A Broken Taboo

Several weeks ago the news about tragic death of a famous talented Hollywood actor of Australian origin Heath Ledger shook the world up. The 28-year-old actor is widely known for many roles, including his work in a controversial movie Brokeback Mountain, directed by a Far Eastern filmmaker Ang Lee.This movie became a milestone motion picture in the whole history of Hollywood, which sparked a lot of criticism and public debates. For the first time in cinema art male homosexual relationships were shown with a great frankness and openness, and there are certain concerns that breaking this taboo can have some far-reaching negative ethical consequences in the nearest future.The plot of the movie is based on complex and unorthodox love affair between two young cowboys, who were hired by a Wyoming ranch owner as herds, so they had to spend several months in isolation on the Mountain of Brokeback. Within this time a special bond was developed between the two men, which eventually evolved int o a deep emotional and physical relationship.After finishing their job, the cowboys separated and started living their lives, had families, but the unique feelings they shared on the Brokeback Mountain were left as scars on their hearts to be carried on to the rest of their lives.Certainly, it was not the first motion picture featuring male homosexuality. Such movie stars as Antonio Banderas, Jason Alexander or Tom Hanks have portrayed homosexual characters before. But it is hardly possible to disagree that Brokeback Mountain demonstrated more frank and intimate sides of gay relationships which have been never shown on cinema screens to general public before. In my opinion, the movie with its several scenes involving affectionate embraces, a kiss, and so on, had too close focus on physical aspects of gay relationships, which were always skipped in modern media, especially in cinema art.That is why public reaction on Brokeback Mountain was absolutely contradictive. While many liberal critics and art specialists in America and Europe were pleased with the depth of the plot, good acting, music and high-quality production, many social activists from Christian fundamentalist or Family-oriented social groups expressed their concern about possible negative effects (especially on teenagers and youth) of publicizing male homosexual relations.Moreover, since homosexuality is a terrible irremissible crime in Islam, in more conservative and religious countries of the Middle and Far East, including the director’s homeland Taiwan, the film was banned or censored.Undoubtedly, Brokeback Mountain was not a cheap â€Å"B† movie. Many were fascinated with convictive acting of young Hollywood performers, and numerous awards received by the cast are the best recognition of this work. Besides, the movie teaches being tolerant and respectful to the feelings of other people.Nevertheless, with its too forthright covering of homosexual relationships, this motion picture c an become the first step on the way to more frequent and freer employment of gay themes in modern cinema, as well as to more open popularization of the idea of male homosexual love. Certainly, it will affect our moral principles and aesthetic sensibility to a great extent.Brokeback Mountain is a multifaceted, unusual and quite difficult movie which evokes strong emotions and makes the viewers empathize. But the question remaining after viewing this screen version of a tragic story about gay cowboys is: whether our society is really ready to enjoy watching such relationship or not?Will the majority of us find beauty in male homosexual intimacy? In my opinion, the answer is not clear enough, because certain moral stereotypes and traditional values are still very strong in our modern society, even in such open-minded country as the U.S.Works Cited:Harris, Paul. â€Å"Hollywood to Break Last Taboo with Gay Cowboys.† The Guardian. Guardian Unlimited. 18 Jan. 2004. 11 Feb. 2008 .

Our Family Wedding Essay

â€Å"Our Family Wedding† tells the story of two families from different races in order to prepare the wedding for their daughter and son that makes them come together in this planning process. There were series of friction and collision plots between those two families. The main reason is because the cultural difference between two sides of family. The family of bride (Lucia) is a traditional Mexican family. And, the family of groom (Marcus) is African-American family. Their habits, life styles, life values and the ways of thinking are totally opposite of each other. There were a lot of cultural differences in the movies. Firstly, Lucia’s father thought that the man should propose marriage to the woman’s parents (Lucia’s father mentioned it to Marcus on their way to buy eggs). Marcus thought that modern society would not be necessary to do it. And then Lucia’s father felt out it’s extremely important to propose that was a kind of respect for the woman’s family. That was a cultural conflicts of the modern American culture and traditional Mexican culture. Maybe that was fully integrated into the different ways of thinking between the earlier generation with traditional thinking and American young people . Secondly, those two engaged young people mentioned that they would like to have a simple wedding when two families discussed how to plan their wedding. However, two families all had their own mind for the wedding which caused a controversy between the two sides. The bride’s family wanted to have a traditional Mexican wedding and the groom’s family wanted to have an African descent wedding. In addition, the cost of the wedding was another big issue during their planning process because of the different customs and traditions. Finally, the young couple made a concession for their wedding (our marriage, their wedding). Their parents agreed to share the cost of the wedding. Thirdly, the question of whether a Catholic-style wedding in the church or the father Paes wedding. Marcus would like to adopt a non-traditional style wedding but was refused by Lucia’s mother and grandmother that is religious beliefs conflict. However, Marcus does not religious believers. As their wedding planner, I would like to discuss the wedding detail with two family separately. I will try to talk about the detail of wedding with each family at one time. And them combine their ideas together to reduce their argue. I am also will tell these two families the traditional culture is important but make a wedding that the engaged couple like will be more important. Cross-culture wedding is kind of special for two families. â€Å"Our Marriage, their Wedding† these words is telling me that those young people’s marriage, but their parents’ wedding. In the movie, the two engaged couple’s families were from different races, and they all wanted to have their own traditional wedding to their daughter and son. The parents from bride and groom all have so many ideas for their children’s wedding. Parents didn’t listen what kind of wedding the young couple wanted to have. These two families were trying to make a wedding that families like not this couple. Because two families have different culture and they wanted to use their traditional way of the wedding. In my opinion, the best way to avoid this situation is two family listen to young people’s idea. If the engaged couple like simple, let them make it. And then two family can celebrate their wedding separately. One for bride’s family, and one for groom’s family.

Introducing Walmart into Saudi Arabia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Introducing Walmart into Saudi Arabia - Essay Example This research will begin with the statement that Saudi Arabia is regarded as one of the largest food exporters in the Gulf countries. The market of Saudi Arabia has many barriers to entry since it requires the huge investment in establishing infrastructure, forming efficient distribution system, building brand name and also a considerable capital base for supporting the new entry. However, it can be portrayed that WalMart enjoys these advantages globally owing to its ability to invest the required amount for successful entry. So, in order to enter the market of Saudi Arabia, WalMart has to outline the estimate of investments to be made. The estimation is totally based on local requirement and competition. For understanding requirements of local Arabs and examine competitors in the market, WalMart should undertake an efficient market survey. The market survey will highlight the demand for the local Arabs and kind of products that they prefer most, besides indicating to the purchasing power of customers. The competitor analysis is the most important part of a market survey. The competitors and their business aspects will be critically analyzed by WalMart so as to identify strategies that they follow. The strategies followed by competitors allow WalMart to comprehend the exact likings and lifestyle of Arabs. Interviews with local Arabs will reflect their tastes and preferences as well as help in building trust and confidence. WalMart aims at selling most essential goods, which fulfills the basic need of any individual. The company does not highlight any particular product group and sells a wide-ranging set of products, thereby serving a diversified customer base. It can be noticed that many companies based in the United States (US) have ignored cultural beliefs of the targeted foreign markets and as a result, had encountered huge challenges that in turn led to the collapse of these companies. Nonetheless, it is extremely necessary for WalMart to consider all preva iling religious beliefs and traditions while preparing for entry into the Saudi Arabian market. It is observed that Saudi Arabia imports the largest amount of goods from the US, which highlights the fact that American products do not contradict social beliefs and traditions of the Arabs.

Marketing Individual Reflective Report Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Marketing Individual Reflective Report - Essay Example This paper is an individual reflection of a marketing report that was prepared by my group members and since it is an individual reflection, I will highlight what I acquired through the learning process and what I found out after research of my own abilities as well as that of marketing dynamics. Individually speaking, I am of the opinion that the challenge within the report was such that I had to seek alternatives as per its launch strategy. However I found out that the launch could have been done in a number of different ways but the best option was chosen for this report and hence we moved ahead with it. If I had another chance I would still choose the manner in which we moved ahead with this report because I believe this played the trick and brought in a number of positives for the report and indeed our understanding. It made us believe what we could learn and for my individual comprehension, I discerned that the manner in which marketing is done worldwide is something that I mus t ponder deep into, and thus give my very best day in and day out. Therefore I would not make any change if I am given another chance to implement my truest sense within the preparation of this marketing report (Copeland 2009). ...Same happened within this scenario as well where I worked my way through the tough times and gained upright knowledge and understanding regarding the Brakes Brothers which is a leading supplier of prepared and fresh food to caterers and restaurants around the United Kingdom. This experience helped me immensely at understanding how I need to shape up my work tasks and what I must do in order to learn and acquire new things which will bring me success at the end of the day (Kitchen 2004). As far as this success is concerned, I am of the view that the report on Brakes Brothers provided me a thorough understanding of how different forces shape up and what needs to be done in order to find out how the company operates within the whole of United Kingdom. This br ings in the much needed value for the end consumers. I would apply this knowledge within my future endeavours as it has helped me sustain the strengths and look after the weaknesses. As far as my work domains are related, I would surely apply the learned skills within my career aspirations and learn a number of new things which come directly under the aegis of marketing. The group work assisted me at comprehending how I need to move ahead with the changing times and thus learn new aspects of Brakes Brothers’ work routines and processes. Brakes Brothers is a very useful case study because it makes me understand how to gain an in-depth knowledge into the territories of growth within a business’ entirety and how the same can be translated across the board for the benefit of all and sundry – the stakeholders and customers in essence (Watkins 2005). I would make use of my knowledge that I have attained by pinpointing how

Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses Case Study

Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses - Case Study Example The company can do this by utilizing its strength of being one of its kind in the country and the strong ties with the government. However, it also needs to surpass the weaknesses mentioned above as well as the continuous threat of small market base. This report concludes with the recommendation that CFIB enhance its image through the addition of service which will enable its member to interact and help each other by the provision of an online platform. This is expected to attract new members, enhance revenue, and promotes customer satisfaction. The CFIB is a non-profit organization that represents independent companies nationwide from home-based to midsized businesses which employs hundreds of employees. CFIB offers several products besides support services which the companies can avail through annual memberships at reasonable fees. True to its commitment of representing the plight of its members, CFIB serves as the voice of these business organizations which currently numbers over 105,000. Since its establishment in 1971, CFIB has irrefutably accomplished massive victories against the government's unfair policies which has proven its loyalty to its members. Because of the ever-changing external environment, busines... What is notable in CFIB is its inability to recreate itself amidst the changes in its environment. Since its inception in 1971, CFIB strategies' remained almost unchanged. It should be credited for its aggressiveness in fighting for its members against unfair government regulations and its ability to bring about changes in some of the policies yet the conservative strategies that it utilizes in accomplishing these feats are irrefutably outdated making them unsuitable for today's business environment. CFIB failed to realize that its members' desires and need have evolved over the years. Some of the services such as sources and information that CFIB is offering can now be acquired and are readily available elsewhere. Previously, the major concerns of members are knowledge on issues such as taxation, banking and regulations. Yet, it is increasingly becoming apparent that members are now well-equipped with these information and are looking for something more. Thus, CFIB should recreate i tself in order to cope with these changes and serve the emerging needs of customers. In addition to this, there are some loopholes in the organization's operation. Because it is the nature of its objectives that CFIB is fighting for small businesses as a whole, it cannot fight for each member individually. Thus, CFIB services are not limited to its members but are extended to non-members as well. The point is, there are no incentives for nonmembers to join, as their rights are being fought for whether they became members or not. CFIB should answer this question convincingly: "Why would a small business join our organization" The incentives should be logical and it needs to give reasons that can

