Industrial Terrorism in Modern World

Industrial Terrorism in Modern World Overview Incorrect assumption in alleviating the threat posed by industrial terrorism is the main setback in the fight against acts of terror that target industrial chemical establishments. In the past, much of the effort had been directed towards responding to disasters caused by terrorism with minimal consideration of protective measures that can be put in place.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Industrial Terrorism in Modern World specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Although the September 11, 2001 incidence did not target chemical plants but real human life, first responders have made significant progress strengthening capabilities needed to defend the nation against the threat of WMD (Kosal, 2006). The DHS national guidelines developed and implemented nationwide have provided a durable framework for multi-agency coordination and cooperation. This is important because terrorist attacks or major disasters often ar e beyond what a single jurisdiction can respond to effectively. However, whether levels of preparedness are adequate at all levels of government may prove difficult to assess. Many emergency response and management professionals believe that the nation is better prepared than it was prior to 11th September 2001, but still has plenty of room for improvement. For example, priority missions identified in Homeland Security Strategic Plans have associated capabilities taken from the DHS Target Capabilities List. Each capability must reach target levels of performance if an adequate level of preparedness is to be achieved. It is clear that the emergency response community benefits from national standards that allow response entities to coordinate more effectively than before. However, to reiterate, is this level of preparedness where it needs to be? If not, what are the shortfalls and how should they be addressed? The biggest challenge for achieving an appropriate level of preparedness na tionwide remains the need for continued strengthening of multi-agency capabilities. Multi-agency preparedness, in terms of multi-agency capabilities achieving target levels of performance, is critical for safeguarding the country. This paper offers a succinct overview of industrial terrorism with cross reference to regulatory measures in place and some of the loopholes that need to be sealed in fully addressing the menace. Incidents It is highly possible that close to 2.4 million people may either sustain serious injuries or be killed altogether in the event that a terrorist attack is directed in a heavy industrial plant establishment with several employees (Perrow, 2007). Secondly, it also worth to note that substantial quantities of industrial chemicals emanating from over 15,000 chemical plants are transported, stored and produced.Advertising Looking for term paper on homeland security? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is against this background that â€Å"a worst vase release† was determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1996 and established the fact that over 100 of the identified chemical facilities had the potential of jeopardizing over one million lives located near the plants. Further, it is also estimated that between100, 000 and 1,000,000 people are currently at risk of the chemical facilities should they turn to be targets of industrial terrorists. Indeed, these are staggering numbers that authorities cannot merely develop policy documents without implementing the proposals. While politics has played a significant role in aggravating industrial terrorism, the international terrorist groups targeting industrial chemical plants has been uniquely identified as a thorn in the flesh in domestic security platform. It is an urgent threat to the security of people, whether viewed in terms of loss in life or destruction of property. Unfortunately, the relative effo rts to improve the status of domestic security have not seriously embarked on setting up robust measures against safeguarding industrial plants. The chemical plants remain as potential points of ‘accidents’ yet to be caused by terrorist. Owing to this precariously dangling scenario, there are interest groups that have incessantly pressured Washington to institute safety measures. On the same note, the chemical industries themselves are fighting hard to see into it that the federal government put up measures that will protect them against organized international terrorism. Even after the September 11 attacks and the subsequent creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), critics continue to assert that security measures adopted by the Homeland Security Act f 2002 on industrial chemicals are quite weak. The Act does not fully take into account the growing technological trends in industrial terrorism. Most chemical plants do not have any robust security structure since the federal standards in place are relatively weak.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Industrial Terrorism in Modern World specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Critical infrastructure Why then are the chemical industries considered to be critical infrastructure? It is definite that employees in chemical industries are at a higher risk exposure due to threats of industrial terrorism. It is also evident that the worst-case scenarios present staggering numbers of people that are highly likely to be either injured or killed. The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) estimated over 2,000 sustained injuries in over 2,000 facilities each year. It is important to note that these figures are drawn within the U.S borders alone. The statistics could even be higher bearing in mind that the total number of chemical establishments in United States is continually growing. Contrary to the