Strange Fruit free essay sample

Jazz music has always existed as a voice for black musicians and audiences. The sounds and rhythms are extremely unique and colorful. It certainly changed America in the sasss with the swing movement and It put Jazz on the map. During this time many white people started to be influenced by this Infectious music, and started to enjoy It. Many white people also discriminated against blacks and treated them as to the cries of a black man, a black man who was just lynched. Jazz music had to be recognized with its roots.Billie Holiday believed Jazz music had to defend the black people. No better way of being heard than through the voice of Holiday. She attempted to fight for black rights through her song strange fruit, a political song that struck a chord for many Americans. Her original name was Eleanor Fagan, born April 7, 1915. Billy Holiday was an American Jazz singer, one of the greatest from the sass to the 1 sass. We will write a custom essay sample on Strange Fruit or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Also known as Lady Day, Holiday first acquired a taste of music listening to her father, who was a traveling musician.She was fortunate not to be deprived of music during the popular Jazz age of the sasss. At the young age of 15 she started listening to Jazz. She listened to the popular recordings of trumpet player Louis Armstrong and singer Bessie Smith . She decided to sing and she made her professional singing debut in 1931 at a small Harlem nightclub. She then continued to record for the first time only two years later. The jazz world did not recognize her music until 1935. She toured briefly with the Count Basis and Artier Shaw orchestras before becoming a big nightclub solo attraction in 1940.Her vocal style is considered to be one of the most original ever achieved; she sang with unique personality and distinguished herself as a professional artist. She never had technical training, and she was still able to create a beautiful and warm round vocal effect. Her vintage years were around 1936-43, when her professional and private relationship with the saxophonist Lester Young started. The team recorded some of the best musical examples of interplay between a vocal and instrumental line. Around her time Jazz was being listened to by many people.Many white people were swinging to the beats of Duke Elongation, who was probably one of the most famous swing composers. A large majority of the white society was definitely wrapped up in he new phenomenon of jazz. Whats so amazing is that many whites were racist towards the composers of the music they enjoyed. The roots of Jazz come from Africa, and it is derived from African rhythms and the blues. During the birth of Jazz, the political situation for blacks In America was horrible. Blacks were oppressed and discriminated by whites. They were hated In society, and during this time many blacks were being lynched In the South.I guess one could say that Jazz was an outlet for the blacks. It was their anthem of pride, and their creation to rightfully claim in a owing to kill blacks simply because they were black, but at the same time enjoy their music, then wasnt this a contradiction? Billie Holiday was an artist who made this point clear. She saw it as her duty to spread the truth about the horrors of black oppression. If the people were going to listen and enjoy black music, then they would also have to know about the violence and hate black people lived with in the South.At the height of her career the infamous song she sang was strange fruit, which was a highly charged political song. The song was about blacks being lynched in the south; a horrible and abhorrent act. Holiday was one of the first black musicians with the guts to release such an important political message in a song. A schoolteacher named Lewis Allan had written it for her. He was able to create a vision of how mobs of white men killed black men by hanging them from trees. His work wouldnt have had half the impact if Holiday didnt make it her own.Many people objected to the song. It was unlike any other popular song, but it was a huge hit. Here was a song that opened the doors for the Civil Rights movement. There was no better way for the people to experience the pain than through her voice. There was no better way at the mime to reach the people of America than through a star who was loved, admired and black. There was another star who was admired loved, admired and black, and his name was Louis Armstrong. Born in New Orleans on August 4, 1901, Louis Satchel Armstrong was a victim of poverty and discrimination.At the age of eleven, Armstrong began to develop an interest in music, harmonize on street corners and playing a toy horn. He was in and out of the home throughout his teenage years and was taken under the wing of Peter Davis, who taught him music. Under Davits teaching, Armstrong Joined a band, and his talent blossomed. He left the Waifs Home in 1914, and began to play the cornet all around New Orleans. Throughout the sass and sass Armstrong maintained one of the most grueling continual tours of all time. He began playing with the large bands that were popular at the time. His popularity and fame though, favored many white people in America With his increasing fame came the criticism of a black community that felt he was not living up to the responsibilities of the times. The late fifties brought with them the civil rights movement, and many blacks saw Armstrong as an uncle tom, playing for armorial white audiences around the world. Though he stated that these claims were not true, Armstrong was then in his sixties and primarily concerned with continuing to travel and perform.He didnt want to get involved with the Civil Rights issues like Holiday started to do. He probably felt that trying to protect blacks would take away from his fame and popularity. Holiday was really one of the few black musicians who started very early with the rallying cries for the Civil Rights movement; a change for the way black people were treated. In the Nineteen-Forties, Holiday started using the illegal drug heroin. Soon her body needed more and more of the drug. It began to affect her health. In Nineteen-Forty- and sentenced to nine months in prison.When she was released, New York City officials refused to give her a document that permitted her to work in any place that served alcoholic drinks. This meant Holiday no longer could sing in nightclubs and jazz clubs. She could sing only in theaters and concert halls. Ten days after her release from Jail, she performed at New Works famous Carnegie Hall. People filled the place to hear her sing. One of the songs she sang that night was Strange Fruit. Her sat years were a real struggle against the destructive drug heroin.It eventually took her life; but her later recordings show that, although her voice was ravaged, her technique was still amazing. She died young, but not before leaving a serious scar in the music world and in the United States. Her song was not pretty, and it wasnt supposed to be. The song was meant to be raw and powerful, which it was for its time. She distinguished herself as one of the most famous black musicians to sing about what she thought was most important, not only for herself and for her people, but also for what the music was about.

