Business opportunities in the leisure goods and activities industry Essay - 1

Business opportunities in the leisure goods and activities industry - Essay Example Even in the leisure industry, there are two types of recreation: firstly, when an individual participates in a physical activity such as playing football, cricket, hockey, tennis, squash, playing some music through piano, flute etc., doing some sort of gardening or acting. The other type of recreation is where the individual is not physically involved. Rather, it is the mental activity such as watching television, playing games on computer, listening to music, attending concerts, or going to a restaurant. The first type of recreation is very rewarding and motivating. On the other hand, the latter makes people feel good and relaxed. Huge amounts of income are being spent on activities such as eating, drinking, and watching movies in cinema. FACTORS AFFECTING LEISURE INDUSTRY Leisure goods and activities industry is no doubt expanding but, these sectors are greatly influences by the recessionary pressures. The most common factor that affects this sector is the disposable income. Althou gh, everyone pays attention to this sector but the expenditure is highest in those regions where consumers have plenty of time and money. For example, the UK boating industry acts as an area of strength for the UK manufacturing sector. The leisure boating sector is becoming around ?2 billion turnover industry. The industry which makes the greatest turnover and also generates job opportunities is the strength of a country. The growth of this industry has also increased the tourism activity in UK. Tourism activity is interrelated with other businesses, government and also the local residents. Tourism industry attracts a lot of labor and generates high income. Therefore, spending in the tourism industry benefits the economy on the whole. It also buys goods and services from others businesses and pays out salaries to the employees. This further buying of goods and services is known as the secondary sales and creates a secondary economic effect. It creates additional income and job oppor tunities in those sectors which provide to the tourism industry. The tourism industry would generate business for the beverage industry, the snack industry, construction industry and the government also. In UK, the imports of sporting goods, musical instruments and toys were ?6.6 billion in 2005 where as the exports were ?803 million. TRENDS IN LEISURE INDUSTRY Sports goods form a large proportion of the leisure goods industry. Sports are a major part of the entertainment culture. It is not linked to one industry, rather, a range of different industries are involved. Throughout the world, sports form a major part of the sales and purchases of a country. Taking an example of New Zealand, the gross output of sports sector increased by 2.5% per annum from 1996 to 1999, and it became the largest contributor of the sports clothing manufacturer. Real value added was up by 0.4% p.a. of the physical leisure industry. Nominal household expenditure increased by 16.6% p.a. over the period of 1 996-1999 in the coaching services and clubs sector (Goodchild et al. 2000). There is an increasing trend of leisure and entertainment as the technology has improved. Even though the leisure goods industry has been increasing but in 2011, the toys industry of the U.S. market has declined. The major manufacturers of the toys are the Chinese industry where inflation has hit very strongly. This inflation has

Role of Popular Music in Transforming Conflict

Role of Popular Music in Transforming Conflict Abstract Can popular music play a role in conflict transformation and peacebuilding? This kind of question has started to generate a great deal of debate for peacebuilding scholars and pracitioners.   Most of the recent works have focused on the role of art as a whole without looking at particular form of art or particular genre within one form of art like music and assessing its contributions to creating a peaceful society. This paper is an attempt to show only the role popular music can play. It based on a research undertaken in Gulu town in northern Uganda. Findings show that music is playing a supporting role which is either little known or less recognized. In this paper, I argue that popular music is playing a significant role. I discuss how popular music is contributing and fostering conditions of conflict transformation and peacebuilding while relying on document analysis, examinations of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“peace musicà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? lyrics, field interviews and focus group discussion with the government officials, formerly LRA soldiers, musicians and the civilian population. A. Background to Northern Uganda conflict Northern Uganda has been in conflict for over two decades. This conflict is between the government of Uganda (GoU) and the Lordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Resistance Army (LRA).The conflict is à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“rooted in a popular rebellion against the President Yoweri Musevenià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s government.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[2] but when she was defeated in 1987, Joseph Kony took over the mantle of leadership. He transformed the HSM into the LRA and with support of the Government of Sudan in Khartoum; the LRA have been able to cause destruction on the civilian population in northern Uganda. The causes of the conflict are rooted in historical and immediate factors. These includes: The British colonial legacy which divided the north and south. Failure of the President Museveni to honor peace accord he signed in Nairobi in 1985 and finally the NRA violence inflicted on the Acholi when Museveni took over[3]. Since 1993, there have been numerous peace talksà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ efforts to end the conflict but all failed to bring a lasting peace because à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the governmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s lack of firm political will behind a negotiation strategy and the LRAà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s turn to Sudan for arms re-supplies.