known name.However, the general public at this time had almost no knowledge of where Chanel had come from and how she rose to success. This helped increase the idolatry and admiration women held for her. Chanel created a public persona that was idyllic. Majority of what Chanel told reporters was fabricated because Chanel was so ashamed of her background. 19 It is hard to say whether Chanel’s fans during this time would have remained as loyal if her fu ll background was known. Looking back at the social classes in France during the 1920s and 1930s there was a strong middle class.The middle class appeared in the early 20th century and its members wanted a clear distinction between themselves and members of the lower working classes. 20 Chanel’s designs that every woman copied in the 20s had evolved into an exclusively high-end collection much like Chanel herself. Chanel resided in the Hotel Ritz in Paris during World War II after the closing of her shops. France was now under German Occupation and German military officers also resided at the Hotel Ritz. While the rest of France was strengthening their Resistance, Chanel was practically living with Nazi officers.The French Resistance amongst its citizens was huge and women were central in it. This could potentially have been Chanel’s moment to earn her status as an icon for women. Female resisters could get away with almost anything because the Nazis were so dismissive of females having power. These women were excellent at falsifying documents and identities, decoding, and transporting paperwork and they risked everything to be apart of it. 21 Chanel took absolutely no part in the Resistance but rather had an affair with Officer Hans Gunther von Dincklage who was an operative in military intelligence. 2 There are several allegations that Chanel was a Nazi spy. Chanel had become very connected in the past twenty-five years and saw herself as an asset to the Germans. There are travel records in French and British intelligence of Chanel with Nazi officers and their train schedules and dates. There is no actual proof of what Chanel did when she was a spy so she could not be convicted after her arrest in 1944. 23 Chanel handwrote a note to Churchill in 1944 explaining why it looked suspicious for Chanel and her friend Vera Lombardi to have such close connections with the Germans: My Dear Winston,Excuse me to come & ask you in such moments like theseâ € ¦I had heard from some time that Vera Lombardi was not very happily treated in Italy on account of her being English and married with an Italian officer†¦You know me well enough to understand that I did everything in my power to pull her out of that situation which had indeed become tragic as the Fascists had simply locked her up in prison†¦I was obliged to address myself to someone rather important to get her freed and to be allowed to bring her down here with e†¦that I succeeded placed me in a very difficult situation as her passport which is Italian has been stamped with a German visa and I understand quite well that it looks a bit suspect†¦you can well imagine my dear after years of occupation in France it has been my lot to encounter all kinds of people! I would have pleasure to talk over all these things with you! I remain always affectionately, Coco Chanel Perhaps Randolph could give me news of you. 24 Many Parisians postwar took Chanel’s action s as a slap in the face to France and questioned Chanel’s loyalty to France.Throughout World War II Chanel did not partake in anything to do with fashion and is remembered in France as somewhat of a traitor. Chanel moved to Switzerland following the war and ten years later returned to the fashion scene where she was welcomed by the Americans, whom are now her loyal customers. 25 Chanel was able to stay at the top of the fashion industry for so long because she was solely in Paris until after World War II. The French perspective is key to understanding how a woman like Chanel could maintain success.The French have a harder time accepting outside culture or influence because they want to keep France ‘French’. Since the French Revolution in 1789, nationalism has been important to the French people. The national motto of France is liberte, egalite, fraternite! (liberty, equality, fraternity/brotherhood). 26 Chanel was born in France and was easily accepted by the Fre nch community because in a way she could be seen as adding to the French culture. Her styles were created and manufactured in France by French people and this was most important to them.Her success after World War I boosted the morale of women and increased consumerism throughout France. Eventually, Chanel put herself above France and her involvement with the enemy in WWII ended her reign of success in the country. Another perspective of Chanel’s life and career to explore is that of American consumers. Americans during 1914 -1945 were not unaware of the brand and style of Chanel but it was not as common across the large country like it was in Europe. When the European press slammed Chanel in 1954 after her fashion show, she went to the United States one year later.The buyers in New York were thrilled to have her comeback be in the States and alerted Life Magazine. Life did a four-page spread on the comeback of Chanel. 27 Chanel’s reputation with the Nazis did not surv ive the journey across the Atlantic much to her benefit. Since Chanel had always been private and untruthful in the press, the American citizens really did not know much about Chanel as a person and just had the image of her as a foreign high-powered successful designer. At this time Chanel was 71 years old.It is possible that her age was to her benefit concerning American acceptance. Chanel’s affairs when she was younger were not that important to Americans because they did not know the military officers she was involved with. News of her affairs with Nazi officers going beyond just a relationship broke out to the public in the 21st century long after Chanel’s death. Therefore, Americans had virtually no reason to not accept Chanel. In conclusion, the wild life that Coco Chanel created was what kept her career alive.The mysterious Frenchwoman caught the eyes of wealthy men who financed her career and gave her the opportunity to become a success. The booming economy an d new culture of consumerism from WWI helped Chanel become a household name and powerhouse in France. Chanel had the ability to recreate herself at any opportunity she came across and she did. She could do this because she never told the truth to anyone. No one really knew Chanel until after she died. She told interviewers wrong birth dates and gave different accounts of how she was raised.She went from being an orphan to a member of the French elite then on to a British aristocrat. Her many affairs ranged from heirs to Dukes to Nazi officers and she was able to fit into each of them. Shockingly enough, all these factors are apart of the reason Chanel had staying power. Her rich clients gave her access to wealthy men and vice versa. The connections Chanel made between 1918 and 1945 were key giving her a place in every part of society in Europe.After her Nazi affairs and losing her place in Paris, Chanel had one resource left to tap and that was the United States’ fashion scen e. People in the United States were eager to have the designer’s comeback be on their soil. Once famous stars started wearing Chanel, the clothing was in high demand where it stays today. No other woman but Chanel could live the life she did and get away with being called an icon. â€Å"I invented my life by taking for granted that everything I did not like,  would have an opposite, which I would like,† Coco Chanel. 28 Coco Chanel Fashion designer. Born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. With her trademark suits and little black dresses, Coco Chanel created timeless designs that are still popular today. She herself became a much revered style icon known for her simple yet sophisticated outfits paired with great accessories, such as several strands of pearls. As Chanel once said,â€Å"luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury. † Her early years, however, were anything but glamorous. After her mother’s death, Chanel was put in an orphanage by her father who worked as a peddler. She was raised by nuns who taught her how to sew—a skill that would lead to her life’s work. Her nickname came from another occupation entirely. During her brief career as a singer, Chanel performed in clubs in Vichy and Moulins where she was called â€Å"Coco. † Some say that the name comes from one of the songs she used to sing, and Chanel herself said that it was a â€Å"shortened version of cocotte, the French word for ‘kept woman,† according to an article in The Atlantic. Around the age of 20, Chanel became involved with Etienne Balsan who offered to help her start a millinery business in Paris. She soon left him for one of his even wealthier friends, Arthur â€Å"Boy† Capel. Both men were instrumental in Chanel’s first fashion venture. Opening her first shop on Paris’s Rue Cambon in 1910, Chanel started out selling hats. She later added stores in Deauville and Biarritz and began making clothes. Her first taste of clothing success came from a dress she fashioned out of an old jersey on a chilly day. In response to the many people who asked about where she got the dress, she offered to make one for them. â€Å"My fortune is built on that old jersey that I’d put on because it was cold in Deauville,† she once told author Paul Morand. In the 1920s, Chanel took her thriving business to new heights. She launched her first perfume, Chanel No. 5, which was the first to feature a designer’s name. Perfume â€Å"is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion. . . . that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure,† Chanel once explained. In 1925, she introduced the now legendary Chanel suit with collarless jacket and well-fitted skirt. Her designs were revolutionary for the time—borrowing elements of men’s wear and emphasizing comfort over the constraints of then-popular fashions. She helped women say good-bye to the days of corsets and other confining garments. Another 1920s revolutionary design was Chanel’s little black dress. She took a color once associated with mourning and showed just how chic it could be for eveningwear. In addition to fashion, Chanel was a popular figure in the Paris literary and artistic worlds. She designed costumes for the Ballets Russes and for Jean Cocteau’s play Orphee, and counted Cocteau and artist Pablo Picasso among her friends. For a time, Chanel had a relationship with composer Igor Stravinsky. Another important romance for Chanel began in the 1920s. She met the wealthy duke of Westminster aboard his yacht around 1923, and the two started a decades-long relationship. In response to his marriage proposal, she reportedly said â€Å"There have been several Duchesses of Westminster—but there is only one Chanel! † The international economic depression of the 1930s had a negative impact on her company, but it was the outbreak of World War II that led Chanel to close her business. She fired her workers and shut down her shops. During the German occupation of France, Chanel got involved with a German military officer, Hans Gunther von Dincklage. She got special permission to stay in her apartment at the Hotel Ritz. After the war ended, Chanel was interrogated by her relationship with von Dincklage, but she was not charged as a collaborator. Some have wondered whether friend Winston Churchill worked behind the scenes on Chanel’s behalf. While not officially charged, Chanel suffered in the court of public opinion. Some still viewed her relationship with a Nazi officer as a betrayal of her country. Chanel left Paris, spending some years in Switzerland in a sort of exile. She also lived at her country house in Roquebrune for a time. At the age of 70, Chanel made a triumphant return to the fashion world. She first received scathing reviews from critics, but her feminine and easy-fitting designs soon won over shoppers around the world. In 1969, Chanel’s fascinating life story became the basis for the Broadway musical Coco starring Katharine Hepburn as the legendary designer. Alan Jay Lerner wrote the book and lyrics for the show’s song while Andre Previn composed the music. Cecil Beaton handled the set and costume design for the production. The show received seven Tony Award nominations, and Beaton won for Best Costume Design and Rene Auberjonois for Best Featured Actor. Coco Chanel died on January 10, 1971, at her apartment in the Hotel Ritz. She never married, having once said â€Å"I never wanted to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird. † Hundreds crowded together at the Church of the Madeleine to bid farewell to the fashion icon. In tribute, many of the mourners wore Chanel suits. A little more than a decade after her death, designer Karl Lagerfeld took the reins at her company to continue the Chanel legacy. Today her namesake company continues to thrive and is believed to generate hundreds of millions in sales each year. In addition to the longevity of her designs, Chanel’s life story continues to captivate people’s attention. There have been several biographies of the fashion revolutionary, including Chanel and Her World (2005) written by her friend Edmonde Charles-Roux. In the recent television biopic, Coco Chanel (2008), Shirley MacLaine starred as the famous designer around the time of her 1954 career resurrection. The actress told WWD that she had long been interested in playing Chanel. â€Å"What’s wonderful about her is she’s not a straightforward, easy woman to understand. †

