Blowback by Chalmers Johnson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Blowback by Chalmers Johnson - Essay Example However, Chalmers regretted the political awakening of the United States after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. He notes that instead of the Unites States demobilizing its defense forces, it accelerated its reliance on military operations for solving its economic and political problems. The result of this militarism as evident in the actual domestic defense is increased terrorism against the State and its close allies. It has resulted to the loss of core democratic values at home. It has become the cause of actual disaster for the America economy. This task looks at the author’s main arguments in the ‘Blowback’ and the information he uses to convince his readers on his position. It covers what ‘Blowback’ covers well in my opinion and the portions of the series I believe are misplaced and misleading. In addition, the assignment uncovers some elements of style the author uses to develop his work. It looks at the rationale of the writer’s main argument and dissects the logic and clarity of his argument. Chalmers supports the notion that America is hated around the world. He supports this by purporting that the concept of â€Å"blowback† means more than retaliation against the things the American government has done in and to foreign countries. The concept refers to retaliation against several other illegal operations the country has carried out abroad. The operations have been kept secret from the public. This implies that when the retaliations come as it did in 9/11, the American public is often unaware and cannot place the events in context. Therefore, the public tends to support all acts that the government places to lash out against the perpetrators. This prepares grounds for further blowbacks, as the American public joins the enmity created by its secretive government. Supporting the idea of enmity of the American society perpetrated by the militarization, Chalmers gives an example of the Okinawa Military Base in

Business Relationships Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Business Relationships - Essay Example Most business relationships contain elements of cooperation. In addition, business relationships include competition. Further, business relationships include Internal Demand Management, Also, business relationships include Relationship and Supplier Selection. Plus, business relationships include Customer Relationship Strategy. And, buyer-Supplier Negotiation. Further, most business relationships contain elements of cooperation. Often, the cooperation being companies in the same market segment starts before any formal agreement has been perfected. one company even developed the political power to try to solve some of its own business problems by searching and forging an alliance with other business organizations. It had to address some of the issues in terms of reversing its sales slowdown. Many companies will present their best assets and income generating plans to its prospective partner organisation in order to win its nod to the merger. Many companies enter into mergers and consolidations by contributing money industry and business secrets with the end in mind of distributing any profits among themselves after each accounting period ends (Child, and Faulkner 1998, 84). And, this means that many companies join mergers and consolidations by taking into consideration the structure and system that are to form the basic framework for bringing their strong business alliances to life. Many companies consider their prospective partners' complementary part in their business union by taking into consideration the assets, skills and the possible synergies that could crop up as result of the business union. Many companies take into consideration the culture of the other company interested to join a merger or consolidation. Many organisations enter into informal merger or combination with other companies in the same line of business. For, many partners want to have a fair and reliable business agreement with other companies. Many of these partnerships agree to have fair and reliable agreement. These business agreements generally include the division of profits, segregation customer base, and other related concerns that would result to a fruitful relationship. In short, one of the most important topics that businesses combining with other businesses discuss is the appropriate value given to assets, liabilities, capital, revenues and expenses (Child, and Faulkner 1998, 84). In addition, business relationships include competition. Many companies have launched their products in the market with the hope that they will be able to swallow a large portion of the competitors' market share in terms of products. The political economy approach often brings a health competition among the different companies engaged in the same kind of business. international business have joined together in order to increase their market share over their competitors in the business wold. Today, the business environment has been renovated and innovated in terms of urban setting. Many competitors have bonded together to improve the lives of the employees as a member of its fold as well as their families (Clark 1999, 133).Cooperation crosses many boundaries. The beneficiaries of the public goods come from many countries, age, sex, beliefs and other diversities. The cooperation between two companies include companies located in both the

