Fathers Of Twentieth Century Neoclassical Realism Politics Essay

Fathers Of Twentieth Century Neoclassical Realism Politics Essay The father of twentieth century Neoclassical Realism, Hans Morgenthau has a similar view but under the signpost of interests which are defined in terms of power but combining the principle of rational order with politics, where the type of interests vary in relation to foreign policy (Hans J. Morgenthau, Politics Among Nations: The Struggle for Power and Peace, Fifth Edition, New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1978, pp. 4-15.). On the other hand, Neo-Realists (also known as structural realists), such as Kenneth Waltz dismiss human nature as an explanation of IR behaviour within the realm of politics; they rather base their theories on structural constraints (ref). This strand of realism thus holds that the international arena is defined by anarchy and the number of great powers in the international arena. These states are seen as sovereign and equal, thus each state seeking its own interest and will not give up its interests up to another state. Thus states are always in a state of aggressiv e behaviour. The realist belief that states are innately aggressive has given rise to different variants of realism. Offensive realism like other strands of realism view states as the main players or actors in the international arena but with the view that conflict is based on anarchy of the international system and not on human nature and characteristics as proposed by Morgenthau. Offensive realism thus views states as hegemonic, with an insatiable appetite to maximise power thus ensuring security and survival. Furthermore, defensive realism, another variant views international system provides encourages expansion only under certain conditions, where anarchy creates the circumstances where by the tools that a state uses to amplify its security causes an inverse reaction i.e. diminishes the security of other states. This creates a security dilemma where states are in constant worry over one anothers future and relative powers. Most notable examples of this variant of realism include balance-of-po wer theory and security dilemma theory (Sources: Jeffrey W. Taliaferro, Security-Seeking Under Anarchy: Defensive Realism Reconsidered, International Security, 25, 3, Winter 2000/2001: 152-86; and John J. Mearsheimer, (2002), Tragedy of Great Power Politics, W.W. Norton, New York). The purpose of this essay is to answer the question of whether or not Realism is a bellicose tradition of thought. I have started off the first section of this essay (above) by giving a brief oversight of realism and its variants. The remainder of this essay will discuss how realism and realists view war, conflict, and their ethics. The third section examines how different variants of realism view war and conflict. The fourth section provides a case study and the views of notable realists on wars, such as the Iraq War (in 2003). Finally the last section of this essay summarises the preceding arguments and argues that although realism talks of war and studies war and conflict, it is by no means bellicose tradition of thought. Realism and Power: It is common that critics of realism view realists as immoral or a school of thought that does not involve ethics. On the other hand, classical realists such as Thucydides (460-411 B.C.) viewed politics with an eye for moral questions. This is evident when he asks whether relations between states to which power is fundamental can accomplished through an eye of justice and peace. Thucydides through his book History of the Peloponnesian War has inspired many realists as he gives an acknowledged classical text in international relations. In his book, realism is expressed in speeches and dialogues of Athenians showing a debate in Sparta before the Peloponnesian war. Furthermore it is through realist views and explanations that Thucydides explains the cause for such a war through a Melian Diaglogue made by Athenian envoys. Realists exhibit and highlight the limitations imposed by the nature of human beings on politics. This human nature according to realists is defined as being egoist hence power and security become the main issue when looking at the factors that contribute to conflict in IR. It is through Thucydides that the notion and main building blocks of state actors, anarchy, security and power are defined within the context of realist tradition. To take two main points from Thucydides into account: Thucydides describes the debate in Sparta (Chapter 1 Par. 76) that the Athenians have a preference of self-interest over morality. That is, the analogies and concerns of right or wrong have never turned people aside from the opportunities of aggrandizement offered by superior strength (chap. 1 par. 76). Realists find an anarchical world and security as a central issue in their school of thought. To achieve security, states increase their strength and power, thus formulating a power-balancing paradigm in order to deter prospective enemies. Thucydides further stresses this issue by locating the cause of war in the change in the balance of power between the Delian League (led by Athens) and the Peloponnesian League (led by Sparta). It is the conviction of Thucydides that the fear of the increase in Athenian power and Spartas future security vulnerability that led Sparta into war (1.23). Realists are skeptical about applying morals to international relations and its politics i.e. there is no place for morality in IR, that is to say there is a rejection of ethical norm. This can be highlighted within the Melian Dialogue (5.85-113) when Athens invaded the island of Melos. The Melians were offered a choice, annihilation or admit defeat, without the recourse to justice, just to think of their survival. The Athenians were hence stressing the fact that since any authority above the state does not exist, and in the case of the Melians, the only right is that of the stronger, hence survival of the fittest. To shine light on this matter further, the Athenians equate right with power and thus disregard issues of justice, ethics and morals from foreign affairs, in this case war. Critics of IR have always juxtaposed classical realism with that of idealism or even liberalism. That is to say liberals and idealists view the world through emphasis on international standards, interdependence among states and international and economic cooperation. The Melian Dialogue of Thucydides gives rise to one of the first debates between idealist and realist schools of thought, that is, whether politics can be based on moral thoughts drawn from justice or will politics be seen as a struggle for interests and power? To take a closer look at the Athenian argument of the Melian Dialogue, it is clear that it is based on realist notions of security and power. There is a clear disregard for moral talk and thus advise the Melians to take a closer look at the status quo. Here the status quo is that of Melians inferior military capabilities, thus advising the Melians to think about their survival (5.87; 5.101). Furthermore, another description of this realist status quo is the fact that Athenians base their argument around security issues, self interest and power. On the other hand, when looking at the Melian situation closely, it is clear that the Melians are weak and do not risk the security and self interests of the Athenians. In his book, Thucydides remains neutral to the thoughts of the Athenians and Melians, i.e. supports neither the idealists nor the realists. Therefore, if Thucydides is to be regarded as a realist, he would not be seen as one that resembles a member of the realpolitik that denies ethics and morals, but one that is neither amoral or immoral (ref) and can be compared to realists such as Hans Morgenthau (discussed later) where they are rational to the views of national interest and also place moral aspects to the way political actors should act in the international arena. It was not until the 15th century that Niccolà ² Machiavelli was born and challenged the notion of morality and ethical standards in Christian political spheres. His approach, indeed a novel one for his time lies in his criticism of the unrealistic attributes of Western politics. Thus, after setting the ground for a new ground into realist doctrine, Machiavelli skews away from the teachings of early scholars towards the effectual truth of the matter rather than the imagined one (chapter XV of The Prince), i.e. a realist truth and view. Machiavelli hence replaced morality in politics with the ends justifies the means, i.e. whatever is good for the state and not ethical or scruples norms, in other words what is encompassed in the phrase ragione di stato or its French equivalent, raison dà ©tat (ref). Although Machiavelli is often seen as the father of both modern political strategy and defense of the republican form of government, he may also be seen as the one that caused the demoralization of Europe by challenging the Christian views of the union between politics and ethics. Before Machiavellism, it is thought that the notion of using any means and all means in the state of war was unheard of. As a result, Machiavellism gave rise to masses of armies fighting each other, where the morality has lost its validity and presence in the political moiety. This concept of politics where ethics according to Machiavelli was now under two: private and public and the principle of raison dà ©tat would further give rise to politics of Lebensraum and world wars. It is in my opinion, as well as other political commentators (ref) that realism has an inclination to drift into an extreme standpoint where the ends justify the means at the expense of other states, no matter how immoral or amoral the policy is. The end goal is the security and power of the state in an anarchical world. Thomas Hobbes: Morality and Anarchy Thomas Hobbes (1588-1683) realism came through around the same time as Machiavelli, his views of human behavior was that they are particularly individualistic rather than moral or ethical, as Hobbes mentions in his Leviathan, humans are subjected to a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceases only in death (Leviathan XI 2), hence are always in a power struggle. These concepts are briefly summarized in the fact that humans are egoistic, in a state of international anarchy, and their view of politics is rooted in a power struggle. Thus when comparing schools of thought, it is clearly visible that Hobbes views have a great affinity towards neorealism. Taking the concept of anarchy as a state or nature further, Hobbes clearly mentions that the world is in a state of war as is of every man against every man (XII 8). That is to say that the status quo of the world we live in is a state of war. The views of Hobbes are deduced from the an individuals behavior, that is individuals are selfish and egoistic and may use force at any given moment without recourse to morals, encouraged by competition for wealth and power. Hence, individuals may even invade one another for gain; take preemptive measures to ensure their safety. Hobbes therefore mentions that humans endeavor to destroy or subdue one another (XIII 3) whether for gain, safety or power. Overall, in this regard, where conditions are of potential aggressors are optimum, realists believe that it is best to make war rather than peace, where the world becomes Darwinian; i.e. survival of the fittest. When analyzing Hobbes writings in Leviathan, it is apparent that Hobbes views the relationship between individuals and the state as a primary focus. To indulge deeper into this argument, Hobbes views that once states are formed, the individuals running the state control the states behavior, hence their lust and drive for power i.e. domination of other states. This is evident where Hobbes mentions that states, for their own securityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦enlarge their dominions upon all pretences of danger and fear of invasion or assistance that may be given to invadersà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.endeavour as much as they can, to subdue and weaken their neighbors (XIX 4). Furthermore, Hobbes also argues that even though there is a war of all against all, that does not mean that states are always in a state of war, but they are always on guard and expect war at any given moment (XIII 8). Furthermore, to evade war and overcome fighting, Hobbes does not support a social contract or deal between nations like the UN to end international anarchy. He also does not believe that war could ever be obliterated from the world we live in. Furthermore, it would also seem that Hobbes believes that the continuous condition of anarchy and insecurity which states are in is not reflected in the insecurity experienced by the individuals (statesmen). Hence as long as there is no onset of war between states, statesmen can feel safe. It is evident when reading through Hobbes Leviathan that there is a common view shared between Machiavelli and Hobbes when it comes to their denial of moral principles and the support of the notion of raison dà ©tat. On the other hand, although they both also view independent states are enemies by nature, selfish and egotistical, what differentiates them is that Machiavelli has a view of doing anything it takes to bring forward to what is advantageous to the state. Hobbes view of classical realism is one with a defensive nature of foreign policy. His approach unlike Machiavelli, is a that of prudence and pacifism where sovereign states should be liaised towards peace through reason. Furthermore, although Hobbes views the world as anarchical and immoral, he does not view it as one with no rules. Hobbes believes that because certain rules of reason do exist therefore there may be some leeway for international cooperation achieved through jointly beneficial treaties between sovereign s tates. On the other hand, Hobbes does not dismiss the fact that international rules will also be ineffective in ceasing the struggle for power through war. That is to say, states will interpret these rules according to their own interests thus ignoring international laws and commitments. This therefore highlights the egotistical, selfish and greedy nature of states through Hobbes pessimistic view of relations between sovereign states in IR. The idea of the creation of modern (20th century) realism arose from the attitude and results of the emergence of an idealist school of thought most notably after WWI. These liberals also known by synonyms just as idealists or utopians had an aim of building peace by the virtue of creating a system of international law intertwined with international ogranisations. This gave rise to the League of Nations via the interwar idealism in 1920 followed by the Kellogg-Briand Pact of 1928 that prohibited war and propagated the peaceful settlement of interstate disputes. It was the advocacy on behalf of scholars like the U.S. President Woodrow Wilson, a political scientist by profession that focused their abilities uniting humanity and appealing to rationality and morality. It was the view of utopians like Wilson that saw war as an imperfection of social conditions that could be improved rather that it being a primordial of egoistic human nature. On the other hand, the hopes of utopians were short live, and although Wilson was the main advocate for the League of Nations, the US never joined, and with the withdrawals of Japan and Germany, a second world war broke out. By that time, realists such as E. H. Carr has been heavily criticizing the liberal school of thought. It was the works of realists such as Carr and Morgenthau that influenced the creation of what is thought to be a liberally induced United Nations in 1945. Carrs famous work on international relations, famously known as The Twenty Years Crisis (1939) focuses on a rebuttal of the idealist utopian views of international relations. Carr criticizes and challenges the idealist views of the harmony of interests where he believes that morality can only be relative, not universal (19). Furthermore, he mentions that the principle of the harmony of interests is created by privileged groups to justify and maintain their dominant position (75). When Carr argues his central idea of moral principles, he refers to and uses a concept that can be traced back to Marxist theories (ref) of the relativity of thought. His idea is that the interests of a particular group will always pave the way and be deterministic of what that group deems as moral principles, hence not universal as utopians might believe. It is also worthy to note that as Carr views a politicians use of morally discrediting or slandering an enemy as an act created by actual policies. Thus t hese policies in realist views are dependent on interests of the parties involved and not universal and independent of interests as utopians claim (ref). Carr also views that values and interests are also not universal, where a party that acts on these values and interests are basically their own interests; and what is best for that party is best for everyone (71). A further theory put out by Carr contradicts an idealist principle of harmony of interests where humans can be rational and cooperate to achieve those interests. Carr believes that humans actually have different interests, therefore would compete and between them to achieve their goals, this is what he terms conflict of interests (ref). This conflict of interests thus coalesces with a Hobbesinian view that morality is dominated by a coercive power (ref) (61). Therefore, Carr believes that international moral principles are enforced by countries with power over other nations with no or less power, hence, morals are made to subdue weaker nations into dominance (ref). Carr also views morals and views of peace, justice and international order as the status quo. He further supports this argument by viewing that states or powers that are happy with the current status quo view the current status as just, and those who dont, view it as unjust and would therefore end up in going to war (76). Furthermore, Carr also views that if peace cannot be attained through war then the best way to ensure peace is to satisfy powers greater than the weaker state: Those who profit most by [international] order can in the longer run only hope to maintain it by making sufficient concessions to make it tolerable to those who profit by it least (152). The Realism of Hans Morgenthau, Morals and Power Hans Jochaim Morgenthau was an avid neoclassical realist thinker influenced by the works of Hobbes and Reinhold Niebuhr. He presents a fact that humans have an insatiable lust for power identifying it with animus dominandi, the desire to rule or dominate. This desire Morgenthau sees is the pivotal root cause of conflict: international politics, like all politics, is a struggle for power (25). In his main work, Politics among Nations, Morgenthau bases his theories of realism on six main principles. It is in the second principle that Morgenthau clearly presents his argument of where state leaders think and act in terms of interest defined as power (5). This concept presents two main points: firstly is the autonomy of politics from other fields such as economics, religion and ethics. Furthermore, the second principle allows for the analysis of foreign policy without recourse to motives and morals of statesmen or politicians, hence the presence rationality in international politics. But, unlike Machiavelli, Morgenthau does not completely devour ethics from politics. In his fourth principle, Morgenthau explains the relationship between realism and ethics. He mentions that Universal moral principlesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.cannot be applied to the actions of states in their abstract universal formulation, but à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦they must be filtered through the concrete circumstances of time and place (9). That is, there is always some form of friction between morality and political decisions. Morgenthau also stresses the need for prudence when applying his principle as political morality cannot exist without prudence, i.e. without consideration of the political consequences of seemingly moral action (ibid.). To take a closer look at his central themes of power and interest, Morgenthau believes that moral and ethics are not sufficient to comprehend the dynamics of international politics, there therefore has to be a balance in power interests. Morgenthau like Carr was doubtful and pessimistic at how idealists viewed politics in that they never took into account the harsh and negative lesson of history. Morgenthau further contested that the ethics of evil as an inherent part of foreign policy. This is due to the fact that politicians may not have a choice between right or wrongà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.. but rather between bad and worse (ref). Morgenthaus realist views stresses on the pessimistic vision of foreign policy, thus creating version of ethics that intertwines power and morality together, a view also shared by Max Webers ethics (ref). Morgenthaus view of ethics was born out of harsh lesson from the failure of the League of Nations to the fascist actions of Nazi Germany and the dangers of communism. Therefore national interests to Morgenthau were an utmost priority as long as these interests contributed to a balance of power; a balance between power, interest and ethics (2). This to Morgenthau is fact and reality as opposed to the idealists utopian views. Morgenthau further emphasized his point by: I prefer the brutality of realist inquiry over the confused sentimentality that neglects its interests and does not get to the point.(3). Furthermore, according to Morgenthau and the concept of animus dominandi, mans strife for power makes man greedy hence taking everything for themselves and depriving their neighbours. Morgenthaus view thus makes him a promoter of power poltics, but on the contrary, Morgenthaus realism offers elements of morals and ethics to utilize power adequately thus giving rise to morally good results (ref). Morgenthaus neoclassical realism was indeed a mix between limiting power intertwined with morality, balanced with tolerance and self constraint made his neoclassical form of realism appealing. . Political theorists have long seen Morgenthau with an eye of immorality. On the other hand, when looking closer (as mentioned above), Morgenthau has been in agreement with Max Weber in that decisions based on moral values could not be justified rationally thus deeming him a realist with morals aspects. Furthermore, Morgenthau also viewed the world as morally imperfect and corrupt, thus should have some morality incorporated to it. This is evident in his opposition to the Vietnam War. He clearly opposed US foreign policy during that war, and thus called for a realist foreign policy based on national interest. Overall, Morgenthau was a harsh critic and opponent of US intervention and foreign policy in Asia. On the other hand, he advocated for a peaceful coexistence with communist Russia and thus advocated a dual strategy of military might and a willingness to seek dà ©tente. His support was clearly expressed when Kissinger and Nixon attempted to enforce a more moderate realist strategy toward Communist powers (China and Russia) hence creating a multipolar world led by the US via the use of Morgenthaus balance of power and his dà ©tente (4). Finally, Morgenthau has advocated a mixture of prudence, morality and realist views of national interest and balance of power in his politics. His advocacy supports Friedrich Meineckes concept of raison detat and when combined with his realist views, makes an effect and coherent realist model.

