Torture Should Not Be Justified By Dr. Martin Luther King

â€Å"Violence brings only temporary victories; violence, by creating many more social problems than it solves, never brings permanent peace† (King 482). These were the wise words stated by Dr. Martin Luther King during his time as a civil rights activist. Sadly, in the current world it seems like this principle has been completely forgotten, that violence will only create more violence. This principle applies to the current issue that exist today when interrogation officials are torturing terrorists for information. It is foolish to consider that torture could be justified even if it is to help save lives because torturing does not solve the larger problem at hand, and that is to create permanent peace. The topic of torture should not be debatable because there are international laws set in place to prevent such barbaric treatments against any human. Furthermore, torture is fundamentally wrong from a moral perspective because it is causing harm to another person. Instead of t orturing terrorists for information we should utilize in interrogation methods based on intellectual engagement and relationship building that does not go beyond moral and legal confines. Torturing has existed throughout humankind’s history to as early as 530AD (Green). Whether torturing was intended for punishment or forcing someone to make a false confession, torturing has now evolved into a form of interrogation that is being used in the 20th century. In the database article, â€Å"Torture Report†,Show MoreRelatedTorture and National Security: A Moral Question Essay1388 Words   |  6 PagesPhilosophy and Public Affairs journal simply entitled, Torture, written by Henry Shue, a Senior Research Fellow and Professor of Politics and International Relations at Oxford University. If included in the curriculum, it would be in the Section 3b, which asks if disobedience or violence is ever moral. This article should be included because of the authors demonstrated experti se in the subject, its alignment and expansion of the section it should be included in, and ability to induce gray area typeRead MoreMartin Luther King Jr : Letter From Birmingham Jail Essay1678 Words   |  7 Pages Martin Luther King Jr: Letter from Birmingham Jail Hao Ran Hu SUNY Broome Hao Ran Hu Global History Professor St.Clair 2016 Martin Luther King Jr: Letter from Birmingham Jail One of the interesting Documents in World History is the ‘Letter from Birmingham Jail’ by Martin Luther King Jr who was born as Michael King in 1929 in Atlanta. His parents were partRead MoreSchools of Criminology5403 Words   |  22 PagesIntroduction Ever since the dawn of human civilization, crime has been a baffling problem. There is hardly any society which is not beset with the problem of crime. Dr. Heinrich Oppenheimer in his book ‘Rationale of Punishment’ says that a crimeless society is a myth. Commenting on this aspect, Emile Durkheim says, â€Å"a society composed of persons with angelic qualities would not be free from violations of the norms of that society†. In fact, crime is a dynamic concept changing with social transformationRead MoreLogical Reasoning189930 Words   |  760 Pagesorganization is sound and the author does a superior job of presenting the structure of arguments. David M. Adams, California State Polytechnic University These examples work quite well. Their diversity, literacy, ethnic sensitivity, and relevancy should attract readers. Stanley Baronett. Jr., University of Nevada Las Vegas Far too many authors of contemporary texts in informal logic – keeping an eye on the sorts of arguments found in books on formal logic – forget, or underplay, how much of Read MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 Pagesagropastoral commodities, and base minerals, what had been natural features in temperate America became some of the world’s most important â€Å"natural† resources. The abundance of a black sedimentary rock turned the United States into the world’s coal king. The most extensive—and emptiest—arable plains on the planet became its principal breadbasket. The European population and urbanization explosions created a demand for its fruits, trains and steamers provided a means of transporting them, and European

The Odyssey And Sundiat An Epic Of Old Mali - 1328 Words

Heroism is defined as the qualities or attributes of a hero or heroine. (Google). Destiny is defined as something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune. The predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events. (Google). Finally A journey is defined as an act of traveling from one place to another. (Google). While analyzing these two great epics I came across many similarities between the two main characters. In both epics The Odyssey and Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali Odysseus and Sundiata embark on destined heroic conquest to fulfill their destiny. All throughout the two main characters quest, they encounter obstacles, and foes they must overcome in order to achieve their goal of returning home. In Homers Odyssey, numerous exemplar of the two main themes heroism and destiny are evident, whether they are for the advantage or destruction of Odysseus. In Niane s Sundiata: An Epic of Old Mali, The theme of heroism and destiny a ppear bold and unavoidable throughout the narrative, for Sundiata is abundantly afflicted by how people accept him. If it were not for the fore told destiny of Odysseus and Sundiata they would not be such astounding Kings. Firstly, Odysseus is a astounding hero who demonstrates heroism through his shrewdness, cunning, and bravery. His recognition of good – and – evil helps him on countless occasions avoid catastrophe. Your resume was his most magnificent characteristic, because of it

Study Skills Factors Impeding Ethical Consumptio

Question: a) Demonstrate competence in a range of business and academic skills and apply them in an organisational/enterprise setting .b) Communicate effectively both in written (reports, summaries etc.) c) Collect and analyse appropriate data from a range of learning/information sources .d) Undertake research tasks, both individually and in groups, with appropriate guidance .e) Demonstrate understanding of global, ethical and organisational responsibility issues. Answer: Introduction According to the recent report from the Co-operative Bank, one-third of UK consumers are growing ethically conscious. They are willing to challenge or even boycott the companies not supporting or complying with ethical standards (Bray, Johns and Kilburn 2011). Ethical consumerism enables people to think about the product sourcing techniques if they are harmful to the environment. A wide range of product areas that fall into the ethical category are travel and tourism, fashion, energy, banking and finance, and food and drinks (Carroll and Buchholtz 2012). The report begins with the identification of the organization HM, which claims to follow ethical standards in its business operations. Certain examples are provided that justify that the organization follows ethical consumerism. The approaches used by the organization are elaborated that help it in becoming a more socially conscious business. The approaches are liked with the business ethics and values. Further, primary research methodology is followed for conducting a short opinion survey. The survey helps in assessing the factors influencing consumer buying behaviour. The report concludes with a critical evaluation of ethical consumerism based on primary and secondary research with a focus on HM. Lastly, recommendations are provided that would help HM become more ethical. Ethical Consumerism Ethical consumerism can be defined as the practice of purchasing products and services that causes least harm to the environment. The consumers may choose to avoid or boycott the products and services that are unethically produced (Singh et al. 2012). An ethical consumer is seen as a responsible consumer who is concerned with Fair Trade and is interested in assessing from where the goods are sourced or distributed. This practice leads to responsible decision making in the global market for ethical products and services. The moral concerns include values such as slavery-free labour, child-free labour, and trade-justice, green, organic and other environment issues. The ethical consumers are more likely to motivate consumer behaviour if they are ethically sourced, produced or distributed (White, MacDonnell and Ellard 2012). For example, ethical consumers are geared towards sustainable tourism and concerned with standards of weather and accommodation. The ethical consumers may tend to feel that tourism can ruin the local culture and aim to seek a holiday with an ethical code of practice (Weeden 2014). Ethics is also becoming more ingrained in the food and drink operators. The consumers are increasingly switching to organic food. The food maybe expensive to buy regularly, but 37% ethical standards are being compromised in low-priced food (Store.mintel.com 2016). Ethical standards can also be applied in the fashion industry for the clothes and jeans companies. The clothing companies such as HM, Next and Zara have sustainable supply chains. These companies are taking initiatives to eradicate toxic chemicals from their supply chains by 2020. Even the sportswear giants such as Adidas and Nike are supporting the Detox Campaign where the companies consider beautiful fashion should not cause toxic pollution (Greenpeace.org 2016). According to Ethical Consumer survey, Good Energy is considered as the best energy company as they follow green electricity in the best manner. The organization believes that their business can impact on the climate change thereby making it easier for the people to switch to green electricity (Brignall and Jones 2011). As seen in the above examples, it is necessary and beneficial for the companies to act ethically. It helps in engaging stakeholders and minimizing non-financial costs. Ethical standards help in reducing social inequalities and help them gain competitive advantage. An organization with strong ethical standards attracts customers thereby boosting sales and profits. Additionally, the employees would be loyal thereby enhancing productivity. It shall also attract investors keeping the share price high (Singh et al. 2012). Company Review One of the giants, Hennes Mauritz (HM) claims itself to be an ethical company. It is a Swedish multinational apparel brand known for its fast-fashion clothing. It is not just a big player in the fashion industry, but a giant selling over 550 million garments annually (Siegle 2012). In an audacious move, HM positions itself to make ethics an integral part in its products and services. The organization is continually creating sync between ethics and fast-fashion. Their mission is to become an ethical giant (Siegle 2012). As recognised by the Ethisphere Institute, HM was named as the most ethical companies for the sixth year (Hm.com 2016). The scores were generated for five categories: culture of ethics, corporate citizenship and responsibility, innovation and reputation, governance and leadership, and ethics and compliance program. HM excels in promoting ethical business standards, shaping the future fashion industry standard, and enables managers and employees make good choices (Hm.com 2016). The organization believes in being ethical through integrity, respect and fair play in their business. They aim at protecting human rights, take responsibility for the colleagues and provide an inclusive business environment. They believe in being transparent and honest with their stakeholders. Additionally, the organization stands against any form of corruption and embraces diversity (Hm.com 2016). The highlights of the company state that 72% of their managers and 77% colleagues are women (Hm.com 2016). HM has specific core values and believes in people. They believe in working together as a team by keeping things simple. They constantly strive for improvement and keep up the entrepreneurial spirit (Hm.com 2016). The people have argued that HM is a low-cost clothing company. They have raised controversies if the company cuts cost, how it can pay fair wages to the workers. HM claims that increasing wages would not increase the consumers pay for clothing since they have in-house manufacturing. There are different living wages in different countries that are adjusted accordingly (Liebelson 2014). HM further mentions about standing clear of the child labour practices. Additionally, if they discover kids who are below the statutory minimum age, HM pays for the kids education until they are 15 or the legal working age in country (Sustainability.hm.com 2016). Further, HM launched Conscious Collection as effort to sustainable clothing. The garments are made from recycled polyester chiffon and organic cotton. The chic-pieces are trends and fashionable while being sustainable. HM involved a wide range of tailored suits for men, and cocktail dresses, romantic evening gowns for women (Murray 2013). HM takes efforts to reduce its carbon emissions and electricity consumption. They are reusing or recycling garments through their in-store garment collection program (Henry 2015). HM promotes good practice not only among suppliers and employees, but also in the value chain. HM offers good working conditions to its employees, raises awareness about rights at work and provides training. The organization also directly influences the suppliers for improving their value chain process. Another ethical approach is used for better packaging with fewer resources and causing less waste (Sustainability.hm.com 2016). The packaging materials used by the organiza tion are recyclable and meets the standard packaging shapes to minimise waste in production. They use FSC-certified paper and board that helps in sustainable packaging. Even for transporting, they use boxed that are reusable and are sent back to distribution centres to be used again (Sustainability.hm.com 2016). Opinion Survey A short opinion survey was conducted for assessing the influence of consumer buying behaviour. Primary data was collected from a sample size of 14 students at GSM London. The findings of the survey are collected ahead. The demographic profile was simply assessed for gender for which 7 males and 7 females were chosen. Gender Frequency Percentage Male 7 50% Female 7 50% Total 14 100% Table 1: Gender A minimum of one option and maximum of three options could be chosen to assess the buying behaviour of consumers. It was observed that majority of the respondents selected one of their options as firms ethical behaviour. It is interpreted that an organizations ethical behaviour plays a significant role in the consumer purchase decision process. Other than that, the customers value product and service quality as the second most important factor. The purchase decision is affected by brand status, recognition, satisfaction and dispensable income of an individual. Figure 1: Factors Influencing Purchase Decision The most interesting result of the survey was that none of the respondents would choose to buy a product that they know of is produced, manufactured or distributed through unethical practices. This indicates that the growing awareness of ethical issues is impacting the mind of youngsters. They are not willing to consume products if it is involved in unethical practices such as slavery, child labour or causes environmental damage. Preference Frequency Percentage Yes - - No 14 100% Maybe - - Total 14 100% Table 2: Unethical Product Preference The last question regarding the opinion about ethical trade practices was answered in a descriptive format. Most of the answers involved that ethical practices must be adopted by all companies as it promote social consciousness, humanity and environmental protection. They further state that ethical practices are a motivation for them and they wish to make it a part of their regular lifestyle. Conclusion Conclusively, HM follows ethical practices in its operations, production, packaging and distribution. Ethical consumerism enables people to think about the product sourcing techniques if they are harmful to the environment. The consumers may choose to avoid or boycott the products and services that are unethically produced. Ethical standards help in reducing social inequalities and help them gain competitive advantage. In an audacious move, HM positions itself to make ethics an integral part in its products and services. They aim at protecting human rights, take responsibility for the colleagues and provide an inclusive business environment. HM has specific core values and believes in people. They believe in working together as a team by keeping things simple. They constantly strive for improvement and keep up the entrepreneurial spirit. The packaging materials used by the organization are recyclable and meets the standard packaging shapes to minimise waste in production. It is inter preted that an organizations ethical behaviour plays a significant role in the consumer purchase decision process. Most of the answers involved that ethical practices must be adopted by all companies as it promote social consciousness, humanity and environmental protection. Certain recommendations are provided in the following section to help HM become more ethical. Recommendations HM can consider rapid development of online market like other competitors. The store design can be made sustainable. Limitations must be set in the cotton usage as it already manages environmental performance. HM can implement measures such as store credit to enable customers brings the clothes back. These clothes can be put to recycling. The organization must also shift permanently to products that can be produced using polyester and organic cotton. The workplace conditions can be improved. In-store opportunities for redistribution of products can be implemented. Training must be provided to the employees so that they can come up with creative ideas to enhance sustainability. References Bray, J., Johns, N. and Kilburn, D., 2011. An Exploratory Study into the Factors Impeding Ethical Consumption.J Bus Ethics, 98(4), pp.597-608. Brignall, M. and Jones, R., 2011.Ethical money: 10 ways to greener spending. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/oct/14/ethical-money-greener-spending [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Carroll, A. and Buchholtz, A., 2012.Business and Society: Ethics, Sustainability, and Stakeholder. Australia: South-Western, Cengage Learning. Greenpeace.org, 2016.Detox Our Future. [online] Detox Our Future. Available at: https://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/campaigns/detox/ [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Henry, K., 2015.HM Reduces Carbon Footprint 16% Environmental Leader Environmental Management News. [online] Environmentalleader.com. Available at: https://www.environmentalleader.com/2015/04/10/hm-reduces-carbon-footprint-16/ [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Hm.com, 2016.Ethical behaviour. [online] About.hm.com. Available at: https://about.hm.com/en/About/sustainability/commitments/ethical-behaviour.html [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Hm.com, 2016.News. [online] About.hm.com. Available at: https://about.hm.com/en/news/newsroom/news.html/en/hm-named-as-one-of-the-worlds-most-ethical-companies-in-2016.html [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Hm.com, 2016.Our values. [online] About.hm.com. Available at: https://about.hm.com/en/About/facts-about-hm/people-and-history/working-at-hm/values.html [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Liebelson, D., 2014.HM plans to pay garment workers fair wages. Here's why that's probably BS.. [online] Mother Jones. Available at: https://www.motherjones.com/mojo/2014/01/hm-fair-labor-wages [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Murray, R., 2013.HM launches new 'Conscious' line. [online] NY Daily News. Available at: https://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/fashion/h-m-launches-new-conscious-line-article-1.1308620 [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Siegle, L., 2012.Can HM really claim to be ethical?. [online] the Guardian. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2012/apr/07/hennes-mauritz-h-and-m [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Singh, J., Iglesias, O. and Batista-Foguet, J., 2012. Does Having an Ethical Brand Matter? The Influence of Consumer Perceived Ethicality on Trust, Affect and Loyalty.J Bus Ethics, 111(4), pp.541-549. Store.mintel.com, 2016.The Ethical Food Consumer - UK - 2015 : Consumer market research report | Mintel.com. [online] Store.mintel.com. Available at: https://store.mintel.com/the-ethical-food-consumer-uk-june-2015?cookie_test=true [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Sustainability.hm.com, 2016.Clear stand against child labour. [online] Sustainability.hm.com. Available at: https://sustainability.hm.com/en/sustainability/commitments/choose-and-reward-responsible-partners/code-of-conduct/clear-stand-against-child-labour.html [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Sustainability.hm.com, 2016.Packaging. [online] Sustainability.hm.com. Available at: https://sustainability.hm.com/en/sustainability/commitments/reduce-reuse-recycle/packaging.html [Accessed 5 Aug. 2016]. Weeden, C., 2014.Managing ethical consumption in tourism. New York: Routledge. White, K., MacDonnell, R. and Ellard, J., 2012. Belief in a Just World: Consumer Intentions and Behaviors Toward Ethical Products.Journal of Marketing, 76(1), pp.103-118.

Hotel Rwanda free essay sample

Hotel Rwanda is set in Kigali when there was a chaos in 1994 between the two ethnic groups in Rwanda, Hutu and Tutsi. The story itself centers on Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a manager of an extravagant Des Mille Collines hotel in Kigali. The problem between the two ethnic groups arises when the Hutu extremists set out a plan to eradicate all the Tutsis in Kigali. The Hutu extremists even propagate the message that all Tutsis are worth nothing and calling them â€Å"cockroaches† through a radio station. The atrocities escalate when some of the Tutsi rebels murdered the President of Rwanda. Since then, the Hutu extremists became more violent toward the Tutsis and began their genocide of the Tutsis. After that, Paul has to do everything that he can to protect his family. Paul himself is a Hutu, however, his wife, Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo) is a Tutsi. Although in the beginning Paul only wanted to protect his wife and his three children, his conscience made him protect his Tutsi friends and neighbors as well. We will write a custom essay sample on Hotel Rwanda or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He bribed the militia to spare his family and his neighbors lives and brought them all to Des Mille Collines hotel. During the atrocities, instead of helping, all of the United Nations officials are called back and the European guests and staffs are being evacuated from Rwanda. Rwanda was left to solve its problem without any help. This left Paul in charge of the hotel all by himself. Soon after that, more and more people are coming to the hotel and ask for protection. Thus, the hotel became a refugee camp for around 1000 people. With his intelligence and his overseas political contacts, Paul is trying to save his family and other people from the atrocities of the Hutu extremists. After being threatened by the militia for protecting the Tutsis, in the end Paul managed to save his family and more than 1,200 refugees. Despite only centered around one character, Paul Rusesabagina, Hotel Rwanda gives a clear picture of what happened during the 1994 Rwanda chaos. It highlighted the genocide that occurred because of the separation between the two ethnic groups, and each group thinks they belong in Rwanda more than the other. The film is also successful in showing up the atrocities caused by the ethnic conflict, and stirs the audience emotion and conscience. The division between Hutu and Tutsi has already existed long before the Belgian occupation, but the Belgian made the gap between the two groups larger by privileging the Tutsis more than Hutus (http://www. heinonline. org. ezproxy. lib. monash. edu. au/HOL/ Page? handle=hein. journals/jrefst9div=28collection=journalsset_as_cursor=9men_tab=srchresults). This ethnic division has sparked problems for years. Then, after the Belgian left Rwanda, the political power was given to Hutu group. This gave way to the Hutu extremists who believe that Rwanda is a Hutu land to perform anti-Tutsi propaganda and started the ethnic cleansing. The process of democratization after the Belgian left might be one of the cause that triggered the ethnic conflict in Rwanda. As stated in one of the reading in the Unit Book, many scholars agree that democratization can be problematic in multi-ethnic societies, and often exacerbates existing ethnic problems (Brown, 1997). In the case of Rwanda, when the Hutu gained political power, the ethnic problem between that group and the Tutsi intensified. Furthermore, Brown stated in his article, â€Å"Ethnicity and Violence†, that when the military of a country is loyal to a single ethnic group, then there are prospects of ethnic conflicts that will be hard to manage (Brown, 1997). This problem can be seen in the film, the militia favored the Hutu and contributed to the eradication of the Tutsis. As a result, the ethnic conflict that led to genocide was unavoidable since the military was supposed to help diminish the problem instead of contributing to the conflict. The plot in â€Å"Hotel Rwanda† flows smoothly from the beginning of the ethnic problem in Kigali to the height of the conflict that leads to genocide. The film shows the already existing ethnic problem in the beginning, to the way the military react to the ethnic group, and the genocide that happened soon after that. All of that highlight the causes of the ethnic conflict that are stated in the article â€Å"Ethnicity and Violence†. In conclusion, the film â€Å"Hotel Rwanda† did a good job in portraying the actual ethnic conflict that happened in Rwanda. Although the story itself centered around one character in the film, but the plot can emphasize the