ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Introduction In his book Know What I Mean? Reflections on Hip Hop , Eric Dyson explores hip-hop and considers a variety of facets of this culture and its impact on the development of the American society and other subcultures. One of the most interesting and meaningful arguments the author provides is that the culture reflects the way African Americans see themselves as prisoners of the society. As Dyson puts it, black males understand who they really are in prison “because the society throws you few other options, means that you’re already in a kind of psychological and spiritual prison” (14). It is necessary to note that the author makes a strong argument and proves that black males explore their identity through prison experiences. Prison and Hip-Hop Going to Prison In the first place, it is necessary to note that prison is seen as the most important factor affecting development of black males’ identity and three types of experiences are singled out. Admittedly, these people see prison as one of two options as they have to live in “poverty-stricken neighborhoods” and get a “low-wage employment” or “a life of imprisonment” (Baxter and Marina 98). Hip-hop performers romanticize prison experiences and depict them as a necessary route for a black male (Masciotra 64). Dyson stresses that this stage of hip-hoppers’ life is the beginning of their great life as people are “already in a kind of psychological and spiritual prison” (14). Therefore, their way to prison is not frightening at all as they are already enclosed in a cell. Returning from Prison Another important stage is returning home. In terms of hip-hop culture, black male can never start valuing freedom until they feel the emotions of returning home from prison. This experience also makes black males feel a part of a larger group as Dyson names it “a gang, a crew… a tribe” (15). Therefore, there is a certain transition from one particular group to the other where roles are clear and taken for granted (Dobrin 172). Those pertaining to this culture feel safe as they know the route from their own experience or from other people’s (especially hip-hop performers’) experience. Notably, storytelling is crucial for the hip-hop culture and it develops black males’ identities very often (Hill 252). The impact the hip hop culture has on development of African Americans’ identities will be discussed in detail below. In prison Finally, one of the most important stages is being in prison. Dyson states that being “locked up” and taken away from relatives and friends is often painful but it strengthens inmates’ character (15). It is noteworthy that Dyson’s argument is very precise and comprehensive at the same time as black males are ‘locked up’ in prison and the larger American society by existing conventions. It is possible to infer that they see themselves as underprivileged people who are doomed to be incarcerated both physically and metaphorically. Basic
Introduction The decision on whether to employ import substitution or export promotion to enhance economic growth has been tough especially in developing countries. The two alternatives are both competitive in their own sense. Therefore, the decision on which strategy is to be used is usually dependent on a country’s objectives. Import substitution involves replacing of a country’s imports with goods and services that are produced domestically (Sawyer and Sprinkle, 2009). This strategy leads decrease in a country’s dependence on imports. Economists have associated import substitution with development of nascent domestic industries. Export promotion on the on the other hand entails the use of incentive programs to promote a country’s export while encouraging firms and industries to participate in export related activities (Sawyer and Sprinkle, 2009). Comparing and contrasting economic development based on import substitution and export promotion Both import promotion and export substitution have been used to encourage economic development in various countries. Import substitution has been used to reduce foreign dependency and to encourage development of infant industries (Sawyer and Sprinkle, 2009). Industrialization in a country leads to creation of employment thus curbing the problem of unemployment. Import substitution reduces the vulnerability of a country towards drastic changes in the international trade scene. Moreover, import substitution increases the variety goods and services available for consumers choose. By use of this strategy, a country is able to reduce the expenditure of foreign reserves on imports. The foreign currency saved can therefore be used for other development projects. Various policies are used to encourage import substitution such policies include:  1. Government subsidies in certain economic sectors  2. Trade protectionism  3. Increased taxation to fund the process of developing internal industries. The use of import substitution strategy was once adopted by the Latin American countries to reduce external dependence and to increase employment opportunities in these countries (Mehdi, 2005). However, the use of import substitution as a means of encouraging development has been widely criticized. This because most of the substitution is usually capital intensive and therefore contributes very little towards reducing some of the economic challenges facing a country. For protection purposes, capital is usually drawn from areas of competitive advantage to areas of high profits. This in turn leads to reduced growth in ar
