Sunday, January 26, 2020

The Effect of Technology on Globalization

The Effect of Technology on Globalization Technology is understood to be the driving force of globalization that began in the 18th century and has continued ever since to the 21st century, in-between three industrial revolutions have taken place. The 1st industrialization revolution was in the 18th century that took place in manufacturing industries. The 2nd industrialization revolution was in the services industries. The 3rd industrialization revolution of the 21st century which we are going through is know as information age as described by Adam Smith. This technological development has helped globalise the world economy and it is also known as the Kondrative long Wave process (K-wave)  [3]  . As the diagram below shows:- The diagram describes the tends of technological changes that have taken place since the industrialization revolution, relating from production, distribution and communication, that has fuelled the globalization. It has brought about innovation and interaction between nations that werent possible before. That has led to some of the greatest invention that revolutionized trade, communication and interaction to a whole new level and increased globalization .As Thomas Friedmans said Globalization is not a choice. Basically, 80% of it is driven by technology  [4]  . According to Cable (1995) Transportation costs are falling with improved physical communication with the help of improved technological advances in telecommunication, computing, fibre optics and satellites.  [5]  Which has resulted in the speeding up of information flow and the transportation of goods across nations more quickly and efficiently . This is being achieved through the technologies mentioned above, that is at the heart of the communication and transportation globalization, which is ongoing. Joseph Schumpeter has called it a glaze of creative distraction  [6]  . Take for instance transportation system wouldnt have been made possible without the invention off steam engine in 1796 a problem solved by James Watts  [7] The diffusion of steam engine technology to streamline ships, with the help of propulsion technology and the introduction of Jet Aircraft in 1950s brought about new dynamics of globalization which has allowed flexibility in movement of labour freely. This innovation has allowed massive economic expansion to take place and caused Global Shrinkage, in terms of distances. As the Diagram below illustrates on how travelling distances have been reduced over time and made world smaller: The diagram shows the Global Shrinkage: the effect of changing transportation technologies on Real distances  [8]  . Improvements made in transportation and the development of containerization allowed goods to move from place to place and continent to continents ever since its launch in 1956 to move goods from Newark, New Jersey to Houston Texas through the Gulf of Mexico  [9]  . Shipping ports around the world have cranes built to lift the containers more efficiently and thus saving money and speeding trade. Compare to pre-containership era of 1960s where trade was slow and unreliable that also fall due to bad weather or thieves. As Economist Paul Kurgnam says that the result is new economic geography requiring new theories of location and trade. The changes have been both technological and political  [10]  . Technological development has helped increased globalization. A prime example of technological globalization is that China and India have benefited economically as technologies like airplane, container ships have allowed China to export its goods to Europe and US vice versa and allowed countries to exploit their comparative advantage in trade. Article named The container that changed the world published by Virginia Postrel in New York times re-enforces the point that Low transport costs help make it economically sensible for a factory in China to produce Barbie dolls with Japanese hair, Taiwanese plastics and American colorants, and ship them off to eager girls all over the world, writes Marc Levinson in The Box: How the Shipping Container Made the World Smaller and the World Economy Bigger  [11]  . According to Kondrative Wave (K Wave) system we are in the fifth cycle that is known as the Information Age. The Internet /World Wide Web has been the biggest thing to come out of Information technology advancements. That has revolutionized how information is passed or its availability thus creating an economy based on knowledge. The Internet has been described as a decentralized, global medium of communication comprising a global web of linked networks and computers.  [12]  As people across countries can trade and communicate instantaneously economically, for example e-mail has allowed instant communication through the World Wide Web, World Wide Web on the other has made World One as countries can now trade with each other, all made possible due to the cost effectiveness technological advance like the internet /world wide web. Where information is been exchanged at a global level instantaneously. As Information is the new mantra that spells success in the modern world  [13] Technology like the Internet has given rise to E-commerce; E-commerce that refers to business conducted through means of electronic communication networks like Internet. That has brought about new dynamics to the globalization of businesses. Where virtual business can be set up and trade worldwide without any barriers stopping them. For example business like Amazon, Borders and eBay that have sprung up because of Internet have transformed the way small business operate and have given opportunity to individuals to enter these global markets. As Internet help provides a cheaper faster way of communication between business and its consumers worldwide. Another sector that has seen the biggest impact because of technological globalization is the financial sector, where diffusion of information based technology has made possible people around the world to trade 24/7 trading has moved to electronic system from the physical system making money move more efficiently and on a faster level, thus allowing more participation of those people who are connected with the internet. Technology has also impacted the cultural globalization with inventions like telephone and television. Telephone has made it feasible for any one to talk to each other regardless of where they are geographically in the world, all made possible with the help of satellites and mobile phones that has made possible to make a call, receive e-mail, texts and even allow video call. It is due to technological advancements made in the field of communication, as seen no countries are now really apart. All made possible due to technological breakthrough in communication that have revolutionized business, commerce, and linked millions of people. TV on the other hand has connected parts of world, where they feel and see without having to leave the room. On TVS by just a touch of the remote button, that allows people to explore worlds on different channels it is made available because of Internet, communication advances and with the help of sounds and visual that are transmitted through the TV. Co mmunication technology has brought the world closer and people closer regardless of where they are in the world. We have found out that form the 1st industrial revolution Technology has had a great impact in the globalization as it help join the world together, where distance is no barrier for trade and is considered to be an essential part of economic globalization activity. As Friedman pointed out that 80% of globalization is technology driven. The technological development made in areas like communication and the invention of telephone and Mobile phones all with the help of satellites has made help removed the time and distance that has excited before. Transportation on the other hand has allowed trade to take place more efficiently and cost effectively with the help of the containerships, Jet Airplane and electric trains. It has helped facilitated growth between nations, as countries are able to take advantage of their comparative advantages as large goods can be exported and imported between countries. The spread of information technology has made production networks cheaper and easier, all made possible because of digital networks like the Internet that is cost effective. This has been one of the fundamental economic globalization factors that have helped overcome the friction of distance and time. Without these technological advancements globalization would not be made possible or even achieved As the K-Wave shows the types of technologic advances at different stages of industrialization and there economic impact that all began in the late 18th century.

