Sunday, December 29, 2019
Essay about The Hypocrisy of Religion - 660 Words
Religious leaders ought to be the epitome of goodness and morality and are supposed to live lives worthy of emulation. Yet, in Voltaireââ¬â¢s Candide and Goetheââ¬â¢s Faust, the church is infested with hypocrisy what with religious leaders being hypocritical characters that are corrupt, greedy and immoral. These are seen in so many instances in both texts as will be discussed below. Highââ¬âranking church officials, according to Voltaire, are deeply engrossed in promiscuity as depicted in the lines, ââ¬Å"I am infact the daughter of Pope Urban the Tenth and the Princess of Palestrinaâ⬠(535). The fact that the Pope, despite his vows of celibacy as a priest and leader of the Catholic Church, has a mistress and a daughter (the Old Woman) is veryâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Furthermore, Voltaire implies that a superior of the abbey by name reverend father Croust is gay (543). Ironically, the church is laden with such people as this Jesuit colonel. Voltaire therefore us es this ironic character to point out the existence of church hypocrisy and corruption in his time. Meanwhile, manââ¬â¢s inhumanity to man is something that should never be witnessed in Christian communities. Yet Voltaire talks about religious leaders who carry out the so-called ââ¬Å"auto-da-feâ⬠against those who disagree with them on trivial theological issues. For example, the Inquisition hangs Pangloss for voicing his ideas and orders for Candide to be flogged for merely ââ¬Å"listening with an air of approvalâ⬠(529). The authorities executing Pangloss for talking and ordering the flogging of Candide for merely listening shows that ironically, christians are the ones promoting inhumane acts to fellow men. This, in no small measure, symbolizes the hypocrisy and corruption that is rampant in Christian communities. In addition, Goethe also portrays hypocrisy in religion in the scene where in response to Gretchenââ¬â¢s question of ââ¬Å"Do you believe in God?â⬠Faust answers: My darling who may say I believe in God? Ask priests and sages, their reply Looks like sneers that mock and prod The one who asked the question. (752) The fact that Gretchen, being a christian, is easily deceived into believingShow MoreRelatedHypocrisy And Religion In Tartuffe By Moliere841 Words à |à 4 PagesTartuffe by Moliere is a play that is centered on the theme of hypocrisy and religion. However, in this case, religion has been utilized as a contrivance to expose the duplicity of the characters. More so, the play comprises several unique characters, Tartuffe being the protagonist, hence his name being used as the title of the drama (Moliere 28). Apparently, hypocrisy is somewhat slippery, but to some individuals it is evident. For instance, Tartuffe is being regarded as a hypocrite because it isRead MoreHypocrisy Within Religious Groups : Religion1424 Words à |à 6 PagesHypocrisy Within Religious Groups Did you know that since 2012 more than 7.5 million people are no longer active in any type of religion or religious group (Grant, 2013)? Looking back on the past as well as the rich history of faith in God that can be found throughout American History it is almost surprising the amount of people who no longer take a claim to religion. Over the course of the last 30 to 40 years religious communities have had cycles of high or low attendance. Now as times are changingRead More The Hypocrisy of Religion in Moby Dick Essay1403 Words à |à 6 PagesThe Hypocrisy of Religion in Moby Dick Stubb decides to give Old Fleece a lecture on religion after waking him to complain about his overcooked whale steak. Not only does Stubb ask Fleece to preach to the sharks who are making a considerable din eating the dead whale chained to the ship, but he compares Fleeces inability to correctly cook a whale steak to Fleeces un-Christian ways. This passage is an excellent example of the theme of the hypocrisy of religion in Moby Dick. BeforeRead MoreThe White Mans Religion: a Savage Hypocrisy Essay897 Words à |à 4 Pages When people choose to follow a religion they agree to practice the tenets and standards put forth by that religion. If a person is a practicing Christian they would need to follow the teachings of love and kindness that are given forth by Jesus Christ. Frederick Douglass in his work, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself, and William Apess in his work, An Indians Looking-Glass for the White Man both disagree with the form of Christianity practicedRead MoreThe Progressive Era and Religion818 Words à |à 3 Pagesshort story Maggie: A Girl of the Streets critiques many of these ideas. His biggest critique was that of religion and the standards and hypocrisy of it. This essay will argue that Crane critiques the hypocrisy of Christianity and Christians through the characterization of a wide range of characters in his novel. The most prominent example of Craneââ¬â¢s critique against religion and itââ¬â¢s hypocrisy is Maggieââ¬â¢s mother Mary. Even her name is a critique for it could reference religious symbol Mary, motherRead MoreReligious Hypocrisy In Frederick Douglass861 Words à |à 4 Pagestime of Jesus Christ, religious hypocrisy has run rampant throughout those who held power. Countless lives have been affected by others twisting religious interpretation in order to fit their own needs. Slaveholders used religion and scripture to their advantage when disciplining slaves, sometimes even if they did no wrong. Religious hypocrisy is especially relevant in the life of Frederick Douglass. Frederick Douglassââ¬â¢s life story depicts how religious hypocrisy committed by both slaves and slaveholdersRead MoreWilliam Moliere s Tartuffe As A Threat Of Reason1138 Words à |à 5 PagesThe Role of Reason in Religion What happens when hypocrisy invades religion in the absence of reason? This is the very question that Moliere addresses in Tartuffe as he establishes his characters. In satire characters are usually very one dimensional and unchanging. They are simply there to represent an idea. Therefore, rather than using character development, Moliere uses character establishment to shape his story and theme. This is most notably seen in the last two scenes of act one in TartuffeRead MoreExamples Of Hypocrisy In The Adventures Of Huck Finn1542 Words à |à 7 Pagesinhumanity towards man shaped society? Manââ¬â¢s inhumanity towards man has played a profound role in humans throughout history. Mark Twainââ¬â¢s The Adventures of Huck Finn is an example of him using satire to reach his readers denouncing slavery and religious hypocrisy giving examples of manââ¬â¢s inhumanity towards man. His main objective in using satire in Huck Finn was to protest the evil practices that were so frequent in the Frontier. By using satire this made it more appealing and enjoyable for readers and hopefullyRead MoreChronicle Of A Death Foretold By Gabriel Garcia Marquez1224 Words à |à 5 PagesMarquez, the novella ââ¬Å"Chronicle Of A Death Foretoldâ⬠is a pseudo-journalistic depiction of the death of a young, Arab man more than two decades after it happened. Set in Catholic Colombia, where every characterââ¬â¢s actions are intrinsically shaped by religion, the author explores deeper societal issues within this town of God-fearing individuals. Although a judicial inquest concluded two brothers, Pedro and Pablo Vicario, murdered Santiago Nasar, for allegedly taking their sisterââ¬â¢s virginity, the narratorRead MoreMorality in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Essay717 Words à |à 3 Pages Twain was heavily critical of religion and itââ¬â¢s supposed ââ¬Å"moral righteousnessâ⬠; in his eyes, Twain saw the institution of religion as hypocritical, impractical, and convoluted. Needless to say, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn hold considerable importance in reflecting Mark Twainââ¬â¢s satirical view on the religious society of his time. Mark Twain introduces his satire of religion in the first few chapters of the novel. A major theme of the novel is the hypocrisy and double standards that are evident
