Women s Role On The Home, And Would This Create A Domino...

Latina women have come from a long line of women that know their place and the values that she should uphold. Marriage is one of the biggest stepping stones in a women’s life, she finally gets to up bring and have her own family unit. She follows and stands next to her husband all the time. She is no longer intentionally part of the family unit that she once was. In this research my main questions regarding the way Latina women have overcome and dealt with the problems faced on a daily bases in regards to Gender Violence in Latino Communities. To what extent do Latina women follow the societal expectations or roles a woman should have? What are the barriers that undocumented woman face when looking for resources, Is there stigma ties to undocumented women, or Latina women? Are societal expectations still a key role on women in these communities in regards to how to deal with domestic violence in the home, and would this create a domino effect? The research question this research is aimed at to really to affirm to reaffirm, what has already been stated in previous scholarly articles, but as well to bring a geographical area of study that would bring up different data as well as stories that come along with investigating gender violence in Latino communities. When do these woman say enough is enough and being to look for help in the community? Are there even proper resources that provided the necessary help? Many women do not look for the help or resources that the communityShow MoreRelatedWomen in the Odyssey1646 Words   |  7 PagesWomen form an important part of each society, however their role and importance to its function are often times overlooked. Society is/was organized and directed by men. All of the most important positions and purposes within it`s routine were filled by males. This societal organization is often times reflected in many pieces of literature of various time periods, however there are texts in wh ich contrary to the patriarchal society models, women are given substantial importance within the plot. Homer`sRead MoreAudience And Purpose Goes Here1302 Words   |  6 Pagesin the workplace along with movement towards diminishing the pay gap between males and females, females are still to this day very sparse within scientific communities and are especially underrepresented in the field of physics. The great underrepresentation in such a vastly growing field creates a domino effect that further prevents women from wanting to join such a field. Fix this paragraph Physics has always been a dominantly male subject. When asked about famous scientists, Marie Curie is tooRead MoreSubstances Include Those Like Stressful Life Events Such1690 Words   |  7 PagesEating Disorders During adolescence, we see eating disorders develop in young men and women. 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Further, on the back of changing and busy lifestyle, fast emergingRead MoreBreastfeeding Persuasive Speech1606 Words   |  7 PagesKids are important to life and its existence, it is a natural thing. Our world must face all the moral that comes with it. This involve mothers to feed their babies through breastfeeding at any given time and at any place. The moment woman has a baby, she is faced with many decisions. One of the significant decision is whether to breastfeed her child. Almost everyone will suggest that breastfeeding has many benefits. These benefits are for the breastfeeding mothers, the babie s, and for the economyRead MoreCombating Violence Against Women By Alice Walker1533 Words   |  7 PagesViolence Against Women The Color Purple, written by Alice Walker, is a story written about the struggles of a colored woman in the 1930’s. The central character, Celie, experienced more abuse in her life than love and struggled to understand the world around her. In the novel the author is able to captivate her audience and through a series of letters written to GOD, create a relationship between Celie and her readers. Reading the novel you immediately began to sympathize with this young girl (Celie)Read MoreWe Can Not Deny Society s Progression Of Social Equality Essay1187 Words   |  5 PagesWe cannot deny society’s progression of social equality, however, it is imperative that we not only understand the inequalities that are presently riddled in our social framework, but also understand how inequalities effect people at both micro and macro levels and how they intersect. Acquiring some base knowledge of institutionalized inequalities is fundamental to any attempts in rectifying (or easi ng) social injustices. Using Patricia Hill Collins’ Intersectionality theory, along with Omi and Winants’Read MoreThe Fight For The Equality Of Women2457 Words   |  10 PagesWhile the fight for the equality of women in Canadian society is one that still persists, had it not been for the early 20th century, women would not have the fundamental rights that they do today. Before the outbreak of WW1, Canadian women faced a number of unfortunate realities. Not only were their gender roles strictly bound to domestic services and household work, women were also viewed as men’s property that could not defy the ideas of their husbands, and were denied the right to make politicalRead MoreEssay about Social Stratification 1554 Words   |  7 Pages1996: page 37.) Some of the ways in which socio-economic status can be seen throughout society is through housing, education, youth and health. In Australia, families and individuals place great value on home ownership, and the area in which they live. â€Å"Housing in our society serves a dual role; it assists in meeting physical needs and it provides a mean for symbolising social position.