Persuasive Communications, Campaigning and Public Opinion & Reputation Essay

Persuasive Communications, Campaigning and Public Opinion & Reputation Management - Essay Example After the first week, communities can hire teams of two police to patrol their neighborhood for a set fee. The fee that will be charged each community will depend upon different factors – how many homes will be patrolled, what the historical crime rate is in each community, and the ability of that community to pay. The MPS will make it known that they will not necessarily charge poor communities more, if they have higher crime rates, acknowledging that these are the very communities that would need the Rent-A-Cop services the most. The MPS will also hold periodic press releases regarding the program. Included in these press releases will be the rate in apprehending criminals, as well as an overall overview of the program’s successes. The purpose of these press releases will be to keep the program in the public eye. The press releases will feature not only the rates of apprehending criminals, but will also feature â€Å"feel good† anecdotes, where the officer conducting the press release will detail the charitable work that the rent-a-cops do for the communities, and any human interest stories that might arise during the course of the officers’ tenure in these

Critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the outdoor Essay

Critically discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the outdoor learning environment in the UK's Early Years - Essay Example According to Watson (2000) the significance of childhood education cannot be underestimated since it may shape most character traits and behavior a child adopts (34). In childhood education two factors are usually considered. One is the gender difference between children and the different adaptation skills of both genders (CCEA, 2003; 56). Second is the involvement of outdoor activities in the early childhood education curriculum. It is a common thought that boys adapt faster to outdoor activities than girls. At an early age boys tend to have an adventurous trait which is absent in most girls (Tymms, Merrell & Henderson, 2000; 102). In words by Costello (2000) boys have a dire need for acquiring education than girls (87). The author further argues that boys tend to react well to the introduction to the education system well than girls. However, this depends on the activities involved in the curriculum implemented. In an argument by Leavers (2000) girls acquire more skills in indoor a ctivities than boys (67). Girls at this early age tend to avoid physical activities due to their sexuality. Sylva, Siraj-Blatchford & Taggart (2003) argue that the modern day girl child is more connected to their sexuality at an early and this hinders their participation in physical outdoor (97). As much there is so much opposition on the outdoor activities being involved in the curriculum, there are numerous advantages of the system. In words by Sproule et.al (2003) outdoor learning stretches the imaginative range of a child (112). This is because outdoor activities and learning involve a lot of imaginative and creative thinking activities. A child is exposed to a world where they can relate to the natural environment. This according to Sproule et.al (2002) makes their spirit become more jovial and free (107). Additionally, the physical activities aid in the development of a child’s cognitive abilities. Their psychology is given a boost in terms of strength and length of the ir thinking capacity. Another advantage of the outdoor education system is that it gives a child the best opportunity to realize their talent at an early age (Sheehy et.al, 2000; 123). This is because outdoor activities allow a child to explore more and apply their abilities at different angles (Leavers, 2000; 34). Disadvantages of outdoor education system revolve around denying a child the opportunity to grow their formal education knowledge faster and at an early age. In words by Moyles, Adams & Musgrove (2002) it is important for a child to have an early and effective formal education system since the system will be used all through their lives (90). The author further argues that this makes it important for them to adapt to the system earlier before they develop their complete mental and psychological abilities. In a nation like Sweden, the early childhood curriculum is based on the involvement of the outdoor environment. The curriculum bases its formal education on tangible and enjoyable factors in the outdoor environment (Claxton & Carr, 2004; 111). This move has been highly praised by educationalist and theorist by arguing that this is the best way that a child could acquire enough intelligence and knowledge at their age. Another hailed inclusion of this education system is the involvement of the forest schools. In words by Leavitt, Tonniges & Rogers (2003) the exposure of children to the natural en

