Oedipus Rex Is A Greek Tragedy Written By Sophocles

Oedipus Rex is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles. Sophocles, through writing this work along with Antigone and Oedipus at Colonus, became a legendary tragedian, and went off to produce several other works. This classic tragedy held great influence over Aristotle’s six components in his work, the Poetics, more specifically, over the component of plot and character. The birth of Oedipus Rex since spurred countless famous interpretations, including ones by the father of psychoanalysis himself, Sigmund Freud, and French anthropologist Claude Là ©vi-Strauss, who developed Sophocles’ drama into the â€Å"Oedipus Complex,† the desire to kill one parent and marry the other, and examined the â€Å"overrating and underrating of blood relations† in the story, respectively. After having read the story of Oedipus Rex myself, I have found that a recurring theme to be â€Å"blindness vs. sight.† By recounting the major scenes that relate back to the ideas of s ight and blindness in Oedipus, such as Oedipus’ interaction with the priest’s beginning speech that commends Oedipus’ eyesight among other traits, his malicious encounter with the prophet Tiresias, and when he blinds himself after discovering his unknown atrocities, and interpreting them to the best of my knowledge, I believe I can come to a clear, cohesive thesis. That through Oedipus Rex, Sophocles is trying to convey that it’s better to remain blind, in this case to be ignorant, rather than suffer the harsh realities that come with sight, orShow MoreRelatedGreek Mythology And Mythology Of The Iliad, Oedipus Rex And Others1294 Words   |  6 Pagesthis have been seen throughout the world, especially in Greek culture. The ancient Greeks had a rich culture, which they used often in their works; examples of this are seen in the Iliad, Oedipus Rex and others. The existence of Greek mythology and narratives plays a significant role in shaping the arts, mos t notably dance and performance. It also prompted the Aristotle Poetics that discussed the value of six specific traits in every tragedy. It has even encouraged the usage in other fields of studyRead More Comparing A Dolls House and Oedipus Rex Essay1672 Words   |  7 PagesComparing A Dolls House and Oedipus Rex Ibsens drama A Dolls House, serves as an example of the kind of issue-based drama that distinguishes Ibsen from many of his contemporaries. The plays dialogue is not poetic, but very naturalistic, and the characters are recognizable people. Given the sense of modernity which the play possesses it seems unusual to compare it to a Greek tragedy produced more than two-thousand years previously. On closer examination however, thereRead MoreTragedy and Comedy Essay1248 Words   |  5 Pagespowerful than the written word. At its worst, theater will merely bore; while at its best it will not only entertain but move and shape its audience. Two such genres of theater, or drama, have consistently achieved this effect. Tragedy, represented by the weeping actors’ mask, usually features the title character’s fall from greatness to ruin, guided by the gods or fate. Oedipus Rex, written by Sophocles, is the epitome of classic Tragedy, as defined by Aristotle (96-101). Here, Oedipus falls from kingshipRead MoreOedipus The King By Sophocles1165 Words   |  5 PagesOedipus the King was written by Sophocles and was is titled Oedipus Rex in Latin. It is one of the most well-known Greek tragedies. As is the case with Greek tragedies—or roughly most tragedies that make their way to stage—fate plays a key role in the events in Oedipus Rex. Oedipus discovers there is a plague on his city. The only way to lift the plague is by slaying the former king’s killer. As the play’s acts unfold one discovers about the prophecy concerning Oedipus. The prophecy states that OedipusRead MoreOedipus Rex Research Paper1035 Words   |  5 PagesOedipus Rex Oedipus Rex is one of the most well written plays. Oedipus Rex has a tragic flaw which leads to his destruction. Oedipus’ flaw leads him to suffer and arouses Pity and Fear from the crowd; Scared that it could happen to them. The Unity of Plot has a beginning, middle and end, along with that Oedipus grows in knowledge about his birthing, but is ignorant for not realizing he brought the problems on Thebes. Oedipus is a confident, wise and strong-willed character, but these characteristicsRead MoreEssay about Oedipus Rex and Fight Club965 Words   |  4 PagesOedipus Rex, a play written by Sophocles, and Fight Club, a movie directed by David Fincher, are two stories that relate to one another by sharing similar ideas and life lessons. One could argue that both contain essential qualities and characteristics of classical tragedy, but are they both ultimately tragic in the classical sense of the word? I believe that both Oedipus Rex and Fight Club do, in fact, exhibit the importa nt qualities of classical tragedy but ultimately, I think that only one ofRead MoreComparing Oedipus Rex And Death Of A Salesman By Arthur Miller1255 Words   |  6 Pagesa. Tragedy†¦ we all will go through this at least once in our lifetime. It is inevitable. It has been around since the beginning of time. The ancient Greek’s used it in a manner in which we still use it today in Modern times. b. Today I will be comparing the two works such as