† (Aspin, Lois J., 1996: page 86). Housing, is a valued resource and various social groups have different accessRead MoreRetailing Characteristics of Fast Food Stores and Their Impact on Customer Sales and Satisfaction29639 Words   |  119 Pagesthere’s little about today’s environment that looks like the mid-1990s. The global economy has changed, consumer demand has shifted, and retailers’ operating systems today are infused with far more technology than was the case six years ago. Saturated home markets, fierce competition and restrictive legislation have relentlessly pushed major food retailers into the globalization mode. Since the mid-1990s, numerous governments have opened up their economies as well, to the free markets and foreign investment

Role of Financial Institutions in the Global Economy Free Essays

Globalization has sparked a revolution in information and communication technology, resulting in the emergence of an era that boasts the arrival of new levels of global interconnectedness. As a result, globalization has also increased the significance of the many different roles that financial institutions play in the overall global economy. Financial institutions can play several roles, ranging from operating as a simple method of savings, to functioning as an important revitalization source in a low-income community. We will write a custom essay sample on Role of Financial Institutions in the Global Economy or any similar topic only for you Order Now This paper will explain the general role of financial institutions in the global economy, will touch on more significant individual roles, and discuss the overall role of international financial institutions. Research indicates that a financial institutions’ role as an intermediary is clearest in the credit and deposit business (Krayer, 2002). The usual function involves clients bringing to the bank their savings, or money which the bank transfers to its credit clients in the form of loans. In the loan instance, a borrower’s credit rating may change during the life of a loan, thereby changing the value of the loan at that point in time, which reflects the interest and amortization payments expected in the future (Krayer, 2002). In some cases, credits may even become entirely worthless if borrowers become insolvent and bankrupt (Krayer, 2002). Another function which banks perform within an economy is rating and selecting the loans they finance. Through their activities as an agent, another essential function performed by banks is to reduce risks overall (Krayer, 2002). In this way, the general role of banks is to undertake and provide specific products or services. Financial institutions also play an additional role within an economy by granting loans, processing payments, accepting deposits, and carrying out investments. Through these activities, banks create added value for their clients, employees, service providers and shareholders. As a result, there is a significant amount of potential damage were a bank to collapse. Thus, the economic benefits generated by a bank are basically no different from the economic benefits generated by a doctor, teacher or train driver: by exercising, to the best of their knowledge and abilities, their specialist function in competition with others, companies and their employees make their contribution to economic benefit (Krayer, 2002). Research indicates that bankers act responsibly when they ensure that their house is in order and resist the temptation to pass off poor financial performance as a contribution to the economy (Krayer, 2002). Larger financial institutions play an additional role than just that of providing typical banking services. Financial institutions can form the core of economic development in a low-income community. For example, the World Bank’s focus is on project lending and structural reforms that enhance long-run development and poverty alleviation (Stiglitz, 1998). The role of the World Bank in the global economy is to address pressing issues such as weak financial sectors, lack of transparency and poor governance in the corporate sectors, and weaknesses in external liability management will help restore confidence among foreign and domestic investors (Stiglitz, 1998). In this way, the World Bank acts to reactivate poor economies and thus to protect and extend social and economic achievements. In poorer countries, the World Bank appears to operate in coordination with the government as it steps in and fills the income-security gap that is left by companies closing and workers losing their jobs. Over the longer term, the World Bank will be working with countries to help them design modern, durable social safety nets that complement their other structural reforms (Stiglitz, 1998). Finally, as illustrated above, the role of financial institutions is very diverse, as communities depend on them for basic transactions such as savings and loans. In the larger view, however, banks operate as the financial support of an economy, the stabilization of which the community depends on. How to cite Role of Financial Institutions in the Global Economy, Essay examples

