Religious and Ethnic Groups Essay Example for Free

Religious and Ethnic Groups Essay Buddhism is a religious group as depicted from the world’s history that began in the 6th century BCE, in today’s Northern India. Buddhism was founded by a wealthy man of Indian dysentery called Siddhartha Gautama. Siddhartha Gautama’s main concern was to teach people how to realize great spiritual development. These teachings focus on areas like tradition/customs, beliefs, ethics, meditation and philosophy and making people more enlightened; Buddha means ‘to awaken’. To the religious group boast of a huge following of about 300million across the world including 0. 7 percent of U. S. A’s religious composition based on U. S’s Census Bureau Document (Seager, 2012). Buddhism is a religious group that differs broadly from other groups in America. The difference is eminent in the way they carry out various practice. Some examples are worship, beliefs, culture, doctrines, and in other routine practices. Buddhism, unlike other religious groups, believes in the existence of only one Supreme Being ‘God’. In contrast to most groups, Buddhism spirituality is of personal discipline rather than faith in ‘God’. A lot of differences may be present when attempting to draw a comparison between Buddhism and the other religious groups in America. Buddhists Experience in America Buddhism has received its fair deal of mixed reception from other religious avenue. Some people have good perception and understand their teachings seek to uphold good morals and values. Buddhism also seeks a harmonious co-existence with other people in society even if they are not practicing the same religion. Others have perceived them as having a bizarre view deeming its operation as being mysterious. Buddhism is unique in conducting their routine religious practices and beliefs. Some religious groups have upheld Buddhism, not as a religion but merely a philosophy (Seager, 2012). They have even incorporated some practices like meditation as an art of realization physical and emotional well being as yoga in pursuit of reliving off stress. They have also sorted in some Buddhism cultural element and used them to perfect their own religions. Contribution and Discrimination of Buddhism Historically in American culture Buddhism has contributed adversely in development of America’s culture. Many Buddhists doctrine and daily routine practices are borrowed and used to blend America’s culture. Example of such practice teachings of how people perceive life and attitude, changed Buddhism has mentored Great America’s scientists and philosophers (Seager, 2012). They borrow ideas from Buddhism teachings. Some of the ways in which Buddhism is practiced in America include stress reduction treatment. In addition, famous movies and songs based on Buddhism, such as Seven Years in Tibet, Little Buddha, The Matrix, and Star Wars, has helped the advertisement industry. Another instance is the Master Card commercial that shows an image of Woman Meditating. There is an increasing number of Americans who visit the Buddhist temples and also practice meditation in privacy. Buddhist Fellowship organization is a very large group that promotes peace, environmental advocacy, and conducts homeless and prison outreach. Buddhism has experienced discrimination minimally compared to other religious groups. Discrimination happens within its own religion and culture primarily against Buddhist women. All Buddhist women are ordained to follow laws and disciplines such as bhikkhunis. However, Buddhist nuns have come together to fight for their rights. The source of this prejudice was because the Buddhist nuns have increased in number and they want to eliminate them from the religion. Buddhism has helped me learn about meditation which can be used in reducing stress and as a way of relaxing. Asian Ethnic Group The Asian American comprises of a 5% of the American population (Espiritu, 2011). In the recent years, the Asian ethnic group is considered among the fastest growing group in America. The Americans refer to subgroups such as the Chinese, Filipino, Indians, Koreans, Japanese and Vietnamese. Most Asian Americans were born in America while others have been the immigrants who have settled in America. Asian differs from the other ethnic groups because from history Asians have continued to follow their religions, unlike many other groups. The Asian Americans are known for their diligence, strong family values and their respect for education, authority, and discipline unlike any other ethnic group in America. Asian American Contribution and Discrimination The Asian American has contributed greatly in the formation of American society. These contributions include constructions of railway, joining the military and protecting the Americans. Asians have also contributed in creating internet sites such as youtube and yahoo. The Asians have influenced other areas like fashion, religion, science and culture. For instance, the kung fu culture of the Chinese is greatly employed in Hollywood while creating action movies. Acts of discrimination towards Asian Americans in America are similar to other minority group. This racial discrimination bars the Asian American from participating in politics (Espiritu, 2011). The reason Asian Americans are discriminated against is Americans consider them foreigners. In conclusion, Buddhism is an Asian practice which the Asian have practiced almost all their lives, but this practice came to be known only in recent years. Discrimination of Asian Americans means that their religion, cultures, and practices are discriminated against. Buddhism is different from Asian Ethnic group because Buddhism is a practice done by the Asian communities. Discrimination should never be practiced in America because America is a multicultural society and the majority of people in America are citizens by birth. References Espiritu, Y. L. (2011). Asian American pan ethnicity: Bridging institutions and identities. Philadelphia: Temple University Press. Seager, R. H. (2012). Buddhism in America. New York: Columbia University Press.