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[7] The most recent attempt to end the conflict has been the Juba Peace Talks in 2006. This peace talks was held in Juba, the capital of South Sudan and it was mediated by Dr. Riek Machar, Sudanese vice president assisted by UN Special Envoy Joachim Chissano. In this peace talks, all four items of the agenda were signed[8]. But the final peace agreement has not been signed. The notorious leader of the LRA refused to sign the final peace agreement thus throwing the peace process in doubt. This led to a military offensive on LRA by the three countries: Uganda, Sudan and DRC and means the collapse of the peace talks. Peace building initiatives? Currently in northern Uganda, there is relative peace because the LRA have been weakened by the combined military offensive of the three nations. Many civilian populations in the 53 camps in northern Uganda are returning to their villages to rebuild their lives. Both the government and nongovernmental organizations are putting infrastructures: schools, roads and health centers to assist the former victims of conflicts resettle. But there are mixed feeling among the population whether they will have a lasting peace or not since not final peace agreement has been signed by the conflict parties. One of the key issues in northern Uganda during this transition is how to ensure victimsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ justice but à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Most prioritize peace over justice and show signs of reluctance countenance question of accountability.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[10] Since 2005, GoU through the Amnesty Commission have been working to resettle many LRA the ex-combatants and supported communityà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s approaches to local methods for forgiveness, peacebuilding and reconciliation. B. Background to role of Music in Acoli society In Acoli society, music occupies a central place. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Music is the lifeblood of the society.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[15] à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Musicians and dancers were highly valued and admired for their skill and their ability to entertain.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[20]. Music in Acoli was mainly by an individual or a group singing and playing musical instrument like à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“lokeme (thumb piano), ajar, a metal percussion instrument, and sometimes the smaller drums (bul).à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[22] Rise of Popular Peace Music in Northern Uganda As the war in northern Uganda escalated, this was a proof that the conflicting parties had failed to resolve their grievances. There was total breakdown in communication between the parties. This resulted into lack of confidence and understanding of each party.[24]. This music is produced in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“modernà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? studios across northern Uganda. Voices are produced on computer aided beats. There is wide use of modern musical instruments in the music. The lyrics are directed to the government, LRA and occasionally to the civilian population in northern Uganda, other parts of Uganda and the diasporas and international community. As many as 70-100 peace songs are produced annually[29]. C. Literature Review In the last decade, there have been some attempts to show that music can be used in peacebuilding.[32] The shortage of literature on the impact of music for conflict transformation and peacebuilding remains is a serious concern because stakeholders are constrained from making an informed decision on music can function as a tool of conflict transformation and peacebuilding. Perhaps the most groundbreaking work on music and peacebuilding to date is: Music and Conflict Transformation: Harmonies and Dissonances in Geopolitics.[35] Additionally, June Boyce illustrates à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“several models useful when considering the link between music and peaceà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and finally Johan Galtung reveals how music can be used for peace. He investigates à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the uplifting and uniting power music.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Ledarachà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Moral Imagination: the Art and Soul of Peacebuilding[36], empathizes use of creativity in peacebuilding. He used a number of examples to support his arguments about art and peacebuilding. Finally, Lisa Schirchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Ritual and Symbols in Peacebuilding also supports the view of creativity in peacebuilding.[39] There are some articles which show the prospect of using music in peacebuilding. Michael Shank and Lisa Schirch,[42] Their analysis justifies the role of art while at the same time it is useful for informing peacebuilders on what kind of art to employ and at what stage of conflict. Lesley Pruitt explores how music can contribute to positive peace[44] She adds that music and dance can lead to development of new identity by both the artists and audience and it is this new identity can help in process of dialogue. Therefore, artists through their music can act as à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“mediatorsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? because they create new identities and ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s this new identity that can foster dialogue between the conflicting parties. Additionally, Alba Sanfeliu[45] discusses the role of music in peacebuilding. She remarks à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Music is an eloquent language that allows us to express what is happening around us in many senses, and to reflect the times and the situation in which we live. It is inseparable from our social, political, economic and cultural reality.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? She adds that music is also a form of communication. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Lyrics strengthen the message that the author wants to express, emphasizing the sense of the song.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Mores specially she touches on role of popular music and states that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“many singers and groups have composed songs with themes related to peace, personally becoming involved by giving concerts in solidarity with various social causes and making their music into a kind of spokesman and instrument for peace.