Friday, January 17, 2020

Climate Change Caused by Human

Examine the role of one human activity in causing climate change With the rapid development of contemporary society, the balance between human and the nature has been destroyed. The increase of globally averaged temperature on the earth’s surface has occurred over the past century. Thus, climate problems have been the initial international issue to be handled. Industrial production is one of human activities causing climate change. Firstly, this essay will analyze how carbon dioxide and small carbon particles lead to climate change.Secondly, this essay will present the cooling effect of Feron on global temperature. Finally, this essay will discuss how deforestation in expanding industrial land changes climate. The combustion of fossil fuels is inevitable in industrial production, because it provides extreme high temperature and continuous heat. It is the direct contributor to climate changes by emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The concentration of carbon dioxide has increased since industrial revolution.In the past ten years, the situation has deteriorated, as the increase in the concentration has become far quicker than previous predictions (Adam, 2007). The majority of carbon dioxide emission results from fossil fuels. Due to the increasing atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide, more sun energy is absorbed and trapped in the atmosphere, enhancing greenhouse effect (NDPI, 2008). Not only greenhouse gases but also carbon particles, consisting of heavy smoke which is produced by burning fossil fuels, are responsible for climate change.These particles gather in clouds, increasing the density of the atmosphere, which causes sun heat radiation be absorbed and trapped inside the earth without being released. With less heat reflecting back to the space, negative impacts on earth’s warming are amplifyed. Consequently, burning fossil fuels in industrial production is a major cause of climate change. Freon, used as refrigerant in some industrial equipment, is another greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.This gas will corrode ozone layer, which helps to prevent ultraviolet rays from reaching the Earth, by several chemical actions; whereas the gas itself plays the role of catalyst, which means it will not reduce when decomposing ozone. If the earth is exposed to excessive ultraviolet rays, humans will suffer from skin diseases and the ecological environment will be under a dangerous condition. The news said that both Antarctic and Arctic sky had holes and the holes were expanding. It is a warning that requires effective measurements to reduce the release of Freon.Contrary to general perspective, the depletion of ozone has a net effect on cooling the Earth’s surface instead of warming it (Hamgurg, 1997). However, this greenhouse gas is still responsible for climate change. In order to enlarge factories, people require more flat lan d, leading to deforestation, which is another cause of climate change in industrial production. Thousands of forests are being cut down every year, posing a serious problem that destroying the balance between carbon and oxygen to the nature.If the area of forests continue to reduce, extra carbon dioxide cannot be absorbed and not enough oxygen can be produced, which means that the nature will lose the capability of adjusting the composition of atmosphere. Without the proper percent of oxygen in the atmosphere, various plants will be unable to survive, resulting in the increasingly severe destruction of the carbon and oxygen balance. Eventually, this negative cycle in the nature enhances climate change. In conclusion, industrial development plays a vital role in climate change.The emission of Feron erodes ozone layers, which cools the temperature; the combustion of fossil fuels in order to gain extreme high temperature and provide continuous heat, as well as deforestation which creat es more space for factories, increase the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is a significant cause of the warmer climate. Reference: Adam, D. (2007) Carbon output rising faster than forest, say study. The Guardian online. Available at: http://www. guardian. co. k/environment/2007/oct/23/climatechange. canbonemission (Access 17 January 2011) Hamburg, S. R. et al. (1997) What Human Activities Contribute to Climat Change? Washington DC: United Environment Programme-World Meteorological Organization. Available from: http://www. gcrio. org/ipcc/qa/06. html (Accessed 17 January 2011 ) NSW Department of Primary Industries (2008), What is climate change? Available from:http://www. dpi. nsw. gov. au/research/topics/climate-change/cause (Accessed 17 January 2011)

