Theme - Animal Farm Essays - British Films, Cold War Films, Allegory

Theme - Animal Farm Theme Analysis The theme of Animal Farm is not difficult to understand. Orwell intended to criticize the communist regime he saw sweeping through Russia and spreading to Europe and even the United States. Though he agreed with many Marxist principles, Orwell was unable to accept the communist interpretation of socialism because he saw many similarities between the communist governments and the previous czarist regimes in old Russia. Communism, he thought, was inherently hypocritical.In his self-proclaimed fairy-story, Orwell uses his allegorical farm to symbolize the communist system. Though the original intention of overthrowing Mr. Jones (who represents the Czars), is not inherently evil in itself, Napoleons subsequent adoption of nearly all of Mr. Jones principles and harsh mistreatment of the animals proves to the reader that indeed communism is not equality, but just another form of inequality. The pigs and dogs take most of the power for themselves, thinking that they are the best administrat ors of government. Eventually the power corrupts them, and they turn on their fellow animals, eliminating competitors through propaganda and bloodshed. This is of course a reference to Stalin, who murdered many of his own people in order to maintain his dictatorship of Russia. Chapter 1 In Orwell's first chapter, the reader is introduced to all of his wonderful animals with two important exceptions: Snowball and Napoleon (two characters who will become the focus later). Obviously most of the chapter is intended to spark pity and a sense of sympathy for the poor, suffering farm animals, but the old Major's words are very telling. The wise old pig addresses the central conflict of the book, and of Orwell's intended meaning-- tyranny. The first (and seemingly only) dictatorship the animals must overcome is the rule of Mr. Jones and the other humans. Chapter 2 Orwell's second chapter is drenched with metaphors most of which will not come to light until later in the novel. The first is old Major's death. This represents the end to the older regime, the initial revolution. Now someone else will have to step into authority. Secondly Orwell strangely describes a pig named Squealer. The name sounds fairly pig-like but his actions don't. Supposedly Squealer has a special ability to persuade others. Orwell boasts, ...he could turn black into white. Obviously a pig like this could be used by the right people (animals). Orwell uses chapter 2 to really make Mr. Jones into a bad guy, although he admits that he was at one time a good master. Mr. Jones' main problem is that he drinks too much and neglects the farm. Even his men are idle and dishonest. Soon the animals are fed up with Jones (pardon the pun) after not being fed for over a day, so they organize and successfully carry out the long- awaited revolt. The animals rename Manor Farm Animal Farm yet agree not to live in the house. Yet some of the elite pigs have already adopted some of Man's ways; Snowball and Napoleon have suddenly taught themselves to read and write, and soon a list of 7 Commandments is written on the tarred wall. Unfortunately only a few of the animals can actually read the rules. This will come back to haunt them later. Orwell again closes with a eerie foreshadowing. After Snowball and Napoleon order the animals to work in the hay field, the milk which many of the lower animals asked to drink mysteriously disappears. Napoleon, however, dismisses the milk plea by proclaiming, The harvest is more important. Chapter 3 Chapter 3 is uneventful for the most part although it does have a few more important metaphors. For one thing, the pigs are starting to emerge as the elite class of animals although all animals are supposed to be equal. Orwell narrates, The pigs did not actually work, but directed and supervised the others. Of course the rational is classic and easy to see through. Orwell continues, With their superior knowledge it was natural that they should assume the leadership. Snowball and Napoleon start to fight and argue over everything. Both pigs enjoy the apples and milk only given to them. Of course this is just in the farm's best interest. Really pigs don't like the taste

Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay Example

Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay Example Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay Review On Paul Kennedys Book Essay A brief knowledge of Historical events Is useful when reading this book as Individual Wars and Battles are not covered in too much detail because of the vast number of conflicts since the Renaissance period, however a reader with no historical background can read this book and gain a lot of knowledge, It has an easily read neural textbook feel about it, and It Is divided chronologically into three sections: pre-industrial 1500 1800, Industrial 1800 1943 and Today Tomorrow 1943 21st Century, which allows the book to be easily used as reference material for people interested In a particular period. A particularly Interesting feature of this History book Is that Instead of finishing when the author wrote It, Kennedy continues and makes his predictions for the future, he accurately predicted the fall of the Soviet union as well as the relative decline in the American economy with regards to the sis of new Powers such as China and the cooperation of the European states, which helps convince the reader in the 21st century that Kennedy Is somebody who knows what he Is talking about and that his arguments and predictions should be