Success of the Kong Hong Crossover Film

Success of the Kong Hong Crossover Film Chapter 1 Introduction Preface The purpose for this dissertation is to discover what is crossover film and what makes the crossover film a success. The cinema of Hong Kong has consider as the pioneer of chinese language movie. Especially between the 1970à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" 1990à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, most of movie fans will be familiar with names like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, John Wu from Hong Kong cinema. The reason why these movie star become so popular because they produce a lot of martial art film during that time. And then these martial art film brought to the western audiences. In fact, A lot of english speaking country or european start to aware of asian movie in that time. However, the English audiences might consider these martial art film as the crossover film. The English audiences think these martial art film as the crossover probably because these martial art film come with simple plot. The story are quite easy to understand for them such as the good and evil character. So the audienes are not nessesary to understand what the character speaking. Therefore, there is no language boundary when the english audiences watch it. In my research, these martial arts films in the past does not count as the crossover film. I would say the crossover film is relate to several elements which is culture references, co-production, company investment, audiences expectation, marketing, etc. Research background Back to Hong Kong cinema, The cinema of Hong Kong is one of the major movie industry in the Chinese language speaking cinema. Before 1997, Hong Kong was a colony of Britain and therefore Hong Kong had a greater freedom on economic and political than mainland China. Even in film industry, The censorship system in Mainland China have a very strHYPERLINK http://cdict.net/q/straightict rule. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ Hong Kong filmmakers either steered away from criticzing China or did so in oblique ways à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“(Clara Lawà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Farewell China,1989. P.127: Bordwell, 2000). Therefore, the Hong Kong film maker can barely sell their film or have to re-produce another verison to adapt the market in China. On the other hand, the America or other Euro country censorship syetem are vary widely than China. And a lot of Hong Kong film producers try to sell their films to some western country. But I think it was not that easy for the very beginning because the western audiences probabl y havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seen any kind of asian movie before. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“European and North American audiences have never been particularly interested in Asian cinema, Apart from the occasional exotic import and anime.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (D. Bordwell, 2003, P. 83) During the 1970s, the matrial art /Ku fung film become one of the major theme in Hong Kong. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Golden Harvest was the top studio, signing up Jackie Chan, the kung fu comedy actor-filmmaker who would spend the next twenty years as Asias biggest box office drawà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Chan and Yang, 1998, P.  164à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"165: Bordwell, 2000). However, during the 1990à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. there was a industry crisis because of the Asian financial crisis and also the illegal copy and download over the internet. However, there was a few local film receive a huge success even it was a hard time for film industry by that period. Those are the film that I am going to cover in my research. Chapter 2 What is crossover film? 2.1 Chapter introduction In this chapter, I will be discuss how we define crossover film especially the film made in Hong Kong. Also, Hong Kong produced a lot of martial art or action movie during the late 1980à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s and early 1900à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. And Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably relate to the politcal and society problem. It might be represent the identity of Hong Kong movie as the martial art film from the english audiences. And I want to find out why they have this thought. Apart from these martial art film, do they know other films that made in Hong Kong? 2.2 Hong Kong movie = Ku fung ? The Martial art movie can be chase back to 1930à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s originally. And the Chinese people called it à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? film, the term à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is based on some fictional Chinese novel and always use of the old chinese dynasty as the background. The features of these à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? characters always appear with sword as the weapon and come with superpower. The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? film probably the most popular genre in the early cinema of Mainland China. I think the Chinese audiences need this kind of topic in the cinema such as heroic and myth after the post-war period. However, the chinese government strongly disapprove à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? film in China as the subject matter is over superstition and violence. And some Hong Kong movie producer try to bring action movie to Hong Kong audiences in the late 1930à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. The reason is Hong Kong had a superior level of freedom as the social culture and economy development during the colony era. That was the competitive advantage for Hong Kong could produce some action film but Mainland China. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“In the British colony of Hong Kong, which had since 1950à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s transformed itself from an entreport to an industial city, the 1960à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s was also a period of rapid economic growth and social turmoilà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Po Shek fu and David Desser, P.71: Cambridge university press, 2000). Therefore, I believe the martial arts movie has became popular start by the late 1960à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. The Martial arts movies still feature à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? style in the early Hong Kong cinema. However, there was some significant change in the Hong Kong cinema during the 1970à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. I think the first time to allow western audiences to get to know about Hong Kong movies is the master of martial arts Bruce Lee return to Hong Kong cinema. Bruce Lees career achievement as well as cultural aspects of the film have an influence, he not only open the gate for the Chinese to first enter Hollywood, but also created his own philosophy on martial arts Jeet Kune Do. And make Action movies become one of the mainstream genres in Hong Kong. The early co-production with hollywood (Warner Bros) and Hong Kong (Golden Harvest) was à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Enter the Dragonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? in 1973. It was also the first time Hong Kong attempt to break into western audiences market. The film combined the traditional Kung fu and James bond action style genres. It wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really successful for the first breakthrough with western audiences because Lee dead in 1973. And then the action movie production seem to be lay low for while. This situation change until Golden Harvest studio sign up Jackie Chan as the action movie star. Jackie Chan as early as 1982 when it began to break into the Hollywood market, but he does not run smoothly into the international road. His first foray into the international market film called Cannonball Run. Unfortunately at the box office failure, And then after many years later Jackie took the first Hollywood movie Rush Hour which made him become popular in Hollywood. During the 70à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"early 90à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, Hong Kong exported a lot of local movie to western country. In my opinon, I think the western audiences probably consider the early Hong Kong action movie as the crossover film. But I think these action movies just the films that made in Hong Kong. Therefore, I m going to look for the real definition for crossover film in next paragraph. 2.3 The definition of crossover film In fact, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find any book that mention about the term à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“crossover filmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? during my research. However, I found some other sourse over the internet to explain what is crossover film. Also I will use my own understanding to outline the definition of crossover film through the research. When I start typing the word à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“crossover filmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? on google search engine. I found this web blogger called Pardesi over the internet and talk about what he/she thinks about crossover film. This blogger Pardesi make a compare between two successful crossover films which is Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Slumdog Millionaire in the blog entry. Pardesi suggest that the definition of crossover film à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Such films go beyond the traditional markets in the home country, or already exploited by films from the country, and usually end up making a lot of money.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Pardesi, (2010). In my opinion, I think Pardesi only suggest c rossover film more concern by marketing way. However, I believe crossover film can be relate many different elements apart from marketing. Firstly, I think it can separate into two parts which is the crossover film itself and the production. The crossover film itself can develop to culture, actor, and audiences expectation, and narrative structure. And the production element can define as company investment, finanical, special effect, and film location or studio. I think culture represent a lot within the crossover film because it can show some of the local element to western audiences. Also, it probably involve different actor from different coutry or speak different language. And the most important one is audiences expectation, the western audiences might expect to see something where the local film specialize at , or something they probably wont see from the english movie. for example, Martial art, high population or modern city scene. The second part to define crossover film is about production. firstly, it might involve western company to invest Hong Kong movie and re-packaging the film to be come suitable western marketing. Even finanical support is key element as produce a crossover film. Some western film production company might already own their advanced technology to create some imaginary scenes. However, these are just the thoughts come from my research. I will be provide some evidences to proof these elements are relevant. 2.4 Chapter summary This chapter has mainly introduced the theories and article which relevant in this research. It can give some idea to the reader about the crossover film. Also have the primary understanding about the marketing side and production side of the crossover film. In next chapter, I will discuss more about the elements which make the crossover film success. Chapter 3 The Crossover films 3.1 Chapter introduction The purpose of this chapter is to use three significant crossover films as the example. And then I will discuss the key elements which bring them to become sucessfull around the global. The films I will be focus on Kung Fu Hustle(2004), The film saved Hong Kong film industrial during the global economic crisis and the local film industrial decline. The second film I will look at is Rush Hour (1998), see how the western audiences expectation change from crossover film. Finlly, I will discuss how cross-movies in the western region of Hong Kongs success, rather than in Hong Kong by using à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? 3.2 Crossover to international à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Stephen Chowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ Kung Fu Hustleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? During the late 90à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, hong kong movie industrial met a several crisis. The internet technology was developing extremely fast. People start sharing the movie over the internet, or even purchase the illegal movie DVD copies rather than go to the cinema . Some movie production studio find it difficult to maintain the movie production as the box office decline. However, Hong Kong actor Stephen chow seem to be saved this crisis for Hong Kong movie industrial. Hong Kongs population is 7,061,200. As a small population and economic decline region, Some Hong Kong movie studio find it hard to survive. Therefore, they can only rely on producing some low budget film to maintain the business. Nevertheless, the cinema of Hong Kong still find the way to survive from mainland China and international market. Kung Fu Hustle 2004 is a one of the great successful example. The film recieve highly positive result. Before Kung Fu Hustle, there are several film which co-production with Columbria studio. Howeve, these film have failed at the box office because they remain a little local flavour. The western audiences probably more familiar with one of the most popular actor in Hong Kong Stephen Chow. He created his own comedy style on acting called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Mo lei tauà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? , this term can be referred to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Silly talkà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“During an interview with Stephen Chow for his 2006 Asian Invasion season, the BBCs film critic Jonathan Ross referred to the genre as Silly Talk, a label that Chow was happy to accept.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Wikipedia. 2011. Mo lei tau), the interview also avalible on YouTube(Asian Invasion Episode 2 Part 2) . Stephen Chow produced the first film à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Shaolin Soccerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? which break through the western market. However, the second film Kung Fu Hustle Stephen Chow became an international success. Columbia pictures impressed by stephen previous film Shaolin Soccer and wanted to provide finanical support to Stehpen. As a result, Stehpen came up the new idea on the film Kung Fu Hustle in 2004. Stephen Chow also is an actor himself, he started his acting career from a local television. In early 1990à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, he began to making film with his Mo lei tau comedy style. But this kind of acting style only limited to cantonese speakers understanding. Therefore, Stephen tried not to put too much Mo lei tau acting style in Kung Fu Hustle, and used the CGI and pop culture references instead. In addition, Stephen co production with Columbria studio and several film studio in mainland China. In my opinion, I think such as this kind of collaboration with western movie studio is quite benefit to Hong Kong film industrial. The reason is western movie studio has already built up a very mature technique on film production. Also, they developed some advance computer graphic during the editing part. This is a great improvement on visual effect for the Hong Kong film, so the CGI technology can perform the scene that impossible become possible. For example, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kung Fu Hustleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? refer a lot of superhuman ability combine with martial art. During the interview with BBC, Stephen said this kind of technology did a great help for his film, but he insist to put CGI graphic as the assistant role for the film. I agree what Stephen says because it wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t lose the originality with martial art element. Also, the CGI effect just play a little role that make western audiences easier accept the film rather than produce the stereotype martial art movie. The western audiences probably have seen a lot different martial art film from the past. Furthermore, the Hollywood production system more focus on quality rather than quantity. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hollywood directors count themselves lucky to make a film every three yearsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦In the late 1990s Andre Lau( Hong Kong director) was directing as many as 4 films per year.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (David B, P.  117 2003). In such a condition, I think hong kong filmmaker can only produce some low budget film and lack of idea on creating some stunning story. Therefore, I reckon the collaboration between western film studio and Hong Kong film maker which is quite benefit to Hong Kong film to break through western market. Apart from big company support, Stephen Chow also wanted try some new element into the film such as put a several American pop culture in different scenes. These references including Road Runner à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wile E. Coyote and Road Runnerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? , and a dance scene which refer to Amercian musical à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“West side storyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and the horror scene à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Shingingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?1908. When I look at some Hong Kong movie in the past, I think they cant become mainstream movie in western country because the film is more focus on local audiences taste. Only some of the popular martial art or action movie can be sell to western. Beside, the western audiences only understand because these film content involve simple plot such as bad character get beat up by the good character. It might be already label that Hong Kong movie represent martial art or kung fu in some sence. Therefore, I believe the way to make western audiences re-consider Hong Kong movie not just another martial art or action film could be consider to put some western pop culture. This is not only reduce the language boundry, but also bring up some new element to the film. 3.3 Cultural cross-over movieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Rush Hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Even Stephen Chowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gain a hugh success from western market. There is still some movie fans not quite fancy foreign film. Especially the film is based on chinese language. According to producer Terence Chang à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A lot of Hong Kong films have things that I think American audiences canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t accept.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? D. Bordwell (P.19 ,2000) In 1998, Jackie Chan finally arrived to Hollywood. Chanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Rush hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? series become at Rank #1 at the North American box-office with a weekend gross of $33 million in September 1998 (figure on Appendix -1) Which is unexpected result for foreign film. I would say the Martial Art combine buddy movie opened the gate for crossover film. The movie applied the buddy film style like the hollywood film normally use. In Rush Hour, it is about a Chinese inspector and American detective. The character James Carter (Chris Tucker) keeps the American comedy element in the film, and Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) remain his action scenes throughout the movie. I think the audiences have never seen the buddy film like this before which bring a lot of new visual elements to them. However, Jackie Chan reveal on his official blog that he didnt really like the film and he felt very disappointed. Chan Said, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I felt the style of action was too Americanized and I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand the American humor.