Ishmael Bernal and Religious Interpretations Essay Example for Free

Ishmael Bernal and Religious Interpretations Essay Ishmael Bernal’s films have received countless acknowledgements throughout the years because of his unique style of â€Å"working out patterns of symbolic details† (Lumbera 25). And through these patterns, Bernal was able to portray his views on things as an auteur. This paper examines his interpretations of religion and religious activities through his films. But this only includes three of his works: Manila by Night (1980), Himala (1982), and Hinugot sa Langit (1985). These three films’ devotional approaches are analyzed by both their mise-en-scene and fabula. On that note, religion as tackled in this paper only pertains to the Philippine religion of Christianity/Catholicism, since Bernal’s films appear to be only on the Catholic’s view. How did Bernal attack Catholicism? Why did he represent the country’s most widespread religion in that manner? What are the implications of his works on the era during such films were distributed? How do these films affect the contemporary time? And what do these films impose on the society and on the religion majority of it believes in? Hence, this paper has these films examined through the eyes of a spectator, and relates that analogy to Bernal’s own philosophies as an auteur. Religion in Mise-En-Scene and Iconographies Through the apparatus theory, Bernal’s religious interpretations in his works can be examined. Ponsford’s Film Theory and Language from media. edusites. co. uk says apparatus theory suggests that film is created to illustrate different ideas and that everything has meaning even starting from the camerawork up to the editing. Manila by Night is a drama film made by Bernal in 1980. It is a multiple-charactered film where the characters’ existences in the city were unveiled as they live by the ruthlessness of drugs, poverty, adultery, and lust. In Manila by Night, Bernal constantly used iconographies and effigies of divine entities in several sex scenes through elaborate camerawork and editing. An example is a scene where a couple (Adelina, played by Moreno and Pebrero, played by Ojeda) who routinely cheated on each other made love while religious icons peered over them (Santos 21). There is another sex scene where instead of figures, Bernal focused a shot on a chaplet necklace worn by the indolent college guy (Alex, played by Martinez) for a few seconds just before he had premarital sex with his girlfriend (Vanessa, played by Alajar). Bernal not only used these icons in sex scenes. In one scene where the neurotic mother of Alex, Virgie (Solis), trashed their home when she found out he was doing drugs, multiple shots of religious statues were shown simultaneously with the scene of flying plates and broken furniture in the screen. Hinugot sa Langit also has a remarkable mise-en-scene in terms of religious interpretations. It is a film about infidelity, unwanted pregnancy, and abortion. In the scene where Carmen (Soriano) was rushed to the hospital after attempting to commit suicide, the disparity between the two conflicting characters of Aling Juling (Solis) and Stella (Austria) was clearly depicted. Aling Juling, being the sanctimonious that she was, gave the feeble Carmen her Holy Bible, hoping that it helps Carmen as it did to her. Seconds after Aling Juling left the room, Stella put a bag of apples on top of the bible as she jokingly referred to it as â€Å"holy mansanas (apples)† which may be interpreted as the apple Eve took from the treacherous snake in the Garden of Eden. The style Bernal had in Manila by Night was still used in Hinugot sa Langit. There was the scene of Mang David’s (Ventura) child’s wake where an image of Christ hung over Carmen and Mang David’s backs as they talked about the latter’s debts from Aling Juling. There’s still that style but other sightings of the religious icons and statues were not shown in that ambiguous manner anymore; instead they were shown conspicuously to prove a point like every time Aling Juling conducted prayer meetings and worship time. The irony in showing religious images and sinful acts simultaneously is an apparent symbolism of the societal hypocrisy towards faith and Christianity. Morality Issues on Manila by Night, Himala, and Hinugot sa Langit These three films are all packed with morality issues and what are morality issues if there is no religion? Morality, I believe, is bound by the norms and rules of whatever religion an individual believes in. Therefore, people do what for them is â€Å"right† because the religion they keep their faith in tells them to do so. Himala is a story of a girl named Elsa (Aunor) who claims to have seen the Blessed Virgin Mary on the top of the very hill where she was found by her non-biological mother years ago when she was still a baby. Since then Elsa started to â€Å"heal† people through the use of the power that was allegedly bestowed upon her by the Virgin Mary. She was situated in a small town called Cupang where the soil was always dry because of a â€Å"curse† from long time ago. Since then people came flocking to Elsa’s house to seek treatment from her miracles. She had her own followers and a bunch of detractors. In the end, when she faced piles of troubles—from not being able to â€Å"heal† anymore to being raped along with her best friend who later on committed suicide—she came clean and announced that there is no miracle, that it is the people who create their own miracles. She was shot dead at that same moment. The morality issues in this film is particularly apparent during the time when documentarist Orly (Manikan) battles with himself whether to have Elsa and Chayong’s (Centeno) rape video shown to the public. In the end he seeks help from the priest, which only made it clear that his decisions still depended largely on the â€Å"Catholic opinion† even though he was a self-proclaimed atheist right from the start. Manila by Night touches more morality issues than Himala. Since it is a film using a multiple-character format, the struggles each persona faces vary. There was a cheating guy (Pebrero), a liar prostitute (Adelina), a hypocritical ex-prostitute (Virgie), a happy-go-lucky gay (Manay Sharon), a dope-pusher lesbian (Kano), a blind whore (Bea), a college dropout (Alex), and his girlfriend (Vanessa). Their characters differ from each other but what’s uncanny about it was that their lives intertwine one way or another. Set in the city during a time when people’s freedom was being suppressed, these characters faced the question of what to do in times like that. Whether they hold on to their principles and strive to live for the good or just continue their dishonest lives to be able to endure everything and coexist. In a country where Catholicism is dominant, what Bernal showed in Manila by Night questions the values the religion upholds for its followers. The ending of the film where after all the mayhem that happened in the city during the past night seemed to be forgotten and the characters are portrayed as monotonous citizens living their routinely-charged lives is a strong point for proving how people trapped in the confusion of what’s good or evil can act as two-faced individuals who eventually become victims of the system. Hinugot sa Langit, on the other hand, tackles a more brazen topic that’s related to religion: abortion. When Carmen found out she was having Jerry’s (Tantay) child, she was faced with only two options: one is to keep it and the other is to abort. The problem the film earlier gave was that Jerry was already married with someone else and he made it clear right from the start that he didn’t want anything to do with the child Carmen was carrying. This, on top of the incessant urging of her straightforward cousin Stella, pushed Carmen to the edge of option number two. But her landlady, Aling Juling, insisted otherwise—saying abortion is a sin to God. As Carmen’s pregnancy became relatively closer to three months (which is the point when a mere embryo becomes human according to the abortionist) she began thinking about the issue of whether abortion is already an act of killing or not. But eventually, she chose to have abortion. Near the end of the film where she pounded on Mang David for stabbing Aling Juling to death, Bernal used a brilliant camera shift from Mang David’s staring face to Carmen’s while she was yelling, â€Å"Wala kang karapatang pumatay ng tao! You have no