The Quality of Financial Information in the Annual Report Sample

Question: Analyzed Whether the Disclosures Made are as per the Specific Provisions of AASS. Answer: Introduction Assets are the main part for effective and efficient functioning of an organization and while preparing the financial statements for the year end the amount is written off from the value of an asset as depreciation which is the amount incurred on account of loss of tear and wears, change in technology, etc. Another amount which has been written off from the value of an asset is Impairment. The main aim of this report is to assess the quality of financial information in the annual report. The emphasis has been laid on the Impairment of an Asset. In the first, the requirements of disclosure have been mentioned as per Australian Accounting Standard Board (AASB) 136. Then the disclosure made by the company is discussed and analyzed whether the disclosures made are as per the specific provisions of AASB 136. Thereafter, the difficulties faced in checking whether the assets has been actually impaired or not has been discussed. Then the list of issues have been mentioned which will be consi dered or taken into account by the directors of the company while making the calculations for the impairment of the assets. At the last the study has been closed with proper and adequate conclusion. The report has divided into several parts so as to give the understanding of the concept of Impairment to the readers. Disclsoure Requirements as per AASB 136 Australian Accounting Standards Board 136 provides the guidelines on the topic Impairment of an asset. Following are the relevant disclosures that every company to which this standard shall apply shall comply for each class of asset: The amount of the impairment made for the particular asset shall be charged to the Profit and Loss Account for the relevant period and the statement of comprehensive Income in which the impairment losses are included. The reversal amount of impairment made for the particular asset shall be recognized in the Profit and Loss Account for the relevant period and the statement of comprehensive Income in which the those impairment losses are reversed. In case of revalued assets, the amount pertaining to the impairment losses are recognized the statement of other comprehensive income for the relevant period. In case of revalued assets, the amount pertaining to the reversal of impairment losses are recognized in the statement of other comprehensive income for the relevant period (AASB,2010). The aforesaid requirements are disclosed in the schedule pertaining to the Reconciliation of Carrying Amount for each class of assets where the opening balance and closing balance at the year end is also mentioned. In addition to the above disclosure, following disclosures are further required: Where an entity reports the reportable segment that too in accordance with AASB 8, then its mandatory to disclose by recognizing the amount of impairment loss and reversals thereof in the subsequent period in the Statement of Profit and Loss Account and the statement of comprehensive income for the year end. In case of an individual asset, goodwill or cash generating unit, the entity shall disclose the following: The situations which has happened during the year and has made it important to recognize the impairment loss and reversal thereof if any The amount pertaining to impairment and reversal. In case of an individual asset, its nature and the reportable segment if any. In case of Cash Generating Unit, its description and the amount of impairment and reversal recognized by the segment which is reportable as per the AASB 8. The recoverable amount of any asset is either Fair Value less costs to sale or Value in use. If it is fair value then how it has been arrived and if it is value in use then which discount rate has been used to calculate the flows. In this way, the disclosures are required. Annual Report Complanace with Requirements For facilitating the study further, the company Woolworths Limited has been chosen. The analysis of whether the annual report complies with the disclosure requirements as per the AASB 136 is given below (Woolworths, 2015): As per Note 12 Property Plant and Equipment and Note 13 Intangible Assets of the Annual Report of the Company, the carrying amounts of these assets are arrived after deduction depreciation and the impairment loss. As per Note 12 of the Annual report, it is mentioned as how to calculate the recoverable amount and states that the impairment loss is recognized as and when carrying amount of any assets is increase by its recoverable amount. The statement has been written that the Property Plant and Equipment are checked at each reporting date for impairment and Intangibles are reviewed at least for annual. The procedure of calculating the Recoverable amount has been detailed and stated that the recoverable amount is the higher of Value in use or Fair value less costs to sell. The assumptions regarding the calculation of Value in use and Fair Value has been mentioned and states that for Value in Use the effective discount rate of 13% may be taken as based on