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Which I consider the film might suitable for western audiences rather than local audiences. In à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Rush Hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? series, there are a lot of jokes which based on minority racial stereotypes in Amer ican society. I think that makes the film easier to get accepted by majority white audiences. The two character portray totally different personality. Carter portray as a loud, speak with high pitch, impulsive, childish Black man who often causing trouble, Lee is a respectful Asian man who good at Kung Fu. According to King (2002) points out that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"reduce any threat created by the spectacle of a seemingly dominating Black characterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (p. 149).These features of both characters become likeable for the western audiences. In Bar fighting scene, Lee says à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Whats up my Niggerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? to the bartender because Carter said that to the African customer. But Lee doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand the wordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?Niggerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is a racist word to African. I think the director uses quite a lot this kind of jokes in the film to reflect the culture differences from society. In contrast with Jackie Chanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s earlier Hong Kong action movie. He represented as a masculinity and tough character most of the time. But in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Rush Hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, character Lee who always wanted help the FBI to solve the case. And the FBI try to use character Carter to send Lee away. Altough White Character involved small role in this film. I think the director still want White character to portray as important position in the film. 3.4 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Crouching Tiger was very well received in the Western world, however Crouching Tiger was widely dismissed as just another wuxia film among many others in asia.) Chapter 4 Research Methodology 4.1 Chapter introduction The purpose of the primary research provide the basic level of understanding for the researcher. I will use questionnaire during the primary research. The questionnaire will be conducted ten questions which indicate the western audiences interest on crossover film. The result will indicate the future trends for crossover film. This chapter will be described how the methodology adopt and analysis research question. Furthermore, this chapter is going to explain the research design, research location, sampling design and data collection process, survey instrument, and ethical issue. 4.2 Research processes Primary research: Survey ÃÆ'  Questionnaire by Student/Internet users ÃÆ'  Collect from: Northampton/ linking the questionnaire on facebook ÃÆ'  Analyze results In primary research, it will be carry out a questionnaire research. According to Ticehurst, Gregory W (2000: P.135) defined a questionnaire survey is the way to collect information from individual by using a set of question. Therefore, I believe the first to do is focus on what type of information and respondent are looking for. Then start to think about an appropriate questions for the research. The primary research will only take 10% part of this dissertation. The reason is I am hoping to get about medium size of response rate from that. Here is the brief descript type of questionnaire survey will be use: Type of questionnaire Cost Length of questionnaire Response rate Street/University/Internet Low Short Medium 4.3 Research Location The questionnaire survey is taken place from the three locations in Northampton which are the Abbeyfield school , Northampton town center and University of Northampton. The reason of chosen these place to research because it can save time to traveling different places which far way from Northampton. Further more, it can widely spread collecting the data over the internet. 4.4 Survey Instrument Development The questionnaire (Appendix). There are 3 parts of the questionnaire. The first part is about personal information such as age, gender. this is designed to collect the demographic data of the respondents. Then, the second part is about the respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s knowledge on crossover film. That is to collect the information about how much respondent know about crossover film. Finally, the third part is about respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest on crossover film. And that is designed to what sort element the respondent like so I can provide the recommendation for the future crossover film. 4.5 Ethic Issue in Research The protection for the respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s information is one of the most important thing in the research. In à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Doing your research projectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, According to the Judith Bell (2005: 51) the researcher can follow two things to maintain the respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s right when they carry out a research. 1.) Keep the participant innominate. 2.) Treat all the information as confidential file which from the respondent. However, My questionnaire is based on personal opinion rather than personal details. Therefore, I suppose my research will not meet any ethical issue. Chapter 5 Conclusion 5.1 The future for the crossover film 5.2 Conclusion Appendix Part -1 Rush Hour Domestic Total Gross: $141,186,864 Distributor: New Line Release Date: September 18, 1998 Genre: Action Comedy Runtime: 1 hrs. 37 min. MPAA Rating: PG-13 Production Budget: $33 million 1998 Date (click to view chart) Rank Weekend Gross % Change Theaters Change / Avg. Gross-to-Date Week # Sep 18à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"20 1 $33,001,803 2,638 $12,510 $33,001,803 1 Sep 25à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"27 1 $21,202,929 -35.8% 2,643 +5 $8,022 $64,037,138 2 Oct 2à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"4 3 $14,492,122 -31.7% 2,701 +58 $5,365 $84,014,663 3 Oct 9à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"11 2 $11,105,465 -23.4% 2,701 $4,111 $98,382,886 4 Oct 16à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"18 4 $8,247,411 -25.7% 2,724 +23 $3,027 $109,911,590 5 Oct 23à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"25 6 $5,860,347 -28.9% 2,602 -122 $2,252 $117,284,969 6 Oct 30à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"Nov 1 6 $3,799,380 -35.2% 2,402 -200 $1,581 $122,428,446 7 Nov 6à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"8 10 $3,322,424 -12.6% 2,043 -359 $1,626 $127,044,896 8 Nov 13à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"15 11 $1,866,524 -43.8% 1,615 -428 $1,155 $129,829,673 9 Sources from: http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=rushhour.htm Part -2 I am a student from University of Northampton. I am going to conduct a survey about the Crossover film that made in Hong Kong. I would be grateful if you could finish this questionnaire. Your honest view is taken with highly to appreciate. All the information in the questionnaire will be kept confidential for analysis only. Thank you very much. (Please tick the appropriate box) Gender à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Male à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Female Age à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 15 ~ 25 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 25 ~ 35 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 35~ 45 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 45 ~ above Do you know any of these asian movie stars from below? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Jackie Chan à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Bruce Lee à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Jet Li à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Stephen Chow à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Andy Lau à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Tony Leung à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Other ________________ Have you ever watched any other films that has been made in Hong Kong? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ No à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Not sure if the film is made in Hong Kong 5. How often do you watch Hong Kong movies? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Daily à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Weekly à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Monthly à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Occasionally 6. Do you think Hong Kong movies representing martial arts? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ No à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Not sure Do you understand what the story is about when you watch crossover films? If the film is using original Chinese language, just subtitles. (such as these films for example) Shaolin soccer, kung fu hustle, Internal affairs, In the mood for love à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡No 8. Do you prefer to see the actor you familiar with from Hong Kong movie? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ No What sort of things do you expect to see when you watch a Hong Kong movie? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Kung Fu fighting à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Action movie star à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Local culture à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Comedy Would you recommend friends to watch film that made in Hong Kong? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡No Success of the Kong Hong Crossover Film Success of the Kong Hong Crossover Film Chapter 1 Introduction Preface The purpose for this dissertation is to discover what is crossover film and what makes the crossover film a success. The cinema of Hong Kong has consider as the pioneer of chinese language movie. Especially between the 1970à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" 1990à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, most of movie fans will be familiar with names like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, John Wu from Hong Kong cinema. The reason why these movie star become so popular because they produce a lot of martial art film during that time. And then these martial art film brought to the western audiences. In fact, A lot of english speaking country or european start to aware of asian movie in that time. However, the English audiences might consider these martial art film as the crossover film. The English audiences think these martial art film as the crossover probably because these martial art film come with simple plot. The story are quite easy to understand for them such as the good and evil character. So the audienes are not nessesary to understand what the character speaking. Therefore, there is no language boundary when the english audiences watch it. In my research, these martial arts films in the past does not count as the crossover film. I would say the crossover film is relate to several elements which is culture references, co-production, company investment, audiences expectation, marketing, etc. Research background Back to Hong Kong cinema, The cinema of Hong Kong is one of the major movie industry in the Chinese language speaking cinema. Before 1997, Hong Kong was a colony of Britain and therefore Hong Kong had a greater freedom on economic and political than mainland China. Even in film industry, The censorship system in Mainland China have a very strHYPERLINK http://cdict.net/q/straightict rule. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ Hong Kong filmmakers either steered away from criticzing China or did so in oblique ways à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“(Clara Lawà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Farewell China,1989. P.127: Bordwell, 2000). Therefore, the Hong Kong film maker can barely sell their film or have to re-produce another verison to adapt the market in China. On the other hand, the America or other Euro country censorship syetem are vary widely than China. And a lot of Hong Kong film producers try to sell their films to some western country. But I think it was not that easy for the very beginning because the western audiences probabl y havenà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t seen any kind of asian movie before. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“European and North American audiences have never been particularly interested in Asian cinema, Apart from the occasional exotic import and anime.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (D. Bordwell, 2003, P. 83) During the 1970s, the matrial art /Ku fung film become one of the major theme in Hong Kong. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Golden Harvest was the top studio, signing up Jackie Chan, the kung fu comedy actor-filmmaker who would spend the next twenty years as Asias biggest box office drawà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Chan and Yang, 1998, P.  164à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"165: Bordwell, 2000). However, during the 1990à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. there was a industry crisis because of the Asian financial crisis and also the illegal copy and download over the internet. However, there was a few local film receive a huge success even it was a hard time for film industry by that period. Those are the film that I am going to cover in my research. Chapter 2 What is crossover film? 2.1 Chapter introduction In this chapter, I will be discuss how we define crossover film especially the film made in Hong Kong. Also, Hong Kong produced a lot of martial art or action movie during the late 1980à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s and early 1900à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. And Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s probably relate to the politcal and society problem. It might be represent the identity of Hong Kong movie as the martial art film from the english audiences. And I want to find out why they have this thought. Apart from these martial art film, do they know other films that made in Hong Kong? 2.2 Hong Kong movie = Ku fung ? The Martial art movie can be chase back to 1930à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s originally. And the Chinese people called it à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? film, the term à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is based on some fictional Chinese novel and always use of the old chinese dynasty as the background. The features of these à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? characters always appear with sword as the weapon and come with superpower. The à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? film probably the most popular genre in the early cinema of Mainland China. I think the Chinese audiences need this kind of topic in the cinema such as heroic and myth after the post-war period. However, the chinese government strongly disapprove à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? film in China as the subject matter is over superstition and violence. And some Hong Kong movie producer try to bring action movie to Hong Kong audiences in the late 1930à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. The reason is Hong Kong had a superior level of freedom as the social culture and economy development during the colony era. That was the competitive advantage for Hong Kong could produce some action film but Mainland China. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“In the British colony of Hong Kong, which had since 1950à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s transformed itself from an entreport to an industial city, the 1960à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s was also a period of rapid economic growth and social turmoilà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Po Shek fu and David Desser, P.71: Cambridge university press, 2000). Therefore, I believe the martial arts movie has became popular start by the late 1960à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. The Martial arts movies still feature à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wuxiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? style in the early Hong Kong cinema. However, there was some significant change in the Hong Kong cinema during the 1970à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s. I think the first time to allow western audiences to get to know about Hong Kong movies is the master of martial arts Bruce Lee return to Hong Kong cinema. Bruce Lees career achievement as well as cultural aspects of the film have an influence, he not only open the gate for the Chinese to first enter Hollywood, but also created his own philosophy on martial arts Jeet Kune Do. And make Action movies become one of the mainstream genres in Hong Kong. The early co-production with hollywood (Warner Bros) and Hong Kong (Golden Harvest) was à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Enter the Dragonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? in 1973. It was also the first time Hong Kong attempt to break into western audiences market. The film combined the traditional Kung fu and James bond action style genres. It wasnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t really successful for the first breakthrough with western audiences because Lee dead in 1973. And then the action movie production seem to be lay low for while. This situation change until Golden Harvest studio sign up Jackie Chan as the action movie star. Jackie Chan as early as 1982 when it began to break into the Hollywood market, but he does not run smoothly into the international road. His first foray into the international market film called Cannonball Run. Unfortunately at the box office failure, And then after many years later Jackie took the first Hollywood movie Rush Hour which made him become popular in Hollywood. During the 70à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"early 90à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, Hong Kong exported a lot of local movie to western country. In my opinon, I think the western audiences probably consider the early Hong Kong action movie as the crossover film. But I think these action movies just the films that made in Hong Kong. Therefore, I m going to look for the real definition for crossover film in next paragraph. 2.3 The definition of crossover film In fact, I canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t find any book that mention about the term à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“crossover filmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? during my research. However, I found some other sourse over the internet to explain what is crossover film. Also I will use my own understanding to outline the definition of crossover film through the research. When I start typing the word à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“crossover filmà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? on google search engine. I found this web blogger called Pardesi over the internet and talk about what he/she thinks about crossover film. This blogger Pardesi make a compare between two successful crossover films which is Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon and Slumdog Millionaire in the blog entry. Pardesi suggest that the definition of crossover film à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Such films go beyond the traditional markets in the home country, or already exploited by films from the country, and usually end up making a lot of money.