To Kill a Mockingbird Letter Essay

June 20, 1935 Mr B. B Underwood chief editor Maycomb tribune newspaper Po Box Maycomb USA Nst290 Dear Mr B. B Underwood, I strongly believe that Tom Robinson was not guilty of the crime and the sentence was untrue and unjust. I am appalled to hear that he was guilty of raping Mayella Ewell when there was no substantial or even any evidence against Tom Robinson. I was at the trial of Tom Robinson and noticed many substantial faults in Mayella Ewell’s story as she proposed in the court. I watched as Atticus examined her testimony and asked why she didn’t put up a better fight and why her screams didn’t bring the many other children in the Ewell’s house running. Additionally, all the physical evidence is against the Ewell’s claims because Mayella’s bruises are on the right side of her face and Tom Robinson can’t use his left arm due to an accident where his hand was torn apart by a cotton gin when he was a boy. Mayella and Bob Ewell are both very obnoxious during the trail and in my opinion don’t seem very trustworthy. Mr Ewell did not called a doctor after learning of Mayella’s injuries. If Tom Robinson had committed the crime, Mr Ewell’s first instinct would to get his daughter checked out. i hope you agree this would be the normal approach of a father concerned about his daughter. Tom’s side of the story is much more just. As I listened to Tom he explained that he always did chores for the Ewell’s and one day Mayella asked him to lift a box down from a dresser. When Tom climbed on a chair, she grabbed his legs, scaring him so much that he jumped down. She then hugged him around the waist and asked him to kiss her. As she struggled, her father, Bob Ewell, appeared at the window, calling Mayella a whore and threatening to kill her. As a result Tom then fled the house. Mr Ewell is likely to have misinterpreted the actual situation. I think Bob Ewell is more likely to have bashed or even molested his daughter than Mr Robinson . Tom is a respectable member of the Maycomb community with a steady job and is a hardworking man meanwhile Bob Ewell is often drunk, mostly unemployed and a member of Maycomb’s poorest family. The prosecution has produced no medical evidence of the crime and has presented only the shaky testimony of two unreliable witnesses, the physical evidence suggests that Bob Ewell, not Tom Robinson, beat Mayella. I believe Mayella is lonely and unhappy. She committed the unmentionable act of lusting after a black man and then concealed her shame by accusing him of rape after being caught. I conclude again that Tom Robinson is not guilty. Mr Robinson was only named guilty because of the colour of his skin and racism on this town of Maycomb. Thank you for your time in considering my opinion. I look forward to you publishing my point of view in the tribune I would appreciate it being published anonymously of the divide of the community. Sincerely, Henry Jenkins 19 Mille road Maycomb USA. June 20, 1935 Mr B. B Underwood chief editor Maycomb tribune newspaper Po Box Maycomb USA Nst290 Dear Mr B. B under wood I attended the court case yesterday and I decidedly believe the sentencing of Tom Robinson was ethical and just. I decisively disapprove the statements and remarks that Atticus made during the trail and feel terrible for the Ewell family in result of their daughter being raped. Why would a good white girl like Mayella be in the slightest attracted to an older black man? We all know that black and white don’t mix. Our history and society is supported by this principle. Blacks are there to serve whites after all. They find themselves in Macomb and the rest of America generally because they are to improve the lives of the white population. I am dismayed at the fabricated story that Tom Robinson proposed to the court. The possibility of no one being home because Mayella gave his younger siblings money to go and buy ice-creams and then tries to flirt and kiss Mr Robinson is just absurd. These events could not happen. To follow up Mr Robinson’s story, Atticus then explains how Bob Ewell beat his own daughter. I believe that this story is just a extensive ridiculous cover up for the horrific rape of Mayella Ewell. I conclude that the sentencing of Tom Robinson was appropriate and just. He deserved every bit of his of the death penalty sentence. He should be frowned upon in the Macomb community. Thank you for reading my letter of opinion. I would greatly appreciate if this letter could be published in the Macomb tribune. Sincerely, Mrs Henry Lafayette Dubose 4 Corbel road Maycomb USA

