Gender Speech Community Essay Example for Free

Gender Speech Community Essay Abstract This research paper will focus on the human language. Human language is extremely significant for all peoples. My main topic for this paper is how we use and develop language, the production of language, language acquisition and the importance of the critical period. Chomsky, Skinner, and Whorf all had various theories on language but all had one major thing in common, which was the significance of language. Regardless of when or how language is developed; it is essential to have living in environment where every one using language to talk, learn and receive knowledge. The Ways in Which People Use and Develop Language and The Effects it May Have on a Person If a person does not develop oral language this will affect the way in which people communicate with other people. From birth throughout their lives time people are taught the uses of language and create a way of communication. Language is the main component for all humans. â€Å"The use of language-the communication of information through symbols arranged according to systematic rules-is a central cognitive ability, one that is indispensable for us to communicate with one another† (Stapel Semin, 2007; Hoff; 2008; Resiberg). Language is essential to how we communicate, think, and understand the world. Without language our ability to convey information, obtain knowledge and cooperate with others would be hindered. This paper looks at Chomsky, Benjamin Lee Whorf and B.J. Skinners theories on language acquisition and why language it is so important to have and what could happen to a person if he/she were isolated from society. In order to comprehend how language is created and relates to thought, we first need to know that the basic structure of language is grammar. Grammar is a set of rules that clarifies how our thoughts can be articulated. There are three main elements that go with grammar; they are phonology, syntax, and semantics. Phonology is the study of the smallest unit of speech called phonemes. Phonemes are the way we use sounds to form words and produce meaning. Syntax deals with how words and phrases can be united to form sentences and semantic rules allow us to express meanings to words. Feldman, Robert S. (2011). Although many people may have a hard time explaining the meanings of these words, we all subconsciously use grammar every day in a linguistic way! Language starts during infancy from three months through one-year- old. Children begin to make insignificant speech like sounds that is called babble. In the textbook Feldman, Robert S. (2011) stated that while babbling, they produce, at one time or another, any of the sounds found in all languages, not just the one to which are exposed. Even deaf children demonstrate their own form of babbling, who are incapable to hear, yet who are exposed to sign language from birth babble in their own way. In the same textbook I stated before Feldman, Robert S. (2011); indicates that babies’ babbling imitates the precise language being spoken in the infant’s environment which focuses more on the pitch and tone of the person talking to the child. As the baby gets older, he or she starts to specialize in the language that they were exposed to from birth. To support what I am saying I read an article called Language and Brain Development â€Å"Jump Start† copyright United Feature Syndicate stated that â€Å"a child is introduced to language virtually at the moment of birth. Children do not require explicit language instruction, but they do need exposure to language in order to develop normally. Children who do not receive linguistic input during their formative years do not achieve native like grammatical competence.† There were three theorists that had their own speculation on language acquisition but intertwined with my thesis. Let us begin with Noam Chomsky. Chomsky was a very well- known linguist. He believes that human brains have a language acquisition device that we are inborn with. All children are born with a universal grammar that makes them amenable to the common features of language because of this hard-wired background in grammar; children easily pick up a language when they are exposed to its particular grammar. Http://www.brighthubeducation.com/language-learning-tips/71728-noam-chomsky-language-acquisition-theories/. Basically Chomsky believed that all children develop language around the same age and all develop language skills rapidly and naturally. The next theorist was Benjamin Lee Whorf. Whorf’s theory is that children will learn language skills through interaction with others rather than obtain the knowledge involuntarily. He was recognized for his study that focused on a person’s thinking skills, how their ideas and expressions all depend on language. He anticipated a theory called â€Å"linguistic relativity.† This theory determines the way people think. In other words â€Å"â€Å"we think in terms of words or other symbols, and they are required as a precondition for a human to form an idea—or, at least, to express the idea to others. Although thinking involves mental manipulation of reality, it is heavily dependent upon words or other symbols.† Bergman. Jerry (Benjamin Lee Whorf: An Early Supporter of Creationism). My last theorist was B.F. Skinner. Skinner thought language is attained through standards of conditioning, association, imitation and, reinforcement. The difference from Chomsky and Skinner one believed he or she is born with language where Skinner believed that people have to be taught how to speak by some one’s language acquisition. All three theorists have their own assumptions on language acquisition. Chomsky believes we are born with the skills for language. Skinner believes children is learn through imitation that focuses on behavior and Whorf thought language was developed by interaction with peers rather than being born with it. The one major factor that they all share is the importance of language from birth. If children are deprived of language from the start they will suffer drastically, which proves my statement in the beginning; which was, children who are isolated from language and communication from the early ages will deal with major effects when they are older. A major period that some theorists believe is crucial for language development is called the critical period, which can cause many effects in learning language. From the article â€Å"Introduction Brain and Language† explained what the critical-age hypothesis was. This theory believes language is organically based and the capacity to learn your inhabitant language develops from birth to middle childhood. Subsequent to this period, the attainment of grammar is complicated for most people and never fully grasped. Children who are not exposed of language during this critical period will have a difficult time overcoming this deficit. This concept can be proved to be true in humans and other species. 