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Pardesi, (2010). In my opinion, I think Pardesi only suggest c rossover film more concern by marketing way. However, I believe crossover film can be relate many different elements apart from marketing. Firstly, I think it can separate into two parts which is the crossover film itself and the production. The crossover film itself can develop to culture, actor, and audiences expectation, and narrative structure. And the production element can define as company investment, finanical, special effect, and film location or studio. I think culture represent a lot within the crossover film because it can show some of the local element to western audiences. Also, it probably involve different actor from different coutry or speak different language. And the most important one is audiences expectation, the western audiences might expect to see something where the local film specialize at , or something they probably wont see from the english movie. for example, Martial art, high population or modern city scene. The second part to define crossover film is about production. firstly, it might involve western company to invest Hong Kong movie and re-packaging the film to be come suitable western marketing. Even finanical support is key element as produce a crossover film. Some western film production company might already own their advanced technology to create some imaginary scenes. However, these are just the thoughts come from my research. I will be provide some evidences to proof these elements are relevant. 2.4 Chapter summary This chapter has mainly introduced the theories and article which relevant in this research. It can give some idea to the reader about the crossover film. Also have the primary understanding about the marketing side and production side of the crossover film. In next chapter, I will discuss more about the elements which make the crossover film success. Chapter 3 The Crossover films 3.1 Chapter introduction The purpose of this chapter is to use three significant crossover films as the example. And then I will discuss the key elements which bring them to become sucessfull around the global. The films I will be focus on Kung Fu Hustle(2004), The film saved Hong Kong film industrial during the global economic crisis and the local film industrial decline. The second film I will look at is Rush Hour (1998), see how the western audiences expectation change from crossover film. Finlly, I will discuss how cross-movies in the western region of Hong Kongs success, rather than in Hong Kong by using à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? 3.2 Crossover to international à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Stephen Chowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“ Kung Fu Hustleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? During the late 90à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, hong kong movie industrial met a several crisis. The internet technology was developing extremely fast. People start sharing the movie over the internet, or even purchase the illegal movie DVD copies rather than go to the cinema . Some movie production studio find it difficult to maintain the movie production as the box office decline. However, Hong Kong actor Stephen chow seem to be saved this crisis for Hong Kong movie industrial. Hong Kongs population is 7,061,200. As a small population and economic decline region, Some Hong Kong movie studio find it hard to survive. Therefore, they can only rely on producing some low budget film to maintain the business. Nevertheless, the cinema of Hong Kong still find the way to survive from mainland China and international market. Kung Fu Hustle 2004 is a one of the great successful example. The film recieve highly positive result. Before Kung Fu Hustle, there are several film which co-production with Columbria studio. Howeve, these film have failed at the box office because they remain a little local flavour. The western audiences probably more familiar with one of the most popular actor in Hong Kong Stephen Chow. He created his own comedy style on acting called à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Mo lei tauà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? , this term can be referred to à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Silly talkà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“During an interview with Stephen Chow for his 2006 Asian Invasion season, the BBCs film critic Jonathan Ross referred to the genre as Silly Talk, a label that Chow was happy to accept.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (Wikipedia. 2011. Mo lei tau), the interview also avalible on YouTube(Asian Invasion Episode 2 Part 2) . Stephen Chow produced the first film à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Shaolin Soccerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? which break through the western market. However, the second film Kung Fu Hustle Stephen Chow became an international success. Columbia pictures impressed by stephen previous film Shaolin Soccer and wanted to provide finanical support to Stehpen. As a result, Stehpen came up the new idea on the film Kung Fu Hustle in 2004. Stephen Chow also is an actor himself, he started his acting career from a local television. In early 1990à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s, he began to making film with his Mo lei tau comedy style. But this kind of acting style only limited to cantonese speakers understanding. Therefore, Stephen tried not to put too much Mo lei tau acting style in Kung Fu Hustle, and used the CGI and pop culture references instead. In addition, Stephen co production with Columbria studio and several film studio in mainland China. In my opinion, I think such as this kind of collaboration with western movie studio is quite benefit to Hong Kong film industrial. The reason is western movie studio has already built up a very mature technique on film production. Also, they developed some advance computer graphic during the editing part. This is a great improvement on visual effect for the Hong Kong film, so the CGI technology can perform the scene that impossible become possible. For example, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Kung Fu Hustleà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? refer a lot of superhuman ability combine with martial art. During the interview with BBC, Stephen said this kind of technology did a great help for his film, but he insist to put CGI graphic as the assistant role for the film. I agree what Stephen says because it wonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t lose the originality with martial art element. Also, the CGI effect just play a little role that make western audiences easier accept the film rather than produce the stereotype martial art movie. The western audiences probably have seen a lot different martial art film from the past. Furthermore, the Hollywood production system more focus on quality rather than quantity. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Hollywood directors count themselves lucky to make a film every three yearsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦In the late 1990s Andre Lau( Hong Kong director) was directing as many as 4 films per year.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? (David B, P.  117 2003). In such a condition, I think hong kong filmmaker can only produce some low budget film and lack of idea on creating some stunning story. Therefore, I reckon the collaboration between western film studio and Hong Kong film maker which is quite benefit to Hong Kong film to break through western market. Apart from big company support, Stephen Chow also wanted try some new element into the film such as put a several American pop culture in different scenes. These references including Road Runner à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Wile E. Coyote and Road Runnerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? , and a dance scene which refer to Amercian musical à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“West side storyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? and the horror scene à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“The Shingingà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?1908. When I look at some Hong Kong movie in the past, I think they cant become mainstream movie in western country because the film is more focus on local audiences taste. Only some of the popular martial art or action movie can be sell to western. Beside, the western audiences only understand because these film content involve simple plot such as bad character get beat up by the good character. It might be already label that Hong Kong movie represent martial art or kung fu in some sence. Therefore, I believe the way to make western audiences re-consider Hong Kong movie not just another martial art or action film could be consider to put some western pop culture. This is not only reduce the language boundry, but also bring up some new element to the film. 3.3 Cultural cross-over movieà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Rush Hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Even Stephen Chowà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s gain a hugh success from western market. There is still some movie fans not quite fancy foreign film. Especially the film is based on chinese language. According to producer Terence Chang à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“A lot of Hong Kong films have things that I think American audiences canà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t accept.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? D. Bordwell (P.19 ,2000) In 1998, Jackie Chan finally arrived to Hollywood. Chanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Rush hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? series become at Rank #1 at the North American box-office with a weekend gross of $33 million in September 1998 (figure on Appendix -1) Which is unexpected result for foreign film. I would say the Martial Art combine buddy movie opened the gate for crossover film. The movie applied the buddy film style like the hollywood film normally use. In Rush Hour, it is about a Chinese inspector and American detective. The character James Carter (Chris Tucker) keeps the American comedy element in the film, and Inspector Lee (Jackie Chan) remain his action scenes throughout the movie. I think the audiences have never seen the buddy film like this before which bring a lot of new visual elements to them. However, Jackie Chan reveal on his official blog that he didnt really like the film and he felt very disappointed. Chan Said, à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“I felt the style of action was too Americanized and I didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand the American humor.à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? Which I consider the film might suitable for western audiences rather than local audiences. In à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Rush Hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? series, there are a lot of jokes which based on minority racial stereotypes in Amer ican society. I think that makes the film easier to get accepted by majority white audiences. The two character portray totally different personality. Carter portray as a loud, speak with high pitch, impulsive, childish Black man who often causing trouble, Lee is a respectful Asian man who good at Kung Fu. According to King (2002) points out that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"reduce any threat created by the spectacle of a seemingly dominating Black characterà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ (p. 149).These features of both characters become likeable for the western audiences. In Bar fighting scene, Lee says à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Whats up my Niggerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? to the bartender because Carter said that to the African customer. But Lee doesnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t understand the wordà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?Niggerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? is a racist word to African. I think the director uses quite a lot this kind of jokes in the film to reflect the culture differences from society. In contrast with Jackie Chanà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s earlier Hong Kong action movie. He represented as a masculinity and tough character most of the time. But in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Rush Hourà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, character Lee who always wanted help the FBI to solve the case. And the FBI try to use character Carter to send Lee away. Altough White Character involved small role in this film. I think the director still want White character to portray as important position in the film. 3.4 Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (Crouching Tiger was very well received in the Western world, however Crouching Tiger was widely dismissed as just another wuxia film among many others in asia.) Chapter 4 Research Methodology 4.1 Chapter introduction The purpose of the primary research provide the basic level of understanding for the researcher. I will use questionnaire during the primary research. The questionnaire will be conducted ten questions which indicate the western audiences interest on crossover film. The result will indicate the future trends for crossover film. This chapter will be described how the methodology adopt and analysis research question. Furthermore, this chapter is going to explain the research design, research location, sampling design and data collection process, survey instrument, and ethical issue. 4.2 Research processes Primary research: Survey ÃÆ'  Questionnaire by Student/Internet users ÃÆ'  Collect from: Northampton/ linking the questionnaire on facebook ÃÆ'  Analyze results In primary research, it will be carry out a questionnaire research. According to Ticehurst, Gregory W (2000: P.135) defined a questionnaire survey is the way to collect information from individual by using a set of question. Therefore, I believe the first to do is focus on what type of information and respondent are looking for. Then start to think about an appropriate questions for the research. The primary research will only take 10% part of this dissertation. The reason is I am hoping to get about medium size of response rate from that. Here is the brief descript type of questionnaire survey will be use: Type of questionnaire Cost Length of questionnaire Response rate Street/University/Internet Low Short Medium 4.3 Research Location The questionnaire survey is taken place from the three locations in Northampton which are the Abbeyfield school , Northampton town center and University of Northampton. The reason of chosen these place to research because it can save time to traveling different places which far way from Northampton. Further more, it can widely spread collecting the data over the internet. 4.4 Survey Instrument Development The questionnaire (Appendix). There are 3 parts of the questionnaire. The first part is about personal information such as age, gender. this is designed to collect the demographic data of the respondents. Then, the second part is about the respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s knowledge on crossover film. That is to collect the information about how much respondent know about crossover film. Finally, the third part is about respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s interest on crossover film. And that is designed to what sort element the respondent like so I can provide the recommendation for the future crossover film. 4.5 Ethic Issue in Research The protection for the respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s information is one of the most important thing in the research. In à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“Doing your research projectà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?, According to the Judith Bell (2005: 51) the researcher can follow two things to maintain the respondentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s right when they carry out a research. 1.) Keep the participant innominate. 2.) Treat all the information as confidential file which from the respondent. However, My questionnaire is based on personal opinion rather than personal details. Therefore, I suppose my research will not meet any ethical issue. Chapter 5 Conclusion 5.1 The future for the crossover film 5.2 Conclusion Appendix Part -1 Rush Hour Domestic Total Gross: $141,186,864 Distributor: New Line Release Date: September 18, 1998 Genre: Action Comedy Runtime: 1 hrs. 37 min. MPAA Rating: PG-13 Production Budget: $33 million 1998 Date (click to view chart) Rank Weekend Gross % Change Theaters Change / Avg. Gross-to-Date Week # Sep 18à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"20 1 $33,001,803 2,638 $12,510 $33,001,803 1 Sep 25à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"27 1 $21,202,929 -35.8% 2,643 +5 $8,022 $64,037,138 2 Oct 2à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"4 3 $14,492,122 -31.7% 2,701 +58 $5,365 $84,014,663 3 Oct 9à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"11 2 $11,105,465 -23.4% 2,701 $4,111 $98,382,886 4 Oct 16à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"18 4 $8,247,411 -25.7% 2,724 +23 $3,027 $109,911,590 5 Oct 23à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"25 6 $5,860,347 -28.9% 2,602 -122 $2,252 $117,284,969 6 Oct 30à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"Nov 1 6 $3,799,380 -35.2% 2,402 -200 $1,581 $122,428,446 7 Nov 6à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"8 10 $3,322,424 -12.6% 2,043 -359 $1,626 $127,044,896 8 Nov 13à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å"15 11 $1,866,524 -43.8% 1,615 -428 $1,155 $129,829,673 9 Sources from: http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=rushhour.htm Part -2 I am a student from University of Northampton. I am going to conduct a survey about the Crossover film that made in Hong Kong. I would be grateful if you could finish this questionnaire. Your honest view is taken with highly to appreciate. All the information in the questionnaire will be kept confidential for analysis only. Thank you very much. (Please tick the appropriate box) Gender à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Male à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Female Age à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 15 ~ 25 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 25 ~ 35 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 35~ 45 à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ 45 ~ above Do you know any of these asian movie stars from below? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Jackie Chan à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Bruce Lee à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Jet Li à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Stephen Chow à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Andy Lau à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Tony Leung à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Other ________________ Have you ever watched any other films that has been made in Hong Kong? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ No à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Not sure if the film is made in Hong Kong 5. How often do you watch Hong Kong movies? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Daily à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Weekly à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Monthly à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Occasionally 6. Do you think Hong Kong movies representing martial arts? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ No à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ Not sure Do you understand what the story is about when you watch crossover films? If the film is using original Chinese language, just subtitles. (such as these films for example) Shaolin soccer, kung fu hustle, Internal affairs, In the mood for love à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡No 8. Do you prefer to see the actor you familiar with from Hong Kong movie? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡ No What sort of things do you expect to see when you watch a Hong Kong movie? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Kung Fu fighting à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Action movie star à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Local culture à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Comedy Would you recommend friends to watch film that made in Hong Kong? à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡Yes à ¢Ã¢â‚¬â€œÃ‚ ¡No

