Islam Spread Essays - Monotheistic Religions, Conversion To Islam

Islam Spread Islam is known as one of the fastest-expanding religions in history. Only contained in Arabia in 632, its conquests led to its expansion to Persia and Egypt by 656, and to Africa, Spain, and other parts of Persia by 750. Many methods were used in order to spread to such an extensive empire. Muslims were very reasonable people. They were tolerant, and offered many alternatives to the other religions of conquered lands. Mohammed once stated that another religion can either believe in Islam, or pay to keep his own religion. He would give the religions protection in exchange for obedience. Mohammed, however, threatens the lives of children or elders related to those who did not obey (Document1). This was one of his most powerful methods of obtaining new lands. Another method used by Mohammed was that he offered many reasons to other religions as to why they should convert to Islam. First and foremost, he offered them direction and guidance to heaven, which, alongside Muslims, was an eagerly anticipated place by Christians and Jews (Document 2). The writer of History of Arabs (Document 3) describes the Muslim people as those who consider each other equals under Allah, and who worship him to the fullest. They would rather be in heaven with him than a child under him on earth. The expansion of Islam was also obviously obtained by means of conquering lands around Arabia. The impression of surrounding lands on the Muslim army is that they were strong, determined, relentless fighters who conquered any land they pleased. They had countless weapons and a drive that could cut through thick steel (Document 4). Despite these characteristics, however, they would only fight upon attack, in self defense (Document 6). The expansion of Islam was viewed by many as the most reasonable expansion of any religion. It was believed that the Christians were below the Muslims in that they fought whenever possible, and persecuted all other religions. Despite the belief of spiritual drive for conquest, some believe the expansion of Islam was due to the deep desire for a more modern life (Document 7); they were driven to settle in the fertile crescent in order to obtain these modern luxuries, rather than make spiritual achievements more primitive areas. There were many ways by which the Muslims conquered surrounding lands. Alternatives, benefits, and warfare were simply three such means of achieving such power and conquest.

Free Essays on Couple In Racoon Coats

Van Der Zee uses line in Couple in Raccoon Coats to create a portrait of African American dignity and prosperity. Thesis statement that names the author and the work and incorporates all the questions asked: line and how it’s used to create meaning. Horizontal and vertical lines predominate.Immediate narrowing of focus: tells the basic format of the lines in the work The central car provides the strongest horizontal statement. The implied lines of the car’s roof and running board echo the strong horizontal line of the chassis. The line of the man’s hat brim mimics that of the convertible top above it, as the line of the hem of the woman’s coat parallels that of the running board. This horizontal line repeats itself in the stairs, doors, and windows of the building behind the car. Several clear, focused observations about the horizontal lines, the first of the two types of line direction. Yet equally strong straight vertical lines balance this horizontality ; the lines of the building’s windows, doors, and banisters lead the eye up and down, as well as sideways. A transition sentence that moves smoothly from the last subject of discussion (horizontal lines) to the new subject of vertical lines. The car’s convertible top and windshield also project verticality, as does the edge of the open door. However, perhaps the strongest vertical lines can be located in the central figures, where the woman’s regal, upright posture is reflected in the confident lines of the seated man’s back. The heavy stripes of the raccoon coats also emphasize vertical line. Clear, focused observations about the vertical lines. Also, toward the end of the discussion, attention is drawn to the human figures, setting the stage for the narrowed focus of the next paragraph. Van Der Zee employs forceful lines to make the two figures the focal area; their placement in the intersection of the tranquil horizontal lines of the car and the dynamic vertical ... Free Essays on Couple In Racoon Coats Free Essays on Couple In Racoon Coats Van Der Zee uses line in Couple in Raccoon Coats to create a portrait of African American dignity and prosperity. Thesis statement that names the author and the work and incorporates all the questions asked: line and how it’s used to create meaning. Horizontal and vertical lines predominate.Immediate narrowing of focus: tells the basic format of the lines in the work The central car provides the strongest horizontal statement. The implied lines of the car’s roof and running board echo the strong horizontal line of the chassis. The line of the man’s hat brim mimics that of the convertible top above it, as the line of the hem of the woman’s coat parallels that of the running board. This horizontal line repeats itself in the stairs, doors, and windows of the building behind the car. Several clear, focused observations about the horizontal lines, the first of the two types of line direction. Yet equally strong straight vertical lines balance this horizontality ; the lines of the building’s windows, doors, and banisters lead the eye up and down, as well as sideways. A transition sentence that moves smoothly from the last subject of discussion (horizontal lines) to the new subject of vertical lines. The car’s convertible top and windshield also project verticality, as does the edge of the open door. However, perhaps the strongest vertical lines can be located in the central figures, where the woman’s regal, upright posture is reflected in the confident lines of the seated man’s back. The heavy stripes of the raccoon coats also emphasize vertical line. Clear, focused observations about the vertical lines. Also, toward the end of the discussion, attention is drawn to the human figures, setting the stage for the narrowed focus of the next paragraph. Van Der Zee employs forceful lines to make the two figures the focal area; their placement in the intersection of the tranquil horizontal lines of the car and the dynamic vertical ...

