Concept and History of Cubism

Cubism burst on the art-viewing public at the Salon Des Independents in 1911 (Harrison and Wood 2002, 184). An ancient Chinese proverb wishes, â€Å"May you live in interesting times.† Cubism reflected all that had gone before in art, but also reflected the ‘interesting’ technological and social trends of its era, as attested by each of the commentators in Section IIB.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concept and History of Cubism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The cubists themselves and those who observed them experienced a time of tremendous change and scientific advances. Some were positive, e.g., indoor plumbing. Some were regarded with ambivalence, e.g., the disappearance of many class distinctions. Still others were frankly unpleasant, e.g., factory smoke darkening the sky. Fernand Leger most explicitly connects recent innovations and the altered perceptions of the world by everyone, in cluding artists. He notes that the camera, the cinema, and popular novels, supplant the reality-capturing function of visual art[1]. This left artists to create something beyond, above, or other than reality. The ‘something’, in Leger’s opinion was cubism (Leger 2002, 202). Rozanova also is perhaps alluding to something similar when she speaks disparagingly of artists who sought to imitate nature, or themselves (Rozanova 2002, 206). The appearance of photography, which can be painstakingly accurate and endlessly repeated, simultaneously, provided the simulacrum of nature that Cubists were bypassing (Rozanova 2002, 205). Rozanova also mocks the desire of the public for the merely familiar (Rozanova 2002, 206). The very fact that she denigrates a fear of change mirrors the shift to a ‘modern’ society. Change for change’s sake was not necessarily desired nor expected in earlier generations. Cubism was change in art on a large scale. Leger, as wel l, makes note of social trends, and remarks on the fragmentation of modern life. He draws a parallel between this and the cubists’ fragmentation of forms on canvas to show them from all angles (Leger 2002, 202). Apollinaire notes that cubism need not please the viewer as older art tried to (Apollinaire, The Cubists 2002) . The acceptance of the notion that anything should be less pleasing than it possibly can be reflects, perhaps, the imposition of machine forms and rhythms on the visual world. A machine cares not whether it offends or delights (Apollinaire, The Subject in Painting 2002, 185). Cubism often appeared explicitly to depict the angular power of contemporary equipment.Advertising Looking for essay on art and design? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Apollinaire also makes reference to divergence from Euclidean geometry (Apollinaire, The New painting: Art Notes 2001, 188). This reflects discoveries in physics. E instein’s theory of relativity appeared, after all, in 1905[2]. The idea that the universe was both much larger and much smaller than previously imagined[3] is also implicit in Apollinaire’s ecstatic goal for cubism, namely, †Ã¢â‚¬ ¦the expression of the universe, in so far as it has been humanized by light.† (Apollinaire, Chapter VII of ‘The Cubist Painters’ 2002). This emphasis on light in Apollinaire’s commentary may also reflect the spread of electrical light, with all its distinct differences from sunlight or candlelight, and unvarying consistency and availability. Kahnweiler’s detailed analysis of the evolution[4] of cubist techniques speaks of the way memory fills in and completes partial images. This observation is informed by recent discoveries in psychology (Kahnweiler 2002, 212). His reference to the ‘longing’ for ‘basic lines’ even by non-Western cultures reflects the researches into anthropol ogy that were progressing at the same time (Kahnweiler 2002, 214). All these observations and connections between cubism and the world it portrayed are somewhat confounded by Picasso. He denied that anything else had anything to do with Cubism (Picasso 2002, 217). This may well have been his playfulness speaking. It seems clear to the other commentators that cubism was an expression of the fast-rushing, confusing, ambiguous world they inhabited. It expressed the tall buildings and swift machines, the mixing of people and classes, and the opening up of new vistas in all fields of thought. These were the essence of the modern world the cubists depicted. Footnotes As an example, in previous times, for a viewer to see a flower in winter, they needed to own a painting of one or go visit one in a gallery. With photography, a faithful copy of the flower was available for most, if not all, with practically no intermediate intervention of a professional artist. The notion that geometry coul d be different from what we see in normal life is also reflected in popular literature in the first decades of the century, for example, as a repeated image in the fantastical works of H.P. Lovecraft. Take as examples the tininess of atomic size and the unthinkable distances of galaxies. Evolution was a term that Picasso explicitly disavowed (Picasso 2002) with regard to his own Cubism. This essay on Concept and History of Cubism was written and submitted by user Tate Y. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Text of Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address

Text of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address In November 1863, President Abraham Lincoln was invited to deliver remarks at the dedication of a cemetery on the site of the Battle of Gettysburg, which had raged in the Pennsylvania countryside for three days during the previous July. Lincoln used the opportunity to write a brief yet thoughtful speech. With the Civil War in its third year the nation was enduring a staggering cost in human life, and Lincoln felt compelled to offer a moral justification for the war. He deftly connected the founding of the nation with the war to keep it united, called for a new birth of freedom, and ended by expressing his ideal vision for the American government. The Gettysburg Address was delivered by Lincoln on November 19, 1863. Text of Abraham Lincolns Gettysburg Address: Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that this nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate - we can not consecrate - we can not hallow - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember, what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom - and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