lighthod Dark Heart of England Exposed in Conrads Heart of Darkness E

The Dark Heart of England Exposed in Heart of Darkness      Ã‚  Ã‚   Joseph Conrad's novel, "Heart of Darkness", depicts events in his personal life and how he came to believe that the European invasion of the African Congo needed to end. Joseph Conrad had a boyhood fascination of maps and the blank spaces on the African continent. Therefore, when the opportunity was given to him to become the captain of a small steamship on the Congo River, he jumped at the chance. In addition to Conrad's sense of adventure, he also had a curiosity of King Leopold's actions in the Belgium Congo and had a strong desire to witness firsthand the action taking place. After learning his assigned ship was undergoing repairs, he accompanied another crew on passenger ship assigned to bring back an ailing company agent, George Klein, who later died on the return trip. These events provided the backdrop so to speak of Conrad's novel, Heart of Darkness. The character of "Kurtz" was modeled after the company agent, George Klein. Although, Conrad never names the Cong o or other significant landmarks, he later admits the book a "snapshot' of his trip in the African Congo. (Longman p2189).    Heart of Darkness is written in the narrative frame and Conrad uses the character of Marlow to narrate his story of the "darkness" of the European colonialization. Marlow narrates his tell aboard a yawl to an anonymous crew. Joseph Conrad became more aware of King Leopold's policy within the Congo, causing millions of deaths of African natives because inhumane practices. He felt he could impact readers through depicting these horrors in his novel. From this viewpoint, Conrad goes on to build his novel of the around the theme of "darkness" compared to a man's natural wi... ...ntiment of the time that the British were indeed helping these natives by civilizing them to British standards.    In conclusion, Joseph Conrad uses the theme of "heart of darkness" throughout his novel to portray the darkness within mankind. He describes how man has a natural aspiration for superiority and control. Conrad deliberately leaves the locations unnamed in an effort to show that the "heart of this darkness" can shift on its axis. (Longman p2189) As Marlow indicates, the journey up river has been a reverse journey as well, a journey back from Africa to the darkness that lies at the heart of an England that claims to be civilizing those whom it is merely conquering. (Longman p2189)    Works Cited Damrosch, David, et al., ed.   The Longman Anthology of British Literature: Vol. B.   Compact ed.   New York: Longman - Addison Wesley Longman, 2000.