Oedipus Rex, which is a playwright written by the great Sophocles and another playwright named Death Of A Salesman written by Arthur Miller. c. Through out the years, there has been a lot of controversy on whether or not DeathRead MoreOedipus Complex Essay1115 Words   |  5 PagesEver heard of the Oedipus Complex? Thank Greek playwright Sophocles and Sigmund Freud. In short, the Oedipus Complex, is when a male is born, a â€Å"fondness† or â€Å"lust† is created for his mother and a hatred for his father. In due time, the idea became prevalent after the works of Sophocles and was adapted for psychology. Nevertheless, Oedipus Rex was written around the 5th century B.C.E. Later, to continue the story Sophocles wrote Antigone. Oedipus Rex follows the character of Oedipus, the King of ThebesRead MoreOedipus Rex Essay1335 Words   |  6 Pagesdrank my father’s blood offered you by my hands, do you remember still what I did as you looked on, and what I did when I came here?† (Oedipus Rex, 1575-1580). Precisely placed at the crossroads of fate and autonomy, Oedipus struggles to define what, exactly , is fate and what, exactly, is left to his own discretion; Oedipus Rex challenges the common thought of Greek Society. Transcending more than one thousand years, questions often posed within the context of this play come to light in high schoolRead MoreThe Tragic Ending Of King Oedipus1060 Words   |  5 Pages Gauen 27 October 2014 The Tragic Ending of King Oedipus Following the victories of the Greeks invading the Persians at Marathon in 490 B.C. and Salamis in 480 B.C., Athens experienced a period of social optimism and period expansion during the first half of the fifth century B.C. The second half of the fifth century B.C. was also very successful in that Athenians tremendously developed culturally and intellectually. This was the era of Sophocles and a period where everything and anything seemed

Movie Review Coraline - 1511 Words

The movie, Coraline is an animated film that takes you to another universe in your mind. Adventure and suspense are major aspects of this movie. Though the targeted audience of the movie is geared towards young adults, it is also child friendly. The genre of the movie is fantasy/thriller; movies categorized by this genre are usually seasonal thrillers. Most people choose to watch these types of movies during the autumn or Halloween season. Other movies in this genre include Monster House and The Nightmare Before Christmas. In the film Coraline the setting, theme, mood, and atmosphere that is portrayed makes this film very intriguing. As the film, Coraline is directed towards young adults, this specific audience will often find this movie very fascinating. Though the targeted audience if for teens, this movie is appropriate for any viewer that is age nine or older. However, younger children may not understand the entire concept of the movie. Anyone under that age may need parental advisory when watching this movie, as this movie may scare, or be very disturbing for younger viewers. Coraline tells a story that the audience may be able to relate to in real life. Mentally, the film is brought to life. The idea of a parallel universe depicted in the setting of the story, the lessons portrayed in the theme of the film, and the atmosphere causes the viewer to relate the fantasy to reality. Notably, one major aspect of the film is the setting. Bringing to life an eerie feeling,Show MoreRelatedThe Falafel Of Imminent Philosophical Wisdom2538 Words   |  11 PagesGaiman: one of the most renowned authors ofmany novels, comic books, graphic novels, audio theatre and filmsin modern British history and winner of multiple Eisner, Hugo, Newberry, and Nebula awards. Well known in American culture for works such as Coraline, The Graveyard book,American Gods,Good Omens, and The Sandman, Gaiman is a treasure to all of humankind.â€Å"He’s 5†² 10†³ tall, owns a number of black T-shirts, and although he’s not overly keen on banana daiquiris, is always very flattered when appreciativeRead MoreTheater Review : The Arabian Nights1262 Words   |  6 PagesTheater Review: The Arabian Nights On Sunday, March 19, 2016, I had the pleasure of attending Cal State University San Bernardino’s The Arabian Nights musical theater production written by Mary Zimmerman and adapted from the classical story of â€Å"The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night†. Run time was a total of 2 hours and 35 minutes, with special ticket pricing for students was 6 dollars, general being 15 dollars and special 12 dollars. As the book suggests the original story consists of 1001

Donald Davidson Essay Research Paper In Shakespeares free essay sample