The Walt Disney Company Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Walt Disney Company - Research Paper Example The company was later reincorporated in 1929 as Walt Disney Productions, Ltd, and it became a publicly-traded company in 1938. The company became a leading American animation industry before it was diversified into live-action film production, television, and travel. The Walt Disney Company is well known for its Walt Disney Pictures Group and presently it is one of the leading studios in Hollywood. The Walt Disney has formed a $7 billion agreement with Pixar Animation Studios where Steve Jobs is the Chief Executive Officer and 50.6% owner. On the strength of this deal, Jobs will become the largest shareholder at Disney and acquire a major position in its director board. This alliance ensures the collaborated business operation of both Pixar and Disney animation studios. Management experts opine that this acquisition would assist the Disney to continue its dominance in American animation industry. Presently, both the Disney and Pixar possess considerable managerial strengths which off er prosperous future for the integrated operations. This paper will evaluate the scope of the Disney-Pixar alliance by focusing more on different aspects of this acquisition strategy. Steve Jobs’ influence on Walt Disney Steve Jobs who is blessed with an innovative brain is the co-founder of Apple Inc; whereas, the Disney has already gained a good stature among its customers across the globe. The case study indicates that the Disney’s long run success can be mainly attributed to its value creation through diversification. The company’s three dimensional corporate strategies include horizontal and geographic expansion as well as vertical integration. When the Disney takes advantages of all available expansional opportunities or choices of businesses, Steve Jobs tries to develop new products in accordance with changing market interests. Hence, Disney’s repute and Jobs’ technical expertise together would assist the Walt Disney to achieve infinite heig hts in market. On the strength of Job’s long years’ experience in technological innovation, the Disney can minimize its research and development costs to a large extent. In addition, this strategic alliance would assist the Disney to reduce the intensity of market competition and the situation may add value to the company’s future vision and strategies. As Mungenast (2007) points out, the Pixar Animation Studios also possess a series of competitive strengths including CGI-animate feature films developed with PhotoRealistic RenderMan that generates high quality images (p.9). Therefore, the planned acquisition may assist the Disney to increase the number of its potential customer groups. It is known to everyone that Jobs’ relentless effort was the only factor that lifted Pixar and Apple sky-high. If he can bring his innovativeness to this new venture, he will uplift the staid company to a leading laboratory for media convergence. Management of Digital Age C orporation After his astounding success in Apple and Pixar, Steve Jobs sets a new bar for how to manage a Digital Age corporation. As music, movies, and photography go digital, customer interests have switched from complex product structures to elegant simple devices. From the case study, it is clear that Jobs in an obsessive perfectionist who demands total control over each and every aspect of product, from hardware and software to its applications. Jobs’ efficient leadership also contributes to the effective management of a

The language of health informatics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

The language of health informatics - Essay Example of uniform terminology, coding and standardization of the data; and†¨4) various information standards and organizations that may be applicable, and possibly required, for this project. †¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨ Several types of databases can be used in informatics. According to Crawford (2010), there are five types of databases that can be used in informatics: flat file databases, hierarchical databases, network databases, object orientated databases, and relational databases (p. 1). Database characteristics should be such, that, when employed throughout the hospitals and various centers, make sense for that center. For example, it doesn’t make much sense if one organization is using a flat file database when what it really needs is a program that addresses hierarchical management techniques. If the idea or end goal is to have uniformity, then the same databases should ideally be chosen in order to manage everything. This will ensure that all of the organizations within the scope of the project are working in coordination with one another. There are several types of medical data. According to Types of Medical Data (2010), there is â€Å"narrative textual data (HPI, social/family Hx, general review of systems, failure to thrive); numerical measurements (lab results, vital signs, and measurements); recorded signals (e.g., ECG, graphical tracing); and pictures (e.g., radiologic images, sketches)† (p. 1). How all of this information is entered into the computer depends, again, upon the program(s) that will be used. As such, it might be a good idea for the committee to vote on which type of program(s) they would like to see implemented when given a choice amongst programs, given the information they will be given about the field of informatics. Obviously, whatever information that is inputted into the system must be standardized. In that sense, whatever program that is chosen by the committee should be chosen carefully and with national and international standards in mind

A Chat with Jesus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A Chat with Jesus - Essay Example The high price of such experience shows the value found in wisdom, a treasure more valuable than gold and diamonds. As there are rare people who truly have the wisdom that promotes prosperity not only in the financial aspect of a person’s life but includes philosophical, psychological, emotional and spiritual prosperity; it is indeed important to consider the people a person deals with. If given the chance to speak with one person for twenty four hours, the choice would definitely the man who was crucified because of his claim that He is the Son of God. There are many courageous people who would claim what or who they are but probably would never dare to say that they the sons God. Being a prominent figure in the generation He lived with, Jesus never sought to be famous instead, he eluded political power which could have been easily his with the help of his supporters and the Jews who were unfairly treated by the Roman government. In a world where fame and fortune are importan t, it would be wisest to hear from one who has looked to better things rather than what is seen in the present. In addition, it would be a great advantage for a person to get himself involved in the spiritual discussions of a master, a teacher who knows about the centuries-old questions about life after death. The very reason why Jesus Christ was crucified was because of His claim of being the Son of God which, to the Pharisees’ and Sadducees’ point of view, was a means of equating one’s self with the Creator of man, God. This was considered blasphemous, for a man to consider Himself equal with God, yet Jesus with all the courage He could muster and despite the knowledge of what disaster awaits Him, Jesus still declared Himself to be the man He claimed to be, the Son of the Living God, enraging the teachers of the law and endangering His life. One of the things people look up to these days, is the courage and boldness a person has in presenting himself, to be hi ghly applauded and well-considered. If indeed this is a need that is to be met in this generation for a person to be able to be competitive and successful, then listening to the advice of a person who had all the confidence in declaring himself to be the Son of God, would be a great help. Many scholars study about confidence building as they see it important in a person’s life and probably, for a person to be able to survive in a world like ours, one has to have the attitude of being sure of one’s self. Of course, not everyone is equipped with such confidence for even other great philosophers and prophets had their own slice of uncertainties. For Jesus, He was so sure of Himself that even if it meant death to Him, he still stood for what he believed in, for which, on another perspective, would be considered honorable and making him highly distinguishable. Fame and fortune are one of the things modern people chase but with Jesus, having all the abilities and capabilitie s, he chose to live a simple life, out of the limelight despite the good things He did. Surely, there is something more important in life than the aforementioned essentials of modern living. Getting an education about the matter would be a great experience with the teacher who could have the best reasons why He chose not to get himself involved in politics and other forms where he could acquire wealth. Reading books could inform me in years and probably provide me with all the information needed but authors may be misconstrued and readers forget. As mentioned earlier, speaking with a wise man face to face is far better than just

