Victory at a price Essay Example for Free

Victory at a price Essay I ran my small pale hand shaking in the bitter winter wind, gently down his left hind leg. It felt smooth and strong, there was no sign of the recent injury. I felt a great sense of relief. It was going to be alright. Luxembourg turned his head with a white blaze down it to his mouth, towards me and gently moved his big hooves out of my way. He seemed to sense that I was nervous and touchy. It was the night before the big race. I sighed deeply; I stood to lose everything, the stables, the horses and the staff. We had not made any money for such a long time. Our lives depended on winning the second race tomorrow at Kempton Park. I woke up to the early morning sun streaming through my upstairs bedroom window. I was eager and excited but I still had some concerns that in a couple of hours, when the race finishes, he would come back safe and sound but I would be over the moon if Luxembourg was to win. It was not to long before I drove the enormous horse box, fifty five miles up to Kempton Park Racecourse on the outskirts of London, where he would be having his first run on the Racecourse just approaching two years Monday week. I was just going through the gate which said Horseboxes in big, bold and black writing engraved on the white board next to the gate. I had to show the security pass to get through. Every part of my body was trembling and shivering with anxiety and hope that Luxembourg the cute and chocolate coloured would come back safely and we would get a big run out. I was hoping in a few hours time all my hard work with staff with this horse would pay off today with a place or a win. I was shivering, I was growing colder and colder with hope, but most of all anxiety, I had now got Goosebumps running up my arms and legs, everywhere. A cold anxiety filled hour of bitter coldness has just passed; I walked the horse out into the pre parade ring. I put the saddle on tightly so it would not move as he was running the race. He was number 9, it was my lucky number, I thought could this be my lucky day today. Luxembourg and I walked round the pre parade ring a couple of times before we went into the dreaded parade ring. The atmosphere was electrifying. There were a couple of 100 people watching us, only us in the pre parade because all the other entrants had already made their way to the parade ring. My heart was in my mouth. We walked through the plastic gates through to the parade ring. There were a couple of thousand people watching us because we were the last horse to go through. I could feel Luxembourg tensing up and scared, there were lots and lots of people watching him. We walked round and round the huge parade ring. I heard a voice faintly; he said number nine looks fit and healthy. I thought to myself that must be a good sign if other people think he is fit. The first bell rang deafeningly, it meant the jockeys were to come out and mount up onto the horse. Paddy came out jogging; he came over and talked to us. He said Go from the front, see how it goes. I went over to the horse with Paddy, I gave him a leg up, and we were the first mounted up. I walked out to the course holding the horse reigns as if I was walking a dog. I said Good Luck to Paddy and let the reigns go. Luxembourg was off, his glistening coat shining in the beaming bright sun. His picturesque face standing out with the long and lovely white blaze standing out on his chocolate coloured coat. He made his way down to the 2 mile start by Swinley Bottom. I went to my place high up in the gigantic stand in front of the massive course; I was surrounded by about three million people watching the race. I was shivering and trembling. Theyre off Luxembourg went off in the lead by about ten lengths clear of the rest of the horses. A mile gone Luxembourg still ahead but the rest of the field have just come back to him. As Luxembourg came past the winning post for the first time, I shouted as loud as I could COME ON PADDY. He was going the best out of the other eight who were being nudged along a touch. He jumped the next two down at Swinley Bottom as if he was jumping for fun. It was all going well I thought to myself. The next fence came; the field of nine were bunched together. Luxembourg was still first. He jumped the next extremely well. The second horse fell and brought down the third and fourth. The ninth horse refused the fence. There was six left. Luxembourg was left three lengths clears of number 2 who was 8 lengths ahead of the remainder who were weakening rapidly. Paddy decided to kick on, He began to get tired, he came to the last fence of sixteen. He was extremely tired, he clattered the fence. The second was closing in on him on the run in. Luxembourg was idling in front. He went one way and then the other. Paddy gave him a few slaps down the neck. One hundred metres left, one furlong until the end. The second horse came closer, closer, and closer. The race went to the judge. A few minutes wait, I was trembling, shivering and Goosebumps went everywhere. The judge spoke first number 9 Luxembourg, Second Number 2 Kauto Star. I went down to pick him up, I whispered to Paddy Well Done. He was delighted. I walked him into the winners enclosure. I felt that Luxembourg was not walking as fit as usual. He was limping; we thought something must be wrong with him. He just about got into the winners enclosure. I asked the vet to look at him. The vet said he had to be put down, he could not live another hour. He was put down. I fell to the ground in complete shock. I was in tears. A puddle building up on my face. I was sweating, shivering but most of all distraught. My staff, family and I were distressed and depressed. He was the best horse I ever had for the thirteen years we have been running the stable. I thought to myself, no one can ever replace Luxembourg, he was a superior, excellent and energetic horse that will never be forgotten and always have a place in our hearts. Show preview only The above preview is unformatted text This student written piece of work is one of many that can be found in our GCSE Miscellaneous section.