Donald Davidson Essay, Research Paper In Shakespeare? s Hamlet, there is a slaying, and it doesn? Ts say straight out who the slaying is. There are no investigators on the instance. No 1 within in the province is truly oppugning the slaying of the King except for his boy. It may non hold all the customary qualities of detective narrative, but it does come across as a detective narrative in which Hamlet seeks to work out the cryptic decease and to avenge for his male parent. In an ordinary, mundane, mean offense the investigators try to calculate out who the culprit or culprits are. This is non the instance in Hamlet, the lone grounds that comes across that the King was murdered was the apparitional figure who merely appeared to be Hamlet? s male parent. In scene five of act one, Horatio says to Hamlet after Hamlet talked to the shade that? These are but wild and twirling winds. We will write a custom essay sample on Donald Davidson Essay Research Paper In Shakespeares or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page ? This inquiries the word of Hamlet by demoing the he might be conceive ofing things. Besides, the new King and Hamlet? s mother think he is huffy. There may hold even been a inquiry in Hamlet? s head and that possibly why he delayed his retaliation. This is where it appears to go a detective narrative. Hamlet has a intuition that his uncle, the new male monarch, killed his male parent. Hamlet sets up a trap for the new male monarch by watching his reaction to the drama, which was based on the manner the shade told Hamlet he died. After that Hamlet may hold had the concluding support to revenge his male parent? s decease. The motivation for the new male monarch to kill Hamlet? s male parent was crystal clear. He married Hamlet? s m other after merely two months. He evidently besides became the new male monarch every bit good. Hamlet had that support early and he seemed the lone one to being a investigator. What made it look more like a offense and a detective narrative was the manner Claudius made his moves. He tried to cover up his action really carefully. The male monarch had Rosencrantz and Guildenstern over expression Hamlet? s? transformation. ? The male monarch says in scene two of act two, ? ? so by your companies to pull him on to pleasances, and to garner so much as from juncture you may reap, whether nothing to us unknown afflicts him therefore that, open? vitamin D, lies within our remedy. ? Hamlet does non do this easy for the male monarch to acquire any information because he was either huffy or moving mad, that? s a determination that is up to the reader. There seemed to be two motivations behind Hamlet? s drama every bit good. The first ground was to see the reaction of the male monarch. The second was possibly to set uncertainty in other people in the province or convey up the inquiry that his male parent may hold been murdered. Hamlet is really underhand and smart like a investigator. Shakespeare? s Hamlet may hold non meant to be a detective narrative and surely was different than the mean 1. Shakespeare puts a batch of oppugning in this narrative. This seems to be a detective narrative, it can be questioned, but it does hold the basic portion of one. Hamlet plays the portion of detective really good. There was a offense and at that place seemed to be a enigma to calculate out. This is a well-written detective narrative that underlies a narrative about power, retaliation, and fraudulence.

Music Can Be Seen as Related to Gender. free essay sample

One of the reasons why gender has perhaps often been considered to be more social, and sex in turn more natural, is that gender is usually more visible as a series of conventions about dress codes, expected public bodily behavior, manner of speech and so on. Sex, however, is closely connected to sexuality, which has often been informed by beliefs that this should be a more private affair. The distinction between sex and gender is therefore both ideological and misleading.Here I follow the approach of Weeks, who has argued that gender is the social condition of being male or female, and sexuality, the cultural way of living out our bodily pleasures and desires (1986:45). Is rock itself an inherently masculine genre? One of the earliest attempts to start theorizing the relationship between rock music and sexuality can be found in an essay Ritter by Simon Firth and Angela Microbes (1978), in which they argued that rock operated as a form of sexual expression and as a form of sexual cont rol. We will write a custom essay sample on Music Can Be Seen as Related to Gender. or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Firth and Microbes declared that, in terms of control and production, rock is a male form (1 978: 5). This argument was illustrated with reference of two different types of music: cook rock and teenybopper. Cook rock is a term that was coined by feminists during the early sass to refer to male performers such as Mock Jaeger, Roger Dallier and Robert Plant, who were aggressive, dominating and boastful. Women were often portrayed as subordinate in heir songs and represented as sex objects on LIP covers. The music was loud, rhythmically insistent, built around techniques of arousal and climax, the lyrics are assertive and arrogant Sock rockers musical skills become synonymous with their sexual skills (Firth and Microbes (1978: 7). They believe that men dominate and control the production, reproduction and dissemination of rock music and this is reflected in the music. Comparing this with teenybopper, which was judged to be consumed almost exclusively by girls, Firth and Microbes found a contrasting representation of male sexuality eased on softer ballad styles, and evocations of self-pity and vulnerability which encouraged female fantasies about being the partner of a singer.Firth and Microbes argument was based on a narrow series of essentialist assumptions which privileged heterosexual behavior. As Weeks (1986) has argued, male and female sexuality