The Korean Consumption Behavior

The Korean Consumption Behavior Introduction The rapid economic development and the opening of the international market, Koreans consumption behavior is increasingly developing along developed countries (Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan) consumption patterns. The opening up of the Korean economy led to the increased purchasing power of banks and this allowed them to recover from the 1997 financial crisis faster than other countries that were affected. When the country recovered, the demand for foreign products increased, especially for luxury goods. The Korean central bank claimed that nearly 20% of household spending on goods was made up of imported products. This was only for January, the first month of the year in 2002 (Don, 2002). In particular, Koreans of younger and younger generations are starting to become their luxury markets main consumers. Once a traditional country that viewed luxury items as impractical and wasteful, Korean consumers are now more in tuned with the trends in the luxury industry and are more wi lling to engage in status symbols competition with each other. Koreans could be said to have faced many changes over the last decades, which primed the economy and citizens for a surge in individualism now, and enhanced their pride in the ability to afford and buy luxury items. According to Nueno and Quelch (1998), the rising demand for luxury brands in Korea can be explained by the rising wealth in the whole of Asia and its emerging markets. The luxury goods industries, facing decreased demands from the traditional markets they serve, such as Europe, which at that time, was dealing with recession and minimal population growth, started to shift their focus on affluent Asian consumers who perceived Western luxury brands as signs or symbols of good taste (Nueno Quelch, 1998). Among the Asian markets, Korea was one of the markets largely focused on by the globaal luxury brands (No, 2003). As younger and younger citizens of Korean gain more spending power, they increasingly became consumer trendsetters. Specifically, the trends and styles they follow are the ones from the Western countries (Louis, 2002). Individuals in their 20s are becoming the dominant consumers of the global luxury brands available in Korea, outpacing the middle-aged consumers (Park, 2000). Global luxury marketers became aware of this and they started to form strategies that would specifically attract this demographic of consumers. This is a far cry from their traditional target market, especially since they also started to cater to the young Korean consumers who certainly have money, but can be considered to be only belonging to the moderate-income bracket. There are specific factors shaping Koreans consumption patterns when it comes to the luxury market. Specifically, the factors are personal values; social recognition and demographics of young Korean consumers shape their purchasing decisions in the luxury market. Personal Values The variable of personal values has been widely used to illustrate the underlying dimensions characterizing consumer behavior and received significant amount of attention of researchers. According to Vinson et al (1977), who empirically measured the effects stemming from personal values on consumer behavior, personal values play an important role in shaping consumer behavior towards specific goods. Sukhdial et al (1995) particularly looked at the effects of personal values on consumer behaviors toward the luxury brand market. The authors found that personal values are critical in determining whether a consumer will buy or not buy luxury cars. Individual values and social-related values make up the personal value variable. Individual values are consumer ethnocentrism and materiality (Ha, 1998; Park, 1999; Sharma  et al., 1995). Social-related values are conformity, vanity and the need for uniqueness. All these variables are discussed below. Consumer Ethnocentrism The variable of ethnocentrism determined the consumer behavior of Koreans with regard to luxury goods. Previous research illustrated that individuals who are highly ethnocentric are those with greater affinity with overseas products, which are produced and manufactured within culturally similar countries. As such, a high level of ethnocentrism discourages Koreans from purchasing global luxury brands. According to Shimp and Sharma (1987), consumer ethnocentrism can be defined as the beliefs held by American consumers about the appropriateness, indeed morality, of purchasing foreign-made products (p. 280). Various literature have expounded on the role of consumer ethnocentrism with regard to the behavior and attitudes of consumers when it comes to goods imported abroad (Shimp and Sharma, 1987; Durvsula  et al., 1997; Brodowsky, 1998). Studies are also aware of the significant role that consumer ethnocentrism plays on consumer behavior when dealing with products made abroad; as such, they focus on the possible impacts with regard to the evaluation of the products manufactured in countries of cultural similarity on consumer behavior (Watson and Wright, 2000). There are also studies that determined the product-specific impacts of foreign-made products (Kim and Pysarchik, 2000), and impact on foreign brand personality (Supphellen and Grà ¸nhaug, 2003). Some studies specifically looked at Korean consumers behavior as affected by their level of ethnocentrism. Some studies (Ha, 1998; Park, 1999; Sharma  et al., 1995) illustrated negative influence effects of consumer ethnocentrism on purchasing imports. Those with high level of consumer ethnocentrism are more likely to shun foreign-made goods. In addition, Park (1999) determined the critical influence of consumer ethnocentrism on attitudes toward imported clothing in the Korean market. The study found that there is a negative relationship between consumer ethnocentrism and attitudes toward when it comes to buying global luxury brands. Materialism Materialism refers to a persons penchant for accumulating goods and money. Some cultures view this trait as positive and desirable (Diener Biswas-Diener, 2002). According to Belk (1984, 1985), materialism is a personality-like trait that differentiates a person when it comes to his or her possessions. A materialistic person will view possessions as essential to their identities and survival, while a non-materialistic person will view these possessions as secondary or even worthless. Richins and Dowson (1992) claimed that materialism refers to a group of centrally-held notions about the significance of possessions and their roles in ones life. As such, being materialistic propels an individual to acquire more and more material objects. Under this definition, Richins and Dowson (1992) stated that materialism is a key factor that shapes an individuals consumption behavior and patterns, especially the type and quantity of goods they would buy. As consumption patterns also became globalized, consumption behavior became largely shaped by transitional and multinational firms marketing efforts. Consumers worldwide are becoming more material as they start having difficulties discerning which is a need and which is a want. Global marketing efforts make it hard for consumers to believe that they can forego something they want. One pattern that emerged is that people start to value material lifestyles and value well-known/popular brands that showcase their prosperity (Solonom, 2004). With their market doors expanding to global trade, and with their disposable income increasing, Korean consumers are one of the prime examples of such consumers. Koreans are now in the brink of materialism. They want the lifestyle that is being portrayed by the media that are highly fictional, romanticized and dramatized. According to Yoon (2003), spreading of materialism among the Koreans, particularly the younger generations, has been conspicuous starting from 1995. Nearly two decades later, it can be observed that Koreans are