Eighteenth Century Philosophers: A Comparison :: European Europe History

Eighteenth Century Philosophers: A Comparison The "Enlightenment" or the "Age of Realization" was an age of great advancement and reform for all of Europe and beyond. Great advancements were being made in the fields of science, philosophy, mathematics, and logic. Most people attribute these achievements to the social critics of that time, also known as the philosophes. These philosophes were controversial thinkers and pioneered the intellectual movements of the 1700's. They stood up for what they believed in, although they were constantly criticized and censured by many other people. Such philosophers include Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, and Voltaire. Although their beliefs violently contradicted, they were all working to change what they thought was wrong with their present government. They were four men who disagreed about almost everything, and yet they were working towards a common goal. This is how the Age of Enlightenment became a reality. Rene Descartes was a French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist. He was born in La Haye, France (now called Descartes) in 1595. Unlike some other Enlightenment thinkers, he relied on logic and math in his reasoning. He was educated at the Jesuit College of La Fleche. It is thought that his most important influence was a man named Isaac Beeckman. It was with this man that Descartes discussed math, philosophy, and physics. This man was his friend and trusted colleague. In 1618 Descartes served in the army of Prince Maurice of Nassau. It was Descartes theory that stated, "the discovery of proper method is the key to furthering scientific advancement." Descartes was responsible for a number of very influential works including Rules for the Direction of Mind, Le Monde (The World), Discourse on Method, Meditationes de Prima Philosophia (Meditations on the First Philosophy), The Principles of Philosophy, and Les Passions de l'ame (Passions of the Soul.) He coined the phrase, "Cogito E rgo Sum," in English meaning, "I Think Therefore I Am." Although Descartes died in Stockholm in1650, his words have lived on for many centuries and will survive through many more. Thomas Hobbes was born in London, England in 1588. He was educated at Oxford University in England where he studied the classics. In 1651, Hobbes wrote his most famous book, Leviathan. In this book he argued that most people were born evil and could not be trusted to govern themselves. He thought that a ruler needed to have complete control over his people to govern efficiently.

