Cultural Influences on Eating Out Habits in the Uk Essay Example for Free

Cultural Influences on Eating Out Habits in the Uk Essay Society today has become accustomed to dining out. It has become a large part of British culture according to a survey carried out by Mintel entitled ‘Evening Eating Habits in the UK’ (2005). Dining out at ethnically themed restaurants and takeaways has increased in recent years due to many different economic, social, and cultural forces. These forces vary from the presence of a more affluent society with higher expendable incomes to the increased ability to travel to exotic far away places around the world creating a consumer want for recreation in the UK of their holiday experiences which include dining out. The report also highlighted the fact that 75% of the eating out market is dominated by those eating out in the evening which equates to ? 20. 7 billion a year. This market is one that can not be ignored by those within the hospitality industry and those businesses that already experiment with exotic foods will gain the opportunity to experiment further with their menus, using higher priced ingredients to increase profit margins. Although there are many possibilities available as the trend widens it is suggested by the author that a trend alone cannot allow for increased business. Higher profit margins for more expensive ingredients will mean that the consumer will start to expect more from the restaurant or takeaway in question. Such qualities as ambience, service, food standards, variety of menu, and recreation of an experience the consumer may have had whilst on holiday may also come into the equation. Large brands such as YOsushi! are cashing in on the market trends by serving a variety of sushi dishes in a fun and friendly way. Japanese food such as sushi is often deemed as a much healthier option to over take in popularity other ethnically themed cuisine such as indian and chinese dishes (Martin, 2007). Sushi is based primarily around raw fish, rice, and vegetables (YOsushi! 2007) and therefore the author suggests that due to a more multicultural society in the UK this has lead to different ideals being set for healthier eating however it is noted by the author that although the ingredients used to make the western ideal of sushi are deemed as healthy the preparation and cooking methods may not result in an end product that is altogether free of those things seen as unhealthy due to the inauthenticity of production. Although large companies such as YOsushi!are succeeding in a very competitive business environment, how will such a shift in eating habits affect the smaller local businesses? According to Mintel (2002) one of the main reasons smaller businesses within the ethnically themed cuisine market are suffering lower profit margins is due to the lack of branded outlets, but the author suggests that this could be due to other issues such as the recent healthy eating trend which has caused many consumers to re-evaluate the content of the takeaway food that they consume therefore choosing healthier options instead. This essay will attempt to identify the reasons why a consumer will choose to dine out over eating at home, and then their reasons for choosing one hospitality venue over another. This should help to understand the growing market for ethnically themed restaurants and takeaways. The contributing economical, social, and cultural factors of increased consumption of ethnic cuisine will be explored further making suggestions to the hospitality manager on how to understand their target market therefore aiding a more profitable business. It is important for any business to understand a consumers’ motivation to buy or use a service â€Å"A motive is an internal energy giving force that directs a persons activities towards satisfying a need or achieving a goal† Dibb et al (2001, pg. 121). Before a consumer enters any hospitality venue there may be many different factors that have affected their motivation to choose that particular restaurant or takeaway over another. It may be such basic factors as location, price, and the service they are provided with once inside the establishment, choosing on this basis is known as ‘patronage motives’. For an ethnically themed restaurant or takeaway to make the most of these motives they should be aware they are around them and attempt to emphasize said factors within their personalized marketing mix. It is suggested by the author that this can be achieved with simple marketing ploys such as 2 course lunch menus, or a drink and a main course at a set price. By strategically placing the offers where the consumer will see them is more likely to attract them to try the service that is provided, and possibly provide return custom when the special offers are not available and they will choose from the full price menu instead. It is suggested by the author that this form of marketing can be applied anthropologically as the consumer will not only judge the food outlet based on the price but also on how that price fits in with the image of the food product and its connection to the time and culture it represents. A good example of strategic marketing for ethnic food is that of ‘China Town’ in London, many of the restaurants offer all you can eat buffets at low prices, and set menus that will attract many types of customers from those people wanting a quick lunch away from the office to tourists who have been attracted by the hearsay and theme of such a place (Anon, 2007). 