Thursday, January 9, 2020

The Power of Sexuality in Bel Ami - 1692 Words

The can-can, cabaret and prostitution dominated Paris in La Belle Epoque. Sex was a commerce, an escape, and a way of life. Its prominence in Parisian culture made sexuality synonymous with power and a tool for obtaining it. The combination of beauty and assertiveness could get you places that hard, honest work simply could not. Both men and women took advantage of this lustful commodityÂâ€"prostitutes and mistresses were seen as status symbols, while flirtatious femme fatales had their way with the rich and successful. But love, illustrated in Guy de Maupassants Bel-Ami, was far from romantic. It was a well-planned out ritual, full of lies, deceit and infidelity. However, the power of sexuality in La Belle Epoque does not stray far from†¦show more content†¦Maupassant informs the reader of Duroys lack of conscience, while at the same time is careful not to criticize his behavior. The power of sexuality and the act of using others to get what one wants is portrayed as only natural. So, naturally, the women of Bel-Ami are also culprits in this web of selfishness. Duroy sees females as fish to catch (Maupassant 25)Ââ€"but is he the fisherman or is he the fish? The term feminism, as it is described today, did not exist n La Belle Epoque. Prostitution was not seen as degradingÂâ€"in fact, women using their sexuality to get what they wanted could be viewed as a feminist act. In Bel-Ami, Duroy uses both Rachel and Madame de Marelle, but at the same time they are using him as well. Rachel makes a living by selling her body, so to her, he is just another paying customerÂâ€"there is no romantic involvement or emotional attatchment. If it wasnt Duroy, it would be someone else. He is using her for sex, but she is in turn using him for money. Then there is Clotilde, who uses her power of flirtation and sexuality not for money but to fulfill her own lustful desires. She is married to an older man and finds her secret relationship with Duroy to be different and exciting. Clotilde loves going out to seedy places with DuroyÂâ€"places that she could never set foot in with her husband. Duroy takes her to a small cafà © whereShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Humiliation In Tartuffe1494 Words   |  6 PagesEnlightenment in Europe, when questions were raised about the role and authority of the Church. Cleante, the voice of reason, represents the true meaning of religion, while Tartuffe symbolizes the Catholic Church, which had been using its authority and power for monetary gains. This play humiliated the Church, who threatened excommunication to those associated with it. While humiliation is present within the text itself, it also manifested into external humiliation to those who read the play-- a social

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Beowulf as a Pagan Oral Tradition Essay - 1658 Words