considered! The main line of the authors argument is that the Great Powers strength can only be tested against that of other Great Powers, one is by necessity always stronger than another due to factors such as the constantly differing growth rates, population and resources that each Power has. Kennedy time and again links the Roth or decline of an economy with the respective Powers military capability and eventual rise or fall. Whilst reading the book, backed with the wealth of examples and evidence Kennedy cites giving tables, charts and maps; it is easy to be convinced by Kennedys arguments. After all It makes sense that the bal-polar world of the Austrian and Spanish ended as they overextended themselves, creating the multi polar eighteenth century including Britain, France, Austria, Prussia and Russia. Kennedy then states that the economical power created by the Countries that were prepared o industrialist created a new series of superpowers: The nineteenth century British Empire then the t wentieth century Soviet union and the united States, and as the growth of these states stagnates and others grow world power will become multi polar once more encompassing five more possible powers; LISA, Russia, China, India and the ELI. Personally I agree mostly with what Kennedy says but In my opinion there are several difficulties, firstly he argues that Europe rose to dominate the rest of the world as opposed to because of fragmented states, increasing competition and 1 OFF actors for the decline of the Spanish Empire caused through lack of cohesion When I read this part for the first time, I though that this seemed like a contradiction, but on further thought could Kennedy mean however that these factors are beneficial to the rise of a power, however once they have reached a Great Power status begin to become a burden and can act as a factor in the Powers decline? I also think that an important factor which appears to be understated in the book are the leaders of Powers, I dont want to appear biased towards elite history as opposed to economic story, but using the Spanish Empire example from earlier, Spain did had ineffectual monarchs certainly from the mid seventeenth century, and was the time at which the Empire started to decline, cumulating in the Spanish war of Succession which in effect made Spain a second rate power. If Spain had more capable leaders they would have been in a better position to remain a major world player. In conclusion I would recommend The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers, it is easily read, there are maps and charts which help the reader visualize the political boundaries of the time. The main arguments are well backed up, and it is interesting as the focus is constantly changing from state to state. It is a good book for students but anybody with an interest could read and understand it. The Book I am about to review The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers is one of fourteen books written by Paul Kennedy, the author is considered an expert in the fields of Grand Strategy and International Relations, he previously studied under the famous historian GAP Taylor and this is Kennedys best known book to date; it being translated into twenty three languages, reaching no. N the Bestselling Hardcover Books when it was released in 1988 and also winning Kennedy the Williston History Prize for his work. The Book is rather long; owing to the fact it covers five hundred years of World History of the Great Powers, yet focuses largely towards European Powers, as that is where the majority of power lay until the early twentieth century. A brief knowledge of Historical events is useful when reading this book as individual Wars and Battles are not covered in too much detail because of the vast number of conflicts since the Renaissance period, however reader with no historical background can read this book and gain a lot of knowledge, it has an easily read general textbook feel about it, and it is divided chronologically into three sections: Pre-industrial 1500 1800, Industrial 1800 1943 and Today Tomorrow 1943 21st Century, which allows the book to be easily used as reference material for people interested in a particular period. A particularly interesting feature of this History book is that instead of finishing when the author wrote it, Kennedy continues and makes his predictions for the future, he accurately redirected the fall of the Soviet Union as well as the relative decline in the American economy with regards to the rise of new Powers such as China and the cooperation of the European states, which helps convince the reader in the 21st century that Kennedy is somebody who knows what he is talking about and that his arguments and predictions should be considered! The main line of the authors argument is that the Great Powers strength can only be tested against that of other Great Powers, one is by necessity always stronger than another due to factors such as the constantly offering growth rates, population and resources that each Power has. Kennedy time and again links the growth or decline of an economy with the respective Powers wealth of examples and evidence Kennedy cites giving tables, charts and maps; it is easy to be convinced by Kennedys arguments, after all it makes sense that the bi- polar world of the Austrian and Spanish ended as they overextended themselves, creating the multi polar eighteenth century including Britain, France, Austria, Prussia and Russia. Kennedy then states that the economical power created by the Countries hat were prepared to industrialist created a new series of