The Indian culture of using art and craft to decorate the interior aspects of buildings such as palaces, temples, royal houses and residences of the wealthy and noble individuals is an old practice but continues to thrive in the modern world (Barnard 13). The aesthetic quality of color, patterns and craftwork used in traditional Indian cultures explain why the style is still popular in the modern context. The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive analysis of Indian art, craft and color as used in interior design. In particular, the paper explores the Rajasthan style, one of the oldest and popular Indian arts culture. The Rajasthan arts culture is widely known for its colorful, lively and attractive characteristics. It originates from the state of Rajasthan, which explains the name of the arts culture (Dongerkery 29). Among the Rajasthan artworks developed for the interior parts of buildings include Rajasthani murals developed through painting. Embossing is an important artistic style used in developing Rajasthani Murals (Barnard 18). In addition, the Royal Rajput family has played a significant role in maintaining the craft and art industry in India. For instance, fabric colorations and embellishment, painting and interior decorations as well as making of puppets are important aspects of the Rajput arts culture. The Rajsasthani interior design The Rajasthani paintings are generally mural works that give an enthusiastic and embossed artwork to the interior design of various houses in India. In the paintings, the base of the artworks is either canvas board or ply board. Ply boards must undergo a number of processes to ensure that it fits the work. For instance, the surface is coated with wood primer for a number of times to achieve a smooth surface finishing. Then, the artists draw a sketch on the wood or ply surface. In particular, the artists apply relief work on the portions of the main drawing. For example, trees and bushes in a background are developed through embossing (Edwards 66). A mixture of ceramic and powder/glue is one of the main artistic styles used to decorate the interior of the buildings. To develop this mixture, it is necessary for the artists to make soft dough made from a mixture of ceramic powder and glue. The mixture is then used to make a number of shapes of the relief work depending on the designs set for embossing. Coloring is a major aspect of the Rajasthan artworks. In fact, all the artworks must be colored to achieve the desired finishing. First, it is necessary to color the background. Any scenery in the background must be completely colored. Then, the artist colors all the objects closer to the foreground. A number of colors are applied in these artworks. The type of color depends on the objects on the scenery. For instance, bright c
An article Managing Your Boss by John Gabarro and John Cotter deals with the pervasive problem of workplace conflict. By reviewing the current situation in the working environment and exemplifying the most widespread types of misunderstandings between managers and their superiors, the authors offer a comprehensive analysis of reasons and suggest several solutions to the conflict situations. The paper is structured as a collection of stories presented in the anecdotal form. Each story illustrates a certain point by the authors and is followed by their commentary. The introductory part begins with a story which allows Gabarro and Kotter to suggest a single reason behind almost every conflict: the lack of understanding between the manager and his boss. Thus, according to them, to avoid conflict, two prerequisites should be fulfilled: the manager should be able to understand both his boss and himself, and appropriately utilize this understanding to create a healthy environment. The first part explains in detail the concept of understanding the boss. By supplying another example, the authors isolate three basic mistakes that form the described conflict: the manager in question took the information for granted, without checking it, made assumptions in the field where he had no competence, and did not try to clarify it with his boss. The second half of the first part tackles the lack of critical self-evaluation. Based on another example, the authors describe two polar deviations from the norm. The first is the counterdependent behavior, where the manager displays the excessive and unnecessary resistance to his boss, prompting aggressive reaction instead of the constructive interaction. This type sees the boss as an obstacle or a force that needs to be countered. The second is its opposite, the overdependent type. Such manager shows the excessive compliance, even in situations where constructive dialog would be appropriate. As a result, the mistakes made by the boss are not addressed and taken at face value. The authors argue that while both types have their benefits (the former is usually a good manager for his or her own subordinates and the latter benefits from the lack of unnecessary confrontation), it is necessary to account for these deviations to avoid their adverse effects, as such traits are not likely to be eradicated. The second part reviews the possible strategies that make use of the obtained information. These strategies are arranged in groups, namely the compatible working styles (such as accounting for preferences in the pace of discussion), decision-making styles (hands-on versus distancing), mutual expectations, the flow of information, and management of time and resources. Authors assert that once these strategies are arranged in a way suggested by the acquired understanding, both the manager and the boss will benefit from the resulting outcome. It is necessary to point out the weak sides of the paper. First, the type of evidence used by the authors is not co