expectation, most of t hese injuries are sustained when the chemicals are being transported, not just within the chemical plants themselves. Besides, the worst impact of industrial terrorism is felt on the performance of the economy over and above the mass causalities and injuries. Much of the export from U.S emanates from the chemical industry. For instance, the year 2001 witnessed more than 80 billion dollars of exports from the chemical industry. This accounted for slightly over 10% of the total exports from United States. Besides, the industry employs more than one million workers at the local level while Research and Development consumes over 31 billion dollars on an annual basis. It is against this background that any terror attacks on industrial chemical facilities can grossly jeopardize the economy and as such, it is considered to be a critical infrastructure. In any case, the ability to communicate risk as soon as they are noted is crucial since it marks an integral step of responding to risks as well as being strategically prepared. The fact that strategic risk management has not been visibly put in place implies that some of the safety measures put in place may not be well received by the people and especially those employed in the industrial facilities targeted by terrorists (Chess, 2001). To date, industrial facilities that are considered high risk to acts of terrorism are being safeguarded by the SARA Title III. According to this title, the task of reporting and communicating risk has been mandated to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Advertising Looking for term paper on homeland security? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More For comminutes that are located within the proximity of facilities earmarked as ‘high risk’, local Emergency Planning Committees have been formed bridge the gap between the local governments and the grass-root level. One of the fundamental roles of this committee is to set up procedures and measures for manufacturing emergencies. Additionally, the committee also serves as an open forum where concerned groups or individuals can air their concerns regarding the chemical industries located near them. For instance, health and safety officials, industry representatives, government officials as well as individual residents can make use of this committee to deliberate on safety concern issues emanating from industrial establishments within their locality. Realistically speaking, it is vital step to take. The impact would even be larger if it were replicated in the at all levels of the government namely local, state and federal. The American Chemistry Council has also been on t he forefront towards implementing the initiatives set forward by the state and federal government. For example, there are SARA Title III requirements that must be met by chemical industrial plants. In order to meet these minimum requirements, the council is proactive in creating community advisory panels. These panels provide a forum through which the community can dialogue on matters related to safety of industrial facilities within their areas of residence. Besides, the public health officials are also mandated to see into it that the manufacturing principles are not only safe enough for the exposed populations but also meet the optimum requirements for anti-terror attacks. Furthermore, the Responsible Care Security Code was incepted after the 9/11 terror attacks. The code ensures that there is re-alignment between law enforcement and industry relationships. The protection of the high-risk chemical sites is also a top priority agenda under this code. Furthermore, the chemical comp anies are required by law to safeguard information that may be lethal should they fall on perpetrators of terror alongside striving to improve the security of their environment (Linden, 2007). This requirement is contained in the Responsible Care Practitioner’s Site chapter. Hence, both the individual companies and the industry at large are redirecting their efforts in developing components crucial to combat industrial terrorism. In order to achieve this, risk communication plans have been devised and implemented by many players especially those in the explosive toxic chemical industries. Although such efforts are apparently appealing, there is lack of positive reporting on the impacts derived from these measures. For example, environmental information and how the same is communicated to citizens is still a matter of concern. There are mixed reactions on how both the councils and committees have been relaying the vital information to the highly vulnerable communities. It is f eared that although such community based organizations have existed for long, most residents seem not to be aware of their operations (Heath, Bradshaw Lee, 2002). On the other hand, the intended functions of these organizations have been approved by slightly over 60% of residents. Nonetheless, it is unanimously agreed that a communication structure that is fully functional is necessary so that uncertainties can be managed a lot easier. Industrial responsiveness is indeed paramount even as the integral role of risk management is being given due consideration by both the federal government and industry players. Federal regulations The Department of Homeland Security was created by the federal government in a bid to tame domestic security, this being one of the largest overhauls in security systems and structures ever experienced in a fifty-year period (Sloan, 2008). The rationale behind this monumental task was to harness and consolidate the federal government’s protective and anti-terror systems so as to ascertain that the process of deploying and coordinating security services is done in a more harmonious and effective way. The emergency preparedness and response branch takes care of disaster preparedness at the domestic