60,000 Chinese people of diverse origins live in London there is a large network of Chinese schools and charity based community centres that offer support so that a sense of cultural identity can be passed down from one generation to the next. This sense of cultural identity may be passed down for several reasons, Auge (1995) suggests that there is some sense of fantasy where as the environment they live in was founded a long time ago expressing a group identity that they feel should at all times be defended from external and internal threats and not forgotten through the generations. Although ‘China Town’ is now seen by the local council as a tourist attraction (Anon, 2007), it was originally a safe haven for the many migrants coming to the UK in the 1960’s, many of the british soldiers that returned from war in the Far East having enjoyed Chinese cuisine founded a new loyal customer base for the cuisine in the UK and this is how that particular area of London became known as ‘China Town’ (BBC. 2007) Although China Town is now a tourist attraction it should be noted that it is also a meeting place for many Chinese people who feel a sense of community and cultural identity. Unfortunately since Westminster council started a multi million pound re-development of the area this has seen the closure of many of the smaller authentic chinese restaurants in favor of more chinese ‘themed’ restaurants that will appeal to the average tourist (Anon, 2007). It is suggested by the author that this could cause many negative issues for the cultural identity and sense of community that exists within China Town where as the authenticity and history behind such an area of London are forgotten in favor of providing the tourists with an unrealistic representation in hopes of higher profits and visitor statistics. However it is noted by the author that there has always been an element of staged authenticity in China Town because the original cultural background was replicated in the first place. Although ‘patronage’ motives play a key part in the consumer decision making process there are many other motives to consider such as the suggestion that food choices are actually part of a person’s identity for example a consumer who chooses to dine at restaurants that only use local produce is likely to be seen by other consumers as someone who is not only concerned with the food that they eat, but also where it has come from and whether it benefits their local communities economy and local identity. Local produce has over the past decade been linked to geographical, historical, political, legal, economical, social and cultural issues therefore allowing the consumer to view it as a multi faceted cultural entity. Those consumers who are concerned with choosing only local produce relates to the idea of territory, and the limitation of space while respecting the environment around them. (Auge, 1995) There are two key theorists in relation to consumer motivation Abraham Maslow and Frederick Herzberg. Maslow believed that a persons needs are based on a hierarchy arranged with the least important factors at the bottom and the most important at the top. This arrangement starts with physiological needs followed by safety needs, social needs, esteem needs, and finally self actualization. Once part of the Triangle (see appendix I) is satisfied then the consumer will move onto a fulfillment of the next level for example a man enters a chinese restaurant and eats because he is hungry then the physiological need is fulfilled, he may then go on to have a drink with friends to fulfill his esteem needs. â€Å"When that important need is satisfied, it will stop becoming a motivator, and the person will try to satisfy the next most important need† Kotler et al (2003, pg. 354). Frederick Herzberg developed Maslow’s theory and separated a persons motivators in to potential satisfiers and dissatisfiers. In Terms of Maslow and Herzberg’s theories being applied in an anthropological sense the author suggests that this refers to culture, identity and symbolism of food consumption as part of the needs felt by the consumer, furthermore esteem needs, social needs and even self-actualisation are all part of what the consumer deems part of their individual or cultural identity. For this to work a person must have enough factors that are going to satisfy them into choosing one ethnically themed restaurant over another. For a hospitality operation to put this theory to use they would need to avoid as many potential dissatisfiers as possible and concentrate on what the major satisfiers of their target market are, this may just cause the difference between a consumer choosing one restaurant over another that is just around the corner. Therefore it is suggested by the author that given the large number of decisions a consumer has to make when choosing an ethnically themed restaurant or takeaway, and the impacts that a multicultural society has on the consumer as an individual it is necessary to explore how and why consumers might influence one another to make a purchase decision based on food consumption. Firstly religious aspects of an individual within a group will play a key part in determining what food type they can consume. A child born into a family with strong religious beliefs will often take these beliefs as part of their individual identity, A good example of this is that of the consumption of ‘halal’ meat products by many muslim families throughout the UK. According to the Halal Food Authority (2007) the worship of Zibah means that animals have to be alive and healthy at the time that they are to be slaughtered, as little pain as possible must be endured by the animal during slaughter therefore a single cut is made with a sharp knife to the jugular vein. The Islamic Shari’ah religion also forbids the consumption of pork, and Halal meat must be prepared only in a situation where no pork products have been. Although there are many ethnic takeaways and smaller businesses providing halal or ‘kosher’ food, there are not many big brand names within the industry. Nando’s restaurant, a Portuguese themed food outlet, provides halal chicken in what they have branded world famous peri peri sauce. Nando’s have eased themselves into the local communities in which they reside by using the slogan â€Å"we believe in trying to make life better for all† (Nando’s, 2007). Offering local sponsorships of sports teams and supporting local charities has included the brand in a sense of community and cultural identity, it is noted by the author that the sense of community and cultural identity is referred to in a general sense rather than that of a particular local community. To continue the idea that consumers can influence one another the concept of traditional family mealtimes should be explored. Family mealtimes in the past decade