Conflicts of interest between media Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Conflicts of interest between media - Assignment Example Brownsville, Texas PBS affiliate KMBH, which is owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Brownsville, refused to air the frontline documentary Hand of God because the documentary contained a subject, which was inflammatory to the church: catholic priest molestation scandals. There is interlocking directorates between media companies and other corporation. Some of the directors of ABC and Disney media companies also direct other companies. In addition, the same directors found in CBS and Viacom Media Corporation directs other companies such as, Amazon.com, Bank One, American Express, MBIA, and Genuity. To emphasise on this point it can be seen that there is interlocking directorate between CNN and Time Warner and the following companies: Community Health System, Colgate-Palmolive, American Express, Chevron, and Dell Computers. If the media directors also direct other companies, it can lead to diverted interest. Disney Company is famous concerning providing family entertainment, numerous films, cartoons and animation movies. However the company’s stations are linked with sexist, racist, gender and class bias evidenced in their programs which is linked to the media ownership, who are interested with making enormous profits. The Wall Street Journal failed to publicize some of the issues of its parent firm thus inability to effectively report. Media companies hold many other holdings, as an example General Electric owns television holdings, GE power system and others. DISNEY Company, which contributed a significant amount of cash to Bush campaign, has the following television holdings, ABC, ABC Network News, and Disney Channel among others. Politics also influence media houses, forcing them to create ties with politicians for mutual benefits. For example, Disney Company supported Bush in 2000 election. This was meant to create friendly tie, which come with

Police Corruption Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Police Corruption - Research Paper Example This has been witnessed in the police force of United Kingdom as a small number of officers have been found to commit these unethical behaviors. The police officers in the United Kingdom have been under severe criticism for scandals which took place in 1820s and 1960s. It has been found at many instances that the police force in United Kingdom has been involved in bribery, tampering of evidence, and beating up of subjects. For such a behavior to be avoided policies such as Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 have been enacted in the United Kingdom. The problem with the police department is not limited to the developed country of United Kingdom but it also spreads to the United States. It has been found that unethical behavior also persists in the police force of United States and to counter it many steps have been taken by the government of United States also. The Internal Affairs Bureau has been formed to fight the cause of police corruption in the New York Police department and s uch internal units are also formed in other parts of the world so that the police corruption is eliminated. In this essay it would be seen as to how police is being involved in corrupt activities and what measures are being taken to ensure that this corruption is decreased or eliminated from the society. The forms in which corruption persists in the police department is also discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. ... It has been witnessed from the history that the police force in UK was involved in acts of malice and corruption. It was found at many instances that the police in UK assisted in some crimes by concealing the evidence and accepting bribes in order to save suspects. It has been found that police corruption in UK still persists as it has been found that many of the modern day policing authorities is involved in the tampering of evidence along with the violation of police conduct. Police Corruption in United States The problem of police corruption is also found in the developed nations of United States and Australia. Malpractice and misconduct was also found in the activities of the police authorities operating in the jurisdiction of United States. Corruption in United States was unraveled by the help of Knapp Commission who reported that the NYPD was involved greatly in activities of corruption. It was found that at the end of the nineteenth century the police in US was committing corr uption in different departments and were accepting bribes from brothels and gambling dens so that these businesses could operate freely in the region. It was in 1970s that more of these activities were uncovered and it was found out that a group of police officers working in US were also involved in the activities of trafficking cocaine and drugs (Kleinig 1996; Mollen 1994). Types of Police Corruption In order to analyze the prevalence of police corruption all over the world one has to classify as to what really is a corrupt practice and what is not. It has been found that the police force is committing many types of corrupt activities which cannot be justified