the past year records. The reconciliation of the carrying amount at the beginning of the year and year end has been disclosed. It has been disclosed that the no reversals of impairment losses have been made during the year. The impairment loss has been charged to Profit and Loss Account and Statement of Other Comprehensive Income. The company has made separate disclosure for impairment loss on reportable segment Home Improvement and has disclosed that the change in assumptions adopted for calculation will not change the impairment loss amount by so many amounts which can create material effect in the financial statement. In this way, the annual report contains all the matters that is required to be disclosed as per AASB 136. Issues in Impairment Testing One of the major issues that have been confronted by almost all the companies is that till which level the testing for impairment shall be done. This is a very debatable question in this field but it is done as per the past requirements. It depends on the nature and details of the asset and how the allocation is being made for each cash generating units. Second major issue that has been encountered is the difference between the Value in Use and the Fair value. Fair value is the price of an asset which can be easily fetched from the market or the amount investor is ready to pay for the same whereas Value in use is the amount of cash discounted as per the given rate. Third major issue is the usage of discounted rate which is required to calculate the Value in Use. Discount rate shall be as per the relevant rate in the market and shall not be decided in isolation. Without having the correct discount rate, the amount of cash flows will be highly variable and which in turn will not provide the best results. Fourth is that the grouping of assets shall include some types of working capital or short term or current asset (Dolson, 2005). Fifth is that the test for impairment shall be done on regular and periodical basis. The model selected for impairment shall be one which can be easily adapted to the changeable external environment and which can be applied for years to come to an individual or the class of an asset (Chow and Marchev,2010). Last is that the discount rate after tax shall be used while calculating the Value in Use otherwise the 30% pertaining to tax shall be wrongly added to the value of cash flows generating from the various cash generating units. While Calculating Imairment Four major issues which shall be considered while calculating the Impairment: Adoption of Correct Discount Rate First of all the company shall take into account that discount rate which exhibits that the formulae of calculating rate gets itself arranged at the time of any change in the external environment. Also the rate so calculated shall be post tax otherwise the cash flows will higher by the tax amount. Determining the Proper Cash Generating Units The Company shall define the correct cash generating units and that too with proper allocation. Wrong allocation will lead to wrong estimation of the impairment loss. Level of testing the Impairment The impairment shall be checked to that level after which the testing will not serve any purpose. The test for impairment shall be done each year and it should be tested at the low level of the management. It is because the lower level will not in any manner will be the higher of operating segments. Thus, the level shall be as per the needs. Calculation of Value in Use and Fair Value less Cost of Sales It is advised as per AASB 136 that the Fair value less Cost of sales shall be calculated using discounting cash flow technique otherwise it will not be comparable with the Value in Use and thus will always provides wrong results for impairment. Thus, these four shall be considered while performing the calculations. Conclusion Assets play very important role for every organization in order to have future benefits. Along with the maintaining of an asset, the documents of company including the Annual report which contains the financial report of the company. Depreciation and Impairment are the two distinct and different terms which depletes the value of an asset and in the case of latter there can be the place of reversal. In the paper the impairment of assets has been detailed. It has been described by throwing light on the AASB 136 and AASB 8. The description has started from the disclosure requirements as envisaged by the AASB 136 till the issues that will be considered by the top management to review the impairment testing and calculations. Thus, in the way to conclude the study is extensive and the impairment of assets have significant place in the annual report. References Australian Govt, (2010), Impairment of Assets available at https://www.aasb.gov.au/admin/file/content102/c3/AASB136_07-04_ERDRjun10_07-09.pdf accessed on 15/04/2017. Chow E and Marchev M, (2014), Impairment Issues to watch available at https://www.pwc.com.au/assurance/ifrs/assets/ifrsinbrief-se-15may13.pdf accessed on 16/04/2017 Dolson M, (2015), A Look at Current Financial Measures available at https://www.pwc.com/hu/hu/services/assets/ifrs_kiadvanyok/in_depth/testing_for_impairment_in_the_upstream_industries.pdf accessed on 15/04/2017. . Woolworths Official Website, (2015) available at https://www.woolworths.com.au/ accessed on 16/04/.2017.