right to murder anyone! ),† as if giving the former a reason to say that she did not have any right to kill her child either. As Oggs Cruz put it in his blog, â€Å"Hinugot sa Langit may be branded as preachy and anti-abortion but in reality, the film has side stories that suggest a more pressing issue: societal hypocrisy. † This is not only apparent in the abortion issue but also in Aling Juling’s actions. It’s just that, as Cruz again puts it, â€Å"abortion is the most telling of issues. The Philippines being a prominently Catholic nation declares abortion as criminally and morally wrong yet funnily, the practice is unwrittenly accepted among women who are time-pressed with a decision. † Elsa and Aling Juling While Manila by Night’s interpretations of religion banks largely on its mise-en-scene, what Bernal created in Himala and Hinugot sa Langit were characters who seemed to embody the â€Å"divine† and through them, Bernal showed how false devotions and idolatry can be misleading. Elsa’s alleged involvement with the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary made her just as acred as the holy mother of Christ in the people’s eyes. She became, in an obvious way, the people’s source of blind faith that led them to their own pits of darkness as shown in the last part of the film where healthy and sick people alike experienced a stampede that caused them physical pain. This false faith is also ostensible in Aling Juling’s character in Hinugot sa Langit. Even from the start of the film, her character already proved to be a hypocrite. She dressed conservatively, regularly attended prayer and worship meetings, firmly discouraged Carmen to do an abortion, and constantly spoke about the Divine. But she also wanted to have the informal settlers removed from her land at any cost just to be able to build a chapel, claiming it is for the greater good. Aling Juling proved to be the perfect devotee, but failed to act as a true child of God for the other people; and there lies the biggest fallacy built in her persona. There was also one scene where Carmen and Aling Juling went into a brief screaming match about how should the former handle her problems. In the one line of Carmen saying, â€Å"Ano pa bang gusto Niya (pertaining to God), ano pa bang gusto mo?! What else does He want, what else do you want?! ),† the character of Aling Juling seemed to be a symbolism of the â€Å"god† Carmen had come to believe in. Instead of the all-powerful, all-knowing One, because of her problems, Carmen landed on believing Aling Juling’s preaching as that of God’s. Elsa and Aling Juling both died at the end, and both by being brutally attacked. What I see in this phenomenon is the attempt to â€Å"kill off† the wrong and misrepresentative beliefs brought about by these two characters, and probably the only way Bernal suggests to do that is through a vicious, one-time manner. Bernal as Auteur This paper is not about Bernal but about the works of Bernal. But since he is an auteur, understanding his background is essential in understanding the concepts behind his works. The auteur theory proposes that the director is the author of the film and that the director is the primary creative source, therefore the films produced express the director’s distinctive vision of the world (Pramaggiore and Wallis 398). Therefore, his politics mirror his representation of religion, thus making his films a reflection of his own beliefs. According to Bayani Santos’ Bernal as Auteur, Ishmael appreciated the values of Gregorio Aglipay and Catholicism. He also admired the disciplines of Iglesia Ni Cristo but criticized it for its exploitation of religion in politics. It was also said that he â€Å"respected Catholicism as faith, but always qualified it with a historical reminder of its political and economic crimes against the nation† (Santos 19). It was also said in the same article that Bernal’s view of shallow Catholicism among Filipinos as facts of Philippine life was not just mocking jibes against superficial religiosity but rather â€Å"accurate descriptions, as synecdochical of Philippine reality† and having the satirical impact arrive after a realization by the audience that, indeed, the descriptions are ‘us’ (21). Bayani continued on to saying that Bernal’s politics are â€Å"deeply buried in many of his works† (31). His politics involve not only his aforementioned views on Philippine religion but also his involvement in communism. This notion is perceivable in the three films being analyzed by this paper. In Manila by Night, Bernal took jibes on Martial Law more than anything. In Hinugot sa Langit, he â€Å"showed the desperate situation of the poor in a script that scrupulously avoided overt political commentary† (31). In Himala he managed to speculate a Marxist view of religion as an opiate when Elsa’s death became a dismaying reversion to mass hysteria and fanaticism (31). Bernal’s Films then and now These three films were produced during the second golden age of the Philippine cinema, during the years that mark off the end of the Marcos Martial Law regime. Bernal’s films were acclaimed during those times because both the films and timing were apt to belong to the cinema that recognizes the struggle as the most gigantic cultural, scientific, and artistic manifestation our time, the third cinema (Solanas and Gettino 47). This is what makes Bernal’s films timeless. The impact these films made during those times were huge. Bernal revealed how the Marcos regime exploited the Filipinos. This is overtly seen in Manila by Night, where his depiction of the supposed city to signify the â€Å"New Society† is the exact opposite of it. The term â€Å"New Society† claimed that the dictatorship had eradicated corruption and transformed Philippine society (Lumbera 359). This same â€Å"New Society† was also exploited, although for good reasons, by Bernal in his film Himala. According to Lumbera, Himala criticized the manipulative religiosity of this society which â€Å"drew the people’s attention away from the realities of poverty, violence, and moral decay† (359). This, however, is still manifested in the present time. There is this one scene in Himala that is applicable to both the past and present times. When people started coming to Cupang for Elsa and Elsa’s â€Å"apostles used the water Elsa blessed for profit, it was a hypocritical move on the side of Elsa and her followers to lure people into giving them money when all they were meant to do in the first place was to offer treatment for everyone who asked for it. The past screams about the pretentious â€Å"New Society† and the present stages the scene in real life whenever such religious items or services that are supposed to help them are still sold for amounts to the people. (e. . : a priest’s service fees, blessed rosaries, mass guides) Another thing that might have helped in the success of Himala is the fact that superstar Nora Aunor played the lead role. In the Noranian Imaginary, it is said that Himala is as much about the popular hysteria mediated by the idol Nora Aunor as it is about the mass hysteria endemic to Catholicism as held by many (Tadiar). People saw Elsa in Nora and Nora in Elsa—th e same poor, unfortunate protagonist who strive against all odds to defend herself and achieve goals. In these times, Nora may not be that same girl many Filipinos used to idolized, but the imprint she left on Elsa’s character is so known to almost every Filipino as â€Å"that† girl who everyone admired. Elsa’s death at the end of the film may be read as liberation from such faith, since she made confessions about the inexistence of miracles prior to his death. But the people’s continuous idolatry in her after she passed away seems to be a symbol of the people of today—those who still continue hang on to false hope and devotion even after such devotion proves to be wrong. As Patrick Flores puts it in Himala: Fall of Grace, â€Å"Himala is against the miracle and it is against the cinema. † Hinugot sa Langit, lastly, also speaks of a timeless issue in Catholicism: abortion. The values the film imbibes a great impact on the beliefs of the majority of the Filipino citizen. The question of whether abortion is or is not an act of murder is still being debated upon until today. Bernal’s films speak of ageless and timely issues concerning the Filipino people and that’s what makes his films succeed not only in the era during which it was manufactured, but also in the present time.