The Macbeth Witches Essays -- English Literature Essays

The Macbeth Witches In the first scene in act one we can see that the witches have some kind of psychic ability from when they predict that Macbeth will win the battle. The witches appear to be having some sport of shared vision. We can tell this from the second quotation- â€Å"When the hurlyburly’s done. When the battle’s lost and won.† The witches clearly know that King Duncan’s side will win the battle. They also know when they will meet with Macbeth- â€Å"There to meet with Macbeth.† This addresses the theme of witchcraft and is Shakespeare’s way of letting the audience know that the witches have powers. The scene is set in the dark on the heath- a very open place, and the thunder and lightning in the background ‘top it off’ as such. These key elements are Shakespeare’s way of conveying evil. In Elizabethan times this worked well on the audience who were convinced (perhaps unlike a modern audience) that these three women were witches from the very first line. Just before the end of the scene we see that the witches have familiars when the first and third witches call on them. This is also a key element in convincing the audience that the women are witches. The fact that they have familiars makes them seem evil and though perhaps a clichà © now would have been very real for an Elizabethan audience. At the very end of the scene the witches do a sort of chant. â€Å"Fair is foul and foul is fair: Hover through the fog and filthy air.† This implies some sort of evil spell and l...

The American Dream vs The American Myth :: Essays on the American Dream

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  After being stuck en route for an enormously long period of time, would you think that the destination had better be worth all the time spent getting there? Many people would say yes. Think about it. If you were on a journey which lasted months, possibly years of your life, you would want to arrive at your destination seeing the same thing you had dreamt of during the trip. What if, when you got there, you discovered that the dream was actually a myth? The American settlers discovered just that. Is this not similar to High School? Everybody has a specific view, or dream, of High School that very first day they walk in as a freshman. How often is this dream a realistic one?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Take, for instance, the first settlers in Jamestown. These people came solely for capitalistic purposes. They figured that if they developed settlements, they would surely profit. With this goal taking over all others in their minds, they did not survive. Many factors contributed to this. For example, the settlers were not prepared for the new area. They believed that they could walk right in and succeed. What they did not realize, however, is that they needed to prepare more. They settled on a horrible piece of land, which killed many off due to sickness. They weren’t able to take care of themselves, as they figured that the Indians would provide cheap labor. The settlers were proved wrong, as the Indians rebelled against the Europeans in raids. Settlers in Jamestown were not prepared for America, thus leading to their downfall. High School can be directly related to Jamestown. Every year, many freshmen catch themselves doing a complete turn-around soon after the year begins. Freshmen usually split into different cliques soon after High School starts. These cliques are usually groups of people with similar interests, whether it is fashion, sports, or math club. All through Middle School, the children were guided along by the administration. This leads them to believe that High School will be the same way. Once in High School, many feel lost and unprepared. The first day of High School, many freshman get to the lunch room, sit at their tables, and wait to be called up to the lunch lines. They were pampered all through their earlier schooling, so they figured that they would be told when to go eat.

Cultural distance assignment Essay

CDj is the cultural distance between the host country (j) and the home country (in this case Germany). It is calculated with a summation of 4 different variables indicating different cultural dimensions. These are uncertainty avoidance, power distance, individualism/collectivism and masculinity/femininity. is the country j’s score on one of the four cultural dimension is the score of the home country (in this case Germany) on this dimension. is the variance of this particular dimension. Firstly, the distance on each dimension between the host country j and the home country (in this case Germany). Secondly, this number is squared. After squaring minus each variable is divided by the variance of that variable. And finally, all these four variances are added together and divided by 4. 2. What is the difference between mean and variance? Can you explain the example given in the lecture in your own words? Mean and variance are both about distribution, but mean refers to one measure of the central value for a probability distribution. It is the average of a set of measurements. On the other hand, variance is a measure of how far a set of numbers is spread out. In a statistical probability graph the difference in variance is made visible in the height of the graph. A low variance indicates that the data points are close to the mean. This can be recognized in a normal distribution graph where the curve is either flatter or steeper. A flat curve indicates a high variance as data points are far away from the mean, whereas a steep curve indicates a small variance as the data points are close to the mean. 3. Calculate the distance on each dimension between Germany (our home country) and a specific host country using the Excel program.? Tip: you can use the formula editor in Excel to calculate the distance on e. g. power distance between Germany and Argentina, the first country in the sample. You can copy-paste the formula in the other rows/columns. Power distance: Argentina – Germany: 49-35 = 14 Uncertainty avoidance: Argentina – Germany: 86-64 = 21 Individualism / collectivism: Argentina – Germany: 46-67 = -21 ? 21 Masculinity / femininity: Argentina – Germany: 56-66 = -10 ? 10 4. The Kogut-Singh index of cultural distance also contains the variance of each dimension. Answer the following questions: a. In the bottom row of the columns you will find the variance for each culture ? dimension. What dimension has the highest variance? Individual – collectivism b. What does a high variance mean Tip: to calculate the variance yourself, you can use the formula editor of Excel and search for â€Å"variance†. A high variance means that the date points are very spread out from the mean and from each other 5. Calculate the cultural distance using Kogut and Singh formula while using Germany as the home country. Tip: follow the different steps as explained in the main lecture, and first calculate the difference, ? the squared difference, the variance, and the overall cultural distance. Cultural distance = 0,547 ? [(14*14)/507,68 + (21*21)/559,42 + (-21*-21)/621,34 + (-10*-10)/329,58)]/4 6. Which four countries have the lowest cultural distance to Germany? Switzerland, Italy, South Africa and Luxembourg 7. Which country has the highest cultural distance? Guatemala 8. What is the average cultural distance between Germany and these 57 other countries? 1,6046894 9. Pick a host country and relate the cultural distance score between Germany and that ? host country to the 7 points of critique raised by Shenkar as discussed in the lecture. We picked Egypt, which has a cultural distance score of 1,748. 1. The illusion of symmetry: you cannot assume that the cultural distance from Germany and Egypt is similar to the cultural distance from Egypt to Germany. Because of recent conflicts in Egypt it is probably less attractive for other countries, including Germany, to do business or invest in Egypt, whereas for Egypt itself, it is not hard to do business in Germany. 2. The illusion of stability: Cultural distance is measured at a single point in time, but cultures may change over time and therefore, cultural differences may also change over time. Currently the conflict in Egypt is still ongoing which makes cultural difference between Germany and Egypt bigger. However, if this conflict ends, the cultural difference may shrink again. 3. The illusion of linearity: in case a German MNE already had an entity in Egypt and is considering a second one, the obstacle of starting a second entity is lower than it would have with the initial entity introduction. The effect on cultural distance therefore depends on the experience already gained and is not a linear process. 4. The illusion of causality: Kogut and Singh’s formula only focuses on cultural difference, but distance is a multidimensional construct and should be studied not in isolation but together with the other three dimensions of distance, namely; institutional/administrative distance, geographic distance and economic distance. For instance, the cultural difference between Germany and Egypt is 1,748 and the geographic distance between Germany and Egypt is 3208 kilometer. The cultural difference between Germany and Australia is 0,320 (a lot smaller than 1,748) and the geographic distance between these two countries is 14482 kilometers (a lot further than 3208 km). 5. The illusion of discordance: the assumption is that all cultural aspects of the cultural distance between home and host country matter equally, but depending on the country, some dimensions of a culture matter more than others. Take language and religion. Both cultural aspects, but when Germany does business with the Netherlands difference in language would matter a lot more than difference in religion, whereas when Germany does business with Egypt, the religion factor would weigh a lot heavier. 6. The assumption of corporate homogeneity: by using national cultural measures, the CD concept only incorporates variance in the national culture but does not consider possible variances on a corporate level. National culture vs. organizational culture is left out. In Egypt, a company which employs employees of many different nationalities will have less cultural differences with a German company in comparison to a company which only employs Egyptians. 7. The assumption of spatial homogeneity: when examining the cultural differences on the basis of national level scores, possible cultural variances within that same country are left out. In Egypt it would not be correct to look at the country as a whole, since within the country (city versus rural areas) there are different cultures and sentiments based on different takes on for example Muslim religion. This could affect the way different companies do business and therefore reduce or expand the cultural difference between Germany and Egypt. 10. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of the Kogut and Singh measure of cultural distance. Kogut and Singh have made an effort of creating an overview on the cultural distance between countries. The overview is quite meticulous and based on empirical research, taking four dimensions – created by Hofstede – of cultural distance into account. Although the measure of cultural distance should provide realistic information for organisations that seek new markets, it is not able to do so. The measure should be seen as an indicator of cultural distance rather than an absolute number. Supported by Shenkar’s seven points of critique1, the weaknesses of Kogut and Singh’s theory will be assessed. Supported by Kim and Gray’s article, its strengths will be assessed2. As Shenkar researched effectively, Kogut and Singh’s measure is quite ambiguous. It creates several illusions of cultural distance. Deriving from these seven points made by Shenkar, the measure cannot be used in practice. The differences between reality and theory are too large. For example, as Shenkar explained in point 5; â€Å"The implicit assumption that differences in cultures produce lack of â€Å"fit† and hence an obstacle to transaction is questionable. First, not every cultural gap is critical to performance. As Tallman and Shenkar (1994, p. 108) note, â€Å"different aspects of firm culture may be more or less central, more or less difficult to transmit, and more or less critical to operations†. Second, cultural differences may be complementary and hence have a positive synergetic effect on investment and performance. ’3 Companies are shown one CD number, but the importance of the various dimensions creating this number is different for each company. For example, a company involved in financial derivatives that seeks to create a subsidiary overseas may be less concerned about the individualism/collectivism-dimension than about the uncertainty avoidance-dimension, as these companies are inherently making money of uncertainty. Thus, the CD number does not suit the function implied by Kogut and Singh. Singh and Kogut create an illusion that this CD number helps companies finding a suitable strategy for expanding abroad. The CD number should provide hard data for finding this strategy. Due to the difference between theory and practice, this number cannot provide practical data. However, the measure is suitable for other goals. For one, the measure can explain corporate behaviour in new markets. Kim and Gray researched the applicability of the CD measure. They concluded that relationship between the CD measure and corporate behaviour has some plausible consistencies. 4 The ownership mode a company takes in a new market is indeed dependent on the cultural distance between the host and home country. Kogut and Singh’s measure is thus accurate, but not practical. In conclusion, the measure of Kogut and Sing is accurate enough to explain corporate behaviour in hindsight, but cannot be seen as a practical calculation for choosing a business strategy. A company may tend to get confused by the calculation method, as it equally takes all dimensions into account. However, in the end, a company will probably handle appropriately to the new market’s culture. This is shown in Kim and Gray’s research.

Life In Nazi Germany Essay

It was a lovely day in Hamburg Germany; people are doing their own work and the children are attending at school. It was an ordinary day in Germany. There was equality in different kinds of people. Religion and Culture is not issue to people living in this state.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   It was February 1, 1933 in Hamburg Germany. The story of my life that was dream became a historical nightmare to people living in this country. Pure German are the highest and royalty living in Germany. And Jews are the low class in the state they were being set aside of the Germany community.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I am Herbert David and this is a story of my life when this historical war began. I remember it was yesterday, a 13 year old boy skinny, fair complexion like other German child, tall and dark hair. I like spending my time reading book about heroic soldiers and playing my aircraft plane. I go to school and go to Church every Sunday. Some times, i just fool around with my two friends Randy and Ryan. They were my best of friends in my hometown.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My father’s name is Micael who’s a professional teacher teaching history downtown. He is tall, dark hair and he loves to teach children about the freedom of choice. My father is a very kind and lovable to children. He doesn’t push my sister and i to a certain thing that we don’t want to do.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My mother’s name is Julie who a homemaker is preparing the needs of the family. A simple mother making sure that everyone is in good health. I have two sisters namely; Julianna, six years old the youngest in the family. She loves hugging everyone and makes each of the family members to smile everyday. Rachel ten year old who loves my mother’s cooking and maybe she wanted to learn cooking because she loves eating a lot.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My two best friends; Randy loves writing about his feeling in a way of poetry and writing fictional stories that talks about life his a Jewish want to be a professional writer. Ryan in the other hand loves to play his favorite toy aircraft and wants to be a professional pilot when he grows up. While for me, I just want to be my father who teaches in school sharing experiences in life and give my thoughts to the young people who will be the next in line in life. Providing my family what they needed and make my father proud that I take his footstep as a teacher. I love children because I have two lovable sisters. And I want to be a good example to them and make my family proud of me. Randy, Ryan and I were under the tree near in my house sharing all the thoughts and dreams when we grow up. We were laughing in Ryan’s jokes about having a family someday. And I don’t want to have a family yet I just want to make my family proud in what my goal is. My two friends and I went to home it’s almost time for supper and my mother is shouting it’s time for supper so we had to be separate ways and wave goodbye to each other.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My simple life in Germany changed when my family and I heard the news in the radio. A new Chancellor is designated in the country. Germany is a nation that is its history never experience in democracy. This state is in great depression with not enough food and people were jobless. The new chancellor’s name Adolf Hitler; he is also called the Nazi party as the Fuhrer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Like a god they are marching and shouting hail to the fuhrer as they welcome Adolf in the new position he was assigned. At first he didn’t promise any thing he said he doesn’t want to make cheap promises but later part as he ruled Germany in his second speech he said â€Å" I will employ my strength for the welfare of the German†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My Father was telling me that time that people are poor because of the promises of the previous chancellors. They make promises but because of the personal ambition they set aside the people to employ those were jobless. Adolf Hitler as I think will change all of it and make Germany a better place for people who live in it. My family was doubtful to this new Fuhrer but for my side i was happy due to Adolf’s promise and a striking moment that he will not make cheap promises.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I was amaze to this person that he wants to organize the nation as one. How amazing thinking that people will not be hungry and people have jobs to provide the peoples needed. But time passes by and Hitler’s promises changed to built new army and weapons. I was shocked when my friend randy and his family were taken away by the storm troopers.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The ordinance is to prison all the Jewish people because they were not pure race as Germans. His father was beating to death and psychological beating. The soldier is telling Randy’s father how to put the rope if he wants to kill his self. Randy’s father replied â€Å"i have a family and I will not kill myself because you want me to do† the soldier just gave the sausage and pretzel and left the father in the concentration camp. They were release after a year the Jewish and the social diplomat.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   But time passes by and Hitler’s promises changed to build the new army of his own and weapons for the country. A dictatorship and army was the 1st  in Hitler’s priority before the people. It was a massive destruction in Germany as Hitler’s mind became evil and ambitious. It was April 1, 1933, the stores of the Jews boycott by the storm trooper’s of Hitler. They said it was the will of the Fuhrer and it must be done. But the boycott was ended for a day.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I was a kid seeing how Adolf ruined a simple place to a nightmare. Even the books of Jews were burned by the storm troopers the other army was disgusted what the storm trooper did. They even killed 800 Jews the night of the Broken Glass were Jewish building was bombed. The government was changed when Paul von Hindenburg was assigned Adolf Hitler as one of the chancellor. One of Hitler’s comrade; Joseph Goebbels wrote in his diary â€Å"By appointing Hitler Chancellor of the Reich you have handed over our sacred German Fatherland to one of the greatest demagogues of all time. I prophesy to you this evil man will plunge our Reich into the abyss and will inflict immeasurable woe on our nation. Future generation will curse you in your grave for this action†. And it was true Adolf rule Germany as his comrade predicted. Adolf Hitler maybe a dictator but he did come up to employ people they called it employment skim by opening an autobahn in Germany. People haven’t felt the inflation slowly rise but they didn’t mind. Germany was over in Adolf Hitler’s hand and as for my opinion I don’t want to stay Hitler in the position of ruling the state because there were no more peace in the country people are killing people and there no more equality in to it. I as German should be with German friend not half race like my friend randy. I was sad about what happen to Randy and his family they were hiding to the Nazi.   How his father was treated by the soldier I was fortunate and Ryan because we were Pure German. My family was treated as they were royalty and they were respectable. German People was brain wash as Adolf Hitler’s was the Chancellor of Germany. Even the Children were involved in Adolf Hitler’s creating a perfect world in Germany. First, the disable unborn was killed because they don’t want in perfect person in their country. They doctor’s will write an x in the document of a certain child and they will inject methyl to kill the unborn child. But they will put in the document that the child had a certain disease or the child cannot be alive due to a sickness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After those killings, the second was the children age 2 and up that is disabling. The army will talk to a certain family like in Ryan’s family he has a sister age 5 years old and his mother was in the hospital dropping Ryan’s sister for treatment but after an hour the doctor said that Ryan’s sister died due to a certain sickness. It was so horrible that even the children were in Adolf’s propaganda in his perfect world and perfect people. Ryan and his family cannot do any thing because if we disobey the fuhrer we might be killed or abandoned in my country.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Ryan’s father was a German soldier he was telling me that when they oath in Adolf’s Hitler and they were raising their arms he felt that this is no turning back because when we displease the fuhrer we maybe killed like the bombing of the apartment of the Jewish. He said that we are â€Å"master race† it means German should rule than others.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     I called Hitler as the most evil leaders in the world because of what he did to my country and my friends. He treated the other race like a small little ant that he can squash it. He maybe created a new German revolution but it’s nightmare to my child’s eye and for the people in Germany. I was scared and turn down my belief to Hitler’s vision for Germany. It’s sad that this intelligent man can do all the horrible things like this.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Discriminating and making Germany suffer to his own ambitious way. Adolf Hitler gave employment by opening the Autobahn but yet his visions to rein other borders are destroying Germany and people’s lives. They were dying because they risk their lives just to give what the fuhrer wants to take other countries. I talked to my father regarding of my studies. I was asking permission to my father that if I finish my studies I will join the army as like Ryan’s dream becoming a pilot in Germany’s army. My father at first was furious about I was going to join in the army. He said if i want to live and see my sister alive I should be with them taking care of them. I was telling me many German armies died because of Hitler’s ambition in Germany. But i told my father not to be bothered just trust in my idea. I want to join German army to change for the better. I want to help but not killing people that is not my race. I want to change for the better for Germany and my family. I want to protect my family because I heard from other people even German races kills because they disobey the will of the Fuhrer. I want to protect my mother and my two sisters to this evil man. And changed it for the better I maybe wearing a German uniform but it don’t mean I’m a follower of the fuhrer. I will use my power as German army to help people that are discriminated the other German army, don’t know how will I can change Germany in my own way but I’ll try to change the system by doing good deeds in a small way. If ever I see some Jewish and maltreated by my comrades i will help the Jew and not discriminate the person as what I heard and saw before. I maybe a child as of know but hopefully in my goal I will provide the changes of the system of the government in a small way first. After that I will be a soldier as Ryan’s father to protect people not the government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I didn’t finish my studies due to the problem of the country. Jews were taken away and there was no equality. I decided to join the army. Though I really want is to teach but the fuhrer wants that all pure German man must obey to join the army because of some soldiers were dying in warship. My sister Julianna joined in this group called the amazons. They are displaying their nude bodies to the German officials and guest of the fuhrer.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     As my observation it’s just a feast for the eyes of the guest. They said they do the pageant because they were displaying what god created so women are naked. Pure German Women can only married the German Man because of Hitler’s ambitious of a perfect nation. It’s a celebration for women to display their naked bodies riding horses. They were called Madam as a higher class woman. I was looking at my sister but I can’t do anything for her. If I disobey Hitler I will be dead the next day or even shot that day of the event.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   All I can do is look at my sister and in side my conscience I was furious and mad. I don’t want what I’m seeing it because men where having pleasured by eyes looking at my sister’s naked body. I must focused and just to forget that event. After the event, fireworks were displayed in the sky but they didn’t mind the fireworks but the women that have been displayed awhile ago. People were praising Hitler because he was taking over Germany. I was in the German Sixth Army Forces in early months of 1941. Hitler’s objectives to other borders were have direct access to the Middle East and be able to have the military capability to sweep Northward behind Soviet lines to Moscow. It was bloody war with the German army and the Russia in that year. I was scared for myself giving my life to Hitler that he just thinks of his ambition to the Germany. I reminisce when I was a kid that all I want to is to become a teacher and a soldier just to changed the rules in Hitler’s era I was wrong how can I help the people if I’m here fighting another border just to please the Fuhrer. My commander General Friedrich Paulus was the one leading the army for Hitler’s presents. We were carried to the borders of Moscow and Leningrad. It was called the â€Å"Operation of Barbarossa†. In summer of 1942 the main target was the oil fields of the Caucasus to gain the full mobility if we can gain the oil resources. Then a report came in the Hitler’s changed his mind and he ordered us that part of the army will have to occupy to siege of Stalingrad. To divert the attack Hitler derelict the Caucasus Campaign that has a good chance of the army to win. In August 23, 1942 precisely 18:00 hours thousand of airplanes drop bombs on Stalingrad. In that city there were 600,000 people. Stalingrad was heavily hit by air attack; one raid of 600 planes started enormous fires and killed 40,000 civilians. We reached the Volga and Stalingrad and the soviet and the German fought for a long, we were bulging house to house battle for the city. Occupied Russian was fervent it was in the street and factory; building was still standing but destroyed. We won the territory my commander was over-whelming about the result using the fire power. We won that day and stay for the night some of the soldiers were hurt in the fight we have the medical but it will not last for long because the next day we were ordered to take down Stalingrad. To smash the enemy forces intense. Occupy the town and block the land communications between Ron and the Volga. It was a long urban shred strung out along the west bank of the Volga. Hitler was really determined to capture the major manufactured center and the communications system of the southern Russia. We were happy and drunken because as we know we settle the borders of Stalingrad. Some are jumping in the trucks, playing mouth organs and shouting like madmen.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I was drunk and yet I’m not that contented because I was thinking of my family in Hamburg. I was exhausted and seeing some of my associate was killed because of this. I was drunk not because of the war but forgetting the dreadful memories of the associates that was killed in this war. It was flashing back; they were crying for help some lost their fingers because of the fight or even their legs. I just lie down in the road and just close my eyes. The next day, war started all over. Russian attempts to annihilate the German armies between the Rivers of the Don and the Volga. The commander of the Soviet gives a note to the Soviet armies to not turn back in the German Army. It’s a battle of two borders and we were fighting for Hitler. We were shouting hail Adolf! We were killing lots of Soviet armies but they were estimated by 1 million men. November 19 the massive assault, under General Zhukov attacked in German flanks. Within 5 days they had executed a pincer group that 250,000 to 300,000 Germans and satellite troops. Hitler forbade Commander Paulus from attempting to split out to the German location was hopeless. The Russian Climate added to our worries because it is very chilly in the border. Some of my troops we slowly froze and we ran out of ammunition. I was terrified because I maybe the next to my troops grave. We were starved because of lack in food so my commander said that those who cannot battle will not provide food and starved them to death just to survive in the border. And for those who are still can fight will take the rations I was in the side of can fight and I can see the eyes of those who are wounded the pain and the hunger. They were crying and asking for food and medical attention but were in the battlefield and Hitler didn’t give any supplies to support the armies. The supplies were dropping an average of 70 tons of supplies throughout December. The needed minimum of the supplies we needed is 300 tons a day so we lack of supplies so some of the wounded troops are dying because my commander is letting them die due to lack of food. We were put on 1/3 rations and began to kill other troops that is useless and even the horses we kill and eat because of starvation. By December 7 my troops and I were living on one loaf of Bread for every five men. January 30 1943, Adolf Hitler promoted to Paulus to Field the Marshall and sent him a message reminding that no German Field Marshal had ever been captured. Hitler was clearly suggesting to my commander to commit suicide but he declined and the following day surrenders. The last of the German surrendered on the 2nd  of February. The Battle for Stanlingrad was over. Over 91,000 men were captured and a further 150,000 had died during the siege my friend Ryan was been in the numbers who died in Stanlingrad. He was in the plane when the Soviet Union crashes his plane and ended his life. My commander was taken custody by the Soviet at first he hesitate to cooperate but when he heard that his friends will be executed he participate to make an appearance in the Nazi broadcasts. He told to the government officials to disobey Adolf Hitler’s commands. When Hitler watches the broadcast he orders Paulus family to prison. The troops were prisoner force to march to Siberia. About 45,000 died during the march and the prisoners in the war camps and only about 7,000 survived the war. Actually nobody knows what really the rates of the people died in Stalingrad â€Å"Patriotic War†. The Soviet Government never did release accurate casualty figures from the war. Some post-Soviet Russians have stated that Chuikov spent over one million soldier’s lives to hold the city, but that claim is almost certainly exaggerated. It was claim that Stalingrad was the bloodiest â€Å"battle† in world history. The soldiers of 6th Army who had been promised food and shelter by the Russians were not so fortunate. The Russians kept about 20,000 of them to remain as forced labor in Stalingrad to work at rebuilding the city they destroyed. We were slave after the fall of the 6th  army in Stalingrad. I was so humiliated what my government done to us just to please Hitler’s ambitious ways. The rest were dispatched to numerous POW camps scattered from Siberia to Soviet Central Asia. Many died shortly after the surrender from a Typhus epidemic brought about by Lice and the unsanitary conditions experienced during the battle. Many more died of malnutrition, disease and neglect in the various prison camps run by the Soviets. Of the 90,000 who surrendered with Paulus, only 5,000 men survived to return home to Germany. Many of these men were held captive the longest by the Russians, as their release wasn’t finally secured by W. German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer until 1955. After my troops and I was release in prison i went to home in Hamburg, Germany to see my family. I had a wounded leg and it has to be cut so they have to cut my one leg. When i went home, all the structures of homes were destroyed. Bodies of men and women was all over the place and blood shed in each home. I when to see my home and so my home was destroyed i knee led and cry in front of the house. Asking god why do they have to be dead i suffered enough all i want is to be home with my family. Then after crying and crying, my little sister whispering down beneath. She said â€Å" a little help here!†. There was a door, it was the cellar i forget that we have a hiding place down beneath the house. I Budge the door and reach my little sister. I was crying and hugging her never realized the pain in my leg. And Rachel and my father was helping my mother to get out the cellar. They were dirty and with bloods. My little sister, Julianna whispered â€Å"Thank god your alive!† I was hugging my parents and my two sister. Rachel told me they hide when the Nazi army was inform by the other German   that i was a traitor so they come to my house to kill my family. They were inform about it and hide under ground. The Nazi bomb the house with a tanker and fortunately they were in side the cellar. The Nazi troops thought they were all dead. I survived in the war unfortunately; I was a handicap because the doctor has to cut my leg due to the severe damage of my leg because of the war. My life changes when I have 1 leg and it’s hard to think that I have to use wheel chair for the rest of my life. In my seven years in the army I realize so many things that sometimes life is unfair for the people who followed Adolf Hitler for the reason that the fuhrer who once a leader never stand back in his own people. He let the people suffered and then follows dead due to this ambition of taking the country and the order country just for his own self and his followers. I saw many things in my seven years in the army and it was horrifying and bloody. It seems that I didn’t take the opportunity to take stand what I believed. I just followed and silent all the years I was in the troops. To my troops were in great pain, they were crying even though they were men. They don’t want to die but they just followed what Hitler said to them. They take orders and they risk their lives to please what the fuhrer wants. It’s sad to think that they all died just because of a one person.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A person that it was considered as the most evil man in the world he wanted to have a perfect country but he created massive destruction and bloody war in each part of the world. He never thinks for his countrymen but just his self and his idea of a perfect country. I don’t have my family they died in the war I was left alone after the war. My Family and I migrate in the United States and live as a American citizen. We were just an ordinary people living in San Diego California. My father who takes care of my mother because of the traumatic experience. My father stop for a while teaching because no one can take care of my mother. He never talks about the Nazi nor Hitler. In my way of thinking my father doesn’t want to   talk about the event because we had lots of pain and it’s time for the healing process and forget about it. He may never tells us but we can feel what he mean even with out saying anything. My mother can’t speak due to the cut of her tongue by a Nazi soldier. They were prison in their house and the Nazi soldier thought that they cannot escape but my father told my mother and my two sister to go under the cellar. Fortunately before the tanker attack they were inside the cellar.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Nazi though they were dead and after that they just heard people screaming and begging for help. My sister Rachel so everything that the Nazi troops killing and shooting people in head. They were shot to dead and sometimes like a deer they just shot in a long range. They were shouting â€Å"Hail Hitler! Hail to the fuhrer!† and shoot their guns to people.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My sister was covering Julianna’s ears so she cannot hear was going on out side. They were crying inside the cellar. My mother was traumatize and never speak that day. My sister Rachel was strong and brave so she was taking it in her self.   I’m pursuing what I really like and teaching children. I have been a teacher for quiet sometimes. After the war, I pursue my studies and plan for my life and for my family. Following my father’s footstep of being a teacher. I was a history teacher teaching grades school students, and hopefully i will get a master’s degree in history teaching. I want to shared my experience to people that are   not aware to the story of world war 2. Giving them the idea how hard to struggle in that era and those who are heroes in that history. By sharing my life they will reflect how they were fortunate to live in a free world country. How it is difference in living Germany under Hitler’s   era. How Hitler managed to conquer Germany by using military strategy. And discriminating the   other races except the Pure German races. How he kills all the civilians and sacrificing it with out any regrets or pity to the countrymen. Today, it is a peaceful environment no more massive killings and inequality even we have different cultures and raises. When I was I boy all I want is give change the better of my country but I was wrong of defending Hitler and joining his army. I thought in my mind that this man could change my poverty in Germany but I have felt the terror and horrifying things that in my mind until I die I will carry the experiences.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The people are killed because they are not the same as mine. Even my best friend Randy was in that inequality because he was a Jew. I never saw Randy after that tragic day. How is he or is he alive? One of the civilians told me a story that Randy was killed in the holocaust because he was trying to save his family. My heart was shattered because my best friends were all dead and I’m still here in this earth facing the reality in life. In those seven years, I realized that in life we cannot predict what will happen to us. We will never know if tomorrow were still alive? The learning in this historical nightmare is to appreciate every individuals and life. We have to stand what we really believe if you know your right. In Hitler’s era, he ruled the people as military government and as for today there is a big difference in it. I have the freedom of choice and no one can tell me what is right or wrong believes.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My Randy died because of the wrong perspective in races and religion of the army troops His family was killed in the holocaust because they were Jewish. The holocaust   is were Adolf Hitler put the Jewish Family and kills them inside the train. Those who survived told me that Randy was shot in the head because he tried to save his parents. His parents was in gas chamber’s and by using a poison gas they   were killed for about fifteen minutes.   I cannot do anything because i will be killed if i also help them. I was to scared to stand up what i have believed when i was a children. As that event i can’t and scared for myself and for my family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The discrimination of the Jewish cause lots of people dead in a instant. Because of Hitler’s ambition to be all perfect the people also suffered and died. That Germany is for thee German people. Hitler brainwash the German telling that Jewish is poison in the country. He make believed that German’s are the highest and royalty in the country. This man was the evil man i ever known how he kills the people but not killing in his own hands. The blood shed was all over the country   and the massive   killing didn’t stop but a lot of events in this black era had died in a horrifying death.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   When we left Germany we never regrets that we are no more in that country. I was pleased that my family and i left the country and start in Unites States. My sister, Rachel is in San Diego California High school and Julianna is in grade school. And I’m working at the grade school down town. My life change because some of the horrifying when i was in the army was so humiliating for   me i was obeying the most evil man in the world way back in the world war two. He even concluded in the holocaust those who are homosexuals, Gypsies and even Communists that just want to express their rights. While in the united states the people gives ideas in their own ways. They can write their beliefs, shout out the road and protest all day want. In my times, they were killed by poison in the chamber or shot to death. But in the new country i was amazed that how people are expressive in their own rights. Having the right choice and choose what ever you want to say. Opportunity to speak wants in each in our minds and protecting the human life as well.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I reminiscing what happen then until today, and before i was a nightmare to my family and the people that lived in Germany in the World War II. I was more aware to the people around me. I respect the people even though they are not like German races. It doesn’t matter what religion or culture or decision we have but the important is respecting every person.