Stefan’s Diaries: The Craving Chapter 4

November 5, 1864 It feels like so long ago, but in reality little time has passed since my transformation, since my father killed me. It was barely a month past that Damon and I tried to save Katherine's life, and her blood saved ours. Barely a month since I was a living, warm-blooded human, who sustained himself on meals of meat and vegetables, cheese and wine – and who slept in a feather bed, with clean linen sheets. Yet it feels like a lifetime, and by some definitions, I suppose it is. But just as quickly as my fortunes turned after New Orleans, leaving me to live as a vagrant in a rocky hollow in the park, here I am at a proper desk under a leaded window, a thick rug at my feet. How quickly I am slipping back into human ways! The Sutherlands seem like a kind family. I picture tempestuous Bridget and her long-suffering older sister as mirror versions of Damon and myself. I never appreciated how harmless Damon's and my father's fights were back when they were just about horses and girls. I was always terrified one of them would say or do something that would end forever what semblance of a family we had left. Now that my father is dead and my brother and I are . . . what we are, I realize how much more serious things can get, and how simple and easy life was before. I shouldn't even stay here, even tonight. I should sneak out the window and flee to my place of exile. Being enfolded in the warm, living embrace of the Sutherland family for any amount of time, no matter how short, is dangerous and deceptive. It makes me feel like I could almost belong to the world of humans again. They don't realize they have welcomed a predator into their midst. All that would need to happen is for me to lose control once, to slip from my room right now and take my fill of one of them, and their lives would be filled with tragedy – just as mine became when Katherine arrived on our doorstep. Family has always been the most important thing to me, and I would be lying if I didn't admit how comforting it is to be among people who love one another, if only for one borrowed night. . . . For the first time since I'd left New Orleans, I rose with the sun, intent to slip out of the mansion and disappear into the morning mists before anyone came to wake me. But it was hard to resist the pull of crisp linen sheets, the soft mattress, the shelves of books, and the painted ceiling of my room. After admiring the fresco of winged cherubs above me, I pushed off the soft covers and forced myself out of bed. Every muscle in my body rippled under my pale skin, full of strength and Power, but every bone in my rib cage showed. The Sutherlands had taken my clothes to be washed but hadn't given me a nightshirt. I enjoyed the feeling of morning sunlight on my flesh, the glowing warmth fighting with the chill in the room. Though I'd never forgive Katherine for turning me into a monster, I was grateful at least for her lapis lazuli ring that protected me from the sun's otherwise fatal rays. The window was open the slightest bit, ushering a cool breeze into the room and setting the diaphanous curtains aflutter. Though temperature no longer affected me, I closed the window, locking the latch with some puzzlement. I could have sworn all the windows had been shut tight last night. Before I had time to further consider the matter, the tell-tale thump of a heartbeat sounded close by, and after a light knock, the door cracked open. Lydia stuck her head in, then immediately blushed and looked away from my nearly naked form. â€Å"Father was afraid you might try to leave without saying good-bye. I was sent to make sure you didn't charm a maid into helping you.† â€Å"I'm hardly in a state to sneak away,† I said, covering my chest with my arms. â€Å"I will need my pants to do that.† â€Å"Henry will be up shortly with your trousers, freshly pressed,† she said, keeping her eyes on the ground. â€Å"In the meantime, there is a bathing room just down the hall to the right. Please feel free to refresh yourself, and then come down to breakfast.† I nodded, feeling trapped. â€Å"And, Stefan.† Lydia looked up briefly and met my eye. â€Å"I do hope you'll be able to locate a shirt as well.† Then she smiled and slipped away. When I finally came downstairs for breakfast, the entire Sutherland clan was waiting for me – even Bridget, who was alive and stuffing toast into her face like she hadn't eaten in a fortnight. Except for a slight paleness to her complexion, it was impossible to tell that she'd nearly died the night before. Everyone turned and gasped as I approached. Apparently, I cut a different figure from the hero in shirtsleeves the night before. With freshly polished fine Italian shoes, neat pants, a new clean shirt, and a borrowed jacket Winfield had sent up for me, I was every inch the gentleman. I'd even washed my face and combed my hair back. â€Å"Cook made you some grits, if you like,† Mrs. Sutherland said, indicating a bowl of gloppy white stuff. â€Å"We don't usually indulge, but thought our Southern guest might.† â€Å"Thank you, ma'am,† I said, taking the empty seat next to Bridget and eyeing the spread on the large wooden table. After my mother passed away, Damon, my father, and I made it a habit to dine casually with the men who we employed on the plantation. Breakfast was often the simple stuff of workers, hominy and biscuits, bread and syrup, rashers of bacon. What was laid out at the Winfield residence put to shame the finest restaurants in Virginia. English-style toast in delicate wire holders, five different types of jam, two kinds of bacon, johnnycakes, syrup, even freshly squeezed orange juice. The delicate plates had blue Dutch patterns, and there was more silverware than I was accustomed to seeing at a formal dinner. Wishing I still had a human appetite – and ignoring the fire in my veins that thirsted for blood – I pretended to dig in. â€Å"Much obliged,† I said. â€Å"So this is my little sister's savior,† said the one woman in the room I didn't know. â€Å"Allow me to introduce the eldest of my daughters,† Winfield said. â€Å"This is Margaret. First married. And first with grandchildren, we're hoping.† â€Å"Papa,† Margaret admonished, before turning her attention back to me. â€Å"Pleased to meet you.† Where Bridget was full of life and the plumpness of youth and Lydia was the elegant, cultivated one, Margaret had something of a practical and inquisitive good sense, an earthiness that showed in questioning blue eyes. Her hair was black and inclined to straightness. â€Å"We were just discussing what prompted my child's rash actions,† Winfield said, bringing the conversation back to the previous night. â€Å"I don't know why I ran off,† Bridget pouted, drawing deeply from a cup of orange juice. The older sisters gave each other looks, but their father leaned closer, worry lines marring his forehead. â€Å"I just felt that I absolutely had to leave. So I did.† â€Å"It was foolish and dangerous,† her mother reprimanded, shaking her napkin. â€Å"You could have died!† â€Å"I am glad to see you are doing so well today,† I said politely. Bridget grinned, displaying teeth that had little bits of orange pulp stuck in them. â€Å"Yes. About that.† Margaret spoke up, tapping her egg spoon on the side of her plate. â€Å"You say you found her covered in blood in the park?† â€Å"Yes, ma'am,† I answered warily, taking the smallest piece of bacon on my plate. This sister sounded more astute than the others and wasn't afraid to ask uncomfortable questions. â€Å"There was a lot of blood, and Bridget's dress was torn.† Margaret pressed, â€Å"Did you find it odd that there was no actual wound?† â€Å"Uh,† I stammered. My mind raced. What could I say? The blood was someone else's? â€Å"I thought there was a knife wound last night,† Mrs. Sutherland said, pursing her lips and thinking. â€Å"But it was just clotted blood, and wiping it down cleared it away.† Margaret pierced me with her eyes. â€Å"Maybe she was afflicted with a nosebleed . . . ?† I mumbled lamely. â€Å"So you're saying that you didn't see any attacker when you came upon my sister?† Margaret asked. â€Å"Oh, Meggie, you and your interrogations,† Winfield said. â€Å"It's a miracle that Bridge is all right. Thank goodness Stefan here found her when he did.† â€Å"Yes. Of course. Thank goodness,† Margaret said. â€Å"And what were you doing in the park last night by yourself?† she continued smoothly. â€Å"Walking,† I said, same as I had answered her father the night before. In the bright light of morning, it struck me as odd that Winfield had asked me nothing more than my name and why I'd been in the park. In times like these, and after his daughter had just suffered a great blow, it was hardly standard to accept a stranger into one's home. Then again, my father had offered refuge to Katherine when she'd arrived in Mystic Falls, playing the part of an orphan. A nagging piece of me wondered if our story could have ended differently, if the entire Salvatore brood would still be alive, if only we'd pressed Katherine for answers about her past, rather than tiptoeing around the tragedy she'd claimed had taken her parents' lives. Of course, Katherine had Damon and me so deeply in her thrall, perhaps it would have made no difference. Margaret leaned forward, not politely giving up the way Winfield had the night before. â€Å"You're not from around here, I take it?† â€Å"I'm from Virginia,† I answered as she opened her mouth to form the next, obvious question. In a strange way, it made me feel better to offer this family something real. Besides, soon enough I would be out of this house, out of their lives, and it wouldn't matter what they knew about me. â€Å"Whereabouts?† she pressed. â€Å"Mystic Falls.† â€Å"I've never heard of it.† â€Å"It's fairly small. Just one main street and some plantations.† There was some shuffling movement under the table, and I could only assume that either Bridget or Lydia was trying to give Margaret a good kick. If the blow was successful, Margaret gave no sign. â€Å"Are you an educated man?† she continued. â€Å"No, ma'am. I planned to study at the University of Virginia. The war put a stop to that.† â€Å"War is good for no one,† Winfield said as he stabbed a piece of bacon with his fork. â€Å"The war put a stop to much casual travel back and forth between the states,† Margaret added. â€Å"What's that to do with anything?† Bridget demanded. â€Å"Your sister is suggesting that it's an odd time for me to come north,† I explained. â€Å"But my father recently died. . . .† â€Å"From the war?† Bridget demanded breathlessly. Lydia and Mrs. Sutherland glared at her. â€Å"Indirectly,† I answered. A war had claimed my father's life, a war against vampires – against me. â€Å"My town . . . it burned, and there was nothing left for me anymore.† â€Å"So you came north,† Lydia said. â€Å"To try your hand at business, maybe?† Winfield suggested hopefully. Here was a man with three daughters, three beautiful daughters, but no sons. No one to share cigars and brandy with, no one to push and encourage and compete with in the world of business. I was both worried and amused by the gleam in his eye when he looked at me. Surely there were families with sons in Manhattan who would make for more auspicious marital alliances. â€Å"Whatever I can do, I aim to make my way in the world on my own,† I replied, taking a sip of coffee. I would have to, without Lexi or Katherine to guide me. And if I ever saw Damon again, the only thing he would guide me toward was a newly sharpened stake. â€Å"Where are you living?† Margaret continued. â€Å"Do you have family here?† I cleared my throat, but before I had to tell my first real lie, Bridget groaned. â€Å"Meggie, I'm bored of this interrogation!† A hint of a smile bloomed on Lydia's lips, and she quickly hid it behind her napkin. â€Å"What would you prefer to talk about?† â€Å"Yourself?† Margaret said with an arched brow. â€Å"Yes, actually!† Bridget said, looking around the table. Her eyes glowed as green as Callie's, but with her petulance on full display, she no longer reminded me of my lost love. â€Å"I still don't know why I ran out on the party.† Margaret rolled her eyes. Lydia shook her head. â€Å"I mean, you should have seen the looks I got!† she started up, waving her knife in the air for emphasis. â€Å"Flora's dress was the worst, especially considering she's a newly married woman. And my new sash – oh no, was it ruined last night? I would hate to have it ruined! Mama! Was it on me when Stefan brought me home? We have to go back to the park and look for it!† â€Å"How about we go back to the park and look for the person who tried to kill you,† Margaret suggested. â€Å"We've already had a discussion with Inspector Warren about it. He promises a thorough investigation,† Mrs. Sutherland said. â€Å"But, Bridget, you must promise not to run off from the Chesters' ball this evening or I will be forced to stand watch over you in your bedroom.† Bridget crossed her arms over her chest with a huff. â€Å"And neither shall you run off,† Mrs. Sutherland said more pointedly to Lydia. The middle sister blushed. â€Å"Lydia has fallen in love with an Italian count,† Bridget confided, her pout evaporating as she indulged in gossip. â€Å"We all hope he asks her hand in marriage – wouldn't that be splendid? Then we'd all be like royalty, sort of, and not just rich merchants. Imagine, Lydia a countess!† Winfield laughed nervously. â€Å"Bridget . . .† Bridget fluttered her thick eyelashes. â€Å"It's so wonderful that Lydia has a suitor, much less a count. After Meggie was wed, I was afraid Mother and Papa would become traditional and not let me marry until Lydia did and who knew how long that was going to take.† â€Å"Lydia is . . . particular,† Mrs. Sutherland said. â€Å"Oh really, Mama,† Bridget rolled her eyes. â€Å"As if anyone even had an interest before. And now she has a count. It's really . . . it's really not fair, you know, if you think about it . . . if I had a proper coming out . . .† I shifted in my seat, at once embarrassed for everyone, and yet glad to be involved in something as ordinary as a family squabble. This was the first time I'd been among company since leaving Lexi in New Orleans. â€Å"So many handsome, strange men in our lives these days,† Margaret said, somewhere between whimsy and warning. â€Å"What an odd coincidence, Mr. Salvatore. Perhaps I needn't make the grand tour, after all.† â€Å"Hush now, Margaret,† Winfield said. â€Å"And actually I have no one to go to the Chesters' with anyhow, Mama,† Bridget was continuing, actually growing red in the face as if she was trying quite hard to cry. She looked at me sidelong the entire time. â€Å"I am sure Milash won't escort me after last night. . . . I am in dire need of rescue. . . .† Bridget widened her green eyes at her father. Winfield frowned and stroked his muttonchops thoughtfully. In that moment, Bridget seemed as powerful as a vampire, able to compel her father to her every wish. Margaret put a hand to her head as if it ached. â€Å"Mr. Salvatore will take you,† Winfield said, gesturing at me with a fork full of biscuit. â€Å"He's rescued you once; I'm sure he's a gentleman who wouldn't leave you in distress again.† All eyes were turned on me. Bridget perked up, smiling at me like a kitten just offered a bowl of cream. I balked. â€Å"I'm afraid I haven't the proper attire . . .† I began. â€Å"Oh, that is solved easily enough,† Mrs. Sutherland said with a knowing smile. â€Å"Once again,† Lydia murmured, too low for anyone else to hear, â€Å"we are holding poor Mr. Salvatore at our mercy. With pants.†