Moby Dick by Herman Melville Quotes

Moby Dick by Herman Melville Quotes Moby Dick, a famous novel by  Herman Melville, is a classic tale about a ship captains epic quest to find and kill a whale that bit off part of his leg on a previous voyage. The Intercollegiate Studies Institute calls Moby Dick  one of five books every American should read. This novel was first published in 1851 but didnt achieve acclaim until after Melvilles death. Quotes from the epic novel show why it has endured as an American classic. Obsession Ahab, the captain of the ship, is willing to risk everything his ship, his crew, his own life to seek revenge on the elusive whale. These quotes show the depth of his obsessive  ocean quest.  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹The riveting language still seeps into our culture; part of the third quote in this section was mouthed by  Ricardo Montalbn as his character chased Captain Kirk throughout the galaxy in the 1982 move, Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. The path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run. Over unsounded gorges, through the rifled hearts of mountains, under torrents’ beds, unerringly I rush! Naught’s an obstacle, naught’s an angle to the iron way!There is a wisdom that is woe; but there is a woe that is madness. And there is a Catskill eagle in some souls that can alike dive down into the blackest gorges, and soar out of them again and become invisible in the sunny spaces. And even if he for ever flies within the gorge, that gorge is in the mountains; so that even in his lowest swoop the mountain eagle is still higher than other birds upon the plain, even though they soar.Towards thee I roll, thou all-destroying but unconquering whale; to the last I grapple with thee; from hell’s heart I stab at thee; for hate’s sake I spit my last breath at thee.​ Madness Ahab implies that he is ordained by God to destroy Moby Dick, the white whale that he believes to be evil incarnate. Of note, as Ahab is explaining his obsession in the first quote here, he refers to his chief mate, Starbuck, who served as the inspiration for the name of the well-known coffee chain. What I’ve dared, I’ve willed; and what I’ve willed, I’ll do! They think me mad Starbuck does; but I’m demoniac, I am madness maddened! That wild madness that’s only calm to comprehend itself! The prophecy was that I should be dismembered; and Aye! I lost this leg. I now prophesy that I will dismember my dismemberer.All that most maddens and torments; all that stirs up the lees of things; all truth with malice in it; all that cracks the sinews and cakes the brain; all the subtle demonisms of life and thought; all evil, to crazy Ahab, were visibly personified, and made practically assailable in Moby Dick. He piled upon the whale’s white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart’s shell upon it.

