News From Nowhere Analysis of William Morris

News From Nowhere Analysis of William Morris Introduction In this essay I will analyse how William Morris’s News from Nowhere and the nineteenth century ecological ideology will shape the vision of the world around humanity. How Morris wanted to design a world that was to him becoming gloomy and joyless, a world that is being separated by industrialist and capitalist systems who have turned everything of value into profit making, although he believes both industrialism and capitalism go hand in hand. My focus will be on how these ideologies are organised in utopian imaginative narration Utopia meaning an imaginary society, place or state considered to be perfect and ideal and could not exist anywhere. But on the other hand that leaves a question can it, society be improved? News from Nowhere exists with visions of the future and also seeks to defend and uphold the revolutionary function of such expectation and hope. It strikes out as a book that is a little different from today. William Morris was a man of many talents, an artist, poet, carpenter, manufacturer, activist, and a socialist during the late 19th century. Later in his life he became a graphic designer. He was born March of 1834 in Walthamstow, England into a wealthy family. He went to school at an early age, studied at Oxford and became interested in art and architecture. At a later part of his life he became interested in politics and textile designs Main body The book tells about beautiful scenery and good weather; †¦air just sharp enough to be refreshing†¦ (News from Nowhere, chapter 1) is an indication of climate changes which for decades now have been a challenge facing the planet today. The problem that comes from climate change has caused many unfriendly problems that the world is facing that have resulting into different problems such as deaths, diseases, and dryness from deserts, water shortages, etc. It is up to the leaders of the world to make necessary changes so as to save the future of the planet. William Morris had an idea of a perfect world and hopeful of what the future might bring, and one of the impressive characters of the ideal world is the freedom of every man and woman to be in control of his/her own destiny. A world that is free from oppression and full of opportunities. Morris more than most people, had set up himself with a good start in life as far as career wise. By his adulthood he had already accomplished some tremendous success, created his firm, developed and exploited his talents to the full, basically he had made himself wealthy and this brought more success to his later careers as an independent actor on the political and social scene as he wished. After he left school he never exposed himself to where someone could be telling him what to do or taking orders from people except on certain occasions he had encounter with the law. He was not a selfish person, as he was a privileged man; he wanted the same for every person. A society without statue or privilege is what Morris wanted (Harvey and Press, 1996) Morris claims that the society is full of evil and that capitalism has destroyed what is left of the society but with communism it can be revived (Geoghegan, 2008) Morris saw in medieval craft labour an anticipation of what free labour in communism will be like. During the medieval periods craftspeople did not experience the type of degradation that labours have been subjected to under capitalism; that is between intellectual and manual and intellectual labour, between great art and manufacture, and also between pleasure and work. Morris believes that it is possible for man to rejoice in his work, and not only the labours that can make one rejoice, the products represent the height of human achievement to date. He rejected mass production, but rather encouraged those to develop their own manual skills such as were necessary to, and enjoyable in the domestic environment. In 1876 Morris wrote a letter to the Daily News protesting against Conservative government’s policy in the Balkans who offered the Turks military support the Russian expansionism in order to protect their interests in the Near East. Morris’s letter gave voice to the feelings and reaction of the people’s demonstration against this move especially a significant section of British opinion, particularly the liberals who resented their government being in war against Turks killing and massacre of Bulgarians. Morris’s letter within a couple of weeks had brought him popularity, after a short while he was elected Treasurer of the Eastern Question Association. This association was formed to campaign and protest against anticipation for war (Morris, 2004) Violence in the streets across the globe today are not new, they can be associated with Morris’s thought about revolution. As we witness today that democracy is sweeping across some parts of the world like the Arab countries. Its citizens are now demonstrating for changes in their government and demanding accountability and transparency. An example is couple of years back; the changes of regimes among North African countries, Egypt, Algeria, and Libya are evident of changes that came about through revolution. In 1885 Morris wrote to Georgiana Burne-Jones that the early struggles of socialism are merely ‘the petty skirmish of outposts, the fight of a corporal’s guard’; he tells the James Frederick that now he has joined the socialists, he has become ‘a soldier of the cause’. At the same time, he affirms the possibility that actual violence may be necessary for political change (Hanson, 2013, p.165) News from Nowhere makes us to understand that Morris motivated a happier