IBM Corporation Turnaround Essay

IBM leading the technology industry passed through several challenges in last few decades. IBM had undergone significant changes to ensure effectiveness of its business. Market competition and globalization of industry decreased the effectiveness of IBM requiring change in structure and work setting. IBM focused on its core competencies while successfully adopted new managerial structure placing emphasis on flexible decision making with increased responsibility on first line managers. Case Statement IBM was successfully leading the technology industry since its formation and profitably penetrated in various markets globally. However, the company expanded incautiously resulting in increased overhead cost; although profits were soaring but gradual change in demand by the end of year 1990 create significant financial problems for company depicted in huge losses for the consecutive three years. This case identifies the reasons which root to IBM condition in 1990 and sequential pattern of changes in structure which affected the financial performance of company. This case classifies the role of management in IBM performance and associated impact of overhead on company potential to grow. Basically, this case categorizes the problems which plunged the IBM to move towards failure and associated role of management. Situation Analysis of IBM under John Akers Leadership IBM was controlling approx. 70% profits of global technology industry in 1980s beginning era. However, during the last years of decade company was encountered with serious problems that affected the performance of company. John Akers, CEO of IBM appointed in year 1985, created significant changes in organization structure and work settings; defined new setting of decision making and operational procedures conforming his attitude and behavior. Company returns on assets and on equity started eroding and finally move towards negative return on business. IBM suffered with decreasing market share, loss of profits, negative perception building of customers towards IBM, increasing competition, and failures in product launch (Hitt et al. , 2007). IBM was striving hard to compete with new entrants in market, maintain its profitability level, and kept high market demand for its mainframe computers. Company was following bureaucratic structure, centralized decision making hindering to the growth of company. IBM overhead costs were momentous to industry average cost; overhead costs were three times of industry, company was offering high perks and benefits to employees, majority of employees were detrimental to work requirement, executives were not fully productive and were relying on junior members to perform their duties (creating unnecessary employment). Company had 125 data centers globally; internally organization was not proficient in IT management resulting in bad performance of IBM. Research department of IBM appeared unable to design products in consideration of customer demand which created significant problems in the beginning of 1991 (Hitt et al. , 2007), pushing company towards change in management structure, and requiring large scale operational change in organization to cover up its cost from current demand level. SWOT Analysis of IBM IBM is operating globally leading the industry with its unmatched solution compare to competitor’s offerings remarking the business performance. A brief SWOT analysis of IBM is as under: Strengths IBM offers a range of solutions to numerous businesses which differentiated it from competitors. IBM was dealing in mainframes, mainframe storage, single user personal computers, minicomputers, and client/server solutions. Company was soaring high profits from the industry, therefore spending high amount on R&D to invent and design products in consideration of future demand (Hitt et al. , 2007). IBM has strong brand image which increases the company sustainability and efficiently penetrate in competitive markets. Company had effective teams of personnel; reach to customers was valuable due to high value propositions. Weaknesses IBM was following bureaucratic structure and senior executives were running the operational decisions; limited decision making power reduced the innovation and hindered the growth of company. Company had employed unnecessary people to fulfill job tasks, increasing the cost. However, senior management members were relying on junior/support members for reporting purposes which resulted in refined information flow necessary for organization function irrespective of challenges that can be faced in long run. Executives’ remuneration was very high compare to services in return to organization; overhead costs dramatically increase as different competitors entered in industry (Hickman, 2006). IBM did not focus on offering of browser and network integration application which revolutionized the industry in early 1990s; however investing in OS/2 operating system resulted in financial losses. Opportunities IBM being one of the giant leaders of technology industry secures high profits and market share. This provides company an opportunity to overtake small business entities to offer diverse and complete range of products to customer (one stop solution). Competitors were investing huge amount on new products creation which IBM can use in its product portfolio to reach global consumers to increase brand value. Threats New competitors which include DELL, ACCENTURE, COMPAQ and MICROSOFT focused on offering computer products at cheap prices (Hitt et al. , 2007); IBM rely on Intel for some of its core physical component supply; IBM customer relationship management strategy; inefficiency of R&D to design innovative solution; market globalization and organization structure created direct threats to IBM market share.

Creator and Victims Martin Luther King Jr. and Aron...

People make choices in life either good or bad to succeed or to be a failure. Today I will be explaining the differences between a creator and victim some things you should know about the two. A creator is a person who leads not follow. A person who wants to take their dream to turn it into a reality and that can change the world. Victims do more of the opposite. Victims make bad choices that can get them into a lot of trouble that can lead there career goals going downhill. Victim also fails to understand the word trying and I can. Victims are quick to give up on life and other goals they had and lean on the negative side and make the wrong decisions. In this essay I will give you examples of a creator and victim also a peak of my mindset†¦show more content†¦Every weekend Hernandez was hitting clubs with the wrong crowd not being responsible towards his NFL career and violating the rules in the book throughout the offseason. Taking illegal drug substance like everything wa s good and not being responsible about his career. Hernandez fell victim because of spending money on girls at the clubs and hanging around old childhood friends that wasn’t such creators in life. He was a big face to the National Football league so it comes to mind why he was doing all the wrong things out in the open to mess his name up and the bold print of the National Football League? To be a creator in life my mindset is focus on making sure I’m on time and organized for my day. Every morning when I wake up I remind myself about staying focus on my goals and playing the creator role to be successful in life. First, I make sure I wake up an hour and thirty minutes early before class to get myself organized before I leave the house. Afterwards, I take a normally routine shower to support my hygiene so I don’t be stinking in public I always try to sell myself the best I can. Then during the extra thirty minutes before class I drive to a local food restaurant for breakfast to make sure I have the right nutrition in my system before class so I don’t be moody just ready to learn. My attentions in my English 111 class are to pass the class with an A