Annotated Bibliography: Stress Management Essay

Throughout life stress is a common problem whether it’s at work, school or home. The many negative effects of stress in fact affect individuals differently varying from health issues to work performance. Therefore, all individuals have different views of stress and various ways of handling it or otherwise managing their stress. Stress is when any living thing feels endangered and its homeostasis is at risk (Varvogli & Darviri, 2011, p. 74). Ways of dealing with stress are efforts of cognitive, behavioral, and psychological nature that allows a person to manage stress. Although there are different causes of stress, there are also many techniques for relieving it. The following articles are intended for the reader to understand these different techniques for relieving stress, and coping with the effects that stress can cause. Stress Management Varvogli, L., & Darviri, C. (2011). Stress management techniques: evidence-based procedures that reduce stress and promote health. Health Science Journal, 5(2), 74-89 In this evidence-based study, numerous stress management techniques are used to help reduce the ill effects that stress can cause. The authors explain each technique as well as the benefits. The techniques include the following: Progressive Muscle Relaxation which consists of tensing and relaxing muscles in the abdomen, legs, arms, and face; Autogenic Training in which the person learns to instruct the body to relax and control otherwise autonomic body functions such as heartbeat and blood pressure; Relaxation Response is a repetition process that allows an individual to concentrate, and return to that repetition when other thoughts come to mind; Biofeedback uses instruments to measure physiological activity, which gives information to the user to utilize with changes in emotions and thinking to allow physiological changes; Guided imagery is audio, writing, or a professional using the person’s individualized images to reduce stress and promote health; Diaphragmatic breathing, or bell deep breathing, is thought to reset the autonomic nervous system, and promote relaxation; Transcendental meditation which is when the individual sits and repeats a chant with closed eyes; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy uses assessments, cognitive and behavioral treatments, along with physician and patient cooperation to help the patient become self-aware, and change their way of thinking; Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction uses meditation to help those suffering from mental or physical ailments; and the Emotional Freedom Technique which encompasses the use of acupressure while speaking a phrase out loud. All of these techniques allow the individual to relax and alleviate stress, and improve his or her health. It also explained that these methods can help with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, pain management, and reduce anxiety due to chronic illness. Engel B . (2004). Are We Out of Our Minds With Nursing Stress? Creative Nursing 10(4), 4-6. The article was written about large amounts of stress occurring in the nursing community and the effect it has on us physically, emotionally, and spiritually. It goes on to describe certain ways to approach stress and stress relief to include, taking certain actions to manage stress and be able to use that to better the profession. Stress is a part of our daily lives and even more so in nursing. The situations that a nurse is put in on a daily basis are not only physically demanding, but are emotionally draining as well and even tax our spirituality having to deal with death and dying, sickness and disease. The article goes on to talk about stress manifestations, or how we perceive stress in our lives and our own approaches to it. Stress can be harmful and even debilitating. Or it can help sharpen your skills and challenge you to get better, depending on how you plan on dealing with it. Understanding stress and what it can do will open us up to figuring out how to use it to our advantage. One of the ways the article describes a way to approach a stressful situation is â€Å"mindfulness.† This is the ability to realize where you are in the situation, to include your physical body and what is going on around you. This is described as knowing your body knowing what is going on inside and realizing where you are in the situation. Maloney, C. (2012). Critical incient stress debriefing and pediatric nurses: An approach to support the work enviroment and mitigate negative consequences. Pediatric Nursing, 38(2), 110-113. In this article Maloney covers stress debriefing for nurses involved in traumatic incidents in throughout the workplace, specifically paying close attention to critical incidents and pediatric nurses. Traumatic events are common in the nursing workplace and if not properly tended to, can result in physical and emotional distress. Although quantitative research cannot determine the efficacy of critical incient stress debriefing, the author used a great example of a study that had extremely positive results that cut down the turnover in one hospital by half. Maloney also used studies that supported that critical incident stress debriefing was found useful over 98% of the time, and helped nurses find meaning over 97% of the time. Stress in these work environments can cause many symptoms that would effect a person’s well being not only physically but also emotionally, this article offers a great tool that can be used to reduce stress levels, and shows that hospitals are also contributing to stress management in other ways. Furthermore, the article would be very relevant for research of stress management in nursing as well as for first responders (i.e. fire fighters, EMT’s and paramedics) and other agencies that respond to traumatic situations. The author points out those hospital administrators that are recognizing the needs for emotional support that goes beyond the responsibility of the individual, and those hospitals are implementing programs to provide all the support they can to help relieve the stress brought upon healthcare providers (nurses). Bento, W. (2012). Living with Stress as the New Norm of the Post Modern World its consequences and challenges. LILIPOH (LILIPOH), 17(66), 21-7. In this article, Bento states many different types of stresses that a person comes across on each and every day. He states that the â€Å"four main sources of stress are worth noting. The first is perceived threats of any kind, whether physical, social or financial. Stress due to threats is always related to needs either being denied or jeopardized. Whether rational or irrational, the feelings generated from such stress translate into existential angst. The level of existential angst is higher the more it is perceived that there is no way to control or reduce the threat.† (Bento, 2012, 24). He also states that fear, cognitive dissonance and anxiety towards the future are three additional stressors that tax on to a person’s life and affects their daily habits. Knowing and understanding the factors of stress will allow a person to further comprehend his or hers environment and surroundings. Once that understanding is further developed, an individual will be able to make steps into controlling and managing different types of stress. Thus, applying it into the real world and the world of nursing. Solowieg, K. (2010). Take it easy: how the cycle of stress and pain associated with wound care affects recovery. NURS RESIDENTIAL CARE, 12(9), 443-444. This Article explains how stress can be detrimental to the human body, especially in a health care facility. Pain is closely intertwined with stress being that when a person feels pain, their level of stress and anxiety can inhibit optimal immune system function. In Solowiej’s article, it shows a study that â€Å"wound cleansing is considered to be one of the most painful treatments associated with wounds. Pain itself can have a negative impact on wound healing, as it can contribute to stress and other negative emotional states including fear, anxiety and depression.† (Solowiej, 2010, 444). It is important to know how pain and stress are very similar because when combined the psychological effects is has on a person can slow down the process of healing. Furthermore, when initial pain is confronted right away with positive reinforcement, a negative reaction to a trauma, chronic wound or small damage can help a person or patient make a full recovery from a situation. Urban, A. (2010). Managing stress. SRNA NEWSBULLETIN, 10(4), 7. The Article written by Anne Marie Urban gives us insight to how we can manage and prevent stress. Stress is inevitable cannot be prevented. It is an integral part of our life and will always happen from time to time whether it is a positive or negative one. However, even though stress itself is impossible to prevent, management of it can provide a positive response to a person’s life. Urban states that there are four ways for a person to positive manage and analyze stress. In doing so can provide a good energy for a person to use for their everyday activities. The four steps to a positive mindset towards stress are called Stop, Breath, Reflect, and Choose. The first step, Stop, asks an individual to think and analyze what is going on in their surroundings, and asking to not let their emotions and thoughts escalate. The second step is to Breathe. When in a stressful situation, it is difficult to take a second to catch your breath, but taking those few extra moments can help a person gather themselves. Taking deep breaths, and inhaling and exhaling calmly can help trigger a relaxation response to the body. Reflect is the third step of management. Analyzing and thinking about the situation. This step asks to look from the outside and ask yourself internal questions. Asking these internal questions helps to see if an individual is being over reactive or if there are other alternatives. The last of the four steps is choosing your response to a situation. This is a person’s decision to act upon a situation and ask themselves if the stress is worth it or not. Knowing these techniques can help maintain manage stress at a low level. There are many forms and sources of stress that can affect an individual’s well-being or surroundings. Being able to manage stress properly and doing so in a positive way will allow a person to achieve their goals or make a memorable impact on the world. Davis, C. (2011). Forum to help staff deal with day-to-day Stress . Nursing Management – UK, 18(4) , 18-21. This article is based upon studies in hospitals in England. The study provided a program to help hospital staff deal with stress from patient care, coworkers, and everyday stress in a hospital environment. In order to reduce stress, the article encourages discussion and group interaction in order to talk about emotional and social stress and challenges. This article stresses the importance for â€Å"rounds† to be incorporated in all hospitals in order for the healthcare professional to verbally discuss a patient’s case, plan of care, and any concerns an individual may have. One weakness to this article is that it does not touch on individual support for stress. If an individual does not benefit from the rounds and their stress level is still high, there is no alternative listed. Also, being in a group setting may increase someone’s stress and may only make the individuals stress worse. This correlates to the topic of stress management because every day as a nurse, we will be faced with stress and may be emotionally stressed out due to a patient’s care or diagnosis. This article is promoting and advocating how rounds will help decrease stress in healthcare professional, which will ultimately improve patient care. I believe that this article is on point with the implication of rounds for healthcare professionals. It allows the healthcare team to come together as a group and talk about problems and patient care, which can reduce stress and anxiety in the healthcare professionals. Cox, T., & Griffiths, A. (2007). Work-related stress in nursing: controlling the risk to health. Retrieved August 9, 2012, from http://ilo-mirror.library.cornell.edu/public/english/protection/condtrav/pdf/4stress.pdf This scholarly article was written to identify the causes of stress in hospital-based nurses as well as provide therapies and techniques in order to manage stress. This article states that stress in nursing is derived from three areas: work demands that are not matched to the level of knowledge of the nurse, work that does not fulfill their needs, level of co ntrol at work, and the lack of support a nurse may receive (Cox & Griffiths, 2007, p. 3). The article also touches on how stress affects the health of the nurse as well. This is the strength of this article because not only does it list the origin of stress, but it also states how overtime stress can affect the health of the nurse. This is helpful to readers because even though stress is a normal part of life, it must be controlled and managed otherwise it can negatively affect the health and wellness of the individual. One weakness of this article is that it only focuses on hospital-based nursing and neglects nurses that are working outside of the hospital. One way the article could be improved would be to research and comment on the profession of nursing as a whole rather than to only focused on nursing working inside the hospital. This article is directly related to the topic of stress management because it focuses on the origin of stress a nurse may face while working, the affects of stress on the nurse’s health, and tips to manage stress and promote health and wellness. This article is a great article for nurses to read because it provides tips and techniques to avoid and reduce stress as well as manage stress once present. Abraham, S. (2012). Relationship between stress and perceived self-efficacy among nurses in India. . Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://www.ictbm.org/ictbm12/ICTBM12CD/pdf/D2144-done.pdf This scholarly article focuses in on nurses in India and how stress affects not only the nurse but also the organization the nurse works for. This article states that the individual as well as the organization should manage the stress but the individual experiencing stress should be primarily in charge. The article lists techniques to manage stress but also touches on the how the individual’s capacity to cope with stress can affect the stress level. One strength of this article is that it emphasizes self-efficacy as a part of stress management. According to Abraham (2012), self-efficacy is defined as â€Å"beliefs in one’s own capacity to organize and execute the courses of action required to manage prospective situations† (p. 611). This is important for coping with stress because multitudes of tips and techniques can be offered, but it is up to the individual and the capacity for a change in behavior to cope with stress. A weakness of this article is that the study was conducted only in India and does not include nurses from all different countries. This could be a weakness because nursing practices in India may differ from