society through the satisfactions of creative work. As he says in his preface to the nature of Gothic, â€Å"the lesson which Ruskin here teaches us is that art is the expression of man’s pleasure in labour† (Morris, 2004) he went further to say changed conditions of labour would not only produce better art but happier individuals more capable of enjoying it. He was not opposed to machines as a matter of principle. A lot of people believe he opposes them. He supports labour saving devices where dullness was not concerned. He said that the use of machines will speed production thereby doing those hard labour and saving human extra time and strength. But he criticised the use of machine for increase of production so as to make profit for the capitalists. Morris became the treasurer of the largely working-class National League. He formed a good relation with working people who had been empowered by the 1832 Reform Bill; the middle classes who are the driving force behind the nation’s wealth and power. Because of its success the franchise was extended to wider sections of working class which attracted new voters. His aim was for workers to be in charge of their own lives. Workers should organise and have trade unions through which they will make their voice heard, issues like wages, temporary managers, number of hours, care and sick payment, the dismissed, and the unemployed and general working conditions. After the revolution of 1848, things changed for good as a result of extension of the suffrage of 1867, increasing prosperity and liberal reforms, the rise of the trade unions all contributed to the improvement of things. Morris believed in â€Å"Socialism from the Root Up† (Morris, 2004) fundamental change brought about by sudden popular revolution. He worked hard and treated his work for league as a full time job. During Morris’s time the league fought for free speech campaign so as to possess the right to protest and carry out public demonstrations. In this process he was arrested and fined on some occasions at the Trafalgar Square. Just as it is in the world today people are demonstrating against governments, companies, or institutions on policies that are against their democratic rights. Today in Ireland the people are demonstrating against the new water charge imposed by the government Change does not come by peaceful means, but through struggles. It was through this circumstance as the Socialist League drew nearer disintegration that prompted Morris to write News from Nowhere, a book that combines continuing trust in a Socialist future with a need to recharge the batteries of an imagination near exhaustion (Morris, 2004) Morris stressed not only the importance of political party but for the party to be a party of cadres, highly trained and qualified personnel of theoretical understanding, capable of assuming a leading role in any revolutionary activities towards the working class. He made it clear that the Socialist League should stand for revolutionary and scientific Socialism as against Hyndman’s SDF (Social Democratic Federation) for the fact that he believes Hyndman and SDF method will only achieve what he Morris called ‘mechanical revolution’, which is not real revolution. On the contrary Morris demanded ‘an educated movement’ (Researchgate.net) Morris believes that old order must not take charge put if they persist, then they must be removed by force, that is when necessary to use intelligent revolution which is for the good of the people. He wanted far above every other thing body of able high- minded working class, experienced, knowledgeable and skilled men who will teach and direct the general population during critical moments of any movement. He had a strong disapproval towards opportunism which will involve him in alliance with other parties at the long run will lead to electioneering and deprive the socialist movement some of its best leaders by sending them pretentious parliament, where they will become useless. Morris hammered on the importance of education especially in the party system so as to have a strong party which comprises education in economics, in organisation, and also administratively. He went further to say without an organised political party to provide a concrete and theoretical awareness and existence of socialism, any sudden revolt would bring it to scatter in various directions. On the issue of gender, Morris was aware of the apparent reaction of the solution regarding the woman question, just as he was conscious of the conservative and emotional implications of his desire to give new life to the handicraft. But he did not temper his belief that house work was the natural realm of the woman, they do it excellently well, and that a woman’s natural vocation was to provide help and comfort for her children and the head of the family. In the book there is an open rejection by Morris on movement of freedom with regards to central demand as the right to free the more intelligent part of their sex from the bearing of children. The domestic workers in the book are independent, athletic, active, and passionate, they are never worn down by their work, always good-natured and extremely beautiful. Perhaps is not surprising that Morris confessed that he had fallen in love with Ellen. Conclusion William Morris’s News from Nowhere is an interesting book with a vision. Despite the fact it was written in 1890, its contains arguments and debate that will inspire every generations to come; of all sectors both students, workers, politicians to look beyond the immediate system and virtualise future. Bibliography Agathocleous, T. (20011) Urban realism and the cosmopolitan imagination in the nineteenth