Introductory Summary Faith is defined as an act of being assured in things we hope for and believing in what we cannot see. Faith can only be complete, if coupled with relevant actions. In this regard, one has to portray his faith by assuming actions that demonstrate believe in hope and things that cannot be seen. The Bible stories of Abraham and Rahab have a similarity in violation of telling the truth. Both Abraham and Rahab are referred to as hall of faith, in the book of Hebrews. The essay will feature instances of deceit that Abraham and Rahab applied and relevance to their faith in God. Actions are essential in future praise and success associated with faith. Abraham’s Deceit Abraham is widely referenced for his faith and close relationship with God. There are however two instances of deceit that Abraham engaged in, which demonstrated little faith in God. When famine struck the land of Negev, Abraham went to Egypt in search of food and pasture for his cattle. Abraham made his wife Sarai lie that he was his brother, so that he wouldn’t be killed. The lie demonstrated that Abraham did not believe that God could protect him from Egyptians. Abraham was afraid that Pharaoh would order his execution, so as to keep Sarai. In this regard, Abraham’s faith was not sufficient to protect his wife. Similarly, Abraham told Abimelech that Sarai was his sister, since he did not know whether the people of that land believed in God. Despite the fact that Abraham had faith in God, he failed to assume relevant actions that could demonstrate his assuredness in God’s power, in both instances. The acts of deceit by Abraham were wrong and did not accredit him to be regarded as hall of faith in Hebrews 11 (Carr & Conway, 2010). Rahab’s Deceit Rahab was a simple prostitute who was disregarded in the society. Despite the low and dirty life she led, her deceit demonstrated great faith in God. Rahab saved the lives of the Israelites by hiding them in her house. It should be noted that, Rahab hid the two Israelites because of great faith that she had in God. Rahab chose to betray her people because God’s power surpassed that of local authority. Rahab believed in God to extent that, she trusted in His salvation from pending destruction. Rahab’s act of faith in God was demonstrated when she hid people she did not know, just because of great things that God had done for them. Rahab believed that God would destroy Jericho and sought for her salvation, as well as that of her family. Rahab’s act of deceit was therefore praised and she was worthy to be regarded, as a hall of faith
The Enlightenment is the broad term applied to the intellectual developments of the eighteenth century, as articulated by a relatively small number of thinkers and writers primarily in Western Europe. The Age of Enlightenment centered on France and two of the major philosophers who contributed to this age of Enlightenment were Voltaire and Montesquieu. The others were Diderot, Rousseau, Hume, and Kant. Voltaire and Montesquieu were confident that the reforms they suggested were both reasonable and practically feasible (Kagan et al, chapter 18). The concept of deism, for example, allowed thinkers to accept new rationalism without having to deny the existence of God in an outright manner. Voltaire and Montesquieu opposed and rejected the views of the Roman Church which they believed was irrational and oppressive (Fitzpatrick, 83). But these philosophes sought religious toleration concerning all European faiths. The philosophes also affected the areas of justice, economics, and political thought. The philosophes believed that by obeying rational laws society and human relationships could be improved. This belief was the foundation stone for the subject called ‘social science’. During the Age of Enlightenment, Beccaria proposed reforms in the areas of criminal justice and punishment. In the realm of Economics, Adam Smith’s works questioned the trade practices of the time and laid the foundation for the Industrial Revolution. His 1776 Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations is commonly described as the founding document for laissez-faire (hands-off) economic policy. This work was instrumental in raising a debate over economic progress versus individual well-being in Western society. Many French economic reformers advocated agricultural reform. In the realm of politics, the government was the focus of a lot of investigation and criticism. Enlightenment thinkers did not stop with mere criticism of corruption in the government and church. Montesquieu provided the outline of a system that would create a new balance in governing the state. Montesquieu admired the British constitution and the concept of the aristocracy. He tried to incorporate it in his presentation of the ideal government. Rousseau was a radical, who believed society was more important than the individual because only within a properly functioning society could an individual life a moral life. Overall, many philosophes were fundamentally monarchists, though of course, they believed monarchies should be reformed. Many revolutionary ideas of the Enlightenment reached Eastern Europe in the form of “Enlightened Absolutism.” The rulers of Prussia, Austria, and Russia tried to follow certain Enlightenment principles. But these rulers could not accept the philosophes’ rejection of war as irrational. Frederick II (the Great) of Prussia, Maria Theresa and her son Joseph II of Austria, and Cath