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? She concludes by arguing for further exploration of music as a tool for conflict transformation. Finally, In conclusion, the reviewed works provide interesting insights into the role of art in general on conflict transformation and peacebuilding but there are not sufficient enough in explaining how specific genre like music and in particular, popular music contributes to conflict transformation and peacebuilding. To begin with, most of the studies done on role of music were based on document reviews and this makes it very difficult to reflect the true situation on the ground. Additionally, the reviewed works widely focus on art or music as a whole. None focuses on popular music. Finally, these studies were based on realities in different parts of the world some of which are significantly different from those in northern Uganda. This study attempts to show the impact of popular music on the conflicting parties in northern Uganda and how this has helped in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in northern Uganda. D. Purpose and Methods of the Study Research was carried out in Gulu Municipality and 2 internally displaced persons (IDP) camps of Amuru and Odek[49]. In all the three locations[51]. Interview guides were open-ended and gave respondents opportunity to speak out his/her mind. This was preferred in order to get more information about knowledge, attitudes and opinions of people about the role popular music in peacebuilding. There were 5 focus group discussions with 30 people (23 were former LRA soldiers and five female) to understand peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perspective about the role popular music can or has played in peacebuilding[52]. The discussions were freely moderated by the researcher and every participant freely expressed their views during the discussions. Finally, all accessible relevant literatures on the topic were reviewed. These data were got from various libraries including Gulu University, Human Rights Focus, Gulu Public Library and Hesburgh library. E. Impact of Music in Northern Uganda Music and conflict has have long been connected but the role music can play in conflict transformation and peacebuilding have not long been studied although there are new and emerging work in the field[53]. Therefore, to assert that music can transform conflict and promote peacebuilding may be an exaggeration but also failure to recognize the role that music can play in conflict transformation and peacebuilding would again be an understatement facts. From results of focus group discussions and interviews with government officials in Northern Uganda, one can argue that music is playing a supporting role to the conflict transformation and peacebuilding in northern Uganda. Popular music is contributing by: Reaching the government leaders with messages to engage in the peace process, recognizing the government efforts while demanding for a speedy end to peace process, portraying the government failures through comparison of the Acoli society before and after the war thus making the government leaders to work for amendments and finally popular music has become a tool of communication that is now a constant reminder for government about its obligations for peace. a. Government In northern Uganda, popular music is being used to reach both government leaders to engage in peaceful resolution of the conflict. This has been carefully done through name dropping[58]. The impact of name dropping is found to create pressure on some leaders to use their positions to engage in peace process with the LRA because musicians represent the voice of the people. This makes the leaders reach out to the president asking for peaceful engagements with the LRA. According to one government leader: Northern Uganda is a small region. Each time musicians call my name in their songs, I feel I compelled to work for peace. The songs communicate to me personally. It appeals to me in a special way. It portrays me as a leader who can do something for my people. This creates the motivations for me to work for peace. To me, a voice of one musician is a voice of the people suffering in the internally displaced peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s camps[59] Therefore, name dropping has been an effective way of pushing some of the leaders to work for their people. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“It is a push factor for the leaders. It asks nothing from them but to use their position for the sake of the suffering people.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[60] Name dropping has an appropriate appeal for different leaders at a personal level to seek an end to conflict. This appeal is compounded by the fact that the songs are in the language the leaders understand, the leaders are widely known in the region and the songs brings out rich, truthful and powerful issues that goes on in the life of their own people. This motivates some leaders to engage in peacebuilding. Additionally, in a politically hostile region to the current NRM government[68]. This is summed up in one statement by former internally displaced man: When politicians in our community are openly praised by musicians in their songs, this sets the bar so high for politicians and their party because the songs are played on the FM stations across the northern Uganda. This is not only praises and recognition for their work, politicians know that as voters we use the same songs to judge them and hence some are working very hard for peace.[69] Given an environment like northern Uganda, which has been unfriendly to the current government because of the long running conflict, people have genuine grievances again their government[72] It recognizes and praises politicians and the government, while at the same time it sets a target for them to achieve thus leading to engagement of some political leaders in the peace process. Furthermore, the religious leaders have also not been spared by the popular artists. They have also been singled out for commitment to peace in northern Uganda and asked to do more in their capacity. Musicians like Bosmic Otim, one of the first popular artists to emerge in northern Uganda in early 2000 with very high popularity went on in his song, Too Paco, to appreciate one religious leader for his extra-ordinary courage and commitment on working for peace. He points out the impact of the war on the Acoli society. He suggests to the government to adopt the non-violent strategy of the religious leaders. He calls for a non-violence strategy because failure of the military strategy which has inflicted great pain on the civilian population. He goes on in his lyrics to say à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Letà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s see example from Nelson Mandela who fought for peace non violent, let us see example from Bishop Mark Baker Ochola, who is emphasizing talk peace because war increases the death tollà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Such a creative way of sending peace messages by the popular artists have been effective. Popular music have been able to communicate peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s desire for peace to the religious leaders. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Popular music has become additional call to protect their flocks from wolves.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[76]. Furthermore, popular musicians have used their songs as a comparative tool for northern Uganda especially Acoli society. This comparison is based on looking back at Acoli society before the war and comparing it with the society during war. This evokes images of past governments as more successful than the current regime[79]. Some popular songs are explicit imagery of government failure.