century: Visible city, Invisible city, Cambridge University Press Cairns, J, Sears, A. (2012) the democratic imagination: Envisioning popular power in the twenty- first century, University of Toronto Press Corporal, M., Leeuwen, E. J. V. (2010) the literary utopias of cultural communities, 1790 – 1910 Rodopi Press Geoghegan, V. (2008) Utopianism and Marxism, Peter Lang Publishers Hanson, I. (2013) William Morris and the users of violence, 1856 – 1890, Anthem Press Harvey, C., Press, J. (1996) Art, enterprise, and ethics: The life and works of William Morris   Psychology Press Latham, D. (2007) writing on the image: Reading William Morris, University of Toronto Press Lvitas, R. (2010) the concept of Utopia, Peter Lang Publishers Morris, W. (2004) news from nowhere and the other writing, Penguin Publishing Peters, M. A., Freeman-Moir, D. J. (2006) Edutopias, Sense Publishers Plotz, J. (2008) portable property: Victorian culture on the move, Preston Publishers The ecological communitarianism of William Morris, /02c87, Researchgate.net

Managing Conflict in a Female Dominated Workplace

Today more companies have opened its doors for women workers than in the past twenty years. More women are having full-time jobs and even holding positions of power and influence in the corporate world. This reality might not have totally eliminated the â€Å"glass ceiling† concept, yet this suggests that the gender discrimination issue is slowly eliminated in the world of work. Women have significantly impacted the corporate world. However, some studies suggest that in women-dominated workplace new challenges can emerge. This is because women interact differently and expect different things from their co-workers than men. Risk of unresolved conflict is also high as women have different approach to dealing with conflict than men. Women’s approach to conflict is usually dictated and influenced by their role in the society, women’s tendency to be judgmental and subjective, and society’s expectations. The groundbreaking book of Phyllis Chesler â€Å"Woman’s Inhumanity to Woman† revealed that women have the tendency to deny that they are competitive, give more importance to relationship and belonging than succeeding, and expect nurture, support, and sympathy from other women. It further revealed women’s subjective perception of criticism and their tendency to judge harshly other women. These behaviors of women are potential source of conflict and can make conflict resolution difficult. Tracy Douglass suggested ways to constructively deal with these behavior of women in the workplace to effectively deal with conflict among them. She said that the ability to recognize exclusionary behavior of women workers and evaluate criticism constructively, make a balance and objective response, making constructive statements that are focused on the problem and not on the person, communication skills, and personal awareness of one’s own behavior are important to be able to effectively manage women workers and also conflict in the workplace. The article of Tracy Douglass presented only a grain of truth about working women  and their behavior that can be a source of challenge and conflict in the workplace. The description sounded more of a social stereotyping than an objective analysis of the causes of conflict in a female dominated workplace and how to manage it. If the analysis presented is true then the percentage of women working will not increase. The â€Å"ever-changing and expanding role of women in the management structure of the modern corporations† (Rue & Byars, 2000, p. 13) proves that companies recognize that women can be effective as men. It proves that women have successfully shown that they are capable of objectively dealing with personal and work issues, as well as achieving competence in their work. Women may have inherent weaknesses but these can be eliminated or use constructively in the workplace given proper mentoring, training and other developmental programs. Nowadays an increasing number of people believe in equality of ability and opportunity of men and women, thus â€Å"more companies use mentoring programs to ensure that women gain skills and visibility needed to move into managerial positions† (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart, & Wright, 2000, p. 342). The daycare center is not different from other working environment where training, mentoring and other developmental activities are applicable to enhance personal and professional skills of women employees. The daycare center director can turn the described handicap of women workers in dealing with conflict and co-women employees into a blessing because their nurturing, sympathetic and supportive behaviors are what children need from their care providers. It is said that â€Å"hugs like water and food are vital to health and development of infants and children† (Cromie, 1998) and these too give children the sense of belongingness and safety.   The female staffs are generally capable of providing these to the children with warmth, sensitivity and affection so the children will have sound social development. Conflicts among women employees can be avoided if every challenge is taken as an opportunity to develop the employees and the team as a whole. References Cromie, W.J. (1998). Of hugs and hormones. Retrieved January 10, 2007 Noe, R.A., Hollenbeck, J.R., Gerhart, B. & Wright, P.M. (2000). Human resource  management: Gaining a competitive advantage (3rd ed.). Singapore: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Rue, L.W. & Byars, L.L. (2000). Management: Skills and application (9th ed.). U.S.A.: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.         