GDI Security Policy Document

GDI Security Policy Document 1.0 Introduction This security policy document offers a sufficient summary of the state of security concerns with the herein mention corporation and no alteration of the information contained herein is allowed without the consent of the Global Distribution Inc. The document offers a brief outlay of the corporation and the structures of its state of security as well as propositions set in order to ensure a safe, secure and smooth running of the GDI for the best client trust and satisfaction. 1.1 The Corporation’s Background Global Distribution Inc. (GDI) is an internally recognized firm whose core objective is to deliver security sensitive electronic oriented assets from sellers to buyers as well as from manufactures to clients. The GDI headquarters is in the Central Business of the Washington DC in the united States of America and all its outlets in major cities all over the world, including cities in European nations, Africa, the Asian continent as well as the Far East, are controlled through a protected signal mode of communication which relies on the expertise of the best IT brains in the world. In its modest structure of operation, The GDI acts as a shipping corporation, although its operations and client trust rests on an ultra-modern state of cyber and advanced computer security platform. Just to mention, the corporation contracts in shipping high security electronic cards, gadgets, personalized fingerprint devices as well as critical secret machinery such as ultra-modern Military machinery in ge neral among others. These electronics contain coded private information and the process of successful business of GDI relies on IT expertise right from its website to its employees. 1.2 Problem statement The preparation of this document was elicited by the wiki leaks concerns that the GDI servers had been hacked by cyber criminals whose intentions were to gather certain targeted countries’ national banking and security information in the wake of uprising terrorism and cyber theft. The GDI officially confirms that these claims are valid although the attempts of the attackers were counteracted by the corporation’s cloud computing team through the intrusion detection systems. Owing to the fact that most of the assets which are handled by the GDI are airlifted to set destinations and huge quantities of such being shipped through the sea worldwide, the awakening movements of terror and piracy both physical and cyber based has elicited, we, the top secret management of the GDI to release this document as an act of assurance to our esteemed clients. Also, considering that possible employee interference with clients’ information may occur, the issue of security, and thus documenting it to the target relevant clients is a matter of great importance. 2.0 Important Assets for GDI The GDI relies on a variety of assets in its daily activities which are security oriented in all ways of their operation. For instance, the corporation owns a fleet of customized aircrafts and modern ships whose controls are computer based. For instance, the cargo compartments are code operated and rely on the doctrine of one time password which is generated at the headquarters. The company also stocks secure servers which are intended to prevent hackers from accessing the corporation’s database (Laughlin, 2012). Also, the password transmission technology relies on an expiring ‘ping’ signals which deters forth and back tracing by cyber insurgents. Behind the GDI security is a pile of super computers, stationed in different parts of the world and secret and secured locations, and whose input to the communication and secrecy of the corporation is immense. The corporation also harbors skilled human assets which as mentioned earlier is a team of specially trained code r and hackers. Important to note is that the corporation owns the clients’ good in transit and is responsible for retaining the security encrypted within the goods. Most of the times, the sellers and manufactures entrust the GDI with the duties of configuring information as required for the devices. The greatest challenge of retaining security of the information which circulates within these systems is that they are prone to cyber intrusion by malicious individuals as well as firmware. 3.0 Security Architecture for GDI The GDI puts its utmost trust within the following hierarchy or rather chain of command when it comes to its security matters. The top entrusted individual is the company’s chief executive officer who doubles as the president of the company. The second in the descending order are the CEO’s vice presidents. Stemming down in that order are the Executive assistants who in turn issue orders to the managers. Most important to note is that these managers are specially trained IT and coding experts whose mandate is to ensure privacy of data and other credentials are upheld. The security of the servers is ensured through the recent versions of the intrusion detection systems. In a brief overview, network intrusion systems collect network traffic for analysis and detection. Packets are usually intercepted as they move across the network between a number of hosts. The packets already intercepted are compared with a database that contains known signatures and any anomalous activity suggestive of malicious behavior is highlighted (Di Mancini, 2008). This way, our IT experts are able to check for intruders. However, the coding of the information contained in the gadgets is encrypted through the use of the supercomputers and every dispatch set encrypted with a one-time password which is sent in coded format once consignment reach destination. 4.0 Ten Possible Security Policies The GDI has identified that just like any other business entity; it owns assets which are sought after by others. The others in this case entail competitors, hackers, criminals or even its employees. Due to this reason, the GDI has keynoted the importance of reshuffling its security policies. It is these security policies which outline the company rules and procedures which help protect its assets from intruders. The items in the GDI’s context encompass data and the valuable electronics which include ATM sets and ATM cards. Most important, these security policies shall help define the company’s communication structure for the safe destination of its goals. Generally speaking, security, policies entail a governing, technical and end-user policies, all of which ought to be observed. The case for GDI is quite complex and challenging since it ought to consider online and offline platforms bearing in mind its clients and its internal community. In this case, the possible sec urity policies include: Incidence response security policy (Security Response Plan Policy), Audit/Risks assessment, security Policy, Computer Security Policy, Emails Security Policy, , Internet Security Policy, Personal devices and Mobile Security Policy, Networks, Security Policy, Physical Security Policy, Application policies, Server Security Policies, password Security policy and Wireless (Wi-Fi) Security Policy (Greene, 2006). 5.0 Details and Rationale of the Ten Security Policies The security policies listed under the preceding section would therefore be considered as outlined below within the GDI security system. Firstly, owing to the fact that much of the data are in softcopy format and coordinated through web data transfer protocols which then calls for sound rules. Incidence response security policy Under this security policy, the GDI aims to ensure that sound approach of handling an encroachment by foreign individuals is handled at the preventive stage. The seriousness of this matter demands keen attention as most of the data and communication flow of the GDI is transmitted through VPNs and encrypted via Trusted Computing Based internal networks. This means that once an intruder manages to hack the system, data will be accessed. Early planning and response policy is therefore critical. Physical security policy Generally, physical security policies usually encompass on ensuring that the computer systems and other assets are not physically tampered with in an organization. This for instance ensures that all removable data carrying drives are not accessed manually and made away with. Cases of fire are also considered here and a road map to addressing the same offered. Personal gadget and mobile device security policies This security policy aims to restrict the importing of data by any employees from the central network for any unaccounted reasons. Communication and device usage in the streams of analogue as well as ISDN lines policy need have a