The Xia Dynasty of Ancient China

The Xia Dynasty of Ancient China The Xia Dynasty is said to have been the first true Chinese dynasty, described in the ancient Bamboo Annals called the Ji Tomb Annals, dated to the late third century BCE; and in the Records of the Historian Sima Qian (called the Shi Ji and written about 145 BCE). There is a long-standing debate as to whether the Xia Dynasty was myth or reality; until the mid-20th century, no direct evidence was available to support stories of this long-vanished era. Some scholars still believe that it was invented in order to validate the leadership of the Shang Dynasty, for which there is abundant archaeological and written evidence. The Shang Dynasty was founded in about 1760 BCE, and many of the attributes ascribed to the Xia are different from those ascribed to the Xia. Legends of the Xia Dynasty According to the historical records, the Xia dynasty is thought to have lasted between about 2070–1600 BCE, and it was said to have been founded by a man known as Yu the Grea a descendant of the Yellow Emperor, and born about 2069. His capital was at Yang City. Yu is a semi-mythical figure who spent 13 years stopping a great flood and bringing irrigation to the Yellow River Valley. Yu was the ideal hero and ruler, said to have been assisted in his work by a yellow dragon and a black turtle. Many of the tales about him are cast in mythology, which doesnt necessarily rule out the possible reality of a sophisticated society predating the Shang. The Xia dynasty is said to be the first to irrigate, produce cast bronze, and build a strong army. It used oracle bones and had a calendar. Xi Zhong is credited in legend with inventing a wheeled vehicle. He used a compass, square, and rule. King Yu was the first king to be succeeded by his son instead of a man chosen for his virtue. This made the Xia the first Chinese dynasty. The Xia under King Yu probably had about 13.5 million people. According to the Records of the Grand Historian (the Shi Ji, started around the second century BCE (over a millennium after the end of the Xia Dynasty), there were 17 Xia Dynasty Kings. They included: Yu the Great: 2205–2197 BCEEmperor Qi: 2146–2117 BCETai Kang: 2117–2088 BCEZhong Kang: 2088–2075 BCEXiang: 2075–2008 BCEShao Kang: 2007–1985 BCEZhu: 1985–1968 BCEHuai: 1968–1924 BCEMang: 1924–1906 BCEXie: 1906–1890 BCEBu Jiang: 1890–1831 BCEJiong: 1831–1810 BCEJin: 1810–1789 BCEKong Jia: 1789–1758 BCEGao: 1758–1747 BCEFa: 1747–1728 BCEJie: 1728–1675 BCE The fall of the Xia is blamed on its last king, Jie, who is said to have fallen in love with an evil, beautiful woman and become a tyrant. The people rose up in rebellion under the leadership of Zi Là ¼, the Tang Emperor and founder of the Shang Dynasty. Possible Xia Dynasty Sites While there is still debate over how much the texts can be relied on, there is recent evidence has increased the likelihood that there really was dynasty predating the Shang. Late Neolithic sites which hold some elements suggesting Xia dynasty remains include Taosi, Erlitou, Wangchenggang, and Xinzhai in central Henan province. Not all researchers in China agree to the connection of archaeological sites with prehistoric semi-mythical polities, although scholars have noted that Erlitou in particular had a high degree of cultural-political sophistication at an early period. Erlitou  in Henan Province is a massive site, covering at least 745 acres, and occupations between 3500–1250 BCE; at its heyday about 1800, it was the primary center in the region, with eight palaces and a large cemetery precinct.  Ã‚  Taosi, in southern Shanxi, (2600–2000 BCE) was a regional center, and had an urban center surrounded by large rammed-earth walls, a craft production center for pottery and other artifacts, and a semicircular rammed-earth structure which has been identified as an astronomical observatory.  Wangchenggang in Dengfeng province (2200–1835 BCE) was a settlement center for at least 22 other sites in the upper Ying River valley. It had two connected small rammed-earth enclosures built about 2200 BCE, a craftproduction center, and many ash pits some containing human burials.  Xinzhai, in Henan Province (2200–1900 BCE) is an urban center with at least fifteen associated sites surrounding it, with a large semi-subterranean stru cture interpreted as a ritual structure.   In 2016, an international group of archaeologists reported evidence of a great flood in the Yellow River at a site called Lajia, dated about 1920 BCE, which they claimed provided support to the great flood in the Xia Dynasty legends. The Laija townsite in particular was found with several residences with skeletons buried within the deposits. Wu Qinglong and colleagues admitted that the date was several centuries later than the historical records state. The article appeared in Science magazine in August of 2016, and three comments were quickly received disagreeing with the dating and interpretation of the geological and archaeological data, so the site remains an open question like the others. Sources Dai, L. L., et al. An Isotopic Perspective on Animal Husbandry at the Xinzhai Site During the Initial Stage of the Legendary Xia Dynasty (2070–1600 BC). International Journal of Osteoarchaeology 26.5 (2016): 885–96. Print.Han, Jian-Chiu. Comment on Outburst Flood at 1920 BCE Supports Historicity of China’s Great Flood and the Xia Dynasty. Science 355.6332 (2017): 1382–82. Print.Huang, Chun Chang, et al. Comment on Outburst Flood at 1920 BCE Supports Historicity of China’s Great Flood and the Xia Dynasty. Science 355.6332 (2017): 1382–82. Print.Liu, Li. State Emergence in Early China. Annual Review of Anthropology 38 (2009): 217–32. Print.Wu, Qinglong, et al. Outburst Flood at 1920 Bce Supports Historicity of China’s Great Flood and the Xia Dynasty. Science 353.6299 (2016): 579–382. Print.Wu, Qinglong, et al. Response to Comments on Outburst Flood at 1920 BCE Supports Historicity of China’s Great Flood and the Xia D ynasty. Science 355.6332 (2017): 1382–82. Print.Wu, Wenxiang, et al. Comment on â€Å"Outburst Flood at 1920 Bce Supports Historicity of China’s Great Flood and the Xia Dynasty†. Science 355.6332 (2017): 1382-82. Print.