HRM in a Changing Environment: The Challenges Essay

Today’s organizations are facing challenges upon following levels: i. Environmental Challenges ii. Organizational Challenges iii. Individual Challenges i. Environmental Challenges Environmental challenges refer to forces external to the firm that are largely beyond management’s control but influence organizational performance. They include: rapid change, the internet revolution, workforce diversity, globalization, legislation, evolving work and family roles, and skill shortages and the rise of the service sector. Six important environmental challenges today are: a) Rapid change, b) Work force diversity, c) Globalization, d) Legislation, e) Technology f) Evolving work and family roles, g) Skill shortages and the rise of the service sector a) Rapid Change Many organizations face a volatile environment in which change is nearly constant. If they are to survive and prosper, they need to adapt to change quickly and effectively. Human resources are almost always at the heart of an effective response system. Here are a few examples of how HR policies can help or hinder a firm grappling with external change: b) Work Force Diversity. All these trends present both a significant challenge and a real opportunity for managers. Firms that formulate and implement HR strategies that capitalize on employee diversity are more likely to survive and prosper. c) Globalization. One of the most dramatic challenges facing as they enter the twenty-first century is how to compete against foreign firms, both domestically and abroad. Many companies are already being compelled to think globally, something that doesn’t come easily to firms long accustomed to doing business in a large and expanding domestic market with minimal foreign competition. Weak response to international competition may be resulting in upwards layoffs in every year. Human resources can play a critical role in a business’s ability to compete head-to-head with foreign producers. The implications of a global economy on human resource management are many. Here are a few examples: Worldwide company culture Some firms try to develop a global company identity to smooth over cultural differences between domestic employees and those in international operations. Minimizing these differences increases cooperation and can have a strong impact on the bottom line. For instance, the head of human resources at the European division of Colgate Palmolive notes, â€Å"We try to build a common corporate culture. We want them all to be Colgaters.† Global alliances† Some firms actively engage in international alliances with foreign firms or acquire companies overseas to take advantage of global markets. Making such alliances work requires a highly trained and devoted staff. For instance, Phillips (a Netherlands lighting and electronics firm) became the largest lighting manufacturer in the world by establishing a joint venture with AT&T and making several key acquisitions. These illustrations show how firms can use HR strategies to gain a worldwide competitive advantage. d) Legislation Much of the growth in the HR function over the past three decades may be attributed to its crucial role in keeping the company out of trouble with the law. Most firms are deeply concerned with potential liability resulting from personnel decisions that may violate laws enacted by the state legislatures, and/or local governments. These laws are constantly interpreted in thousands of cases brought before government agencies, federal courts, state courts, and t Supreme Court. How successfully a firm manages its human resources depends to a large extent on its ability to deal effectively with government regulations. Operating within the legal framework requires keeping track of the external legal environment and developing internal systems (for example, supervisory training and grievance procedures) to ensure compliance and minimize complaints. Many firms are now developing formal policies on sexual harassment and establishing internal administrative channels to deal with alleged incidents before employees feel the need to file a lawsuit. Legislation often has a differential impact on public- and private sector organizations. (Public sector is another term for governmental agencies; private sector refers to all other types of organizations.) Some legislation applies only to public-sector organizations. For instance, affirmative action requirements are typically limited to public organizations and to organizations that do contract work for them. However, much legislation applies to both public- and private sector organizations. In fact, it’s difficult to think of any HR practices that are not influenced by government regulations. e) Technology The world has never before seen such rapid technological changes as are presently occurring in the computer and telecommunications industries. One estimate is that technological change is occurring so rapidly that individuals may have to change their entire