level alongside offering training and capacity building to First Responders. Furthermore, this division accelerates the process of recovering from acts of terror and disasters. In fact, the key role of the directorate is to ensure that there is a high level of disaster preparedness among various teams charged with emergency response. This would be of great importance to industrial terrorism setting where mass causalities are highly likely in the event of terror attack. Hence, an emergency response plan is one of the many strategies employed by this division to cater for hazards and attacks. Under this division are FBIs National Domestic Preparedness Office and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Moreover, a national crisis managem ent system is part and parcel of the distinguishing tasks of this wing. In order to achieve this, it coordinates the working of emergency response teams using some public safety organizations located at the local and state governments. The science and technology division specifically deals with technology behind technological advances in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) that are often used attacking industrial chemical facilities. Hence, all catastrophic acts of terrorism applying either biological or chemical warfare are under the control of this wing of DHS. The Homeland Security Act of 2002 also mandates the science and technology division to set up a national emergency strategy teams at all levels of the government (Sloan, 2008). For example, the local and state governments should be well equipped with response teams that are well versed with both the management and disaster recovery skills following nuclear attacks, radiological or chemical terrorism. The overall aim is to sy nchronize the various response plans to improve efficiency. Further, the development of diagnostics antidotes, antibodies and vaccines is under this division. Better still, the Act provides plenty of room for devising countermeasures that can be instrumental in minimizing the threats of WMD attacks. Data collection and analysis is under the docket of Information Analysis and Infrastructure Division. The data to be analyzed are obtained from relevant federal agencies like Departments Drug Enforcement Agency and National Security Agency. The Homeland Security Act 2002 also established two main units under this division. These are the Critical Infrastructure Protection as well as the Threat Analysis and Warning. As a core duty, the division ensures that all data gathered and analyzed before the September 11 attacks are not only accurate but also relevant in the actual security operation. Hence, information has been centralized by this wing of the homeland security. The given informatio n is assessed in terms of the potential threats to national security. Additionally, relevant response actions are conveyed to the right teams spread across the federal government. Disparate intelligence information is compiled by the Threat Analysis and Warning wing of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The level of vulnerability of the nation in terms of catastrophes caused by either man or natural factors is also assessed. The security information at the domestic level is evaluated by the Critical Infrastructure Protection. In particular, the internal security components of the nation are analyzed by this division of the Homeland security. While the roles of the division are far reaching, the individual officials deployed at this branch are mandated to come up with sound policies that can assist in protecting targets labeled as high risk. Apart from the provisions of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 outlined above, this grand piece of legislation also stipulates that expl osives should not be possessed beyond certain restrictions. Further, the Act also permits training of pilots on how to defend their crew just in case they are exposed to danger of airborne terror attack. It goes further stating that airport screening can only be done by either U.S nationals or citizens. The U.S immigrants are excluded under this provision. Although the Act has addressed myriad of security concern issues on terrorism, there are latent weaknesses that cannot be ignored if the department is to fully safeguard the growing threats to industrial terrorism. For instance, the creation of Operation TIPS is strictly forbidden in the Homeland Security Act of 2002. According to critics, this controversial security organ would have transformed the Department of Homeland Security into a swift intelligence agency with the power and ability to efficiently handle and manages homeland security in totality including industrial terrorism. Nonetheless, the main point of concern by the A merican Liberties Union is that the integration of such legislation into the country’s constitution would grossly jeopardize civil liberties protection. According to the proposals contained in the TIPS provisions, the Liberties Union argue that it will be impossible to grant citizens and other American nationals the right to privacy as granted in the constitution. The fact that the Department of Homeland Security has express right over controlling infrastructure, a director at ACLU, Laura Murphy, maintained that the department was given superfluous powers over vital infrastructure thereby limiting the public from conducting any significant scrutiny (Sloan, 2008). According to the provisions in the Act, certain infrastructure information may not be availed to the public especially if the government presumes it unfit for purposes of national security. Indeed, one of the apparent weaknesses in the Act is the fact that any disclosure of the ‘critical infrastructure’ information by a government official may lead to heavy imposition of criminal offence on the offender. Hence, whistle blowers on certain