Scenario Description Instances of corporate fraud must be addressed immediately and effectively to prevent similar occurrences in the future and promote corporate values to employees across an organization. In the case under analysis, managing a problem of employee theft is required. Although the company admits that the total cost of the products stolen by their employee is rather small, the organization still views terminating its relationships with the staff member in question and dismissing him as necessary. However, the case in question might turn out to be not as easy to solve, as it might seem since it is not entirely ethically unambiguous. Approx is an IT company in Dubai that develops mobile applications. There are three major levels within its organizational structure, which include sales, R&D Department, and communication. Khaled, an employee who has been employed at Approxen for four years was caught stealing an IT company’s products that had a particular flaw in them. Even though the specified flaws were minor, such as problems in the design of the product or a quality issue that might lead to its relatively short shelf life, their presence indicated defectiveness of the goods. When conducting an audit of the company’s products, managers found out that Khaled had been stealing them. In his defense, the employee stated that he was not only appropriating the company’s goods but also preventing the instances in which customers would have returned for refunds or complaints. Although it is apparent that the employee is trying to wiggle his way out of the punishment for his actions, the situation remains in a morally grey area. The employee has made a mistake and an administrative crime by stealing the products that belonged to the organization. However, a more detailed examination of the specified products has shown that they might have been deemed as defective and, thus, thrown away by the company anyway. Therefore, the situation remains complicated, and the actions of the staff member mentioned above cannot be seen as entirely wrong. To recover, the company will need to make the decision of forgiving the employee yet altering its entire philosophy and system of values to reduce the threat of similar occurrences in the future. Decision-Making Because of the controversy surrounding the scenario described above, the IT company in question must be very careful when resolving the problem. Though accusing the staff member of theft will be relatively easy, he may state that the firm is also ethically flawed since it was selling defective items without checking them thoroughly. If reaching general audiences, the identified problem will give the company rather negative publicity and serve as the warning sign for several people who are currently seen as potential customers. On the other hand, turning a blind eye to the issue would mean that the organization condones corporate fraud, which must not be the case (Wells, 2017). Thus, a compromise may be required as the means of keeping corporate integrity and seek opp
Over the years, the level of people’s awareness about the notion of HIV/AIDS has increased dramatically, yet the health condition itself remains frowned upon and stigmatized by the global community. HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body immune system and destroys healthy cells that fight disease and infection (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021). When not treated, the virus escalates and turns into AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. One of the major challenges the global community faces when dealing with HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention is the contrast between disease prevalence in different regions. Thus, while in the US, the annual number of new HIV cases decreased by 7% in 2018, such regions as Eastern and Southern Africa struggle with new HIV cases that lead to a 54% virus prevalence among the population (CDC, 2021; Kaiser Family Foundation [KFF], 2021). Moreover, in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, new infection cases increased by 72% in 2019 (KFF, 2021). For this reason, it is vital for health care delivery systems to address both people’s awareness on the ways of infection and means of treatment, as HIV/AIDS does not have an efficient cure, creating the need to define the ways in which affected people can obtain access to antiretroviral therapy. Considering the scopes of this global health issue, it is reasonable to assume that the efforts to combat the issue comprise the contributions of various stakeholders. They include local health care departments, such global organizations as WHO, UN General Assembly, and UNAIDS, public health workers who educate their patients on regular HIV testing and infection prevention, and countless non-profit public organizations. The latter contributes a lot to the fight with HIV/AIDS, as they have the chance to communicate directly with individuals through local grants and projects and present relevant data to the state legislators who allocate financial and social resources regarding the scopes of the epidemic.