ShantanuT01/DACTYL-Pretraining huggingface dataset:
Western democracies, such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among the others, are regarded as the worlds where people enjoy the most favorable environments for their lives. Individuals living in those countries share democratic values and proclaim the sacredness of a set of human rights. The twentieth century was specifically important for people who lived in many regions as some of the basic rights became exact norms that tuned into a part of nations’ agendas (Smith 293). The political struggle of that period and the development of democracies could not but affect authors and their literary works that explored political issues that existed or were emerging. However, the twenty-first century is witnessing another trend as postmodern people living in post-democratic societies are less concerned about political aspects but concentrate on their lives and their development. Individuals are ready and sometimes willing to pass any authority they could have in order to enjoy the right to meet their needs. The contemporary novel is a representation of this trend, which will be discussed in this paper based on the novels by Melissa Lucashenko and NoViolet Bulawayo. The two novels are two accounts of females pertaining to underprivileged groups. In her book We Need New Names, NoViolet Bulawayo narrates about Darling, a girl living in Zimbabwe, who later comes to the USA. Her childhood and adolescent years were rather hard as her family lived in poverty, so the girl had to steal fruit from a neighborhood where well-off people lived. The novel Mullumbimby by Melissa Lucashenko dwells upon an Indigenous woman living in Australia, Jo Breen, who works hard to buy some land, which will enable her to improve her life. Although these novels depict life on different continents, they have much in common. One of the similarities in the protagonists’ acceptance of the established norms and rules, as well as their focus on their personal issues. In their adulthood, Darling and Jo live in post-democratic societies, which places their self-actualization agenda far from the political domain. The protagonists’ feelings and thoughts are central to the narrative, and these ideas revolve around such issues as financial security, relationships with other people, and satisfaction of different needs. Darling shares her memories concerning her childhood years in Zimbabwe with a great emphasis on the poverty that reigned in her neighborhood. It is noteworthy that some scholars believe that the depiction of life in Zimbabwe is rather dramatized for marketing purposes (Ndlovu 133). Even if some exaggerations are present, the narration is still rather realistic. The author reveals the poverty of her country or rather her community through her childhood memories. For instance, food had the highest value for the protagonist of the novel, and she even retrieved the “broken pieces of God” from the “dustbins” of her soul when she saw the plethora of products in America (Bulawayo
Competence of and Performance Expectations for Workers with Disabilities and Older Workers Social perception applied to individuals with disabilities and older adults have been dictating their workplace experiences and employment opportunities. In particular, negative perceptions of people with disabilities and the focus on such potential disadvantages as reduced working capacity, poor performance, and the lack of effectiveness as professionals has made these groups of people some of the least desired kinds of employees at most workplaces (HM Government, 2009; Munnell, Sass, & Soto, 2006). The major similarity between the perceptions of older people and individuals with disabilities is based on the belief that they are slow and could slow down the other workers and the idea that the managers should have lower expectations when evaluating their performance. However, people with disabilities are seen suited for certain kinds of jobs that require competencies that are not impacted by their disability, thus making a worker with a disability just as effective as their non-disabled peers. At the same time, there are very few jobs that are deemed suitable for older adults because age is perceived to have a negative impact on both physical and mental capacities of a person. This tendency dictates the main difference in the workplace experiences of and attitudes towards people with disabilities and older adults. The Americans with Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 The Americans with Disabilities Act (that is also known as the ADA) dates back to 1990; it is based on the Civil Rights Act what was singed in the middle of the 1960s. The major purpose of the ADA is to prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities and grant them opportunities of fitting in the American life as equals to everyone else in regard to purchasing services and goods, employment, and the participation in different programs and services of local, as well as state level (United States Department of Justice, n.d.). In turn, the Rehabilitation Act is a much older legislation that was signed into law in the 1970s. Apart from protecting people with disabilities from being discriminated against, this Act also provides the individuals with a broad scope of services, thus facilitating their inclusion in the American society and helping them function normally and independently regardless of the challenges posed by their cognitive or physical impairments (“United States Laws,” n.d.). In fact, this Act has been amended two times since the 1970s, and one of its amended sections (Section 504) served as the basis that helped model the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA is a narrower piece of legislation that aims at the protection of the civil rights of people with disabilities whereas the Rehabilitation