Research on crowd behaviour

Research on crowd behaviour On April 11 2001 Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg was filled beyond capacity as people rushed to purchase football match tickets. Police and security officials struggled to contain the crowd and a stampede occurred. The crush resulted in around 250 injuries and 43 deaths. (Mason, 2001) Crowd behaviour can be surprising when individuals join a group and behave in a manner which is out of character. This was certainly the state of affairs in this case, as the behaviour displayed that night was not characteristic of South African soccer spectators. (Ngoepe and Semenya, 2002) The question therefore arises as to what influences the behaviour of the crowd. This discussion will consider the factors affecting individuals once they are part of a group by applying the study of crowd behaviour specifically to this case. Research, theories and debates will be considered along with the implications this all has for social psychology in the future. From Le Bons perspective, this stampede is a classic example of crowd behaviour, where individuals lose their sense of self and responsibility by being anonymous members of a crowd, and are susceptible to contagion and suggestibility. The LeBonian and Freudian view of the crowd as pathological and abnormal (Ngoepe and Semenya, 2002) is reinforced in this case as members trampled over others in a bid to save themselves. (Mason, 2001) Le Bon proposed that basic, primitive instincts then arise, making violence and anti-social behaviour more likely. (Hogg and Vaughan, 2008) And violence most certainly ensued in this situation. Gates were ripped apart, many places around the stadium were being vandalised and several people were consequently crushed to death. (Ngoepe and Semenya, 2002) What both Le Bon and Freuds theories overlook however is the importance of the social dynamics of the event. They give no consideration to grievances and social conflicts (Reicher, 2001), nor do they take into account the inter-group relations between the police/security and the crowd. In this case, the stampede began when the untimely announcement was given to several thousand people who had travelled from all over the country that tickets for the event were sold out. (Ngoepe and Semenya, 2002) The Final Report states that this was one of the causes of the tragedy. It is therefore important to consider further explanations of crowd behaviour. Festinger, Pepitone and Newcombes research (1952), and Zimbardos Stanford Prison Study (****) placed great emphasis on anonymity and concluded that deindividuation was a key factor in violent behaviour and loss of self awareness.(Hogg and Vaughan, 2008) It is difficult in this case to measure levels of anonymity however. Other theorists later revised this model as a result of research (Postmas and Spears, 1998, Diener, 1980) and Reicher at el (2001) argue that the individual doesnt lose his identity in the crowd but takes on a new social identity. This is an important point for this case as it implies that an individuals behaviour and perspectives will be determined by the type of group that is involved. Reicher (2004) identifies that the values and standards of a crowd of Catholics will be very different from a crowd of soccer supporters This begins to address the suggestion in the case study that this wouldnt have happened at a cricket or rugby match. But does this mean disasters a re inevitable in football crowds? Turner and Killians Emergent Norm Theory (****) changed the approach to crowd behaviour by identifying the presence of norms that emerge from within the crowd which are deemed to be goal orientated (Hogg and Vaughan, 2008) Indeed, the crowds goal was to secure a place to watch the football match and this could have led to the crush. Social Identity Theory begins to consider wider factors affecting the crowd and addresses the conflicts that may occur between groups which was a considerable factor in this case. Police and security personnel, in keeping with Le Bons view of the crowd as primitive, base and ghastly (Le Bon 1908), were deemed to be hostile to the spectators and displayed a general disrespect for their dignity. (Ngoepe and Semenya, 2002) The preconceived views of security personnel may have served to further escalate the situation and to increase feelings of aggression in crowd members. (Stott and Reicher, 1998) Social psychologys theories on aggression can also be drawn u pon to further elaborate on the event but the purpose of this discussion is to deal primarily with collective behaviour. The Elaborated Social Identity Model identified two conditions whereby the crowd may resort to violence and aggressive behaviour either an out group behaves in a way that is deemed as unfair or unwarranted, or others act in a way that prevents the crowd doing what they feel is legitimate. (Reicher 1996) And both of these conditions seem to be present in this situation. The crowd were prevented from accessing the stadium and they were subject to tear gas and aggressive conduct. (Ngoepe and Semenya, 2002).The focus appeared to be on crowd control rather than safety. (Mason, B 2001) The question therefore arises as to whether football crowds are thought of and treated differently to other groups by police, security and event planners. Social psychology plays a vital role in explaining crowd behaviour and later theories are particularly useful for the fact that they consider wider aspects than just the crowd itself. They acknowledge that the crowd does not behave in isolation but is subject to influence from the environment and other groups. Theories regarding anonymity were difficult to apply in this case but needed to be considered for the influence they have had on other theorists. It is interesting to note that both LeBons and Freuds view of the crowd was mirrored by security personnel. This is a key factor which needs to be considered further by event planners, police and security companies. Indeed, it is imperative that these groups gain a better understanding of crowd behaviour in order to prevent future mistakes and disasters. Whilst it is easy to adopt the view of the crowd as an aggressive mob, it is very inaccurate to do so. Not only is it inaccurate, it is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. (Re icher et al, 2004) During this discussion, questions have been raised which remain unanswered. They lead to the identification of areas in need of further research in the field of social psychology: namely crowd types, particularly football crowds; stewards and crowds; preconceived ideas about football crowds; inter-group dynamics and collective aggression. Whilst acknowledging that research on crowds can be difficult to implement, it is vital that further research is undertaken to prevent a repeat of this disaster.