clear outline: Define Also, image capturing devices would be a threat cause getting an image of the security centers would give intruders a road map to break into them. Server Security Policies An international corporation like the GDI would definitely focus to ensure that its servers are well secured. This can be through the hiring of professional hackers and cloud computing expatriates in all ways keep testing the system and ensure that the ISP and VPNs are secure (Laughlin, 2012).. Wi-Fi Security policies Many organizations usually install wireless networks within their premises for the fast and convenient communication among the employees. However, the focus ought to be placed on such networks as they can easily be configured by hackers to and give an entry point to the organization enabling them to steal data. Thus, protecting such Wi-Fi networks are very critical. Passwords security policies These policies generally outline the formal protocols in which the corporate management ensures its how its passwords are safe and the chain of command in handling and usage of the same. A legal criterion has to be set in place for accountability. Remote Access security policies This generally denotes the degree the surrounding community could manage to use say the Wi-Fi of a corporation. At times, when the workers are housed within the corporation’s premises, they usually are given passwords to access the corporations’ wireless network which can be vulnerable to network hackers. Computer Security policies The usage of both the super computers and personal computers in a multinational organization need clear guidelines since computers are very sensitive since they offer the weakest link for accessing company information. The case for GDI is similarly sensitive and more vigilant on the same since its assets are computer integrated. Data recovery and Backup security policies These define the procedures for recovering data in case of a systems breakdown or any unexpected malfunctioning of the network devices. This would position a corporation at the vantage of all time data security. Administrators’ security policies These security policies aim at outlining how security concerns which entails top secrets and data sharing and circulation changes hands within the top management. Generally, most institutions provide for a hierarchical flow of data and security details from the chief executive officer to the lowest level employee in the corporation for example Application policies Last but not least, it is important to appreciate that some organizations usually develop their web applications which can be downloaded and installed by third party and clients. For instance, this could be an application regarding the tracking of items under transit, say under shipment. This can be especially prone to piracy and theft of physical assets. It is under this security policy, such matters are addressed. 6.0 Ten Security Policies that should be applied to GDI The success of any international corporation that handles huge volumes of critical data depends on the statement of policies and implementation of such. For instance, virtually all the discussed policies under section 5 offer a clear insight that the GDI has to apply its running to all the security policies. For instance, a summarized opinion would simply show that all the policies target ensuring data security which is the core reason as to why all need be applied for the safe and efficient running of the corporation’s activities and operations. Password security policies coupled with administrators’ security polices for instance, offer a way of addressing the commonest ways of ethical data handling and accountability would be pronounced. Likewise, the application policies ought to have clear rules of usage since without keen attention, the GDI can fall victim of being intruded and hacked. Data Backup and recovery security policies ought to be implemented since the cor poration is data and information oriented. A good system being in mechanism would make things better for the company. Internet, email, personal computer as well as mobile device usage, security policies within the premises by the employees ought to be addressed and applied in the GDI on an advanced scale since most of the communications could be tapped via these avenues. The fact that the GDI organizes its infrastructure right from programs to gadgets and machinery under the control of networks therefore dictates and calls for an intensified concern for all the ten security policies. 7.0 Conclusion The GDI Corporation handles huge amounts of sensitive assets and data and thus its reliability by clients rests on the team the corporation has especially the coders. In order for the GDI to run safely and secure without fear of being hacked despite its wide usage of coded data, its skilled staff ought to stay on high alert (Laughlin, 2012). Also, for effective and sustainable safety of client’s data, the various security policies described shall be implemented. This way, the recent threats of attempted intrusion into the GDI servers would be minimized with greater clients’ satisfaction. News such as those witnessed recently on wiki leaks would be a thing of the past in the GDI’s context. References Di, P. R., Mancini, L. V. (2008).Intrusion detection systems. New York: Springer. Greene, S. S. (2006). Security policies and procedures: Principles and practices. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Prentice Hall. Laughlin, C. (2012). Guide for servers. Chicago, IL: Liturgy Training Publications.

Taking Classes To Improve Interpersonal Communication English Language Essay

Taking Classes To Improve Interpersonal Communication English Language Essay Taking this class has really opened up my eyes on just how important communication skills really are whether it be verbal communication or non-verbal communication. In this paper I am going to focus on the interpersonal relationships. I think for me this was the most helpful for me with everything I have learned on communication. With writing this paper I understand interpersonal communication a little more than I did before. Everyone should be made to take a class so they actually understand communication and a way to just not have and I dont care attitude. Today many people still lack the ability to communicate effectively with in interpersonal relationships. It is through cooperation and collaboration that effective communication occurs. By analyzing and studying the communication process we can improve our ability to communicate effectively between one another. To have a successful interpersonal relationship one must first interact with others in an informal setting, which is called interpersonal communication (Hybels pg.156). Recognizing emotions in other is a very important first step to building a relationship. If you cant feel what someone else is feeling then you cant connect with them on a personal level and that can hinder your relationship process. Interpersonal communication is important because of the functions it achieves. Whenever we engage in communication with another person, we seek to gain information about them. We also give off information through a wide variety of verbal and non-verbal cues. Verbal communication has huge effects on many aspects of life, including interpersonal relationships. Speaking and telling our needs and wants verbally or non-verbally is a necessity for daily life. Verbal communication is organized by language; non-verbal communication is not. Most of us spend about 75 percent of our waking hours communicating our knowledge, thoughts, and ideas to others. However, most of us fail to realize that a great deal of our communication is of a non-verbal form as opposed to the oral and written forms. Non-verbal communication includes facial expressions, eye contact, tone of voice, body posture and motions, and positioning within groups. It may also include the way we wear our clothes or the silence that we keep. In person-to-person communications our messages are sent on two levels simultaneously. If the nonverbal cues and the spoken message are incongruous, the flow of communication is hindered. Right or wrong, the receiver of the communication tends to base the intentions of the sender on the non-verbal cues one receives. Before a person makes an attempt to form an interpersonal relationship they must decide what attracts them to that person. There are many factors that make up attraction to others. Physical attraction, perceived gain, similarities, differences, and proximity are some of them (Hybels, 2007). Most people are first attracted to others because of the way they look. Some