Starbucks is a large American coffee company with a global market coverage. The intention of this firm to enter into Luxembourg market is timely, given its plans to expand its operations. However, Schneider (2011, p. 71) says that before getting into a new country, it is important to conduct a research in order to understand the macro environmental factors that could impact on its operations in this country. It is important to understand all the macro factors that may affect its normal operations either positively or negatively. In order to understand the macro environmental factors of this new market better, PEST analysis would be an appropriate tool for the management to know what to expect once in this country. Political environment Luxembourg is a democratic nation that gained full independence in 1890. This country has experienced a very stable political environment for a very long time. Successive governments have been very keen to ensure that the country remains very peaceful. This will offer Starbucks a good environment for trading. It will boost its operations if it enters this market (Simerson 2011, p 38). The political class in this country is known to avoid any direct interference with business operations. This means that Starbucks operations will not be affected by politics. Economic environment The economic environment in Luxembourg is very attractive for this firm. The report by Simerson (2011, p 38) shows that Luxembourg has the highest living standards in the world. This means that people of this country has a higher purchasing power. If Starbucks makes an entry into this market, it will be assured of a market for its products. This firm can also consider charging premium prices for its products in this market because of this high purchasing power. When in this market, Starbucks should focus on satisfying the need of high-end consumers. This is because they make the majority of the people in this country. Social environment The social environment of Luxembourg constitutes the rich Europeans. It is important to note that the social environment of a country is always defined by the cultural practices of people within that environment. This means that
Introduction Many societies have failed to protect the rights and liberties of their people. It is agreeable that many “governments and leaders have structured different human rights in order to protect their political needs” (Gottlieb, Ackerman, and Ammar 209). Such laws protect the expectations of every powerful person in the society. This development has affected the lives of many people in the society. The topic “Ethics and Gender” highlights the major challenges affecting many people in the society. This essay examines how the above topic can empower different societies. The essay presents the best arguments in order to support the importance of this topic. Ethics and Gender: Subject Matter The topic “Ethics and Gender” offers numerous ideas that can support the lives of many people. Ethics can address the major issues facing humanity today. Several ethical theories such as utilitarianism encourage more people to promote the best actions. Such theories will support the needs of more people in the society. Many theorists encourage more communities to support their women. Many scholars are “examining how various ethical considerations can support different gender roles” (Bowden 28). Ethics and Gender also borrows several ideas from the Holy Bible. Some philosophical arguments have also redefined the roles and expectations of different people in the society. A number of subtopics are also identifiable in this field. For instance, many scholars have been examining the issue of gender equality . The issue of gender is also applicable in different working environments and social positions. Ethical theories can also support the changing expectations of different people in the society. Women and men are expected “to occupy specific positions in their respective societies” (Bowden 39). Such individuals tend to have their unique liberties and freedoms. According to Bowden (87), “ethics is a powerful field that encourages individuals to embrace the best actions and behaviors”. Ethics and Gender can also address many challenges in every society. The field covers a wide range of issues that can produce the best socio-cultural practices. Importance of the Above Topic The topic “Ethics and Gender” is relevant because it examines the major issues affecting humanity. Many women in different societies have encountered numerous challenges due to gender inequality. A large number of children have failed to achieve their potentials due to discrimination. Some scholars and ethicists have presented powerful theories in order to support more people in the society. The issue of gender inequality has “caused numerous debates in many societies” (Bowden 78). Such debates have presented effective ideas in order to empower more women. Many scholars have used this knowledge in order to analyze different Biblical arguments. For instance, the book of 1 Peter 5: 5 encourages Women to