Saturday, December 21, 2019
Willy Loman And The American Dream Analysis - 1075 Words
Pursuit of Happiness in the American Dream In Arthur Millerââ¬â¢s play, Death of a Salesman, Willy Lomans pursuit of the American Dream is characterized by his selfishness, demonstrating how the American Dream can subtly turn into the American Nightmare. However, Willyââ¬â¢s role is quite important because he often led to failure through the creation of the American Dream and the real world. To fully understand the storyline of Willy Loman in Death of a Salesman, one must evaluate each member of the Loman family. The death of Willy Loman implies that the American Dream brings hope to many but an American nightmare to most. Death of a Salesman is a play that is based off a sympathetic, candid, and mocking tone. The characters in this playâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Arthur Miller makes Willy Loman the protagonist in this tragedy. Willy Loman wanted to impress everyone and show people that he was not a failure in the American Dream but soon falls from his noble position. Miller uses flashbacks to reveal events that occ urred before the time of the play. Miller foreshadows what will happen in the future between Willy and Biff Loman. Willyââ¬â¢s accident foreshadows his suicide at the end of Act II. ââ¬Å"Willyââ¬â¢s distorted idea of the American Dream brings about his demise.â⬠(Stone) Miller symbolizes plants and trees which Willy longs for. The plants and trees represents strength, hope, and well-being for Willy. The seeds in the story represent Willyââ¬â¢s attempt to provide for his family and make money but he is not guaranteed anything of value. The plot occurs within the two main acts. Miller introduces three main theme in act I. In the first act, the protagonist Willy becomes happy living in his flashbacks and dreams and his reality conflicts with his hopes. Miller makes this act seems very promising that there will be a good end. Miller makes the first act most important because it is showing the characters and the background of why the characters act a certain way. Miller also uses certain literary devices to help better understand the main protagonist Willy and the miserable life that led to the ending of act II. The play Death of a Salesman is mainly a story of a dream andShow MoreRelatedAnalysis Of Willy Loman And The American Dream1553 Words à |à 7 PagesIn one of Arthur Millerââ¬â¢s play, ââ¬Å"Death of a Salesmanâ⬠written in 1949; it uncovers the betrayal of the American Dream. Willy Loman, one of the characters in ââ¬Å"Death of a Salesmanâ⬠who believes that finding success is very easy, but in realityââ¬â¢s he only finds his success in own imagination. In Act one of the play, Willy Loman stated ââ¬Å"Bigger than Uncle Charley! Because Uncle Charley is not â⬠¦ Liked. Heââ¬â¢s Liked, but not well Liked (p21).â⬠This quote expresses that being liked is not the key to successRead MoreEssay about The American Dream in Death of a Salesman1371 Words à |à 6 Pagesof American life and consumerism. It relates the story of a common man who portrays this lifestyle. Other issues explored in the play include: materialism, procrastination and alienation. The play was set in 1948, in a time where The American Dream was highly regarded, despite the Depression. The American Dream was a belief that emerged in the later half of the nineteenth century, that if you work hard you will achieve success and prosperity. The American Dream affects our view of Willy Loman asRead MoreComparing Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller and Fences by August Wilson 1403 Words à |à 6 Pa gesto achieve the American dream as it relates to each character; both of which fail in drastic yet similar ways. The American dream has always been an important factor in many Americanââ¬â¢s lives as it is to Troy Maxson the protagonists of Fences and to Willy Loman the protagonist of Death of a Salesman. Willy Loman and Troy Maxson are both hardworking men of different cultural backgrounds, with striking similarities in the way they try to achieve and fail to achieve the American dream of their era andRead MoreThemes Of Death Of A Salesman1286 Words à |à 6 Pagescentered on the events that take place at the end of Willy Lomanââ¬â¢s life. From the opening act, we learn that Willy and his family struggle to behave as a united front when they face financial pressures and strained familial bonds. This causes Willy to become desperate for success and validation. Death of a Salesman has commonly been interpreted as an analysis of the American dream. Within the ideal American so ciety, citizens believe that the American dream allows each individual an equal opportunity toRead MoreWilly Loman as a Tragic Hero in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman1218 Words à |à 5 PagesWilly Loman as a Tragic Hero in Arthur Millers Death of a Salesman Should Willy Loman of Arthur Millers classic, Death of a Salesman be regarded as a tragic hero, or merely a working-class, socially inadequate failure? Described by Miller as a self-destructive, insecure anti-hero, it seems almost impossible for Loman to be what is known as a tragic hero in the classical sense, but with the inclusion of other factors he maybe a tragic hero, at least in the modernRead MoreAnalysis Of The Play Death Of A Salesman 954 Words à |à 4 PagesCharacter Analysis 1.Willy Loman. Although the main protagonist of the play, Willy Loman does not come to a certain self-realization. Searching and sifting through his memories (which cannot be completely taken as the truth as he reinvents them in a way to make them out as a golden era) he fails to recognize his slanted reality heââ¬â¢s lived in made up of his delusions. His forged relationship with his son Biff, is based solely off Willyââ¬â¢s hopes that he will fulfill the ââ¬ËAmerican Dreamââ¬â¢, whileRead More Modern Tragic Hero Essay1304 Words à |à 6 Pagesplays, features the life of Willy Loman, a delusional salesman with a grandiose plan to live the American dream. As a result to the tragic events of Willy Lomanââ¬â¢s life starting with his fatherââ¬â¢s abandonment, and ending with his suicide, Willy Loman never lives the life he has always dreamed. Although, arguably discredited as a tragic hero, Willy Loman attains the qualities essential to credit him as a tragic hero of modern tim es. Whether or not Willy Loman is a tragic hero in DeathRead MoreDeath Of Salesman By F. Scott Fitzgerald1515 Words à |à 7 Pageslaw of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.â⬠In the play Death of Salesman by Arthur Miller, the protagonist Willy Loman is depicted as a man who has failed in life; he spent most of his life reminiscing the past. This affected his life greatly, especially his relationship with his son, Biff Loman. Nevertheless, in the novel, The Great Gatsby by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, the protagonist, Jay Gatsby undergoes a major change in life; he goes from beingRead MoreDeath Of A Salesman Symbolism Analysis1145 Words à |à 5 Pagesitems have over the Loman family. One reoccurring symbol throughout the story was the silk stockings. The silk stockings are representative of Willys Shame, guilt, and infidelities. Throughout the story, Willy scolds Linda for mending her stockings. Willy says, ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s that?â⬠Linda replies, ââ¬Å"Just mending my stockings. Theyââ¬â¢re so expensive.â⬠In an angry tone, Willy then says,ââ¬Å"I wonââ¬â¢t have you mending stocking in this house! Now throw them out!â⬠(1445). In the critical analysis ââ¬Å"Family Values in DeathRead MoreAmerican Dream Derailed in The Great Gatsby and Death of a Salesman1486 Words à |à 6 PagesThe American dream originated when immigrants came to America searching for new opportunities and a better life. In the early 1900ââ¬â¢s all people could do is dream; however, those dreams gave many different meanings to the phrase ââ¬Å"American dreamâ⬠, and for the most part, wealth and hard work play a very large role in the pursuit of ââ¬Å"the d reamâ⬠. In F. Scott Fitzgeraldââ¬â¢s novel, The Great Gatsby, and Arthur Millerââ¬â¢s drama, Death of a Salesman, both protagonists, Jay Gatsby and Willy Loman, are convinced