people might have distinct characteristics that one might be attracted to such as; blues eyes, short hair, or even a small space between their teeth. If a person is not attracted to your appearance they are not likely to come up and carry on a conversation with you. For example, if an individual, who dislikes tattoos, is taking a class and has to choose a partner for a project, but there are only two people left and one of them has tattoos he or she will mostly likely choose the individual without tattoos, even if the person with tattoos is a very intelligent individual. There are many cases where we are attracted to someone because of the perceived gain associated them for example, one might become friends with an employee at a restaurant in hope of having discounted meal when they eat there. The similarities and differences are a major factor in determining if the relationship will be right for you. Often we find ourselves attracted to people that share the same beliefs, values, and religion. Most people are also attracted to people who enjoy the same activities as they do. Contrary to the similarities people may also be attracted to the differences. For example, person who doesnt like making decisions might be attracted to a strong decision maker. Because these characteristics complement each other, they might help strengthen the relationship (Hybels, 2007 pg161). Proximity is a valuable factor also when it comes to evaluating the pros and cons of a relationship. Proximity is the close contact that occurs when people share an experience such as at work, school, or play (Hybels, 2007 pg161).If a person does not want to have a long distance romantic relationship and their partner moves away to attend college in another state, then it is most likely that the relationship will not last. Moving on to the next steps of forming an interpersonal relationship would be our motives for communicating. We are motivated to form relationships for many different reasons such as, pleasure, affection, inclusion, escape, relaxation, control and health (Hybels, 2007 pg162-163). If an individual is motivated by pleasure he or she might just want someone to go to the movies or discuss politics with. Maybe we might be motivated by affection; many people are looking for someone to give them attention; a pat on the back or a little kiss every now and then. Many marriages end in divorce because of the lack of affection from their partner, but if they could have communicated effectively to each other that they needed more affection the relationship might not have ended. But no matter what might motivate us, once we have started developing a relationship we have to decide how much of our selves we want to disclose to the relationship and at what point in the relationship. Self- disclosure is a process in which one person tells another person something he or she would not reveal to just anyone (Hybels, 2007 pg168). Self-disclosure is not simply providing information to another person. Instead, scholars define self-disclosure as sharing information with others that they would not normally know or discover. Self-disclosure involves risk and vulnerability on the part of the person sharing the information. Self-disclosure performs many functions. It is also a way of gaining information about another person. We want to be able to predict the thoughts and actions of people we know. Self-disclosure is one way to learn about how another person thinks and feels. Once one person engages in self-disclosure, it is implied that the other person will also disclose personal information. Mutual disclosure deepens trust in the relationships and helps both people understand each other more. You also feel better about yourself and your relationship when the other person accepts what you tell them. While self disclosure can strengthen a relationship it can also damage it. A relationship can be damaged if the person you are pouring your soul out to do not like what they are hearing or if self-disclosure comes too early in a relationship it can be damaged. Thus, while self-disclosure is useful, it can also be damaging to a relationship. There are five different stages that we progress through while deve loping and strengthening our relationships, these are the coming together stages. No matter what type of relationship it is; romantic, platonic, or same gender relationship each kind still goes through each stages. The first stage is the initiating stage. The initiating stage is characterized by nervousness, caution, a bit of hesitation, and risk of being rejected (Hybels, 2007 pg186). Although one might proceed with caution, this stage can be very joyful experience and the outcomes can be great. Most people leave this stage with a new friend. The next stage is the experimenting stage. In this stage people make an effort to seek out common interest and experiences (Hybels, 2007 pg186). One might express a love for children and hopes of being a parent one day. This would be an important topic to discuss for a romantic relationship; each person needs to be aware of what the future might hold for them if they continue with the relationship. When experimenting with each other by discussing important topics and seeing the reactions of other, one can make a valid decision based on their knowledge of the other person to continue the relationship to the next stage. The intensifying stage is the third s tage that we go through. Self-disclosure becomes more common in the intensifying stage. The relationship becomes less formal and statements are made about the level of commitment each has to the relationship. In this stage individuals might have nick names for one another or inside jokes. A statement about attending a vacation next summer in France is an example of the commitment one might have for the relationship. But while self-disclosure becomes more common and makes the relationship stronger it can also make the participants vulnerable to each other. The integrating stage is the fourth stage. This is the point where personalities are beginning to merge; people are expecting to see them together (Hybels, 2007 pg187). The individuals become a pair. They begin to do things together and, importantly, others come to see them as a pair. A shared relational identity also starts to form in this stage. By the end of this stage individuals should know how to communicate and responds with ease and understanding of the other persons feelings. The final stage of coming together is the bonding stage. At this point, the participants make some sort of commitment that announces their relationship to those around them (Hybels, 2007 pg 188). Two girls friends might say they are now best friends to announce their comment to their relationship or a couple might announce they are getting married or buying a house together. This stage involves a lot of commitment and dedication to the relationship and to each other. In all of the stages discussed we all have decision to make. We can either progress forward to the next stage, stay in the same stage we are in, move back a stage or exit the relationship all together. No matter what we as individuals choose to do we need to know how to communicate effectively to that next stage and we need to know how to handle conflict or resolve conflict in our relationships. We can do this by conflict resolution, which is negotiating to find a solution to the conflict (Hybels, 2007 pg202). Depending on how a conflict is resolved it can produce a positive or negative result. For example if two sisters are fight over a dress to wear on the weekend, they have two choices: one wear the dress and the other one does not, which leaves one sister unhappy (negative outcome) or neither of them wear it, so both are satisfied and neither of them are jealous of the other (positive outcome). It also helps to take a positive approach to conflict resolution, where discussion is considerate and non-confrontational, and the heart of the matter is on issues rather than on individuals. If this is done, then as long as people listen carefully and explore facts, issues and possible solutions properly, conflict can often be resolved effectively. In conclusion, communication is the key to everyday life. You have to communicate on a daily basis so why not learn some skills that are going to help you communicate more effectively so you are understood instead of misunderstood. Your body language is also an important key, you need to show that you have good body language and you can gain more positive friends and more people will be willing to walk up to you and talk. Everything now a day is based on how you present yourself to someone you meet.