Drug Abuse Among American Teenagers Essay -- Drug Abuse, Substance Abu

Drug Abuse Among American Teenagers Drug abuse in America is a major problem. Especially among teenagers. Drugs have hurt the lives of nearly 40 percent of all teenagers in America. Either with health problems, DWIs, highway crashes, arrests, impaired school and job performance. These drugs that teenagers use range from Alcohol, LSD, Marijuana, and even Cigarettes. Most of the teenagers that are involved in drug abuse have either, broken families, parents that are drug abusers, a unstable environment where they are constantly moving from place to place, or there parents aren't exactly making a lot of money and they are never around because they are trying to make enough money for them to survive. But even to most ordinary teenager can have a drug problem depending on there friends, and relationship with there family. These teenagers turn to drugs because they have no where else to turn. There family members aren't ever around, or hardly ever around. Some teens may have there parents around, but they too are involved with drug abuse, giving little or no attention to there children. They may have dropped out of school, or aren't meeting the standards set for them to meet, giving them a sense that they aren't worth anything. So what do they do? They turn to drugs, thinking that it will take all there problems away. They soon discover new friends with the same outlook on drugs as they have. And now they have a place to turn, a place where they will not be rejected or put down, a place where nothing matters, everyday is a good day. Until they finally just fall apart. The reason most teens get involved in drugs is because they have what's called a low inner and outer containment. Inner containment is what people believe is right... ...ervices, 1996). 2. The Gallup Organization, Consult with America: A Look at How Americans View the Country's Drug Problem, Summary Report (Rockville, Md.: March 1996). 3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Preliminary Estimates from the 1995 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. 4. Rand Corporation, Modeling the Demand for Cocaine (Santa Monica, Calif.: Rand Corporation, 1994). 5. W. Rhodes, P. Scheiman, and K. Carlson, What America's Users Spend on Illegal Drugs, 1988-1991 (Washington, D.C.: Abt Associates, Inc., under contract to the Office of National Drug Control Policy, 1993). 6. National Narcotics Intelligence Consumers Committee, The NNICC Report 1995: The Supply of Illicit Drugs to the United States (Washington, D.C.: Drug Enforcement Administration, August 1996). 7. Office of National Drug Control Policy, Pulse Check

Ethnic Groups and Racism Essay

Race and ethnicity are important concepts in the field of sociology and are ones that are studied a great deal. Race plays a large role in everyday human interactions and sociologists want to study how, why, and what the outcomes are of these interactions. A race is a human population that is believed to be distinct in some way from other humans based on real or imagined physical differences. Racial classifications are rooted in the idea of biological classification of humans according to morphological features such as skin color or facial characteristics. An individual is usually externally classified (meaning someone else makes the classification) into a racial group rather than the individual choosing where they belong as part of their identity. Conceptions of race, as well as specific racial groupings, are often controversial due to their impact on social identity and how those identities influence someone’s position in social hierarchies. Ethnicity, while related to race, refers not to physical characteristics but social traits that are shared by a human population. Some of the social traits often used for ethnic classification include: †¢nationality †¢tribe †¢religious faith †¢shared language †¢shared culture †¢shared traditions Unlike race, ethnicity is not usually externally assigned by other individuals. The term ethnicity focuses more upon a group’s connection to a perceived shared past and culture. II. CONTENT/ CREATIVE REPORT DEFINITION OF RACE AND ETHNICITY Race is a socially defined category, based on real or perceived biological differences between groups of people. Ethnicity is a socially defined category based on common language, religion, nationality, history or another cultural factor. Sociologists see race and ethnicity as social constructions because they are not rooted in biological differences, they change over time, and they never have firm boundaries. Example: White The distinction between race