2 media commentaries Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

2 media commentaries - Essay Example cision to write down the carrying value of some of our building products businesses by $31.6m due to lower residential building activity and the inability to immediately recover the full impact of the carbon tax," Chairman Robert Milliner said. Mr. Partridge said that the past year had been particularly tough for the building products group, with the level of new homes being built falling to almost 30 year lows in the final six months of the financial year. $1.3 billion for around 1.4 million additional services for adults on low incomes, including pensioners and concession card holders, and those with special needs; who will have better access to dental care in the public system; and This is in addition to the $515 million announced in Labor’s 2012-13 Budget, which addressed public dental waiting lists, additional dental training and support for people in rural and remote areas.     Ã¢â‚¬Å"While Medicare and free hospital care have been basic rights for Australians for decades, millions of people in this country still go without adequate dental care,† Minister for Health, Ms Plibersek, said. Children from the age of two to 17 in Family Tax Benefit Part A-eligible families will be entitled to subsidized basic dental treatment, capped at $1,000 per child over a two-year period. The initiative aims to address dental decay in children, which has been increasing since the 1990s. â€Å"We know that poor childhood oral health leads to poor adult oral health, and has wide-ranging impacts on general health and wellbeing, including strain on our health and hospital system.’’ said Ms

Crime scene analysis - Witness Statement Assignment

Crime scene analysis - Witness Statement - Assignment Example Each member of the group had been directed to recover and package at least two exhibits. In addition, every member of the team was to prepare a sketch with measurements as well as to complete a scene book recording the entire details. I along with a team, comprising three other detectives, left our station at 0400 hrs and reached the location at 0415 hrs. On reaching the location I briefed the other team members on the procedure to be followed and told them that I will do the video recording of the entire area as well as the main items we recover. However, they were told to take any specific items that they may recover and retrieve as evidence. As soon as the briefing process was over, we did the initial assessment of the crime scene and I proceeded to record the scene and the recording on CD is submitted as Exhibit MAS-001. A copy of the same has been kept in Police HQ on thumb drive. During my initial assessment, I estimated that the actual crime scene would be around 50 metres fro m the sidewalk and about 10 metres from a footpath inside the park, by the side of the hedge. I could identify the area distinctly because of the flattened grass turf in the scene and, additionally, there were also a few small clumps of grass in the area, which suggested of a person trying to grab the grass while fighting. Besides, I could also see the finger marks on the ground as if someone was trying to clutch the ground for balancing or crawling away to ward of an attacking person. Similarly, I could also see elongated marks on the ground as a result of someone attempting to hold ground while pushing another person away. There were also telltale marks of shoe toes on the ground suggesting that someone was balancing the feet on ground to hold another person down. Subsequently, I recorded the other items that were lying on the crime scene. At first I retrieved the condom and its wrap, which have been produced as exhibit MAS-002. The condom had some semen in it and there were dropl ets on the ground nearby. I recorded these in close up as well as the area from where it was recovered. The first was a woman’s underwear hanging from a tree and I recorded it from the position we were standing. I went closer to record it from below. After retrieving it, I again recorded it from close range. It was a black coloured, laced panties and its elastic band had become loose. It had torn in two places clearly suggesting that someone had pried it off rather than the person wearing it removed it. It was a Calvin Klein brand I also recorded label and the areas where it had been torn. It is produced as Exhibit MAS-003. Next, I recorded a beer bottle that was lying on the ground. Initially, I recorded it from a distance and then went closer to record a close up view. I also turned the bottle on to its other side to record its label. It was Heineken and there was some beer still left in the bottle. I have produced this as Exhibit MAS-004. I also recorded the black shoe, wh ich was of Lee Cooper brand and 9 inches in size. There were mud stains on the shoe and on the toe it had mud sticking to it with small particles of grass sticking to it. I recorded it in close up and it has been produced as exhibit NBW-001. The next item was a knife, which I recorded, following the same procedure as in the other