superpowers: The nineteenth century British Empire then the twentieth century Soviet Union and the United States, and as the growth of these states stagnates and others grow world power will become multi polar once more encompassing five more possible powers; USA, Russia, China, India and the ELI. Personally I agree mostly with what Kennedy says but in my opinion there are several difficulties, firstly he argues that Europe rose to dominate the rest of the world as opposed to because of fragmented states, increasing competition and the freedom for merchants to do as they wish, yet he later cites the same reasons as factors for the decline of the Spanish Empire caused through lack of cohesion When I read this part for the first time, I though that this seemed like a contradiction, but on further thought could Kennedy mean however that these factors are beneficial to the rise of a power, however once they have reached a Great Power status begin to become a burden and can act as a factor in the Powers decline? I also think that an important factor which appears to be understated in the book are the leaders of Powers, I dont want to appear biased towards elite history as opposed to economic history, but using the Spanish Empire example from earlier, Spain did had ineffectual monarchs certainly from the mid seventeenth century, and was the time at which the Empire started to decline, cumulating in the Spanish war of Succession which in effect made Spain a second rate power. If Spain had more capable leaders they would have been in a better position to remain a major world player. In conclusion I would recommend The Rise ND Fall of the Great Powers, it is easily read, there are maps and charts which help the reader visualize the political boundaries of the time. The main arguments are well backed up, and it is interesting as the focus is constantly changing from state to state. It is a good book for students but anybody with an interest could read and understand it. The Book I am about to review The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers is one of fourteen books written by Paul Kennedy, the author is considered an expert in the fields of Grand Strategy and International Relations, he previously studied ender the famous historian GAP Taylor and this is Kennedys best known book to date; it being translated into twenty three languages, reaching no. 6 in the Bestselling Hardcover Books when it was released in 1988 and also winning Kennedy the Williston History Prize for his work. The Book is rather long; owing to the fact it covers five hundred years of World History of the Great Powers, yet focuses largely towards European Powers, as that is where the majority of power lay until the early twentieth century. A brief knowledge of Historical events is useful when reading this book as individual Wars and Battles are not covered in too much detail because of the vast number of conflicts since the Renaissance period, however a reader with no historical background can read this book and gain a lot of knowledge, it has an easily read general textbook feel about it, and it is divided chronologically into three sections: interested in a particular period. A particularly interesting feature of this History book is that instead of finishing when the author wrote it, Kennedy continues and Union as well as the relative decline in the American economy with regards to the alps convince the reader in the 21st century that Kennedy is somebody who knows what he is talking about and that his arguments and predictions should be Kennedys arguments, after all it makes sense that the bi-polar world of the Austrian Empire then the twentieth century Soviet Union and the United States, and as the polar once more encompassing five more possible powers; USA, Russia, China, India and the ELI. Personally I agree mostly with what Kennedy says but in my opinion the freedom for merchants to do as they wish, yet he later cites the same reasons as with an interest could read and understand it.

Chinas Hukou System

Chinas Hukou System Chinas Hukou system is a family registration program that serves as a domestic passport, regulating population distribution and rural-to-urban migration. It is a tool for social and geographic control that enforces an apartheid structure that denies farmers the same rights and benefits enjoyed by urban residents.    History of the Hukou System The modern Hukou system was formalized as a permanent program in 1958.   The system was created to ensure social, political, and economic stability.   Chinas economy was largely agrarian during the early days of the Peoples Republic of China.  In order to speed up industrialization, the government prioritized heavy industry by following the Soviet model.   In order to finance this expansion, the state underpriced agricultural products, and overpriced industrial products to induce an unequal exchange between the two sectors, essentially paying peasants less than market price for their agricultural goods.   In order to sustain this artificial imbalance, the government had to create a system which restricts the free flow of resources, especially labor, between industry and agriculture, and between city and countryside.    Individuals became categorized by the state as either rural or urban, and they were required to stay and work within their designated geographic areas.   Traveling was permitted under controlled conditions, but residents assigned to a certain area will not be given access to jobs, public services, education, healthcare, and food in another area.   