and ethnicity can be displayed or hidden, depending on individual preferences, while racial identities are always on display. THE SOCIOLOGICAL MEANING OF ETHNIC GROUPS AND RACISM The classification of people into races and ethnic groups carries deep implication on the social and political life of different racial and ethnic groups. These classifications led to the notion of racial superiority and racial inferiority, culturally advanced groups and culturally disadvantaged, the use of derogatory undertones and parody, apartheid policy, discrimination and prejudice, and stereotyping of groups of people. Ethnic conflicts have been regular process within the same territorial borders and among the nations of the world. Ethnic conflicts have been pervasive and dangerous because they cause massive humanitarian suffering, civil wars, and destabilizing effects. Sociologically, â€Å"race† refers to a group of people whom others believe are genetically distinct and whom they treat accordingly. This term is commonly used to refer to physical differences between people brought about by physical characteristics of genetic origin. This commonness of genetic heritage may be manifested in the shape of the head and face, the shape and color of the eyes, the shape of the nose, lips, and ears, the texture and color of the hair, the skin color, height, blood type and other physical characteristics. Among the significant racial categories studied by early social scientists were the Caucasoid, Mongoloid, Negroid, and the subgroups of primary and derived races. Racial differences are seen as physical differences singled out by the community or society as ethnically significant. It is preferable to refer to ethnicity or ethnic groups rather than race for its historical and biological connotations. An ethnic group represents a number of persons who have a common cultural background as evidenced by a feeling of loyalty to a given geographical territory or leader, a feeling of identification with and unity among historical and other group experiences, or a high degree of similarity in social norms, ideas and material objects. Members of ethnic groups see themselves as culturally different from other groups in the society and are viewed by others to be so. SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF MEMBERSHIP IN RACIAL AND ETHNIC GROUPS. Membership in racial and ethnic groups influences people’s social status and roles as they interact with others. Physical characteristics, especially skin color and certain distinctive cultural traits, complexes, and patterns, become badges for social and economic status. Frequently, they establish a person’s or groups position in the social stratification system and make up the foundation for prejudice, discrimination, and other forms of differential treatment. Furthermore, when an ethnic group becomes a target of discrimination, such group may utilize the unique physical or cultural traits as the rallying force for promoting common loyalties and enhancing collective action. When people’s definition of physical characteristics greatly affects their relationship, such definitions generally become interlinked with cultural differences. A classic example is the white man’s justification of his technological, economic, political and military superiority. Examples are such ideologies as the God-chosen race, the white man’s burden and more recently, the apartheid policy. Since the early days of the United States, Native Americans, African-Americans and European-Americans were classified as belonging to different races. But the criteria for membership in these races were radically different. For Africans, the government considered anyone with African appearance to be purely African. Native Americans, on the other hand, were classified based on a certain percentage of Indian blood. Finally, European-Americans had to have purely white ancestry. The differing criteria for assigning membership to particular races had relatively little to do with biology; it had far more to do with maintaining a group’s defined roles and position. Racial and ethnic membership leads to a sense of people-hood. By this, we mean a sense of identification with a relatively small segment of the world’s population- those who by virtue of common ancestry or heritage we consider â€Å"our own kind†. Erich Fromm wrote in 1941: â€Å"The identity with nature, clan, religion, gives the individual security. He belongs to, he is rooted in, structuralized whole in which he has an unquestionable place. He may suffer from hunger or suppression, but he does not suffer from worst of all pains- complete aloneness and doubt. † PATTERNS