Friday, December 13, 2019
The Forbidden Game The Hunter Chapter 4 Free Essays
string(41) " box and felt slick between her fingers\." Jenny felt as if a black riptide was trying to suck her underwater. It was him. The boy from the game store. We will write a custom essay sample on The Forbidden Game: The Hunter Chapter 4 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Every detail of his face was reproduced perfectly, but it wasnââ¬â¢t a photograph. It was a drawing, like the snake and the wolf. The boyââ¬â¢s hair was colored silvery-white with blue shadows. The artist had even captured his dark eyelashes. The portrait was so lifelike it looked as if those eyes might blink at any minute, as if the lips might speak. And it radiated menace. Danger. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s the matter?â⬠Audrey was saying. Her face swam in and out of focus as Jenny looked up. Jennyââ¬â¢s eyes fixed on the beauty mark just above Audreyââ¬â¢s upper lip. Audreyââ¬â¢s lips were moving, but it was a minute before Jenny could make sense of the words. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s wrong, Jenny?â⬠What could Jenny say? I know this guy. I saw him at the store. Heââ¬â¢s a real person, not some made-up character in a game. Soâ⬠¦ So what? Thatââ¬â¢s what they would ask her. What difference did it make? So the game must have been invented by somebody who knew the guy, and the guy had modeled for the picture. That would explain why the box was blank: Maybe it wasnââ¬â¢t even a real, mass-produced game at all. Or maybe the guy was crazy, had a fixation with this particular game, and had bleached his hair and dressed up to look like the game character. Dungeons and Dragons, Jenny thought suddenly-people were supposed to get heavily into that, sometimes even go overboard. Thatââ¬â¢s the answer. At least, it was the answer somebody here tonight would give. Tom, maybe, because Jenny could tell he wanted to play, and once Tom made up his mind on anything, he was immovable. Dee, because danger always kicked her. Zach, because the game involved art; or Summer, because she thought it was ââ¬Å"cute.â⬠They all wanted to play. A good hostess didnââ¬â¢t get hysterical and ruin a party because she had shadows on the brain. Jenny forced a smile. ââ¬Å"Nothing,â⬠she said, letting go of Audreyââ¬â¢s wrist. ââ¬Å"Sorry. I thought I recognized that picture. Silly, huh?â⬠ââ¬Å"You been drinking the cough syrup again?â⬠Michael inquired from the other side of the table. ââ¬Å"Are you all right, Thorny? Really?â⬠Tom asked seriously. His green-flecked eyes searched hers, and Jenny felt her smile become more stable. She nodded. ââ¬Å"Fine,â⬠she said firmly. Tom got up and dimmed the track lighting. ââ¬Å"Hey,â⬠said Michael. ââ¬Å"We need it dark,â⬠Dee told them, ââ¬Å"for this next part. The reading of the oath.â⬠She cut a glance at them, the whites of her eyes shining like smoky pearls. ââ¬ËWhat oath?â⬠Michael said warily. ââ¬Å"The Oath of the Game,â⬠Tom said. His voice was sinister. ââ¬Å"It says here that we each have to swear that weââ¬â¢re playing this game of our own free will, and that the game is real.â⬠Tom turned the lid of the box around for them to see. On the inside cover, above the printed instructions, was a large symbol. It was like a squared-off and inverted U, the two uneven horns of the letter pointing downward. It was deeply impressed in the cover and colored-as well as Jenny could tell in the dim light-rusty red. I will not ruin this party, I will not ruin this party, Jenny thought. I will not. Tom was reading from the instructions: â⬠ââ¬ËThere is a Shadow World, like our own but different, existing alongside ours but never touching. Some people call it the world of dreams, but it is as real as anything elseââ¬â¢Ã¢â¬ ¦ and then it says that entering the Shadow World can be dangerous, so you play at your own risk.â⬠He grinned around the group. ââ¬Å"Actually, it says that the game can be hazardous to your life. You have to swear you understand that.â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know if I like this anymore,â⬠Summer said. ââ¬Å"Come on,â⬠said Dee. ââ¬Å"Live dangerously. Make it happen.â⬠ââ¬Å"Wellâ⬠¦Ã¢â¬ Summer was taking this seriously. She pushed soft light curls off her forehead and frowned. ââ¬Å"Is it getting warm in here?â⬠ââ¬Å"Oh, swear, already,â⬠said Michael. ââ¬Å"Letââ¬â¢s get this thing over with. I swear I understand that this game may kill me before Iââ¬â¢m old enough to get a McJob like my brother Dave.â⬠ââ¬Å"Now you.â⬠Dee stretched out a black-spandex-covered leg to nudge Zachary. ââ¬Å"Swear.â⬠ââ¬Å"I swear,â⬠Zach said in bored tones, his thin face unreadable, his gray eyes cool as ever. Summer sighed, capitulating. ââ¬Å"Me, too, then.â⬠Audrey adjusted her houndstooth jacket. ââ¬Å"Me, three,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"And what about you, Deirdre?â⬠ââ¬Å"I was just about to, Aud. I swear to have a great time and kick the Shadow Dudeââ¬â¢s ass.â⬠Tom had gotten up and was lurking over Jenny. ââ¬Å"How about it, devil woman? I swear-do you?â⬠Normally Jenny would have jabbed an elbow upward into his ribs. At the moment all she could manage was a colorless smile. They all wanted to do it. She was the hostess. They were her guests. Tom wanted it. ââ¬Å"I swear,â⬠she said and was embarrassed when her voice cracked. Tom cheered and tossed the box lid in the air. Deeââ¬â¢s foot flashed out, kicking it back toward him. It fell on the floor by Jenny. You jerk, if you really cared about me, youââ¬â¢d care about how I felt, Jenny thought in a rare moment of anger toward Tom. Then she squelched the thought. It was his birthday. He deserved to be indulged. Something about the box lid caught her eye. For just an instant the upside-down it looked as if it were printed in red foil. It had-flashed-Jenny thought. But of course it couldnââ¬â¢t have. Everyone was kneeling around the table. ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠said Dee. ââ¬Å"All the little dollies in the parlor? Then somebodyââ¬â¢s got to turn a card. Who wants to be first?â⬠Jenny, feeling that if she was going to do this she might as well do it thoroughly, reached out and took the top card. It was glossy white like the game box and felt slick between her fingers. You read "The Forbidden Game: The Hunter Chapter 4" in category "Essay examples" She turned it over and read: â⬠ââ¬ËYou have gathered with your friends in this room to begin the Game.'â⬠There was a pause. Then Summer giggled. ââ¬Å"Sort of an anticlimax,â⬠Audrey murmured. ââ¬Å"Whoââ¬â¢s next?â⬠ââ¬Å"Me,â⬠said Tom. He leaned over Jenny and took a card. He read, â⬠ââ¬ËEach of you has a secret you would rather die than reveal.'â⬠Jenny stirred uneasily. It was just coincidence, because these were pre-printed cards. But it did sound almost as if someone were answering the question sheââ¬â¢d thought of earlier. ââ¬Å"My turn,â⬠Summer said eagerly. She read, â⬠ââ¬ËYou hear the sound of footsteps from one of the rooms above.'â⬠She frowned. ââ¬Å"But there arenââ¬â¢t any rooms above. This is a one-story house.â⬠Tom chuckled. ââ¬Å"Youââ¬â¢re forgetting yourself. Weââ¬â¢re not in this house. Weââ¬â¢re in that house.