A rural farmer who chooses to move to the city without a government-issued Hukou would essentially share the same status an illegal immigrant in the United States.   Obtaining an official rural-to-urban Hukou change is extremely difficult.   The Chinese government has tight quotas on conversions per year.    Effects of the Hukou System The Hukou system has historically always benefited the urbanites.   During the Great Famine of the mid-twentieth century, individuals with rural Hukous were collectivized into communal farms, where much of their agricultural output were taken in the form of a tax by the state and given to city dwellers.   This led to massive starvation in the countryside, and the Great Leap Forward would not be abolished until the effects were felt in the cities. After the Great Famine, rural residents continued to be marginalized, while urban citizens enjoyed a range of socio-economic benefits.   Even today, a farmers income is one-sixth that of the average urban dweller.   Farmers have to pay three times more in taxes, but receive a lower standard of education, healthcare, and life.   The Hukou system impedes upward mobility, creating essentially a caste system that governs Chinese society.    Since the capitalistic reforms of the late 1970s, an estimated 260 million rural dwellers have illegally moved to the cities, in an attempt to partake in the remarkable economic development taking place there.   These migrants brave discrimination and possible arrest while living on the urban fringe in shantytowns, railway stations, and street corners.   They are often blamed for rising crime and unemployment.    Reform With Chinas rapid industrialization, the Hukou system needed to be reformed in order to adapt to the countrys new economic reality.   In 1984, the State Council conditionally opened the door of market towns to peasants.   Country residents were allowed to get a new type of permit called, â€Å"self-supplied food grain† Hukou, provided that they satisfied a number of requirements.   The primary requirements are that a migrant must be employed in enterprise, have their own accommodations in the new location, and be able to self-provide their own food grain.   Holders are still not eligible for many state services and they cannot move to other urban areas ranked higher than that particular town.    In 1992, the PRC launched another form of permit called the blue-stamp Hukou.   Unlike the self-supplied food grain Hukou, which is limited to certain business peasants, the blue stamp Hukou is open to a wider population and allowed migration into bigger cities.   Some of these cities included the Special Economic Zones (SEZ), which were havens for foreign investments.   Eligibility was primarily limited to those with familial relations with domestic and overseas investors.   Ã‚  The Hukou system experienced another form of liberation in 2001​ after China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO).   Although WTO membership exposed Chinas agricultural sector to foreign competition, leading to job losses, it galvanized the labor-intensive sectors, particularly in textile and clothing, leading to an urban labor demand.   The intensity of patrols and documentation inspections were relaxed.    In 2003, changes were also made to how illegal migrants are to be detained and processed.   This was the result of a media and internet-frenzied case in which a college educated urbanite named, Sun Zhigang, was beaten to death after he was taken into custody for working in the megacity of Guangzhou without the proper Hukou ID. Despite the reforms, the current Hukou system still remains fundamentally intact because of the continuing disparities between the states agricultural and industrial sectors.   Although the system is highly controversial and vilified, a complete abandonment of the Hukou is not practical, due to the complexity and interconnectedness of the modern Chinese economic society.   Its removal could lead to a migration so massive that it could cripple city infrastructures and destroy the rural economy.   For now, minor changes will continue to be made to the Hukou, as it coincides with Chinas shifting political climate.

Independence War 1775 Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Independence War 1775 - Research Paper Example However, the parliament made it clear through the enactment of the Declaratory Act of 1766, that it had the authority to tax the colonies (Bobrick 15). This paper is a critical evaluation of the economic factors, which pushed the colonies to rebel against Great Britain and demand for independence. Economic Factors that Led to the American War of Independence (1775-1783) The War of Independence, or the American Revolutionary War, is a war, which was fought between Great Britain and 13 American colonies between the years 1775 and 1783 (Greene 201). However, it may be important to note that France and Spain were also actively involved in the war as they provided military assistance to the Americans. When the British entered America long before the revolution, they settled in colonies, after which leaders were selected in every one of them as representatives of the British government in England. They were to ensure that the colonies provided sufficient raw materials to the industries abr oad as well as market for the manufactured products. They were also supposed to ensure that the colonies remained loyal to the crown by collecting taxes on behalf of the British government (Alden 20). ... More so because the colonies did not have sufficient machinery and personnel to defend themselves from France and therefore, they needed the protection of their mother