OF ETHNIC GROUP RELATIONS. People who occupy a subordinate status are usually called a minority group. What determines a minority group is not the unique racial or ethnics traits nor their great number but the relationship of different groups in the society of which they are a part. A minority group, then is one that, because of the power of differences among the groups, is singled out for unequal treatment in the society. A minority refers to a group which, because of physical and cultural characteristics, occupies a subordinate position in the society and subjected to collective discrimination, in some cases, even segregation, oppression, slavery, peonage, military subjugation, religious persecution, and economic, political, educational, and social suppression. The patterns of ethnic group relations include the following: 1. Patterns of Racism a. Prejudice and discrimination †¢Racism – is behavior that is motivated by the belief that one’s own group is superior to other groups that are set apart on the basis of physical characteristics Structural racism refers to inequalities built into an organization or system. An example of structural racism can be seen in recent research on workplace discrimination. [37] There is widespread discrimination against job applicants whose names were merely perceived as â€Å"sounding black. â€Å" These applicants were 50% less likely than candidates perceived as having â€Å"white-sounding names† to receive callbacks for interviews, no matter their level of previous experience. †¢Prejudice – prejudged negative attitude or opinion about a group without bothering to verify the merits of the opinion or judgment The relationship between prejudice and discrimination is complex. Robert Merton’s study and typology of the relationship between prejudice and discrimination Four patterns 1. Unprejudiced nondiscriminatory – integration 2. Unprejudiced and discriminatory – institutional discrimination 3. Prejudiced and nondiscriminatory – latent bigotry 4. Prejudiced and discriminatory – outright bigotry In his study, (1974), Bulatao listed impressions on some ethnic groups by respondents from five Philippine cities: Ilocanos and Chinese were viewed as most industrious, serious, thrifty; Tagalogs, progressive; Bicolanos and Cebuanos, humble, friendly, warm, and peaceful; Warays, lazy but strong; and Ilongos, proud and extravagant. b. Discrimination refers to the act of disqualifying or mistreating people on the basis of their group membership or on ascriptive rounds rationally irrelevant to the situation. Whereas prejudice is a state of mind, discrimination is actual behavior. Prejudice and discrimination work hand in hand to create and sustain racial and ethnic stratification, (Jarry J. 1987) THEORIES OF PREJUDICE Light gives the following explanations on the origin of prejudice: 1. Economic Theory- assumes that racial prejudice is a social attitude transmitted by the dominant ethnic majority class for the purpose of stigmatizing some group s as inferior so that the exploitation of the group resources will be justified. 2. Symbolic Theory- asserts that prejudice arises because a racial or ethnic group is a symbol of what people hate, fear, or envy. 3. Scapegoat theory- maintains that human beings are reluctant to accept their mistakes for their troubles and failures so they look for an ethnic-minority to shoulder the blame. 4. Social norm theory- asserts that ethnocentrism is a natural development of group living. Hatred and suspicion for the out-group are the standard and normal way of doing things, particularly in dealing with people. c. Stereotypes are often simplified and unsupported generalizations about others and are used indiscriminately for all cases. A few examples are Ilokano, â€Å"bantay kuako† (heavy smokers) and â€Å"kuripot† (stingy); Pampangueno, â€Å"dugong aso† (dog blood or traitors); Batangueno, â€Å"balisong† (knife-wielding); Bicolanos, â€Å"sili† ( pepper or hot people). 2. Patterns of Competition, Conflict and Domination When ethnocentric attitudes are coupled with intergroup competition for territory and scarce resources, an explosive social situation may arise. When two groups both strive for the same things- and they perceive their respective claims to be mutually exclusively and legitimate- the stage is set for conflict. In modern societies, the state has become the vehicle that enables one group to dominate and keep the other group subordinate. In sum, competition supplies the motivation for systems of stratification, and ethnocentrism directs competition along racial and ethnic lines, but power determines which group will subjugate the other (Noel, 1972; Barth and Noel, 1975). 