skills three or four times in their career. The advances being made, affect every area of a business including human resource management. f) Evolving Work and Family Roles The proportion of dual-career families, in which both wife and husband (or both members of a couple) work, is increasing every year. Unfortunately, women face the double burden of working at home and on the job, devoting 42 hours per week on average to the office and an additional 30 hours at home to children. This compares to 43 hours spent working in the office and only 12 hours at home for men. More and more companies are introducing â€Å"family-friendly† programs that give them a competitive advantage in the labor market. These programs are HR tactics that companies use to hire and retain the best-qualified employees, male or female, and they are very likely to payoff. For instance, among the well known organizations / firms, half of all recruits are women, but only 5% of partners are women. Major talent is being wasted as many women drop out after lengthy training because they have decided that the demanding 10- to 12-year partner track requires a total sacrifice of family life. These firms have started to change their policies and are already seeing gains as a result. Different companies have recently begun offering child-care and eldercare referral services as well to facilitate women workers as well as are introducing alternative scheduling to allow employees some flexibility in their work hours. g) Skill Shortages and the Rise of the Service Sector. Expansion of service-sector employment is linked to a number of factors, including changes in consumer tastes and preferences, legal and regulatory changes, advances in science and technology that have eliminated many manufacturing jobs, and changes in the way businesses are organized and managed. Service, technical, and managerial positions that require college degrees will make up half of all manufacturing and service jobs by 2000. Unfortunately, most available workers will be too unskilled to fill those jobs. Even now, many companies complain that the supply of skilled labor is dwindling and that they must provide their employees with basic training to make up for the shortcomings of the public education system. To rectify these shortcomings, companies currently spend large amount year on a wide variety of training programs. HRM in changing environment With the evolution of the study of HRM, it is no more mere an academic discipline rather an important factor of organizational success in the practical field. Today HRM needs to sense, respond and deal with all the issues of the organization at different levels and prove its worth. HRM has to deal with all the challenges that organization faces and these are at the following levels: †¢ Environmental Challenges (Seven) 1. Rapid Change 2. Work Force Diversity 3. Globalization 4. Legislation 5. Technology 6. Evolving Work and Family Roles 7. Skill Shortages and the Rise of the Service Sector †¢ Organizational Challenges (Four) 1. Controlling Costs 2. Improving Quality 3. Creating Distinctive Capabilities 4. Restructuring †¢ Individual Challenges 1. Productivity 2. Empowerment 3. Brain Drain 4. Ethics and Social Responsibility 5. Job Insecurity 6. Matching People and Organizations Research

Essay on Media Violence in Childrens Lives - 2588 Words

Media Violence in Childrens Lives During the past decade, America has witnessed an alarming increase in the incidence of violence in the lives of children. On a daily basis, children in America are victims of violence, as witnesses to violent acts in their homes or communities, or as victims of abuse, neglect, or personal assault. The causes of violent behavior in society are complex and interrelated. Among the significant contributors are poverty, racism, unemployment, illegal drugs, inadequate or abusive parenting practices, and real-life adult models of violent problem-solving behavior. At the same time that there has been an increase in the number of reported violent acts directed at children, there has been an†¦show more content†¦During this formative period, young children are particularly vulnerable to negative influences. In most instances, children have no control over the environmental messages theyShow MoreRelatedEssay about Violence on Television and Children,1302 Words   |  6 PagesViol ence is an everyday occurrence in our society. It affects adults and children but it has a greater impact on children. Children are more moldable and are greatly influenced by things they see and hear. More and more violence is becoming prevalent in daily lives. Children all over the world are becoming victims to the same violent acts they witness on TV and at home. Children fall victim to abuse and neglect at home and at school. Children are bombarded with violence from all angles. With theRead MoreJuvenile Crime and Violence in Schools Essay640 Words   |  3 PagesColumbine High School. This act of violence resulted in not only their own deaths