The History of State Terrorism Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The History of State Terrorism - Article Example Through a historical perspective of terrorism, a student of the evolution of terrorism recognizes the various essential aspects that make contemporary terrorism of today different from traditional terrorism of the past. Whereas the nature and means of terrorism have changed over the past centuries in history, the results and effect of terrorism remain unchanged through different ages. When the history of state terrorism is explored in detail, one is reminded of the saying 'The more things change - the more things remain the same'. It is common that the terrorist party tends to appeal strongly to emotion when the state machinery is essentially rational. Similarly, the terrorist movement instills its politics with a powerful moral tone and a weak-versus-strong strategy reliant for the most part on its psychological impact on the adversary, where the state machinery operates on the basis of 'realist' policies and an understanding of the balance of power. "Today's terrorism is what speci alists call group or bottom-up-terrorism, but top-down (state) terrorism has been far more prevalent throughout history. It enjoyed its heyday in the twentieth century with the advent of totalitarianism. In terms of victims, top-down terrorism has taken a vastly higher toll than its bottom-up counterpart." (Chaliand and Blin, 2007, p 6). Therefore, top-down or state terrorism has been a reality through various periods in the history of terrorism, though it is most treacherous and malicious in the twenty-first century. Although there have been several significant attempts to counter the threats of this terrorist tendency, including the Global War on Terrorism, the state of affairs with regard to state terrorism has not changed greatly. That is to say, historical evaluation of state terrorism confirms the concept of the saying - 'The more things change - the more things remain the same'. Whereas terrorism has a long history of its development and state terrorism has been in place for quite long centuries, not many talked about 'state terrorism' until very recently. That is to say, state terrorism was not given great importance until in recent times and a profound understanding of state terrorism is essential to realize the concept of the saying - 'The more things change - the more things remain the same'.  Ã‚  

The Impact of Globalization on the Growth of Tourism and Hospitality Essay

The Impact of Globalization on the Growth of Tourism and Hospitality Industry in India - Essay Example Indian tourism and hospitality industry has been poised for a big growth over the last few years owing to multitudinous factors. Among the various drivers of growth of these sectors as a boost for economic development, globalisation and its resultant plea for economy integration of the country with rest of the world is considered to be the key factors. In the light of globalization, the country is forced to keep in track with the needs of the travelers from across the world and find amenities and possibilities to make them happy to sustain the development of the industry. Not only in India, tourism and hospitality is the most sought after service that experience an unprecedented growth and development (Bezbaruah 1999). Indeed, globalization has facilitated the sector in a big way and at the same time there might be some threats, social, cultural; and economic. By virtue of repeated arguments for the liberalization of the economy, India reformed its economic policies in the year 1990 as the first move towards globalization (Bhatia 1995). Since then, there have been many milestones in the service and manufacturing sector that contributed faster economic development than in the past. The globalization of tourism industry and eventual spurt in the hospitality sector has resulted in cross-border delivery of health services for around $140 billion (Chanda 2002). In the first half of the 1990s, hospitality industry has grown at an annual rate of 16% and as of 2007 the total value comes to not less than $34 billion. This is further increased to $34 per capita, or roughly 6% of GDP. It is also estimated that by the end of 2012, the country7's hospitality sector is projected to improve to $40 billion (Emerging market report 2007). At this juncture, the present essay is an attempt to highlight the impact of globalisation on the tourism and hospitality industry. It is understood that globalisation has many dimensions such as economic, socio-cultural, and political and lega l. Therefore, he paper mainly focuses on these implications as a result of globalization. A Brief Note on Globalization The term globalization' was first used by Thodore Levitt in 'The Globalization of Markets'. He used the term to characterize "the vast changes that have taken place over the past two decades in the

Behind The Big Screen Amc Entertainment Marketing Essay

Behind The Big Screen Amc Entertainment Marketing Essay Most companies tend to use technology in order to make improvements and excel in order to gain profit. A lot of places also function completely through technological means. IT is great to use as an advantage as long as everything is kept up to date, and meets the companys needs. It assists with budgeting and operating performance, as well as creates new opportunities with products and services. Without technology, it is hard to keep up with the modern times as most things are now happening electronically. One such company that makes great use of it is AMC Entertainment, which is a very popular movie provider. AMC provides entertainment to the masses through show times at its multiple theatres throughout the US and Canada. Constant work is put into making sure that the best products and services are being offered to customers everywhere. All chains of command work in making sure that everything provided is the most optimal in order to beat all