â⬠Summer blinked, her large blue eyes traveling over the pastel, basket-adorned walls of the Thornton living room. Then she looked at the Victorian paper house, with the seven paper dolls neatly arranged in the parlor like a group of guests too polite to go home. ââ¬Å"Oh!â⬠She was just putting the card back when they all heard the noise from above. Footsteps. A quick light patter, like a child running on a wooden floor. Summer shrieked and looked in terror at the ceiling. Dee jumped up, her dark eyes blazing. Audrey stiffened. Michael grabbed at her, and she smacked his hand away. Zachââ¬â¢s face was turned up; even his ponytail seemed to be tense. But Tom burst into laughter. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s squirrels,â⬠he got out finally. ââ¬Å"They run on the roof all the time, donââ¬â¢t they, Jenny?â⬠Jennyââ¬â¢s stomach was knotted. Her voice wavered slightly as she said, ââ¬Å"Yes, but-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"But nothing. Somebody else take a card,â⬠Tom said. Nobody did. ââ¬Å"All right, Iââ¬â¢ll do it myself. This is for you, Mike.â⬠He flipped a card. ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËYou go to the door to get some air, but it seems to be stuck,'â⬠he read. He looked around at the group. ââ¬Å"Oh, come on. Itââ¬â¢s a game. Here, look.â⬠He stood up in a fluid motion and went to the sliding glass door that looked out on Jennyââ¬â¢s backyard. Jenny saw his fingers moving, flipping the locks on the handle. A sense of dread overwhelmed her. ââ¬Å"Tom, donââ¬â¢t!â⬠she said. Before she knew what she was doing, she jumped up and took his arm. If he didnââ¬â¢t try the door-if he didnââ¬â¢t try it-the card couldnââ¬â¢t come true. Tom was jerking at the handle, ignoring her. ââ¬Å"Thereââ¬â¢s something wrong with it-there must be another lock.â⬠ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s stuck,â⬠Michael said. He ran a hand through his rumpled dark hair, an oddly helpless gesture. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t be stupid,â⬠Audrey snapped. Deeââ¬â¢s sloe eyes were glittering. Her hand darted out and she took a card. â⬠ââ¬ËNone of the doors or windows in this house will open,'â⬠she read. Tom went on yanking furiously at the door. It wouldnââ¬â¢t budge. Jenny caught his arm again. She was trembling all over with a sense of danger. ââ¬Å"Take another card,â⬠Zach said softly. There was something strange about his thin face-it was almost trancelike. Zombied out. ââ¬Å"No!â⬠Jenny said. Zachary was taking the card himself. ââ¬ËWo,â⬠said Jenny again. She had to stop this, but she couldnââ¬â¢t let go of Tom. ââ¬Å"Zach, donââ¬â¢t read it.â⬠ââ¬Å"ââ¬ËYou hear a clock strike nine,'â⬠Zachary read softly. ââ¬Å"Jenny doesnââ¬â¢t have any clocks that strike,â⬠Audrey said. She looked at Jenny sharply. ââ¬Å"Do you? Do you?â⬠Jenny shook her head, her throat clogged. Every inch of her skin seemed to be raw, waiting. Listening. Clear and sweet, the chimes rang out. The chimes of the clock at the game store, the clock she couldnââ¬â¢t see. It seemed to be coming from far above. It began to strike the hour. One. Two. Three. Four. ââ¬Å"Oh, God,â⬠Audrey said. Five. Six. Seven. At nine, Jenny thought. See you later-at nine. Eightâ⬠¦ ââ¬Å"Tom,â⬠Jenny whispered. The muscles in his arm were hard under her hand. Now, too late, he turned toward her. Nine. Then the wind came. At first Jenny thought the riptide had gotten her. Then she thought it must be an earthquake. But all the time she had the sensation of air rushing by her, as if a hurricane had come in through the closed sliding glass door. A black, roaring hurricane that burned even as it froze. It hurt her like a physical thing, shaking her body and blinding her. She lost track of the room. The only thing real was the fistful of Tomââ¬â¢s shirt she held. Finally she lost track of that, too. The pain stopped for a while, and she just drifted. She woke up on the floor. It was like the only other time sheââ¬â¢d ever fainted, when she and Joey had both been home sick with the flu. Sheââ¬â¢d jumped out of bed suddenly to tell him to turn down that stupid cartoon-and the next thing she knew she was waking up with her head in a wastebasket. Lying on the carpeted floor of her room, then, she had known that time had passed, without being sure how she knew it. This was the same. Painfully Jenny lifted her head and blinked to bring the far wall into focus. It didnââ¬â¢t work. Something was wrong. The wall itself, which should have been pastel-colored and hung with weavings and baskets, was wrong. It was paneled with some dark wood, and an Oriental screen stood in front of it. Heavy velvet curtains obscured a window. A brass candlestick was attached to the wall. Jenny had never seen any of the things before. Where am I? The oldest question in the book, the biggest cliche. But she really didnââ¬â¢t know. She didnââ¬â¢t know where she was or how she had gotten there, but she knew that whatever was going on was all wrong. Was-beyond her experience. Things like this didnââ¬â¢t happen. It had happened anyway. The two ideas jostled in her mind. She was already disoriented, on the verge of panic. Now she began to shake, and she felt a swelling in her throat. No. Start screaming now and youââ¬â¢ll never stop, she told herself. Donââ¬â¢t think about it. You donââ¬â¢t have to deal with it. Just find Tom. Tom. For the first time Jenny looked at the floor. They were all lying there, Zach with his blond ponytail streaming out behind him (on a moss-green carpet worked with cabbage roses, but donââ¬â¢t think about that, donââ¬â¢t think about that now), Summer with her light curls cradled protectively in her small arms, Audrey with her French twist coming loose. Deeââ¬â¢s long legs were sprawled near the window, and Michaelââ¬â¢s stocky body was curled in a ball beside her. Tom was lying against the wall-where the sliding glass door should have been. As Jenny got up unsteadily and began moving toward him, he stirred. ââ¬Å"Tom? Are you okay?â⬠She took his hand, and when his warm, strong fingers closed around hers, she felt better. He groaned and opened his eyes. ââ¬Å"Hell of a headache,â⬠he muttered. ââ¬Å"What happened?â⬠ââ¬Å"I donââ¬â¢t know,â⬠Jenny said in a small, precise voice. She was still close to having hysterics. She hung on to his hand hard enough to bruise. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re not in the living room anymore.â⬠It was just the truth, and she had to say it. She needed to share it with someone, the way Summer had needed to share about her dog being put to sleep. But Tom scowled. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t be stupid,â⬠he said, and Jenny felt the little needle stab she always did when he snapped at her. ââ¬Å"We canââ¬â¢t be anywhere else. Everythingââ¬â¢s fine.â⬠All his good humor had vanished, along with the rakish charm of his smile. His neat brown hair was just slightly mussed, and his green-flecked eyes looked both dazed and angry. Heââ¬â¢s defensive, Jenny realized. Scared that itââ¬â¢s his fault. She tried to squeeze his hand, but he was getting up. So were the others. Dee was rubbing the back of her neck, looking around with quick, alert movements. She reached down and pulled a groaning Michael to his feet. Audrey was standing, too, her hands automatically going to fix the combs in her auburn hair even as she stared at the room. Summer was cowering by the spindly-legged table that had taken the place of Jennyââ¬â¢s motherââ¬â¢s coffee table. Only Zach didnââ¬â¢t seem frightened. He was standing and his clear gray eyes were open, but his lips moved soundlessly and he looked-entranced. As if he were moving in a dream. Nobody said a word. They all looked around stupidly, trying to make sense of their surroundings. They were standing in a Victorian parlor, lushly carpeted, furnished with Gothic Revival tables and chairs. A green lamp with a silk fringe hung from the ceiling. It looked like the perfect place for a seance. Jenny recognized it. Sheââ¬â¢d seen the pattern of the cabbage-rose carpet printed on tagboard. Zach had cut out the paneling with an X-Acto knife, and Audrey had put together that mahogany table. They were in the paper house. It had come alive around them. They were inside itâ⬠¦. Jennyââ¬â¢s hands came slowly up to cover her mouth. Her heart had begun a deep, sick pounding. ââ¬Å"Oh, my God,â⬠Summer whispered. Then, with gathering force, ââ¬Å"Oh, my God, oh, my God-ââ¬Å" Michael began to giggle hysterically. ââ¬Å"Shut up,â⬠Audrey said, breathing hard. ââ¬Å"Both of you, shut up!