Role of Leader in Managing Conflict Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Role of Leader in Managing Conflict - Essay Example Prior to the discussion of conflict management, it is vital to comprehend the meaning of conflict. Kleynhans (2009) described a conflict as an active disagreement between people with different opinions, values or interests. The Foundation Coalition (n.d) defined conflict as the bone of contention among individuals or groups due to differing goals, needs and ideas. Marshall (2006) defined the sources of conflict to be diverse in nature; †¢ Differences in the values and customs of the individuals †¢ Presence of limited number of resources, thus provoking individuals to compete †¢ Lack of information or barriers in communication †¢ Presence of hostility in relations In terms of the initiation of conflicts, the health care industry is no different. Health care sector faces numerous instances of conflicts on a daily basis; some of the instances might be witnessed between doctors and nurses whereas others amongst the nurses. Pierre, Hofinger and Buerschaper (2008) stated that health care professionals are faced with intense moments of unexpected scenarios, rare illnesses and reactions that require dynamic and effective decision making. Such capabilities are even greatly required in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) where patients are faced with life threatening situations. Therefore, this study seeks to critically discuss the role of a leader in managing conflict in a CCU, using real life examples and case studies from the health care sector. An example is drawn from critical care unit in Riyadh Military Hospital to identify the real life instances of conflicts in a health care organization. This paper seeks to critically analyze the different types of conflict management strategies and techniques with the aid of the available literature and theories, as well as the approaches that can be adopted to avoid conflicts in the health care sector. 2. Nature of Conflicts in a Health Care Organization Certain degree of clashes of ideas about tasks and projects are often witnessed in a health care organization. Hovatter (n.d) stated that conflicts are mainly initiated when needs are not met effectively. He further stated that conflicts involve the inhibition of achievement of tasks of an individual or group by the actions or ideas of an individual or a group. In the light of this notion, it can be stated that there are mainly two types of conflicts that are found in an organization; group and individual conflict. Group conflict pertains to collective disagreement over something by a group of people in the organization. On the other hand, individual conflict is more personal and it mainly involves individuals. In order to solve the conflict s, the leaders need to assume the responsibility of ensuring an amiable and supportive environment in the organization. The health care sector has witnessed great changes with the passage of the years. Fagin and Garelick (2004) stated that doctors have been considered as the main sources of knowledge and authority over the possession of medical information. Doctors have been known to be educated while nurses have been trained to follow the instructions of the doctors in the most effective manner. However, Fagin and Garelick (2004) also stated that the gap in the acquisition of knowledge has been reduced by the improvement of standard of training of nurses, which became effective in 2000 by the Department of Health’s Project. Vivar (2006) also agreed that the broadening of the scope of training and education of the nurses has resulted in greater conflicts between doctors and nurses.

Coke as Cleaning Agent Essay Example for Free

Coke as Cleaning Agent Essay Trademark Facts Coke is known for being the most recognized trademark in all of the world, boasting a near 94% brand recognition by the worlds population. One contributing factor to this statistic is a long-term partnership with the Olympics. This partnership began at the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. In 1983, Diet Coke was launched in Australia and within 12 months became the number two soft drink of choice in the country, after Coke. Coke also boasts over 500 brands and more then 1,200 bottling plants in various parts of the world. Sponsored Links Industrial Hand Cleaner Antibacterial, Protective Hand Soap Multi-purpose Ind. Hand Solutions www.chemsearch.ph/handsoap Consumer Facts According to CokeFacts.com, it is estimated that nearly 10,450 soft drinks from Coca-Cola are consumed every second of every day. Ten bottles of Coke on average were consumed during the first year that Coke was distributed. In 2009, it is estimated that more than one billion servings are consumed every single day. Cooking Agent Facts Coke can also be used in different cooking situations. Many people will pour a whole can of Coke into a baking pan and then wrap up the ham or other meat of choice in aluminum foil. They will then bake the ham while it is resting in the pan filled with Coke. It is said to produce a very moist ham once it is all done. Cleaning Agent Facts Surprisingly, Coke can be a great cleaning agent as well. It can be used to clean corrosion off of car battery terminals, to loosen a rusty bolt or help to remove film off of your car windshield. One of the most bizarre uses for Coke is to use it as a cleaning agent for the toilet. Supposedly, you can pour a can of Coke into the toilet, let it sit for several minutes, and then flush the toilet. The result: a clean and functional toilet. Read more: Facts About Coke | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/about_5409773_coke.html#ixzz2K5itRtDt

Two Theories Of Youth Crime Criminology Essay