would have been a time for the family to sit down, relax and enjoy each others company with a home cooked meal. In society today mealtimes are changing to meet new priorities and work patterns, and flexible eating patterns are becoming more popular as people base when they eat around their lifestyle rather than a structured day to day meal time for the whole family to adhere too. (Wright et al, 2001) It is suggested by the author that due to this shift in family unity at mealtimes less influence is being had over family group identity and a more decisive individualistic consumer will emerge instead with their own food choice preferences. However it is suggested by the author that the idea of a more individualistic consumer is more relevant to British culture and many other cultures residing within the UK may still enjoy unified meal times together as a family. In many ways it is a move forward in terms of identity and consumption of the consumer, one that the hospitality needs to be aware of to maintain a successful business. Friends and social groups can also influence one another in the food choices that they make, for example a group of friends who regularly meet up at coffee houses such as ‘Starbucks’ will adopt a coffee culture the same as that represented on popular television shows such as ‘friends’. This happens because of the regular use and social identity that is created (Food Institute, 2005). It is noted by the author that social groups that contain consumers of different cultures and backgrounds, may influence one another to desire the need to experience each others cultural identity. There are many reasons why a consumer may choose to eat out in the first place according to Cousins et al (2002, pg. 251) â€Å"If people have decided to eat out then it follows that there has been a conscious choice to do this in preference to some other course of action, in other words the food service operator has attracted a customer to buy their product as against some other product for example theatre, cinema, or simply staying at home†. Often the convenience of eating out over cooking at home will help make the decision for a consumer. Eating out means more time for relaxation, quality time with family or friends, or just a change from the norm of returning from work and cooking dinner. The increase in the number of consumers choosing to dine out follows changes that have happened over the last decade where as family identity and roles have changed, with most households having two incomes and often the women will be the primary earner whereas before the women would stay at home and perform the role of ‘housewife’. According to a recent survey (eating out and the consumer, 2007) only 8% of women see their main role as ‘family care’ compared to 15% just a decade ago, the survey also highlighted the fact that women are more concerned with healthy eating when dining out, with 76% of women agreeing compared to 41% of men. This could have an effect on the number of consumers choosing to dine at ethnically themed restaurants and takeaways as it is suggested by the author that as women are more concerned with healthy lifestyles for their families and will aim to choose an operation that can provide healthy nutrition, value for money, and good service as well as a sense of culture that is relevant to that particular family according to Mintel (2007) this will continue to be a growing factor in the choice of dining out establishments as more women seek full-time employment over the next five years. The change of roles in family lifestyles follows onto that of demographics. According to the Office for National statistics (2006) London consumers spend an average 60% more on dining out than consumers from other parts of the country such as in the North East of England. This can be seen in London with the success of ethnically themed restaurants and takeaways such as Belle Italia, Cafe Rouge, Pizza Express, and Franky and Benny’s (Tragus, 2007). Many of these franchisees can be seen throughout the country but the survey carried out by the Office for National statistics (2006) also showed that those companies who left high profit areas such as London to nationalise their brands got their ‘fingers burned’. The author suggests that this inability to mobilise a new brand into an area of the country may stem back to the area’s cultural identity based on the general perception of that culture, where as the consumer does not feel that the new brand is part of their personal identity and therefore is not part of the communities identity either. Identity can be associated with the repeat consumption of a particular restaurant or takeaway, for example a consumer who constantly eats at Chinese, Indian, and Greek takeaways may eventually adopt a fast food culture. The fact that so many people are choosing to dine out comes back to the notion that today’s society is more affluent, higher expendable incomes and more leisure time leading to a consumer that enjoys dining out on a regular basis. It is however noted that by the author that the trend for increased dining out may also relate to a new culture of ‘malaise’ whereas people are just too lazy to cook at home and therefore choose to dine out. According to Martin (2007, pg.3) â€Å"people will pay more for what they think is important, but the question for the eating-out market is what is going to be classed as really discretionary and what virtually essential? There is no sign that people will start cooking at home again, they will however most likely want better value†. The author suggests that better value can mean numerous factors such as better quality and service rather than just providing a less expensive dining experience. Therefore those ethnically themed restaurants using high quality ingredients and experimenting with menu changes towards the more exotic may find an increased custom due to the perceived ‘value’ in the consumers ideals. Many people want variety within their lifestyle, there are so many venues within the hospitality industry that offer something that a consumer may never have tried before or only experienced on holiday in a far away exotic place, this