is far more varied and differentiated. Against Firth and Microbes argument that rock is male because it is controlled by men and therefore expresses a male sexuality, Robert Waller (1993) has proposed a more dynamic and historical approach by claiming that Sock has been actively made as male.Focusing on a specific submerge, heavy metal, he notes that heavy rock is not enjoyed entirely by male audience and neither does it communicate one type of masculinity. Waller continues to argue that heavy metal musicians do not simply express some essential maleness but instead are involved in what he calls forging masculinity. This is not a type of unmediated cultural expression but a conscious and deliberate strategy. Waller argues that for most of its early history, heavy metal was actively made as male through a series of quite particular practices, strategies ND tactics.Waller identified four such strategies that he found articulated in song lyrics, through the use Of musical codes and music videos. These he has identified as: 1 ascription, which means no girls are allowed; 2. ) misogyny, an anti-woman strategy which results in women appearing in songs and videos as mysterious or dangerous and as a threat to male control; 3. ) romance, a cultural strategy whereby love, escape and fantasy provide a means of transcending everyday problems; 4. Androgyny, which is an ambiguous and contradictory strategy while using elements of inflectionally feminine clothing (lace, stockings and make-up), many hard rock musicians seek to assert their heterosexuality and are anxious that their androgyny should not lead t o their sexuality being wrongly attributed as gay by fans, other musicians or journalists. Agree with Goodliest and Wald when they argue that rock can provide a means by which women can actively create distinctive female subcultures by using the example of Riot Girl.The label Riot Girl typically applied to a US sub-genre of alternative rock performed by female artists and groups that emerged in the early 1 sass. The Musical style appropriates elements of punk, hard-rock and grunge. Women musicians challenged the use of the guitar as a symbol of male power; the female voice was employed to challenge the macho assertiveness of rock in particular through screaming and the adoption of a variety of vocal sounds that were used to evoke rage, pleasure and/or primal self assertion (Goodliest and Wald, 1994: 261).As performers, women neither tried to become one of the boys nor played up to the traditional feminine image by seeking the heterosexual male gaze. Lyrically the songs dealt with taboo or private issues such as menstruation, incest, abuse, birth, motherhood and lesbian s ex. Riot Girl paved the way for wider recognition of women artists and groups In alternative rock genres (whether or not explicitly political in nature). However, Goodliest and Wald tempered their optimism with the observation that, despite the advances made by a few female performers, the on-going tradition of rock is still deeply masculinity (1994: 252).After all, where are the female rock musicians who might challenge the success of Guns N Roses, 132 or ERM? The conclusion that might be drawn from this rating on rock and sexuality is that rock is a genre that has been sexed in a very particular way, and as such its generic codes and conventions can present a formidable barrier to musicians who went to challenge and change them. One quote that agrees that rock is male, is made by Julie Burials (1994) where she states that l know its a sexist thing to say, but women arent as good at making music as men like theyre not as good as men at football.A girl in a dress with a guitar looks weird. . Its k on the radio, because you cant see them. Christie Handy is an exception. Very few of them are exceptions. And if they dont have a guitar, they become the dumb girl in front of the band. Im not a great fan of girls in pop. There are just two types of female making pop music today those blessed with good looks, and those who would perhaps be better served by an undercover visit to the local plastic Surgeon. [Women rockers] are just indulging in ugly Winning bleating.When ugly winning get left by some scrawny, spotty failed musician they blame the whole world but you couldnt give a chits because they sound so bucking whiningly horrible. Paul Lester (1992), This is a pretty harsh comment to make, suggesting that only pretty women can pull off being a rock musician. It should not be based on looks, after all, not a lot of male rockers are attractive. An example of a Riot Girl Group is Hole that were formed in 1989. They are not (considered to be) an original Riot Girl group although there are musical, lyrical and attitudinal similarities.Their key albums are: pretty on the Inside (1 991 Live Through This (1 994); celebrity Skin (1998). Their musical output was often dominated by Loves (controversial) public image. Live Through This draws on punk, rock and grunge and it parallels with Nirvanas Nevermore. It utilizes alternating soft verse/explosive chorus (cuff. Nirvana). This Riot Girl group has an abrasive and ironic/worldly vocal delivery (as opposed to the stereotypically polished or sweet-sounding female vocal). It is made catchy with the use of melodic pop hooks and antithetic chorus.The lyrics synthesis the intimately