22. Introduction Brain and Language gave an example of ducklings. For instance, from nine to twenty-one months after hatching, ducks will follow the first moving object they see regardless if it is a duck or not. This behavior did not come subconsciously but from an â€Å"external teaching, or intensive practice.† Other examples of the critical period that is strongly associated to language learning is the critical period in certain songbirds, e.g., zebra finches or white crowned sparrows (Marler, 1970). For children there have been cases that support this theory. For instance, there was a young boy who was isolated from society also known as the â€Å"wild† child. In the film produced by Francois Truffaut â€Å"The Wild Child† was based on a young boy named Victor. It was determined that he was left in forest and survived shockingly. (Language and Brain Development 23.) In the YouTube documentary we learned that Victor was not capable to speak or recognize language. He was brought to Paris where he was first put into a deaf school, but after Francois Truffaut observes Victor he believes he can hear and can be educated. After a while, Victor begins to gain some kind of language from being in society. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dA2W0SwIwY). Another perfect example that supports the conjecture of the critical period is a girl named Genie. Genie as well as Victor was a wild child. Genie was abused and isolated from all society from eighteen months to about fourteen years of age. Genie was restricted to a small room under terrible conditions and received minimal to none of human contact. Genie was not able to talk or knew any language at all. (Language and Brain Development 23) said â€Å"this linguistic inability could simply be caused by the fact that these children received no linguistic input, showing that language acquisition, though an innate, neurologically based ability, must be triggered by input from the environment.† Like Victor, Genie learned some kind of language but lacked â€Å"grammatical structure.† Possessing language is essential to have living in a society. Without language you would not be able to communicate, give, and receive knowledge. For instance Genie; in (Introduction Brain and Language) said â€Å"The cases of Genie and other isolated children, as well as deaf late learners of ASL, show that children cannot fully acquire language unless they are exposed to it within the critical period—a biologically determined window of opportunity during which time the brain is prepared to develop language.† People use and develop language in their lives and it is important to have developed it in an early age. References Feldman, Robert S. (2011). Essentials of Understanding Psychology â€Å"Jump Start† copyright . United Feature Syndicate. Reprinted with permission. Introduction Brain and Language http://suite101.com/article/how-we-learn-language-a158847 Aitchinson, Jean (1976). The Articulate Mammal: An Introduction to Psycholinguistics. London: Hutchinson Co. http://www.healthofchildren.com/L/Language-Development.html http://www.icr.org/article/6391/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dA2W0SwIwY

Benefits of computing gross profit on sales in contrast to contribution margin Essay Example for Free

Benefits of computing gross profit on sales in contrast to contribution margin Essay The computation of gross profit on sales, which can be derived under the absorption costing approach, is a profitability measure normally conducted under financial analysis.   This accounting ratio outlines the gross profit generated from every $100 of sales.   Such measure is highly useful in financial analysis, because it provides indications on the profitability potential and cost efficiency of the company.  Ã‚   For instance, if there was an increase in sales of 10%, but the gross profit margin declined by 4%. This indicates that the cost efficiency of the organization deteriorated during the period.    Such analysis cannot be conducted under the contribution margin approach, because gross profit is not present.   However, under the contribution margin approach one can calculate the contribution to sales ratio which indicates the contribution determined from every $100 of sales.   This would also provide indications on the control of variable costs once compared over time. Difference in Net Income arising from different approaches. In the example of ABC Company the profit under the two methods is the same.   However, this is not always the case.   Profits under the two methods differ whenever there is movement in inventory.   This is due to the fact that since under the absorption costing technique fixed manufacturing costs are included in the cost of goods sold, a proportion of fixed costs will be included in inventory leading to such a difference. Contribution margin approach not allowable for external reporting. The contribution margin approach, despite being highly useful to provide valuable information for decision making, is not acceptable for external reporting.   This is due to the fact that it does not comply with the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). For example, under the GAAP the income statement layout should clearly outline the gross profit made by the company.   Under the contribution margin method this is not highlighted.   Another important reason why the absorption approach is allowable for external reporting and not the contribution approach is due to the way in which the income statement is classified. The GAAP state that the income statement is classified by function, like under the absorption method.   In the contribution approach it is classified by cost behavior.   Indeed separation between fixed and variable costs is made under such method. This conflicts with another requirement of the GAAP. Reference: Drury C. (1996). Management and Cost Accounting. Fourth Edition. New York: International Thomson Business Press.