Introduction Lower taxes, also referred to as a tax-cut, is the reduction in taxes levied over individuals and corporations. Lower taxation has varied implications on the economy, both positive and negative. However, the immediate effects of lower taxes are a decrease in the actual income of the government and an increase in the actual income of the ordinary citizens whose taxation rates have been reduced. The reduction in the government’s income may be lessened depending on the reaction of tax-payers. Depending on the proportion of tax-reductions, lower taxes may provide persons and corporations with motivation investments that may increase economic growth, and in turn increase the total taxable income and hence increase the government’s earnings. Lower taxes, in most cases, stimulates economic activity especially if it is accompanied by lower government spending. Even though many people associate lower taxes with lower economic activity, it does the exact opposite; tax cuts encourage ordinary citizens to purchase more products and services, stimulating the economy and thus creating more job opportunities (Aron-Dine and Kogan, 2006). Lower taxes ensure less money goes to the government and more of it stays in the pockets of the ordinary citizens and this has a hugely positive impact on the economy as it results in an active, free economy to boom. Therefore, lower taxes are essential to the well-being, both socially and economically, on the average Canadian citizen. Discussion Although critics of tax cuts argue that this action reduces the government’s ability to deliver services to the ordinary citizens, studies have proved otherwise, and indeed stated that lower taxes are more beneficial to the general population. While high taxes increase the government’s ability to provide basic services, lower taxes can have a similar effect, even greater. However, it depends on the taxpayer’s response in the way they use the additional income and also the government’s response towards a decrease in income, such as reduced spending. The notion of high tax rates is simply ridiculous. When citizens pay less taxes as a proportion of their net pay, this positively impacts the amount of money available for spending. With increased money in their pockets, ordinary Canadians are able to purchase more products and services leading to a vibrant and free economy. It is vital to note that the money spent by the government is not theirs, it belongs to the taxpayers. Lower taxes ensure that the ordinary citizens choose how to spend their money, leading to a free economy (Larson, 2003). Lower taxes on the manufacturing, service, and business segments of the economy allows them to spend more money on their enterprises and create more employment opportunities, this ultimately benefits the ordinary Canadian citizens. Besides, an increase in commercial activity avails more revenue to the government as a result of an increase in the amount of taxabl
Introduction The product that the company wishes to sell is car auto spares. These products are experiencing an increase in demand in the United States. Most automobiles stores lack the spares that are needed to push the transport sector ahead. Therefore, instituting a store that will supply the society with spares will ensure that the transport sector is improved. Most recently, there have been alarming alerts from most car owners who argue that they have to strain to get spares for their vehicles once they break down (Fisk, 2009). The firm will concentrate on Miami whereby the availability of auto spares is minimal. The auto spares will largely come from the United States automobile industry. The company will have the mission statement of providing quality and advanced auto spares to customers by ensuring that it meets its set values. The firm aims at enhancing the customer’s experience with their products by offering quick feedback to the clients’ inquiries. Target market The target market for the spares is mostly stakeholders in the transport sector. This includes car owners, public vehicles, and other related users. The selection of this target was out of centrifuged market research that aimed at grouping the consumer segments (Bowman, 2010). The research verified that public vehicles were increasing their use for spares. This is apparent because the respective vehicles are always involved in accidents on the roads. The study also indicated that most car owners have to get spares by importing them from afar dealer. Thus, the research concluded that the car owners (personal cars and public vehicles) would use the spares. The project finalized that this target market will benefit from the project since it will be able to get the spares at a convenient time (Cooper, 2009). Also, the project aims at making sure that the prices of the spares are kept fairer. Thus, the consumer will be promised to get quality spares at a fair and reasonable price. However, this project will be subjected to direct and indirect competition. There are home-based firms that sell the spares. Nevertheless, the home-based firms sell the products at a higher cost.
