Issues Concerning Islam Essay

Muslims have been accused of mutilating women. This practice, however, is denied by the followers of Islam. According to them, â€Å"Female Genital Mutilation† (FGM), which is actually a surgical procedure performed on girls before they reach the age of puberty for the purpose of terminating or reducing their sexual feelings, is not an Islamic practice. They explain that FGM is a tradition of â€Å"Animists, Christians, and [some] Muslims in those countries where FGM is common. † Women are given equal rights under Islam. In fact, the Qur’an decreed that when it comes to public life, men and women should have equal rights and participation. During the time of Muhammad, women were allowed to participate actively in their baya which is the equivalent of today’s practice of political endorsements. Evidence of this Muslim women’s status is the voting rights granted to women in the predominantly Muslim countries like Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman. The women in Kuwait followed suit by earning their right to vote and get elected sometime in 2005. In fact, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, Kuwait’s Prime Minister, divulged a plan to appoint a woman minister in Kuwait soon (Robinson, 2007). Muslims as terrorists and pro-violence Yusuf (n. d. ) said that majority of the Muslims are convinced that while the U. S. government has been blaming terrorism on Islam for years, it was the 9/11 incident which dealt the most telling blow on the credibility and reputation of their religion. This was because the international media was able to depict that many Muslims around the world rejoiced after that incident. The truth is, however, that majority of the Muslim world was saddened by that incident and the repercussions it caused. They would like to tell the world that terrorism is not an official policy of Islam and that, in fact, Muslims also consider terrorists as enemies of their religion. He laments the fact that When a crazy Christian does something terrible, everyone in the West knows it is the actions of a mad man because they have some knowledge of the core beliefs and ethics of Christianity. When a mad Muslim does something evil or foolish they assume it is from the religion of Islam, not because they hate us but because they have never been told by a Muslim what the teachings of Islam are all about. Yusuf blames this lack of Islamic knowledge among Christians to the fact that there is a dearth of credible spokespersons who could defend Islam from its attackers. As a matter of fact, Yusuf stressed that â€Å"Islam is the middle way between excess and neglect† and that terrorism is the preoccupation of zealots and extremists who are, in fact, a plaque of Islam. According to him, there are two types of Muslim extremists whose acts destroy Islam. The first he calls â€Å"reactionary extremists. † This group rejects any form of religious pluralism. According to these reactionary extremists, the world consists of good and evil with nothing in between. Good, according to them, means the reactionary extremists and all those who oppose their actions are evil. Yusuf further explains that these kind of extremists are in the habit of â€Å"excommunicating† other Muslims who reject the way they interpret the Qur’an. However, this kind does not usually resort to violent acts to achieve their goals. Instead, they employ character assassination or takfir to ward their critics (Yusuf, n. d. ). The second type is the â€Å"radical extremist. † These Muslims extremists, according to Yusuf, are the ones who resort to violent acts and tactics to further their objectives. Yusuf stressed that these Muslims act as if they belong to some secret, wicked society whose members believe in the dictum that â€Å"the end justifies the means. † In other words, any method, even the most violent method, is acceptable as long as their â€Å"cause† is advanced. According to Yusuf, this is destroying Islam because the methods employed by Islam should be reflecting the noble ends of the religion. Secondly, Islam is not a â€Å"secret society of conspirators† – rather, it is open with its objectives and traditions which have already been accepted and recognized by people from other religious denominations (Yusuf, n. d. ). Muslims confused with Arabs Muslims object to their being confused with Arabs because it would never be accurate to equate Islam, a religious denomination, with Arab, which is an ethnic grouping. According to Muslims, the reason for this erroneous identification could be the fact that Islam emerged from the culture and society of Arab Bedouins of the 8th century. Another reason might be the fact that the Qur’an was written in Arabic. However, beyond these facts, Muslims should not be identified as Arabs, and vice versa because, according to statistics, â€Å"there are many non-Muslim Arabs, and far, far more non-Arab Muslims in the world. In fact, out of the estimated one billion Muslims worldwide, only about 200 million are Arabs (DHinMl, 2006). Looking at the table below of the top ten countries with the highest Muslim population, only Egypt (at number seven) is an Arab country (Aneki. com, n. d. ). References Aneki.com. (n.d.). Largest Muslim Population in the World. Retrieved November 26, 2007 from http://www.aneki.com/muslim.html Fisher, M.P. (2005). Living Religions, Sixth Edition. Prentice-Hall. Philips, A.A.B. (n.d.). The True Religion. Retrieved November 26, 2007 from http://www.islamworld.net/