The management systems related to internal and external environment

Attitudes towards employees: Employee benefit Wages, Salaries, Annual Leave and Sick Leave The organization maintains these expenses on an prepayment basis. They are therefore accounted for after they fall due. This therefore implies that they are partially reflected in the books of accounts of the period concerned. In effect the report reflects the payments due for services up to the final day of the reporting period.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The management systems related to internal and external environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Employee Share Plans, Long Service Leave, Long Service Leave The net value of the amount due and payable to all the employees is reflected as an expense to the employees corresponding to an increase in the organizations equity. The amount due is measured and evaluated for the period within which it is unconditionally payable. With the exceptions of un-qualifying shar es the amount is recognized in whole of the total entitlements. Defined Contribution Superannuation Plans, Defined Benefit Superannuation Plans and Employee Termination Benefit The organization adopts an individualistic strategy   that makes single and individual computations for   each plan. The present value of future benefits its therefore calculated by discounting the future benefits at a discounting rate that is a balance on the maturity dates of   government bonds. This incorporates the projected unit credit method by a certified auctorial. if   benefits that accrue to every employee increase the amount is distributed on a straight line basis implying that the employee will receive an amount of the increase immediately it falls due. This increase is also reflected in the company’s consolidated income statement of the reporting period. The past service costs on the other hand are measured as the growth in the present value of the permanent or fixed benefits that the employee is entitled to in previous and current periods. Attitudes towards Customers: Aircraft configuration meeting customer demand Like any other business the company has over the past few years faced a great increase in the number of customer as well as consumer needs. The company has therefore made a structural adjustment by increasing the number of aircraft to take care of the addition al capacity. Growing consumer demands have also forced the company to adjust the seating arrangements to improve the customer service experience. This also ensures that the customer service level meets international standards. Qantas provide their customer to combine points from flying, credit and debit card spend and retail spend into single account The technological trend in the airline industry has favored the use of plastic money. Amidst the pertinent and obvious structural concerns, the credit card system has ensured convenience security and flexibility in transactions specifically in th e transport sector. Passengers get to earn points as a form of motivation and marketing for every flight they take. The points can either be based on the mileage traveled or the amount spent. The points my be used to upgrade a ticket or purchase products at the convenience of the customer.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Qantas services their customer by another brand of aircraft which is called Jetstart’s The diversity of the consumers goes requires the company to make provision for all levels of income earners. The company has taken advantage of the low income segment by partnering with a smaller airline that offers alternative cheaper but equally quality service. This falls in line with the price segmentation strategy in consumer marketing Caring for customer Customer care s a fundamental and important aspect of a business. It offers a basis and rationale for the formulation of the companies strategies and policies. The company has made an initiative to ensure that their customers are satisfied and assisted in every possible means. It has engaged consumer service surveys to measure the performance and effectiveness of their customer care. This has generated alternative consumer satisfaction strategies that will allow the company to grow and offer better service ( Qantas annual report, 2010). Attitudes towards competitors: Higher performance in every thing The transport sector has over the last two decades grown to become among the most competitive volatile and revolutionary sector in the world economy. The situation is even more aggressive in the private sector with every company seeking a piece of the large consumer base. The company therefore has a competitive and visionary attitude towards its competition. It has installed strategic mechanisms that constantly review the companies performance ratings as against its competitors to ensure th at it remains in front or at least on the front line. Safety It is every customers requirement that their means of transport be safe and reliable. The government as well as industrial requirements for safety are clear and strict. The airline has therefore given paramount importance to its safety precautions and guaranteed its customers an ultimately safe experience. It has invested in health safety programs such as health surveillance monitors that ensure that the customers along with the employees operate in a safe environment. Training and development The airlines employee base attracts a variety of professional limits that allows the labor force to benefit from a wide range of skills. Majority of these employees are based locally and are therefore easily accessible to the company. Updating market needs A pertinent characteristic of the contemporary consumer market is the changing preferences and tastes. It is therefore important for every company to constantly redefine and re- ev aluate its consumer needs data to ensure that it keeps abreast with the recent trends. The airline has responded to the changing consumer needs by simplifying and easing the check in experience.