Ethical eaasy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Ethical eaasy - Essay Example The textile materials treated by these chemicals have been banned in the markets in UK and US and so the organization resorts to selling its stock to the developing markets where there is no such legislation. The ethical dilemma in this problem The management of the organization had to make a decision between certain courses of action. There was an option of disposing the products that have been considered not fit for use and manufacture those that are required in the US and UK markets. There is also an option of looking for markets for the products in other regions that have no such regulations. The decision-making in the above case is bound by certain significant constraints. The initial problem that had ethical implications here is that the organization had already produced stock that was treated with carcinogenic agent. The organization did not want to run at a loss by disposing these products. The operations of the organization are also governed by the local, regional, and inter national regulations and a ban on such products in some countries will apply to this organization. Besides, there is also a need to consider the adverse effects of the products that led to its ban in these developed markets and whether it is ethical to introduce into the underdeveloped markets faulty products that have been rejected in the developed markets. ... It was then regarded unethical for a business organization to involve in the well-being of the society. In 1984, Edward Freeman proposed the Stakeholder theory that the objective of business is not only to maximize the shareholders’ profits but also to serve the interests of all the stakeholders of the organization (Crane & Matten, 2007, p.57). Stakeholders include all those parties influencing or affected by the decisions and operations of the organization and so the society is one such stakeholder. In solving such ethical dilemmas, we need to refer to the ethical theories that had been developed in moral philosophies like virtue theory (Aristotle), utilitarianism (Bentham), Immanuel Kant’s Universal law, and the Religious teachings among the other theories. The utilitarian approach will consider the consequences that a given decision will have on all the stakeholders of the organization including the shareholders (Petrick & Quinn, 1997, p.48). The products have been f ound to be contaminated with agents causing cancer. Selling these products to the consumers in the developing market is equivalent to exposing the consumers to cancerous agents. The overall costs to be incurred in managing the resulting cancer are unpredictably high and will be a threat to the economy. The developing markets may also not afford the same prices forcing the organization to lower its product prices thereby reducing the profits. Besides, a long-term effect will also be seen in its reputation in the emerging market should it be later known that the products were not fit. The organization will soon lose its position even in the emerging markets. Thus, the

Black studies about slavery Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Black studies about slavery - Essay Example This paper gives a brief reaction to the video about Frederick Douglass, new things learnt from the video and the times he lived in, critically rating the video as a device for learning about Douglass and his times. Though the video paints a gloomy picture of what transpired from the pre-colonial Africa to the post-colonial Africa concerning slavery and slave trade, it is clear that some heroes such as Frederick Douglass spend a better part of their lifetime and great efforts in refining the American dream. One can deduce from the brief biography of Frederick Douglass that while the slave trade could not be prevented especially due to the large number of nations involved, it was possible to tame slavery more so that which consisted of torture and other inhumane acts. Frederick Douglass came out as a strong social reformer, who championed for the rights of the African Americans, his slavery status notwithstanding. This was especially so because despite being a diplomat, he was also a great orator and writer. This means that one had to be courageous enough to present a tough stance to the authorities and all the parties involves without giving it a second thought, at least according to the video. Perhaps another important point worth noting from the video is that while Frederick Douglass fought slavery through his antislavery writing and through the political front, it became apparent even to the whites that slavery was causing more polarization as opposed to driving the nation towards achieving the American dream. Although the video does not explicitly reveal how Frederick Douglass escaped from slavery, it is particularly clear that his strong stance for women’s rights gave him an edge in fighting slavery especially when more people from diverse backgrounds started believing in his ideology. Certainly, the nineteenth century was the most traumatic period for the African Americans especially those that were subjected to hard labour. From the video about

The impact of stressful employment in the public sector Literature review

The impact of stressful employment in the public sector - Literature review Example ng the theoretical concepts, Christiana & Mahalakshmi (2013) stated that the strategic decisions being practiced by contemporary organisations, with the aim of empowering organisational control mechanism have become a major consideration of the public service organisations. From the last few decades, public organisations across different geographical locations have been observed to become increasingly transparent by deploying effective auditing as well as visualising technologies to prevent stress within the workforce (Christiana & Mahalakshmi, 2013). Employee or workforce stress, identifiable as job dissatisfaction or absenteeism impose direct influences on the organisation that can further lead to increased cost for the organisations and conveys different potential hazards. In relation to the present day scenario, Obiora & Iwuoha (2013) critically asserted that organisations from different publicly owned corporations have been facing a major concern associated with employee stress that is further observed to increase constraints for these organisations to achieve their operational and financial goals. Moreover, organisations are often recognised to face significant constraint due to the continuous and increasing workload on employees. For instance, the workforce in different healthcare and law enforcement departments in a public sector frequently have to experience an increased level of their stress while performing their pre-allocated job roles and responsibilities, given the influences of continuous innovation and instability in the business environment (Obiora & Iwuoha, 2013). Sigler & Thweatt (n.d.) in this regard have clearly stated that stress can be formed in a number of ways derived from both internal and external sources in a public sector organisation. In this context, conflicts amid members within the family structure and/or within the occupational environment and deficiency of self-confidence amid the personnel can be identified as the most common

DWC ENVIROMENT Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

DWC ENVIROMENT - Research Paper Example ntial district, logistic district, and reserved area for the development of commercial, leisure, and exhibition facilities (Dubai World Central, 2015). An external and external environment, target market and positioning, SWOT, and marketing mix are analysed in the paper to allow for the formation of insightful recommendations for implementation at DRC. Porter’s five forces aid in the analysis of a business internal environment through examining the influence of suppliers, consumers, new entrants, substitute products, and competitors to the organization (Porter 2008, 12). DWC provides a new technologically advanced platform of management of aviation, logistics, and other forms of business related or adjacent to an airport; it has differentiated itself from the competition and faces very low threat of entry. The need for the development of advanced infrastructure, a lot of capital input as evidenced by the development of DWC, which is estimated to costs $US 33 billion aid in deterring any new entrants. The development of the modern infrastructure at the DWC means the use of the very best suppliers of technologically advanced software and the enormity of project requires reliance on the best contractors and developers, Getting quality hardware, software, and manpower requires the payment of a steeper price that gives the suppliers power over DWC. The power of the suppliers has however been reduced using contracts, competitive bidding, and agreements but still supplies have control resulting in the moderate bargaining power of suppliers for DWC. High costs of purchase and maintenance of Material Handling Equipment are also the other factor that provides for supplies having bargaining power. DWC serves a wide market, owing to its global scale of operations, resulting in the ability of a single consumer to have considerable power to influence the decisions and pricing. Consumers lack access to a platform offering the quality and extensive services available at DWC