â⬠Dee went to the wall and touched a candlestick, fingers dark against the bright brass. Then she reached up and stuck her fingers in the candle flame. ââ¬Å"Dee!â⬠Tom rapped out. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s real,â⬠Dee said, looking at her fingertips. ââ¬Å"It burns.â⬠ââ¬Å"Of course itââ¬â¢s not real!â⬠Audrey said. ââ¬Å"This is all-some kind of illusion. Like virtual reality-ââ¬Å" Deeââ¬â¢s eyes flashed. ââ¬Å"It is not virtual reality. My momââ¬â¢s a computer expert-she knows what real VR is. Not the Pac-Man kind you get with video games. Even they canââ¬â¢t do anything like this. Besides, whereââ¬â¢s the computer? Whereââ¬â¢s our helmets?â⬠She smacked a flattened hand against the wall. ââ¬Å"No, this is real.â⬠Michael was feeling a chair, still half giggling. ââ¬Å"So maybe it was some of Audreyââ¬â¢s mushrooms. What were they called? Shiitake? Maybe itââ¬â¢s a judgment on us.â⬠ââ¬Å"Take it easy, Mike,â⬠Tom said. He looked angry, which Jenny knew meant he was feeling uncertain. She watched him, all the while stroking the smooth mahogany of a tabletop. She felt the same compulsion that Dee and Michael obviously did-to touch things here. She kept expecting them to feel like cardboard, but they were real. ââ¬Å"Okay,â⬠Tom said, ââ¬Å"weââ¬â¢re not in the living room. Weââ¬â¢ve been-moved somehow. Somebodyââ¬â¢s playing a joke on us. But we donââ¬â¢t have to just stand around like idiots and take it.â⬠ââ¬Å"What do you suggest we do?â⬠Audrey said acidly. Tom strode over to the parlor doorway, which opened on a dim hall. ââ¬Å"The guys can come with me and scout around; you girls stay here and keep your eyes open.â⬠Dee threw him a scornful look, then turned narrowed eyes on ââ¬Å"the guys.â⬠Michael was tapping on the walls, muttering, and Zach was just staring, the skin of his face drawn tight over bones. Jenny wanted to go to him, but she couldnââ¬â¢t move. ââ¬Å"Good luck,â⬠Dee said to Tom. ââ¬Å"Hurry back to protect us.â⬠ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t anybody leave,â⬠Summer said, her blue eyes wet. ââ¬Å"You protect Jenny,â⬠Tom snarled at Dee, thrusting his face close to hers. Jenny felt an instant of throbbing warmth, which was immediately swept away by coldness. How could anyone protect anyone here? Dee crossed the room and put an arm, hard as a boyââ¬â¢s, around Jennyââ¬â¢s shoulders. ââ¬Å"Right,â⬠she said. ââ¬Å"I think we should stay together,â⬠Michael said nervously. ââ¬Å"Oh, whatââ¬â¢s the difference?â⬠Audrey said. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s not really happening anyway. Weââ¬â¢re not here.â⬠ââ¬Å"Then what is it?â⬠Summer asked, on the verge of hysteria. ââ¬Å"Where are we?â⬠ââ¬Å"In the Game.â⬠The voice came from the corner of the room, from the shadow behind the Oriental screen. It was a voice that didnââ¬â¢t belong to any of the group, but one that was familiar to Jenny. Sheââ¬â¢d only heard it once before, but she couldnââ¬â¢t mistake it. Like water over rock, it was full of elemental music. Every head turned. The boy stepped out of the shadows. He was just as beautiful as he had been in the store. But here, against the backdrop of this quaint and fussy room, he looked even more exotic. His hair shone in the dimness like white catââ¬â¢s fur or mountain snow. He was wearing a black vest that showed the smooth, hard muscles of his bare arms, and pants that looked like snakeskin. His eyes were heavy-lidded, shielded by long lashes. He was smiling. Summer gasped. ââ¬Å"The picture. The paper doll in the box. Itââ¬â¢s him- ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"The Shadow Man,â⬠Michael said hoarsely. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t make me laugh,â⬠Tom said. Lip curled, he looked the apparition up and down. ââ¬Å"Who the hell are you? What do you want?â⬠The boy in black took another step forward. Jenny could see the impossible daylight color of his eyes now, though he wasnââ¬â¢t looking at her. His gaze swept over the others, and Jenny could see it affect them, like a wave of cold air that caused them to draw together. She could see each of them reacting as they looked into his face and saw-something there. Something that caused their eyes to go wide and suspicion to turn to fear. ââ¬Å"Why donââ¬â¢t you call me Julian?â⬠ââ¬Å"Is that your name?â⬠Tom said, much more quietly. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s as good as anything else.â⬠ââ¬Å"Whoever you are, weââ¬â¢re not scared of you,â⬠Dee said suddenly, letting go of Jenny and stepping forward. It sounded like the truth, as if Dee, anyway, was not afraid, and it seemed to encourage the others. ââ¬Å"We want to know whatââ¬â¢s going on,â⬠Tom said, loudly again. ââ¬Å"We havenââ¬â¢t done anything to you. Please just let us go home,â⬠Summer added. ââ¬Å"You canââ¬â¢t go home again,â⬠Zach murmured. It was the first time heââ¬â¢d spoken. He was wearing a strange half smile. ââ¬Å"Bud, youââ¬â¢re in worse shape than I am,â⬠Michael told him in a low voice. Zach didnââ¬â¢t answer. Only Jenny stayed back, not moving, not speaking. Her sense of dread was getting stronger all the time. She was remembering a look like a starving tigerââ¬â¢s. ââ¬Å"At least tell us what weââ¬â¢re doing here,â⬠Audrey said. ââ¬Å"Playing the Game.â⬠They all stared at him. ââ¬Å"You agreed to play. You read the rules.â⬠ââ¬Å"But-playing? What playing? You mean-ââ¬Å" ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t talk to him about it, Mike,â⬠Tom interrupted. ââ¬Å"Weââ¬â¢re not going to play his stupid game.â⬠Heââ¬â¢s so scared, Jenny thought. He still thinks this is all his fault. But it isnââ¬â¢t, Tom, it isnââ¬â¢t____ ââ¬Å"I mean,â⬠the boy in black said to Michael, ââ¬Å"that you all swore you were playing of your own free will and that you knew the Game was real. You invoked the rune Uruz.â⬠He sketched a shape in the air with his finger, an inverted U. Jenny noticed that the snake tattoo sheââ¬â¢d seen on his wrist in the store had vanished. ââ¬Å"You pierced the veil between the worlds.â⬠Audrey laughed, a sharp false sound like glass shattering. Michael breathed, ââ¬Å"This is nuts.â⬠Deeââ¬â¢s expression said that she agreed. ââ¬Å"Whatââ¬â¢s a rune?â⬠Audrey opened her mouth, then shut it again tightly, shaking her head. Julianââ¬â¢s lip quirked and he lowered his voice. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s magic,â⬠he said. ââ¬Å"A mystical letter from an ancient alphabet. In this case designed to let you walk between the worlds. If you donââ¬â¢t understand it, you shouldnââ¬â¢t be messing with it.â⬠ââ¬Å"We didnââ¬â¢t mean to mess with anything,â⬠Summer whispered. ââ¬Å"Itââ¬â¢s all a mistake.â⬠The fear in the room had heightened. Jenny could sense it like a yellow aura enveloping them all. ââ¬Å"No mistake. You chose to play the Game,â⬠the boy said again. ââ¬Å"Now you play until you win-or I do.â⬠ââ¬Å"But why?â⬠Summer said, almost sobbing. ââ¬Å"What do you want from us?