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on The management systems related to internal and external environment specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Strong complementary Brand In a market full of substitutes a company needs to diversify its portfolio to increase the chances of consumer following. The company has therefore partnered with an alternate smaller airline that allows it to access the low fare market. This makes sure that it maintains a presence in all areas and segments of the market Reference Qantas annual report. (2010) The Sum. Web. Web. This report on The management systems related to internal and external environment was written and submitted by user Amy Campos to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Free Essays on The Color Of Water

Paper on the color of water The Color of Water by James McBride is a book about the author finding his own identity though discovering who his mother, Ruth really is. Throughout his whole life he has felt there is something different between his mother and himself. His father and his eleven brothers and sisters were all black and his mother was white. This never really bothered James when he was a child. His mother never talked about race and didn’t see herself as any different from her children. She never talked about her past and always changed the topic whenever he asked her any questions about where she came from or why she was different from himself and the rest of his siblings. It was not until he wrote this book that all of his questions about his race and identity were answered because he finally uncovered his mothers past. Ruth had a miserable life growing up. Her family was Jewish Orthodox, and first generation Americans. She spent most of her childhood moving around with her family as her father looked for work as a rabbi. Her family finally settled in Suffolk, Virginia. It was a small town which was racially segregated and Jews were not well liked there. They lived on the black side of town and her father was the rabbi and they owned and small store. She only had one friend that she talked to most of her childhood. â€Å"White kids hated Jews in my school. ‘Hey ruth, when did you start being a dirty Jew?’ they’d ask . I couldn't stand to be ridiculed.† (McBride, 80) Going to a predominantly white school caused Ruth to have low self esteem because she wasn't accepted by the other kids. â€Å"In school kids called me ‘Christ killer’ or ‘Jew baby’.† (McBride, 40) Ruth's family life was not much better than her social life. Her father was very strict and she was afraid of him. â€Å"There were to many rules to follow, too many forbiddens and ‘you cant’s and ‘you musnt’s,’ but does anybody say they... Free Essays on The Color Of Water Free Essays on The Color Of Water Paper on the color of water The Color of Water by James McBride is a book about the author finding his own identity though discovering who his mother, Ruth really is. Throughout his whole life he has felt there is something different between his mother and himself. His father and his eleven brothers and sisters were all black and his mother was white. This never really bothered James when he was a child. His mother never talked about race and didn’t see herself as any different from her children. She never talked about her past and always changed the topic whenever he asked her any questions about where she came from or why she was different from himself and the rest of his siblings. It was not until he wrote this book that all of his questions about his race and identity were answered because he finally uncovered his mothers past. Ruth had a miserable life growing up. Her family was Jewish Orthodox, and first generation Americans. She spent most of her childhood moving around with her family as her father looked for work as a rabbi. Her family finally settled in Suffolk, Virginia. It was a small town which was racially segregated and Jews were not well liked there. They lived on the black side of town and her father was the rabbi and they owned and small store. She only had one friend that she talked to most of her childhood. â€Å"White kids hated Jews in my school. ‘Hey ruth, when did you start being a dirty Jew?’ they’d ask . I couldn't stand to be ridiculed.† (McBride, 80) Going to a predominantly white school caused Ruth to have low self esteem because she wasn't accepted by the other kids. â€Å"In school kids called me ‘Christ killer’ or ‘Jew baby’.† (McBride, 40) Ruth's family life was not much better than her social life. Her father was very strict and she was afraid of him. â€Å"There were to many rules to follow, too many forbiddens and ‘you cant’s and ‘you musnt’s,’ but does anybody say they...