Stop The Deforestation :: essays research papers fc

"This land is where we know where to find all that it provides for us--food from hunting and fishing, and farms, building and tool materials, medicines. This land keeps us together within its mountains; we come to understand that we are not just a few people or separate villages, but one people belonging to a homeland" (Colins 32). The "homeland" is the Upper Mazaruni District of Guyana, a region in the Amazon rain forest where the Akawaio Indians make their home (32). The vast rain forest, often regarded as just a mass of trees and exotic species, is to many indigenous people a home. This home is being destroyed as miners, loggers, and developers move in on the cultures of these people to strip away their resources and complicate the peaceful, simple lives of these primitive tribes. However, the tribes are not the only ones who lose in this situtation. If rain forest invasion continues, mankind as a whole will lose a valuable treasure: the knowledge of these people in utilizing the resources and plants of the forest for food, building, and medicine. To prevent this loss, the governments of the countries housing the rain forests should provide some protection for the forest and its inhabitants through legislation, programs. Also, environmentalists should pursue educating the tribes in managing thier resources for pragmatic, long-term profit through conservation. Although hard to believe, the environmental problems of today started a long time before electricty was invented, before automobilies littered the highways, and before industries dotted the countryside. From ancient times to the Industrial Revolution, humans began to change the face of the earth. As populations increased and technology improved and expanded, more significant and widespread problems arose. "Today, unprecedented demands on the environment from a rapidly expanding human population and from advancing technology are causing a continuing and acelerating decline in the quality of the environment and its ability to sustain life" (Ehrlich 98). Increasing numbers of humans are intruding on remaining wild land-even in those areas once considered relatively safe from exploitation. Tropical forests, especially in southest Asia and the Amazon River Basin, are being destroyed at an alarming rate for timber, conversion to crop and grazing lands, pine plantations, and settlements. According to researcher Howard Facklam, "It was estimated at one point in the 1980s that such forest lands were being cleared at the rate of 20 (nearly 50 acres) a minute; another estimate put the rate at more than 200,000 sq km (more than 78,000 sq mi) a year. In 1993, satellite data provided the rate of deforestation could result in the extinction of as many

Walt Whitmans Influence on Germany :: Walt Whitman Germany Poetry Poets Essays

Walt Whitman's Influence on Germany Walt Whitman (1819-1892) is considered to be one of the greatest American poets of the nineteenth century. While Edgar Allan Poe may have been more widely read, Whitman had more international writers actively respond to him and his poetry than any other American poet. A century after his death, writers around the world are still in dialogue with him, pondering the questions he posed, arguing with him and elaborating on his insights. People have been attracted to Whitman for numerous reasons. For his time he was truly unconventional and introduced the modern lyric with his autobiographical collection of prose poems called Leaves of Grass. The impact Whitman has, however, exceeds technical innovation; it lies in his universal appeal. Walt Whitman is many things to many people. The poet once remarked about the various photographs of himself he used to come upon, "I meet new Walt Whitmans every day. There are a dozen of me afloat." Perhaps even more manifold than the physical images of the author are the ways in which he has been perceived. The purpose of this paper is to examine how Walt Whitman's poetry influenced Germany. How the poet was received, which aspects of Whitman's philosophy most attracted Germans, ultimately has to do with the Zeitgeist, the intellectual climate of the day. For numerous authors Whitman has primarily been a poet of democracy and political questions have often been at the center of the international responses to Whitman. While this aspect of his poetry has inspired people from states such as the former Soviet Union and China, it has not been the only theme to spellbind his admirers. Authors from India, for example, have been able to identify with Whitman on a spiritual plane, seeing in him a Hindu vision. Clearly the way in which people relate to the poet has much to do with what is essential and pertinent to their own lives. Whitman's Influence For Whitman's contemporaries the most obvious deviation from the norm was his prose style. Whitman does not submit his thoughts to metered rhyme, yet they are rhythmic, just not in the traditional sense of a stanza. His free verse forms have been likened to the ebb and flow of the ocean tides, which inspired him throughout his life. The innovation of Whitman's poetry, however, exceeds structure and pattern and those who have admired his poetry have also been intrigued by its content.

Othello literary masterpiece Essay

Introduction   Othello is one of the classical literary masterpieces written by William Shakespeare. Known as the dark-skinned Moor of Venice (Encarta Encyclopedia, 2002), Othello is a story of the mighty warrior whose life turned into a tragic downfall as he was corrupted by suspicion and jealousy over his wife Desdemona and his new friend Cassio. Unknown to Othello, it was Iago, his evil lieutenant, who conspired against his happiness and domination. Though it has been said that every character has a great significance and plays an important role in every story, Iago has been one of the most affective despite him being the antagonist in the novel. His character is the main reason why major incidents in the novel took place. This paper is aimed at analyzing the characters in the novel thereby coming up with the conclusion on everybody’s real motive and agenda in the whole novel. Characters in the Novel   Othello: Othello can be admired for his bravery, courage, wisdom and tactful ways. However, he himself had a great contribution on his own tragic downfall. There was this part in the story where he had shown enough patient not to fight with Brabantio, the father of his wife Desdemona because he wanted to prove that he did not bewitched his wife and that it was actually love that bonded them as a couple. If he was wise enough and confident on the love he shared with Desdemona, he could not easily been manipulated and brainwashed by the evil Iago for him to believe that his friend and soldier Cassio and his wife was betraying him and that the two were having an affair. Othello was a victim himself. He was a victim of the circumstances that Iago had made to destroy his trust to his wife, to his friend and even to himself. If he was able to know what’s playing in Iago’s mind earlier before he had done such tragic deed of killing Desdemona, then he could have saved her. He could as well save his reputation and self respect. He killed his wife to save his pride because the idea of Desdemona’s accused infidelity is unbearable for him. It was a threat to his own dignity. The worst part was that he did not only lose his pride. He lost his beloved wife, his own life and his own reputation. Nothing was left for him in this tragic story. Though Othello was the main character in this literary masterpiece, a twenty percent attribution is fair enough for him. Never would a man desire to be in a shameful ending. He would never have wanted to kill his wife, lose his friend and destroy his own reputation if it was not because of the evil plans of Iago. If he was able to know Iago’s plans, he could have done something to save everything including Desdemona, his beloved wife, Cassio, his friend and his own life and honor (Characters of Othello, 2006). Desdemona: Though she was a victim herself, and her life was taken by Othello, her own husband, her part on the tragic downfall in the story of Othello was much more significant. Desdemona was the subject of conflict between Othello and Cassio being used by Iago as he planned it that she was committing adultery. In classic stories, Eve was the reason of Adam’s committing sin, Delilah was the one responsible for Samson’s lost of his strength and his captivity. In Othello’s life, Desdemona was his Eve or Delilah for because of this woman, he was not able to see the truth but instead, he trusted the wrong accusation tailored by Iago that made him felt jealous to the extent of taking Desdemona’s life in his own life. Though in contrary to the classic example I have mentioned in this paper, Desdemona is innocent of the accusation Iago tailored against her. What I am trying to point out is that, women, especially in the old society and culture was oftentimes the reason behind a man’s downfall. It was like men were losing their rationality no matter the masculine strength, bravery and wisdom. Women has always been the weakness of men. On the other side, there is the saying that goes something like â€Å" In every man’s success, there is a woman behind it†. Quite contradicting and ironic! The same twenty percent attribution is given to this character. The sad thing is that the feminine side of women sometimes lead her to being helpless and unable to defend herself and prove the her innocence (Characters of Othello, 2006). Cassio: This character was another victim of circumstances. His deep admiration to Desdemona was the only reason why Iago managed to plant the root of suspicion against him with the intention of overthrowing him as lieutenant for him to get the position he had long for. He was a loyal friend and soldier to Othello but in the end he was seen as a threat and was even treated as a traitor. He was the fall guy to suffer all the accusations Iago had tailored to destroy Othello as well as to kick Cassio himself from his post. His importance in the story is just about ten percent in my own opinion (Characters of Othello, 2006). Iago: Personally, I consider this character as the one with the greatest contribution