competitors. In order to stay ahead, it is important to analyze strengths and weaknesses, and to acknowledge threats and the opportunities that may lie ahead. Information technology has a certain level of impact on strategy as well, and since it plays a big role with AMC, it therein plays a major role with strategy. AMC has been working hard since the beginning, making sure to constantly advance and stay ahead of competitors. With a rich history of advanced technology from AMC Entertainment, American Multi-Cinema (AMC) has been an industry leader in entertainment. From the first suburban multiplex theatre to the first megaplex theatre, AMC has continued its long tradition of guest service and innovation through products and services that make the entertainment experience more satisfying for millions of guests year in and year out. AMC has over 299 theatres with 4,528 screens in 30 states including the District of Columbia, and four countries outside the United States. Their headquarters are based in Kansas City, Missouri, where it first started in the 1920s. Currently, AMC employs 16,800 employees, in which 800 are employed full-time and 16,000 are employed part-time. AMC recorded revenues of $2,265.5 million dollars during the financial year which ended in April 2, 2009 or FY 2009; there was decrease of 2.9% over FY2008. (Datamonitor 2010) AMC is listed on the FORTUNE 1000 as one of the largest companies in Kansas City. AMC offers guests who arrive for morning screenings the opportunity to see any first-run movie before noon as well as special ticket prices on selected Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays even on holidays. AMC also started the industrys first Guest Loyalty program. This program offers a free membership and rewards customers every time customers go to a movie at any AMC theaters. Another program AMC provides is their Silence is Golden program. This is a proactive national program aimed at providing a distraction-free entertainment environment for all AMC customers inside the auditorium. AMCs Guest First program empowers employees to use the companys philosophy to service customers and to take care of all the customers the best they can. In 2002, AMC introduced the first National Gift Card program, providing a new and exciting way to enjoy the diverse selection of specialty films at many locations across the country, 365 days a year. Although AMC has merged with businesses and other major companies, such as MovieTickets.com and Loews Theatres, it still has many competitors. Among these competitors are the Regal Entertainment Group, Cineplex, National Amusements, and Cinemark Holdings, Inc. Regal Entertainment Group is the number one leader in domestic motion picture exhibition, making AMC come behind (Regal Entertainment Group, 2010). Regal has 6,745 screens in 546 theatres, offering more screens per theatre than the average. They stay ahead by continuing to acquire other theatre groups, which in turn puts more theatres in the states making it possible to increase revenue. Cinemark Holdings Inc is third in the industry and has placed theatres in different countries as well as the U.S, which provides it with one advantage. Cinemark has 423 theatres and 4,884 screens in Latin American and the U.S. (Cinemark, 2010). This includes theatres in Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Columbia, Ecuador, and even locations in Taiwan. Cin eplex is a small competitor with AMC as it is a formation of two popular theatres in Canada, its home base, and merged with Loews, which AMC acquired in 2006. Also among AMCs competitors is National Amusements Inc, which is included among the top ten successful theatre companies. Although it is smaller, National is the parent company of both Viacom and CBS Corporation, which have great profit considering these companies include Paramount Communications, MTV Networks, Blockbuster Video, among others (Answers Corporation, 2010). In order to stay ahead and venture forth, it is important for AMC to have great leadership. AMC is a company with 16,800 employees, not including those in higher level employment, and AMC works off of a hierarchical structure (AMC Entertainment, 2010). A hierarchy consists of a group of individuals in charge, and then has those underneath at varying levels. Each level is responsible for handling those duties that are designated to them for the position they are in. AMC has employees in corporate, management, and also as associates in the theatres. With so many theatres throughout the US, it is important to hire management and associates that are able to handle the performance of each, although major responsibility is still directed towards corporate. AMC provides each level of employment with the ability to have appropriate degree of control in order to efficiently run each location. It provides employees with bonuses based on performance, as well as great benefits offering incentives to increasing customer satisfaction, therefore increasing sales. Employees are diverse in background, as well as skills, in order to provide innovation contributing to the success of AMC theatres. Each associate is important in maintaining the day to day tasks associated with operating every facility. The hierarchical structure is further presented by the fact that there is a Board of Directors, CEO, the management the theatre managers go through to get to the corporate headquarters, theatre managers themselves, and then the associates at the theatres as well. It is important that each level contributes to the functioning and success of AMC Entertainment. In order to make sure that AMC is prosperous, it is important to analyze strengths and weaknesses so as to see what should be worked on or pushed further. SWOT analysis is defined as a tool that identifies the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of an organization. Specifically, SWOT is a basic, straightforward model that assesses what an organization can and cannot do as well as its