increasingly viewing money as the representation and sign of success, and as a result, are increasingly attracted to global luxury brands, which are the epitome of wealth and achievement in life. They buy these goods merely to show off to others. Specific studies such as the ones by Fournier and Richins (1991), Richins (1994) and Wong (1997), have illustrated the significant and positive relationship between that of materialism and conspicuous consumption. According to these studies, materialism encourages success-orientated consumption and purchase of goods. Fournier and Richins claimed that two causes for increased level of materialism is the idea that one can display his or her status through his or her possessions and the idea that they can affirm themselves through these possessions. According to Richins (1994), individuals who are highly materialistic have higher tendencies to put more importance of expensive goods and would be the ones most likely to publicly display these items to show their success and social status. Bearden and Etzel (1992) categorized goods into publicly-consumed and privately-consumed. Wong (1997) took these categories and performed a study to determine which category will be prone to conspicuous consumption. Wong found that individuals are more materialistic towards publicly consumed goods and therefore, these goods are more likely to be consumed conspicuously. Public goods are the goods that can be used or consumed in public view and not commonly owned or used, such as household items. Global luxury fashion brands are one of the top goods in the public goods category, which is why materialistic individuals will put prime importance into the acquisition of these brands or goods. Materialists would consume these goods primarily for displaying them publicly so as to announce their status and successes in life. In this light, Ziccardi (2001) defined luxury brands as less about the item, and more about the brand and what it stands for. Koreans, especially the young ones can be considered the ones who are status-oriented, and would showcase this personality through their possessions. According to Wong (1997), comparing East Asian consumers with American consumers, it can be said that East Asian consumers are the ones more materialistic. American subjects buy these expensive goods not because they are putting prime emphasis on the public meaning of luxury consumption, unlike their East Asian counterparts (Wong Ahuvia, 1998). Most studies used the concept of materialism to pinpoint that Asian consumers, who are shaped by the value of collectivism will more sensitive to the public meaning of luxury consumption than did Western consumers, and this will influence their buying patterns. As such, materialism promotes Koreans purchasing intentions toward global luxury brands. Conformity Literature claimed that conformity is one of the most significant factors shaping purchasing patterns when it comes to publicly consumed products. As such, Wong and Ahuvia (1998) put forward that consumers in Confucian culture are more likely to purchase luxury good based public reputation of the members of the group they belong to in comparison to their Western counterparts. Therefore, conformity promotes purchasing intentions of Koreans toward global luxury brands. According to Bearden and Etzel (1982),, reference group influences are different between publicly and privately consumed goods as well as between luxuries and basic necessities. Conformity is described as one of the most significant factors shaping publicly consumed goods. Taking this into consideration, Wong and Ahuvia (1998) claimed that those who abide by the Confucian culture will be those who are likely to put a great deal on the effects of their consumption of luxuries. When it comes to fashion, an earlier study by Rose et al (1994), claimed that individuals who have higher level of conformity will be those who are likely to consume clothing and display the brand out to the public. It is easy to assume that conformity is one of the most important predictors of buying luxury brands, particularly for fashion brands. Wong and Ahuvia (1998) differentiated luxury consumptions between Confucian and Western countries. They found that although both groups consume conspicuously luxury g oods, Americans buy luxury products because of their personal preferences, while those in East Asia, buy these goods because they want to conform to specific social norms. They also found that Southeast Asian consumers put greater emphasis on publicly-visible items because of their attached symbolic meanings and values. This suggests that East Asian consumers, who experience higher pressure to conform are more likely to buy publicly-visible luxury items, because they perceive these goods as directly representing their wealth and success. According to Lacsu and Zinhan (1999), East Asian consumers are more likely to buy luxury items, especially those that have social visibility. Because luxury goods shout success and wealth, and are especially different from mass market products, East Asians are more likely to conform to social pressure and experience higher drive to purchase these brands. The need for Uniqueness According to Workman and Kidd (2000), an individuals need for uniqueness significantly affects his or her behavior toward luxury fashion brands. According to Tian  et al.  (2001, p. 52) uniqueness is an important factor in consumer behavior. Uniqueness is defined as the trait of pursuing differentness relative to others through the acquisition, utilization, and disposition of consumer goods for the purpose of developing and enhancing ones self-image and social image. According to literature, consumers self and social image are largely derived from the symbolic meanings they attach to the products they purchase (Tian  et al., 2001). Therefore, consumers wanted something not generic and very similar to others. Luxury products have the great power of inducing the feeling of uniqueness among consumers. Aside from being insanely expensive, and the fact that all of them reigns worldwide, they are reputed to be of incomparable quality, having legions of counterfeits under their names. After all, imitation is the best form of flattery. One word to describe these luxury brands is iconic. Take for example, Gucci and its red and green stripes, these may just be your ordinary logo, but no, everyone wants a piece of it. The brand offers high fashion yet very commercial items, which is why everyone loves it. Chanel on the other hand as the next brand favored by most luxury consumers, is observed to stay in this position and relevant to the industry because it has a host of classically stylish goods. Koreans need for uniqueness promotes purchasing intentions toward global luxury brands. Those vying for uniqueness in their possessions are those more likely to be attracted to luxury goods, because uniqueness is precisely what luxury brands seem to offer to the consumers. There are many factors that verify this. First, luxury brands limited quality enables the buyers to feel unique and distinctive from others who use mass market products (Burns Brandy, 2001). According to Tian and Mckenzie (2001), those who value uniqueness are attracted to luxury products because they are scarce and they would not find just anyone owning the same. In this regard, luxury brands endeavor to preserve their uniqueness by not producing too many of the same design so as to avoid over-diffusion. This makes them very different from the mass market products. According to Dubous and Paternault (1995), employing an empirical test showed that consumers are attracted to luxury products through awareness, and negatively attracted through diffusion, which is a paradox under luxury brand management. Consumers are aware that luxury brands strive to uphold their prestige by being endorsed expensively by popular people, but they are not made to be owned by many people. As such, consumers need for uniqueness