relates directly to the increased consumption of ethnically themed foods and plays a key part in attracting new customers and maintaining a loyal customer base. As mentioned earlier YOsushi! is one of the worlds most famous conveyor belt restaurants, the food is all freshly made to order and is prepared in full view of the customers. It is interesting to note that the conveyor belt restaurants in Japan are nothing more than a basic food outlet where customers can get a quick bite to eat on their way to do something else as stated by owner of London sushi bar ‘Itsu’ Mr Metcalfe (2007) also stating that the conveyor belt is a great way to get food to customers whilst saving money on staffing costs. It is suggested by the author that this shows the cultural changes that have taken place in providing the same concept in two different countries so that they both remain profitable. Japan on one hand prefer the sushi conveyor belt restaurants to be quick no fuss food where as in the UK they are somewhat staged, bringing a little piece of what the British believe to be how Japan prepare, and eat their food almost ritualistically (Metcalfe, 2007). Since opening in 1996 YOsushi!has become extremely popular, their no fuss attitude to service and the customers freedom of choice within the venue has produced a global brand â€Å"Since the first year of business (1996) YOsushi! has received approximately 300 applications per year from potential franchisees from Australia to Zurich. We realized we were on to a winning formula and that we could replicate the outstanding YOsushi! success story around the world†. Vickers (2005). It is suggested by the author that the success of ethnic brands such as YOsushi!is the effective use of consumer motivation combined with the provision of a market trend that integrates both healthy yet exotic ethnic food types. Although brands such as YOsushi! have become globalised many of the dishes that are recreated from one country to another tend to have a very different end result to its original form. This will happen for several reasons starting from simple facts as seasonality of produce to the availability of certain ingredients. for example a curry had in India is likely to look, taste, and even smell different to that of a curry in the UK such as the ‘Balti’ which is believed to have been invented in Birmingham. (Anon, 2007). Birmingham is renowned for the production of curries with around 500 venues to choose from (Anon, 2005) and has provided a steady economy for the ethnic food industry, the word ‘Balti’ when translated actually means ‘bucket’ which in earlier days would have meant an earthen dish with handles on. The Balti will identify culturally with a specific set of migrants, even though it is not an ‘authentic’ Indian dish, and residents of Birmingham and the surrounding region, therefore the author suggests that the dish has been redefined from a traditional dish to one that combines not only the ethnic roots of the inventor but also the environment that is now lived in within western society. Although the cultural identity of foods such as the Balti appear to create an economical advantage for Birmingham it has been noted that many Balti-house owners and managers spend their time constantly undercutting each other in a price war (Ram et al, 2000) making it difficult for each individual business to survive. The cultural identity of Birmingham is very much tied to the popularity of dishes such as the curry the author suggests that this may be because of the stereotypical cultural image of the traditional British friday night out, but according to Stewart (1989) less well known is that of the fish and chip shops that are Greek-Cypriot owned and add up to over 25% of Birmingham’s fish and chip shops therefore showing that Birmingham is a good example of a multicultural environment within the UK, even though it is often not perceived to be a ‘global city’ its economy is evolving in many ways through the ethnic food industry that is related to its â€Å"multiculturalism, post colonialism and the transnationalism of many of its residents† (McEwan et al, 2005) , as suggested by Bryson et al (1996) it is a â€Å"workshop of the world† that through its migratory and post colonial past is by all means a multicultural city within the UK. It is noted by the author that although Birmingham is a good example of a multicultural city within the UK there are many other cities that also benefit from a multicultural society such as Manchester and Nottingham. In conclusion there are many different factors that affect the way consumers are motivated to choose where to dine out, these have varied from patronage motives to those of cultural identity and a sense of community. Religion, Income, increased leisure time, and demographics have all played a key part in influencing consumers on their food choices, leading to a society that is more informed about what is available to them and what they want from their dining out experience. The changing roles of family life, eating patterns and the increased number of women working full time has also contributed to a society that want to enjoy their leisure time with friends and family rather than adhering to the role of women in the home that may have been present a decade ago. Ethnically themed restaurants and takeaways have enjoyed the trends that have increased the number of people dining out in the UK dramatically in the last decade, with consumers including their food choices as part of their cultural identity and also wanting to experience other cultures that are residing alongside one another within many cities in the UK. Ethnic cuisine is influencing the consumer more and more, with choices available from world wide destinations that remind the consumer of holiday experiences, alongside the perception of a ‘healthier’ food option within the rise of a much more multi-cultural society, the service of ethnically themed cuisine should continue to remain profitable to both large brands and smaller businesses within the industry as long as the hospitality managers understand their target markets motivation for buying and consumer demand remains constant.