Essay on School Life Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

On School Life - Essay Example With this particular process, there is the ability to understand the school culture through organization, identity, resources and community relationships which are established. The conclusion which the authors show is that there needs to be a re-evaluation of leadership and the association which teachers have on every level toward enhancing the school culture. The strength of this article begins with the different areas which are evaluated for teachers. Instead of limiting the environment to the culture that is expected in a general context, the author’s examine the specific culture of the school environment. The combination of organization, resources and community are evaluated independently to create the right conclusion. This is combined with the dependent variables which are associated through the survey and observation to reach a better conclusion about what is occurring within society. This combination of information is one that allows the right evaluation to be made in terms of environment and with the concept of culture which is built from the different expectations with relationship building and the school relationships. While the survey and overall evaluation is one that considers a variety of concepts, there are also limits with the approach that is taken from the idea of teacher leadership. The evaluation of different components doesn’t move into the individual leadership styles or expectations that are within the classroom. This is furthered with the inability to create the right association with how one should respond to the environment or how each of the independent variables links to culture. The gap in defining culture, teacher roles and the other independent variables, both in the review of theories and in the broader context, doesn’t provide the correct association with what is needed in terms of leadership. The idea of teacher leadership becomes one that carries a gap toward the culture which is evaluated because of the lack of theory that is provided. Another change which would alter the way in which this article is presented is with the theories based on the evaluation. There were a small number of teachers that were observed and the survey was a casual and unstructured evaluation. If there were different structures or observations, it may have changed the results that were associated with the overall evaluation. The idea of teacher leadership and the model for school renewal may have carried different results with broader observations as well as more structure to the data which was retrieved. Further studies would need to be done to alter the way in which the information was presented. Combining this with more thorough application to school culture, leadership and the understanding of environment would have then closed the gaps with the research which was conducted. In the article by Ronald Lindhal, â€Å"The Role of Organizational Climate and Culture in the School Improvement Process,† t here is an understanding of what it means to belong to a complex institutional environment. The evaluation which occurs in this article looks at improvement in schools, climate and the school culture that is associated with the main ideologies that are there. The theoretical viewpoint is one which makes a statement that the school system carries a complex system because of the combined associations with education and the culture of the institution. In turn, there is the need for

Researchweek2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Researchweek2 - Essay Example The highest level also leads to legal accountability on the part of doctors and nurses. This means that this level provides a plan which is stipulated step by step and which the patient agrees to after going through it with the health worker. In case of any legal questions, the health worker is able to extrapolate with evidence the plan and hence becoming legally accountable. Lawsuits will therefore be an issue of the past. There are several ways of determining the highest level of evidence the first being examining the credibility of the evidence in terms of the background and authority of the researchers and validity of the data. The other is examining whether the research results are transferrable or generalizable to others beyond the study subjects, if so, then it qualifies. Since the research on the intervention in question is not the first, a comparison with other research is advisable and a determination of the stage of development is also important. The one with the highest or is most advanced in the stage of development qualifies to be considered the highest level of intervention research (Majid 233). Majid, Shaheen, et al. â€Å"Adopting evidence-based practice in clinical decision making: nurses perceptions, knowledge, and barriers.† Journal of Medical Library Association, 99(3): 229-236, July

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Analysis Essay Example for Free

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov Analysis Essay Vladimir Nabokov’s choice of subject in his novel Lolita shocked readers, but that was essentially why he chose it. Beetz, states that Nabokov’s first inspiration for the novel came from a newspaper story about an ape â€Å"‘who after months of coaxing by a scientist, produced the first drawing ever charcoaled by an animal: this sketch showed the bars of the poor creature’s cage’ Nabokov said. As many critics have remarked Lolita is not about sex but about love. Even more it is about obsession-and the destructive power it can hold over the lives of its victims.†(Beetz 2481) Also with out the shock value of Lolita’s risque subject of the â€Å"love story† between a man and his twelve year old step daughter, the book most likely would not have become as famous as it is. As Serafin states, Lolita became very popular underground after it was banned in Europe. The taboo of it being banned mixed with Nabokov’s sparkling wit made Lolita a sensation.(338) As Hart says in the 1950’s peoples attitudes towards sex were still very puritanical and conservative.(158) By exploiting the scandalousness of the violation of the last sexual taboo, the relationship between an adult and child, Nabokov was able to really show the extent of the power of infatuation, love and obsession. As Nabokov shows in his novel Humbert Humbert knows what he is doing to Lolita is wrong, but his burning desire for her drives him to violate his own morals. He even used morals to try and justify his actions, â€Å"The moral sense in mortals is the dutyWe have to pay on mortal sense of beauty†(Nabokov 300) In this quote Humbert dilutes himself into thinking he has a moral obligation to appreciate the beauty that is Lolita, when in reality he has a moral obligation to leave Lolita alone and allow her to have a normal childhood. Another quote in which Nabokov shows how Humbert’s obsession controls him is the following; â€Å"I felt proud of myself. I had stolen the honey of a spasm without impairing the morals of a minor. Absolutely no harm done.†(Nabokov 65) In this quote he is referring to â€Å"pleasuring him self† while near Lolita with out actually touching her. The very nature of his actions show his desperation and it soon become apparent that Humbert’s twisted fantasies will not satiate his obsession for long and that he will act on it and â€Å"impair the morals of a minor†. By using the shock to readers of a relationship between an adult and a child, Nabokov successfully was able to show the extent of what obsession and love can drive a person to do. Humbert’s obsession lead him to ruin the lives of himself, Clare Quilty and the childhood of Lolita. Nabokov choose his taboo subject for Lolita to increase the impact of the character’s actions as driven by his own infatuation.