Disability And Chronic Illness In Nursing Essay

Disability And Chronic Illness In Nursing - Essay Example (A Beautiful Mind: 21-3-2005). Taking Melissa's case, lets discuss the various aspects of chronic illnesses. Chronic pain is not very responsive to narcotics and analgesics; it is more restrictive to different therapies of pain. Only a few patients can define an injury or pain as the cause of the illness, which is much lesser than the psychological feelings of depression and trauma, which such patients undergo. All these side effects may be the main cause for the chronic pain. (T.J. Murray, Chronic Pain Study). Chronic pain is an important social and medical problem for many reasons. It is very distressing to patients, as it affects their life and even their employment, and not very responsive to treatment. Chronic pain is associated with large financial, as in the case of Melissa, who did not get any sort of compensation or insurance for her treatment. In spite of its regularity and large costs, it becomes very difficult to understand and manage a patient, and ultimately becomes a cause of stress and confusion to everyone concerned with the patient. Chronic pain becomes the main cause of irritation for everyone - the patient, his or her family and friends, the employers, the insurance and payment agencies, and their physicians. As the patients don't respond to treatment, the physicians try to find a cause for the illness. Annually around billion dolla... percent of all pain patients go on to become chronic, the chronic pain patients come up to around more than half of the total cost of compensation for the pain, and stand for an rising group of very distraught and suffering people. (T.J. Murray, Chronic Pain Study). It is very difficult to understand and assess people with chronic illness, and difficult to fairly take care and compensate such people. The patient can only experience the pain in such chronic illnesses, it is difficult for anybody to assess the pain, an outsider can only experience it, as the patient says the pain is there. Chronic pain is defined as constant pain for more than 6 months when normal healing should have been expected. Some of the steps, which can be taken to ensure better care for chronic patients, are Recognition of the emotional, physical, behavioral and psychological factors involved in patients with chronic pain. Educating physicians, nurses and other health care professional of the nature and management of patients with chronic pain. Adopting a proper rehabilitation program for chronic pain like, better care for trauma and pain, recognizing the characteristics and behavior of pain, stressing the need for improved activity and physical movement, even in the case of pain, accepting the aim to return to work early. (T.J. Murray, Chronic Pain Study). Apart from the illness, people like Melissa have to face the social stigma, associated to such disabilities. Scholars of the disability policy describe four different models of disability: A right model of disability which considers disability as the outcome of a sin, a medical model of disability which considers disability as a fault or sickness, which can be cured by medicines, a rehabilitation model, an outcome of the medical model,

Genocide Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Genocide - Essay Example This document distinguishes several types of perpetrators and their involvement in genocide through examples. It also defines the content of the crime according to the international law and the convention towards the prevention and punishment of genocide. Finally, the different kinds of genocide based on their intent as retributive, cultural, latent, optimal, and utilitarian are discussed. Most people in the society tend to use the general concepts such as mass murder and massacre, while referring to genocide. They may also associate the delivery of justice with the local governments after the crime, since they have no idea of the international protection by the law. Genocide is a crime defined in the international criminal law, and is currently handled by the International Criminal Court (ICC), based in the Netherlands at Hague. The ICC aims to protect the potential victims, bring to trial or apprehend suspected perpetrators, while giving justice to the affected in the society. Several international organizations define the crime based on destruction targeting a particular group of people within a domain; however, what distinguishes the crime from others is the motivation behind it. According to Rummel (2002), history shows different situations where people had been murdered under the authority of their rulers and governments, either in war or by strict instructions given to exterminate rebellious groups; even though, legal application of the term ‘Genocide’ came into use first in the indictment of the Nazi war criminals, at Nuremburg tribunal between 1945 and 1946, in association with Raphael Lemkin. Although the ICC is an independent judicial system, it works closely with the United Nations to uphold human rights and campaign against genocide. The crime of genocide is not limited to mass killings but it covers a wide scope. It is defined in the international law in the convention on the prevention and punishment