Introduction The primary aim of an American enlisted sailor should be to answer any call to fight for the country. He should use all his ability and wisdom to defend his country against any security threats and should ensure that peace prevails. These days the United States of America is facing continuous threats related to international terrorism. The US military should not only ensure the safety and freedom of the American people but guarantee their economic freedom and stability as well. What is necessary for the citizens of the United States today is to know that brave sailors can guarantee them proper security, especially now, when the instances of terrorism are so frequent. Courage used to be the first thing to characterize sailors but with time another point of view developed regarding the features, the sailors should possess. It is often argued that apart from courage the enlisted sailors should have a proper level of education which, according to the data obtained recently, they do not have. In 1993 it was reported that the Navy still had thousands of sailors who could not read material designed for a junior high-school audience (1). Moreover, today’s young people are insufficiently prepared for military service; most of them do not even have a high school diploma but what they do have are poor physical shape and criminal history. A survey revealed that almost 72% of the youth do not have the physical, mental and educational standards to join the service. Over two hundred years the Navy continuously invested in the technical training of the sailors but formal education has never been paid appropriate attention to. There is no doubt that technical training is beneficial for them but it can hardly be compared with full-fledged education which enlarges the scope not only in matters concerning the navy but in all other spheres as well. In this context the need for formal education gains significance. The enlisted sailors should be capable of handling tough situations not only technically but cognitively and physically as well that’s why formal education in the US navy should be provided to them. Understanding of strategic planning of operations What should be mentioned above all is that a sufficient level of education of enlisted sailors will facilitate their understanding of strategic planning of operations they take part in. Strategic planning can help the enlisted sailors build on strength and take advantage of major opportunities (2) instead of mere obedience to the orders and taking them for granted. Of course there exist conditions under which the sailors are forbidden to contradict the orders of the commandment but it seems that the ability of the sailors to know and understand what exactly they are doing and which function they perform would make the fulfillment of these orders more precise and to some extent even beneficial for the sailors themselves since being aware of what exactly they are doing will help them perform the task further if something goes wrong. Performing military operations does not forgive failur
The Somali language is the mother tongue for about 95 percent of the population of Somalia, and it is spoken by nearly 9 million people in the north-eastern corner of Africa (Saeed 1). Although Somali remains the most widespread language in the country, it has not always been the official language and obtained this status merely in the early 1970’s. As stated by Warsame, after the country became independent in 1960, English, Italian, and Arabic became its official languages (341). Then, due to political and ethnic conflicts, the authorities could not come to a consensus regarding the unified script for the Somali language for a significant time. Ultimately, when the final decision on this issue was made in 1972, the Somali government had continually made attempts to improve the status of the Somali language and preserve it. Various language and literacy policies implemented in Somalia before the 1990’s fostered the development of language in the country, but after the collapse of the state, when the existing political structure was destroyed, the position of Somali in the education and communication systems has weakened. Nevertheless, although the development of Somali in the role of the official language has slowed down after this political turmoil, it remains a significant part of the cultural and social identity of local citizens. Moreover, it can be argued that the standard variation of Somali largely is dominant in the country, and it influences minority dialects and affects their development. Thus, in this paper, the high-quality literature devoted to the issues of the status of Somali language, overall linguistic environment, and language policies adopted in the country will be reviewed. The historical and political background, on which Somali was developing throughout the time, will be analyzed and, based on this, possible developmental trends will be identified and discussed. Historical Setting It is observed by Ammon and Hellinger that in the states where ethnic rivalries occurred, Africans tended to prefer using the languages of their former colonial powers as the official languages rather than African tongues if they were not of their own ethnic group (119). It is possible to say that the similar situation can be observed in the case of Somalia. For a long time, Arabic, English, and Italian were the main languages employed in the communication and education system of the state. The major reason for this was that no unified script for Somali was adopted and, in different periods, it changed. For instance, in the 13th century, the Arabic script was first transferred to the country by Sheikh Yusuf bin Ahmed al-Kowneyn who came to Africa’s horn to teach Quran (Warsame 343). Centuries later, the Latin script was integrated into Somali as well, and the Latin-based orthography has slowly developed along the Arabic ones (Warsame 343). Due to multiple conflicts between Catholics and Muslims, the rulers could not decide to which of the writing systems it is better to adhere. As a result, Arabic and