The unknown author of Beowulf uses examples throughout the poem that suggest the story comes from an oral tradition. In the poem Beowulf, a Germanic scop, or bard, recites poetry orally, or in a song, usually telling stories about historical triumphs and adventures. These poets were referred to in this epic poem as carriers of tales..., traditional singer[s] deeply schooled in the lore[s] of the past (Beowulf 50). This was common in Germanic culture. Scops would keep folkloric heroes alive in the oral tradition. They passed down stories orally from one generation to the next. The Beowulf poet himself imagines such oral performances by having King Hrothgars court poet recite a heroic lay at a feast celebrating Beowulfs†¦show more content†¦In this example the unknown poet of Beowulf does not go into detail about the poets song, as he does in the others, but it is still an example that the oral tradition is alive in the text. Beowulf was obviously, in its origin, a pagan text. There are several examples of pagan elements throughout the story. The belief in wergild, a term meaning man-price, is one of the strongest of these ideas. It also incorporates the pagan ideas of fate, the fashion in which lords are buried, and symbols of paganism. The text is clearly one that tells a Germanic heroic narrative, which is not acceptable to the Judeo-Christian ideals. The belief in wergild is very similar to the idea of an eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth. If one[s] kinsmen had been slain, a man had a moral obligation either to kill the slayer or to exact the payment of wergild in compensation (Beowulf 30). It was also shameful to not take revenge or to exact compensation (Beowulf 30). This idea is exemplified throughout the entire text. Since no man price could be paid for Grendels slaying of Hrothgars people, Grendel had to be slain. So he overcame the foe, brought down the hell-brute. Broken and bowed, outcast from all sweetness, the enemy of mankind made for his death-den.Show MoreRelatedChristianity : The Rise Of Christianity1512 Words   |  7 PagesPaganism involved polytheistic beliefs with ritualistic tradition and animal sacrifice. This belief was common in the Anglo-Saxon tradition, which is from where the epic poem Beowulf is thought to have originated circa 550 AD. Due to the origins of Beowulf being surrounded by Pagan traditio n and culture and reliance on the method of oral recitation of the story, the poem holds Pagan influences. Examples of these influences include the monsters that Beowulf faces in the story, idol worship, and burning theRead MoreThe Importance Of Heroism In Beowulf1073 Words   |  5 PagesBeowulf is a classic, epic story which theme focuses on good versus evil, â€Å"Beowulf is essentially a heathen poem† (Bodek) said F.A Blackburn because it consists of elements drawn from Anglo-Saxons culture before they were converted to Christians. It is tidily divided into three parts; The battle with Grendel, The battle with Grendel’s mother and the battle with the Dragon. The poem deals with Germanic forebears, the Danes, the Geats and the Swedes. This story features a super-strong warrior BeowulfRead MoreTheme Of Paganism In Beowulf1179 Words   |  5 Pageslongest epic poem ever written in the genre of Old English is â€Å"Beowulf†, it has been composed in the native language as spoken during the Anglo-Saxon reign in England, preceding the Norman Conquest. Beowulf is regarded as a classic tale which relates the defeat of evil and triumph of good. The poem is divided into three acts. Christian and Pagan Influences in Beowulf: The Pagan deities, rituals as well as pagan ideas influenced Beowulf, when it was being created, though the passing down of the epicRead MoreEssay on Christian Elements in Beowulf1568 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf is one of the great heroic poems in English literature. The epic follows a courageous warrior named Beowulf throughout his young, adult life and into his old age. As a young man, Beowulf becomes a legendary hero when he saves the land of the Danes from the hellish creatures, Grendel and his mother. Later, after fifty years pass, Beowulf is an old man and a great king of the Geats. A monstrous dragon soon invades his peaceful kingdom and he defends his people courageously, dying in the processRead MoreEssay on Christian and Pagan Ideals in Beowulf1343 Words   |  6 PagesBefore the invention of the printing press or written history, oral history, especially in early Germanic culture, became the foremost means of transcribing values, and past events. Written down in approx imately 1,000 A.D. by an unknown author, Beowulf, originally a pagan fable, became a Christian allegory upon its transcription by Christian monks. However, as scholars have debated over the religious context in Beowulf, the attempts by the monks to turn the epic poem into a Christian parable endedRead MoreEssay about Christian And Pagan Ideals In Beowulf1335 Words   |  6 PagesBefore the invention of the printing press or written history, oral history, especially in early Germanic culture, became the foremost means of transcribing values, and past events. Written down in approximately 1,000 A.D. by an unknown author, Beowulf, originally a pagan fable, became a Christian allegory upon its transcription by Christian monks. However, as scholars have debated over the religious context in Beowulf, the attempts by the monks to turn the epic poem into a Christian parable endedRead More Beowulf Society Essay1717 Words   |  7 Pages Beowulf Society The earliest known manuscript of Beowulf is thought to have been written in the tenth century, however, the poem had most likely been told as an oral tradition for centuries before that. In fact, the poem’s events date back to the sixth century. However, because there is only one manuscript of Beowulf still in tact very little is known about the poem or its author. The poem does, however, give us great insight into the culture of the people who composed and told this epic tale.Read MoreBeowulf Society1744 Words   |  7 PagesBeowulf Society The earliest known manuscript of Beowulf is thought to have been written in the tenth century, however, the poem had most likely been told as an oral tradition for centuries before that. In fact, the poems events date back to the sixth century. However, because there is only one manuscript of Beowulf still in tact very little is known about the poem or its author. The poem does, however, give us great insight into the cult ure of the people who composed and told this epic tale. BecauseRead More The Epic Poem, Beowulf - Vengeance and Revenge in Beowulf Essay1328 Words   |  6 PagesVengeance and Revenge in Beowulf    The oldest of the great lengthy poems written in English and perhaps the lone survivor of a genre of Anglo-Saxon epics, Beowulf, was written by an unknown Christian author at a date that is only estimated.   Even so, it is a remarkable narrative story in which the poet reinvigorates the heroic language, style, and values of Germanic oral poetry.   He intertwines a number of themes including good and evil, youth and old age, paganism and Christianity and theRead MoreBeowulf : Portrait Of Anglo Saxon Society Essay2057 Words   |  9 PagesBeowulf: Portrait of Anglo-Saxon Society The Middle Ages in England began with the withdrawal of the Romans and the arrival of various Germanic tribes (the Angles, the Saxons and the Jutes), during the mid-fifth century. These tribes, which became known as the Anglo-Saxons, were composed of people from North Germany, Denmark and northern Holland, and took control of most of Britain, except for lands such as Scotland, Wales or Cornwall (Hindley 23). They brought with them the tradition of oral poetry