matters directly affecting the American public may as well be branded ‘criminals’ since they will have contravened this law. The online privacy of individuals is also undermined at great length by this piece of legislation. The Center for Democracy and Technology argue that the Cyber Security Enhancement Act is a real setback to personal online privacy (Sloan, 2008). According to the provisions in this Act, the government has the right, through telecom companies, to access and retrieve personal online data such as internet transactions and emails. The government’s rationale behind this legal provision is that accessing such personal information is pertinent especially in the event that national security is at risk. For telecommunication companies, they have been quite reluctant to avail personal information unless there are cour t warrants to do so. Cyber criminals like those who hack computers may be sentenced to life imprisonment as a maximum charge. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is also permitted by this law to access and utilize intelligence materials courtesy of the office of TIA. William Safire, a New York Times columnist dismissed this legislative arrangement as â€Å"Big Brotherism†. At the same time, TIA was also limited by the Congress. The appropriations bill of the Congress also witnessed a heavily cut down of the TIA budget. In yet another separate but related developments about the Homeland Security Act of 2002, the indemnification provision has equally sparked widespread protests. This provision has it that class-action law suits filed by citizens against individual or corporate contractors are restricted up to some level. Although the provision does not favor individual citizens and American nationals interested in lodging their complaints against public health menace caus ed by contractors, the government argues that companies which manufacture lethal vaccines necessary in biological or chemical warfare should be given some incentives to continue with the tedious task of production. This, according to the government, will shield them from high liability overheads. Worse still, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 that led to the inception of the Department of Homeland Security has faced equally tough criticism from city mayors who lament that the Act failed to provide â€Å"money to cities to fight terrorism† (CNN Politics, 2002). In recap, it is pertinent to reiterate that the chemical industry is highly visible in the eyes of terrorists and is equally potentially dangerous upon attack by terrorists. It is therefore necessary for the federal government to reinforce anti-terror planning and strategies. Emphatically, It is also worth to note that there are certain pieces of ‘critical industrial information’ that may be instrumental in terrorist planning. However, rather than creating a cowed community, risky information should be utilized in such a way that it empowers the community. In spite of the growing concerns on industrial terrorism, the security status in the transportation sector is equally important since terrorists are well known to target industrial chemicals on transit. References Chess, C. (2001). Organizational theory and the stages of risk communication. Risk Analysis, 21(1), 179-188. CNN Politics (2003). Bush signs homeland security bill. Web. Heath, R. L., Bradshaw, J., Lee, J. (2002). Community relationship building: Local leadership in the risk communication infrastructure. Journal of Public Relations Research, 14, 17-353. Kosal, E.M. (2006). Terrorism Targeting Industrial Chemical Facilities: Strategic Motivations and the Implications for U.S. Security. Studies in Conflict Terrorism, 29, 719–751. Linden, V.E. (2007). Focus on Terrorism, Volume 9 New York: Nova Science Publishing Inc . Perrow, C. (2007). The Next Catastrophe: Reducing Our Vulnerabilities to Natural, Industrial and Terrorist Disasters. New Jersey: Princeton University Press. Sloan, E. (2008). Continental and homeland security: From Bush to Obama. International Journal, 64(1), 191-200.

Free speech or Not Free speech- that is the Question essays

Free speech or Not Free speech- that is the Question essays Free speech or Not Free speech- that is the Question Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. In the United States of America we are gifted with twenty seven amendments. The first of these inherent rights is freedom of speech. Such gifts deserve to be treated with responsibility and gratitude by citizens who appreciate its benefits. However, some people abuse this right when they use sexual, racist, and prejudicial slurs addressing others with hurtful words such as fag and bitch,Unfortunately, such degrading terms are now commonly used in our society (Hate). These very people who claim first amendment rights for racial and sexual epithets are abusing and disrespecting it. The abusers of the First Amendment harm innocent citizens. Bullying,, specifically verbal bullying, is widespread in American schools. Statistics show more than 29 percent of O.S. school children state that they had been bullied (Bullying). This creates an intimidating and hostile environment for the student. As awareness of harassment, intimidation and hate in the school setting has grown, state legis latures have begun to address this problem as well. At least 16 states have passed anti-bullying laws, and similar measures were considered in 23 states in the 2001-2002 legislative sessions. Currently, 14 legislatures are considering bills that address the issue of bullying (Tackling). It is not enough, for only 16 states have these laws in place. Each state in this country needs to have anti-harrasment laws. As I will demonstrate here, it is necessary and critical that each state has anti-bullying laws in place. The dilemma is when these laws may be in conflict with first amendment rights. ...