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   In my family perspective like my father, he just wants to lived normal ordinary citizen and give my mother’s attention. Because my mother can’t speak no more. It so pity looking his wife like that while he is normal. My mother’s eyes just have tears every time my father help him to eat. My mother was paralyzed due to the explosion when they hide in the cellar. She cannot speak nor move her feet. My sister and i knew that my father’s affection will help my mother’s recovery and give a new start for my family and I.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I was teaching children but i am a handicap using a wheel chair sometimes i just can’t forgive Hitler and ask what he had done to me. I cannot walk like before all i want before is to   teach children and have an ordinary life. A life that was taken for me to the dark age of world war II. As for now, i just go with my own life and pursuit my goal. Teaching Children and have my degree in Education in history. I want to explore life and tell stories about the Dark Age of Hitler’s reign in Germany. I am setting my mind that even though I’m a handicap and has a dark memories i can still change young adults mind to appreciate their lives and know their rights as a human being. Teaching them that sometimes life is unpredictable and learned for the mistakes that we have than in the past. And Even like is so unfair we have to strive and fight for our lives.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My family and I were helping each other by everyday session what we feel and what happen   this past few days. We were bonding for giving affection to each other that telling each other that stand as a family a therapy for the souls to heal the wounded hearts. Give each other support in times of remembering the bad experiences that we had in the world war II. Protecting one another to cope in the tragic moment of the family. It’s sad to see my family especially my mother cry every time she hear a gun shot in the Television. She was traumatize and we want her to realized that the war is over. We just hug her every time she feels she was in the stage of the Dark Age of Hitler.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My little sister Julianna just hug mother ever time my mother cries. She will say â€Å" Don’t cry mama we here and were still alive. We will not stop loving you†. Then hug with tears my little sister. We know it’s hard to forget the horrific experience but were still trying to fight it how painful it is. We maybe faces the stage of recovering but the help of the new friends in the united states i think we can face and can heal the pain. Time could only tell when will my family and I can ever recover because the experiences are to scary to imagine.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   One night i was dreaming my troops who died in the war they were crying for help and begging to save them. It shifted when i saw my two best friends Randy and Ryan under the tree near in my old house in hamburg Germany they we lying in the grass the surrounding were all black but i can see the tree that we always hanging out when we were a kid. They were not moving they just lying in the tree with their eyes closed. The background sound was the bombs,   shot of a gun and the stomping of feet. I was just looking but not moving in my place. Then one Russian was holding a big sword   he cut my one leg and hold my cut leg and just laughing loudly. I screamed with the pain i saw. Then Randy scream that he cannot move his body and he cannot breath. He was begging me to help him but i can’t move my feet. I was in the ground sitting in with my blood. I was crying for help. Ryan was asking for help. He said â€Å"help us!Pls Help us!†. And i heard a plane coming to Ryan’s place and saw how the plane release a bomb through air and pointed in Ryan and Randy’s place and i shouted â€Å"No!†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My sister Rachel woke me up and saying that I’m just dreaming. I was crying in her shoulder that i told what i dreamed. She said that i cannot forgive myself in what happen to my friends and troops. I was devastated that night that whole night i talk to my sister Rachel about what i feel. I was crying so hard that asking why did my friends died? I cannot except how a tragic event will haunt me every day in my life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I just when to church with my family praying for a piece of mind. We pray for the people that died in that dark age of Hitler. My little sister Julianna lit up a candle for the children that have died in the world war and the rest of the family pray for the peace of the soul who died while protecting their family.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After going to church, we went to the park for a picnic with the rest of the people who survived and left Germany. There was the a lot of family migrated after the down fall of Hitler. We were the survivors of the wars, In battlefield and in the holocaust. They were sharing their lives how they suffer   and how they did survived in Hitler’s era. We were eating while we were talking about the great stories.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Their was a lady sharing her story and showing in her risk the number. The number of her risk show that she was a victim of the holocaust. How she was separated with his father and hiding in her mother’s skirt. Children were taking away from their parents and killing them by poison gas. Because the friends of Hitler said that we kill the old adults but the younger ones must the first to be killed because they can be a hindrance someday in Hitler’s plans. The Lady said she was escaped by the help of her mother she run for her life but never see her mother and her 3 siblings anymore.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A striking in my flesh how this lady lost her family and can talk about the death of her family. She maybe realized to be strong and be dependent to herself because she was left alone not like me, i lost my friends and troops but i have still have my family alive and even i don’t have my other leg i still have my family to be there whenever i needed comfort.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Those people that was victims of the Dark era was sharing their experiences while we were eating together in the park. My family was happy that they were alive and sharing the moments. I was thinking that my family has an extension a large family for those who were victims of the Hitler’s era. A large community for people who were victims and sharing their live to each other to healed each others heart.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I talk to my father and have a great idea. I told my father what if we build an organization for us to help people that is victims of discrimination and inequality. Those who was survived in the war and for the present those who were discriminated by other people. At first my father hesitated because we don’t have enough money to organize a organization.   I told my father that the people will help and the citizen in the community will help also if we have a proper exposure.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   And he agree to it and I open the meeting to the people who was in the picnic. Telling them we can stand for it and help one another. I saw how they shared with out a doubt to one another and by it an organization can be build by starting for the victims of the Hitler’s era. I saw my mother tears falls down with her cheeks that in my heart i knew that it is the start of a new beginning for the family and the victims. That my mother will regain her strength and faith to live in a new stage of her life. I told them that we can start a new life and by the stories we will tell them in schools how we lived in that era and to protect people in abuse and human rights. They were applauding me after i explained what i have planned for the future.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After that day, people we going to my house and sharing their lives how they treated when they were in world war II. And my father and my mother was the one listening to each stories. My father gives them advices and moral support. My mother is the one who touches them to realized that they were sympathize in their behalf. My two sister were giving for them and sometimes listen also stories about the victims.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   We were sharing the lives in my school when i have a history classes that is related to the topic. Giving the children to see that they were fortunate to live with out dictatorship.   Sharing the lives of the victims changes the lives of my student. They were sympathizing the victims and giving their reaction and i can see in my students eyes that they can see clearly how the world war effect many lives in Germany. Their tears was falling when they heard that even children are killed just because of their culture and their religion.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   After a month, a blessing came into the victims lives. They were given a place for every memorabilia and pictures of their family to remind the people that in world war many lives was taken and shattered but some people that survived because a hero to give idea that a right to live and freedom to say what you want it to say.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   My family and I was over whelm to see my student give a special   place to the victims and collect memorabilia to the victims and re-arranged it to the walls. Pictures of people who died in the war and most of them are also written names that every student put some personal prayer. When the grand opening of the New Hope Organization people in the neighborhood was attended the event. There was open eyes to them and give some donations for the victims of the war.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Some give attention to talk to them every day to heal the survivor in this dark age. And some give their time attention and love to the victims of the war. I was over whelm what they did. My family was helping to the new organization and hopefully we can gathered all the victims of the war not in a certain neighborhood but each country that was victims of Hitler’s era.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   That night we went to bed and i had dream again. Ryan and Randy was wearing white clothes and smiling at me under the tree that was my friends and I hang out when we were little. They were waving at me and telling me thank you for the help. I said to them don’t thank me i am just an ordinary person that just want to ask forgiveness to them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Randy said don’t ask forgiveness because you didn’t kill us but life is unpredictable we have to face and be courageous that we are dead. We have to have to sacrifice something to achieved a certain goal. They were telling me that i help the souls of the forgotten to see the light and to remember them as innocent who died in Hitler’s era. After that my two best friends wave and disappeared.