potential opportunities and threats. The method of a SWOT analysis is to take the information from an environmental analysis and separate it into internal strengths and weaknesses, and external issues, opportunities and threats. Once this is completed, a SWOT analysis determines what may assist the firm in accomplishing its objectives, and what obstacles must be overcome or minimized to achieve desired results. (www.Dictionary.com). This past year, AMC has capitalized from their strengths by opening 33 theatres with 476 new screens and have acquired 118 theatres with 1,395 screens. AMC also made a $665 million dollar major investment in improving its theatres from 2005 through 2009. As of April 2009, AMC has operated or held interests in 307 theatres with 4,612 screens, out of which 13 theatres are located outside the US (Datamonitor, 2010). From this, AMC theaters capabilities have enabled them to reach a broader customer base, which have contribute to its revenues. AMC recently purchase the bulk of the Kerasotes theatres creating a theatrical experience that spans over 200 years of business between them. Combining their joint experiences and their matching geographic will allow AMC to maintain the reputation for excellence in guest service that is an integral part of the companys culture. With the AMC experience, you will enjoy new value pricing programs, even more concession choices and cutting edge technolog y that will enhance your movie experience. A weakness that continues to hamper AMC is its lack of exploring international countries such as Canada, the UK, France, and China, leaving AMC to depend on the US market for most of its revenues. By relying on this, it has left AMC with a high debt that burden combined with operating and net losses will make it difficult to meet the increasing interest expenses. Growth in movie industry continues to grow every day. Recently, AMC has seen the opportunity to team up with RealD. RealD is a 3-Dimensional (3D) feature that enables AMC theatres to enhance the customer satisfaction and provide customers with a 3D film experience. Entering into a partnership with RealD, adds 1,500 RealD 3D screens to its theatres throughout the US and Canada. AMC also signed an agreement with Sony Electronics to put install 4K digital cinema projection systems across all its theatres. This upgrade allows AMC theatres to project digital cinema and allows all AMC theatres to serve its customers better. AMC was cited for being non compliant with the ADA, (American Disabilities Act). The Disabilities Act was passed to make accommodations for individuals with disabilities and that new construction or alterations made to commercial facilities conform to accessibility guidelines unless structurally impracticable for new construction or technically infeasible for alterations (Datamonitor 2010). Any further non-compliance issues from the ADA that AMC would face will result in additional expenses to the company which will negatively impact its brand image and operating results. Companies have business models in order to help make decisions that will benefit stakeholders (Applegate, Austin, Soule, 2009). It is important to analyze strategy and capabilities used to accomplish it. Since IT is used with many businesses, it is important to look at the impact it has on both. AMC Entertainment primarily uses technology in order to maintain business. It is important to stay ahead in order to provide great customer satisfaction so customers do not choose other competitors. If AMC kept its technology the same, then customers would be less likely to see movies at AMC theatres, especially with the increasing costs of attending. Why go to a theatre that provides mediocre service and limited concessions? It is important for AMC to include IT in business strategy, in order to maintain revenue and popularity. AMC uses technology primarily in order to advance as it is needed for theatres to remain functioning. Part of strategy, besides acquiring other smaller theatres for new locations, is staying up to date with what wants to be experienced by movie goers. With advancements in technology, the human population has become accustomed to flashes and bright lights, expecting every movie to contain both. Computer animated movies and the very recently popular 3D movies, have created a great importance on image enhancement and sound quality. AMCs core strategy is high in that it aims to increase revenue through updates, new software, and investment put into digital projector systems. The older 35 mm film no longer provides the same excitement as it once did. Along with a clean environment and better concessions, AMC has made sure to create a better viewing experience through precise color and bigger images. Digital projector systems provide color as being more natural in that each mirror is used to depict one pixel moving back and forth reflecting primary colors (Whatis.com, 2005). As mentioned previously, AMC is working with Sony and IMAX to implement these systems into all theatres. Loews is a subsidiary of Sony, and AMC acquired Loews in 2006, having Sony and AMC work together in order to improve technology, especially with sound. Sony is known for its manufacturing of electronics, such as audio and video, and also the information technology it offers. Since it is a leading provider of these products and services it is obvious that the cost is high, it is also apparent, that with this especially, AMC Entertainment is not wary when taking a risk and spending a great deal of money, i.e. $665 million dollars, in order to make improvements. These risks of investment are taken in order to stay competitive and increase revenue, which it has done from $400 million in 1991 to $2.4 billion in 2008 (AMC, 2010). AMC also spends the money in order to merge with different companies o r own part of some, such as MovieTickets.com and Fandango. MovieTickets.com and Fandango were partly acquired in order to increase the customer experience to a