No fixed topic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

No fixed topic - Essay Example The four famous composers of this period included Dunstable, Despres, Ockeghem, and Dufay. Following the beginning of tradition in the sixteenth century, many people who were interested in music readily associated themselves with the classical music leading to the abandonment of the model system of the harmonic music. Many music composers shifted from composing harmony music and started composing classical. Composers moved away from composing these traditional types of music, which had lasted for over three hundred years introducing a strong sensation in songs with a definite tonal key (Gangwere 256). This was also termed as a golden period since many masses, anthems, motets, and madrigals followed this new form of music. In addition, this high demand of music lead to the establishment of instrumental music especially keyboard music, which was in the form of fantasies, variation, and dance movements. Some of the note-composers who emerged during this period included Dowland, Byrd, Vi ctoria, Lassus, Cardoso, and many others. During 11th century, one of the genius music composers Guido applied the concept of music to stringed instruments. His diatonic scale, which had eight full tones and seven intervals with two semitones, was the first keyboard to be in use. This type of keyboard had only twenty keys. There are no reliable historical sources showing the first person who applied the concept of the chromatic scale. Later on in 1548, Guiseppe Zarlino added the remaining two semitones to his keyboard. During the sixteenth century, almost every keyboard manufacturers used chromatic scale, which the same thing associated with the modern pianos. Since the development of keyboard, many amendments have been made to the chromatic keyboard to perfect its performance. In 1811, Dr. Krause constructed an improved keyboard whose semitones were of the same level, and all the keys had a uniform color. Later, another piano maker from Vienna constructed a keyboard in the form of concave. The aim of constructing concave-formed keyboard was to follow the learning of the keyboard players’ arm. This is evidence that, the modern keyboard has gone through many amendment, especially the concept of the keys layout. The layout of the whole and semi-tones has evolved over centuries (Gangwere 272). 5. Examine how Enlightenment philosophy and the spirit of capitalism influenced the music of the Classical period. The enlightenment age began in 17th through the 18th century. This was a cultural movement, which started first in Europe and later in the America. The main purpose of enlightenment age was to bring change to the society helping people abandon their traditional believes and cultural practices, and advancing their living standards through scientific measures. It promoted scientific knowledge, which brought intellectual change hence opposing traditional cultures like power abuses by churches and state. This idea of enlightenment had many impacts on culture , politics, and western government. Enlightenment philosophy had great impacts on art. It brought some emphasis on learning whereby arts and music became widespread especially among the middle class people. It also led to the establishment of many study areas where literature, philosophy, science, and expensive art

The Global Service Sector Enterprises Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

The Global Service Sector Enterprises - Essay Example There was rapid agricultural and industrial development which was facilitated by the rich reserve of natural resources in the country. In the past few decades, Australia has established itself as an advanced economy and a strong competitor in the international market for goods and services. In the last century, Australia has been named one of the fastest developing economies among the OECD countries. The economic reforms made in the country during the 1980s are a major reason behind such brilliant performance by the economy. It ranks high in the international standards in the indices measuring human development, life expectancy, public literacy level and preservation of fundamental rights of the people. Australia has a non-permanent membership in the United Nations for the year 2013-2014 and is a member of the World Trade Organization since 1995 (Security Council Report, 2012). PESTLE Analysis Several factors originate and exist in the macro scenario of an economy that affects the op erations of the business organizations of the economy. Changes in tax structures, trade barriers, change in government policy, demographic changes and a multitude of new laws implemented as a result of all these changes form parts of the macro-environmental change (Morrison, 2011). We shall use the PESTEL model to analyse these changes in the context of Australia and determine the factors that act as drivers of small and medium enterprises within the country. POLITICAL FACTORS Political factors relates to the extent to which the government interferes into the matters of the economy. The government of Australia is also known as â€Å"the Commonwealth Government† or â€Å"the federal government† (Australia, n.d.). The government body has three divisions; the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. The constitution makes no reference to any political party so as to allow the legislature to operate smoothly. Although government policies are a very practical method of affecting business practices directly, they are not always appropriate or effective (The Allen Consulting Group, 2008). Government intervention The Australian Government launches programs from time to time which are aimed at improving the environment for SMEs, promoting their growth and increasing employment levels (The Allen Consulting Group, 2008). It provides grants to the enterprises for developing employee skill and provides support in project planning. It provides advisory support to entrepreneurs for the starting of home-based business and expanding them. However, there are several government policies and regulations which are acting as barriers to business development of the SMEs. The government is taking steps to reduce such regulations and encouraging local governments to help small firms in reducing compliance costs (The Allen Consulting Group, 2008). Consumer protection Rights of the consumers in Australia are protected with utmost sincerity. There is a single consumer law applicable for the entire nation. â€Å"The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission† (Australian government, n.d.) formed in 1995 has the responsibility to look after trade practices, prices and overall consumer benefit. The provision of consumer security makes Australia a safe ground for business activities

Physicians Assisted Suicide Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Physicians Assisted Suicide - Research Paper Example In addition, the practice would lessen the urgency to develop new medicines designed to prolong life. Those who oppose the practice on religious grounds argue that it is ‘playing God’ therefore sinful. Health care professionals cite the Hippocratic Oath which forbids them from carrying out this procedure. This paper will examine the moral and ethical concerns surrounding euthanasia, clarify the meaning of the term, present arguments both for and against the practice and conclude with a recommendation to resolve the issue. The word euthanasia is from Greek origin meaning ‘good death.’ Writers of 1700’s Britain referred to euthanasia as a being a preferential method by which to ‘die well’ (â€Å"Definition†, 2007). Euthanasia describes a situation in which a terminally ill patient is administered a lethal dose of medication, is removed from a life-support system or is simply allowed to die without active participation such as by resuscitation. A doctor’s involvement in the procedure could be to either prescribe a lethal dose of drugs with the express intent of ending a life or by intravenously inserting a needle into the terminal patient who then activates a switch that administers the fatal dose (Naji et al, 2005). Physicians, lawmakers, and philosophers have debated the notion of euthanasia since the beginning of recorded history but the wide public debate regarding its legalization has only surfaced over the past four decades. In the 1970’s it bec ame lawful to draft ‘living wills’ which allows a patient to refuse ‘heroic’ life saving medical assistance in the event they were incapacitated and could only survive by artificial means (Rich, 2001). In other words, it gave the next of kin the right to direct doctors to ‘pull the plug’ if the patient’s condition was considered hopeless, a practice which is now broadly accepted. The unfortunate reality is the majority of people in the U.S. die a ‘bad death.’   A study determined that â€Å"more often than not, patients died in pain, their desires concerning treatment neglected, after spending 10 days or more in an intensive care unit† (Horgan, 1996).   Most Americans (53 percent) believe euthanasia to be not only compassionate but ethically acceptable and 69 percent would support the legalization of euthanasia according to a Gallup Poll conducted in 2004 (â€Å"Public Grapples†, 2004).   Opponents of a doctor-assisted suicide law often cite the potential for doctor abuse.   However, recent Oregon and UK laws show that you can craft reasonable laws that prevent abuse and still protect the value of human life.   For example, laws could be drafted that requires the approval of two doctors plus a psychologist, a reasonable waiting period, family members’ written consent and limits the procedure to specific medical cond itions.     

Bladerunner - Humanity and Nature Essay Example for Free

Bladerunner Humanity and Nature Essay The central theme of Bladerunner is the relationship between humanity and nature. More specifically it has a purpose in showing how science can negatively influence this fragile relationship. Set in Los Angeles of 2019 we see the decadence of western society into an inhumane harsh impersonal, technology-dominated realm. The inhabitants who fight for their daily survival are in desperate want for nature, contact with which is denied to them by the unrestricted scientific progress and the consequent exploitation of the natural world conducted for the sole purpose of profit. Humanity is also losing touch with its own nature. The compassion, the empathy, the love and the emotion are all rare or absent. This ailing relationship between humanity and nature is conveyed through the means of scene setting, dialogue, plot, camera techniques and other film features. All these elements of cinematography synthesise to create an effective portrayal of the unifying theme. In Bladerunner the most prominent element of cinematography is mise en scene. It generates a context for the film and therefore makes the plot and themes acceptable. To set an appropriate scene different variables need to be controlled. These variables include location, props, lighting and colour. In general the location of the plot is in the vast urban canyons of 2019 LA. The imposing dark buildings, the dirty fog, perpetual rain and the crowded dark streets devoid of vegetation make up the backdrop of most scenes. All this is filmed in dark lighting, which complements the effect produced by the fog in obscuring the living details. From this the responder acknowledges the deterioration of society, the harsh conditions that the humans are subjected to and the way the human spirit itself is progressively destroyed under such conditions. Filming such a location at night provides the director with the opportunity to use chiaroscuro (a technique of strong contrast) to further convey the dominance of technology over humanity. For example in outdoor scenes the garish flickering neons are obtrusively visible but they fail to illuminate the obscure, dark, fogged surroundings, including the multitudes of faceless people. The prominent visibility of artificial things over human presence together with the qualities of the location indicates the degradation of human life under the rule of science. The clothing worn by characters is an important choice made as part of setting the scene. Most of the street people wear hooded dark clothing covering their whole body. This is possibly to protect them from the rain but it also hides their faces and their eyes from the camera and from us, creating an impersonal atmosphere in conjunction with the harshness of the surroundings. We get a feeling that everyone hides from everyone else and human interpersonal interaction is limited to the bare necessity. Sometimes the style of clothing worn by characters tells us something about the characters themselves. For example the trenchcoat style garments worn by Deckard are a throwback to the ? 20s and ? 30s detective genre in film, and the responder instantly sees Deckard as such. There are times when the clothing worn gives us an insight into the themes of the film. When we first see meet Racheal (and we think she is a human), her outfit with geometric power dressing shape, the black hues and the perfect hair create an impression of power and efficiency, qualities that are valued in androids. The next time we meet her we see her in a fur coat and underneath, a soft white blouse. Then when she lets her hair down the transformation is complete. By now we know that she is a replicant and for a replicant to be so human is ironic when the ? real humans dont show such qualities. This irony elucidates the deteriorated nature of humanity very effectively. The film is not only able to show the way humanity has lost contact with nature but also how much they appreciate and want it back in their society. The unicorn dream-scene conveys this effectively. The soft back lighting, the low tonal contrast, the colour and the lush vegetation create a setting that is very different to the usual scenes. It is contrasted with real world to further reinforce the lack of nature in society. The short length of the scene, and the fact that the scene is only Deckards dream, conveys the elusiveness of nature and shows us that humans still ? dream of having the presence of nature back in their world-weary lives. Another method used by the cinematographers to show the want for nature is through the presence of artificial animals. While the artificiality of the animals shows the destruction of nature the way humans still keep them as pets conveys their yearning to bring back nature. The decay of human spirit is also shown through the dialogue. In Bladerunner the scarcity of the dialogue itself potrays the lack of human interaction and consequently the lack of empathy or emotion. Characters only speak when it is necessary for their own survival and comfort but not for the sake of emotional involvement. However, the replicant slaves, who supposedly feel no emotion, interact more sensitively with each other. This irony again has the effect of showing the dehumanisation suffered by this society. The absence of nature and the way society deals with this is revealed through the way they refer to nature. For example