BMW Human Resources Policy

BMW Human Resources Policy Organisations, Analysis and Policy REPORT To: Senior Management From: Group Accountant Date: 2nd May 2005 Subject: BMW Organisational Analysis andHuman Resources Policies This report will provide a detailed analysis of BMWscurrent corporate appraisal analysis. This will help to identify the companyscurrent strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This will help thecompanies decision makers understand where the organisation is now. The reportwill also critically evaluate BMWs human resources policy as a key area of theorganisation. We will highlight how BMW has strategically responded to thedrivers for change in terms of its structure, conduct and performance. Finally,offer recommendations for the future development and improvements in humanresource management, and how those will impact on its organisational structure,conduct and performance. Company Background The BMW Group is the only manufacturer of automobiles andmotorcycles worldwide that concentrates entirely on premium standards andoutstanding quality for all its brands and across all relevant segments. With the brands BMW, MINI andRolls-Royce Motor Cars, the BMW Group has been focussing on selected premiumsegments in the international automobile market since the year 2000. In thesucceeding years, the launch of the BMW 1 Series meant an expansion of themodel range in the premium segment of the lower middle class and the BMW 6Series did likewise in the segment of the large CoupÃÆ'Â ©s and Convertibles. TheMINI marque was launched and production began in the Oxford plant in 2001. In2003, the BMW Group assumed marque responsibility for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.At the same time, the Worldwide Head Office and Manufacturing Plant inGoodwood, GB, was built. ( AnInternal and corporate analysis in terms of strength, weaknesses, opportunitiesand threats (SWOT) will assist in gaining an understanding of where BMW iscurrently in terms of strengths and where improvement is required within thebusiness and what outside environmental threats it may face as well as what newopportunities are available to the company in the short and medium term. Figure 1:BMW SWOT Analysis STRENGTHS Diverse ranges of Products BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce Strong Cash Flow Position Increase turnover and trading profits Strong Balance Sheet Worlds leading Premium Quality Automobile Manufacturer Brand Awareness Human resources Capabilities to turn resources into advantages OPPORTUNITIES New Products Market shift to globalisation Innovation Alliances Customers demand change to more comfortable and relevantly cheap cars Diversification New Technologies in Automobiles WEAKNESSES Perception of High Prices Customer disinterest Environmental issues: Pollutions Buyer sophistication and knowledge Substitute products or technologies THREATS New existing competition Volatility in Price of Fuel New legislations Consequences of the oil crisis September 11th Economic recession Market shift to globalisation Takeover bids Far-East Automobile companies expansion Extremely high competition for customers and resources The Five Forces Model Figure2: Five Forces Model ACCA Paper 3.5 (2001) Threats from Potential entrants Suppliers Bargaining power Competitive Rivalry Buyers Bargaining power Threats from Substitutes Porterexplains that there are five forces inherent in a market, which will jointlydetermine the intensity of competition and profitability of BMW and theautomobile industry. The first is the threat posed by new entrants, the highcapital expenditure and confidence of customers represent significant barriersto entry and the market is also sensitive to reputation. However, the emergentof low cost manufactures do pose a significant threat (as illustrated by figure2). There is an opportunity in the low price/ low economy (fast) sector. MaybeHyundai or Daewoo could consider introducing a low cost sport saloon. The second is the threats from substitutes, as thereare many make and model of other premium branded cars, hence, Jaguar, MercedesBenz, Audi etc. The third force is the threats from the bargaining power ofbuyers, is this strong for both BMW and the entire automobile industry with alarge number of alternative suppliers, hence, the aggressive pricing strategy.This results in a very str ong competitive rivalry in the industry. This isintensified as a result of little or no differentiation in the basic productoffered. Finally the threats from the suppliers bargaining power, this isfairly low in the automobile industry, due to dual sourcing strategies, using arange of alternative sources of supply for parts. The five forces analysis gives an improved understandingof the degree of competition within the business environment. The analysisshows that the automotive industry is highly competitive, with buyerspossessing and exerting a very powerful influence to the large number ofsubstitute brands available to them. BMW Human Resources Policy In response to a changing business environment BMW isbeing more business and service focus. In the past decade the organisation hasbecome much more proactive, dealing with new concepts to become more serviceand customer focus oriented. The structure of the organisation has beenredefined to deal with the new ways of operating. Organisational structuredefines important relationship within the business for achieving businessobjectives. At the same time it helps to define the new business culture withinBMW. Culture exists with the minds and hearts of BMWs employees andcontributes to business strategies of the organisation. Therefore, BMWs humanresources policies are critical in the organisations structure, conduct andperformance. Competitive pressures on BMW and national economies haveincreased markedly in recent decades. Therefore, organisations are constantlychanging, as powerful entities have arisen at the international level, theEuropean Union being a good example and multinational corporations increasinglydominate particular sectors such as cars. New competitions are emerging andforcing older companies to adopt or reform to survive. Different structuresaffect the way in which human resources are managed. BMW like all otherbusinesses require the same basic human resources activities like recruitment,development and training, appraisal and reward systems, and control andfeedback mechanisms. Organisational structures are influenced by culture.Employees have strong feelings towards the organisations they work for. Germanfirms have inherently a flat, less rigid structures. The McKinsey 7 S modelis often used to identify all the areas that make up an organisation.Structure, Style, Staff are three such areas. BMW has an equal opportunities none sexual discriminatingculture within its organisation. BMW actively supports young female executivesand gives females insight into the field of technology. BMW also offersextensive training for all level of staffs; BMW Groups Trainee PromotionProgramme (TPP) provides the perfect combination of theoretical studies andpractical work. BMW Group trainees receive many benefits in addition to theirpay, other social payments such as holiday and Christmas bonuses, meal andtravelling expenses subsidies, health programme and PC training. BMW claims that it does not see its staff as a cost factorbut as an essential performance factor. Also the employees are referred to asassociates rather that works. BMW in its human resources policy states thatany policy that is not oriented towards its associates will lead to negativecost effects in the long-run. As a future-oriented company, we seek to pursue anexemplary, creative and associate-oriented human resources policy, makingsignificant contributions to business success through our human resourcesactivities. The human resources policy of the BMW Group is an integral featureof our overall corporate policy in both strategic and operative decisions. (Corporate appraisal (or SWOT analysis) consists of the internal appraisal ofthe organisations strength and weaknesses and an external appraisal of theopportunities and threats open to organisations in competition within industry.