Two Theories Of Youth Crime Criminology Essay This essay will discuss three theories, the differential association theory, the labelling theory and the rationale choice theory. The theories will discussed and how they can explain crime will also be discussed, and then a comparison of the theories will be given in order to identify their strengths and weaknesses in explaining youth crime. Theories within criminology try to explain why and how crime occurs. This is done through examining various facts that are related to the individuals criminal behaviour and the crime they commit. There are a wide range of theories which can be used to explain the causes of crime and deviant behaviour from youths. The first theory is the differential association theory by Edwin Sutherland (1947). He developed the differential association theory in order to explain how youths engage in acts of criminal behaviour. This theory defines criminal behaviour as learnt behaviour which is acquired through social contact with other individuals (Hopkins Burke, 2009:104). This theory explains how individuals learn how to engage in criminal behaviour through their attitudes, drive and motive behind the criminal act. An individual is most likely to be involved in criminal behaviour if they spend numerous amount of time with a person who has a criminal background and believes that breaking the law is acceptable. Furthermore Sutherland (1974) identifies nine main factors that can be used to explain why a person engages in criminal behaviour. This essay will now explain the nine factors in detail. The first factor that Sutherland believes is the reason as to why an individual engages in criminal behaviour is because the behaviour is learned. Hopkins Burke (2009) Believes that the actions of an individual are influenced by the people they associate with. It is believed that because the individual main association is with their family, as that is whom they have grown up and live with, so therefore the individual social values and norms are formulated from them. Sutherland also stated that learned behaviour is not invented, nor is it inherited The skills and techniques required for an individual to engage criminal activity are not automatically obtained from birth, or through association with criminals, instead they are acquired through a process of learning (Hopkins Burke, 2009:106). The second principle refutes the idea that criminal behaviour is learned through the individual witnessing deviant or criminal behaviour. Instead this believes that criminality is learned behaviour though interaction with others in the process of communication. Children are accustomed to the norms of society at a very young age, they are taught the roles of both a people around them. They also learn these roles by observing the male or female characteristics relating to the specific gender. For example an individual may learn about deviant behaviour through communicating with the person who is committing the deviant behaviour. The third principle states that individuals commit crime because they are influenced by the behaviour of intimate people such as family members and close friends. Methods of communication from television and or media are less effective in influencing the individual (Hopkins Burke, 2009:106). The fourth factor from Sutherlands theory is that learning criminal behaviour involves learning specific techniques, drives, motives and rationalization. Having a primary group of people around does not necessarily mean that the individual will engage in crime, but it does mean that they have the resources into the criminal rationale. For example being around a person who is has been convicted of sexual offence, may give the individual knowledge into how to engage in the same crime, but the individual may choose not to engage in that crime because they know from their socialization of societal norms that a sexual offence is unacceptable (Hopkins Burke, 2009:106). The fifth factor can be noticed when considering cultures form the United Kingdom and the United States. Both countries have various cultures within them and each culture has different perceptions as to what is favourable and unfavourable within society and this can cause a cultural conflict. This principle believes that the specific direction of motives and drives is learned from definitions of legal codes such as favourable and unfavourable. (Newburn, 2007: 194) The most important principle within the differential association theory is the sixth principle, which is when individuals associate themselves with people that engage in criminal behaviour and believe it is acceptable. This principles states that an individual becomes delinquent only when definitions favourable to violation of law exceed definitions unfavourable to violation of law (Newburn, 2007: 194).The seventh principle stares that differential associations may vary in frequency, duration priority and intensity. The eighth principle believes that the process of learning criminal behaviour by association with criminal and anti-criminal patterns involves all the mechanisms that are involved in any other learning (Newburn, 2007: 194). The final principle states that while criminal behaviour is an expression of needs and values, it is not explained by those needs and values since non criminal behaviour is an expression of the same needs and values. For example if two individuals where both motivated by a need to gain money and respect, but one person engage in criminal behaviour in order to get the money and respect. Whereas the other person engaged in conforming behaviour. So therefore the need for money and respect cannot be used as an explanation for an individual to commit crime (Newburn, 2009: 194). The second theory that will be discussed is labelling theory. This theory claims that deviance and conformity does not emerge from the individuals actions, but rather from how others respond to the actions. Marcionis and