find that luxury products satisfy this need. Korean consumers general perception of foreign luxury brands in general follows this line of thought. They perceive that owning luxury brands differentiate them from others and make them unique because not all will have the same kind or brand. Even with the influx of global luxury brands in the Korean market, Korean market still have this notion that luxury brands are hard to access, and having it will make them one of a kind, because luxury goods have scarcity value. According to Gluck (2002), young Korean consumers purchase apparel and other fashion items in which they can use to express their individuality amidst a rather uniform society. Young consumers in Korea believe that they can express their uniqueness using foreign brands with scarcity value, which as a result, boosted demand for luxury brands in the Korean market. In addition, because luxury goods are globally characterized as having recognizable styles and designs, it is easy to showcase their uniqueness, social status and success even across the world. Young consumers are attracted to luxury goods to the promise of uniqueness as well as giving them a boost in their social images. Vanity According to Netemeyer  et al.  (1995, p. 612), vanity is the excessive concern for, and/or a positive (and perhaps inflated) view of, ones physical appearance and achievement vanity as an excessive concern for, and/or a positive (and perhaps inflated) view of, ones personal achievements. Vanity is the concern of an individual with his or her physical appearance because they use it to convey social status. As such, people who are vain will engage more in conspicuous consumption because this can show off their physical appearance and status (Netemeyer  et al., 1995). As of now however, no study has yet determined the relationship between vanity and fashion luxury consumption. However, it is hypothesized that Korean consumers vanity promotes purchasing global  luxury fashion brands. According to Durvasula et al (2001), vanity is described as ones strong emphasis toward ones outward appearance such as being overly concerned and fretful over ones clothing, from the style, to the quality and to the brand. According to Durvasula and his colleagues (2001), a persons belief or perception that others are looking at how he or she dresses, or what kind of luxury brands he or she carries, this will shape his or her decision in purchasing luxury brands. Social recognition therefore plays the key in individuals decision to purchase luxury brands. Social recognition Although personal values such as materialism and conformity can stimulate individuals to purchase luxury goods because of what they represent and symbolize, they might not be the only factors why luxury goods consumers are attracted to these products and brands. According to Nueno and Quelch (1998), consumers feel that owning luxury brands allow for information to spread with regard to the owners social status. These luxury products can help the consumers say what they cannot publicly announce, which I that they are wealthy and successful. The ownership of these goods allows them to claim their social status and prestige without saying it outright. Consumers believe that the nature of the global luxury brands allows others to recognize the brands and this will be a vehicle for the owner to communicate to others their success. This nature plays a crucial role in shaping ones decision to purchase luxury brands. In particular, Koreans view global luxury brands as the embodiment of prosp erity and social status, which is not really that different from the perception of the Westerners. Because others will recognize one brand, consumers will experience higher intention of buying this brand. Demographics Demographics play an important role in the purchasing decision of consumers when it comes luxury goods. Demographics include age, income and purchasing frequency. According to Louis (2002), younger people are more attracted to luxury goods and what they offer. In Korea, the younger generations are those who have higher purchasing intentions when it comes to global luxury goods. They are what most lable as consumer trendsetters and they try to uphold this image, by having the IT things According to Dubous and Duquesne (1993), income is a very important factor when it comes to luxury goods purchases. As widely known, luxury goods are not cheap. Therefore, monthly income or at least monthly pocket money of the young people plays a significant determinant. By having the means, consumers will be more inclined to buy luxury goods. Once consumers become loyal to a brand, it is already easy for firms to market the goods to them. In fact, it has been said that attracting new consumers are more difficult than maintaining existing ones in the industry of luxury goods. Veblens theory and East Asian consumption patterns (projections in South Korea) Emergence of the mass production phenomenon in the modern era allowed for economic crises, the resolution of which should be through mass distribution and mass advertisement. A direct consequence is the transforming of the household from being a unit of production to that of a unit of consumption (Kearl Gordon, 1992). This transformation also led to a new form of consumer ethic, which replaced Webers Protestant ethic of self-discipline. It also goes against the principles put forward by Weber, such as purposeful activity, delayed gratification and thrift. In this modern era, different patterns of over spending can be observed such as: orgy of spending (McKendrick et al., 1982), hedonism (Bell 1980; Campbell 1987); impulse spending (Kearl and Gordon 1992), and then the different marketing promos and strategies of firms to make people buy such as, buy now, pay later and more others (Packard 1957). It can be said that majority of these characterizations can be explained by Veblens (197 9) and Simmels (1904, 1950) seminal work on modern consumerism. Veblens most well-known principle related to his term conspicuous consumption which describes the unnecessary purchase of services and goods which are bought for the sole focus of displaying and advertising wealth. This is done in the endeavor to maintain or attain a certain level of social status. Such goods are now collectively known as Veblen goods, which is a group of commodities. The fact that these goods are placed at such high prices is the very thing that makes them attractive to conspicuous consumers. Conspicuous consumption was certainly not limited to the western countries, in East Asia, for example, girls in affluent families would have their feet broken and tightly bound so that they grew to have tiny lotus feet.  Ã‚  These were thought to be very fashionable since the women who had them were unable to survive without the help of servants. This was a sign of wealth taken to the extreme. Today, there are still many examples of conspicuous consumption and the studies on general modern consumption are so intricate, that almost all walks of life are targeted with todays mass media. Adverts and billboards are everywhere telling the public whats cool and whats not. Brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Moet Chandon sell a lifestyle. Moet Chandon advert states Be Fabulous and shows two beautiful well-dressed women climbing out of an expensive car with a bottle of champagne in one womans hand. An advertisement like this is basically trying to show the public what status could be achieved by purchasing a bottle of Moet Chandon. The term Keeping up with the Joneses comes to mind, as studies show that many consumers purchase goods just to show off and maintain a certain status amongst their friends. Veblen goods arent just restricted to clothes as the purchase of certain magazines, purely for the status they offer. Being seen reading a magazine like Robb Report or Conde Nasts traveller may give the impression that one can afford what is featured in the magazine. Veblen also spoke about