Influence of the Olmec Civilization on Mesoamerica

Influence of the Olmec Civilization on Mesoamerica The Olmec civilization thrived along Mexicos gulf coast from approximately 1200-400 B.C. and is considered the parent culture of many of the important Mesoamerican cultures that came after, including the Aztec and Maya. From their great cities, San Lorenzo and La Venta, Olmec traders spread their culture far and wide and eventually built a large network through Mesoamerica. Although many aspects of Olmec culture have been lost to time, what little is known about them is very important because their influence was so great. Olmec Trade and Commerce Before the dawn of the Olmec civilization, trade in Mesoamerica was common. Highly desirable items like obsidian knives, animal skins, and salt were routinely traded between neighboring cultures. The Olmecs created long-distance trade routes to obtain the things they needed, eventually making contacts all the way from the valley of Mexico to Central America. Olmec traders swapped finely made Olmec celts, masks and other small pieces of art with other cultures such as the Mokaya and Tlatilco, getting jadeite, serpentine, obsidian, salt, cacao, pretty feathers and more in return. These extensive trade networks spread Olmec culture far and wide, spreading Olmec influence throughout Mesoamerica. Olmec Religion The Olmec had a well-developed religion and belief in a cosmos comprised of an underworld (represented by the Olmec fish monster), the Earth (Olmec Dragon) and skies (bird monster). They had elaborate ceremonial centers: the well-preserved Complex A at La Venta is the best example. Much of their art is based on their religion, and it is from surviving pieces of Olmec art that researchers have managed to identify no fewer than eight different Olmec gods. Many of these early Olmec gods, such as the Feathered Serpent, the maize god, and the rain god, found their way into the mythology of later civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs. Mexican researcher and artist Miguel Covarrubias made a famous diagram of how different Mesoamerican divine images all diverged from an early Olmec source. Olmec Mythology: Apart from the religious aspects of Olmec society mentioned above, Olmec mythology seems to have caught on with other cultures as well. The Olmecs were fascinated with were-jaguars, or human-jaguar hybrids: some Olmec art has caused speculation that they believed that some human-jaguar cross-breeding had once taken place, and depictions of fierce were-jaguar babies are a staple of Olmec art. Later cultures would continue the human-jaguar obsession: one good example is the jaguar warriors of the Aztec. Also, at the El Azuzul site near San Lorenzo, a pair of extremely similar statues of young men placed with a pair of jaguar statues brings to mind the two pairs of hero twins whose adventures are narrated in the Popol Vuh, known as the Maya bible. Although there are no confirmed courts used for the famous Mesoamerican ballgame at Olmec sites, rubber balls used for the game were unearthed at El Manatà ­. Olmec Art: Artistically speaking, the Olmec were far ahead of their time: their art shows a skill and aesthetic sense far greater than that of contemporary civilizations. The Olmec produced celts, cave paintings, statues, wooden busts, statues, figurines, stelae and much more, but their most famous artistic legacy is doubtless the colossal heads. These giant heads, some of which stand nearly ten feet tall, are striking in their artwork and majesty. Although the colossal heads never caught on with other cultures, Olmec art was very influential on the civilizations that followed it. Olmec stelae, such as La Venta Monument 19, can be indistinguishable from Mayan art to the untrained eye. Certain subjects, such as plumed serpents, also made the transition from Olmec art to that of other societies. Engineering and Intellectual Accomplishments: The Olmec were the first great engineers of Mesoamerica. There is an aqueduct at San Lorenzo, carved out of dozens of massive stones then laid side-by side. The royal compound at La Venta shows engineering as well: the massive offerings of Complex A are complicated pits filled with stones, clay, and supporting walls, and there is a tomb there built with basalt support columns. The Olmec may have given Mesoamerica its first written language as well. Undecipherable designs on certain pieces of Olmec stonework may be early glyphs: later societies, such as the Maya, would have elaborate languages using glyphic writing and would even develop books. As the Olmec culture faded into the Epi-Olmec society seen in the Tres Zapotes site, the people developed an interest in the calendar and astronomy, two other fundamental building