but the deaths of many other innocent students and one teacher. However, this was not the first instance of violence in schools. There have been many other occasions of violent behavior among school age children, some as young as eleven years old, the past few years. We should carefully consider some possible causes of these tragedies, so we can seek a way to end them. Promotion of violence, neglect of troubled childrenRead MoreThe Corruption of Media690 Words   |  3 Pagesof Media I came up with a problem that concerns many parents. It seems as though violence plays a role in the lives of many people. Even innocent children are affected by the negative things that go on in the huge world we live in. Television violence is often overlooked because of its ability to retain children’s attention. Countless mothers and fathers put their children in front of the television so they can have time to themselves. As a result, the kids are subjected to unnecessary media violenceRead MoreMedia Violence and the Affects It Has On Children Essay1312 Words   |  6 PagesMedia Violence and the Affects It Has On Children The media clearly has an impact on our lives and especially the young, impressionable and weak-minded people in our society. Children become desensitized to violence when they see it everyday on TV, in theaters and even in video games. They are not becoming properly aquatinted with what is real, what is not, and the effects of it all. Even TV news deadens anyones perception of reality. People ofRead MoreDesensitization From Lack Of Discretion1614 Words   |  7 Pagespresence of authority in our lives on the one side. On the other side our country’s moral fabric could come apart, there could be a rise in violence, and the innocence of our children is at risk. It is the innocence of our children that we are going to take a closer look at. What part does uncensored media play in the desensitization of our youth? Why should we be concerned about this issue? What are the immediate implications of immoral media in our children’s lives? How does it affect our adolescenc eRead MoreThe Effects Of Movies On Child Psychology930 Words   |  4 Pagesinstigating violence in the society is a difficult social conundrum. Number crunching shows that there is an increase of crimes based on violent plots. However, the most unsettling impact of violent plots is on the minds of children and adolescents. Children are vulnerable to accepting the fabrication of the movies as a reality. Many psychological researches have shown that, the exposure of the violent scenes has increased the physical and verbal aggression amongst children. Eliminating all violence fromRead MorePositive And Negative Effects Of The Media1364 Words   |  6 PagesThe media industry influences society by providing entertainment, spreading information, and allowing for communication. The abundance of technology such as cell phones, tablets, computers, and television has made the world much more connected than ever. Consequently, more and more Americans are becoming dependent on such devices t hat make daily tasks easier. Through these connections, the media is able to implement itself into everyday lives, and although these advancements improve peoples livesRead MoreTelevision Is Destroying Todays Youth, but Dont Blame T.V., Blame the Parents.1302 Words   |  6 PagesTelevision has, since its invention, always been Americas favorite source of entertainment. As society has changed, violence and sexual content have been added ever so increasingly over the years. After all, isnt that what makes T.V. shows interesting? Isnt that why we all want to go see that new movie that came out which is rated R instead of that movie rated PG? Although this violence and sexual content on television and in movies is having devastating effects on Americas youth, you cannot blameRead MoreThe Literature And The Individual Child1462 Words   |  6 Pages†¢ Within most regions of the world, media and popular culture are an inevitable part of contemporary childhoods- children spend more and more time engaging with various types of media than with families and friends and often, school. †¢ The literature views popular culture as shaping children’s viewpoints through many mediums given pop culture is a part of everyday lived experience and is everywhere- television, movies, news media, music, advertising, children’s play, conversations, drawing, writingRead MoreAnalysis Of Gerard JonesViolent Media Is Good For Kids912 Words   |  4 Pageswatch is a very controversial one. With media access so obtainable these days, violent media is practical everywhere. Many writers take a stand on this, and give an opinion of how the matter should be handled. Gerard Jones and John Leo both argue their case on how the approach towards how the situation should be handed. Jones argues that violent media is good for children, since it gives them a way to escape the harsh reality; however, Leo argues that violent media is a main source for many of the disturbing