confessional with the socially relevant (again, producing songs that operate both individually and collectively). Powerful use of dynamic contrast at all levels acoustic v heavy extortion; gentle low register v shouting/screaming high register; understated verse v powerful chorus. Riot Girl was essentially about empowerment but, wary of the bad press, the Riot Frumps and Feminine tags, many women in bands distanced themselves from it in droves.Riot Girl ultimately was a fanzine-led flashing, a media rocket supporting the key- issue a womans place in art and rock culture. (O Brine, p. 164) It is not just rock that has been generically sexed, but also disco and jazz. When writing about rock, Firth and Microbes had argued that disco expressed a sexuality which was cool, restrained and understated (1978 : 19). Basing many of their observations on the disco movie Saturday Night Fever, they wrote of the social relations of disco as traditional girls dreaming of disco romance and boys dreaming of quick and easy sex (1978: 19).Yet disco music, far from being associated simply with traditional heterosexual conventions, is a genre that has frequently been linked with gay male sexuality. Richard Dyer argues that disco has been taken up by gays in ways that may well not have been intended by its producers (1990:413). The apparent gayness of disco has been questioned by John Gill (1 995), who has been critical of many of the assumptions that have been made about gay preferences in music (e. G. Who says that gay men prefer opera, show tunes and disco? . Gill is particularly critical of the way that gay disco music has become something of a sexual stereotype among both gay and non-gay music fans. I believe that although disco may not have been intended to be gay by its producers, it has still somewhat become gay with its cheesy music/lyrics, bright colors, fancy, over-the-top clothing etc. In discussing this he has made some interesting observations on the sexing of musical genres and in particular about the sexing of jazz.Gill has noted how the lesbian, gay and bisexual aspects to the lives and music of many prominent composers and musicians have often been excluded from jazz biographies. He has illustrated the point further by referring to the experiences of the gay jazz musician Gary Burton, whose experiences has led him to conclude that jazzs public image does not fit well with being a gay person (1995:75). This is an interesting observation because or many of its devotes jazz is thought not to have an image (unlike the excesses of rock performance for example).Yet, as Burton observes from touring and performing; Many people still persist in wanting jazz to be played by bucked-up addicts and alcoholics, in cramped smoky clubs, while wearing garish clothes and silly hats and sunglasses and talking jive talk. I get complaints all the time about not looking the part (Gill 1995:75). This argument about males being superior, has been going on for many years, long before rock, jazz or disco. As Susan McClain states with her argument that, much of the Western classical tradition can be understood as patriarchal.She gives four such examples: 1 . ) The exclusion of, or writing out of history of, women composers and performers: 2. ) The use of gendered terms (e. G. feminine ending or feminine cadence); 3. ) The stereotypically gendered portrayal of female (and male) characters in opera; 4. ) That sonata form itself plays out a narrative of masculine domination. Doll Bernhard Marx once stated in his lengthy discussion of sonata form that in sonata form he first theme is masculine and the second theme feminine. In this pair of themes. .. The first theme is the one determined at the outset, that is, with a primary freshness and energy consequently that which is energetically, emphatically, absolutely shaped The dominating and determining feature. On the other hand, the second theme. .. Is serving as a contrast, dependent on and determined by the former consequently, and according to its nature necessarily, the milder idea, one more supple than emphatically shaped, as if it were the feminine to that proceeding masculine.The construction of gender that he suggested here would become one of his most influential assertions, one that has become both disturbing and deeply problematic. Burlier also thought of the first exposition theme of his Symphonies fantasies as a construction of the feminine, not the masculine, as would apparently also be true, much later, of Wagered Satisfied-lewdly. Also with Mendelssohn Overture to A midsummer nights dream from 1826, were the second theme was meant to evoke the feminine. Another use of the gendered term feminine is also used to describe cadences. The general idea mongo musicians is that the feminine cadence is weak and the masculine strong. But this general idea is erroneous. The feminine cadence is often stronger than the masculine and is used in powerfully rhythmic music such as polonaises. To conclude, I do believe that rock has been actively made as male. However, I do not agree that only males can play rock, as have witnessed myself many female rock bands sing and play equally (sometimes better) than male rock bands. Heavy metal may have been made in a very heterosexual manner, but it still might provide a number of possibilities for he making of an anti-sexist rock.