the way dress can prove many things. The wearer can give an impression that they can spend without much thought on the price. Veblen goods are still very much around, such as designer handbags, expensive wines and thousand-dollar watches. The luxury watch is an ultimate example of a Veblen good as the consumer really buys into the allure of a higher status. Companies like Rolex, TAG Heur and Omega have all used celebrities such as Roger Federer, Leonardo DiCaprio and Daniel Craig in his bond suit. Even though its purpose is very practical and can help with everyday decision making. These watches are aimed a business men with a high salary who identify or would like to identify with the sports star s and actors wearing these watches at the back of TIME magazine and the like. A Louis Vuitton bag for example just wouldnt be viewed the same without the high price tag. Todays fast fashion and mass production also encourages conspicuous consumption. However mass production has changed the outlook on mans life and has created a singular type of existence which can be viewed as almost humiliating and that the products are what drives man. The trends we see from designers on catwalks are translated as quickly as possible into high street stores. It is not surprising that with the emphasis on keeping up with the latest trends, which ties into fitting in with society consumption of clothes has reached an all-time high. The quality of clothes however, is less of a feature than the over-all look of the item. In the Victorian times, garments had to be made of the best lace, but with todays technology, garments can be made to look more expensive than they really are. Keeping up-to trend with accessories such and bags and shoes is still very expensive to do. Designers put their signature touches on shoes and bags, which make them more lust after. Christian Lo uboutins shoes have the signature red sole, Louis Vuitton may feature an LV and a Mulberry bag could carry their characteristic tree on the logo. To be seen with any of these items offers a instantaneous status that comes with it. Korea is now considered an epitome of such societies. When Korea was only beginning to industrialize, conspicuous consumption among most people can be said to be still tacit and defensive. An explicit display of conspicuous consumption was criticized for being impractical and imprudent, notwithstanding the persons social status. This trend is now gone. Today, many Korean people compete based on social stature and symbols, and this encouraged new patterns of consumption. Even during religious rituals, Koreans cannot help but compete with each other by showing off how many their goods are or expensive as a sign that they have higher status. Conspicuous consumption, behavior does not just exist within the leisure class, however throughout every class and individual in our society. The want to consume is nothing new, people work and live to consume, people are what they consume. As seen with celebrities today, they consume the best cars, the best clothes, the biggest houses. Veblen explains a man of wealth is the one who consumes without restrictions on anything. This type of consumption is what Veblen describes as conspicuous waste, the manner in which people dress is always seen and noticed, especially when celebrities are displaying them. With conspicuous consumption, the consumption and wealth must be displayed and noticed. Many celebrities, who are members of the leisure class, show off their homes, cars, clothes, and other items. Veblen argues this is harmful to our society, these luxuries and types of consumption are only for the leisure class, and one is expected to live this certain lifestyle in order to keep the ir standing in the leisure class. A man of the leisure class must consume certain goods and give away certain types of rewards or gifts to with hold his position within the leisure class. Koreans are very much in this phase right now, outpacing the Americans it seems. Koreans are proving that the emergence of the leisure class coincides with the beginning of ownership (Veblen 22). Before the early 20th century, Korea was ruled by the Yi Dynasty and had clear distinction of the class system with the ideologies of Confucian Tradition: In this context, women were a form of ownership. Women were seen as a status symbol, a trophy wife, for which men of the leisure class could own and show off. When we own people, we own material or production, so by owning something one can exploit his earnings. Like ownership, most women of the leisure class are considered vicarious leisure. Veblens vicarious leisure is defined as people who live the life as though they are a member of the leisure class however dont get all the material that comes with it because they are living through the wealthy. Throughout the barbarian stages, men were considered the breadwinner and worked while the women stayed at home while women were considered to live through their spouses. T he women of the household were not suppose to work and were expected to be more showy about their leisure than men, they were expected to be beautiful and represent the households wealth. Literature in the early 1980s showed that conspicuous consumption of products were positively linked to vulnerability to the influence of peers and the opinions of others. According to Bearden and Etzel (1982), conspicuous consumption is more likely when purchasing publicly consumed luxury products than privately consumed luxury products. Conspicuous consumption ate up a significant part of the income of the urban population compared to the rural population. Urban citizens are more concerned about their appearance and status, and are more susceptible to buying things that would serve the purpose, regardless of the cost. Discussion This study aims to understand the relation of conspicuous consumption and status competition in Korean women. This section explore the spending behavior of women in Korea, which are found as new phenomena under prosperity in South Korea after the 1997 financial crisis, hence post IMF period. Under current government forms and of Neo liberalism, we are able to recognize the irony that contest the very hegemonic idea of neo-liberalization, which is silent but hyper conscious in the minds of Korean women. This fact is elaborated in relation to the patriarchal ideology deeply rooted in the tradition (neo-Confucian) minds of Koreans and although times have moved on, the representation of body in Korean women in Korean society today remains valid. Here I am able to explore conspicuous consumption of the body as a whole, and how consumption on appearance is conceived in the minds of young women today. Implementation of appearance of Women in the Post-IMF, Neo-liberal Korean Society The transformations in post-IMF Korean society accorded with accelerated transition to a postmodern consumer society. An author proclaimed in 1999, The present Korean society is a heaven for consumers (Yoon 1999, 189), and the trend of consumption for self-distinction and expression of self-identities has been ever intensifying. Concerns over body in this era of culture became a widespread set of phenomena after the IMF crisis. Healthy lifestyles became a social trend in the 2000s when numerous self-help books were published to tell consumers how to pursue them. Women are increasingly drawn into consumption of not only of luxury consumption, but beauty products and care services as well. More women have been resorting to improve their appearances for which purpose smart or classy clothes and creative or original hair styles had been sufficient in earlier decades (Lee 2006, 73). Especially for young women, their gender and class statuses are estimated no longer primarily by their individual characters and resources, but rather by their appearance. Increasingly, Koreans of all ages and genders view their appearance as something that can be improved through ever developing. Not being fashionable or know