Plummer (2005) state that labelling theory highlights social response to crime and deviance. The main academics in this theory were Becker and Lemert. Lemert (1951) first established the view of deviant, and later developed by Becker (1963). Labelling theory has become a dominant theory in the explanation of deviance. This theory is created by the assumption that deviant behaviour is solely based on the violation of norms within society, but also by any behaviour which is defined as labelled or deviant. Deviance is not viewed as the act that the individual engages in, instead it is based on the response other individuals give to the act. Becker (1963) believed that deviance is created through social groups because they make rules which create deviance, and then they apply those rules to particular individuals labelling them as deviant. He also stated that deviance is not the act that the individual commits, but the consequences of the application of others by rules and sanctions to an offender. And the deviant one is whom the label has successfully been applied to. Deviance has been distinguished into primary and secondary deviance by Lemert (1951). Lemert described primary deviance as diminutive reactions from others that have little effect on an individuals self-concept and secondary deviance is described as people pushing the deviant individual out of the social circle, which can therefore cause the individual to seek the company of people who condone deviant behaviour. He further argued that instead of viewing crime as a leading to control, it may be more productive to view crime as something with control agencies structured. Secondary deviance leads Goffman (1963) to define deviant career. Goffman (1963) stated that people who acquire a stigma which is a powerful negative label which changes a persons self-concept and social identity. The individuals is la Criminal prosecution is one way in which the individual is labelled in a negative, rather than in a positive way. It is believed that stigmatizing people can often lead to retrospective labelling, which is the understanding of an individuals past with the present deviance. Lement believes that retrospective labelling distorts an individuals life in a prejudicial way guided by stigma and this is an unfair thing to do. Stigmatizing young people may actually lead them into a deviant career (Hopkins Burke, 2008:172) Howard Becker (1963) claimed that social groups create deviance by labelling individuals as outsiders. Through an application of infraction constitute deviance. Furthermore labelling theorys approach to deviance mainly concentrates on the social reaction to a deviant act committed by an individual as well as the interaction process that leads up to the labelling. This theory therefor suggests that too much attention has been given to criminals by academics because criminology views criminals as types of people and also to the insufficient attention to the collection of social control responses. This therefore means that the police, law, media and public association help shape crime. This is supported by the conflict theory which shows how deviance reflects on inequalities and power. This approach may also signify that the cause of crime may be linked to inequalities of race, class and gender. The conflict theory links deviance to the power of norms and the imagery of the rich and pow erful, which the law society supports. The notion of secondary deviance, stigma and deviant career all demonstrate how individuals can include the label of deviance into a lasting self-concept. Becker (1963) believes that labelling is a practical act that has made politicians aware of which rules to enforce and what behaviour they should regard as deviant. The effects upon an individual being publically labelled deviant have been examined by Becker (1963) he believes that a label is an unbiased onion, which contains an evaluation of the individual to whom it is applied. The labelling theory will be a master label in term of captivating over all other statuses the individuals are under. For example if an individual is labelled as a rapist it will be difficult for the individual to overlook these labels and see themselves in positive roles such a parent, friend, worker and neighbour. Other people will view that individual and respond to them according to the label; also they will assume that the individual has the negative characteristics associated with the label. Eventually the individual will view themselves in that label because their self-concept is derived from the responses of others. This can then produce a self-fulfilling prophecy where the deviant becomes the controlling one. The third theory that will be discussed is the strain theory. Unlike the differential association and labelling, this theory believes that social structures within society can influence individuals to commit crimes. Merton (1938) suggests that there are two types of important elements of social structure; these elements are the cultural goals, the function of the goals and interests. The third theory that will be discussed is the strain theory. Unlike the differential association and labelling, this theory believes that social structures within society can influence individuals to commit crimes. Merton (1938) suggests that there are two types of important elements of social structure; these elements are the cultural goals, the function of the goals and interests. Merton (1938) explains the occurrence of crime and deviance using five responses to strain. The first path is Conformity; this path suggests that individuals could alleviate the strain by changing their cultural goals and by withdrawing allegiance to the institutionalised means. The second path is Retreatism; Merton considered this path to be the least common adaption. Retreats are those who rejected cultural goals