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I woke up and i saw the four corners of my room. I was happy that even   randy and the victims of the war appreciate how the the living victims were cope in the new environment and appreciating that they were heroes in every stories. They maybe death but in the history of Hitler’s in human stand a new way of thinking that, we can stand in our own.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   We have human rights and have the right to choose to be alive in this world. No one can ever take this and by together all the victims and those who are voluntary helping to heal the people can change a new world.   Changing the way of those who are not open in the historical dark era. And make a stand to people that Life is a right to live.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Adolf Hitler may killed many lives in Germany but again i stand for the victims who live and even they have dark experiences they will stand because of the people surrounds them. A lot was changed and my family gathers the pieces of a happy family i might don’t have my other leg or my mother cannot talk for the rest of her life i know and she knows that a big changes when we left Germany and pick the pieces of each others life.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The organization will always be in the side of the victims and the death of the innocents. I will be the one who will uplift this vision and became a reality. By the help of people who are willing and open minded in the event.   My father supported me to my goals and my vision. I Finish my degree and teaches college students in San Diego California. My two sister is studying in where i teach in high school. My mother can’t talk but as i can see she cope in her trauma and helping in the victims by listening in their stories.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   BIBLIOGRAPHY J and Einsiedel, H., Cassell Military Stalingrad: Memories and Reassessments, Wieder,London, 2nd Edition, 2002.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     WalshS., Simon & Schuster Stalingrad 1942 – 1943, London, 2000.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Pimlott, J.Viking (Penguin), the Viking Atlas of World War II London, 1995   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Keegan, J. (Ed) Atlas of the Second World War   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Times Books / Guild Publishing, London, 1989   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Jukes G., MacDonald & Co Stalingrad: The Turning Point   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   London, 1968   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Good enough, S., Macdonald & Co War Maps   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   London, 1982   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Laurence Rees & Samuel West   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Nazis (chaos and consent)   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   BBC World Wide, 2004

Albert Einstine’s theory of relativity

If my theory of relativity is proven correct, Germany will claim me as a German and France will declare that I am a citizen of the world. Should my theory prove untrue, France will say that I am a German and Germany will declare that I am a Jew. – Albert Einstein – Address at the Sorbonne, Paris, possibly early December in 1929, in New York Times 16th February 1930. In the aforementioned quote pronounced by Albert Einstein it is visible that there is an existing correlation between his words and the current world. It also logically signifies some of the social issues which prevailed in the society during Einstein's days, such as the status he held in the world due to his genius intellect. His quote being discussed was said to have been spoken in the time of the Holocaust (World War II). Albert Einstein of all the physicists' to emerge from nineteenth and twentieth centuries, is one of the very few names known by almost everyone in the world. The German born theoretical physicist is also the originator of the great theory of relativity and many more which will be mentioned later on. Albert Einstein a Jew, born on 14th March 1879 in Ulm, Germany1 was one of the greatest minds in world history. He is known as a brilliant physicist who contributed more to the scientific world than any other person. His theories on relativity paved the way to how science currently views time, space, energy and gravity. Einstein was so advanced in his thinking that his studies and work set the standards for the control of scientific energy and space explorations currently being studied in the astrophysics. Einstein's many contributions to physics include his special theory of relativity, which reconciled mechanics with electromagnetism, and his general theory of relativity which extended the principle of relativity to non uniform motion, creating a new theory of gravitation1. His other contributions include relativistic cosmology, capillary action, classical problems of statistical mechanics and their application to quantum theory, an explanation of Brownian movement of molecules and many more. Works by Einstein include more than fifty scientific papers and also non scientific books. As a result of his service in theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect in 1921 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics. Moreover in 1999 he was named Time magazine's â€Å"person of the century†. The above mentioned quote conveys the idea of how the society views people with stunning success. He clearly highlights the words, â€Å"If my theory of relativity is proven correct, Germany will claim me as a German and France will declare that I am a citizen of the world† (Albert Einstein, 1929). This illustrates how he is accepted throughout the world for his genius intellect; especially with regard to the theory of relativity. In addition these words also demonstrate how people understood the value of his theory. Einstein is known to have worked at many universities including, University of Zurich, Charles University of Prague, University of Berlin, Princeton University (New Jersey)1. It is said that even the geniuses accepted him as on of the greatest minds to ever set foot on this earth. By the time of World War II he was so well known in America that he would be stopped on the side on the street by strangers wanting him to explain â€Å"that theory†. He finally figured out a way to handle the incessant inquiries, by telling them, â€Å"Pardon me, so sorry, I am always mistaken for Professor Einstein.†2 This clearly points out how people in the society valued and accepted Einstein. Among the current issues in the world, social issues can be stated as one that causes the most damage to human life style. These issues can be classified under many sub categories; such as racial, political, religious, tribal, mythical issues, and also not forgetting colour bar. All these issues have one common reason which is, the virtual groups that humans have formed within their mind. As a result there were various consequences such as wars, exploitation, alienation, humiliation. The historical foundation for the quote in question is the mass execution of Jews during World War II. His quote unmistakably points out that if his theory proves untrue, how France will say that he is a German and Germany will declare that he is Jew. This also indicates how he would be discriminated against and he would not be accepted in the society that he was born in if he was an ordinary person as appose to a world renowned scholar. During this time people were physically and psychologically affected by the war. In an era like such Einstein spoke the word above mentioned twice, once in France and the other in the United States, which shows how bad the situation was at that time. Even today great researches, theorists, inventors exist. Some instances they are from developing or third world countries. They might be even from a particular minority from, a so called virtual group, where they suppressed, due to the status they are born in to or given to by the modern society. From the quote under consideration we could see how well such people are recognised by the world; and this quote sounds more or less a message to such people existing in the world to come up and present their ideas to the world so that the human kind would benefit from their ideas. Although this is the surface message there is also a deeper implication which is really important; and in the quote it is signified in a sarcastic tone. That is in reality people have themselves divided into groups and of which they should get rid off right now in order for the world to grow and prosper. In conclusion, even though Albert Einstein is not physically alive in the world today his inventions, theories and his words would live on forever. At a time of such turmoil in the world he discovered a way to enhance and bring more creativity to the world. As he sarcastically mentioned in this quote people need to diminish the sense of status in society and start accepting people by what they can offer to better the world. Unfortunately such actions take a lot of will power and unity in the world, factors that are currently not present in the world, thus, his quote holds importance today as much as it did in the past.

James Irwin and the history of Colorado Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

James Irwin and the history of Colorado - Essay Example Irwin together with other crew members made three different excursions that helped them in writing the history of astronauts. They surveyed the impressive landing site on the moon surface known as Hadley Rille (Irwin 2004). The landing at Hadley Rille was a historical event in the world of astronauts and scientists. He was also highly recognized for his many achievements as an astronaut. Apart from impacting the science world he also influenced the Christianity world. He was involved with Christianity and created a path that awed many people. After his Apollo 15 mission, Irwin came back with renewed religious beliefs, and he admitted that the assignment had changed his spiritual beliefs. â€Å"To Church groups around the State, Mr. Irwin often talked of the moon mission as an epiphany†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wilford n.d). He admitted that the mission allowed him to feel the power of God. He established the High Flight Foundation, which was aimed at changing people’s perspective of sci ence. In his mission, he emphasized on assisting the Colorado community in realizing that science supported creation defying the claims that it supported evolution. He was also a staunch believer in the great mission of Jesus. He believed that Jesus walking on earth was more significant than a man walking on the moon. He also helped people believe in God the creator and embrace the creation. In his mission of spreading Christianity, he admitted that God was the creator of the laws of science that made it possible for people to travel to space.