Stages of Critical Thinking

Stages of critical thinkingHow to move to the next stageObstacles to moving to the next stage EXAMPLE: The Unreflective ThinkerExamine my thinking to identify problems that affect my thinking. Deceiving myself about the effectiveness of my thinking The Challenged ThinkerFiguring out that my thinking is causing me serious problems. Realizing that my thinking is not as perfect as I believe and develop awareness of how thinking operates for good or bad. The Beginning ThinkerMaking attempts to better understand how I can take charge of and improve my thinking.Recognizing and changing the problems in my thinking to and ways to develop as a thinker. The Practicing ThinkerActively analyzing my thinking in a number of ways. Develop awareness of the need for systematic practice in thinking. The Advance ThinkerHaving significant insight to problems at the deeper levels of thought. Developing understanding for systematic practice thinking and insight to deep levels of problem in thought, consis tent recognition. The Accomplished ThinkerContinually monitoring, revising and rethinking strategies for continual improvement in my thinking.To make the highest levels of critical thinking intuitive in every part of my life. Write a 150- to 200-word explanation of your current stage of critical-thinking development and explain why you placed yourself at that stage. Format your paragraph consistent with Associate Level Writing Style Handbook guidelines. Strategies to Develop Critical Thinking Now that you identified your current stage as a critical thinker, it is necessary to adopt strategies to develop your thinking. Of the nine strategies you read about this week, choose three that you can begin to practice.Identify the strategies and describe how you can implement each strategy in your daily life. EXAMPLE Strategy: Deal with my emotions. Implementation Plan: When I am faced with a decision, I will examine the positive and negative emotions associated with my decision. This will h elp me limit the influence of my emotions on my decisions. Strategy 1: Reshaping your character Implementation Plan: When having a discussion I need to be more open minded to other ideas. I tend to assume I know better than some people and will dismiss their ideas as good before I even hear them out to make an educated decision.Strategy 2:Analyze group influence Implementation Plan: It is easy to get caught up in a group decision and have to deal with group speak (for lack of a less political term) regardless of what the situation is. Having a better stance or backbone to make the right decision against the popular decision is imperative to good critical thinking. Strategy 3: Redefine the way I see things. Implementation Plan: I see things that are always my way. I need to open up and look at it in someone’s perspective. I need to be able to see it in someone’s eyes so I know what it feels like.

Bioethics essays

Bioethics essays As our technology continues to advance, new breakthroughs in medicine are discovered. With these new developments serious ethical and moral questions arise. Advancements in genetic engineering, reproductive technologies, cloning, organ transplanting, and human experimentation are all causes of concern. The Human Genome Project, an incredible scientific undertaking determined to produce a map of the human DNA code, will tell us how each gene or group of genes function (Lemonick and Thompson 44). With this map, scientists and doctors will be able to figure out how genes can malfunction and cause deadly diseases. Of course, they will also know what each gene controls, and how to manipulate and control our genes to get the specified, desired results. This is exactly the type of tool researchers need to perfect the science of eugenics. "Eugenics"- a powerful word from the Greek stem meaning "good in birth" (Gray 84). In the past, it was thought that we could improve the quality of the human race by making it impossible for those with undesirable traits to reproduce. Charles Davenport once said that he hoped "human matings could be placed on the same high plane as that of horse breeding" (qtd. in Gray 84). Many states in the United States have put into place laws that required people in custody with hereditary defects to be sterilized (Gray 85). The false science of eugenics and purification of the human race swayed these states. One such example of this is the 1927 Supreme Court case of Buck vs. Bell. The result of this case was the sterilization of Carrie Buck, the seventeen year old daughter of a "feeble-minded" mother; the mother a seven month old daughter, already determined to be of "subnormal intelligence"; legally declared a "moral imbecile" herself. But the concept of purging our race was not present in the United States alone. Hitler's concept of eugenics consisted of sterilizing the blind, schizophrenics,...

PRIVACY AND THEN NOW Example

PRIVACY AND THEN NOW Example PRIVACY AND THEN NOW – Coursework Example Privacy now and then According to Warren and Brandeis, privacy was a reflection of social condition of its era. In fact, the concept of privacy developed by Warren and Brandeis was a response to industrialization, impersonalization of work and growth of mass urban areas. They argue that the right of privacy was a necessary outgrowth of the â€Å"intensity and complexity of life† realized through advancing civilization. They added that social standards and morality were to be protected hence the object of privacy according to Warren and Brandeis, was an effort to preserve communitarian values and institutions (Bezanson, 1992). The social and cultural changes that took place between 1890 and 1990 played a vital role in shaping today’s privacy rules. It is a fact to claim that circumstances have changed so much that the rationale of privacy also has to change (Bezanson, 1992). The 1890 privacy focused more on the problem of access by the lower class of society to gain the information regarding the upper class. However, the 1990 privacy was more of a democratic concept as opposed to class. That is, the concept of privacy focused on individual’s interest in some measure of control over self through control over information (Bezanson, 1992). In 1890, the privacy rules were intended to protect the operation of a fixed set of social arrangements and conventions through regulating the process of disclosing the information. On the contrary, the 1990 privacy rules aimed at giving an individual control over the disclosure of confidential personal information through a complex combination of personal and social relationship (Bezanson, 1992). In conclusion, the concept of privacy in the 21st century has been modified to focus on individual’s identified private information thereby addressing two concerns of the common law: rules of liability should be inclined to consistent and principled application, and rules should be established upon social con sensus that is a true reflection of the complexities of social arrangements. ReferencesBezanson, R. P. (1992). The Right to Privacy Revisited: Privacy News and Social change, 1890-1990. Carlifonia: Carlifonia Law Review.

Adidas Company Essay Example for Free

Adidas Company Essay ? I think this company using pull marketing. There are several reasons that I think that this company using pull marketing because for their strategy they use performance as central group value, leveraging opportunities across brand portfolio and extending innovation and design leadership. Why they use pull marketing? They use pull marketing because it very easy for customer or users s to access the services of the internet or the web using their web browsers. Their main goal is to lead the supporting goods industry with brands built n a passion for supporting lifestyle. In performance and service, they performed efficiently designed to simplicity of access especially while shopping and buying transaction via internet. Adidas will send us a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of orders. Once we have selected our purchases, delivery charges are automatically calculated and displayed on the check out page. Payment includes all major credit cards, Pay Pal or pay check. Their Customer Services is 24 hours if someone wants to order or to make sure for heir order have been sent by call at this number 1-800-982-9337 Other factor includes personalization; Adidas will request certain personally identifiable information from us on our order form membership and financial information (credit card number, money order or using pay check) for billing purposes and to fill order. Besides, look and feel factor. Based on their homepage, we can glimpse a soccer players or athletic using this shoes to show that their quality, comfort and their stability. On combination of stylish and striking background, I believe that this will attract customer to get into website swiftly. Consist of teenager’s preferences and taste it could be most sensation and favorable website among modern generation today. Last for the factor is security and reliability factor. Adidas seize customer privacy very seriously. All information collected include card credit number will remain within the company and will not be distributed or sold to any third party. To ensure customer hopping experience safe, simple and good secure, Adidas uses the standard ‘Secure Shopping Guarantee’ technology. This encrypts and protects the sensitive details like email address and credit card details. To give more privacy to their customers, they use ‘Privacy Policy to make sure that their customer can choose any product they want to buy without any interruption someone. It also ensures customer browser is being sent to the correct and then checks the data being transferred. It’s approved SSG technology make online purchasing secure and pleasurable. Adidas Company. (2018, Nov 11).