satisfactory level. The process of seeing what movies were available and purchasing tickets for those movies became easy and convenient. No longer would customers have to wait in extraordinarily long lines, now they can quickly buy tickets in the convenience of home. This is what is focused on when working on the core capabilities. The process became easier for customers and it was more efficient, and saved time. In this the core capabilities were low as there was a cost to buying a part of these companies, so cost was not necessarily reduced, risk and uncertainty were high, and this was a business opportunity that did end up becoming successful. In viewing the IT impact map below, we see that core capabilities are low and strategy is high. AMC Entertainment merges with companies in order to be innovative and receive and implement ideas from different sources in order to improve proce sses. Cost is noted but when determining the growth that can come from spending, risks are taken. Focus is put on efficiency and rising revenue in order to stay up to date with technology. Money is spent on software and updates, as well as the Digital Manager, in order to maintain a functioning system and stay ahead. Most companies tend to use technology in order to make improvements and excel in order to gain profit. A lot of places also function completely through technological means. IT is great to use as an advantage as long as everything is kept up to date and meets the companys needs. It assists with budgeting and operating performance as well as creating new opportunities with products and services. Without technology, it is hard to keep up with the modern times as most things are now happening electronically. As stated before, AMC is listed on the FORTUNE 1000 largest companies in Kansas City. AMC has provided entertainment to people through show times at its multiple theatres throughout the US and Canada with over 299 theatres with 4,528 screens in 30 states including the District of Columbia. They also have theatres in four countries outside the United States. Their headquarters are based in Kansas City, Missouri, which was first started in the 1920s. Constant work is put into making sure that the best products and services are being offered to customers everywhere. IN 2009, AMC purchase the bulk of the Kerasotes theatres which between them have a combined 200 years of experience. Combining their joint experiences and their matching geographic allows AMC to maintain the reputation for excellence in guest service which is an integral part of the companys culture. All chains of command work in making sure that everything provided is the most optimal in order to beat all competitors. In order to stay ahead, AMC has put into action many new programs that will enhance any one s movie experience. Information technology has a certain level of impact on strategy as well, and since it plays a big role with AMC, it therein plays a major role with strategy. AMC has been working hard since the beginning by making sure to constantly advance and stay ahead of their competitors.

Biblical Women in Popular Culture

In today’s culture where individualism is emphasized and especially that women are encouraged to assume equal roles as men would normally take, two or three decades ago, it is very difficult to see eye to eye with how women are portrayed in the Bible during biblical times. â€Å"Girl power† or women empowerment is the rule of the day for women nowadays. Although, of course, all women as all men have the right to lead in the sense that they have the same intrinsic capacity to influence, the role of leadership has been blown out of proportion by feminist groups as they apply it to women.The result of this over blown leadership role of women has been the constant battle between members of opposite sexes in many significant areas within society. It has affected the homes, government and non-government institutions, down to the smallest entity that has within its membership men and women. The aim of this paper is to draw a comparison between Biblical projection of women (as portrayed in the Bible and the movie â€Å"One Night With The King†) and today’s popular culture’s endeavour to depict the function of women (McMurray, 2007).While at the moment, the common cry of women is equality to both genders as it is reflected in women’s roles in the family, in public places, and the obliteration of the stereotyped designation of females in past decades which until now has its bearing in the minds of the general public the consequent outcome of this campaign is prevalent in almost every area where function is concerned. In the late 1960s, women’s movement began to blossom.It was stirred by the then sentiment of repulsion to the tasks being typecasted among women. Women’s movement of the 60s aimed to question the menial duties relegated to women such as getting married, becoming a housewife and afterwards attending to household chores (including raising children), and when outside opportunity comes for them to work, the y’re consigned to answering phones, photocopying, etc (Encarta, 2006). The scenery has been changed and is no longer the same as in the past 30 or 40 years.The typical woman today is one that is among the working class – no longer confined to house premises, but working and providing as much as her male counterparts. She can be the manager or an executive of an established firm where most of the male employees are under her command. Equality in roles has now been achieved. Whereas this status and depiction of women in itself is not outright negative, the undercurrent force that it has created is the programming of the minds of today’s women to be resistant to the biblical description of their role as they are teamed with men.Instead of seeing male and female partnership as complimentary to both sexes, the danger of too much emphasis on equality especially when it is defined merely in domestic and public functions is the threat that masculinity