Scanning the Environment

Evaluating the relative positions of competitors allows business firms to discover threats and opportunities relative to organizational strengths and weaknesses together with an understanding of the political, economic, socio-demographic and technical forces shaping the competitive environment (Saloner, Shepard & Podolny, 2000). Insights from environmental scanning support sound strategies as shown in the succeeding discussion. Demographics and Socio-Cultural Trends and Choice of Strategy Demographics and socio-cultural trends reflect changes in consumption so that the firm that can match the pace of consumer behavior would likely achieve an edge in the market (Porter, 1998). Amazon Grocery is responding to the growing adoption, by the niche market of non-price sensitive consumers, of the health conscious lifestyle resulting to an increase in demand, for fresh and healthy food products, especially with media buzz on diet and weight-loss regimen by applying the niche strategy. Aldi’s targets a different trend, which is the growth in the middle to low income group leading to the rise in price-conscious consumers seeking low priced products but of high quality. Effect of Advertising on Strategy The audience reached by television and online advertising explains the strong impact of advertising on business strategy (David, 2007). Amazon Grocery likely engages extensively in advertising through both television and online advertising focused on reaching its targeted niche market. Advertising in the timeslot of food and lifestyle shows and creating websites or forums on healthy food suggestions are means of reaching the niche audience. Aldi’s also engages in television and online advertising with a broader perspective because it is targeting a wider market and it has a wide range of options from airing during the timeslot of children’s shows and soap operas together with company website and forums. Relative Positions of Competitors. Collated information on demographics and socio-cultural trends and advertising strategies appears to support Aldi’s better position. Aldi’s targets a wide range of consumers, which means leeway for expansion and growth when compared to the easily saturated niche market of Amazon Grocery. Aldi’s has two value offerings, which are quality and low-price allowing the firm to gain a bigger market share while Amazon Grocery only offers the value of quality healthy and organic foods. Recommended Strategy for the Grocery Store Chain. Based on recent trends and changes in the market, the effective strategy for the grocery store chain is to develop a one-stop store chain providing a section on high quality but low-priced (if not the lowest priced) healthy and organic foods and a section for high quality and low priced (if not the lowest priced) other food items. The grocery could also consider establishing a ready-to-eat and non-food sections both adopting the quality and low price value combination. This would allow the grocery food chain to tap into both the markets of its competitors and reach untapped segments giving it an edge. Strategies and Improving Image as Corporate Citizen in the Community Strategies can enhance the image of firms as contributing members of the community by providing products and serviced that improve the wellbeing of fellow community members (David, 2007). Amazon Grocery supports the health of community members, Aldi’s empathize with the limits of the purchasing power of residents, and the grocery store chain provides every possible need of the community. Conclusion Knowing one’s competitive position and that of close competitors supports the development of effective strategies that create an edge for firms.

A Young Athlete Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

A Young Athlete - Research Paper Example r affection for games amid supplementary things had distinguished them from non-Greeks therefore, solitary Greek populace were permitted to contend in the games. (Camp 2004) In ornamentation, procedure of construction and appearance, Panathenaic amphorae had pursued conventional ethnicity for generations. The Vase in above picture is of 24  ½ in height and as of current situation it is conserved at the Metropolitan Museum of New York. (www.metmuseum.org n.d.) The Vase is carbon dated as of manufactured around 530 B.C. and belonged to the vast culture of Greeks. The painting style of the Amphora above matches with other works of the â€Å"Euphiletos Painter.† (Hyman 2006) The figures on one side of vase materialized as black shadows in opposition to the orange of the fired up clay, the details (fig 1.0) were carved into the beautification prior to firing the sculpture into the Kiln. (Hyman 2006) The rest of the Vase is adorned with slip that transformed into black color when exposed to heat in the kiln. The wholly established black-figure method, with additional crimson and white particulars and notching for sketches and particulars was invented in â€Å"Corinth† at some stage in the early 7th B.C. and lately launched into â€Å"Attica† almost post a gap of generation. (Camp 2004) Subsequently it thrived until the finish of the 6th BC. The â€Å"red-figure method† (Hyman 2006) which was conceived in 530 B.C. overturned this practice by way of the Vases being decorated black and the outlines painted with bright crimson colors, as in the case of above illustrated Vase. On front side of this vase, decorated by the â€Å"Euphiletos Painter† is Athena, â€Å"the Greek goddess of perception, combat, the arts, commerce, honesty and talent† (Gates 1972) equipped with a helmet and shield together with holding in the air a spear which is belligerently tramping to the fore. Beneath the arm of Athena, there is â€Å"the snake-fringed edge of her aegis, the goatskin with the

Discussion Question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 16

Discussion Question - Essay Example Due to globalization and economic changes, Chine has embraced new trade tact such as CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). However, on the ethical front, China scores poorly in terms of corruption and human rights index. Many people in the country feel that corruption is one the increase and this might affect organisational policies. Since kick backs or bribes might be solicited in the process of undertaking business. Most of the people involved in corruption are the business sector followed closely by government officials and politicians. China’s position in the global trade has led to improved relations and human rights record (Isik-Vanelli, 2009). However, since their culture is quite protective it will be difficult to the country to open up to the Western world and culture. The above social and ethical issues will be difficult to change in Chine since changing the Chinese culture is quite

English paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

English paper - Essay Example As such, technical elements of representation, unique and groundbreaking philosophical approaches, historical relevance, and many other aspects of Jansco’s approach will be leveraged. it is therefore the hope of this particular author that such a level of analysis will be able to engage the reader with a more full and complete understanding of the manner through which this particular filmmaker provided cinemagoers with a unique view of the world and an interpretive approach that has continued to impress film critics and common viewers alike for decades after its initial release in his native Hungary. Firstly, before delving into any of the mechanics or actual philosophical approaches that Miklos Jansco makes within the film, it would be an astounding oversight to assume that the unit of focus for the film, namely the apparatchiks of the Habsburg Empire and the imprisoned revolutionaries, were not somehow a type of comparison and contrast between the communist government of Hungary and the depression that was always a very real and present aspect of life at the time in which the film itself was made. Although it cannot be definitively stated that the premise and motivation that is reflected throughout the film is somehow allegorical of Hungary’s sociopolitical status and form of government, stark and pervasive levels of contrast exists throughout the film that impress upon the viewer the means of similarity and power of contrast in comparison that exists between the two. Furthermore, due to the fact that the communist government Hungary, and the way, and indeed are after w as repressed does not allow for open dissension, utilizing a somewhat allegorical tale of repression under a â€Å"capitalist regime† was an effective guise of quiet yet inviting criticism that could not have been represented in a more open manner. Another obvious undertone that is represented

Insurance Training Proposal Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Insurance Training Proposal Plan - Assignment Example The assignment "Insurance Training Proposal Plan" aims to develop a training proposal plan for an insurance company. Due to high attrition rate, the insurance company has been recently facing risks of financial losses and issues related to its sustainability. The organization has repeatedly failed to retain its trained members. The insurance company needs to be very cautious about their hiring and training practices, considering the current pitfalls of their training program. Correspondingly, to have an insight of the limitations persisting in the training program applied by the company, two types of data will be required, i.e. qualitative and quantitative. Both these types of data will be gathered from the trainee members, who have completed 2 weeks in this phase, which will help to identify their perceptions and its gap from the applied concepts in the training period. The data required will be obtained through a sample survey, which will allow the participation of all trainee memb ers in the organization, complying with the selection criterion (i.e. 2 weeks of their participation in the training program). The survey will be conducted on the basis of Likert scale, wherein five categories will be considered to judge the perceptions of the respondents. The Likert scale will include five point categories ranging from strongly disagree, disagree, uncertain, agree and strongly agree. The chart given below represents the closed-ended quantitative questions to interpret the responses on the basis of Likert scale.

Digital and Marketing Communications Assignment

Digital and Marketing Communications - Assignment Example Introduction Social media has become an integral part of modern business management practices especially for the past few years. Most of the business firms have already appointed their own social media managers so as to pace with the emerging trend in the business communication tactics. The dramatic change with regard to business communication and business promotion strategies can be attributed to the increasing number of people using social media to keep in touch with their loved ones today. In other words, social media networks like facebook, Twitter, Orkut, Googletalk, etc have become the major platforms for millions of people across the world to interact with individuals from various cultures. Individuals obtain the opportunity to learn more about different cultural practices, norms, and beliefs this way. This is the context that forces business firms to perceive social media as the most innovative and rather potential podium for business promotion. Social media: An overview Inte rnet has been explosively growing over the last decade, for this worldwide network was found constructive for the whole world to be connected always. Internet has greatly changed the way people live and the mode they transact businesses. Needless to say, it is unimaginable to live without internet because this technology is playing a key role in different areas of the daily life. According to Wilder (2006, p. 204), one of the most noticeable effects of increased internet usage is that it promotes socialization, which is a dynamic learning process through which individuals and organizations change over time. Since internet influences cultural transitions, this global network significantly contributes to the pace of socialization (O’Keeffe 2011). Evidently, such dramatic improvements in information flow have had tremendous effects on the way companies run their day to day operations. Social communication websites like Facebook and Twitter allow people to open their own personal accounts and communicate with their friends around the world. It also allows people to make new acquaintances. The form of interaction addressed here is the facility of adding photos and videos. The website allows account holders to add photos and videos, and the viewers of the profiles have the chance to ‘like’, ‘comment’ or ‘share’ the photo and video. When it comes to business perspective, ‘Twitter Business Profile’ allow business firms to communicate with an unlimited number of customers simultaneously. In the same way, ‘Facebook fan page’ also offers very good opportunities for businesses to build their brand image and communicate with their customers in no time. LinkedIn is another network that enables entrepreneurs to find out potential candidates directly. Sony and Social Media As mentioned already, Sony is one of the leading firms that utilises the scope of social media for the promotion of their brand image and business communication. At this juncture, it is relevant to quote the social media policy of the firm; â€Å"Sony participates in social media to listen, learn and share stories of the passionate people who help bring Sony to life† (Sony: Social Media). Among the companies that use social media and web 2.0 technologies, Sony holds the prominent position. They effectively communicate with