blocks of Mesoamerican society. Olmec Influence and Mesoamerica: Researchers who study ancient societies embrace something called the continuity hypothesis. This hypothesis posits that there has been a set of religious and cultural beliefs and norms in place in Mesoamerica that has run through all of the societies that lived there and that information from one society can often be used to fill in the gaps left in others. The Olmec society then becomes particularly important. As the parent culture - or at least one of the most important early formative cultures of the region - it had influence out of proportion with, say, its military might or prowess as a trading nation. Olmec pieces that give some information about the gods, society or have a bit of writing on them - such as the famous Las Limas Monument 1 - are particularly prized by researchers. Sources: Coe, Michael D and Rex Koontz. Mexico: From the Olmecs to the Aztecs. 6th Edition. New York: Thames and Hudson, 2008 Cyphers, Ann. Surgimiento y decadencia de San Lorenzo, Veracruz. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 30-35. Diehl, Richard A. The Olmecs: Americas First Civilization. London: Thames and Hudson, 2004. Grove, David C. Cerros Sagradas Olmecas. Trans. Elisa Ramirez. Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). P. 30-35. Gonzalez Tauck, Rebecca B. El Complejo A: La Venta, Tabasco Arqueologà ­a Mexicana Vol XV - Num. 87 (Sept-Oct 2007). p. 49-54.

Contemporary Tourism Trends Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Contemporary Tourism Trends - Essay Example 1), who refers to vacations in the 21st century as ''Das gekaufte Paradies'' (the bought paradise), the tourism industry is increasingly subsuming the identity of an ''experience industry'', with tourists willing to pay tourism organizers to help find optimal experiences within the limited time available. Opaschowski (2001) suggests that tourists are looking for emotional stimuli they want to buy feelings and not products. They want to personally experience the immaterial qualities, seeking ambience, aesthetics and atmosphere, looking for an experience full of varying intimacies, intensities and complexities. Cultural tourism such as the trip to Bath Since experiencing the 'other' is the great motivational factor in cultural heritage tourism, the search for unspoilt cultures inevitably becomes a natural choice because cultures unknown to or not yet experience by these seekers exist but constantly face the wipe out from modernization. The anxiety and eagerness intensifies that the chance to experience these cultures as pure as they are in the beginning can no longer be available if another day is let pass, so the increase to these areas will increase. Over the past years, trends in tourist demand and consumer behavior have revealed that tourists want to visit cultural and historical sites as well as to explore regions and landscapes as a whole. Tourists select destinations not based only on climate, art and historical heritage, human landmarks and environmental activities, but also according to eno-gastronomic resources. Tourist demands are increasingly shaping the gastronomic supply, meaning the potential of wine and gastronomic products has in Bath's national market and across. In many European countries, wine and gastronomic tourism seems complex and variegated, but also dynamic and rich in social, cultural and economic implications (Antonioli Corigliano, 1996a). According to Wearing (2002, p. 243), the tourist in the 21st century is ''searching for new and exciting forms of travel in defiance of a mass-produced product'' yet without ''actually having to involve themselves in any way'', a reflection of increasing commodification and depersonalization within modern and post-modern society (Beck, 1999; Giddens, 1999; MacCannell, 1976). Commodification has changed tourism experiences in the 21st century from that of the traditional search for the totally unknown, the utmost challenging and dangerous to that of safety and comfort, to that of ''gaze'' but also embodiment beyond individual's onsite experience. With commodification, the cultural experience is no longer authentic (Birgit Trauer, 2006). Authenticity is generally regarded as the highest importance for tourists interested in heritage (Moscardo & Pearce, 1986; Timothy & Boyd, 2003). A way to preserve such a goal is to facilitate the tourists to involve in exploring and searching by their own initiations without the need for interaction with any of the staffs. One of the challenges the managers face is the low degree of interaction with staff. As the visitor has a limited contact with staff, necessarily to make the visitors feel 'warm and exciting' (Schmenner, 1995) and this will involve detailed