Social Protest in Uncle Toms Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe :: Uncle Toms Cabin Essays

Uncle Tom's Cabin as Social Protest      Ã‚   Even today, with literature constantly crossing more lines and becoming more shocking, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin remains one of the most scandalous, controversial, and powerful literary works ever spilled onto a set of blank pages. Not only does this novel examine the attitudes of white nineteenth-century society toward slavery, but it introduces us to the hearts, minds and souls of several remarkable and unprecedented characters.    In a time when it was quite common for a black woman to see almost all of her children die, Harriet Beecher Stowe created Eliza; a strong and powerful woman fleeing slavery and risking everything to protect her son.    In Chapter Seven, we see through Eliza's eyes, just how painful and heart wrenching her personal sacrifices are to her.    "It is impossible to conceive of a human creature more wholly desolate and forlorn than Eliza, when she turned her footsteps from Uncle Tom's cabin. Her husband's suffering and dangers, and the danger of her child, all blended in her mind, with a confused and stunning sense of the risk she was running, in leaving the only home she had ever known, and cutting loose from the protection of a friend whom she loved and revered. "    Statements like this were not simply crafted to enhance character development; they were created in an attempt to make whites see slaves as mothers, fathers, Christians, and most of all...people. The character of Tom is described as "a man of humanity"   certainly not a description commonly linked to black people at that time.    Tom was truly the first black hero in American fiction. However, Stowe based many of her assessments on her own reality. And while it is obvious that she very much advocated the abolition of slavery, she did not completely rise above her own racism. After all, this work was written during a time in which racial equality was incomprehensible to most whites. Therefore Stowe's ingrained prejudices were bound to seep out occasionally, despite her positive convictions.    There is a section in Chapter 30 which reads as follows:    "Ah, ha! that's right. Go it, boys, -- go it!" said Mr. Skeggs, the keeper. "My people are always so merry! Sambo, I see!" he said, speaking approvingly to a burly negro who was performing tricks of low buffoonery, which occasioned the shouts which Tom had heard. Social Protest in Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe :: Uncle Tom's Cabin Essays Uncle Tom's Cabin as Social Protest      Ã‚   Even today, with literature constantly crossing more lines and becoming more shocking, Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin remains one of the most scandalous, controversial, and powerful literary works ever spilled onto a set of blank pages. Not only does this novel examine the attitudes of white nineteenth-century society toward slavery, but it introduces us to the hearts, minds and souls of several remarkable and unprecedented characters.    In a time when it was quite common for a black woman to see almost all of her children die, Harriet Beecher Stowe created Eliza; a strong and powerful woman fleeing slavery and risking everything to protect her son.    In Chapter Seven, we see through Eliza's eyes, just how painful and heart wrenching her personal sacrifices are to her.    "It is impossible to conceive of a human creature more wholly desolate and forlorn than Eliza, when she turned her footsteps from Uncle Tom's cabin. Her husband's suffering and dangers, and the danger of her child, all blended in her mind, with a confused and stunning sense of the risk she was running, in leaving the only home she had ever known, and cutting loose from the protection of a friend whom she loved and revered. "    Statements like this were not simply crafted to enhance character development; they were created in an attempt to make whites see slaves as mothers, fathers, Christians, and most of all...people. The character of Tom is described as "a man of humanity"   certainly not a description commonly linked to black people at that time.    Tom was truly the first black hero in American fiction. However, Stowe based many of her assessments on her own reality. And while it is obvious that she very much advocated the abolition of slavery, she did not completely rise above her own racism. After all, this work was written during a time in which racial equality was incomprehensible to most whites. Therefore Stowe's ingrained prejudices were bound to seep out occasionally, despite her positive convictions.    There is a section in Chapter 30 which reads as follows:    "Ah, ha! that's right. Go it, boys, -- go it!" said Mr. Skeggs, the keeper. "My people are always so merry! Sambo, I see!" he said, speaking approvingly to a burly negro who was performing tricks of low buffoonery, which occasioned the shouts which Tom had heard.