Criminology Essays Criminal Cult Crime

Criminology Essays Criminal Cult Crime Criminal Cult Crime CHaPTER 1: INTRODUCTION a criminal cult is a group or movement exhibiting a higher or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea. Criminal cults commit crimes ranging from homicide, (Branch Davidians, 1993), arson, drug trafficking, terrorism (aum shinrikyo, 1995), burglary, suicide, (Heaven’s Gate, 1997), and child abuse (Hare Krishnas, 1990). Many individuals in society have wondered about prevalence of criminal cults in recent decades (Lottick, 2005). since 1960, mental health professionals estimate that two to five million americans have been involved with criminal cult groups the 1960’s (Langone, 2003). adults and youths can become criminal cult members. Most criminal cult members come from normal, functioning families, and are educated. Youths overwhelmed by school and parental demands and perplexed by society may affiliate with a criminal cult (singer, 2003). a limited example of destructive cults are presented here, such as the Branch Davidians, led by David Koresh 1981 to1993, aum shirinkyo, led by shoko asahara from 1987 to 1995, (Parachini, 2005). In 1969, there has been a 13% increase in the Us of criminal cults established since 2002 (Fagan, 2004). Get help with your essay from our expert essay writers Background since the 1980s’fundamentalists movements have tripled in size (Ranstorp, 2002). Religious violence fills the pages and media each and everyday (Kent, 2004). There are thousands of unrecognized new religious movements in society (Perlmutter, 2004). at no time in history as today, have more religions existed. society now faces more threats from small and new dangerous cults (Kent, 2004). Many cults resort to violence when the group feels threatened by society and young and inexperience leaders resort to violence when threatened â€Å"from inside or outside† the group (Traverton et al, 2005, p. xiv). Law enforcement needs to understand the complexity of religious differences and the problems new religious movements may generate (Perlmutter, 2004). Police agencies have a challenge to determine the danger many cults impose on society (szubin et al, 2002). Cult groups can turn to violence against society (Langone, 2007). Cult group vary in size, different in doctrines, and perceive the world different (szubin et al, 2002). Many high-profile events can be linked to cults (Merton Bromley, 2002). abusive religions are usually detached from society (Kent, 2004). according to Jinkins (2004) fringe religions and cults have often caused fear in the United states (Lewis, 2004). Criminal cases that have received the most attention include the Peoples Temple, Branch Davidians, aum shinrikyo (1995), solar Temple, and Heavens Gate (Lewis, 2004). Groups with apocalyptic expectations are prone to violence due to their world view condemning the existing social order (Lewis, 2004). since many millennial groups regard themselves as the vanguard of the new order, there is a tendency to disregard the existing normative order. according to Kaminer, (2002) religion can cause cruelty and bigotry. all religions have murdered in the name of God (Marty, 2002). Religious terrorism is violence committed of fulfilling a divine command (Lerner Lerner, 2006). Killing in the name of God has escalated in today’s society (Traverton et al, 2005). Most americans can not comprehend religious violence (Marty, 2002). according to Perlmutter, (2004), religious terrorists never consider their violent acts as terrorism. Religious extremists commit savage attacks against society in the name of God (Traverton, 2005). Many religious terrorists will even risk their lives and the lives of innocent bystanders in suicide missions (Lerner Lerner, 2006). There are similarities between terrorism and cults (Mansfield, 2003). The success of a suicide mission earns them martyrdom and an â€Å"elite place in the afterlife† (Lerner Lerner, 2006, p. 1). Terrorists train very hard in order to succeed in their violent acts (Jac kson, 2005). according to Perlmutter (2004) religious terrorism is â€Å"any act of violence or threatened use of violence by a group or individual with the intent of intimidating individuals, citizens or governments in the furtherance of religious objects† (p. 2). according to Gesy, (2003) adolescents who exhibit hostile behaviors do not see themselves as connected to society, nor depending on society. They cut themselves off believing that they are dependent in an attempt to create something they think is new and better. Religious cults criticize society and claim to create a better society for adolescents. according to Richmund (2004) many cults are destructive and manipulative towards members and society. Law enforcement officers have found the connection between satanism and crime (Karlsberg,). Certain cults in society target teenagers (Richmund, 2004). according to Karlsberg, satanism is a threat to the United states and teenagers. satanism is a concern to law enforcement agencies because of the â€Å"violent and bazaar incidents† (p. 1) involving satanic practices. satanism consists of many different beliefs and practices (Lowney, 2002). The Church of satan teaches that there are no standards for being a satanist (Tamara Roloff, 2002). Teenage satanists are known to have committed physical abuse, stabbings, and mutilating other teenagers (Richmund, 2004). There are satanists that visit cemeteries and churches to perform rituals (Lowney, 2002). The cloak of secrecy allows satanists to avoid being arrested by law enforcement officers (Lewis, 2004). Problem statement The general problem in this study is a lack of general access of information for effective law enforcement criminal investigation on criminal cults. Criminal cults commit crimes ranging from homicide, arson, drug trafficking, terrorism, burglary, suicide, and child abuse. The specific problem in this study is there is that there are barriers to obtaining accurate and immediate information to assist law enforcement officers in investigation with criminal cults. Due to the lack of law enforcement having current information regarding criminal cult activities, professional law enforcement groups concerned about criminal cults have no nationalized database of information and must rely upon private independent criminal cult awareness groups. The solution to information sharing is leadership (Ratcliffe. 2007, p. 7). Law enforcement personnel must take advantage of their information-rich environment (Ratcliffe. 2007, p. 1). Intelligence information allows leaders and decision makers to devise better policing and crime prevention, view of crime patterns, and criminal behavior ((Ratcliffe. 