Economics and Global Business Applications

Introduction There is no doubt that communication is an integral marketing strategy that a firm must master in order to compete effectively in foreign markets. According to Tian and Borges (2011), a company must adopt sound marketing communication strategies in order to engage in international business successfully (p. 110). Nonetheless, some senior executives fail to realize that cultural difference may enhance or impede a company’s marketing approach in a foreign market.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Economics and Global Business Applications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As the world becomes globalised, many countries have progressively staked a claim to â€Å"a right to culture† in global business (Tian Borges, 2011, p. 110). Some experts have even predicted that national culture will play an important role in determining not only economic growth but also the overall global business strate gies. Consequently, this paper will explore the major cultural issues that impact a firm’s marketing approach in China. Major Cross-cultural Issues Affecting a Firm’s Marketing Approach It is important to mention that cross-culturalization is an unavoidable process since the world is rapidly becoming a global village. On the one hand, as the world becomes more globalised, the disparities between national markets are weakening. On the other hand, the cultural disparities between ethnic groups, regions and countries are (nonetheless) growing stronger. Accordingly, since global marketing communication is a cross-cultural process, senior executives must strive to understand cultural diversity across ethnic groups and countries in order to successfully launch their business operations in international markets (Pitta, Fung Isberg, 1999, p. 240). As noted earlier, global marketing communication entails communication that transcends national frontiers. Accordingly, cross-cult ural communication (from the viewpoint of consumers, values and language) is a complicated undertaking since a certain level of miscommunication is bound to happen. For example, cross-cultural communication problems may surface when a particular group from one culture fail to grasp culturally established disparities with respect to communication traditions and practises that are presented in another cultural perspective. In addition, the manner in which a firm entrenches the norms and values in its advertising messages may positively or negatively impact its business operations in the global market. In other words, a firm must grasp the role of cultural values in advertisements in order to enhance its cross-cultural marketing communication. Thus, a firm’s global marketing strategy should be guided by the cultural values present in the targeted market to avoid misinterpretation of the intended message and consequently result in poor performance in the global markets (Pitta, Fu ng Isberg, 1999, p. 240).Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The China market provides a good example for exploring the relevance of cross-cultural communication given the prevalence of numerous variable that determine the manner in which the Chinese businessmen interact with their non-Chinese counterparts. For example, Tian and Borges (2011) point out several factors that new market entrants must consider inculcate in order to market and sell their products successfully in China market. These factors include strong negotiation skills, agility and patience (p. 111). In addition, new market entrants must learn how to adapt to the local market environment in order to compete effectively in the China market (Pitta, Fung Isberg, 1999, p. 240). Cross-cultural Communication and Marketing Strategies In Chinese Market As noted in the previous section, the rapid globalization of world markets has compelled marketing executives to learn how to carry out business operations among diverse cultures. It is worth mentioning that the cross-cultural communication between consumers and marketers is an important factor that determines business success in the China market. Thus, it is important for a firm to collect market data, interpret and use it effectively to ensure business success in the China market. This argument can be supported by one classic example regarding efforts by the Japanese firms to introduce coloured televisions in the China market (Tian Borges, 2011, p. 112). In the late 1990s, the China market was dominated by coloured television sets imported from Japan. Previously, the European and the Japanese television set producers carried out studies to explore the viability of their operations in the China market. The European producers (based on their findings) opted not to venture into the China market. Their studies revealed that the Chinese consumers co uld not afford coloured television sets because the country’s (China) GDP per capita was lower. Nonetheless, the Japanese television set producers opted to market their products in the China market because the findings of their studies revealed that most Chinese shoppers had a culture of saving. Their findings also revealed that this tradition has been practised by successive generations in China for many years (Tian Borges, 2011, p. 113). In addition, the majority of consumers in the Western nations have poor saving habits compared to their Chinese counterparts. For example, the research by the Japanese marketers found that a majority of households in China had saved their earnings for close to three years in order to purchase a television set. The Japanese manufacturers also found that majority of the Chinese households purchased Japanese television sets more than those produced by the local Chinese companies.