Concept of Hope in Nursing

Concept of Hope in Nursing INTRODUCTION The aim of this assignment is to explore the concept of hope, which has a great significance in nursing practice, and how this concept relates to the patient care provision will also be discussed. Hope is vital for everyone, and is an inner power or expectations of something better outcomes from any situation. Hope could be renewed with the restoration of peoples confidence in themselves, their government, and the future, hope does not depend on facts or logic, nor can it simply be ordered into being, although it can be encouraged (Parse 1999). Hope is a powerful thing which gives energy to the life, to achieve goals and perditions of better life. DEFINIING THE CONCEPT Hope is defined by many authors in their own views. Some of the definitions will be undertaken to understand the concept of hope precisely in this piece of work. Hope is defined as an essential but dynamic life force that grows out of faith in God, is supported by relationship, resource and work, and results in the energy necessary to work for a desired future; Hope gives meaning and happiness (Holt 2000).It means that hope is an important part of life, and it forces the life believe in the trust. The relationship, work, and resources also support it. Hope plays a vital role to improve the patients condition and nurses utilize this concept by using their efficient nursing skills. A nurse must have to understand that how unique and different is every individual before applying this concept to motivate their inner power to believe in this concept of hope. Hope has a meaning and provides happiness. According to Miller and Powers (1988) hope is defined as an anticipation of a future whic h is good, based on mutuality (relationships with others), a sense of personal competence, coping ability, psychological well being, purpose and meaning in life, and a sense of the possible. Therefore, the concept of hope is a part of future which is very important for the better and successful life. It is based on various aspects including need to equality, means the relationship with others, personal ability and coping ability to gain planned objectives. It has a purpose and meaning in life and there is need to physical as well as psychological well being to achieve the desired result. There is also need to develop positive attitude and a feeling of possibility. Nowotny (1989) concluded that hope is a multidimensional dynamic attribute of an individual which includes six critical attribute: future oriented, active individual involvement, comes from within, related to trust, that which is hoped for is possible, involves other people or a higher being, outcome is important to the i ndividual. A person having hope has the characteristics of multilayered elements which involves six significant traits which means a person must set goals for his/her future and should develop active individual involvement physically as well as psychologically, It also correlate the person to faith which is very necessary for the possibility of hope. According to Farran et al. (1992) hope is defined as expectation about attaining some desired goal in the future, a necessary condition for action, a subjective state that can influence realities to come, and knowledge that we can manage our internal and external realities. It is a required circumstance for the action of planned goals. It is a fact which deals with the inner and outer veracity of a person. Default and Martocchio (1985) stated that hope is defined as a multidimensional dynamic life force characterized by a confident yet uncertain expectation of achieving a future good which, to the hoping person is realistically possible and personally significant. Hope is a strong positive feeling, which is related to the achievement of the goals that are established for better future. According to Snyder et al. (1991) hope is defined as a cognitive set that is based on reciprocally derived sense of successful agency (goal directed determination) and pathway (planning of ways to meet goals). Therefore, hope is an intellectual set up which depends on the sense to achieve desired goals and objectives of life. It is a way to achieve the desired objectives by well planning that includes all the methods which are going to follow. RELEVANCE OF THE CONCEPT TO PRACTICE In nursing, hope has a significant role. When a nurse gives care to the patient he/she encourages the patient to think positively by using this concept of hope. It is only hope which motivates the individuals to be positivistic towards life. This will help them to maintain good interpersonal relationship as well as it accelerates the healing process. Mickley et al. (1992) considered that a multidimensional dynamic attribute of an individual which includes the dimensions of possibility and confidence in the future outcome, active involvement which comes from relations with others and spiritual beliefs. In this, the concept of hope has multidimensional characteristics involving possibilities and confidence. This can be only achieved by the interaction with others. Here the role of a nurse is to instill hope in the patient and build confidence and motivate to perceive life positively. According to Herth (1989) Hope is a source of energy, enabling healthy coping, and influencing survival , it is positive relationship between level of hope and level of coping in the individual. The author suggests that the terms hope and coping are inter-related with each other. It has good relationship with coping and expecting. When this concept is utilized in nursing, the nurses have to consider each patients needs and cope up with their expectations and disease process. It can further result in good patient outcome. The concept of hope has great impact on the role of nurse and patient care. Hope is a motivation for the nurses which relate them for their active involvement in the work (Kulig 2002). A good working environment promotes both nurse and patient to work together. Hope is also relevant for the nurses who give palliative care to the patients (Feudtner et al. 2007). Nurses play vital role in encouraging the patients to take part in the effective management. According to Snyder (1998) hope is build upon the principle that a good deal of everyday behavior is goal directed to wards the patient care. It means that good behavior of the nurses plays an important role while giving care to the patient. Good communication with the patient by nurses can foster a positive hope, which may provide an effective way to achieve the goal. There are some barriers of hope which come forward when this concept of hope put in nursing practice. According to Jackson, et al. (2000) barriers in hope are difference in spiritual beliefs, lack of knowledge, language and communication, economical factors, lack of trust about healthcare system and accepting hospice is perceived as giving up hope. Every individual may have different views on their spirituality, lack of knowledge about disease condition withdraw a nurse to develop hope in the patient. Language and communication also can be the major barrier to motivate hope in patient. Moreover, nurses can also promote the hope in patient with good communication and motivate the patient by giving proper explanation regarding the dise ase process, its treatment and recovery. So, a nurse must have good communication skills as well as she should be a good listener. Economical barriers also affect the quality of care. Due to the financial problems one cannot afford the facilities that can be provided in good hospitals. Furthermore, different language and customs of patients can also hinder the application of the concept of hope in the nursing practice. Therefore, it is essential to know the significance of hope in nursing as well as to understand the barriers of concept in order to deliver a quality of care to the patient. CONCLUSION To sum up, in this piece of work the concept of hope, its various perspectives and characteristics have been analyzed. Moreover, its relevance in patient care in nursing practice were identified in this framework. It is obvious from above analysis that hope has a crucial role in nursing practices and in ones life. It has a great influence in the coping mechanism of the patient from illness. Nurse assumes a primary role while giving care to the terminally ill patient. Finally, Hope is a multidimensional process which boosts the patient actively to takes part in the process related to their care and for the welfare of their health.

Dilemma of Immigrants in America Essay -- Literary Analysis, Bharati M

In the essay, â€Å"American Dreamer† by Bharati Mukherjee, Mukherjee writes about the problems of immigrants nowadays. Because of her families religious tradition, Mukherjee is confined by her permanent identity in her own culture, â€Å"a Hindu Indian’s last name announced his or her forefathers’ caste and place of origin†¦a Mukherjee could only be Brahmin from Bengal†¦my identity was viscerally connected with ancestral soil and genealogy† (Mukherjee 1). From her attitude towards her identity, Mukherjee does not want to confine by the Hindu tradition. She is rebellious against her own culture even though she understands Hindu tradition forbids any assimilation with any other culture. After her marriage with an American of Canadian origin, she had hard time adopting the new environment in Canada. People in Canada see her as a â€Å"visible minority† because of her race that she is not white. She remarked America as promising nation o f democracy and equality; however, America still has many flaws on the clash of ethnic issues. No matter how hard the immigrants try to assimilate into American culture, the society treats them as minority, subordinate citizens. Because they are not white, they are categorized as being â€Å"Asian-American†. She pointed out that immigrants are trapped in the† identity crisis†: a person not knowing who he or she is in the foreign culture, and some of the first-generation Indo-Americans are even â€Å"more-Indian-than-Indians-in-India† (Mukherjee 3). Similarly, in Jasmine by Bharati Mukherjee, Jasmine, the protagonist is an immigrant from India and she has created different identities for every place she stays. Jasmine aspires to forget her past memories and identities, while some immigrants in the novel are seeking to reta... ...l group. Although they are U.S. citizen, they lose their sense of belonging in America. Nirrmala is living in her own little world while Professorji is disguising himself from the lost of dream. They do not know who they are and where they belong to. A wife who still keeps her Indian name and culture and a husband who attempts to fit into the American society but his ego is still drowning in his past. Mukherjee who has deserted her biological identity, she would exclaim to the immigrants that to follow the Jasmine’s belief, â€Å"to bunker oneself inside nostalgia, sheathe the heart in a bulletproof vest, was to be a coward† (Mukherjee 185). Immigrants should suppress their cultural memory, â€Å"let the past make you wary, by all means. But do not let it deform you† (Mukherjee 131). Mukherjee conveys that let the American culture to transmogrify them, but not their past.

Which Comes First: The Art or the Artist? Essays -- Art Artistic Artis

Which Comes First: The Art or the Artist? A Historical Perspective The approach of the year 2000 seems a good time to think about the way the role of art and the artist has changed through history, and how modern art is interpreted by a modern audience. Writing about modern art gives me the creeps. In other types of art, clear facts can be asserted with security, public reactions are clearly documented, skills can be appreciated, and art is clearly recognized as such. Modern art defys all of these conventions. Writing about modern art bothers me because after I've said everything that I feel about a piece, I'm not sure I could defend myself if someone walked up and told me I was an idiot who missed the artist's point altogether. Am I symbolic of the piss or the crucifix, the Lady or the tiger? Amoung the things the artist has been in history are: historian, architect, scientist, propagandist, and social commentator. Is the modern artist still the same, or is the role of the artist changing completely from all the old templates and metamorphasizing into something altogether different? The Artist as Historian? For vast majority of art history, the artist has been very unimportant. Cave paintings are considered a way to learn about the lives of prehistoric man. Cave paintings are of interest to the archieologist and the curious. No painting has any signatures, at least none have been interpreted as such. No none ever tries to "get into the mind" of a prehistoric artist. No one knows who the artist is until the egyptian artist Imhotep began putting his name on his work. Until then, no none was concerned with the artist as anything but a tool to express the culture of the time. Artists often are given the duty of re... ...ortfolio. The xyz portfolio was a collection of pictures of men engaged in brutal homosexual acts. While these pictures certainly make an impact on an audience, they don't change public opinon on the subject. They change public opinon of the artists. Modern art lacks much of the subtle touch of previous art. Its statements, although more powerful than ever in history, are not accepted by mainstream society. In order for an artists to be the pivot of public opinon and social change, they have to be more acceptable to mainstream, or else art has little function in society. During the Wats;on festival held at Carnegie Mellon University, Elaine King was asked to speak on the future of art. She asserted that art was being created for "artists, art critics, curators and collectors." Surely this must change if art is ever to be the fulcrum it has the potential to be.

Computer Forensics :: Technology, Science, Computer Applications

â€Å"Computer forensics is the specialized practice of investigating computer media for the purpose of discovering and analyzing available, deleted, or "hidden" information that may serve as useful evidence in a legal matter. â€Å" (Steen, Hassell 2004) Computer forensics has become a very important factor of criminal investigations. Since computers have become mainstream the need for a science that will deal with the technology has become an issue for the judicial and legal system. Some of the areas computer forensics may be utilized are:  § Copyright infringement  § Industrial espionage  § Money laundering  § Piracy  § Sexual harassment  § Theft of intellectual property  § Unauthorized access to confidential information  § Blackmail  § Corruption  § Decryption When the investigator finds a computer that may hold evidence, they first create an exact image of the drive. This prevents any inadvertent damage to the system. The clone image is important because more than 160 alterations are made to files when a computer is turned on which can change or delete important evidence. Several events take place on a computer when a file is changed. A file status maker is set meaning their space is now available. But even though you have deleted the file, it stays in the same spot and is called free or unallocated space and is available until the whole space is written over by another file. The computer forensic specialist may retrieve the data until it is written over by the new file. Another place for information to hide is called slack space, meaning, sometimes information being stored in an area will not use all of the available space in the designated spot and the unused portion becomes the slack space.

Walden Theme

I believe that the overall message or theme of the novel Walden was to be simplistic. In his section â€Å"Economy† he stated that the feeling of dissatisfaction with one's possessions can be fixed In two ways; one might require more to fulfill the emptiness, or one might reduce their desires to achieve satisfaction. I think that this Is a true statement because you don't need everything In life to be happy. You could have the bare necessities and live your life with the same Joy as someone that Is successful and needs everything expensive to make them happy.It is all about your perspective on how you want to live your life. Another example that went along with the theme of simplicity was when he talked about other residents that were going through life Just trying to make mortgages and payment to all the new things that they own and still wanting the newest fashion trend. On the other hand Thoreau decided that he wanted to live his life differently he took another path that w as indeed the simple life. He left society and lived in the woods to live this certain lifestyle.If he ever came long a time that he needed new clothes, he Just patched them instead of getting the latest fashion and he only wanted the necessary accessories. He thought If you bought something that wasn't needed to survive everyday life was Just a disadvantage of living life to Its fullest. Think of the last time you went shopping for groceries. Did you Just buy what you needed or did you buy other things that you could live without? Do you really need that pack of gum to survive?Most likely you didn't need that pack of gum, cigarettes or zebra cakes. You could just buy what you absolutely need and still live. This is what Walden wanted most people to see is that you can live a simple life with only the necessities and be happy with how you have fulfilled your life. To live this simple life Thoreau built his own shack and actually owned it instead of having a house that was owned by a bank because of a mortgage. Because he didn't have all the big payments he was able to afford other things that he needed.He did say that those that have larger, more Impressive possessions actually have less when you compare them to his possessions. They might have a nice car but he has his life and all that It contains and doesn't have to worry about others taking It away because they can't pay for it. The last thing that I would like to say about the theme simplicity, is that he definitely lived a very simple life but he didn't do the same for his writing style. Thoreau writing in this book was complicated and filled with quotes, puns and double meanings that were not at all simple.He wrote this book in such a way that it was a little hard to read and understand the point he was trying to get across, but we ere able to accomplish it and at least understand a little bit of it. Overall, since I think that the theme of this book was to be simplistic I think that Thoreau achieved hi s goal in living a simple life and making his life be filled to the fullest. I also think that If he were still alive today and had the chance to see how many people are still reading his novel that he would be surprised. I bet he didn't think that his book was going to be as successful as It Is.Thoreau lived his life the way that he wanted and it was to be as simple as it could be. In his section â€Å"Economy' he stated that the feeling of dissatisfaction with one's possessions can be fixed in two ways; one might require more to fulfill the emptiness, or one might reduce their desires to achieve satisfaction. I think that this is a true statement because you don't need everything in life to be happy. You could have the bare necessities and live your life with the same Joy as someone that is successful latest fashion and he only wanted the necessary accessories.He thought if you bought something that wasn't needed to survive everyday life was Just a equidistant of living life to i ts fullest. Think of the last time you went shopping for didn't need that pack of gum, cigarettes or zebra cakes. You could Just buy what you He did say that those that have larger, more impressive possessions actually have has his life and all that it contains and doesn't have to worry about others taking it away because they can't pay for it. Fullest. I also think that if he were still alive today and had the chance to see how think that his book was going to be as successful as it is. Thoreau lived his life the

Maggie and Dee; Two Sisters, Two Worlds

February 24, 2010 Maggie and Dee; Two Sisters, Two Worlds The genuine appreciation of heritage and family is the focus of Alice Walker’s â€Å"Everyday Use†. Dee and Maggie’s characters are the vessels that Walker uses to demonstrate the difference between appreciating possessions for their usefulness as well as their personal significance and their contrasting value as a trendy, materialistic connection. There is a palpable difference between Maggie and Dee, both in physical appearance as well as in personality traits and their treatment of the personal artifacts that come into play within the story is very telling of this. Maggie, who is self-conscious of her appearance, and will â€Å"stand hopelessly in corners, homely and ashamed of the burn scars down her arms and legs, eying her sister with a mixture of envy and awe† (140) is conscious of the practical uses of the artifacts. From the onset of the story we are made aware of the tenderness that their mother feels towards Maggie. Even in narrating her description of Dee, her thoughts wander back to the memory of their house burning and â€Å"Maggie’s arms sticking to me, her hair smoking, and her dress falling off her in little papery flakes† (141). In addition to her physical flaws, Maggie is described as not being very intelligent. â€Å"Like good looks and money, quickness passed her by† (142). Yet despite what could be considered as unfortunate traits, Maggie is blessed with a kinder, gentler, more likeable persona. Imagine having suffered a tragic, deforming, childhood accident. Then picture a sibling counterpart who is, by all counts, blessed with good-looks and intelligence, and who â€Å"Even her feet were always neat-looking, as if God himself had shaped them with a certain style† (143). It would be understandable to have taken that bad stroke of life’s luck and become a bitter, angry individual. However, Maggie, despite her mousy demeanor, inherits her mother’s rooted nature and appreciation for their heritage. There is no room for pretentiousness in Maggie’s life; it is one of basics; â€Å"She will marry John Thomas (who has mossy teeth in an earnest face)† (142). Maggie who knows how to quilt and chewed checkerberry snuff, already knows what her life has to offer. Her knowledge of her future is derived from her knowledge of her ancestry. There appears to be no rancor in her acceptance of this. When the climactic scene occurs and Dee asks â€Å"Can I have these quilts? † (145), Maggie’s first implied reaction is one of surprise and anger; â€Å"I heard something fall in the kitchen, and a minute later the kitchen door slammed† (145). But as someone â€Å"never used to winning anything, or having anything reserved for her† (146), Maggie succumbs and offers to let Dee have them. Although â€Å"Maggie knows how to quilt† (146), she is able to comprehend the deeper personal value of the quilts, and states that she â€Å"can ‘member Grandma Dee without the quilts†(146). Despite their value as an item of everyday use, the quilts are meaningful to Maggie, much in the way they are to her mother who remembers having quilted them with Big Dee. The scraps, the bits and pieces and â€Å"one teeny faded blue piece, about the size of a penny matchbox, that was from Great Grandpa Ezra’s uniform that he wore in the Civil War. † (145) hold deep significance to Maggie. Dee, on the other hand, is portrayed in a very different light by Walker. Commencing with her physical appearance; â€Å"Dee is lighter than Maggie, with nicer hair and a fuller figure† (141). However, their differences do not end there. Dee is intelligent, ambitious and confident. Even â€Å"At sixteen she had a style of her own and knew what style was† (142). Rather than embracing her family, there is a sense of shame for her impoverished past. â€Å"She wrote me once that no matter where we â€Å"choose† to live, she will come see us. But she will never bring her friends† (143). One can sense that despite Dee’s accomplishments and natural gifts, she is at a loss for identity and is grasping at something to hold on to by attaching herself to the relics that she wants to take away. Part of the reason that her desire to bond to her heritage via the artifacts is questionable is the fact that in the past she shunned her mother’s offer of â€Å"a quilt when she went away to college. Then she had told me they were old-fashioned, out of style† (146). Her integration into a world away from where she grew up has made her conscious of the value of her heritage, but it can be concluded that it is not for the sentimental value that her heritage holds but for the ability to flaunt that heritage to her new social circle. Dee believes that she can appreciate the value of the quilts more than Maggie, who will â€Å"be backward enough to put them to everyday use† (144). Dee wants the quilts for more materialistic reasons. She considers the quilts â€Å"priceless† (144). While both the girls came from the same upbringing and both have a desire to bond to their heritage, the reasoning behind that desire, and the difference in their motives, is indicative of their personalities. Maggie, being the one who suffered at childhood, who wasn’t blessed with beauty and intelligence, has a deeper understanding of where she came from. It was Grandma Dee and Big Dee who taught her how to quilt herself† (146). When Dee was packing up the dasher, wondering who made it, it was Maggie who responded â€Å"Aunt Dee’s first husband whittled the dash†, â€Å"His name was Henry, but they called him Stash† (145). She had a vivid recollection and genuine appreciation of her past. Dee, on the other hand, has until this point been unsuccessful at combining her good graces with a heartfelt recognition of her ancestry and her family ties. She will â€Å"use the churn top as a centerpiece in the alcove table† (145) and when asked what she would do with the quilts she responds, â€Å"Hang them† (146). One can only wonder what would happen to those pieces when the next stylish fad comes along considering her favoring of appearances over substance. Indeed, Maggie and Dee are two truly different and unique individuals with very contrasting personalities. Works Cited Walker, Alice. â€Å"Everyday Use† Literature and the Writing Process. Ed. Elizabeth McMahan, Susan X Day, and Robert Funk. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River; Prentice, 2007. 140 – 146.