He Says, She Says: A Synthesis Essay -- Essays Papers

He Says, She Says: A Synthesis Communication between men and women is a constant comparison of differing and many times opposite forms of reasoning. But should these differences hinder our ability to communicate with the opposite sex? There are many differing opinions concerning this topic. While trying to understand our differences we have lost site of the fact that somewhere in our conflicting thought patterns and methods of communication is the challenge and intrigue that attracts us to the opposite sex. Rather than seeing our communication diversities as obstacles we should consider them challenges that draw and keep our attention. You do not need to be an expert on human behavior to appreciate gender classified language and its effects on male female relationships, however many experts have attempted to tackle the issue. Deborah Tannen is the author of several books concerning inter-gender relations and addresses the issue of differing reasoning resulting in misunderstanding. Tannen describes differences between male and female communication skills as a series of predetermined thought patterns. She states that men and women simply have a different way of going about communication. She believes that different ways of communicating stem from differing desired results of the conversation at hand. A married couple was in a car when the wife turned to her husband and asked, â€Å"Would you like to stop for a coffee?† â€Å"No, thanks,† he answered truthfully. So they didn’t stop. The result? The wife, who had indeed wanted to stop, became annoyed because she felt her preference had not been considered. The husband, seeing his wife was angry, became frustrate. Why didn’t she just say what she wanted? (Tannen p... ... the office. These anecdotes are entirely anti-female based and sound more like what a paranoid feminist might think than what actually goes through the minds of men and women alike in the workplace. However Josefowitz accurately portrays the inevitable presence of separation of thought patterns between men and women. As much as the problems associated with inter-gender communications are a result of differing ways of expression, so are they results of differing ways of comprehension. So before we point a finger at the opposite sex we must first examine our own. Think not of our communicative troubles as deterrents, but rather as attractions and representations of our exceptional differences. Works Cited - Tannen, Deborah. â€Å"Can’t we Talk?† A Meeting of Minds. - Turner, Robin. â€Å"Male Logic and Woman’s Intuition†. A Meeting of Minds.

Exploring Internet Sites Essay

Nowadays Internet became primary informational source for overwhelming majority of people around the world. That is why, in order to earn customer goodwill, enhance the market and promote own goods or services, it is necessary for any enterprise at any market to place easy accessible, correct and comprehensive information about the company, its policies, strategies, products, prospects and so on, into World Wide Web. Official sites of such known companies, as Procter & Gamble, Nestle and Unilever are great examples of using advantages of Internet as an effective tool of marketing and promotion. It is remarkable, that these successful companies openly inform their customers about their financial situation and the results of specific researches, offer new career or investment opportunities for any visitor of the site. This definitely works for strengthening their image on global level. To my mind, the most attractive and interesting features for the customers are the sections about the products of the companies and some related fields like nutrition, beauty and style, etc. It is principally important to make information on the site practical and useful for any average or prospective customer. With this purpose, for example, P & G is using a very effective slogan â€Å"Expert Advice for Everyday Life†, which really works well, I believe. Undoubtedly, all three sites are very up-to-date and competent. I could not help noticing one obvious disadvantage of them all: extreme overload of information. It makes navigation more complicated for an average customer, who can be an average Internet user as well. Besides, I suppose that the sites of P & G and Unilever have too very bright and colorful designs. This can take customer’s mind off the site content and the product itself. Besides, to my mind, it affects seriousness of these companies to some extent. Certainly, Internet sites play important role and significantly contribute into forming consumer preferences and attracting new customers. The main advantage of such sites is making customer- producer communication much faster. When a customer wants to get some information, there is no need to make long phone calls and wait for consultations anymore. Now it is possible to find all necessary data on the site just with a couple of mouse clicks. Bibliography: Nestle. Nestle S. A. 2004. 06 Nov. 2006 . Procter & Gamble. P & G Everyday Solutions. 2006. 06 Nov. 2006 .   Unilever. Unilever N. V. 2006. 06 Nov. 2006 .