Ecstasy :: essays research papers

Today in the year 2000 there are many definitons of the word ecstasy. Deriving from the middle english word, exstasie, it has gone from being a state of overwhelming emotion to one of the most popular drugs in the "club world"today. When I ask my parents what they think when they hear the word ecstasy they say,"You, your sister, and brother in Disney World." Well times have definetely changed. I asked about fifteen people in my dorm what they think when they hear the word and all of them said the same thing; drugs. Ecstasy is a feeling you get when you are totally happy. Everybody has their own definition of what the word means to them. What it means to me being an eighteen year old girl in New York is completely different to what it means for someone being forty-five and living in Alaska. What ecstasy is for me changes all the time. Right now it would be not having to do any work, not having to go to the gym or diet, not fighting with my boyfriend or friends, not having stress from my parents, etc. I asked my sister what her ideal ecstasy is and she said, "Having a date for homecoming and a perfect dress." I then decided to ask my parents and they're answer was, "Perfect health and total happiness for our children." If I ask myself this question in a year my response will be totally different. You can tell how differently people use the word just by listening to the radio. When I hear Eminem use the word in his song, "This ecstasy got me standing next to you" he is referring to the drug. When Tony Braxton used the word in her song, "And I'm in ecstasy" she is referring to the feeling. When my friends are talking about ecstasy they are talking about the drug. I don't even have to question what they are talking about because I know already. Ecstasy to them is the drug and only the drug. This is not because they do ecstasy or other drugs it's because that's all they think of when they hear the word. When it comes to my parents it can be either. Sometimes they'll want to ask me questions about the drug or warn me and other times they are talking about the feeling. Ecstasy the drug has many names.

Party influence in Congress Essay

The decline of party strength and influence began in the 19th century, partly due to the growth of the federal government under FDR whose ‘New Deal’ establishment served to undermine traditional social functions once carried out by party machines, thus weakening party loyalty. In the 1960’s and 1970s new issues such as civil rights, feminism, environmentalism and consumer rights arose to challenge traditional voting habits. These issues did not divide neatly along party lines and more voters indulged in â€Å"ticket-splitting† (voting for different parties in different elections). Partly in response to these trends, the parties themselves began to question their own policies and challenge their leaders. In Congress, reforms democratized or ‘opened up’ selection procedures to broader participation. Senior members found themselves surrendering committee chairmanships to unknown newcomers. Whips found it harder to enforce party discipline and junior members increasingly pursued their own personal projects to gain media attention and impress their constituency voters. Congress members have much to gain, in publicity and in tangible rewards (grants for their constituencies) from unpredictable behavior. The effect upon presidential influence in Congress has been destructive. President Carter struggled to pass bills through a House and Senate controlled by his own party. President Reagan’s early successes were largely due to Democrat ‘Boll Weevil’ defections. President Clinton has likewise been unable to rely upon solid party support, particularly for his anti-crime legislation and Healthcare Reform bill. Congress has been split by the new individualism of its members. The rise of the primary in presidential selection was another method used to ‘open up’ the political system and weaken party influence. Primaries allow voters a direct say in the choice of the party’s standard bearer in the presidential election. However, they enable candidates to hijack the party nomination for president by assembling teams of consultants, lawyers, financiers and media advisers, many of whom have no party affiliation and no loyalty or goal beyond the victory of their chosen leader. The victorious candidates sometimes lack any experience of government at the national  level. Modern presidents, facing a fragmented Congress, aggressive pressure groups and a skeptical media, cannot afford the luxury of limited experience. Unfortunately, the modern election system tends to favor those candidates who are effective campaigners rather than those who may be effective administrators. Given these difficulties, it is not surprising that recent Presidents have appeared to struggle. The cement of practical experience, party loyalty and common cause is too often thin or nonexistent at both ends.

Intention Letter Exchange Program Essay

With this letter my intention is to express the reasons for why an academic exchange is of interest to me, especially one for the ISC Paris. I am a Business Administration student at â€Å"Universidad La Salle†, I find my career very interesting and I really enjoy being a part of it, that’s why it developed great interest in me to know that the ISC was a school specialized in Administration committed to train students to become first class business people. In Mexico, we do not have a reputable University or Institute focused in Administrative Sciences, which is why from that moment, I knew that the ISC was the educational option that I was looking for. I researched more about the Institute and I realized that it is part of the prestigious French system â€Å"Grandes Ecoles† which immediately makes it an excellent choice in education and an institution that will be very important to my profession, boosting my career as well. I think France is a beautiful country that has too much to offer: from culture, food, landscapes, people, modernity, to its geographic location and boundaries with other major countries. Speaking of its capital, I believe Paris is one of the most exciting and dynamic cities in the world and it would be an honor to be a part of its student population, I think it will have a very good influence in me, studying in the city where most major French multinational corporations are located, where professional forums, conferences and fairs also take place, not mentioning it is full of culture and history to acknowledge and admire. I consider that this exchange is an ideal opportunity to relate and learn influenced by a vast diversity of cultures that will form a new international perspective in me. It will be a different experience in which I will be interacting in foreign languages such as English and French, something that will be invaluable in my future life. I’m sure ISC Paris is the right place for me, and it would be an honor to me to contribute with my knowledge and skills being part of the student community.