country, which was well equipped militarily. Secondly, the Anglo-French war was a highly costly affair and it hurt the British economy deeply (Bailyn 27). It is estimated that in North America, the British government spent approximately 4% of its total spending to protect the colonies from French invasion (Bailyn, 36). The colonials from North America also failed to fulfill their obligations during the war in terms of financial contribution and provision of personnel to engage in the war to defend their territories. Due to this, the British Government decided to come up with a strategy to cover the heavy losses and one way to do this was to increase revenues from the colonies. In 1763, the British government decided to halt the expansion of the colonies by creating borders, with an intention of preserving land belongin g to the Indians (Alden 41). This move was meant to gain favor from the Indians so that they could become consumers of British manufactured goods thereby providing market, which was essential in promoting the economy. In order to achieve this objective, British soldiers were posted on the western lands and were charged with the mandate of expelling all the Americans who had settled there as well as prevent new settlement by the American colonials. Ironically, the soldiers were to be paid using taxes collected from the Americans (Bobrick 22). The colonials did not take this lightly as they perceived it as a move to limit their economic interests and this created discontent and hatred towards Britain as it led to the

Global warming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Global warming - Essay Example The Earth is heating up and it will affect the crops. The rising of the sea level, the melting of icecaps and the global climatic changes are all the impacts of global warming. Global warming has influenced the business strategies as people try to reduce the greenhouse effect through efficient operations or energy conservations techniques. Regulations are imposed every other day to reduce the quantity of carbon dioxide and other gases emitted into the atmosphere. Nevertheless, it is argued that global warming presents new oppurtunities to businesses; it encourages innovation and creativity with the help of advanced technology. Global warming is believed to be destructive and expensive (Richman, 2007) but smart companies know which way the wind is blowing and how fast the ice is melting (Gunther, 2006). They find new ways to innovate, save energy, cut costs and reduce emissions. Insurers manage $26 trillion of assets of companies and are trying to influence the government to change po licies so that radical action can be taken to cut greenhouse gas emissions (Webber, 2002). Businesses have to evaluate the risks and analyze the oppurtunities that climate change has posed (Hagen, 2007). Stronger storms, prolonged droughts in some areas and heavy flooding or precipitation in other areas can adversely affect the immovable properties of businesses. The value of properties in coastal areas could decrease and they may be required to construct sturdier buildings that are more solid and resistant.

Nike Nature Of The Business Marketing Essay

Nike Nature Of The Business Marketing Essay Nike Incorporation is the worlds leading sporting goods manufacturer. The company produces the sports goods all-encompassing: clothing, footwear, sports equipment and so on. The company headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon. Nike with its impressive performance impresses its founder; Bill Bowerman once said the sentence: As long as you have a body, you are world athletes, and Nike will continue to develop grow. Before the company became Nike, the original name of the company is Blue Ribbon Sports on January 25, 1964. The company then officially became Nike Inc. on May 30, 1978. Nike has been provided the best products to every athlete around the world. The language of movement is the Nike language. The company committed always to create every chance to show themselves after three years. Nike knows: The best products are only produced by the use of advanced technology. So, by the way, Nike put a lot of manpower and material resources for the research and development of new products.   Years ago, a lot of high potential athletes and sports teams around the world have been sponsored by Nike. The Swoosh logo and trademarks of Just Do It are highly recognized. Nike Nature of the Business NIKE, Inc. is a worldwide marketing which engaged in development and design for footwear, equipment and accessory products. It is approximately 18,000 retail accounts by sells its products in the United States. Nearly 200 countries are through a combination of independent distributors, licensees and subsidiaries. Although a few of the products are worn for leisure purposes, NIKEs athletic footwear products are still in specific designed for athletic use. All equipments for men, women and children have been designed and created by the company. Either is indoor or outdoor activities, NIKE have a good market shoes or clothes such as tennis, golf, football, volleyball, wrestling, aquatic activities, hiking and others. Active sports apparel like most of these categories are sold by NIKE, for athletically lifestyle inspired apparel. Objective of the Nike Nikes main objective is to build up all athletes of every different of level of ability to their potential with advance the products. Indeed, it is to create job chances for provide value in its shareholders apart from the competition. Besides that, their aim also is to maintain the costs down which driven by the intense