poses to womanhood . It is good for women to fight for their basic equal rights with men as members of this global community, but if it results in certain imbalances because the aim has become the dethronement of the opposite gender, then the battle for equality has now turned into fight for superiority of the female sex.Biblical Women in Biblical Text The movie â€Å"One Night with the King† has successfully showed to modern world the right balance when it comes to understanding the woman’s role. In the film, the first of these lessons on womanhood could be derived from the example of Queen Vashti, King Xerxes’ dethroned Queen. Vashti’s removal as Queen was hastened by her attitude towards her King as she turned down King Xerxes’ request â€Å"to show her beauty to the people and the officials† (Esther 1:11, NKJV The Holy Bible 1982).At the very outset of this biblical narrative, there was already a sort of struggle as to whether the King should be obeyed in whatever demands he make or not. The whole picture of the Persian Kingdom’s celebration included not only King Xerxes’ feasting with people and officials but also Queen Vashti’s party which she arranged for â€Å"the women in the royal palace† (Ibid). In biblical times, kings command absolute obedience to their subjects. They could do everything at whim even the execution of their citizens.However, to what extent should Queen Vashti needed to â€Å"show her beauty to the people† at the King’s bidding, one cannot determine for sure. If it meant the exposure of the beauty of her naked body before the expectant public, it was wise and courageous for her to refuse even if it was a direct violation of the royal protocol. She was submissive to the King until this point of their relationship. Esther, however, as she is the main protagonist in the story, much of the lessons on women can be extracted from her life’s example. The first is her c ourage to risk her life for others.When she was finally raised to the high position of a Queen, she did not forget but rather remained committed to the preservation and welfare of her people. Until today, this virtue of selfless courage is admired in the world. It is one of the sought after virtues of leadership which unfortunately is lacking in many of those occupying leadership positions. The courage that the life of Esther showed in the story was not independent courage which resulted from a stubborn will. It was a courage constantly tempered by another life, the life of her cousin and mentor, Mordecai.She allowed herself to be constantly advised and influenced by the one who helped her reached her current high position. She remained as humble as she was in spite of the great changes and promotion that happened to her. She did not forget where she came from and did not abandon her people. It was Esther’s submissive attitude that brought her to the high position of being Qu een to King Xerxes in stead of Vashti. Contrary to what is being promoted today by our culture, Esther continued living her life (even as Queen) in a responsible manner.It is the dream of many young women today to wade their way through life to reach the point where there will be no one to hold them accountable anymore or have somebody to check them. Example after example of young celebrities have been the focus of media and news headlines that project the common outcry of many which hailed them to be the representations of American dream. Most of these modern-day models are strong-willed, carefree, and want to believe that life can be lived irresponsibly with no accountability. Esther’s example, on the other hand, stands in stark contrast to common perception of women in popular culture.Effects of Non-Biblical Portrayal of Womanhood Because of this non-biblical portrayal of women in our society, a lot of damaged has been inflicted on the minds of the majority of people. For one thing, the current trend of thinking is resistant to the Biblical teachings regarding women. The common minds have been preconditioned to reject and to not understand the Biblical ideals of what females should be. As a result, when femininity is the question, people would rather look to non-biblical sources as authority than the Bible.Non-biblical portrayal of women has pre-programmed people to reject biblical standards. When that happens, society begins to have problems because the standards have become different. Its negative effects include the entertainment of a different kind of criteria by which we look at what qualities should our average women possess. This is reflected in the women’s attempt to pursue what are not beneficial to them, simply because they have adopted rules or guidelines that are to them may put them in better position in this very competitive society.Other things that are currently occurring include the perversion of the role that women play befor e the eyes of the greater public. Roles that actually begin to evolve and never to bring the women to healthier assessment of themselves but either a view that makes them as simply objects of perversions or whimsical creation of a role that is not only sickening but also in reality, harder than the real, and more biblical portrayal of women.Femininity then, is very important to be defined and assessed according to real thing: the biblical benchmarks. Women will begin to see themselves the way God sees them then. As partners in the fulfilment of God’s grand design and when women start to accept the roles as defined by the bible, they then develop into healthy â€Å"organisms† capable of even settling into times when to be in the background is still very acceptable. Reference:1. Encarta Dictionary 2006. (DVD) 2. Maxwell, John, 2000. Commentary on Esther. P. 600. The Maxwell Leadership Bible. 3. McMurray, Sheri. â€Å"One night with the King† review. Christian Spot light. Accessed Sept. 24, 2007. 3. New King James Version, 2000. Maxwell Leadership Bible. Maxwell Motivation , Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishing).