Warrior Marks Essay Example for Free

Warrior Marks Essay How often do we seek to distinguish between the Western and non-Western cultural thinking? How often instead of looking deeper into social, ethnographic and anthropological implications of non-Western cultural traditions, do we increase the existing gap between Western cultural â€Å"appropriateness† and non-Western social â€Å"otherness†? It appears that ethnographic research does not always lead to cultural reconciliation, and whenever scholars try to combine professional research and commercial profit, they inevitably limit themselves to subjectivity, avoiding the most interesting and controversial social tensions and expanding the boundaries of never ending racism. Grewal and Kaplan (1996) are confident that when trying to create an objective picture of otherness, we are being torn between the two opposing forms of cultural representation, and this western/ non-western paradigm shapes our attitudes and predetermines our reactions to everything that goes beyond the acceptable limits of â€Å"western† cultural thinking. This binary structure of our cultural perceptions seems to contradict to the generally accepted principles of multiculturalism, and turns neo-colonial representations into the essential component of any ethnographic narrative. It should be noted, that â€Å"US cultural feminism constructed an unproblematic narrative of liberation based on a universalized and essentialist identity as ‘woman’. This form of cultural feminism, as it has been practiced in the US and Europe from the 70’s to the present, often turns its attention to global sisterhood† (Grewal Kaplan, 1996). As a result, both Walker and Parmar seek to review the tragedy of African womanhood through the lack of sisterhood and the predominance of cruel and almost inhumane patriarchal traditions. Certainly, the essence of ethnography is to represent societies other than those in which we live; moreover, the aim of any ethnographic research is to review the hidden implications of otherness as opposed to modernity to which we belong (Grewal Kaplan, 1996). In this context, Walker and Parmar intentionally emphasize the role which foreignness and exoticism may play in constructing new global images of other cultures. Both agree upon the need to create an atmosphere of global terror, which is expected to underline the value of womanism as well as complete and intentional negligence toward women in â€Å"other† communities. Finally, Parmar and Walker cannot avoid integrating colonial experiences and perceptions with those generated by the vision of female genital surgeries in Africa, which for Walker stand out as the signs of the so-called â€Å"patriarchal wounds† (Grewal Kaplan, 1996) The question is, however, how appropriate, objective, and unbiased this horrified gaze of genital surgeries in Africa is. Moreover, the work of Pramar and Walker creates rather limited ethnographic impression and seems to border on their subjective feminism. On the one hand, this horrified impression is the result of placing the concept of genital surgery against the background of western feminist values; here, genital surgeries look like the brightest representations of patriarchal otherness and the instrument of violating the basic human rights. On the other hand, this horrified gaze prevents authors from breaking the eternal binary Western / non-Western paradigm and turns into a barrier on the way toward a more objective and multicultural understanding of gender practices in â€Å"other societies†. The problem is that the authors erroneously apply their westernized vision to gender practices in societies, which adhere to a completely different set of values. Walker and Pramar exploit the features of a universalized female body, which makes it impossible to review the similarity between genital surgeries in Africa and the impact of liposuction, cosmetic surgeries, in vitro fertilization, and mastectomies on female body in Western societal tradition (Grewal Kaplan, 1996). This lack of objective vision is the source of the major anthropological asymmetries, which position otherness along with the notion of unnaturalness, cruelty, and helplessness, terror, victimization, and a whole set of feminist misconceptions. Unfortunately, the work of Walker and Pramar is the combination of commercialism and the search for popularity. In the pursuit for multiculturalism and ethnographic objectivity, it is not enough to create a sense of terror toward patriarchal practices in â€Å"otherness†, for these do not always fulfill their scientific function but on the contrary, become the source of distorted racial attitudes and bias. References Grewal, I. Kaplan, C. (1996). Warrior Marks: Global womanism’s neo-colonial discourse in a multicultural context. Camera Obscura, 39 (4): 5-33.

Background of the Kashmir Conflict Essay -- Pandits and Muslims in Kas

Describe the condition of Pandits and Muslims in Kashmir before the Treaty of Amritsar and the changes that took place after the Treaty was implemented. In what ways have forces external to Kashmir contributed to the conflict in the region during the colonial and post-colonial periods? The argument can be sustained that external forces have significantly contributed to Kashmir conflict for hundreds of years, within which the post-Treaty of Amritsar period is a relatively small potion. From the rise of the Islamist tyrant to the Kashmir throne in 1349, the region has been locked in various, seemingly indeterminate conflicts where the regional political players may change, but underlying, fundamental and irreconcilable religious tension is the single unifying historical thread (Zutshi, 2004). The Pandits and Muslim interplays both prior and post Treaty are explored against this backdrop. Given the long Kashmir past has marked the region as a place where conflict is the norm, there is no surprise that the Kashmir continues to be a lightning rod for the entire region. It is the proposition that contributes to the examination of how external forces have exerted significant, and largely negative influences over the Kashmir to the present day. 1. Pandits and Muslims The Pandits are the inheritors of the most ancient Hindu Brahmin traditions. The Pandits recognize the vedas, ancient Sanskrit sources of Hindu wisdom, as their core religious authority (Bose,1997). There is little wonder at why the Pandits and Muslim people might be natural antagonists. Each faith believes its followers to be part of a true world religion, where the message is eternal and sustaining. Where Islam professes its rigid adherence to All... ...ontline Account of Life, Love, and War in His Homeland. New York: Scribner Bose, Sumantra. (2005). Kashmir: Roots of Conflict, Paths to Peace. Harvard University Press Savarkar, V D (2009) Hindu. Hindu Nationalism; A reader, Christophe Jaffrelot, ed. Princeton University Press Singh, Sadu. (1946). The Sikhs demand their Homeland. Lahore Singh, Gurharpal (2000). Ethnic Conflict in India: A Case-Study of Punjab. Houndmills: Macmillan Press Tariq Ali, et. al.(2011). Kashmir: The Case for Freedom, New York: Verso UN Special Rappaorteur (2013). (A/HRC/23/47/Add.1 of 26 April 2013). [Online] Available: accessed 5 May 2014 Zutshi, Chitralekha. (2004). Languages of Belonging: Islam, Regional Identity, and the Making of Kashmir. New York: Oxford University Press

Process Design Matrix Essay

Process Management is a group of activities that involves planning, monitoring and, results of the process. It is a skill that includes techniques, knowledge, and report and improves processes in order to meet customer service goals and requirements, in turn for a profit. Table 1A describes the product flow matrix. †There are three main approaches to delivering services; they include the production-line approach, the self-service approach, and the personal-attention approach† (Jacobs & Chase, 2011). The purpose of this assignment is to recognize the appropriate design approach for a product or service. The three contrasting approaches are production line, self-service and personal attention. The first approach is a production line. â€Å"The value of this philosophy is that it overcomes many problems inherent in the concept of service itself. That is, service implies subordination or subjugation of the server to the served; manufacturing, on the other hand, avoids this connotation because it focuses on things rather than people† (Jacobs & Chase, 2011). An example of production line would be McDonald’s. The service delivery is treated much like a manufacturing. Instead of possessing different equipment and stations, they would focus on having one large grill for one person to cook the burgers, a dressing station to prepare the burgers, a fryer where one person would make French fires, and a counter where customers place their orders. The second approach is a self-service, proposes. It means â€Å"that the service process can be enhanced by having the customer take a greater role in the production of the service† (Jacobs & Chase, 2011). Self Service is an effective way for the company to save money. As in the example of McDonald’s, there are some restaurants where customers can go up to the counter and place their orders themselves by using a screen touch computer. This comes in handy, because it lets the customer tailor their order to their liking. Other examples of self-service is an ATM machine cuts the cost of a teller. The customer can go to any ATM machine and deposit or withdraw money at any time of the day. Other examples would be IKEA, bikes,  furniture or toys, where the customer can assemble the final production bringing the cost of shipping and the actual item to a lower price. The third approach in the service design is personal attention. Some companies for example, a department store, a doctor’s office or information technology support will try to develop a relationship between the clerk and customer. Some companies at end of the year will send Christmas cards for their customers or a coupon for their next purchase. This is a good way to keep in touch with their customers and in addition, give it that â€Å"personal touch†. In the Process Design Matrix â€Å"the formats by which a facility is arranged are defined by the general pattern of work flow; there are five basic structures (project, work center, manufacturing cell, assembly line, and continuous process† (Jacobs & Chase, 2011). The job shop approach focuses on having functions or equipment in a group. An example would be a machine shop that would make parts for local companies, such as boats; they can even specialize on parts for planes. Toyota Company follows this approach since they have different machine shops so they can create different parts of a car. One area can specialize in building the hood while the other can be cutting customize parts to assemble the car. The second approach is called the assembly line. This creates a similar and constant process on the assembly line in which it follows steps. Toyota Company follows this approach. Each worker has his or her own task and focus on that task. There are stations that will install the tires, another station will specialize on the electrical aspect, and another station will finish of the car by adding a nice coat of paint. When each station finishes their section, it moves on to the next station so it can get worked on. The last approach is the Continuous process. â€Å"This approach is used for products that are similar to the assembly line. The only difference is that  the production flow is continuous like with liquids† (Jacobs & Chase, 2011). Some common continuous processes are oil refining, chemicals, and fertilizers. This type of approach sometimes operates 24 hours a day and workers are in rotating shifts. The product process matrix helps industries understand what their options are especially regarding a manufacturing function. Some firms can have certain traits that belong in the matrix, depending on what life cycle the product is on. By applying this concept into their strategic planning, industries are able to think outside the box and gain competitive advantage. In addition, using the matrix allows manufacturing managers to get involved more in the planning process so they can share their prospects and decision more effectively. Product–process matrix Table 1A – Jacobs, F. R. & Chase, R. (2011). Operations and Supply Chain Management (13th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Reference Jacobs, F. R. & Chase, R. (2011). Operations and Supply Chain Management (13th ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw-Hill Irwin. I do not have page numbers sited because I am unable to download the textbook. I have no problem with reading it through the OLS, I just cannot see page numbers.