competition. By the way, a lot of other companies also operate these low-wage countries within the athletics industry according on cost reason. Because of difficulty due to less developed countries, their ability is easily moved to become economically dependent on the corporations. Strategies of Nike There are four main categories of strategies of Nike to continue develop growth in this along the years. They are financial perspective, customer perspective, internal perspective, and learning growth perspective. Financial Perspective Growth strategy Focus on Emerging Markets (i.e. BRIC) Products in new niche activities New customer segments Productivity strategy Increase Asset Utilization : increase employee by 5% Reduce Operational Cost Customer Perspective Maintain Product Leadership Provide high quality innovative products Improve Customer Relationship and Service Launch 250-300 Nike retail outlets in next three years Improve image Nike Community for welfare manufacturing workers Align incentives of workers Internal Perspective Follow Cost Out strategy Reduce marketing spent 11% of revenue only, focus on local sport heroes Integrate New Segments Markets and their attributes with current processes like customer Improve Innovation Cycle With smarter and more intelligent customer feedback mechanisms through e-channels Implement CSR Expand its alliance with other non-profit organizations to work together Learning Growth Perspective Retain and Train key employees Ensure attrition rate is between 2-3% Improve IT Assets Enhance CRM, e-channel, social media platform Invests 2-2.5% Rev in IT Systems Create a customer centric culture Executive team to provide a strong and visionary leadership Targeting Market Nikes targeting market is for those who like the higher quality sporting goods, especially footwear. Therefore, Nike focuses on creating premium consumer experiences on product innovation, brand leadership and elevated retail presence. Nike also target market for their shoes, clothes, and other accessories are males and females, especially among 18 and 35 years old. Nike Company has expanded and dominated in the international market. Size of Nike The size or range of the Nike Company is increases throughout the years. The total number of employees of Nike Company is about 38000 people around the world. In 2009, the  company  had a net income of around $1.49 billion. They have offices in 45 different countries. Besides that, the number of Nike stores globally is 700 around the world. Types of products sold Nike Company has a wide range of sports equipment. The first products that Nike produce is track running shoes. Besides that, Nike also offers a range of shoes for sports like, tennis, golf, soccer, baseball, football, bicycling, volleyball, cheerleading, hiking and others. They manufacture  casual clothes, running clothes, yoga clothes, tennis clothes (dresses and skirts),  thongs, socks, caps, aquatic gear, duffel bags, sunglasses, skates, bats, gloves, womens sport bras, ice skates, roller blades, roller skates, protective gear, hockey sticks, hockey jerseys and many more small accessories. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/Zoom_elite_2.png/220px-Zoom_elite_2.png Nike Pro Core Compression Nike brand, athletic shoes Nike brand, Tennis(Girls shorts) Services Nike Company has a great service which known as NIKEiD. It is a service that allowing customers to customize the products purchased from Nike. It must be through the online purchased. Besides that, The NIKEiD studios give customers have a great personal experience to work with. For iPhone and iPod Touch was released from the NIKEiD App on the iTunes App Store on 14 October 2009 to allow users to search products. Nike PhotoiD service is by taking picture or image with their mobile and sends to Nike so that new software designed will analyze the image, and then based on it designing a shoe. After that, an image of their desired shoe will be received by the customer. Lastly, they can choose to save the image or purchase the new design. Strengths and weaknesses of Nike Strengths Weaknesses Brand recognition High product quality Effective marketing strategy Capacity of innovation Strong distribution chain Strong RD Strong customer relationship Overseas manufacturing dependency Decreasing United States market share High product price compared to Adidas Currency exposure Medium retail presence Competitors Adidas is the major competitor to Nike Company. Adidas is about to launch a new innovative campaign praising the Team Spirit in sports. Any company that produces athletic footwear or athletic apparel is a  competitor  to  Nike such as Puma, Reebok(now is owned by Adidas), Asics, Under Armour, and so on. However, according to graph below, Nike Company is the best sells compete with others. http://cstl.syr.edu/fipse/TabBar/BldCirc/circlgif/fig17.gif Financial Model of Nike Since year 1997, Nike Companys revenues had plateaued at around $9 billion. Net income had fallen from almost $800 million to 580 million. However, market share in US athletic shoes had fallen from 48%, in 1997, to 42% in year 2000. It adverse effect of a strong dollar had negatively affected revenue. The management is concerned about the top-line growth and operating performance. To boost revenue, the company would develop more athletic-shoe products in the mod-priced segment- a segment that Nike had overlooked on the recent years. The company has also planned to push its apparel line. The company has planned to exert more effort on the expense control. Long term revenue growth target is 8%-10%. Earnings growth target is 15%.