in the tragic story of Othello. He was described as Shakespeare’s most evil figure in a way that he can easily manipulate the people around him to do his bidding by taking advantage of his trust and using his victims own motivations to achieve his own (Characters of Othello, 2006). Being pragmatic, he was in the same way an opportunist to aid his plan toe st plant the seed of suspicion on Cassio and Desdemona. He was able to manipulate all the other characters in the story that leads to everyone’s tragic ending. Relative to the tragic ending of the story, sixty percent can be attributed to the evil deeds of Iago. Compared to modern times stories on television series, Iago was a representation of an ancient villain who was a great threat to a Othello who was supposed to be a good leader and a hero himself. The envy on Iago’s part for not being in the place of Cassio was the root why he set up Cassio and, Desdemona in committing adultery. This way, he was hoping to gain the trust of Othello to put him as a lieutenant. But the plot was also a way to avenge to those who hurt him and also to gain what he believes is his (Characters of Othello, 2006). It was evident with how Iago tailored the accusation on Desdemona and Cassio that he was indeed, a very clever man but his intentions was evil and his purpose was wicked. For someone to constantly lie and deceive one’s wife and friends, one must be extremely evil or, in the case of Iago, amoral. In every scene in which Iago speaks one can point out his deceptive manner. Much credit must be given to Iago’s diabolical prowess which enables him to bend and twist the supple minds of his friends and spouse. In today’s society Iago would be called a psychopath without a conscience not the devil incarnate. His ability to say the right things at the right time is what makes him such a successful villain. However, someone with a conscience would never be able to keep up such a ploy and deceive everyone around him (Characters of Othello, 2006). At the climactic ending of the play, Iago’s plot is given away to Othello by his own wife, Emilia. Iago sees his wife as an obstacle and a nuisance so he kills her. He kills her not as much out of anger but for pragmatic reasons. Emilia is a stumbling block in front of his path. She serves no purpose to him anymore and she can now only hurt his chances of keeping the position he has been given by Othello. Iago’s merciless taking of Emilia’s and Roderigo’s lives is another proof of his amorality (Othello, 2006). Conclusion   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It is very clear from the above discussion that Iago’s pure motive for doing such evil deed is pure selfishness. He wanted power. He felt that he’s the one who should receive the highest form of respect from his constituents. He thought that he, alone, deserves the best credit, may it be for money, or for power. In his heart, there was nothing but pure hunger for power and attention.   By reflecting on what he was able to do, it can be easily assumed that he can still do anything and everything just to be get his most desired supremacy, even if it would mean killing more people and deceiving more loved ones. Works Cited: â€Å"Characters of Othello†. [online]. .   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Othello†. 2002. Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia.   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Othello: Analysis of Iago†. [online] â€Å"Othello: Analysis of Major Characters†. [online]

Opportunity Advantage and main challenge for a foreign company that wishes to establish business in China Essay

Economic growth of countries is largely contributed by the competitive advantage that it poses and which puts it ahead in terms of resources over the other economies. Michael Porter describes competitive advantage under factors such as the demand conditions, related industries, factors of production and corporate strategy under his famous competitive â€Å"diamond† model. In this model he establishes the strengths of nations basing on their industries. The factors of production are essential for an industry in the production processes and they include logistics, skilled labor among others. These are the specialized factors of production which are created and not inherited. He also notes that other factors which can be termed as general factors include unskilled labor and raw materials and can easily be obtained by any company at any one time hence they do not lead to any competitive advantage of an economy whereas the specialized factors require sustained and heavy investment. These specialized factors lead to an economy’s competitive advantage because they can not be duplicated as they are valuable. Demand conditions on the other hand apply to the nature and the extent of demand that exists within nations which is concerned with the services or products. The higher the demand of products in a nation, the higher the pressure that is exerted on them to produce more through innovative practices in order to enhance their competitiveness in the market by producing high quality products. Related industries apply to the extent, international, and the existence of the competitive strength of the other industries in an economy. These industries enable the exchange of information hence resulting in a continuous exchange of innovations and ideas. Lastly corporate strategy, structure and rivalry refers to the conditions that exist in the domestic market which end up affecting the way corporations are created, grown and managed. Porter puts forward the idea that the home markets have to fight and work hard to increase the chances of surviving and succeeding in the international markets. This is because today’s markets are dynamic and firms have to work hard in order to increase its innovation and productivity and this can only be done through direct competition from these cor-operate organizations. In this â€Å"diamond† model, Porter states that the main role of the government is to act as a catalyst and at the same time a challenger by encouraging as well as pushing companies to increase their performance, stimulating demand that should be made early enough especially for advanced product, pay attention to the creation of specialized factors and stimulating the existence of local rivalry through the limitation of direct cooperation and also enforcing regulations concerning anti-trust (Porter, 24-30). In other words, Porter emphasizes on globalization by nations concerning their abilities to innovate and process a head of their competitors as the only means that nations can be able to increase their productivity gains hence gaining a competitive advantage. He also argues that in order to be able to gain this, competitive advantage, countries need to have the technological know how in order to enable them to capture greater value in the world market place by establishing areas that they would like to compete and it is the companies which have posed the ability to continuously innovate and improve that have been able to remain competitive (Harrison & Hargrove, 2005, 14). Porter also established five forces that are helpful in the analysis of competitive positions of nations. These forces are also helpful in the analysis of strategic plans as well as in the establishment of investment decisions that concerns organizations. The five forces include the existence of competitive rivalry between suppliers, threat of new market entrants, power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers as well as the threat of substitute products that includes the technological change. The new market entrants include ease and barriers on entry, geographical factors, new entrant strategy, and routes to market as well as the incumbents’ resistance. Supplier power applies to brand reputation, product/service level quality, and geographical coverage, bidding processes / capabilities and relationships with customers. Buyer power on the other hand refers to buyer choice, change cost or frequency, the buyer size, volumes and product/service importance. In addition, product and technology development includes the alternative price/quality, fashion and trends, market distribution changes and the legislative effects. Lastly, the competitive rivalry refers to the number and size of firms, fixed variable costs bases, the industry size and trends, differentiation and strategy as well as product / service ranges (Harrison & Hargroves, 2005, 14). According to Montgomery and Porter, the creation of a competitive advantage only exists through the creation of a process that is highly localized. They further argue that the factors that contribute to competitive success include the differences in culture, national values, institutions and histories and the economic structures (Porter & Montgomery, 135 – 136). This paper will focus on the opportunities, advantages and the main challenges for a foreign company that wishes to establish its business in China in some industry. China boasts of a good and stable economic growth which has mainly been linked to its domestic demand, foreign trade and investment that include foreign direct investment. This economic growth that China experiences has also been as a result of its emphasis on education and the constant monitoring by the government in order to enhance success at the local level. The Peoples Republic of China can also be described as one of the rapidly growing economies in history. It is also the world’s largest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and China is currently focusing on the establishment of a free market economy. China’s Foreign Direct Investment is different compared with other economies. Its Foreign Direct Investment falls under the category of labor-sourcing which is mostly greenfield and it is mainly accompanied or stimulated by the low costs in production through the availability of the local labor which is cheap (Chung-Tong Wu, 122). This type of Foreign Direct Investment mainly comes fro a high-income economy and is eventually invested in an economy with a low income and not to those countries that poses similar income models. This is because during the process of development in an economy accompanied by high levels of economic development, the local currently