3. Economic and Political Subjugation The economic takeover of one nation by a more powerful one and the subsequent political and social domination of the native population is called colonialism. If the takeover of one nation is trough the military superiority of the more powerful one for the purpose of territorial expansion and establishing colonies, it is termed as military colonialism. On the other hand, if the economic takeover is made through the great technological superiority of the more powerful one, the institutionalization of their businesses in their former colonies, the control and domination of most of a colony’s natural resources, the imposition of trade policies and economic treaties favorable to their side; the establishment of outlets for their surplus capital; the need for more cheap labor, raw materials, and markets to fuel their growing economy, the process is termed neo-colonialism or economic imperialism. 4. Displacement and Segregation of the Native Population. Economic and political subjugation of a minority population by a more powerful group is not the only pattern of conquest that occurs when different racial and ethnic group meet. Displacement of native population can be made possible through the influx of powerful settlers or invaders with their vastly superior weapons. It is typically found in areas rich in natural resources and similar in geography and climate to the homeland of the invading group. Displacement takes the following forms: a. ) by attrition, that is, numbers of the weaker group may die of starvation or disease either deliberately or not; b.) by population transfer; and c. ) by genocide- deliberate and ruthless extermination of the weaker group. Segregation involves the enactment of laws and/or customs that restrict or prohibit contact between groups. Segregation may be ethnic or racial or based on sex or age. 5. Patterns of Accommodation and Tolerance Interracial and interethnic accommodation can be carried out through miscegenation or amalgamation- the intermarriage of members of the majority and minority groups. This can result in the blending of their various customs and values and the creation of a new cultural hybrid. This involves a cultural and biological blending in which the customs and values of both groups are to some extent preserved and their biological characteristics appear in the offspring. 6. Patterns of Acculturation and Assimilation Acculturation and assimilation are two very important concepts in sociology and anthropology that describe cross cultural effects on both minorities as well as majorities in societies that are multi ethnic and multi cultural in nature. Assimilation is a broader concept as described by sociologist Jean Piaget and refers to the manner in which people take new information. There are many people who think of the two concepts as same and even use them interchangeably. If you belong to a minority community in a country and retain your own culture but cannot remain isolated and are affected by the majority culture in such a way that you adapt to some aspects of the majority culture, the process is referred to as acculturation. Assimilation is a process whereby people of a culture learn to adapt to the ways of the majority culture. There is a loss of one’s own culture as a person gives more value to the cultural aspects of the majority community in the process of assimilation. What is the difference between Acculturation and Assimilation? †¢ Meeting of cultures always produces results in terms of changes in both the cultures, and acculturation and assimilation refer to two important and different changes in these cultures. †¢ Assimilation refers to the process where some of the majority community’s cultural aspects are absorbed in such a manner that the home cultural aspects get mitigated or lost. †¢ Acculturation is a process where the cultural aspects of the majority community are adapted without losing the traditions and customs of the minority community. †¢ Minority culture changes in the case of assimilation whereas it remains intact in the case of acculturation. 7. Patterns of cultural Pluralism or Ethnic Diversity Cultural pluralism refers to the coexistence of different racial or ethnic groups each of which retains its own cultural identity and social structural networks, while participating equally in the economic and political systems. (Light, 1985) In pluralistic society, each group retains its own language, religion and customs, and its members tend to interact socially primarily among themselves. Yet all jointly participate in the economic and political systems and live in harmony and peaceful â€Å"coexistence†. A prime example of such an arrangement can be found in Switzerland. There, people of German, French, and Italian heritage preserve their distinct cultural ways while coexisting peacefully and equally. No one group enjoys special privileges or is discriminated against. ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE PHILIPPINES Ethnic groups in the Philippines are classified according to certain physical, cultural, linguistic, religious and geographic criteria. A. According to distinctive physical traits 1. The Negritoes who are regarded as the aborigines of the Philippines. 2. The Indonesian- Malayan stock which is predominant among the Filipinos. 3. The Chinese who make up the largest national group. 4. The Americans and the Spaniards, and a few other Europeans who came as colonizers. B. According to cultural standpoints 1. Cultural minorities or cultural communities 2. Muslims 3. Christian groups C. According to linguistic groupings PANAMIN reports that there are about 87 ethno linguistic groups in the Philippines-e. g. , Tagalog, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon, Kapampangan, Ilonggo, etc. D. According to religion 1. Roman Catholics 2. Muslims 3. Aglipayans 4. Protestants 5. Iglesia ni Cristo 6. Buddhists 7. Jehovah’s witnesses 8. Other religious sects. E. Muslims of Southern Philippines The Muslims make up the largest single non-Christian group. They have nine ethno-linguistic groups, namely: 1. Taosug 2. Maranao 3. Maguindanao 4. Samal 5. Yakan 6. Sanggil 7. Badjao 8. Molbog 9. Jama Mapun From the Spanish regime to the present, Muslim and Christian intergroup relationships have been characterized by animosity and suspicion. This has been expressed in the Muslims’ ongoing resentment of Christian settlers and attempts at secession to form an independent Mindanao. Muslim revolutionary groups the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Bangsai Moro Liberation Front (BMLF) want Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan to secede from the Philippines. THE CULTURAL COMMUNITIES AND THE CHRISTIAN FILIPINOS The non-Christian Filipinos now known as cultural communities make up 10% of the total national population. They have maintained their culture in their clothes, art, religion, ethnic dialect, customs, traditions and other superficial differences. There are 77 major ethno-linguistic groups in the Philippines. A. Northern Luzon 1. Isneg 11. Ivatan/Itbayat 21. Malaweg 2. Kalinga 12. Ilocano 22. Yogad 3. Ifugao 13. Apayao 23. Pangasinan 4. Bontok 14. Balangao 24. Palanan 5. Kankanai 15. Bago 25. Kapampangan 6. Ibaloi 16. Kalanguya 26. Tagalog 7. Gaddang 17. Iwak 27. Bicol 8. Tinggian 18. Isinay 28. Negrito 9. Ilongot 19. Ibanag 29. Sambal 10. Ibalahan 20. Itawit B. Smaller Groups in Luzon 1. Aetas 2. Dumagats of Quezon Province 3. Mangyans of Mindoro 4. Hanunoo C. Visayas 1. Bataks 7. Aklanon 13. Solud 2. Keney 8. Rombloanon 14. Bukidnon. 3. Negritoes 9. Bantoanon 15. Boholano 4. Alangans 10. Hiligaynon 16. Cebuano 5. Masbateno 11. Kiniray-a 17. Waray 6. Abakon 12. Hamtikanon D. Mindanao 1. Tagurays 8. Mansakas 15. Kamiguin 2. Tagabilis 9. Maranao 16. Mamanwa 3. Bilaans 10. Sangil/Sangir 17. Butuanon 4. Mandayas 11. Ilanun 18. Kamayo 5. Manobos 12. Maguindanao 19. Bagobo 6. Tasadays 13. Tiboli 20. Kalagan 7. Magtisalugs 14. Subanon 21. Kalibugan E. In Sulu/Tawi-Tawi 1. Yakan 2. Sama 3. Sama Dilaut 4. Tausug 5. Jama Mapun F. In Palawan 1. Tagbanua 2. Agutayanen 3. Kuyonen 4. Molbog 5. Palawan 6. Batak 7. Tau’t Baten III. GROUP REFLECTION Within sociology, the terms race, ethnicity, minority, and dominant group all have very specific and different meanings. To understand the sociological perspective on race and ethnicity, it is important to understand the meanings of these concepts. An ethnic group is a social category of people who share a common culture, such as a common language, a common religion, or common norms, customs, practices, and history. Ethnic groups have a consciousness of their common cultural bond. An ethnic group does not exist simply because of the common national or cultural origins of the group, however. They develop because of their unique historical and social experiences, which become the basis for the group’s ethnic identity. For example, prior to immigration to the United States, Italians did not think of themselves as a distinct group with common interests and experiences. However, the process of immigration and the experiences they faced as a group in the United States, including discrimination, created a new identity for the group. Some examples of ethnic groups include Italian Americans, Polish