Organic Food: Is It Really Better? Essay

Americans usually do not think about what they eat. We do not acknowledge whether it is locally grown, sustainably raised, grass-fed, and free-range or pesticide free. Americans fail to realize the negative effects from the harmful pesticides, hormones, dyes and preservatives that are in our food. Conventional foods are produce that is grown with the use of many harsh chemicals before it is put into a supermarket. (The food we eat conventionally was meant to help us lead healthier lives, but it actually harms us.) Many people believe that there is little nutritional difference between organic and conventional food but it is not about the nutritional value. It is a matter of what the conventional foods contain. Even though organic food is hard to find and more expensive than conventional food, it is also much safer and healthier. If everyone transitions and commits to eating organically, we can override and overcome conventional farming and its negative effects. Nearly forty percent of the world’s agricultural land has degraded. The amount of arable land is decreasing nationally and worldwide because toxic pesticides and herbicides are polluting our air, soil and groundwater. Soil productivity has decreased because of wind and water erosion of the topsoil. This causes loss of organic matter in the soil, a decrease in water holding capacity and biological activity. Fossil fuels play a huge role in producing food as well. Industrial farming has farming machinery and petroleum-based chemicals that require huge amounts of fossil fuels, which deplete the soil of its nutrients. The ratio for fossil fuel energy needed for beef production is 35 to 1 as well as 3 to 1 for all other agricultural products. Modern agricultural methods cause aquifers to dry out, pollinators such as bees are dying and the climate is getting hotter and drier (Schiffman, In Defense of Organic Farming). According to the EPA, the water runoff from conventional farms exceeds the legal limit for nitrate concentrations in drinking water compared with organic farms that do not use chemical pesticides. The excess nitrate exposure can cause respiratory conditions, thyroid disorders and cancer (Greenfield, The Organic Advantage). Princeton University states that only one percent of the pesticides actually targets the pests and that in fact, 99 percent affect the environment and contaminate our fresh groundwater that is used for drinking. The harmful chemicals in pesticides that enter our water system take many years for it to be eliminated from our drinking water. Organic farming practices use less energy and are designed to benefit the environment by reducing pollution and conserving water and soil quality and use methods to grow food that support sustainability. Pesticides and fertilizers are more harmful than helpful for the crops. The pesticides that conventional farms use also contribute to the resistance that insects and pests develop. They are constantly developing new tactics to invade the produce, which then leads to the conventional farmers’ use of stronger chemicals. Animal manure, compost and green manure are used as natural fertilizers. It nourishes the soil allowing crops to survive during drought periods. It also helps preserve our planet and farmland especially for the future generations to come. Farming organically generously promotes biodiversity. Biodiversity in organic food means that there is a greater quantity and variety. Generally, the more biodiversity there is on a farm encourages stability (Organic Agriculture). Research at the Rodale Institute has shown that organic methods can remove up to 7,000 pounds of carbon dioxide from the air yearly. As follows, Rodale estimates that if all 434 million acres of U. S. cropland were converted to organic practices, it would be the same as removing 217 million cars, which is nearly 88 percent of all cars in the country and more than one-third of all the automobiles in the world (LaSalle and Hepperly, Regenerative Organic Farming). Removing this great amount of carbon dioxide from our oxygen will increasingly benefit our environment. There are many significant differences between organic and conventional food products. According to the U. S. Department of Agriculture, fruits and vegetables are labeled organic if it has no pesticides, genetic modifications, growth hormones, artificial fertilizers or irradiation. Most conventional food products include a variety of these methods. Conventional food products are the exact opposite. All types of organic foods only represent three percent of the total American market and imply that we should support the production of organic foods (Kluger, What’s So Great About Organic Food). The prices of organic food products seem to be the main issue of why people prefer not to buy it. Organic fruits and vegetables cost from 13 to 34 cents more than ordinary conventional produce (Kluger, What’s So Great About Organic Food). Milk labeled hormone-free costs as well as antibiotic free is six dollars a gallon, whereas grocery store milk is 3. 50 dollars a gallon. The main reasons that organic foods are costly are because it requires abstaining from the use of chemicals; the demand overrides the supply, the producing methods and the necessity to obtain organic certification (Organic Agriculture). No chemicals means more labor. Without chemicals and the use of synthetic pesticides farmers have to hire more laborers to complete jobs such as hand weeding, cleaning polluted water and recovering from pesticide contaminations from former land owners. The USDA claims that Americans prefer organic over nonorganic, but there is only little farmland to fulfill these requests. Organic farmers use crop rotation as an alternative to chemical weed killers to keep the soil healthy and the prevention of weed growth. This method does not allow crops to be produced in larger quantities. Acquiring Organic certification can be very expensive. Organic farms are required to pay a mandatory inspection fee annually to be organically certified. Inspection costs