Leading Michigan SSD Law Firm I Disability Attorneys of Michigan

Leading Michigan SSD Law Firm I Disability Attorneys of Michigan What is a Social Security Disability Hearing Really Like? The social security disability process is a long and stressful one. Many who are going through this process are vulnerable and don’t know what to expect when placed in front of a Judge.A question many have is, â€Å"What is a Social Security Disability hearing really like?†A social security hearing for disability purposes is informal, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. The judge is simply asking questions themselves. There is not an attorney for the government objecting in the middle of questioning.The judge will gather information either by listening to your representative who is asking questions or by asking the questions themselves.Don’t let the thought of having to face a judge intimidate you. It is important to have an experienced team of Social Security Disability lawyers by your side to help ease you through the process.There may be, as is the case for many adult disability hearings, a Vocational Expert available to testify about your past releva nt work and answer questions the Judge or you may have. Hiring an experienced disability attorney can help ensure that the proper questions are posed to that Expert based on your medical records and the limitations that you have. In some case, a Medical Expert may also appear, typically by phone, about the strength of your case, whether your medical condition meets one of Social Security’s ‘Listings’ and available to answer questions by the Judge. Having a skilled attorney, knowledgeable in Social Security law, can give you the right advantage by questioning the Medical Expert about your disability.If you have been denied social security disability benefits, don’t give up. Call Disability Attorneys of Michigan at 800-949-2900 for a free confidential consultation. We’ll let you know if we can help you get a monthly check. It is very difficult trying to get social security disability benefits on your own in Michigan. Don’t worry; just call Disa bility Attorneys of Michigan for help.If we do not win your disability case, you owe us nothing. We only get paid if we win your disability benefits claim.Disability Attorneys of Michigan works hard every day helping those in Michigan get the disability benefits they need. If you are unable to work, contact Disability Attorneys of Michigan for a free consultation at 800-949-2900.Let Michigan’s Leading Social Security Disability Law Firm Help You Get The Benefits You Deserve.Disability Attorneys of Michigan. Compassionate Excellence. Michigan Social Security Disability Law Firm, SSD Hearing

Should Marijuana Be Legal essays

Should Marijuana Be Legal essays This is a topic that has become a bit of concern amongst people in the past few years. Marijuana has been illegal since the early 1900s, but lately scientists have figured out that there are some uses of marijuana that could benefit people in need, people who are sick of deadly diseases such as aids, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. These are all diseases that are hard for anyone to go through, especially without aid that helps the pain and misery from ceasing. Prohibiting marijuana has just made things worse, by increasing the price of marijuana, the illegal usage, and the money spent on trying to cease its use. Abraham Lincoln once said two quotes about prohibition, Prohibition goes beyond the bounds of reason in that it attempts to control a mans appetite by legislation and makes crimes out of things that are not crimes, and A prohibition law strikes a blow at the very principles upon which our government was founded. I believe that he is right for stating that we have rights and they should not be taken for granted. He may have not been thinking of marijuana when he made his speech, but it involves prohibition, meaning prohibition in general and of any kind. The first crop of American hemp was grown in 1611 (Grinspoon 11). However, the modern practice of smoking marijuana was not introduced until the 1920s. This was a time of drug intolerance. America was in the stages of the prohibition of alcohol campaign. Marijuana was introduced and smoked by the early immigrants. In the 1930s it was a common belief that immigrants were inhumane and violent, so these attitudes were associated and blamed on the marijuana. By 1931 all but two states had anti-marijuana legislation. By 1937 all states had prohibited marijuana use and made it illegal to have anything to do with this drug. No research was ever made on marijuana at this time or its effects. People simply believed i...

Project Management- Group Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words - 1

Project Management- Group Report - Essay Example This is the reason behind our project. As project management students, we came up with an idea that would make it much easier for us to raise funds to disburse to the Syrian humanitarian kitty. According to our plan, these moneys would be used for helping the refugees to acquire the humanitarian support-healthcare, food, shelter, education and hygiene that they are in a dire need of. To effectively do this, we organized our team in such a way that everyone would have an important contribution to make. Meaning, each of us was given a role to play as we were working on the project. A part from assigning individual roles, we ensured that we put in place a team of leaders who would be coordinating the activities of the project. As creative minds, we engaged one another and came up with an idea of using a canvas in which people would be signing as they give us their donations. By giving them a chance to sign our canvas, we managed to appeal to everyone. They would be attracted to make their donations which they believed would be appropriately used for the right purpose. With our budget of 45 Euros, we managed to conduct all our activities without any constraint. In fact, we only used 22 Euros. In order o achieve this; we opted to make a good use of Lean Project Management, Traditional Approach and CCPM strategies of project management. We had to apply the principles of project management because they would be of much help to us. A part from providing us with the theoretical framework, they would enable us to carry out all the activities in the best and most suitable way so far. These made it much easier for us to identify our resources and effectively utilize them for the benefit of accomplishing our common goal. It is for this reason that we managed to effectively carry out our activities and raised funds for the project. In fact, we managed to do everything within the budgeted

Transformers I Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Transformers I - Essay Example Apparently, Sam Witwicky, the grandson of Captain Witwicky, buys a new car only to realize that the car was actually Autobot Bumblelee. This discovery shocks him since it was unimaginable in the human world for someone to transform into a machine or robot. However, Sam Witwicky later learns that Autobot Bumblelee was actually protecting him from the Decepticons (Transformers). After realizing that the Autobots were actually not harmful to humans, Sam Witwicky and his girlfriend Mikaela stop fearing them. Instead they start working together. They learn that Autobots are harmful when Bumblebee actually helps Sam to woo Mikaela. Moreover, Sam later realizes that the Autobots are actually trying to protect him and the entire earth from destruction by the Decepticons. As they relationship between Sam, Mikaela and Bumblebee grows, Sam and Mikaela gain more confidence in Autobots. After all, Bumblebee does not harm any of them. In fact, he comes to their aid severally helping them escape from potential harm by the Decepticons (Transformers). On the other hand, Decepticons arrive and unleash terror on the planet earth. Their first landing is at a US military base in Qatar. Two Decepticons, Scorponok and Blackout try to hack into computer files at the military base without success. The base commander, William, acts first to prevent the Decepticons from accessing the files. Apparently, the Decepticons hoped to access the files that would help them locate where the AllSpark and their leader, Megatron, were. The captain and his platoon manage to escape from the military base. When the US government learns about this invasion by the Decepticons, they send a special unit to capture all the aliens. The government’s reaction was hostile towards the transformers, which were considered to be aliens. In fact, when the government learns about the presence of Autobots, they also take the same approach and try to capture them. When Sam and Mikaela and taken by a