Americans, Mexican Americans, Arab Americans, and Irish Americans. Ethnic groups are also found in other societies, such as the Pashtuns in Afghanistan or the Shiites in Iraq, whose ethnicity is base on religious differences. Like ethnicity, race is primarily, though not exclusively, a socially constructed category. A race is a group that is treated as distinct in society based on certain characteristics. Because of their biological or cultural characteristics, which are labeled as inferior by powerful groups in society, a race is often singled out for differential and unfair treatment. It is not the biological characteristics that define racial groups, but how groups have been treated historically and socially. Society assigns people to racial categories (White, Black, etc. ) not because of science or fact, but because of opinion and social experience. In other words, how racial groups are defined is a social process; it is socially constructed. A minority group is any distinct group in society that shares common group characteristics and is forced to occupy low status in society because of prejudice and discrimination. A group may be classified as a minority on the basis of ethnicity, race, sexual preference, age, or class status. It is important to note that a minority group is not necessarily the minority in terms of numbers, but it is a group that holds low status in relation to other groups in society (regardless of the size). The group that assigns a racial or ethnic group to subordinate status in society is called the dominant group. There are several sociological theories about why prejudice, discrimination, and racism exist. Current sociological theories focus mainly on explaining the existence of racism, particular institutional racism. The three major sociological perspectives (functionalist theory, symbolic interaction theory, and conflict theory) each have their own explanations to the existence of racism. Functionalist theorists argue that in order for race and ethnic relations to be functional and contribute to the harmonious conduct and stability of society, racial and ethnic minorities must assimilate into that society. Assimilation is a process in which a minority becomes absorbed into the dominant society – socially, economically, and culturally. Symbolic interaction theorists look at two issues in relation to race and ethnicity. First, they look at the role of social interaction and how it reduces racial and ethnic hostility. Second, they look at how race and ethnicity are socially constructed. In essence, symbolic interactionists ask the question, â€Å"What happens when two people of different race or ethnicity come in contact with one another and how can such interracial or interethnic contact reduce hostility and conflict? † The basic argument made by conflict theorists is that class-based conflict is an inherent and fundamental part of society. These theorists thus argue that racial and ethnic conflict is tied to class conflict and that in order to reduce racial and ethnic conflict, class conflict must first be reduced.

LA Case Study - 950 Words

Have you ever tried to travel in or around Los Angeles? If so you have most likely witnessed the horror of LA traffic. LA has been ranked the worst city for traffic by Inrix, a traffic analysis firm. In 2015 drivers in Los Angeles drivers spent an estimated 623 million hours sitting in traffic. This has cost the average driver over $1,400 a year. The problem has gotten worse over the past few years as consumers move to e-commerce and the popularity of next-day and same-day shipping. Now many delivery services have moved from a model of delivering whole truckloads of products at a handful of businesses to delivering the same amount of goods, a package at a time, to hundreds of households. According to a study done by Texas AM University†¦show more content†¦The advantages are that it wont split communities like large freeways do, it reduces the emissions with the electric skates, and there is virtually no limit to how many tunnels can be made. The idea of preserving public sp ace and not designing cities around the car is completely different to how Robert Moses thought a city should be structured, and built massive highways that tore through city centers and believed that cities should bow down to the automobile. The Boring Company website states â€Å"To alleviate traffic, transportation corridors, like the buildings that feed into them, must expand into three dimensions† (FAQ). This reminds us that like everything else roadways need to evolve according to our needs. When our cities could not expand sideways anymore they started to