â⬠Julian smiled, then looked past her. Past all of them, to the one person who hadnââ¬â¢t said a word since heââ¬â¢d entered the room. To Jenny. ââ¬Å"Every game has a prize,â⬠he said. Jenny met the impossibly blue eyes and knew sheââ¬â¢d been right. They stood for a moment, looking at each other. Julianââ¬â¢s smile deepened. Tom looked back and forth between them. Understanding slowly dawned on his face. ââ¬Å"No â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ he whispered. ââ¬Å"Every game has a prize,â⬠the boy repeated. ââ¬Å"Winner take all.â⬠ââ¬Å"No!â⬠Tom said and launched himself across the room. Tom lunged at the boy in black-and drew up short. His eyes were fixed on something at his feet. Jenny couldnââ¬â¢t understand it-it was as if he saw something terrifying there on the carpet. He turned to get away from it and stopped. It was behind him, too. Slowly he backed up against the wall. Jenny was staring at him in dismay. It was like watching one of the mimes out at Venice Beach. A very good mime-Jenny could tell that the things Tom was facing were small, that they were trying to climb up his legs, and that he was terribly afraid of them. But there was nothing on the carpet. ââ¬Å"Tom,â⬠she said in a thin voice and took a step. ââ¬Å"Donââ¬â¢t come near me! Theyââ¬â¢ll get you, too!â⬠It was awful. Tom, who was never afraid of anything, was cornered by empty air. His lips were drawn back from his teeth, his chest was heaving. ââ¬Å"What is it?â⬠Summer whimpered. The others were all staring in silence. How to cite The Forbidden Game: The Hunter Chapter 4, Essay examples
Thursday, December 5, 2019
Sustainable Marketing Of Business Operation - Myassignmenthelp.Com
Question: Discuss about the Sustainable Marketing Of Business Operation. Answer: Introduction The British American Tobacco is a multinational and multipurpose operating tobacco company that has its headquarters present in London, United Kingdom. It is a public traded business organization in UK, which has managed to operate in Singapore and in other places for delivering extensive products and services to meet the demands and expectations of the customers in the different market segments. British American Tobacco holds a leading market position and has managed its operations worldwide by selling its most popular brands like Dunhill, Kent, Lucky Strike and Pall Mall. There are few other brands as well including Kool, Rothmans and Benson Hedges. It is listed in the London Stock Exchange and is considered as a major portion of the FTSE 100 Index. The tobacco company was introduced in the year 1902 and American Tobacco company and Imperial Tobacco company work in partnership to form this company(Bat.com, 2017). The chairman of the company was James Buchanan Duke and the organisa tion managed its operations all over China, Canada, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.They are featured in Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for 16 consecutive years till today . Launched in 1999, the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) track the corporate sustainability performance of the worlds largest companies("British American Tobacco - Dow Jones Sustainability Indices," n.d.) Sustainability is maintained to create a better future of the company and deliver shared value to the consumers, shareholders and other stakeholders too like the suppliers, consumers, etc. It is needed to manage the business operations in a sustainable manner and at the same time, maintain consistency in preserving the ecological balance in nature. The company wants to grow and expand its business worldwide and to do so sustainable approaches are being followed such as the introduction of light cigarettes consisting of lesser nicotine. Though tobacco consumption is harmful, still with the introduction of light cigarettes, the demands have increased from women and girls. This increased the customer base and sales revenue too. To remain socially responsible within the socio-economic environment, the company has put label on the packets to make people avoid the smoking habits (Chan, He Wang, 2012). Taxes are put to increase the prices of the products so that the customers do not buy th ose. It could be understood that the products and services were being sold and at the same time making consumers know about the harmful effects caused by consumption of tobacco. The target markets of BAT are the Philippines and Indonesias market segments because these countries are considered as developing countries with 30 percent of the population habituated to smoking habits. The level of education is poor as well, which makes it a tobacco friendly market to enter for BAT. With the introduction of smokeless and light cigarettes, the company has managed to target other market segments with female customers too. The sustainability management principles are managed to follow the rules and regulations to create a sustainable environment and at the same time, create a positive impact on the organisation (Cherian Jacob, 2012). The principles include not misleading the consumers about the risks associated with the tobacco consumption, selling the products only to the adult smokers, not forcing the consumers to smoke or not to smoke and making a clear statement about the promoting of sales of tobacco products. Company Analysis Sustainability Efforts To manage sustainable business, BAT has been focusing on implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through the enhancement of market performance and value delivering to its stakeholders and major shareholders (Responding to A Changing World, 2016). Further analysis on the triple bottom line and footprints of BAT are stated below. Sustainability according to Triple Bottom Line Social Sustainability In terms of social sustainability, BAT has benefited the society by introducing e-cigarette. In 2013, it was the first international tobacco company to launch a Vapour ProductVype in the UK ("E-cigarettes and NGPs," 2017). They call it Next Generation Products (NGPs). BAT has invested more than US$1 billion over five years in developing a world-leading portfolio of products in the NGP category. BAT stated that it has clear benefits for society in potentially helping reduce smoking-related disease ("E-cigarettes and NGPs," 2017). Environmental Sustainability BAT has used the environmentally friendly resources to produce the products that can create lesser harmful impact on the environment (Kim et al., 2012). Many programs are launched, such as deforestation is prevented, and a clean environment is created for making sure that environmentally friendly approaches are undertaken during the production of tobacco products at BAT. In Bangladesh, BAT has distributed around 91.5 million saplings to the countrys afforestation including 4 million saplings alone in the year 2016 (Annual Report, 2016). More importantly, that is the positive actions that can reduce the carbon emission (Responding to A Changing World, 2016). Economic Sustainability Economically sustainable is crucially important for any business, including BAT. If they are successful in developing and bringing to market a range of products that meet the needs of adult smokers seeking potentially less risky alternatives to cigarettes, it will benefit the society, as well, it will make commercial business sense to them and their shareholders ("E-cigarettes and NGPs," 2017). On the other hand, BAT also meeting the needs of farmers by economically paying them fair wages, which enable them to live better ("Sustainable agriculture and farmer livelihoods," 2017). This is economically sustainable for both BAT and their farmers. Footprints Ecological Footprint In terms of ecological footprint, BAT has been focusing on retain most of the resources they consume and recycle most of the waste they generate to fulfil the goal of maintaining appropriated carrying capacity ("Environmental and supply chain management," 2017). BAT targeted that by 2025, to reduce the energy use by 25%, and reduce the waste to landfill by 80% against year 2000 baseline (Responding to A Changing World, 2016). It so far has reduced 16% of energy use and 67% of waste to landfill (see Appendix 2). Water Footprint From Appendix 2, clearly, BAT also focuses on water footprint. As its goal is to reduce 35% of water withdrawn by 2050. It is getting the positive result by reducing 29% in the end of 2016 (Responding to A Changing World, 2016). Carbon Footprint BAT also continue to work towards its long-term target to cut 80% of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by 2050 and have so far achieved a 47% reduction from their 2000 baseline (Responding to A Changing World, 2016). Marketing Strategies The marketing mix 4P strategy is used by evaluating the product, place, price and promotion done by BAT tobacco company. Product In November 2016, BAT announced the launch of glo (e-cigarettes) in Sendai, Japan (see Appendix 3). The company stated that the product is similar to the cigarette, but with reduced risk potential, glo heats rather than burns tobacco, producing around 90% less toxicants than a conventional cigarette ("E-cigarettes and NGPs," 2017). This means BAT is keep on innovating for its product to be sustainable. Which can better meet the needs of smokers who are seeking potentially less risky alternatives to cigarettes, and will help to meet the objectives of a number of leading public health professionals ("E-cigarettes and NGPs," 2017). Place BAT sells its products to the wholesalers and it has been established in a proper location so that the targeted market segments consisting of the consumers are aware of its existence and the products and services delivered (Chan, He Wang, 2012). On the other hand, the distribution places of the products are provided with No Cigarette sells to Minors and other slogans, to sustain its last link of product value chain (see Appendix 4). Price BAT's product prices have increased due to the use of a variety of environmentally friendly components and resources such as tobacco leaf. Emphasis on environmental protection, providing customers with a rich mouthfeel of premium tobacco that can cause less harm to them while balancing ecosystems("Environmental and supply chain management," 2017). Another reason for the price increased is BAT does caring its original sources of supply chain, farmers, to ensure they are paid reasonably according to the raw materials supplied ("Sustainable agriculture and farmer livelihoods," 2017). It has further encouraged them to provide the best quality raw materials. Therefore, the approaches are sustaining its business. Promotion BAT promotions are done through advertisements, event sponsorship and by using direct mail advertisements so that they can have a better control of the audience (BAT, 2016). The tobacco items are promoted in bars and restaurant, nightclubs where people are often found to smoke. Their brand image is also boosted by doing a lot of charity event such as donation to the community ("Campaigning and engagement," 2017). This has also caused controversy over the tobacco industry. All walks of life believe that the CSR conducted by the tobacco companies will have the more negative impact on society than the positive contribution. Sustainable Marketing Campaigns In 2016, BAT launched Thrive, their sustainable agriculture and farmer livelihoods programme to all BAT-owned and strategic third-party suppliers worldwide ("Enhancing livelihoods," 2017). Thrive is focused on the farm and farming communities by satisfying the needs and requirements of the farmers, which were considered as source of tobacco leaf needed to produce their products. This has created long-term relationships with the suppliers and engaged them within the business operations for maintaining openness and transparency all throughout too ("Enhancing livelihoods," 2017). Aligned with the five Capitals (financial, natural, physical, human and social. Strength) that will have a demonstrable positive impact for farmers and their communities. This will also enable a more tangible way of measuring BAT contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those relating to poverty, hunger, decent work and economic growth, life on the land and partnerships ("Enhancing livelihoods," 2017). This promoted the message of responsibly using the tobacco products and even created a positive mindset among the customers. SWOT Analysis of BAT Sustainability and Its Comparison with Competitors The Strength of BAT One of the strength of BAT is the environmental program, it has always been one of the companys most crucial goals, especially in reducing carbon emissions (Responding to A Changing World, 2016). In fact, at the end of 2016, 27 locations across all regions were certified to the ISO 14001 environmental standard (Responding to A Changing World, 2016). As mentioned above, they are as well continuing to work towards their long-term target in cutting carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions. On this point, according to World Health Organization (2017), BAT has 795 thousand of metric tonnes CO2 equivalent, while Philip Morris International has the similar amount at 627 thousand. Whereas, Japan Tobacco has the anomalously high volume at 5,304 thousand of metric tonnes (Tobacco and its environmental impact: an overview, 2017). It indicates the investment around 20 million each year in environment and related areas has an effective response (Responding to A Changing World, 2016), and it can be one key strength of BAT due to its positive and responsible public image given its commitment to the environment. The Weakness and Opportunity of BAT In terms of dealing with the smuggling, BAT still has the long way to go. Each year, one-third of all legally exported cigarettes, end up illegally smuggled across international borders (LeGresleyLindblom, 2002). It has enable tobacco to enter markets cheaply and thus stimulating consumption, consequently increasing the burden of ill health caused by its use (Joossens Raw, 2000). In Asia, 555, State Express and Benson Hedges, which belongs to BAT are the smugglers brands of choice, mainly in Bangladesh (LeGresleyLindblom, 2002). In this regard, EU Commission report states that PMI has effectively met its objective of reducing the prevalence of PMI contraband on the illicit EU tobacco market in 2016. As demonstrated by an 85% drop in the volume of genuine PMI cigarettes seized by member states between 2006 and 2014 ("Illicit Trade in the EU," 2017). It has created a positive and reliable brand image to the public. Thus, it can be seen as an opportunity aspect for BAT to enhance its sustainability efforts on compacting illegal trading. The Threat of BAT The threat of BAT is that Article 13 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) requires a complete ban on all forms of tobacco advertising promotion, and sponsorship, including CSR (Organization, 2008). It harder the tobacco industry situation in terms of conducting the marketing campaign or promoting corporate brand. However, it provides the chance for BAT to put more sustainable efforts on their supply chain and tackle the environmental issues ("Environmental and supply chain management," 2017). The Truth behind the "Success" of BAT Sustainability Marketing Efforts BAT and Malawis Child Labour In 2000, BAT co-founded the Eliminating Child Labour in Tobacco Growing Foundation (ECLT) and launched its pilot project in Malawi (Otaez, Muggli, Hurt, Glantz, 2006). From one perspective, the project helps 10,000 children have access to quality basic education and will not be in child labour ("ECLT Foundation," 2011). In the short term, 10,000 children benefit from it, in the future, society will benefit from these children. Secondly, they helped 3,000 households in using energy-saving stoves to reduce wood consumption ("ECLT Foundation," 2011). Which as well