Hotel Rwanda | Film Analysis

Hotel Rwanda | Film Analysis Directed by Terry George. It was adapted from a screenplay written by George and Keir Pearson. Based on real life events in Rwanda during the spring of 1994, the film stars Don Cheadle as hotelier Paul Rusesabagina, who attempts to rescue his fellow citizens from the ravages of the Rwandan Genocide. Actors Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix, Nick Nolte and Jean Reno also appear in principal roles. The film, which has been called an African Schindlers List, documents Rusesabaginas acts to save the lives of his family and more than a thousand other refugees, by granting them shelter in the besieged Hà ´tel des Mille Collines. Hotel Rwanda explores genocide, political corruption, and the repercussions of violence Hotel Rwanda tackles one of the most horrifically ugly events in recent history, when the Hutu extremists of Rwanda initiated a terrifying campaign of genocide, massacring hundreds of thousands of minority Tutsis (who had been given power by the departed Belgian colonists), while the rest of the world looked on and did nothing. Don Cheadle stars as Paul Rusesabagina, the hotel manager at the fancy Les Milles Collines hotel in Kigali. Paul is a Hutu, and a very successful businessman who smoothly greases the wheels, making powerful connections in all strata of Rwandan life. His wife, Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo of Aeon Flux), is a Tutsi. She urges Paul to use his influence to help local Tutsis, who are being harassed and beaten with increasing frequency, but Paul will only use the political capital hes built up to help his own family, if and when they need it. Soon enough, the violence escalates, and the Hutus begin their genocide of the Tutsis. European guests and staff at the hotel are flown out of the country, and Paul is left in charge. He finds that his conscience wont allow him to watch as the innocent are slaughtered, and before long, the hotel has become a well-appointed refugee camp. Paul is seen as a traitor by some, putting his life in danger, and the predicament of his guests grows more precarious every day, but despite good intentions on the part of a journalist (Joaquin Phoenix) and a UN peacekeeping colonel (Nick Nolte), the rest of the world is not eager to intervene and stop the massacre. Hotel Rwanda was directed by Irish filmmaker Terry George (Some Mothers Son), who co-wrote the script with Keir Pearson. The characters Rusesabagina and Colonel Oliver negotiating through a political impasse. In fact, the films depiction of events in Rwanda in the early 1990s is remarkably free of dramatic license. The narrative on ethnic conflict in Rwanda and the sequence of events is essentially sound (although it does imply that it was Hutu extremists who assassinated President Juvà ©nal Habyarimana, a thesis that remains contested). The early scenes in town and at the hotel re-create the mood, sights, sounds, and social relations of a small African capital as well as any Hollywood movie ever has. One quibble: like too many other accounts of the genocide, the story concludes with the arrival of the Tutsi rebels in Kigali, implying that the killings stopped then. This end makes dramatic sense but conveys a historical inaccuracy, since, alas, the country endured many more months of intense violence, including tens of thousands of reprisal killings. Tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi Peoples lead to a war in Rwanda, where corruption and bribes between politicians are routine. Paul Rusesabagina Don Cheadle, the manager of the Sabena Hà ´tel des Mille Colline is Hutu, but his wife Tatiana Sophie Okonedo, is Tutsi. His marriage is a source of friction with Hutu extremists, most prominently Georges Rutaganda Hakeem Kae-Kazim, a friendly goods supplier to the hotel who is also the local leader of Interahamwe, a brutal anti-Tutsi militia. As the political situation in the country worsens, Paul and his family observe neighbours being killed in ethnic violence. Paul curries favor with people of influence, bribing them with money and alcohol, seeking to maintain sufficient influence to keep his family safe. When civil war erupts and a Rwandan Army officer threatens Paul and his neighbours, Paul barely negotiates their safety, and brings everyone to the hotel. More refugees come to the hotel from the overburdened United Nations camp, the Red Cross, and orphanages. Paul must divert the Hutu soldiers, care for the refugees, be a source of strength to his family, and maintain the appearance of a functioning high-class hotel, as the situation becomes more violent Action Adventure, Art Foreign, Kids Family, Biopic, Politics Religion and Drama Two recurrent themes jump out at me from the movie Hotel Rwanda. The first, that everything has a price. Paul Rusesabagina pays for his families and neighbours freedom and life by bribing an army officer, even negotiating the price for each. He is able to purchase beer and scotch for the hotel from the distributor, as long as he is willing to pay the price demanded. He consistently bribes the army general for protection for the hotels occupants from the armed militia. And when the bribes run out, so does the protection. The second major theme is one of self-reliance, or absence of external help. Throughout the movie it is repeated that the west refuses to help or does not value the Rwandans enough to intervene in the genocide. The Wests refusal to intervene is seen when the UN peacekeeping force has orders to not use their weapons. Its seen in the size of the UN peacekeeping force, reduced to 260 men at the beginning of the genocide and civil war in 1994. In the movie this last reduction proved a false hope for the survivors holed up in the hotel. UN reinforcements arrive, only to evacuate many UN peacekeepers and foreign citizens from Rwanda and the hotel, respectively. There is also an episode where certain Rwandans who have foreign connections are granted visas to leave the country because of the intervention of their friends mostly from African nations. The contrast of this action to the wess non-intervention is stark. who you know becomes a factor in survival. The distributor where Paul purchas es supplies is a member of the Hutu militia. But because he knows him and has had a business relationship with him for years, hes able at a price to still secure supplies for the hotel residents. Emotional; mood: Disturbing, the music is unbearably fitting for the mood of the movie. Hotel Rwanda is a very disturbing film, and yet a very hopeful one as well, vibrant attire, and the smooth, accurate rendering of skin tones. Hotel Rwanda is the most inspirational film, about hope within a troubled society, still at peace, but he gradually shifts it to a dark tone as the movie goes on. Hotel Rwanda is a very disturbing film, and yet a very hopeful one as well, as it shows how amidst horrific brutality, a lone human being can demonstrate how an individuals willingness to make a stand can make a huge difference in the lives of many of his fellows. It is also an extremely powerful film, capable of inducing nightmares in those who watch it, as the horrific events depicted therein actually took place in the African country of Rwanda during the year 1994. Hotel Rwanda uses various rhetorical devices in order to express the difference between the initial happy moods of the movie compared to the gloomy mood the creators demonstrate the conflict begins. Some of the most effective rhetorical devices used are the music in the film as well as the comparison between the atmospheres of two similar settings. The objective of the creators was not only to show the audience what was happening in Rwanda, but to make them sympathize with the characters. With these rhetorical techniques, they are successful in doing so because they influence multiple senses in different ways. The music in Hotel Rwanda is one of the most effective rhetorical tools in any movie because it sets the mood without the need of visuals. In good movies this is necessary because it creates a mood using multi-modal techniques, which are proven to be more effective than if the argument was solely visual. Hotel Rwanda is an important and carefully crafted film well worth seeing. Set in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, during the genocide of April and May 1994. If you view this film in conjunction with reading holocaust in Rwanda. Hotel Rwanda is an important and carefully crafted film well worth seeing. Set in Kigali. We are here as peacekeepers not peacemakers. The purpose of showing this movie was to warn Thais to rethink the present political conflict here, which is damaging the Kingdom. Tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi Peoples lead to a war in Rwanda, where corruption and bribes between politicians are routine. Paul Rusesabagina and his hotel are the very symbol of hope. Kaila Manuel B00051600