usually range from 400 dollars to 2000 dollars every year (Organic Agriculture). The indicated costs would be easy to pay for if more people supported organic farming. One of the many reasons for our health issues is because of the way in which meat producers treat our animals. Organically farmed animals are raised without harmful chemicals, growth hormones or antibiotics. Cows, chicken and pigs are retaining most of the pesticides that they ingest. These animals eat produce that contains pesticides causing it to be stored in their tissues and fat. When we eat these animals, the pesticides are being transferred into our bodies. Inorganic meat, fish, dairy and eggs are the main source of environmental pollution. It contributes to almost 95 percent of toxic residues into our everyday diet. Battery caged hens live in small cages that only allow minimum movement. Few birds survive this because it compromises its immune systems, which also increases the uses of antibiotics and vaccines. Organic Farmers protect and provide homes for wildlife. Animals on organic farms are raised and treated in a much more humane environment than inorganic farmers. Most of these conventional animals are caged, grain-fed and are treated with cruelty. Grass-fed and free-range animals have less fat than grain-fed animals and have high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids as well as omega-6, which is believed to reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease and arthritis and increases cognitive function (Kluger, What’s So Great About Organic Food). These vitamins are essential in our daily American diet. Our diet is considered to be â€Å"killing† the planet and us Americans. In 2010, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention released that nearly 27 percent of Americans are considered obese and the obesity rate tops 30 percent in nine states. Every American eats 220 pounds of meat a year and only 14 percent consume the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Most processed foods are saturated with salt and high fructose corn syrup, which are the two flavors that we know and love (Kluger, What’s So Great About Organic Food). The population should be very concern with the long-term health effects that conventional produce has on us. There are 450 percent more chemicals in conventional produce than organic produce. Many studies have shown that pesticides link to health issues including cancer, birth defects and nervous system damage which depend on factors such as pesticide toxicity, the level of exposure and the person’s age and genetic susceptibility (Kramer). A study from Dr. Langrin, a food observer, shows that people who ate conventional food, then switched to organic food showed an 85 to 90 percent decrease in pesticide levels in their bodies. When they began eating conventional food again, their pesticide levels increased greatly (Zerbe, Organic Foods). This study showed that there was a significant difference in the amount of pesticides in inorganic food than organic food. Children and infants benefit tremendously from organic food. It aids in their development and their overall health. By the time most children reach the age of two, they obtain the lethal limit for toxins in their bodies. Feeding children organic food will decrease this amount and they will only have one-sixth of the amount of carcinogens in their blood causing the risk of illnesses to decrease significantly. Children and fetuses with high levels of pesticide intake are more vulnerable to this chemical than adults because of their less-developed immune systems and their bodies and brains are still in the process of development (Paul, Kemp, Segal, Organic Foods). They are not able to metabolize and break down the chemicals from the pesticides, therefore causing their body to absorb the chemical and making them less able to filter it out of their bodies. They are twice as likely to have developmental delays behavioral disorders such as ADHD and motor dysfunction. Also, Women who do not consume organic food while they are pregnant, give birth to children that will subsequently have low IQ scores (Greenfield, The Organic Advantage). Adults are not the only people who suffer, but unborn children and infants as well. Choosing the organic lifestyle will increase your lifespan, allow you to live healthier and will benefit the environment and our planet overall. Organic food can be purchased at some local supermarkets and many farmers’ markets or private organic stores. By supporting organic farming, we will eliminate chemicals caused from conventional farming out of our air, soil, water, food and our bodies. We can take precautionary measures to protect and preserve the future generations to come by doing so. As most Americans eat conventionally, changing to an organic lifestyle can give you a sense of comfort knowing that your food is strictly nutritious and cannot harm you. If we Americans start eating organically now, we can be sure that in the future there will only be a few conventional farms left on our planet. Works Cited Greenfield, Paige. â€Å"The Organic Advantage. â€Å"(2013). Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Kluger, Jeffrey. â€Å"What’s So Great About Organic Food?. † (2010). Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Kramer, Leslie. â€Å"Worth Going Organic. † Positive Thinking (2008) Web. 14 Nov. 2013. LaSalle, Tim J., and Paul Hepperly. â€Å"Regenerative Organic Farming: A Solution to Global Warming. † 2008. Web. 15 Nov. 2013. â€Å"Organic Foods: Are They Safer? More Nutritious? † Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 07 Sept. 2012. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Organic Agriculture: What Are the Environmental Benefits of Organic Agriculture? N. p. , n. d. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. Paul, Maya W. , Gina Kemp, and Robert Segal. â€Å"Organic Foods. † Understanding Organic Food Labels, Benefits, and Claims. May 2013. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. Schiffman, Richard. â€Å"In Defense Of Organic Farming. † Web. 14 Nov. 2013.