reduced the carbon footprint for the environment. These aspects advocate BATs sustainable marketing efforts are successful. From another perspective, however, researchers found that, in stark contrast, BAT and PMI together are estimated to make $10 million in profits from child labour each year in Malawi alone via the use of unpaid child labour during the same time (Advertising, Promotion, and Sponsorship: CSR, 2011). Factually, 10,000 of children affected by the ECLT are just part of 1.4 million child labour in Malawi (BBC, 2017). Besides, BAT has not changed its tobacco buying practices. It pointed out BAT is just using child labour projects to enhance company reputations and distract public attention from how they profit from low wages and cheap tobacco (Otaez et al., 2006). Under the Iceberg of BATs Next Generation Product On the other side, BATs NGPs aims to become a next generation tobacco player (Williams-Grut, 2017). From a public health standpoint, glo appears to be healthier than smoking, especially for people who are using glo to quit. Still, for young people who have never smoked, research from the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the University of Hawaii Cancer Centre suggests it could pose a substantial risk, as teens who try e-cigs are three times more likely to take up smoking (Williams-Grut, 2017). In addition, in its release announcing the launch of glo in Canada, BAT says it "delivers a cleaner experience," but admits in a footnote: "These qualities do not necessarily mean that this product produces less adverse health effects than other tobacco products."(see Appendix 5 ) (CISION, 2017). Most importantly, BATs own internal tests suggest that, NGPs are less harmful than cigarettes. However, there are fewer external studies verifying these findings and internal testing by companies is largely seen as unreliable in the science community unless verified by a third party such as the US Food and Drug Administration (Williams-Grut, 2017). Recommendations and Conclusion: The paragraph will discuss more about the current sustainable issues faced by BAT, and then provide three appropriate recommendations to improve the sustainable situation of tobacco smuggling, child labour in Malawi, and the NGPs of BAT. The Suggestions to Reduce Illegal Smuggling in Bangladesh Spain and Andorra Spain are one of the few countries in the world to have tackled smuggling successfully (Joossens Raw, 2000). From their past experiences, the only action to control cigarette transit at international level will solve the smuggling problem. In 1997 there was a close collaboration between the authorities in Spain, France, Britain, Ireland, and Andorra and the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) reduced the supply of smuggled cigarettes from Andorra. As a result, contraband cigarettes, which had accounted for 12% of the Spanish market in early 1997, held only 5% by mid-1999 (Joossens Raw, 2000).Tax revenue collected from legal cigarette increased by 25% in the same year. The methods can also be implemented by Bangladesh. By reducing the supply into the country at container level through intelligence, customs activity and cooperation, and technology (Joossens Raw, 2000), together with closer inspection of border goods and strengthening of patrolling by police on major smuggling routes. On the other hand, SUTL, a Singapore-based trading company, served as the primary middleman for the smuggling of BAT brands into Bangladesh (Joossens Raw, 2000). The Bangladesh government can pressure on SULTs subsidiary on local forcing it to stop the illegal smuggling. In this case, BAT has an inevitable responsibility, hence, the company should actively cooperate with the Bangladesh government and provide reliable information to improve the smuggling situations (Joossens Raw, 2000). The Methods to Improve Child Labours Situation in Malawi It is undeniable that transnational tobacco companies financially benefited from tobacco produced by children as young as 5 years of age in Malawi and other tobacco-growing societies (Otaez, Muggli, Hurt, Glantz, 2006). While the ECLT and related projects they launched did benefit several thousand children, they have had a negligible overall impact on the overall problem of child labour and the number of child labourers in Malawi (Otaez et al., 2006). In case BAT and other major transnational tobacco companies were genuinely committed to improving the socio-economic conditions of child and adult tobacco farm workers, they should rectify harmful business practices by implementing and enforcing a policy that they would not purchase any tobacco grown using child labour (Otaez et al., 2006). Besides, they should also conform with the core conventions of the United Nations International Labour Organization (ILO) that cover not just child labour but the whole range of labour rights concerns, such as right to organize, adopt a monitoring program that ensures that third party monitors will visit the tobacco fields periodically to perform audits (Otaez et al., 2006). Also, commit to public reporting of results of the monitoring and to revealing the names of workplaces where BAT purchase tobacco as Nike did in April 2005 (BBC NEWS, 2005). The actual cost of implementing these policies, which could substantially end or potentially eradicate child labour, would be about US$10 million per year, the cost of replacing child labourers with adults paid at minimum rural wage in Malawi (Otaez et al., 2006). While modest compared to the $400 billion in revenues the tobacco industry generates annually (YachBettcher, 2000), this amount is more than the US$575 000 per year ($2.3 million over four years to pay for activities such as constructing schools) the industry spends on child labour projects in Malawi (Otaez et al., 2006). Thus, government intervention, public pressure and the company consciousness are required to address child labour problems. The Approaches ensure Next Generation Products to be More Sustainable E-cigarettes are a double-edged sword ("The E-Cig Quandary," 2016). Despite they could potentially advance smoking cessation, currently they are a disruptive product of unknown safety and efficacy ("The E-Cig Quandary," 2016). Researchers indicated that if regulated properly, e-cigs could bolster overall harm reduction by helping smokers quit tobacco cigarettes or helping them smoke less. The trick will be regulation ("The E-Cig Quandary," 2016). For teenagers who have never smoked, researchers suggest it could pose a substantial risk, as young people who try e-cigs are three times more likely to take up smoking (Williams-Grut, 2017). More, the NGPs product like glo has such a clean and fashion designs (see Appendix 3). It undoubtedly results in teens perceive scant risk in e-cigs, which increases their chances of smoking. Trends in youth e-cig use are especially worrisome, since they presage behaviours that may be difficult to alter once young e-cig consumers become adults ("The E-C ig Quandary," 2016). Therefore, a 2014 FDA proposal recommended restricting sales to minors, mandating disclosure of ingredients, and requiring warning labels that state nicotine is an addictive substance to eliminate exposure to potentially toxic chemicals ("The E-Cig Quandary," 2016). BATs own internal tests claim that, NGPs are less harmful than cigarettes. However, there are fewer external studies verifying these findings (Williams-Grut, 2017). To be seen as more reliable in the science community, BATs NGPs have to be verified by a third party such as the US Food and Drug Administration (Williams-Grut, 2017). It ensures NGPs are safe for the users and minimize its potential negative effects. Thus, achieving its sustainable goals socially, environmentally and even economically.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)