of a country tends to generally appreciate and the production costs as well as labor costs also increase. The Foreign Direct Investment that exists in China which consists of the labor-sourcing is intended to effectively make use of the available cheap labor as well as performing some processes that are more labour-intensive or production activities. The products from this type of investment are mostly exported to third world countries or are sold in the domestic market belonging to this Foreign Direct Investment. The inflow of FDI results in a demonstration effect that identifies suitable market conditions necessary for fixed assets investment and this therefore causes an impact on the location of industries. This has also affected the regional income and export growth in Central West and East China since the 1990s. Moreover, the increases in the FDI – GDP ration has resulted in the increased industrial value added nationally in East China hence contributing to the positive growth in the regional income. However, this flow weakens the regional income. However, this flow weakens the regional income growth in central China (Chung-Tong Wu, 122). Domestic demand is also another factor that has contributed to China’s success in the global market, hence its future economic growth is highly dependent on this domestic demand and not the growth in its exports. The rise in incomes means that people will spend more and the state-owned enterprises, joint ventures, town-village enterprises and private enterprises are in a positive to increase their sales hence growth in domestic demand. The growth in domestic demand in China has enabled the country to attract foreign direct investment and the virtuous cycle of demand growth has been as a result of foreign direct investment growth and the growth in capital spending that is practiced by most Chinese firms (Huijiong, 36-38). The international trade that exists in China is also different from those that exist in other countries. 50% has been the share that involves the processing of export trade in China since 1995. In addition, the share of Foreign – Funded Enterprises has also been more than 50% since 2001. Moreover, the international trade in China can be linked to the inward Foreign Direct Investment. The labor-sourcing Foreign Direct Investment in China is export-oriented hence resulting in a direct and proportional relationship between the exports and Foreign Direct Investment. The higher the level of Foreign Direct Investment, the higher the level of exports in China. Therefore, China’s economic growth has been as a result of inward Foreign Direct Investment. China has been able to develop as a global location option for production by many economies because of the combination of its heavy and large investment accompanied by the existing hand working; inexpensive easily trained labor that is literate (Huijiong, 36-38). China has a lot of opportunities that favor anyone or any foreign investors who would like to establish their businesses in China. The country is also considered to be the third largest nation in the manufacturing industry specifically the semiconductor industry. Therefore China presents the best opportunity in the manufacturing sector and an integrated circuit market which is accelerating in which demand exceeds supply. China also has a market in PC that is the second largest in the world together with the largest market in handset. This therefore means that China has become one of the highest consumers of electronic products worldwide. The electronic growth in China is staggering hence emerging to be among the top leading nations in computing. Communications as well as consumer electronics. As a result, China has been able to be forecasted to be having the second largest market in semiconductor worldwide by the year 2010 (Huijiong, 36-38). China also has technological advances which have been able to attract foreign investment. This is as a result of the development of strict technological standards which have competed well with the more open standards around the world. The other opportunity and advantage is that China has been able to dominate mass manufacturing which has resulted into the provision of a low – cost base for manufacturing for foreign companies as well as for United States. The country is also considered to be a growing base for intellectual capital which is essential for scientific research work and development and provides a lot of opportunities in marketing for firm globally. China also boasts of having competitive advantage in areas of banking, insurance, retail and variety of services. Another opportunity is that the government of China has offered on-going government regulations which have lifted several restrictions on trade and this has made it easier for foreign companies and businesses to succeed. Moreover, several companies are now moving to China to establish their production processes since the country offers generous tax incentives, cheap labor as well as high productivity taxes. China also agrees to greater investment levels from multinational companies. Therefore, China offers both irresistible attractions to foreign investors and challenges as regards its cultural, legal and social differences (Huijiong, 36-38). In addition, the recent announcement made concerning local incorporation has led to the growth of foreign banks in markets in China. The factors that have led to the growth in investments in banks include a strong economy and a growing middle class, and the China’s terms on the World Trade Organization accession which has resulted in the opening up of China’s banking sector. The business climate in China is favourable hence providing the opportunities to open up markets and foreign investment. The country has also adopted a status position in the world Trade Organization. China is also increasingly developing to become a major supplier of various industrial products namely power transmission, machinery, telcom equipment, pipelines, distribution equipment, oil and gas industry equipment and automotive products. The existence of a favourable geographic location is also another opportunity that China presents. The country has unique geographic features including a climate that as favourable in the establishment of businesses, China also has a favourable cultural advantage since its culture forms the major source of Japanese and Asian cultures hence connecting East Asia and South economies. The majority of overseas Chinese worldwide have been able to control huge resources in the world hence aggressively investing in China. The local market available in China is attractive consistency of a large population of Chinese hence increasing the purchasing power of the Chinese. Therefore in terms of opportunities, China presents the opportunity for technology, investment, import, export, manufacturing among others which could be classified under social, economic, political and religious opportunities that are friendly to any one person or company that wishes to establish itself in China and succeeding in business (Huijiong, 36-38). China however has its challenges that affect the establishment of foreign companies. It is important to note that challenges are a part and parcel of the daily life that we undertake. These challenges also affect the way businesses are run and confronting them will require perseverance, knowledge and commitment. The challenges that are commonly experienced by today’s managers include risk management, changes that could be on-going in the business environment, management of the needs of the business people as well as fighting fraud. These challenges can be classified as under convergence, corporate reporting, fraud, corporate governance, intellectual property, managing change, improving business performance, managers and acquisitions, risk management, managing people, operating globally, sustainability, security and privacy. Shareholder value as well as job creation. These categories of challenges affect business operations as well as the opportunities for foreign investment in an economy. One of the main challenges that China poses to foreign investors is the cultural challenge as well as the political differences. This takes the form of language barriers and bureaucracy. People in China are not used to signing contracts which also includes the details concerning the joint venture and this takes a lot of time for them to be able to sign any contract for any business whatsoever. The business leaders in China are the ones who mostly study the behaviour of these people. They regard the written contract as secondary to the existing verbal agreement made. The challenge in Chinese culture can be best described by using coca-cola company as an example. This company came across this challenge in 1984 when it had tried to establish its business in China. Having signed a contract with the central government trading company in 1978, coke believed that it was in a better position and all the exclusive rights in the selling of their beverages in China (Harris and Robert, 120). Coke company encountered a rude shock since the government of China informed them that their exclusive rights were limited and not for the entire of China and they should sell their products in those places that they were initially allocated. In addition, since China is rapidly under the transformation from an agricultural economy to that of an urban society and also from a commanding economy to the more elaborate market economy, the government plays a huge role in the country’s planning activities and the entire economy more than any other western countries. This has resulted into the way the Chinese think which is bureaucratic. Therefore establishing a new business in China requires the knowledge of regulatory, monetary and legal issues that exist in China hence the need for respecting and understanding the culture of the Chinese people. The development of human resources and staffing a local team into management in China is also a challenge especially when it involves finding the right group of people to be in corpoorated into the business (Kirpalani, 1990, 186 – 188) As a challenge, there is lack of predictability in China’s business environment because of inexistence of a body of regulations and laws.