[82]   This careful manipulation of music to compare Acoli societies is disastrous for the image of the government and NRM political leadership. It has compelled some government leaders to do more to save its image by protecting its citizens while at the same time creating a task that peace is the ultimate goal the government has to achieve in order to avoid comparisons with the past regimes. Dida Moses, in his song Too Oroma-wa, ask a rhetorical question and goes to show the suffering, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Our people, spiritual leaders what do we do? War that started since has not ended, Strong homes have collapsed, Seeing people run for their lives is painfulà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Cutting peopleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s legs, killing is so painful, Children are suffering, children sleep hungry, Children sleep with blankets, children do go to school, Today I pray to God, the rate of death is too muchà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? In some of these songs, the government commitment to northern Uganda is questioned indirectly. The reference to pre-Acoli society invokes images of better days of freedom, schooling, ability to meet basic needs and above all a peaceful society under previous government.[84]. This creates a drive for leaders to engage more in peace talks in order to deliver peace, the ultimate wish of the people. Finally, popular music is being used to communicate and remind government of its obligation for peace in a region where people seem to have given up after two decades of war and accepted the status quo. Musicians have not given up. They have continued to remind the government and create awareness about the war in northern Uganda, nationally and internationally.   Popular music is a constant à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“burdenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and reminder to Acoli government leaders.[86] These peace concerts bring popular artists from all over the country in northern Uganda to sing for peace and fundraise for the IDP communities. In April 2004 feted Ugandan musician Jose Chameleone teamed up with Richard Kaweesa, another renowned Ugandan musician, in a peace restoration project called [87] In these musical concerts nothing else is sung about but peace.[90] Therefore, popular music has become medium of reminding the government on what people wants while at the same time creating awareness and building a coalition for peace in the northern Uganda which generates public pressure on the government to seek an alternative to the conflict As a result of this constant reminder and call to the government and LRA for peace, the governments of Uganda and South Sudan have come to recognize the role of music in conflict transformation and peacebuilding thus exhibiting the power of popular music in northern Uganda. In 2005, Loketo Lee, was recognized for his outstanding contributions to the peace process. His contribution was first felt outside his own country-Uganda to Southern Sudan and Sudanese vice president, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Salvar Kiirà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦handed Loketo Lee a Peace Award for his contribution, through his music, to the countrys peace process.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[93]. This points to the role music can in a musically responsive society like northern Uganda. b. Lordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Resistance Army In northern Uganda, popular music is being used for informing and educating the LRA on amnesty[95] These musical messages have had some impact on LRA through the radio. According to one participant, a former LRA foot soldier: Mega FM has been useful for amnesty messages. The religious leaders and also some songs were very influential in letting us know what amnesty was all about. When our leaders realized we were listening to amnesty messages whether talk shows or music, they stopped us and whoever was found was punished severely. From the perspective of some formerly abducted children interviewed, popular music on the FM stations particularly Mega FM proved to have been effective in disseminating amnesty information. Consequently, some LRA fighters were able to return home. This statement by the former LRA solders is corroborated by Boniface Ojok, in his remarks about the impact of radio communication to the LRA. On realizing that they were reducing in numbers, the LRA leadership discouraged its middle ranking commanders and foot soldiers from listening to radios. Many of the former LRA rebels we talked to said that when the LRA realized that radios were becoming so effective in luring the midlevel commanders and foot soldiers, a warning was issued that radios should be used only by the top leadership[96] Popular music therefore is being used to communicate important messages for the LRA. These messages are effective in informing and educating the LRA. To some former child soldiers, popular artist had become their role models. Some agreed to being persuaded by popular musicians. Their songs about amnesty and asking them to abandon the rebellion was informative and as well as appealing to them to come out of the bush[97]. Additionally, popular musical is helping in confidence building among the LRA.[100]   These cases have been used as propaganda by the LRA leadership to deter foot soldiers from returning but popular artists have razed this propaganda. Strong message for brotherhood, reconciliation, forgiveness and welcome have been sung by the musician including making a personal call to the LRA top leadership about their safety on return. Artists like Baby Dalvin, believes that amnesty from the government without further assurance from civilian population was not enough for the LRA to return.   The LRA fighters were aware of the pardon through the amnesty but they did not know how the civilian populations in the camps would be reacting to them. Government assurance from prosecutions was not enough. Artists had to step in and assure the LRA fighters about their safety from the civilian populations. Popular music was able to fill the void left by the government. Popular music sent assurances about safety and that people are willing to reconcile with them. These have been able to restore some level of confidence in the LRA. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Some artists have even called the LRA fighters as brothers and for Acoli people when someone has called you a brother that is best assurance of acceptance without revenge.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[102] Similarly, when the leaders of the LRA were indicted by International Criminal Court, its impact was expected on the peace process.[105] Such opposition of the external forces to the peace process has been cited to create confidence on the LRA because they feel the masses and the government are willing to save them ICC prosecutions. Thus the artists have been able to add their voice to already a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“hostileà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? region to ICC creating a feeling of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“safetyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? among some LRA from the government and people in northern Uganda. Furthermore, the role popular music is playing today is a replica of the role songs played in Acoli traditional community. Traditionally, songs were used to entertain and teach. Leaders with unruly behaviors were mocked.[107] This role of music still lives on in the popular music today. Popular artists have not downplayed the atrocities the LRA have committed in the two decades. Lyrics reflect LRA atrocities and challenge the LRA. Popular music have exposed the atrocities and blamed the LRA. Artists have reacted to what they see as contrary to societal values. In northern Uganda, both the government and the LRA have been seeking to dehumanize and blame each for the atrocities but many popular artists have blamed LRA and asked them to end atrocities. Towngweno, in their song, Bedo I camp, hits the LRA à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“everyone is talking with name, what popularity are you seeking? Orphans, widows are becoming many because of you!   Why do you want to finish Acoli?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Such songs not only expose but also strike guilt for atrocities among the LRA[112] à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I am alone now! What can I say? I am now alone in our home! What can I say? I now have no mother, No sister, No brother, No father, No uncle, War has finished all the sons and daughters of Acolià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? According to another respondent, a former rebel, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“popular music have summed up what has happened and if you have carried such atrocities you feel compelled to lay down your gun and come and ask for apologies.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[114] Finally, popular artists have used their music to frame the conflict in a way that affects the LRA positively forcing them to reconsider peace.[116] The framing has changed perceptions and made information relevant and persuasive to the LRA. The framing is based on the notion of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“defeatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“interestà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of the LRA in the war. To many people interviewed, the conflict should have been ended if the government had pursued peaceful means[120] in his songs, Dok Paco, he plays with the notion of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“defeat.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? He calls the LRA to negotiate with the government. He says à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“negotiating does not mean you are defeatedà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? to dispel the myth defeat.   Additionally, Bosmic Otim frames the conflicts on à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“interestà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? of the LRA. While the LRA claims to be fighting for marginalization of people in northern Uganda, they are at the same time committing gruesome violence on the people. Bosmic, in his song Peace Returns, he says à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“If a government soldier dies tomorrow, you will find an Acoli, if a LRA soldier diesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦you will find an Acoli.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? His framing reinforces the view that one tribe is finishing itself meaning there is no point in continuing the fight. These framings help in changing perceptions. It can be very persuasive. According to former rebels, they cited two impacts. First, they have been persuaded by this framing which made some rebels à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ready to move to another life?à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?[121] Secondly, they have been able to see the reality of the conflict and its impact. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“We were able to see the other side of the coin.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? This frame has made some large-scale changes in society. Concluding Observations Music has some problems too. There are in fights among some popular musicians and this has sometimes affected their position in society as peacebuilder. There have been incidences of popular artist fighting and how can they talk for peace if they are involved in violence. This is simply because of public rating people give to the peace songs. This has resulted into creating camps among the popular artist leading t to in fights. Additional, commercial interest of some musicians and recording artists has overshadowed peace music. Many times they are diverted from real issues and forced to sing what the government wants or because their promoters have already got money. This causes diversion and hence reduction in the peace messages in northern Uganda Furthermore, some upcoming popular artist stated that there is alot of politics of the FM stations which only play music from recognized artists leaving them to suffer and languishing with their peace songs. Some artist suggested that music managers at the FM stations ask them lump sum money to include their songs on their playlist. This limits the peace songs to only a few and popular artist leaving out some upcoming musicians. This sometimes kills the potential of young artist who could be having genuine interest in promoting peacebuilding in the region. Finally, artists also expressed fear at the government. Some artist believe they cannot confront the government because they fear for the lives and fear that FM stations will not play their songs and this limits them from being neutral and hence affecting their reputation and neutrality in the songs. In spite of these limitations, there are also a number of arguments why popular music is still effective in conflict transformation and peacebuilding in the case of northern Uganda. To begin with, in considering that music can contribute to peacebuilding, one has to look at the cultural context. In northern Uganda has been sued since time in memorial..Therefore, this provides a best opportunity to use music further for peacebuilding. Secondly, within music, there are more than songs. There is communication, rhythm and movement which when combined becomes a very powerful gesture for peace. In listening to music and watching videos, one can see that these are very effective in reinforcing There is very good creativity and understanding of the local context by musicians. The use of name dropping was suggested by one politician as the most effective way Finally, the popular music is very relevant to local issues in northern Uganda. Music and power especially electoral democracy In this article, only a limited number of songs, most of which come from the musical genre à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Bongo Flavaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ have been described. There are undoubtedly songs about AIDS from other types of music, including gospel music that may be influential. Nevertheless, the songs described here do provide insight into the promise held by utilizing musicians as popular opinion leaders and song as a medium not only to convey important health information, but also as a mechanism for triggering social and behavior changeà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦.SHERI BASTIEN [122] 4 [(]* Is a MA candidate at the University of Notre Dame. He earned a B.A. in Humanities from Makerere University. He also holds a Post-graduate diploma in Conflict Management and Peace Studies and a Post-graduate diploma in Education from Gulu University. He has served as an Information Officer for a relief organization and a health communication group. Recently, he worked for the Norwegian Refugee Council as communication and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager. He has conducted many researches on the role of the media in conflict transformation in northern Uganda. [1] Moses Cyprus Okello and Lucy Hovil, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Confronting the Reality of Gender Based Violence in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? The International Journal of Transitional Justice 1(3) 2007: 375-390. [2] See Behrend, Heike, Alice Lakwena and the Holy Spirits: War in Northern Uganda, 1985-97 (James Currey, Oxford 1999) [3] See Allen, Tim, 1991, Understanding Alice: Ugandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Holy Spirit Movement in Context. Africa, vol. 61, no. 3, pp. 370-399. Branch, Adam, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Neither Peace, nor Justice: Political Violence and the Peasantry in Northern Ugandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (2005) 8(2) African Study Q 1, [4] Lomo, Zachary and Hovil, Lucy, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Behind the Violence: Causes, Consequences and the Search for Solutions to the War in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Refugee Law Project Working Paper No. 11 (February 2004), p43 http://www.unhcr.org/refworld/docid/4a3f8d3c1e.html [accessed 21 January 2010] [6] Moses Cyprus Okello and Lucy Hovil, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Confronting the Reality of Gender Based Violence in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? The International Journal of Transitional Justice 1(3) 2007: 375-390. [7] See Justice and Reconciliation Project, Cooling of the Hearts: Community Truth Telling in Acholi-land,   2007, 6 http://www.csopnu.net/?jc=juba [accessed 21 January 2010] [9] Moses Cyprus Okello and Lucy Hovil, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Confronting the Reality of Gender Based Violence in Northern Uganda,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? The International Journal of Transitional Justice 1(3) 2007: 375-390. [10] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [11] Interviews with a 67 year old in Odek, 27 December 2009 [12] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [13] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [14] Schumann, Anne à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Beat that Beat Apartheid: The Role of Music in the Resistance against Apartheid in South Africa,à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Stichproben. Wiener Zeitschrift fÃÆ' ¼r kritische Afrikastudien Nr. 14/2008, 8. Jg., 17à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?39 p:2 [15] Kaiser, Tania 2006. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"Songs, Discos and Dancing in Kiryandongo, Ugandaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies, Vol. 32, no. 2, March 2006, pp. 183à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"202, pp184 [16] Ibid 188 [17] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [18] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [19] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [20] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [21] Kaiser, Tania, pp 7 [22] Kaiser, Tania, pp 7 [23] Interviews with a leader, Odek, 27 December 2009 [24] Interviews with a musician, Gulu Town, 3rd January 2010 [25] Interviews with a studio owner in Gulu Town, 23rd December 2009 [26] There are 5 radio stations in Gulu [27] There are 10 recordi

Athens and Sparta :: essays research papers fc

During the period of Greek history from the last years of the Persian Wars till the beginning of the First Peloponnesian War, the primacy of Sparta declined whileAthens was gaining increased influence in Greece. The Athenian, Thucydides (460-400 BC), one among few contemporary historians, left behind the most creditable records about this period. Although he did not give enough documentation for many events he described, his Histories remained the main resource of the facts from that time. In consideration of the fact that he was an Athenian and a participant of the Athenian army, future historians could not entirely count upon his writing. In the 480-479 BC there was great anxiety about the strength and magnitude of the Persian threat. Although the Greeks had managed to force Persians retreat from the Greek mainland, the danger of reconquest by the Persians was still present. In the battle of Plataea (479 BC), the Greeks, under the Spartan regent and general Pausanians, obliterated the Persian army. The Greeks also won a naval victory at Mycale. Although the war drugged on for many years, these two victories marked the end of the Persian threat to Europe and the beginning of the period of Greek greatness. The idea of panhellenism - the awareness of Greek unity- appeared as a reaction to the fear of the Persian invasion. This is how Persia helped the Greece to recognise their identity, which gave significance to the year 479 BC to be marked as the beginning of the Classical Greek period. At the other side, the year 479 BC does not represent a vital turning-point in politics. Sparta’s control over her allies was still unbroken. After the Greeks’ triumph on Plataea, when the fear of the Persian invasion decreased, the idea of the united Greeks started diminishing. Phthonos (envy) was what characterised the relationship between Sparta and Athens, and between many other city-states after the Persian Wars. Their rivalry was constant. The most important direct result of the wars was the establishment of Athens as dominant Greek naval power. This gave Athens the opportunity to create, in the years to come, an extensive empire over the newly won territories which had no parallel in earlier Greek history. A new political order emerged among the Greek states centred on the two great powers of Athens and Sparta that was to have a profound effect on later Greek history.

Reflection of life Essay

America was put into a state of national depression in a matter of 24 hours. On October 29, 1929 millions of dollars was lost by the American economy in a time known as, the Wall Street Crash (this led to the Depression). Banks became bankrupt themselves and over 1/3 of the American population became redundant. The story ‘Of Mice and Men’ is set during the American Depression in the American countryside where both Lenny and George whom are ranch hands are going to their next job on Curly’s father’s farm. In the book, the economic depression is largely explored and has a great influence on the structure of the book. Both George and Lenny represented real – life ranch hands they had, ‘no family’ and ‘don’t belong no place. ’ Most men during the economic depression had little to go by in terms of money and work. Most ranchmen wasted their money, ’stake’ and had little going for them as only people who were educationally equipped and also financially sustained could live well. Ranchmen could only, ‘work up a stake and they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re pundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead to. ’ This became a reality in real – life as fewer jobs were permanent and the little pay that the ranchmen got was so small that the only way to spend it was on drink and brothels. The American Dream was depended on greatly by most of the population of America as at this time it acted like the thread of hope that could well have gotten many people out of the economically deprived state they seemed to be in. Both Lenny and George dreamed of owning a farm and living off, ‘the fatta the lan’. ’ This meant living for themselves and growing their own crops to live a self – sustainable independent life together. ‘I remember about the rabbits, George,’ this is a very significant line, it portrays the great hope that one can still have and that a dream can be achieved. The dream for Lenny and George was very humble. Lenny wanted to, ‘tend the rabbits’ and George hoped for a place to settle down. Lenny always remembers their dream as there was a chance it could have happened. During the depression many Americans became recluse to themselves, times were hard and what little could be gained was meant for an individual and their own loved ones, this isolation is represented when, ‘Candy spoke they both jumped as though they had been caught doing something reprehensible. ’ This shows that Lenny and George’s dream was meant for themselves not anybody else; they hoped to hide this from others so they can get their dream without others interfering and potentially messing it up. However Candy’s interference was worthwhile as it started to form their dream, ‘they fell into a silence. They looked at one another, amazed. This thing they had never really believed in was coming true. ’ This sheer excitement is a reflection of what small opportunities during this time made to an American’s life. Racism is greatly reflected in ‘Of Mice and Men,’ during the depression, racism was more evident in American society, especially against the black population who were racial segregated. Crooks the stable buck is a prime example of this as he has one of the lowest social statuses and is always referred to as, ‘nigger. ’ He is isolated from the rest of the ranch hands, â€Å"you don’t let me in your house to play cards, so why should I let you into my house? † This sentence reveals that this action bothers him so he does not want to interact with the people that are so socially unaware of the wrong they are doing. The ranch hands seem to be oblivious to the fact Crooks is a real person and even when Crooks was allowed to join in with the Christmas festivities, he was still caught up in some degradation as he became centred around a fight with one of the ranch hands. ‘Yes sir. Jesus, we had fun. They let the nigger come in that night. Little skinner name of Smitty took after the nigger. ’ Lastly, the lives of women are explored greatly. Women at this point were merely for show. There were no significant female leaders in America at this point and women like Curley’s wife were treated mainly as objects not real people. The life of Curly’s wife was very isolated. She was thought to cause trouble; this is because she was attractive and married to a man who wanted to pick a fight with anyone. A fight like that would easily arouse if a ranch hand handled Curley’s wife, â€Å"She’s gonna make a mess. They’s gonna be a bad mess about her. She’s a jail bait all set on the trigger. That Curley got his work cut out for him. Ranch with a bunch of guys on it ain’t no place for a girl, specially like her. † Curley’s wife is treated like trouble and because she is the only female on the ranch she is isolated. She has no female friends, men will fancy her, her husband has anger management issued and she has no morale guide. Women may have been treated more as trophy wives than they did before, â€Å"well – she got the eye,† this quote is said by Candy as a compliment. Overall Curly’s wife reflects closely to the prejudice that women could have faced but it was unlikely all women at the time would have been treated this badly, up to the point that she had been killed. In conclusion ‘Of Mice and Men’ is generally a thorough reflection of the period of time the book was written in. Both Black people and women were isolated in situations against white men who were largely dominant on a social front in the American economic depression.