2007, p. 3). The appropriate method and research design will be a qualitative research design. The general population of the proposed study will be United states federal, state, and city law enforcement investigators and trainers. Purpose The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological research study was to identify and address the barriers that prevent federal, state, and city law enforcement personnel in the United states from obtaining accurate and immediate information on criminal cults. The qualitative approach is appropriate for this study because â€Å"qualitative research aims to achieve an in-depth understanding of a situation† (Cooper schindler, 2006, p. 36). The appropriate research design is survey design. The survey design is appropriate because it allow the researcher â€Å"to question the subjects of the study and collect their responses by personal means† (Cooper schindler, 2006, p. 136). according to Creswell (2005) a questionnaire allows the participant to complete and return to the researcher (p. 360). The specific population group of the proposed study will be federal, state and city law enforcement personnel in that deal with cult investigations and enforcement. The geographic location of the study will be the New York City. Relationships and comparisons will be made with the information obtained from the specific population of the study. significance of the study The significance of this qualitative phenomenological study is that it will offer intelligence information and strategies for federal, state and city law enforcement who deal with cult investigation and enforcement. The study is important because it will offer federal, state, and city law enforcement accurate and immediate information on criminal cults. according to Kotter, â€Å"In order to transform your organization you must establish a sense of urgency, identify and discuss crisis, and form a guiding coalition† (p. 50). The contribution this research may make to current and future generation is effectiveness in dealing with criminal cults through accurate and immediate information on criminal cults. The contribution will also lead to further study in area of criminal cults. significance of study to the field of leadership The significance to the study to the field of leadership will allow leadership in federal, state and city law enforcement to collaborate in the area of criminal cult. Cult groups have the higher risk of breaking the law. according to Gebhardt, (2004), law enforcement officers are in the front line protecting citizens (p. 1). The results of this study will add to the body of leadership knowledge literature by â€Å"getting rid of obstacles to change, and develop leaders in the organization who can implement the vision† (Kotter, 1999, p. 50). Law enforcement must work, and face leadership challenges together (Gebhardt, p. 2, 2004). Management â€Å"leads, directs, or manages the organization towards its goals† Dantzker, p. 146, 2003). Nature of the study a qualitative method was appropriated for this research study because qualitative research allows an â€Å"interpretive naturalistic approach to the subject matter† (Denzin 1994, p. 2). The qualitative research arena is the natural setting with an attempt at interpreting and making sense of observable facts by the meaning people give to them. Qualitative research focuses on human behavior in a â€Å"social, cultural, and political contexts in which they occur† (salkind, 2003, p. 13). The qualitative approach refutes the existence of an â€Å"external reality† (Joniak, 2002, p. 2). searle defines external reality as that which exists â€Å"outside and independent† of one’s interpretation (1995, p. 154). Qualitative research embraces internal veracity with an understanding and appreciation of the knowledge acquired. Qualitative research is much more subjective than quantitative research and uses very different methods of collecting information, mainly individual, in-depth interviews and focus groups. The nature of this type of research is exploratory and open-ended. small numbers of people are interviewed in-depth and/or a relatively small number of focus groups are conducted. Participants are asked to respond to general questions and the interviewer or group moderator probes and explores their responses to identify and define peoples perceptions, opinions and feelings about the topic or idea being discussed and to determine the degree of agreement that exists in the group. The quality of the findings from qualitative research is directly dependent upon the skill, experience and sensitivity of the interviewer or group moderator. This type of research is often less costly than surveys and is extremely effective in acquiring information about peoples communications needs and their responses to and views about specific communications. It is often the method of choice in instances where quantitative measurement is not required. a phenomenological survey design gave the researcher the opportunity to gather the appropriate information to the study. according to Cooper and schindler (2003) â€Å"the research design â€Å"constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and analysis of data† (p. 154). The appropriate research design for this study is in-person and telephone interviews and questionnaires distributed to law enforcement officers in the selected population. Research design serves as the â€Å"plan and structure of investigation so conceived as to obtain answers to research questions† (Cooper, 2003, p. 154). Hypothesis/Research Questions The qualitative, ethnographic study provides answers to the following research questions: 1. Why should leaders care about cults or new religious movements? 2. Why are cults a leadership problem? 