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Economic s and Global Business Applications specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Based on their findings, the Japanese manufacturers were convinced that the Chinese households would purchase coloured television sets imported from Japan. It is against this backdrop that the Japanese coloured television manufacturers reaped enormous profits in the China market because they were able to grasp the distinctive aspect of the Chinese culture (Tian Borges, 2011, p. 113; Pitta, Fung Isberg, 1999, p. 240). Cross-cultural Ethical Differences In Marketing Strategies Between US and China The Chinese culture perceives change as disturbing especially if it is extensive and happens abruptly. This viewpoint is grounded on the principles of Taoism and Confucius which are held in high esteem by the Chinese. It is worth mentioning that Taoism and Confucius tenets have strong influence on the manner in which the Chinese people think and act since they emphasize peac e and harmony. However, the Americans hold efficiency in high esteem in all their marketing strategies. In other words, any marketing strategy that will bring about the desired outcomes is considered as essential. In addition, American marketers lend credence to a rational way of thinking that is anchored in facts. Furthermore, Americans hold in high esteem the desired outcomes which may be troublesome to the existing relations . What is more, Chinese marketers value human relationships and abhor the spirit of individualism in their marketing strategies. On the contrary, human relationships play a limited role among American executives. Furthermore, the spirit of individualism is highly prevalent among Americans because it enables them to acquire their uniqueness via their individual actions and accomplishments (Pitta, Fung Isberg, 1999, p. 247). References Pitta, D., Fung, H., Isberg, S. (1999). Ethical issues across cultures: managing the differing perspectives of China and the USA. Journal of Consumer Marketing, 16 (3), 240-256. Tian, K., Borges, L. (2011). Cross-cultural Issues in Marketing Communications: An Anthropological Perspective of International Business. International Journal of China Marketing, 2 (1), 110-126. This essay on Economics and Global Business Applications was written and submitted by user Lilliana Clay to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Art Fakes and Forgeries Essay Example

Art Fakes and Forgeries Essay Example Art Fakes and Forgeries Paper Art Fakes and Forgeries Paper Essay Topic: F for Fake The two essays, â€Å"What is Wrong with a Forgery,† by Alfred Lessing and â€Å"Artistic Crimes,† by Denis Dutton, explore the different reasons that they give negative connotation to the concept of an artistic forgery. Each author concludes that a forgery is indeed wrongful, however their reasons for this conclusion differ in several distinct ways. This essay will summarize both authors’ main points and compare and contrast the fundamental differences of their arguments. Lessing begins â€Å"What is Wrong with a Forgery† by establishing that forgeries are not void of aesthetic value. In fact, he states that a clear distinction must be made between the qualities that make a piece of art aesthetically pleasing and the non-aesthetic qualities that art critics consider when analyzing a piece. The concept of a forgery, he says, is purely non-aesthetic and should not be used to describe the beauty of a piece. To further illustrate this point and later points in his essay, Lessing introduces the case of the Johannes Vermeer fakes done by Hans van Meegeren. The painting The Disciples was thought to be a Vermeer masterpiece for 7 years until van Meegeren revealed that he had actually done the painting and misrepresented it as Vermeer’s. Lessing says, â€Å"The fact that The Disciples is a forgery is just that, a fact. It is a fact about the painting which stands entirely apart from it as an object for aesthetic contemplation. The knowledge of this fact can neither add anything to nor subtract anything from the aesthetic experience. Here Lessing establishes that his problem with the forgery does not lie within the aesthetic value of the art, so he introduces what he believes to be the real problem with a forgery: that it is an offense against what he calls â€Å"the spirit of the art,† and he contends that a forgery, such as The Disciples, â€Å"lacks artistic integrity. † To further illustrate this he considers that the concept of forgery cannot be applied to the performing arts, a concept which Dutton refuses to ac cept in his essay, which we will explore later. Lessing uses this concept to draw a distinction between creativity or originality and reproduction or technique. Technique, he says is public, it is something anyone can possess or learn, while originality or creativity is a deeper concept to explore. Both qualities in perfect balance, he asserts, are necessary to create a great work of art. Lessing says forgery is in the concept of originality and not technique stating, â€Å"forgery is a concept that can be made meaningful only by reference to the concept of originality, and hence only to art viewed as a creative, not as a reproductive or technical, activity. The element of performance or technique in art cannot be an object for forgery because technique is not the kind of thing that can be forged. Technique is, as it were, public. † In the Vermeer case, it is not the technique that was forged but his discovery of it; his originality in its use. Lessing further defines his view of artistic originality and its importance. He contends that true artistic originality comes from the impact on the history and progression of art. Vermeer, he says was a great artist because he brought new and original technique and style to the artistic community and profoundly impacted art history. The ability to produce aesthetically