Macbeth †The Supernatural Essay

The term supernatural in the dictionary is described as ‘a phenomena that cannot be explained by the laws of nature of physics’. The term supernatural today can be connected with a lot of subjects; ghosts, poltergeist, mediums, physics and many more. In my own definitions supernatural means something that cannot be explained. The term supernatural in the 21st century has become more popular with the media about ghosts, psychics and making contact with the dead. Generally people are categorised today as believers and non-believers, the supernatural is an issue, which divides people. However in the time where James I was king almost everyone believed in the supernatural and this is why the issue of the supernatural was of an importance to contempory audiences. The majority of people that believed in the supernatural in Jacobean times were also frightened of it. People believed ion a metaphysical world, which is a spiritual world. The reason they were frightened was they believed evil, as well as good, was all around. An evil spirit could affect your body or your mind/spirit as they were different things and a person would have no control over himself or herself if an evil spirit took over. An example, of what they believed when spirits took over, is how healthy they were. If they were well they believed good spirits ruled over and if they were ill the evil spirits ruled. Witchcraft was also considered evil and in 1605 a law was passed which meant if you had anything to do with witchcraft you were killed. Shakespeare wrote the play Macbeth with the subject of the supernatural to be at the centre point of everything that happened. Its importance is high and it affects the audience, the characters and the plot in different ways. The first scene of the play opens with the ‘weird sisters’. The witches open the scene to introduce the audience to the play and show the main theme is evil and the supernatural, this gives the audience a good idea of what to expect. The scene itself, for the audience, is also set it is on the moor and the audience would have recognised and associated this setting with bleakness and a place where dark spirits are. This scene also sets up the plot with the supernatural being present. Dramatic effects are used from the start of this scene which interest the audience, the witches use incantations to suggest control and power: â€Å"When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightening, or in rain?† The witches have control over the weather, the rhyme also sounds like spells, which supports the supernatural effect on the scene. The conversation between he witches is also started mid scene which adds to the dramatic effect of the scene: â€Å"Hover through the fog and filthy air† Is another quote which suggests the witches have the ability to fly but they are not clearly seen, this is hint that the witches my not seem to be all they are through the play. â€Å"That will be ere the set of the sun† The third witch also predicts the battle will be over before the sun sets, another point which shows they have the power to accurately predict events. Language in the first scene gives both history and themes of the play: â€Å"When the hurly-burly’s done When the battle’s lost and won.† The word hurly-burly is to suggest the Scotland civil war and suggests the battle of good and evil is lost and won. This is interesting for the audience as it adds to the historical content and keeps the audience interested in the play. The battle may also be seen from another point of view however, the battle for Macbeth’s soul. â€Å"Fair is foul, and foul is fair† This quote also suggests when the battle is finished it is good for 1 but bad for 1. It also suggest things are not always what they seen to be which gives the theme of ambiguity of reality and humanity for the play. Rhyming couplets are also used; this gives the sound of an incantation. In this scene the witches are planning to meet Macbeth: â€Å"There to meet with Macbeth.† As mentioned before they talk about the battle between good and evil and they seem to be predicting what will happen, however, you could think the witches are purposely putting the evil events in motion. This is a factor, which has to be taken into consideration when interpreting their characters. Their characters are also a symbolism of fate. In Act 1 Scene 3 the Witches meet Macbeth for the first time, they are important in this scene to do three things. The witches entertain the audience using their powers: â€Å"I’ll give thee a wind,† This, along with Act 1 Scene 1, again suggests the witches can control the weather. The witches also talk of a sailor’s wife who refused to give her chestnuts and she will get revenge on the woman by victimizing her husband and delaying his arrival home: â€Å"Here I have a pilot’s thumb, Wreck’d as homeward he did come.†