3. Why is lack of information a significant problem? It is clear that the generation of the cult of personality came about as a result of personal ambition within parties characterized by certain structural features. Principal among these was the low level of institutionalization of the party at all levels: a lack of definition in leadership positions within a formally collective ethos added to a lack of certainty about tenure of office al all levels of the structure. such structural factors were reinforced by circumstances of the partys growth in economically under-developed societies. a focus upon these structural characteristics of the partys constitution and of its social and temporal location as elements of an explanation of the emergence of a personality cult is much more satisfactory than is an idealist focus upon political culture. The cult seems to spring from the concrete circumstances of the political institutions at the time, rather than from some vague set of principles inherited mysteriously from the traditional political culture. These can at best provide a cultural backdrop. In todays turbulent world, the spotlight on individual leaders and their performance grows ever brighter. Those organizations that are sustaining their value-and the reputation of their leaders-in these challenging times have one thing in common: leaders who pay attention to what they will leave behind them after they are gone. They ask themselves what values will sustain the organization over the long haul; what people will say of them; whether the organization they led will still be there to remember them; and if so, what position they will hold in the organizations memory. The paradox at the heart of organizational leadership is that the leader must add value to the organization but must not take it away when he or she leaves. an essential part of a leaders job is to become dispensable through creating a culture of leadership that extends throughout the organization. When an organization becomes incapable and falls apart after the leader departs, the subsequent ruin is, in a sense, a validation of that leaders talent and evidence of the value added during his or her tenure. But it is also evidence of that leaders failure to endow the organization with the qualities needed to transcend previous achievements, the failure to nurture the conditions under which leadership can flourish. These reflections point to the critical questions: Why should leaders care about cults or new religious movements? Why are cults a leadership problem? Why is lack of information a significant problem? Theoretical Framework In developing a theoretical perspective for examining the barriers to obtaining accurate and immediate information to assist law enforcement personnel in investigating cults committing crimes, several theories and concepts apply. several concepts and theories exists that address cults in society (Lifton, 2003; Juergensmeyer, 2001). The super Power syndrome according to Lifton (2003), the super Power syndrome describes deviant behavior as part of â€Å"psychological and political constellation† (p. xii). Individuals and groups find a need to eliminate vulnerability (p. 129) because they fear that vulnerability. Gruenfeld (2006) contends feeling powerless does not allow the individual or group to â€Å"regulate their impulses and control behavior (as sited by Rigoglioso, 2006, p. 1). One maintains an â€Å"illusion of invulnerability† (Lifton, 2003) to feel powerful and in control. according to Gruenfeld (2006), â€Å"power disinhibit the individual or nation† (p. 1) and â€Å"stop trying to control themselves† (p. 3), (as cited by Rigoglioso, 2006). Cognitive Dissonance Theory Leon Festinger invented the cognitive dissonance theory in 1957 (aronsen, 2000, as cited by Kasdin, p. 141, 2000). Cognitive dissonance theory is considered important and â€Å"provocative theory† (p. 141). according to Festinger (1957) cognitive dissonance is psychological tension pertaining to the conditions that aroused the dissonance (Cohen, 1962). Festinger considered the social group as a source of cognitive dissonance (Matz and Wood, p. 22, 2005). Maintaining conflicting principles (e.g. logically incompatible beliefs) or rejecting reasonable behavior to avoid conflict can be increasingly maladaptive (non-beneficial) as the gap being bridged widens, and popular usage tends to stress the maladaptive aspect. Cognitive dissonance is often associated with the tendency for people to resist information that they dont want to think about, because if they did it would create cognitive dissonance, and perhaps require them to act in ways that depart from their comfortable habits. They usually have at least partial awareness of the information, without having moved to full acceptance of it, and are thus in a state of denial about it. This irrational inability to incorporate rational information is perhaps the most common perception of cognitive dissonance, and this or another example of extreme maladaption would appear to be underlying many conceptions of the term in popular usage. according to Matz and Wood (2005), Festinger studied the reactions of doomsday group members when their apocalyptic predictions failed (Matz and Wood, p. 22). Cosmic War Theory Juergensmeyer (2000) developed the Cosmic War Theory. The Cosmic War theory refers to the battle between the forces of evil against the forces of good (Traverton, 2005). The New King James Version Bible (Revelation 20: 8-9), describes the â€Å"armageddon† as, â€Å"satan will be loosed†¦and gather in Gog and Magog, to gather them together for battle and compass†¦ the beloved city and fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them† (p. 401). The forces of evil will be punished eternally in hell and the forces of good will be rewarded eternally by God on earth (NKJV Bible, Revelation 20:12). Most world religions teach about the Day of Judgment (Traverton et al, 2005). The Cosmic War Theory is characterized by the justification of violence, operating on a divine time line, the perception of imminent victory, and making powerful those taking up the cause (p. xii). according to Traverton et al (2005), â€Å"many terrorist groups including the al Qaeda, a re dramatizing their cosmic war paradigm (p. xii). apocalyptic destruction is envisioned as ‘consuming flames’ (p. 32) that will devour evil doers (Lifton, 2003). according to the NKJV Bible, Revelation 20:10, â€Å"and the Devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.† anti-social Personality Disorder Psychology plays a central role in understanding cults or new religious movements. according to Burke (2006), antisocial personality disorder (asPD) comprise of groupings of personality traits (p. 3). Blackburn (1998) states an individual with aggressive disposition will commit patterns of verbal or physical aggressive acts (as cited by Burke, 2006, p. 3). Burke (2006) identifies dominance over others and aggression as two prominent asPD traits. Hare (1993) states that psychopathy can affect everyone and remain â€Å"under-identified in society† (as cited by Burke, 2006, p. 4). according to Hare (1993) cult leaders with psychopathic behaviors can be identified (as cited by Burke, 2006, p. 4). according to Burke (2006), â€Å"antisocial cult leaders engage in manipulation, domination, and exploitation for their own ends† (p. 5). Charismatic Leadership according to Hobbs and Higgs (2004), charisma, is the Greek word meaning â€Å"gift of grace† was introduced by Max Weber (1947). Weber defines charisma as a personal quality that sets a person apart from ordinary people (Choi, 2006). Leadership is not the same as expertise (Robinson, p. 1, 2005). according to