beautiful pieces of art is not all that makes a great artist, but it is this originality or â€Å"the fact that [Vermeer] painted certain pictures in a certain manner at a certain time in the history and development of art. † Van Meegeren did not possess this, he only had the technique to reproduce Vermeer’s originality. Lessing concludes with the assertion that since van Meegeren’s painting is aesthetically beautiful it is actually shows what a great artist Vermeer was. It is a testament to the original genius of Vermeer’s style and technique brought about in the 17th century. In Dutton’s essay, â€Å"Artistic Crimes† he, like Lessing, agrees that the intrinsic aesthetic properties of a work of art are not changed by the revelation that the piece is actually a forgery. Dutton’s stance on the issue of why a forgery is wrong differs most from Lessing’s in that he argues that there can be no distinction between creative and performing art. In Dutton’s opinion, every work of art involves some element of performance. The difference is whether we perceive the moment of performance or if we only see the end product of the performance. Regardless, this performance must be considered in appreciating a work of art. A performance he says represents a sense of accomplishment or achievement. Dutton states, â€Å"As performances, works of art represent the ways in which artists solve problems, overcome obstacles, make do with available materials. † This is an aspect of a piece that cannot be ignored when fully appreciating its artistic value. Dutton’s main problem with forgery then is not the lack of originality that Lessing speaks of, but that a forgery misrepresents achievement. In the van Meegeren case, for example, the problem is in that it was a much greater achievement for Vermeer to paint his masterpieces during the 17th century with the resources and technology at that time, than it is for van Meegeren to paint the same way in the 20th century with many more resources available. Another difference between Lessing and Dutton’s argument is that Dutton believes that a forgery does have originality and this is not its problem. Lessing believes that this lack of originality is the fundamental problem with the forgery, but Dutton states, â€Å"even forgeries – those putative paradigm cases of unoriginal effort – can have strikingly original aspects. † He goes on further to say that the van Meegerens are actually original van Meegerens, an original performance by van Meegeren was misrepresented as a Vermeer performance. Here, he asserts, is the misrepresentation of achievement that is the problem with a forgery. Dutton reiterates that the knowledge of the origin of a work and the artistic achievement that the piece represents is crucial to appreciating a work of art. The â€Å"aesthetic experience† that Lessing speaks of in his essay, Dutton discredits stating, â€Å"The encounter with a work of art does not consist in merely hearing a succession of pretty sounds or seeing an assemblage of pleasing shapes and colors. † The artistic experience he asserts is much more complex than that and when the performance that led to a piece of art is misrepresented the achievement that the art represents is misrepresented. To learn this fact changes the entire artistic experience when appreciating all aspects of the piece including the performance that led to its existence. Both Lessing and Dutton agree that the aesthetics of a piece are not altered by the acquired knowledge that it is a forgery. Where the two authors differ is in their concept of experiencing art. Dutton discredits Lessing’s belief in a purely aesthetic experience, believing that there are many more aspects involved in the artistic experience than pure aesthetics. The authors’ other key disagreement is in Lessing’s distinction between performing and creative art, saying that a forgery only exists in the creative aspect and the lack of originality in style and technique is where the forgery is wrong. However, Dutton disagrees, asserting that every piece of art involves a performance and this misrepresented performance misrepresents achievement. This is Lessing’s problem with a forgery because the achievement of the artist must be considered during any artistic experience.

Growing Gap between Poverty and Wealth in China Essay

Growing Gap between Poverty and Wealth in China - Essay Example As the report declares rumors of the magnificent prosperity of the south and eastern provinces have reached the more isolated-and less prosperous-interior provinces. Those current farmers who would travel in order to be more prosperous themselves are often blocked at the borders of industrial growth and discouraged to proceed. This paper stresses that today, 80 to 120 million surplus rural workers are adrift between the villages and the cities, many subsisting through part-time, low-paying jobs. Everyone in China seemingly wants a share, but the industrial provinces can physically support no more drain on their existing housing and infrastructures, and they are finding themselves unable to enhance their current positions despite their economic prosperity. The gap between rich and poor in China is rapidly growing and could even threaten the country’s stability. In just 20 years, China has gone from having virtually no income gap to having one of the world's biggest. Growing wealth in cities like Shanghai has not been shared by rural areas. The country was now in a "yellow-light" zone, the second most serious indicator of "social instability", according to an official report focusing on the growing gap between rich and poor. If there are no effective solutions in the next few years, it is going to hit red-light scenario after 2010. Earlier in September, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) produced an imposing report on China's economy.