Mental mindset paper Essay

Assume you work in Human Resources as a part of the management team for AAA Transportation in Waukegan, WI, which has recently been acquired. AAA Transportation is an interstate trucking company that specializes in transporting wholesale produce in refrigerated trailers throughout the Midwest. The new owners want to make some sweeping changes in the services offered. One of the things that they would like to do is add delivery of nonperishable products, such as canned foods, to their delivery routes, allowing AAA to expand the area they cover and to provide expanded service to their existing customers. They think that, because many of the routes do not require a full load on the trucks, there is room to add the nonperishable goods and provide delivery at a lower rate than the customers are now paying. Two of your coworkers, Vernon and Bud, are resistant to the changes proposed by the new owners. Vernon supervises the company’s drivers and Bud works in the corporate offices. Vernon does not think that it is a good idea to expand out of their core business, while Bud thinks that AAA is not strong enough to compete with existing companies that service the nonperishable foods market (several of whom AAA has had a long history of mutually respecting each others customers and routes); they risk alienating long-term customers; and transporting nonperishable goods in refrigerated trailers is inefficient. Both employees have been with the company for more than 20 years and have much influence among the rest of the employees. Management does not want to terminate such long-term and  influential employees but need for Vernon and Bud to join the effort to make the company successful  Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper in which you define and discuss mental model/mindsets and their impact on you and your two  coworkers. Identify the four steps to changing mental models/mind sets and how you could use them to bring Vernon and Bud onto the team.  Identify the five forces that influence those mental model/mindsets of your coworkers and discuss how those forces might affect your coworkers’ mindsets. Include examples of what mental models/mindsets are possibly affecting Vernon and Bud’s decision-making processes and affecting their relationship with the company. Analyze your most commonly used mental models/mindsets that  guide your decision making in the workplace. How do these models influence your decision making?  Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines and how  Identify the four steps to changing mental models/mind sets and how you could use them to bring Vernon and Bud onto the team The first step is to recognize the power and limits of the models. The second step is to test the relevance of the mental models against changing environment and to generate new models. The third step is to overcome inhibitors such as lack of information, lack of trust, desire to hold on to old patterns, and the expectations of the others. The final step is to implement the model, assess the model and continuously strengthen the model (Crook, Wind, Gunther, 2005, p. xxiv). Identify the five forces that influence those mental model/mindsets of your coworkers and discuss how those forces might affect your coworkers’ mindsets The Porter Five Forces model helps to simplify the business decision-making process by breaking down business situations into five key areas, which include Supplier Power, Buyer Power, Competitive Rivalry, Threat of Substitution and Threat of New Entry (Mind Tools, 2011). By using this model to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a business and its competitors, aspects of risk, planning and decisions for a course of action can be clarified. However, an incorrect perception in any of the five areas could create a mindset that limits decision-making process (Malone-Kline, 2008). For example, a known weakness in the areas of Buyer Power, Supplier Power or Threat of Substitution could create the mindset of vulnerability to a Threat of New Entry without recognizing that an extremely high cost of entry (hence high risk) places any new entry in a more vulnerable position (Mind Tools, 2011). A large number of suppliers can result in a mindset of relative strength in the area of supplier power, a mental model that could prove disastrous if a sudden shortage occurred (such as was the case when Japanese  silicon chip manufacturers closed down after the recent earthquakes, causing a worldwide shortage of certain high quality chips). The inverse could also be true as was the case for Buyer Power in the U.S. housing market when the low buyer power mindset for many was not in line with the sudden drop in housing prices. For many computer manufacturers, a Threat of Substitution position of power mindset resulted in their demise because they did not recognize the fact that the market was oversaturated. A mindset or mental model of weakness in the area of Competitive Rivalry has resulted in many new inventions not being introduced to market when in fact the invention technology was superior to rivals. Apple is a great example of a company that has recently been successful through a change in mindset in a market where their Competitive Rivalry position and mindset was not favorable only thirteen years ago (Business Insider, 2010). Include examples of what mental models/mindsets are possibly affecting Vernon and Bud’s decision-making processes and affecting their relationship with the company Analyze your most commonly used mental models/mindsets that  guide your decision making in the workplace. How do these models influence your decision making How might mental models and mindsets limit the decision making process. Education, training, influence from others, rewards or incentives and personal experience all help to create our mental model and mindset of the world around us. These factors can shape our expectations such that we make decisions based upon our mental model rather than based upon the information presented to us. For example, if we have a high level of faith in the truth of the information learned through the education process and information to the contrary is presented as a decision factor, because the information is contrary to the mental model created through our education, the new but contrary information is set aside as invalid and decisions are made based upon the mental model. Another example would be making the decision to enter a market where competition is high and so it the power of substitution. If your mental model shaped by personal experience leads you to believe that substitution is less of a factor than it really is, you may opt to take the  risk and enter that market, ignoring the substitution factor entirely, resulting in a failed venture.