Choi, (2006), the three components of charismatic leadership consist of â€Å"envisioning, empathy, and empowerment† (p. 24). subordinate empowerment transforms the organization (Yukl, 1989). Charismatic leadership attempts to transform the â€Å"values, beliefs, and attitudes of followers† (Conger and Kanungo, p. 7, 2000). Bennis and Goldstein (2003) stated: †¦Ã¢â‚¬ Good leaders make people feel they are at the very heart of things and that, when they are, they are making contributions to the success of the organization. When that happens, they feel centered and that their work has meaning. Leadership gives the workforce a sense of its own meaning, significance, competence, community, and commitment†Ã¢â‚¬ ¦ (p. 5). according to Conger and Kanungo (1992), charismatic leadership has its negative side. according to Conger and Kanungo (1992) leaders can become extremely narcisstic leading to â€Å"self-serving and grandiose aims, †¦ exaggerated behaviors, lose touch with reality, or become vehicles for pure personal gain† (p. 211). according to Howell and avolio (p. 43, 1992): â€Å" charisma is value neutral it does not distinguish between good or moral and evil or immoral charismatic leadership. This means the risks involved in charismatic leadership are at least as large as the promises. Charisma can lead to blind fanaticism in the service of megalomaniacs and dangerous values, or to heroic self-sacrifice in the service of a beneficial cause. Definition of terms For the purpose of this qualitative study, the following terms and words are defined below: Leadership: Leadership is defined as the process â€Å"organizational members are influenced to facilitate the meeting or the organizational goals and objectives† (Dantzker2003, p. 146,). Cults: Cults are claimed to be deceitful. They are claimed to be harmful to their members. They are claimed to be undermining american values. (Lindlof 1995 , p. 124) Criminal: Of, involving, or having the nature of crime. (Conger et. al. 1997 , p. 55) Law Enforcement: a person employed by a local, state, tribal, or Federal justice agency including law enforcement, courts, district attorneys office. (Howell 1992 , p. 66) Terrorism: The calculated use of unlawful violence or threat of unlawful violence to inculcate fear; intended to coerce or to intimidate governments or societies in the pursuit of goals that are generally political, religious, or ideological. (seale 1995 , p. 81) Religion: a religion is a set of beliefs and practices often organized around supernatural and moral claims. (Denzin 1994 , p. 42) Religious Cult: a system of religious worship; devotion, homage to person or thing. (Denzin 1994 , p. 46) National Database: National Data base is a powerful, fast, multi-jurisdictional search of United states criminal records database. (Howell 1992 , p. 106) self Esteem: self-esteem can apply specifically to a particular dimension (for example: I believe I am a good writer, and feel proud of that in particular) (Lindlof 1995 , p. 236) assumptions The researcher has three basic assumptions for this qualitative research study. First, the researcher assumed the law enforcement and intelligence personnel fully understood the anonymity and confidentiality of the research study. second, participants of the study would respond providing their professional perceptions pertaining to the selected topic of the study; and third, the researcher assumed the participants would offer their perspectives and input based on their perception that their feedback to the research study will benefit law enforcement and intelligence personnel. scope, Limitations, and Delimitations after the september 11, 2001 Terrorist attacks, law enforcement leaders need to take within the parameters of the law, a proactive aggressive approach in dealing with religious extremists. a lack of knowledge and intelligence about new religious movements trifles and delays law enforcement tactical and strategic public safety operations. accountability is central to law enforcement leaders because law enforcement personnel are accountable to their agency, community, legal system, and delivery of services (Dantzker, 2003). Law enforcement plays a complex role in society (Walker Katz, p. 7, 2004). Management and leadership are important to an organization Dantzker, p. 146, 2003). at a tactical level, it is necessary to train and retrain the law enforcement, security and intelligence services, and the military to better understand and respond to the terrorist threat. There is a grave lack of knowledge and understanding of the ideologies, organizations and operations of the threat group s. For instance, instead of building the capabilities to disrupt terrorist operations at the launch phase, government enforcement agencies must develop indicators for early detection. as precursors can be procured commercially from pharmacies, chemist stores and hardware stores to manufacture explosives, police must work closely with the service sector to report suspicious procurement. The selected method of this study was a qualitative study. This qualitative study was limited to only those participants that agreed to voluntarily participate in the study. The study was also limited by the number of participants and the amount of time required to answer questionnaires and phone interviews. The study is limited to active law enforcement officers in selected federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. This qualitative study was confined to surveying law enforcement officers in various selected law enforcement agencies for this study. since no survey instrument was available, a survey instrument was developed to conduct this qualitative study. summary Many individuals in society have wondered about prevalence of criminal cults in recent decades (Lottick, 2005). a criminal cult is a group or movement exhibiting a higher or excessive devotion or dedication to some person, idea. Criminal cults commit crimes ranging from homicide, (Branch Davidians, 1993), arson, drug trafficking, terrorism (aum shinrikyo, 1995), burglary, suicide, (Heaven’s Gate, 1997), and child abuse (Hare Krishnas, 1990). according to Kaminer, (2002) religion can cause cruelty and bigotry. all religions have murdered in the name of God (Marty, 2002). Religious terrorism is violence committed of fulfilling a divine command (Lerner Lerner, 2006). Killing in the name of God has escalated in today’s society (Traverton et al, 2005). Law enforcement needs to understand the complexity of religious differences and the problems new religious movements may generate (Perlmutter, 2004). Police agencies have a challenge to determine the danger many cults impose on society (szubin et al, 2002). CHaPTER 2: LITERaTURE