and its institutionalised means. Individuals who normally take this path are considered not to be part of society (Hopkins Burke, 2008: 120). The third path is the Ritualism, these individuals are not particularly successful in attaining their conventional goal, but they emphasise on the means that obscure their judgements on the desirability of appreciating the goals. The fourth path is Innovation; this path suggests that when an individual finds that an obstacle inhibits their ability to achieve the cultural goals, the individuals will use other means rather than institutional means (Hopkins Burke, 2008: 121). The final path is Rebellion, Merton believes rebellious people are those who simply reject but also which to change the existing social system and its goals. Rebels reject socially a pproved means and the goals of their society. (Hopkins Burke, 2008:122). Strain theory can cause negative feelings from the outside environment. These feelings include fear, defeat and despair; the most applicable feeling that can occur is anger. Agnew (1992) emphasised that when they become angry, individuals tend to blame their negative relationships and circumstances on others (Agnew, 1992: 59). An individual is incited with anger, low inhibitions and they begin to create a desire for revenge (Agnew, 1992: 60). Agnew stated that individuals who are subjected to repetitive strain are more likely to engage in delinquent and criminal acts, this is due to the fact that the individual becomes aggressive because they are unable to cope and the negative strain may become too much for them (Agnew, 1992: 61). Overall all three theories give a good explanation of youth crime. The similarity between these theories is they all aim to give a detailed explanation as to why individuals engage in crime and deviance. Differential association theory believes that all behaviour is learned and so therefore deviant behaviour is also learned. This theory focuses on key variables such as the age of the learner, the intensity of contact with the deviant person whom they learn from and the amount of good and bad social contacts they have in their lives. Whereas the labelling theory explains deviance as a social process where individuals are able to define others as deviant. This theory emphasises on the fact that deviance is relative and the individual only becomes deviant when they are labelled. Alongside this strain theory explains deviance as the outcome of social strains within the way society is structured. Not all theories give a good explanation for tackling youth crime, the labelling theory states that the label is the route of criminal behaviour; this is not a good explanation because there is a reason an individual becomes a burglar, not because they have been labelled as one. The individual is aware that their actions are deviant and that they are breaking the law. Some academics believe that there should be more research into the labelling theory and why individuals engage in criminal behaviour. The left realist have stated that the idea of avoiding labelling in order to avoid deviance is unrealistic. Also Aker (1994) criticised the labelling theory for claiming that deviants are normal individuals who have been labelled. However the labelling theory fails to explain why some individuals are labelled and some are not. Another criticism of the labelling theory is that it is possible to reject the label. Becker (1963) claimed that once an individual is labelled and accepts the devi ant behaviour, all their other qualities become irrelevant and the label becomes their master status. However there are examples that show it is possible to reject the label. This example comes from Reiss (1961) study on young male prostitutes. Although the males engage in homosexual behaviour they regard this behaviour as work and still maintain their straight image despite working as prostitutes. This study shows that the labelling theory is open to negotiation as some individuals reject the label. Differential association theory and the strain theory can be used to tackle youth crime. The differential association accepts that criminal behaviour is evident across all social classes, and that criminal attitudes and behaviour is learned through interaction with influential groups. In order to tackle youth crime the government will need to introduce organizations that aim at using positive role models to encourage young individuals who do not have positive role models in their lives. By doing so individuals can learn positive behaviour instead of deviant behaviour from people who engage in unacceptable behaviour. The differential theory has been criticised in Glueck (1956) article on Theory and fact in Criminology. Glueck stated that it is difficult to measure the duration, priority, frequency and intensity of an individuals association, so therefore this makes it impossible to predict and measure how the differential associations result in the learning of criminal behaviour. It c ould be argued that the individual did not learn criminal behaviour from an intimate social group, because the duration, frequency, priority and intensity was not sufficient. Glueck (1956) argued that if there is no sufficiency then the theory is not falsifiable which therefore males it defective. Finally the strain theory can be used to tackle youth crime because it explains the strains with society that may influence individuals to engage in criminal activity. This theory can enable the government to improve the social structure within society, for example providing more employment and better education opportunities. Strain theory has been criticised by Cohen (1955) who stated that the theory can be accounted for some but not all deviant behaviour. Cohen also criticised Mertons theory of strain for being too individualistic in describing the adaptations to strain.