expand upwards. Roadways have been largely the same since they were first created, a wide way leading from one place to another. The only changes that the roads have experienced since their inception is the improvement in top coats to make them more durable, but the basic idea of large expanses of roadways has stayed the same. This solution offers a safer and faster alternative and serves as a much needed evolution to the basic road. The introduction of tunnels as a major conductor of vehicle traffic will reduce the amount of vehicles on the current roadways exponentially and allow for faster transportation around the country. This introduces theShow MoreRelatedLa Napoli Case Study2805 Words   |  12 PagesIntroduction La Napoli, a restaurant that the entire Tom Brown’s Board expected it to provide them with unprecedented success turned out to be a major disappointment. It is the expertise coupled with what appeared to be an extensive marker research of its proposer and founder that instilled unshakable confidence in the prospect of this restaurant. In addition, the board saw this as an opportunity diversify their products to include premium services targeting high end consumers. 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Innovative steps has helped the company remain successful and added an invaluable sense of uniqueness. La Martina has always beenRead MoreShangri-La Case Study2914 Words   |  12 PagesShangri-La Hotels Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is a deluxe Asian hotel chain and was founded in 1971 in Singapore by the Malaysian-Chinese tycoon Robert Kuok. The name Shangri-La means â€Å"eternal youth, peace and tranquility† and embodied the serenity and service for which the hotel chain was renowned throughout the world. As of 2006, Shangri-La had four main business segments: hotel ownership and operations, property development including commercial buildings and serviced apartments, hotel managementRead MoreLa Gear Case Study2678 Words   |  11 PagesEXECUTIVE SUMMARY L.A. Gear, Inc was started in 1985 when Robert Greenberg was looking for the next trend to follow, and saw the opportunity after watching Reebok attack the shoe market with their fashionable aerobic shoes. 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Based on our research, we believe that the key elements that in Shangri-La’s strategy are the internal ones that include management, organisation culture, employeeRead MoreLa Martina Case Study2019 Words   |  9 Pages1) Problem Statement La Martina is facing difficult corporate dilemma, whether to focus on a production and selling of functional polo equipment or to become more mainstream and fashion oriented brand. Founder and CEO, Mr. Lando Cimonneti has always been step ahead and knew how to tackle stormy economic, political and social situation both in Argentina and worldwide. Innovative steps has helped the company remain successful and added an invaluable sense of uniqueness. La Martina has always beenRead MoreLas Vegas Case Study1840 Words   |  8 PagesOverview of Las Vegas amp; LVCVA Most people might not even think of Las Vegas as a â€Å"product†, or even they think of it as a brand. Places are included in the concept of product. Places could be cities, states, regions, or entire nations. Place marketing involves marketing strategies which contribute to create, maintain and change attitudes and behavior towards particular places. Behind the scenes, the image of Las Vegas is created and maintained by LVCVA, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors AuthorityRead MoreCase Study of La Loraine Boutique1001 Words   |  5 PagesLa Loraine boutique lately faces some problems when 2 very long service Sales Associates resigned. This causes the staff’s morale to be affected drastically which in turn, affecting their sales. A training plan aimed to recommend a customer service award program with the aim of boasting their morale and improving their service and sales has been put in place. Company’s Goal Vision : To be the largest fashion store in Asia Mission : Maintaining consistent deliveries of quality products Read MoreCase Study : La Guerre Froide721 Words   |  3 PagesLa guerre froide Robin Karkafi Travail prà ©sentà © à   M. Lemieux dans le cadre du cours CHC2P-03 École secondaire catholique Garneau le 6 janvier 2015 Dà ©tente La guerre froide avait tournà © les États-Unis contre l URSS de 1947 à   1991. Durant ces 44 annà ©es de chicane politique, les deux superpuissances ont connu un apaisement dans leurs relations politiques et sociales entre 1962 et 1979, cet apaisement a à ©tà © connu sous le nom de la Dà ©tente. Le lendemain de la seconde