Essay on Imperialism and Colonialism - 2505 Words

Imperialism has been noted to be practice of foreign rule in a context of hierarchy and subordination, which can eventually lead to the formation of an empire. Imperialism refers directly to the enhancement of power and military superiority. At the time when developed nations were colonizing less developed nations around the 1870s, the age of Imperialism began. Referring to the time were nations such as the United States, Germany, and Japan began to employ imperialist doctrines to their governance, yet imperialist tendencies had been around for centuries. Even before imperialism there was mercantilism, and colonialism, which consisted of an extension of a nations sovereignty over territory and people outside its own boundaries, to†¦show more content†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"The impetus to invest abroad arises out of this competitive struggle among the giants.† (DeGregori) Globalization can be seen as capitalism, due to this Imperialism has been highly criticized over the years for being an aggressive practice in foreign policy. In the late 1800’s an Anti-Imperialist League was created to dispute the annexation of the Philippines to the US. Due to the influence of Marxist principles, there is some level of confusion in the usage of the terms imperialism and colonialism. This is due to the similarities of their practice, ending in an interchangeably usage of both terms. First, both imperialism and colonialism involve political and economic involvement over a particular territory. However, in the past colonies and empires deferred drastically. colonialism practices the relocation of population to a new territory, while maintaining political adherence to their country. This implies a political control over a territory and a loss of its sovereignty, which involves the suppression of individuals. Referring to the extension of sovereignty over a territory establishing political control over it as a source of power. â€Å"The term colony comes from the Latin wordShow MoreRelatedColonialism And Imperialism1836 Words   |  8 Pagesâ€Å"What do I think of Western civilization? I think it would be a very good idea.† à ¢â‚¬â€œ Mahatma Gandhi â€Å"I would say colonialism is a wonderful thing. It spread civilization to Africa.† – Ian Smith Over the centuries Colonialism and Imperialism have been viewed, justified and experienced differently throughout the world. The very idea created questions of both legitimacy as well as indignity in the minds of historians, writers, scholars and critics of the world. However, the growing incongruence andRead MoreImperialism and Colonialism Essay541 Words   |  3 PagesImperialism Imperialism is the policy or practice of a country extending its control over a foreign country’s land, economic life, or political system. The ruling country usually does this through conquest, and the native people of the nation being taken over are often suppressed. If a nation takes over the government of another territory militarily or through political means, then this is called direct imperialism. Indirect imperialism is when a region is self-governing but another country takesRead MoreColonialism And Imperialism In Europe1440 Words   |  6 Pagesfinancial superiority imposed its economic model, its values, ideals and its culture to a large part of the world. Imperialism can be defined as the system in which the politics, economy and culture of one part of the world are organized according to the domination of some countries over others. The imperialism that emerged in the nineteenth century was the culmination of colonialism initiated in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. But both forms of colonial domination were very different. TheRead MoreNotes on Colonialism and Imperialism1489 Words   |  6 PagesChapter 33 Notes * Foundations of empire * Motives of imperialism * Modern imperialism * Refers to domination of industrialized countries over subject lands * Domination achieved through trade, investment, and business activities * Two types of modern colonialism * Colonies ruled and populated by migrants * Colonies controlled by imperial powers without significant settlement * Economic motives of imperialism * European merchants and entrepreneurs made personalRead More Colonialism and Imperialism in Africa Essay1158 Words   |  5 PagesDisease and Imperialism in Africa      Ã‚  Ã‚   Diseases were prevalent in Africa during the time of European Imperialism. Disease affected both natives and European peoples in Africa. African diseases affected both natives and European explorers and soldiers as well as diseases brought by the Europeans that affected the Africans.      Ã‚  Ã‚   Numerouks diseases impadcted the Europeans in Africa during the time of Imperialism.   During the time of Imperialism many explorers and soldiers died of diseaseRead MoreSimilarities Between Imperialism And Post Colonialism1606 Words   |  7 PagesImperialism, colonialism, and post colonialism are all a very important part of history. Each of these are present in the writings for the topic of the essay. The three writings that will be discussed are Clarice Lispectors The Smallest Woman In The World, Jamaica Kincaids On Seeing England For The First Time, and Civil Peace by Chinua Achebe. Each of these writings give great examples of imperialism, colonialism, and post colonialism through different perspectives and from different parts ofRead MoreThe Foundations Of Racial Capitalism, Imperialism And Colonialism Essay1468 Words   |  6 PagesThe foundations of racial capitalism, imperialism and colonialism have significantly shaped the existence of African people, a nd those of the diaspora. As a result of these institutions, the history and implementation of slavery and colonialism have had lasting effects that are essential to the current position of Black folk in Africa and the diaspora; altering the way we view ourselves, our country and the world. Throughout different moments in history, Black folk have equated freedom and liberationRead MoreBritish Colonialism And British Imperialism1254 Words   |  6 Pagesthe British Empire in 1921 after a period of rapid growth and ceaseless land acquisition. With such a wide range of power, one would think that imperialism was seen as beneficial to all involved, with the exception of the natives whose land was slowly being destroyed. A common theme in literature around this time was the condemnation of british imperialism. Some writers wrapped up their opinions in neat yet artistic lines, simply hinting at their disapproval while others went out of their way to makeRead MoreEssay about European Colonialism and Imperialism992 Words   |  4 PagesOther people believed that the Europeans were genetically superior to the other regions of the world. Now, because of Jared Diamond’s thesis, we can conclude that the ultimate cause of European colonialism and imperialism was â€Å"Geographic Luck.† One of the main reasons for European colonialism and imperialism was the axis and climate zones. Having a long east-west axis results in the same climate zone and same day lengths. Crops are spread easily on an east-west axis because, moving east to west, thereRead More European Colonialism and Imperialism in Shakespeares The Tempest949 Words   |  4 PagesEuropean Colonialism and Imperialism in Shakespeares The Tempest William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest reveals how ideologies of racial ‘otherness’ served to legitimize European patriarchal hegemony in Elizabethan England. In the Elizabethan/ Jacobean times of England there were many relevant ideologies relevant to this play. In examining the values and ideologies this text endorses and challenges, the society of the time (Elizabethan England), and a knowledge of how it operated serves a great