REVIEW This chapter, the literature review, identifies and analysis contemporary research on the area of new religious movements, leadership, religious violence, intelligence gathering and analysis, and the role of law enforcement. The purpose of this qualitative, ethnographic study is to identify and address the barriers that prevent federal, state, and city law enforcement personnel in the United states from obtaining accurate and immediate information on criminal cults. an extensive literature search was conducted through the electronic databases of EBsCO, ProQuest, and Questia. a total of 300 peer-reviewed articles, 45 books and 25 dissertations on new religious movements, leadership theories, intelligence gathering, motivation, and adolescent theories were reviewed. a gap in the literature was identified in this study. The gap is the lack of a central law enforcement database on cults for law enforcement agencies to conduct research and comparisons on criminal cases related to cults. Intelligence Gathering and analysis Historically, intelligence sharing with law enforcement agencies and intelligence agencies was done as little as possible (Isaacson and O’Connell, 2002). Intelligence is interested in the association among individuals (scully, 2004, p. 1). The role of intelligence is a permanent and important part of the United states government (Cheltenham, p. 227, 2002). Intelligence sharing is very important with other agencies in the war against terrorism (Isaacson and O’Connell, 2002).. Intelligence is information needed to make the United states safe (CIa, 2007). Proper analysis will protect the security of the United states of america (Isaacson and O’Connell, 2002). Intelligence is defined in many ways. Intelligence is defined as â€Å"Information that is gathered clandestinely through ease dropping or other data collection method† (steele, 2006, p. 1). The art and Role of Intelligence Intelligence is defined as â€Å"a product resulting from the collection, processing, integration, analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of available information concerning foreign countries or areas†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Cole, 2005, p. 3). Criminal intelligence is the â€Å"creation of intelligence knowledge product that supports decision making in the areas of law enforcement, crime reduction, and crime prevention† (Ratcliffe. 2007, p. 8). Intelligence provides â€Å"knowledge of the enemy†¦what the enemy is doing, capable of doing, and what they may do in the future† (Coles, 2005, p. 3). social intelligence is an â€Å"in depth knowledge of local culture and custom† (scully, 2004, p. 1). The role of intelligence is looking for individuals who want to murder, change the world, and perceive others as the enemy (scully, 2004, p. 3). Cultural intelligence is defined as. â€Å"an analysis of social, political, economical and other demographic information that provides understanding of a people or nations, history, institutions, psychology, belief†¦ and behaviors† (Coles, 2005, p. 1). Cultural intelligence allows the understanding as to â€Å"why a people act as they do and how they think† (Coles, 2005, p. 1). all source analysis is the â€Å"consideration of every type of available information that helps in understanding a specific problem†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wolfberg, 2006, p. 40). In law enforcement, open-source information provides intelligence (Ratcliffe. 2007, p. 9). The intelligence community lacks training in thinking â€Å"effectively about the world’s current security environment (Wolfberg, 2006, p. 35). Personnel need training in observation skills of their environment, and the people around them (scully, 2004, p. 4). There is a need to reconstruct how the intelligence community thinks (Wolfberg, 2006, p. 36). In today’s world, violence has moved from great power to small states and individuals (scully, 2004, p. 1). Intelligence experts are surprised over the ruthlessness and violence of terrorists (Wolfberg, 2006, p. 35). Crime analysis and criminal intelligence must blend together. Crime analysis provides the â€Å"what is happening,† and criminal intelligence provides the â€Å"why it is happening† (Ratcliffe. 2007, p. 2). Leaders make policy based on intelligence (CIa, 2007, p. 1). Information must be properly analyzed for relevance. The analyst needs to consider all possible vulnerabilities (Isaacson and O’Connell, 2002). Information is the â€Å"currency of intelligence† (FBI, 2004). Intel

I Corinthians 15:12-14 :: Religion Christianity Bible Essays

I Corinthians 15:12-14 But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith (NIV). The resurrection of the dead is a mysterious concept that even some Christians have a hard time believing. Paul makes a strong statement regarding the importance of the resurrection and how it is tied to the faith of Christian believers. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was a response to a number of problems in the church of Corinth. One of the main problems the Corinthians were having was speculation on the resurrection [of the dead] which was preached to them by Paul. The passage in which Paul talks about the resurrection is toward the end of his letter, before he discusses his plans and finishes with exhortations and greetings. The first half of the letter, after he gives his greeting and thanksgiving, is in response to reports that he has received regarding the Corinthians. The second half is in response to questions and concerns that they had. In the New International Version (NIV) of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, his preaching and their faith are described as "useless" if Christ has not been raised (15:14). However, in the New King James Version (NKJV), Paul's preaching and the faith of the Corinthians are described as empty. These descriptions are very similar and both have a strong impact on the reader. If preaching and faith are empty, then they are also useless. The preaching of Paul to the Corinthians is certainly not useless and their faith, although problematic, is not empty. According to The Women's Bible Commentary, the Corinthians were convinced that already they fully enjoyed the spiritual benefits of the resurrection (321). They believed the resurrection of Christ was beneficial so they did not even consider that the dead were raised from the dead. Paul preached that Christ has been raised from the dead and the Corinthians believed what he said. It is because of this belief that Paul can bring his point across regarding the resurrection of the dead. If the Corinthians did not believe that Christ has been raised, Paul would be unable to convince them of the resurrection of the dead.