Occupiers Liability Essay examples -- Papers

Occupier's Liability Objective The objective of this document is to outline the obligations of the RSPB, as occupier of property. The obligations are set out in two Occupier's Liability Acts 1957 and 1984, and are owed to persons who enter RSPB property either as licensed visitors, or as unlicensed trespassers. The document does not purport to cover every particular situation and those in any doubt should consult Legal and Compliance as to secure their own position. Overview The RSPB owns large quantities of real estate, including many public reserves. It also owns many offices to which employees have access. As Occupier, the RSPB owes a duty of care to any persons who use RSPB land, irrespective of authorisation. Legal Analysis RSPB is the Occupier for the purposes of both the "Occupier's Liability Act 1957" and "Occupier's Liability Act 1984." This is because the RSPB as an organisation has immediate supervision and control and the power of permitting or prohibiting the entry of persons onto its land. Thus, the Law imposes equitable liability upon the RSPB for its defective premises and death or personal injury (and loss to property) that incurred by persons upon its land This responsibility upon the RSPB to secure the welfare of persons upon its land, is affected by the status of such persons. Indeed, the duty owed to lawful visitors is of a higher standard than the duty owed to unlawful trespassers. However, in accordance with the law, 'reasonable measures' need to be taken to secure the welfare of both groups. The Duty of Care owed to Lawful Visitors Section 2 (2) of the Occupier's Lia... ...tandard of care owed differentiates. The standard for an invited person is higher as the RSPB undertakes to secure his welfare, the standard for a trespasser is objective and thus lower, as the trespasser is deemed to be an average person, and no regard is given to the idiosyncrasies of the trespasser: age, mental health. Evaluation The RSPB must take all reasonable measures to ensure its grounds are reasonably safe and that any disclaimers of safety offer greater protection to the visitor rather than just highlighting the risk. However, for trespassers, there must still be no overtly dangerous objects/circumstances upon RSPB property, though regard need not be given to particular characteristics of trespassers. Moreover, disclaimers ought to warn of the dangers but not necessarily offer any alternatives.

Bmgt Quiz

QUIZ # 3: BMGT 110 SECTION I 1. One or more of your colleagues encountered the quote, which follows. And at first they gave it little or no thought. It read: â€Å"[p]rovide America’s taxpayers top quality service by helping them understand and meet their responsibilities and by applying the tax law with integrity and fairness to all†? In a couple of words what kind of statement is this: IRS Mission Statement. 2. Which type of merger is likely to receive the closest examination by the Federal Trade Commission? c. | horizontal merger| | 3.For its favorable legal climate, as well as the ease and simplicity of its incorporation process, DELAWARE is the most popular state in the USA for the incorporation of many members of the Fortune 500. 4. When the Small Business Administration (SBA) assists a small business in applying for a major loan, it acts as the lender’s ________. d. | Guarantor| | | 5. Although the average farm size has gotten ________, the majority of far mers operate as ________ businesses. | | b. | larger; small| 6. Dell Computer founder Michael Dell and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates are two well-known examples of ________. a. | social entrepreneurs| | | 7. ________ are currently the largest group of minority business owners in the United States. c. | Hispanics| 8. Apple Computer, FedEx, Staples, and many other well-known companies used ________ when they were start-ups. b. | Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) financing| 9. A credit union is an example of a(n): b. | privately held corporation| | | 10. An Acquisition agreement is one firm’s purchase of the property and obligations of another company. [And a leveraged buyout (LBO) generally entails employees, management, or a group of investors purchasing a business organization primarily through borrowing . . . ]. 11.A FRANCHISE pertains to the rights to use a specific business name and sell its inventory of goods and services in a given territory or location. 