Looking At Personal And Professional Development Social Work Essay

Looking At Personal And Professional Development Social Work Essay The purpose of this essay is to offer the reader examples of my understanding in personal and professional development. The discussions of two ethical dilemmas, offered by comments on ways of dealing with them are included. It will further conclude with an evaluation of my support and supervision during the practice placement setting. My self-awareness resulted through childhood difficulties. In the gradual process of maturing I have become more conscious of my inner feelings, attitudes and thoughts, and through relating more to myself I have become a well-informed person. Individuals entering Social Work choose this career because similarities exist with other people, service users. However, to practice I should not dwell on personal experiences (Lishman, Adams, Dominelli Payne, 2009), and should move into brushing up my skills. Having natural ability is good, but in an ever changing world and reform of Social Services growing new awarenesss and understandings is good. The process of professionally developing derived from learning my own internalisation, absorption and the way in which I accepted a certain situation. For example, I observed another worker meet a mother and during the gathering of information she delivered her questions and explanations clearly. This was acceptable to the mum; she appeared relaxed and had no need to ask for further confirmation. My approaches seemed complicated and unsatisfactory at that point. I wanted change and felt motivated to try this workers method. In a different meeting conducted only by me I adopted the approach and incorporated it within my interaction. This was a better way to conduct an interview. I relayed my experience to the manager and through speaking to him I finally realised the connection between personal and professional development. In realising that I gained professional development through observing another I found myself wondering where else I could develop. Without trying I went into another colleagues office to pass a message onto her and by chance I noticed an aspect of her office organisation to be a better than mine. In an unconscious and instant comparison I realised my office organisation was not as well set out. My rearrangement of office resulted out of an unplanned observation. I was not only able find inspiration in others, but to find it when not expecting too surprised me. In adopting this better way I was able prioritise my workload by viewing what was in front of me, plus by pinning my notes on a desktop board I could write my notes without wading through paperwork. Enhancing my professionality through conscious and unconscious internalisation processes it has allowed me to replace the once known displaced professional work related knowledge and skills to a newer and even more superior professional work related knowledge and skills. By growing I have learnt to reducate myself and by updating my beliefs and values I can be proactive, overcome faults, weaknesses and insecurities. Part 2 Social Workers work relentlessly toward enhancing all peoples wellbeing, offering a large focus on meeting needs and empowering the vulnerable, oppressed and those suffering from poverty. Modern day professionals must observe environmental forces as they can make, and add to pressures already endured by clients. To end discrimination, oppression, poverty and social injustices Social Workers implement a Code of Ethics throughout all working practices. The embracing of core values, ethical principles and ethical standards assists Social Workers to make decisions and behave accordingly when faced with ethical dilemmas. During the practice placement a child required support. He was experiencing behavioural problems resulting from sexual abuse. To provide support for this child I was required to meet with the mother and do a screening report. During contact I presented an information sharing form, an explanation of the service, its purpose and usefulness. This was to inform the mother of her rights and allow for an insight into the charity, and its services. The child was asked to be absent as I wanted to get the mums perspective on things. In gathering background information Mum disclosed that her son was partially blind and required specialist Braille books. On return to the service and disclosure of my findings to the Children Service Manager I was told we had no reading materials suitable for this type of disability, therefore the provision of services could not be offered. It was felt that we could not meet his needs and a more specialised service should be found. This did not sit well with me. The child was being discriminated against because we did not have specialised materials. To reduce any possible conflict I let the conversation die down before approaching the subject again. Meanwhile, I thought of ways in which the child could be included within the service. In another meeting with the CSM I recommended that we ask to borrow a selection of materials from the mother. The CSM agreed. In a phonecall the mother agreed. She was elated. The child went on to have non-directive play and I was later informed that through use of the books brought from his home he had felt comfortable enough to disclose some of his bad memories. The service believed this to be a worthwhile cause and later purchased materials, staffs have signed up for new training. Another instance, Social Workers may often be oppressed within an organisation. I found myself within such a scenario. My placement began with an allocated Practice Teacher/Link Supervisor and our relationship begun to develop positively. Sadly a staff member died and shock hit the team. I briefly knew the woman, but for others they worked closely with her for years. I distanced myself and waited on the grieving process beginning, but it never appeared. Healing from a loss involves coming to terms with the loss and the meaning of the loss in your life (Family Doctor.org, 2009). The effects of losing the valuable team member and friend caused my Practice Teacher/Link Supervisor to withdraw from the group, she became quiet and non-engaging! I had to learn, but with no experience in working with children I too found myself lost in the process and did not know which way to turn. The Practice Teacher/Link Supervisor was my first port of call and whilst empathising with her situation I had approach her. She acted coldly, therefore any further approaches made me feel awkward and stressed. This continued for a fortnight and something had to give. In understanding the relationship between and among people change is sometimes required. I met with the CSM and aired my concerns. I believed I was not being treated fairly, nor respected. The CSM emailed all staff with the Five Step Programme Personal Life Changes. I put my head down and got on with my work, but still the atmosphere did not change. If anything the once friendly attitudes from everyone changed. Being in this situation I fully understand how one person can influence others and how group dynamics can change. The conflict was not resolved and for workers to forget their roots in practice says a lot. This example has taught me to remember the Code of Ethics when working with clients, but also to incorporate them into my work when working with colleagues. Part 3 Planned informal and formal supervision did not occur during the infancy stages of my learning. It can be argued that poor management was to blame. Once structures were in place it was time to explore my practice, my time to learn, a time to facilitate my growth. During preparation for supervision a requirement to select experiences for discussion scared the hell out of me, and in not having supervision previously what would I take? Armed with a planned agenda I entered what seemed to be the war zone (1st formal supervision). Encouraged to discuss my experiences I slowly began, during explanations there appeared to be an unsettling period. My own experiences were surfacing which resulted in an awkward fidgetiness. When quizzed I denied the reason. I did not want to appear incapable of my job. I breathed deeply and moved on. Confidence returned and I finalised my explanations. Achieving what could have been disastrously resulted in my first attempt to separate personal from professional experiences. Standing as a professional in other supervisions I reflected on experiences. It was like looking in a mirror, strengths and weakness became visible. Strengths were praised, but weakness required work, one weakness meant the return to literature. Applying knowledge to practice is one thing, but to understand what that knowledge is can be another thing. To apply my understanding I put my evidence into written pieces of work. During the review of my work it led to judgement. I was told work situations can be complex at times, but only if you allow them to be. Keep things clear and simple. My recognition of this phrase meant that I was being coached to identify thought processes and move from being ignorant to understanding. Feedback like this was good because not only was I learning to reflect, but I was also motivated to alter my future thinking. The contribution of support and supervision proved to be valuable, despite it being offered half through the placement. I recognise that self-awareness is part of the reflective process. To have my values and beliefs heard allowed me to become a happier worker; it also allowed change in the way I practised. With the willingness to accept positive and negative feedback I was able to adapt the way in which I thought. Nearer the end of placement it benefitted my practice and reduced the amount of support that I once required. To progress in a professional manner I will take forward all feedback and my skills developed during supervision. The important thing to capture is the experience and to learn from it. I will look at the bigger picture and through evaluation I can break down my strengths and weakness, and in recognising my weakness I can self as a better Practioner. This process has helped me to achieve a rewarding experience, and one I am keen to continue with into practice. It can benefit not only to me, but clients and colleagues also.

Gun Control Only Taking Freedoms, Not Saving Lives Essay --

In the 18th century our founding fathers met in Philadelphia to create a document that would lay the foundation for what the United States is built upon. The document would be called the Constitution. However, some would not ratify the Constitution without also having a Bill of rights to protect the rights of the American citizen. Among these amendments that would be added to our Constitution was the Second Amendment. The Second Amendment gave the American citizen the right to keep and bear arms, and to form state militias. The idea behind forming state militias is that in times when a tyrannical government is trying to control the people the people can form a militia to reinstall liberty and dethrone a government that tries to control the people. (Alters) Gun control over the years has proven futile because it only takes away the rights of the American citizen. The founders were strong believers in small government and letting the American people have their own lives and have their own privacy. A right to bear arms is necessary because the American citizen needs a way to defend themselves, their family, and their home. What if someone’s home is invaded in the middle of the night and and their is no gun in the house? If the parents of the house try to attack the invader they will get shot or stabbed and the house will be robbed. Now if that parent has a gun, he doesn’t have to shoot to kill necessarily, but if a robber sees a gun in the house and gets shot at chances are the robber will flee the house. Another major Thornton 2 importance of the Second Amendment was to allow the American citizen to control the army. The founders knew that with state militias, all of them combined could overwhelm any oppressive standing... ... for any invasion. Now no one has been foolish enough to attempt such an attack, but I believe America should model our Gun laws system after them. In conclusion America needs to learn from Switzerland. They may be in a better positioned area but, we must learn from the Swiss. More gun laws has produced more deaths (see Chicago) and less gun laws have produced fewer deaths. The point is if guns are easier to own we would have an easier way to defend ourselves. So instead of cheering for stricter gun control laws we should be fighting for less. Switzerland may never be attacked, but America sure has Thornton 5 and what’s stopping someone from doing it again? I’m not saying five year-olds should be owning RPGs, but kids, teens, adults, and seniors alike should all have some form of training just in case someone does get bold and attempt a repeat of 9/11.