Hovey and Beard Company Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hovey and Beard Company - Case Study Example The Hovey and Beard Company Case presents us with a job design of a painting process which demonstrates errors in the design of the job by engineers which resulted into inevitable problems at work (John, Robert and Michael, 2010). The fact that the hooks were designed to move in a continuous array in front of the painters without a method of regulating them indicates problems with job design. However it can be argued that the calculation of the time that each painter was given before the hook would fall out of reach shows that the engineers were aimed at ensuring that the job was designed well to meet the demands of the job. In this scenario, trainee painters are expected to make more errors especially with the timing of the hooks and thus decreasing their productivity. The reinforcement theory is used within the Hovey and Beard Company Case as illustrated by the training bonus that the trainee painters are given. The aim of this bonus is to enable the trainee to meet the gap in prod uctivity which would result from lack of skills and experience in the job. The job was designed in a way that the trainees were expected to be skills at the end of six months when the training bonus was withdrawn (John, Robert and Michael, 2010). The contribution of the reinforcement theory to job performance is to motivate employees to improve their performance in the job. In the Hovey and Beard Company Case, the training bonus was reduced gradually as a way of reinforcing the motivation of the painters to improve their performance so that by the end of the six months they were able to perform normally without mistakes and thus enable the efficiency of the job to be enhanced. The problems that were observed in the second month of the training in the Hovey and Beard Case can be attributed to poor reinforcement and thus less motivation by the supervisors. The job design would have been wrong leading to many of the hooks falling out of the range of the painter (John, Robert and Michae l, 2010). However, it can be argued that the engineers increased the rate at which the hooks moved because they expected the efficiency of the painters to have improved by the second month. The complaints of the painters that the hooks were too fast would also demonstrate that the supervisors expected unrealistic improvement of performance by the painters in the second month. Question 2 The performance diagnosis model is a tool that is used to define problems that result in the performance of tasks of a specific job. The diagnosis performance model aims at identifying the desired levels of employee performance in the execution of various processes of a job. Secondly, the model is important in the identification, specification and implementation of the most appropriate intervention of improving the employee performance so that the problems at the work place are solved with effectiveness (Stahl, 1997). In the Hovey and Beard Company case, some employees quit because of the high expect ations of performance which they would not cope with. The replacement of the employees with new ones caused even worse problems. This illustrates inappropriate application of the performance diagnostic model by the supervisors. The supervisors replaced the employees with new ones because they thought that it was the most appropriate intervention for the problem. Their failure in the application of the performance diagnostic tool is due to their inability to clearly identify the

Life and work of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Essay

Life and work of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky - Essay Example It was amazing that Tchaikovsky was not even a professional musician. The Great Russian composer had education in a particular career as a civil servant. Pyotr was born from a family that had a long military experience. His father who was mostly of Russian ethnicity worked as an engineer in the Department of Mine. All the parents were trained in arts including music, which was very important especially considering that they lived in a very remote region. At the age of six, Tchaikovsky was already fluent in French and Germany through the help of the teacher who was hired to teach Tchaikovsky elder brother Nikolai and a niece of the family (Burt 2001, p. 410 -411). At age of four, Pyotr took piano lessons where he proved to be an intelligent pupil who could clearly read music proficiently within three years. His parents were very helpful and engaged a tutor and buying him musical instruments such orchestrion. However, the parents changed their mind in around 1850 and sent him to Imperi al School of Jurisprudence in Saint Petersburg maybe because they grew insensitive towards musical gift for their son and perhaps lack of better musical career in Russia at that time. Pyotr’s father also became broke and may have wanted Pyotr to remain independent as soon as possible. Music career was considered to be a very low career in Russia (Kavanaugh 1996, p.50-51). The fact that both Tchaikovsky’s parents schooled in Saint Petersburg, they felt it important to take their son to The School of Jurisprudence which they felt would prepare their son for a career as a civil servant at the age of 10 and this made him board for two years. It forced him to stay almost 1,300 km away from his family and later begun a seven year course of studies after his two years in preparatory school. Separation of Tchaikovsky from his mother made him have an emotional suffering that affected him for the rest of his life and was further increased by his mother’s death in 1854. Tc hikovsky mourned his mother for the rest of his life as he termed it the â€Å"crucial event† and claimed that it was vivid to him. His mother’s loss also made him to make his initial stern composition called a waltz in her memory. The father thought it wise to take his son back to school so that his mind can be occupied with academic work which later made Tchaikovsky made lifelong friendship with fellow students Aleksey Apukhtin and Vladimir Gerard. Music greatly unified them and they maintained an extracurricular activity where they habitually attended the opera. Tchaikovsky further went ahead with his piano lessons by the help of an instrument maker Franz Becker who made several trips to the school. In 1855, Tchaikovsky father employed Mr. Rudolph Kundinger as a private teacher who suggested to his father that Pyotr did not have any future as a musician but later confirmed that his decision was based on his negative experience as a musician. Tchaikovsky’s fat her remained receptive about music career and did not know what to do about it making him to advice his son to finish school and try for a post in the Ministry of Justice.

Total quality management (TQM) is a systemic approach to productivity Essay

Total quality management (TQM) is a systemic approach to productivity enhancement - Essay Example Although, above stated definitions with relative explanation satisfy the introduction of TQM; International Standard Organization1 defines it as, "TQM is a management approach for an organization, centered on quality, based on the participation of all its members and aiming at long-term success through customer satisfaction, and benefits to all members of the organization and to society." For an organization to implement TQM, it must maintain above stated quality standard in all aspects of its business. This requires ensuring that things are done right way the first time and that defects and waste are eliminated from operations. Globalization makes quality take place. As the companies get bigger, there is an increasing demand for Just In Time Management. This makes things move faster, while further approaching towards globalization while being responsible for the removal of tailback in manufacture along with resulting in high quality production. Therefore, it can be said that the impact of globalization on quality is positive. On the other hand, globalization has also brought some most important confrontations for quality2. The augmented struggle among organizations across the world is more forceful than before. This leads to the fact the producing the products at the lowest cost may win in the end; which implicates that the marketplace may only be motivated on price factor and not on all other factors which put in value to a product (Layne Gobrogg, journal article). When the marketplace grows to be sensitive to price only, service and quality suffer. Hence, what the world has seen in the recent times is exactly what has been discussed. Quality oriented textile industry in Pakistan has almost completely shifted to China which produces products at the lowest possible cost and minimal quality. This reflects the exact impact of how globalization affects quality, whether it be directly or indirectly. Traditional Management Styles vs. Quality Focused Management Styles: Total quality management has changed the traditional management style forever. Traditional style of management focuses on internal activities while assuming that products or services provided by organization are good in quality. However, total quality management focuses on the customer as the ultimate decider of the quality. Perhaps, the major difference between total quality management and traditional management style is the delegation of the authority with responsibility of the quality to the various levels of management, particularly to the middle level management. For this, TQM requires very high level of teamwork, unlike traditional style of management. Along with above stated differences, the other major difference is that TQM makes decisions on evidences of facts and figures, unlike traditional management style. Perhaps, this is the reason why TQM has been more successful than originally thought. Application of TQM: Before implementing TQM, top level management must have total faith in its implementation process3. TQM can be implemented in an organization through a step wise strategy. My strategy for Starbucks will be as following; 1. Appointment of a representative for coordinating the TQM implementation pr

Intention in Criminology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Intention in Criminology - Essay Example The criminal intention of an accused is to be proved with evidence. It is the interpretation of the jury duly applying the tests. The doctrine of law of murder is of two fold intention and causation. The doctrine of intention in the law of murder is vital doctrine. The doctrine of intention assigns the liability of murder. Intention denotes what is in the mind of the accused at the time of committing the crime and also the effect of the action. The doctrine of intention adjudges and infers the mind of the accused. The intention can be analyzed as direct intention and indirect intention. Direct intention: Direct intention means the aim, object or desire to do an act whose effects or results are prohibited under law as an offence. In this state of mind the person is surely designed and prepared to do some criminal act. An intention to commit murder is an example of direct intention. Indirect intention: Indirect intention is also known as oblique intention. In this state of mind the person does not desire the consequences or the results of his action but he knows that the results of his action, and he does not care for the result, it is due to his recklessness on the results. The direct intention of such person is some thing other but in process the result produces an offensive act. The best example of the oblique intention is that of the extremist activities. The extremist when they want to cause damage to the public property to show their protest against the action of the government they set fire to the public property such as telephone exchanges, railway stations, government buses etc. They know that there will be human loss still they do not care about. The crime of murder is the out come of oblique intention of the extremist and the crime of damage to the public property is the out come of direct intention. The existence of indirect or oblique intention of the person is tested in two ways. The one way is to see whether the consequence of the act is certain, and other one is the person who doing such act certainly knows the consequences of his action. Here the certainty of the consequence and the knowledge of the person about that consequence are important ingredients. When these two tests are fulfilled then the oblique intention exists in the action and the person will be held liable under the crime of oblique intent. These tests were dealt with in decided case of "R v Nedrick (1986) 8 Cr App R(S) 179; [1986] 3 All ER 1" . Intentional crimes: There are some crimes that can be done only intentionally that is to say these crimes can not be done unless there is clear intention to do such crime. Crime of attempts to murder, crime of ulterior intent, crimes of basic intent, crime of specific intent are the intentional crimes. Attempt to murder: "R v Mohan [1976] QB 1; [1975] 2 All ER 193" in this case the defendant committed a crime of attempt to murder by driving at a policeman. The policeman could escape by jumping at last moment and could save his life. The trial judge held it as an act of recklessness. But the appellate court felt it as an attempt to murder and insisted upon the proof of specific intent. Specific intention: Intoxication is the example for crime of Specific intention. Under this the defendant is not allowed to the plea of his drunken and intoxication to protect from the sentence of crime. If crime is established it is