Crash Course :: Essays Papers

Crash Course Ever since I was young, I have had a fascination with bikes and motorcycles. I enjoyed reading and learning about them. As an adolescent riding my bike was a sort of nirvana for me. Interestingly enough, I was never very skilled at the art of bicycle riding. True, I did find it interesting and exciting, among other things, but I just wasn't any good at it. I would be willing to venture that the number of accidents I had on my bike would rival the totals of some race riders, although I was never that daring. Consequently, I walked away (most of the time) from those accidents with quite a few scars and just as many stories. My first accident happened not long after my maiden voyage. In fact it happened on my maiden voyage. I lived in a small, Leave it to Beaver type town (with more dirt and more hoodlums), all the kids on the street were skilled bike riders, and "riding bikes" was the most frequent use of playtime. At nine or ten years old, I was suffering from distinct feelings of inferiority because there were kindergartners on my block who could ride their bikes when I hadn't yet learned. To this day I haven't been able to decide what kept me from learning for so long. Being the only kid on the block who has to ride with training wheels is not a distinction most ten-year-olds would want to call their own. And I was no different. I hated feeling like a baby. In the summer of my tenth year I decided that I would put an end to this feeling of inferiority once and for all. I had it all planned out. While I was spending a week at my grandparents house, I would teach myself to ride a two-wheeler. I would go away a chump and come back a champ: the ultimate "Rags to Riches" story, at least that is what it would be to my ten-year-old mind. I got to work on my mission as soon as I arrived. I went to my grandparents shed behind their house and opened it, stepping into the sun-baked shed and smelling the familiar warm musty odor that I had expected. Then I saw it: the old copper finish sparkling where some rays of sunshine snuck in the door to help me find it. It was old, most likely older than I was.

Feminist Criticism of Shakespeares Hamlet Essay -- Shakespeare And Fe

Many literary critics have presented theories on the meaning of William Shakespeare's Hamlet, ranging from claims of Oedipal Complexes to insinuations of homosexuality. Though most such interpretations can be considered true at some level, there seems to be some basic theme - some driving force - that underlies all other interpretations. While most criticisms focus on individual characters, a more insightful criticism of the true nature of Hamlet can be drawn simply by analyzing the key relationships in play. These relationships - especially those dealing with women or issues of femininity - allow a level of interpretation that examines not merely the events of the play, but the true underlying significance of gender both to Shakespeare and to the characters he presents. In order to interpret the significance of the feminine within the relationships in the play, one must first understand precisely the nature of 'feminine.' Though this term is typically associated only with women, Hamlet in many regards breaks down these barriers. While women are almost always feminine in some respect, the male characters in Hamlet are often embodiments of feminine virtues, such as female sexuality, motherhood, or sisterly love. As one author states, "thanks to feminist criticism, gender is not indissolvably fixed in Shakespeare. Male characters can profitably incorporate female characteristics, and women characters can assume masculine ones" (Kolin 5). While the women of Hamlet are the bearers of individual and unique feminine qualities, a feminist interpretation of the work also reveals the broader ideals of femininity within many of the male characters. The first of the truly significant women in Hamlet is Gertrude, Hamlet's mother. ... ...nd Feminist Criticism: An Annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991. Erickson, Peter. Patriarchal Structures in Shakespeare's Drama. Paraphrased in Philip Kolin, Shakespeare and Feminist Criticism: An Annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991. Klein, Joan Larsen. "'Angels and Ministers of Grace': Hamlet, IV, v-vii." Paraphrased in Philip Kolin, Shakespeare and Feminist Criticism: An Annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York: Garland Publishing, Inc., 1991. Kolin, Philip C. Shakespeare And Feminist Criticism: An annotated Bibliography and Commentary. New York: Garland Publishing. 1991. Web. 26 May 2015. http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0895769X.1995.10545153 Watts, Cedric. Twayne's New Critical Introductions to Shakespeare. Boston: Twayne Publishers. 1991. Â  

What Is History Essay

History is looking at others perspective, point of view, understanding what they thought was okay and not okay. Evidence is cruel in history. Without evidence historians would not have known what happened. In an historical event such as Columbus and his men, and some people may be very bias to what he did, but what he did do to these people are not Okay, and would never in a million years pass in this century. Over a million Taint Indians killed, murdered, raped, shipped into slavery.Without Columbus journal and is men and the priest journal, we would probably not really know what happen and how cruel he was to these people that welcomed and showed Him and His Men the land. A historical account would be that would still think he is an amazing person, that did great and wonderful things, but in reality he didn't. Of course everything is selective or omitted, like when we were writing our biography or interviewing our parents, they would not want someone to know every detail.What if th ey were doing something they didn't want a trainer or their children or child to know? But how could we if the primary source story is reliable? That's when we go to secondary sources. When there are two different stories we could go to witnesses or friends that were there with them. In history, the audience is who writes the books, tells the stories, and passes on the knowledge from their grandparents or parents to their children and they pass it on to their children.