3 12. W hich form of business â€Å"ownership† has a legal entitlement for having its liability separate from that of its owner(s)’ personal assets? SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP. 13. Based on their statements, which form of business ownership was personally preferred by most of our colleagues? SOLE OWNERSHIP SECTION II 14. A colleague wants to start a business. He takes a personality test and discovers he possesses a trait that may reduce the likelihood he will succeed. Which of the following is that trait? . | none of the above. but the textbook says it is Internal Locus| 15. The EPA promotes the development of businesses focusing on clean energy. a. | Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) | 16. C are specific geographic areas designated for economic revitalization. | 17. Which of the following companies has the longest and best-known record of encouraging intrapreneurship? b. | 3M| 4 18. One of our colleagues wants to start a new business but her bank will not lend her the money she needs. This colleague saw an advertisement sponsored by a business organization that provides financing for promising small companies.The organization sponsoring the advertisement would be considered a(n) ________. a. | venture capitalist| SECTION III 19. Which of the following statements is correct? b. | Dot-coms have lower costs than bricks and mortar retailers with online operations. | 20. A colleague’s company spent $50,000 to attract 10,000 online visitors to her Web site. If the conversion rate is 5 percent, her company spent ________ to attract each customer. b. | $50| 21. When it comes to using wikis—the following is recommended. a. Wertfreiheit (is of the German tongue, meaning ethical neutrality) 5 SECTION IV 22.Motivation is hereby described: as the interaction between a person or persons and a situation; it is the process by which a person or person’s efforts are energized, directed, and sustained toward attaining objectives and goals. Douglas McGreg or is associated with the: B. Theory X and Y 23. Maslow is associated with the: I 24. Herzberg is associated with the: M a. Theory X and Y b. Two-Factor Theory c. need for achievement (nAff) d. none of the above 25. The Three-Needs Theory (nAch; nAFF; and nPow) is associated with: e. David L. Kurtz f. Peter Drucker and his MBO. . . . g. David McClelland h. none of the above

Free Essays on Materialism

Materialism Materialism what do you think it is?We all know that materialism is what a person wants not what he needs.Materialism also is the standards that other people see that we think we haveto live by. As Webster’s Dictionary state, materialism is a theory thatphysical matter is only fundamental reality. Americans are very materialistic.Because our society is so materialistic, people can be hurt, and ashamed of howthey dress. Materialism in our society can also be costly. If we took a secondand looked at our society we would be able to see that our society is verymaterialistic. We are very concerned with differentname brands such as Polo, Tommy, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Kline, Fubu, Nautica,Nike, Adidias and the list could go on and on. We see the different stars ontelevision, in movies, commercials, and magazines or on stages. Whether theyare actors, actress, singers, models we all look at the clothing they wear andthink that this is what must be fashionable acceptable in our society. We letthese people set what we are going to wear and buy, since when did they decidehow we spend our hard earned money. If an actor/actress can afford an item ofclothing, does that mean that we have to buy that item to be like them? If westop to think for a minute, yes Michael Jordan was a very good basketballplayer, but does that mean we have to buy some hundred-dollar shoes becausethey have his name on it? Others of us might recall the Fubu commercial. Theones with LL Cool J’s (rapper/actor) they may be his line of clothing that heis promoting so us the consu ! mer looks at that and thinks well if LL is wearingthat then I want to be like him. Now Sean â€Å"Puffy† comps is a great rapper, butdoes that mean we have to buy his line of clothing? Calvin Kline what did he dothat was so great that make every one what to wear his clothing? We may bethinking that these sounds exactly like us or we may think what is she talkingabout... Free Essays on Materialism Free Essays on Materialism What Advertisements Don’t Tell You in Their Ads materialism (m -tà ®r - -l z m) n. 1. The theory or attitude that physical well-being and worldly possessions constitute the greatest good and highest value in life. Advertising generates new needs and establishes brand loyalties. Ads alert people to both new products and new versions of old ones. Consumption today is not only about keeping up with the Joneses. The labels you wear, the food you eat, the restaurants you frequent, the haircut you flaunt, where you go on holiday, even your spiritual cravings are social symbols. What is happening to the average man, the man who is caught in the web of a consumerist and materialistic culture with all the temptations it offers him? The general scenario is one of utter helplessness and nobody seems to have any control over his future. Added to this is the acquisitive tendency of those who are tempted to go for all kinds of things the market offers. A kind of insatiable greed seems to have taken control of all of us and no effort is being made anywhere to limit one’s wants. And this has become a global phenomenon and no country seems to be free from it. Thus the average man finds himself to be tr ! uly at a crossroads of utter despair and helplessness. He is swept away by the mighty waves of an all-pervading materialism and consumerism. Economic well-being appears to be the sole purpose of life and the manner in which value systems are being trampled upon raises the big question: Where are we headed? In the car ad included we see the car in all of its glory. What we do not see is how the car was made, who made it, and most importantly what sort of emissions it puts out. Contrary to popular belief that societal unawareness has paved our way to environmental catastrophe; advertising deliberately avoids showing the environmental consequences of a consumer society. Take for instance the Volks Wagon ad. When you look ... Free Essays on Materialism Materialism Materialism what do you think it is?We all know that materialism is what a person wants not what he needs.Materialism also is the standards that other people see that we think we haveto live by. As Webster’s Dictionary state, materialism is a theory thatphysical matter is only fundamental reality. Americans are very materialistic.Because our society is so materialistic, people can be hurt, and ashamed of howthey dress. Materialism in our society can also be costly. If we took a secondand looked at our society we would be able to see that our society is verymaterialistic. We are very concerned with differentname brands such as Polo, Tommy, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Kline, Fubu, Nautica,Nike, Adidias and the list could go on and on. We see the different stars ontelevision, in movies, commercials, and magazines or on stages. Whether theyare actors, actress, singers, models we all look at the clothing they wear andthink that this is what must be fashionable acceptable in our society. We letthese people set what we are going to wear and buy, since when did they decidehow we spend our hard earned money. If an actor/actress can afford an item ofclothing, does that mean that we have to buy that item to be like them? If westop to think for a minute, yes Michael Jordan was a very good basketballplayer, but does that mean we have to buy some hundred-dollar shoes becausethey have his name on it? Others of us might recall the Fubu commercial. Theones with LL Cool J’s (rapper/actor) they may be his line of clothing that heis promoting so us the consu ! mer looks at that and thinks well if LL is wearingthat then I want to be like him. Now Sean â€Å"Puffy† comps is a great rapper, butdoes that mean we have to buy his line of clothing? Calvin Kline what did he dothat was so great that make every one what to wear his clothing? We may bethinking that these sounds exactly like us or we may think what is she talkingabout... Free Essays on Materialism (Topic) The view taken by Lewis Lapham of â€Å"the American faith in money† meticulously identifies the covetous sentiment shared by our people. (Tell #1) Since the formation of this nation, Americans have been materialistic. (Show #1) Henry Adams observed how â€Å"deflected by the pursuit of money† the Americans were. (Mean #1) We have slowly altered our course in life to focus on achieving great riches, although these will only remain a dream for most. (Tell #2) The American people attempt to use their wealth to prove their â€Å"worth† to others and themselves. (Show #2) The philosophy, â€Å"the visible signs of wealth testify to an inward state of grace† or success, epitomizes the doctrines of the American people. (Mean #3) By ostentatiously displaying our tangible assets, we assume that other people will conclude we are happy and successful because we own so much. (Tell #3) Citizens of other countries largely have not had the same op portunities as Americans. They defer to values in â€Å"family, religion, honor, intellect, and social class†. (Show #3) The beauty of the Constitution and founding principles of America were to have a diverse society, where people with different ideas and beliefs could harmoniously live together. Therefore, we do not all have a consensual system to pass judgment on, so we turn to the obvious source of unity: money. In this land of opportunity, a clever person can build a fortune from scratch, in the past, through oil corporations and railroads, in the present, through Internet companies. We have faith in money, because we believe that to achieve that level of affluence, the individual must be intelligent, shrewd, astute, and witty along with dozens of other favorable and cherished characteristics. Money is an integral part of our lives because with it we associate the same connotations that the English do to a name; the Germans, a university degree; or the Soviets, po litical power. ...