at Tyrells office Decker asks Racheal if the owl is artificial, to which she replies of course it is. A similar conversation that occurs later between Salome (Zhora) and Decker about artificial snakes, further reinforcing the sad truth. Another common literary language feature that is used in Bladerunner is symbolism. The film is filled with visual symbolic codes. The unicorn, a mythical creature, which, according to myth, is a fragile and elusive being of beauty known for its rarity. In the film it symbolises the rarity of nature and its beauty and fragility. There are other symbols that signify the elusive presence of nature in human life. One is the unnaturally weak and indistinct sun. The sun is the source of all life on earth and natures sustaining energy. The weakened presence of the sun is possibly due to the fog but the importance lies not in the cause of the weakness. The dim sun is an indication that nature is being destroyed or is already destroyed. Another symbol is the motif of the human eye. Close to the beginning of the film we are presented with an ECU of Holdens eye reflecting bursts of flame. The fiery human spirit. The motif carries on throughout the film, the close up of eyes during the Voigt-Kampff tests, Mr Chews eye shop, the glowing eyes of the owl and the gruesome death of Tyrell. In many cases we encounter human figures whose eyes are hidden. The important example is Tyrell whose eyes are hidden by the thick glasses, but this is also true for the little people or the street people. If the eyes symbolise the human spirit then it is also true that the concealment of the eyes represent the destruction of this spirit. The characters and the way they respond to events in the plot is the most significant way through which the creators of the film express their concerns about the relationship between humanity and nature. It is through the characters and the way they are influenced by the society in which they live that the audience are able to receive the majority of information about that society. To make up a character the director (Ridley Scott) has to synthesis the acting, the physical qualities of the actors, the costume, the lighting and the camera work. Harrison Ford plays Deckard; a Detective who is forced to put up in insensitive wall around him so as to carry out his job properly, but with the help of Racheal and Batty his soul comes through. The seriousness, the no-nonsense speech and the mechanical execution of his tasks all contribute to this image of a tough guy cop. It is also sad to see that he is forces hide his emotions and sentiments for the sake of survival in this harsh world. By the end of the film we sense that if Batty and Racheal had not saved him his spirit would have been lost under the pressure. Rutger Hauer has possibly the most appropriate natural qualities to play Roy Batty (robot? ). The ? Aryan look, a western cultural assumption of superiority and the Swedish accent with the concise overtones which is particularly effective in a quiet voice make him the perfect super/sub-human replicant. To enhance the effect the hair is died white, his body and face is always lit up to prominence, and almost always the image is shot from underneath making him look surrealistically handsome and at the same time imposing. However the way he responds to the events in the plot show that he has more ? humanity in him that the people who consider themselves human. The most memorable instance is they way he moaned for the death of Pris. He is not ashamed to return to the most basic instinct of openly showing emotion. This beautiful scene along with other such human responses from a replicant serves to convey the suppression of human nature in the society. Rachael is played by Sean Young as the replicant who doesnt know she is an android. The characters function is similar to that of Batty. To show the deterioration of everything ? human in the world of 2019. Her transformation itself carries the message. When she thought she was a human her conduct was much like a robot; the emotionless soulless state of mind everyone is in. But once she begins to realise that she is replicant her appearance becomes increasingly ? human. This humanisation is portrayed through the use of costumes, the use of varying light and the use of ECU. Tyrell is the other character who has an important function in conveying the themes. Genuinely lacking emotions or empathy, his main objective is the profit margin. He is part of the corporate dictatorship that has suppressed the spirit of the people and destroyed the natural world. His character is the total antitheses of Batty. The overconfidence in his intelligence, the impersonal way in which he addresses other characters, the opulent surrounding in which he lives show him as powerful tyrant. The irony is that he holds the status of God when he is not even fit to be a human. Thus through the development of characters and their response to the events of the plot, Ridley Scott and the actors communicate the way relationship between humanity and nature has evolved (deteriorated) into the world of 2019 LA. In effect all the techniques mentioned above portray a society of individuals who are weary of the world they live in. They are rejects who lead a pitiful existence in a wasteland called earth because they are not fit enough to go the out-world colonies. Suppressing their own natural instincts for the sake of physically surviving they really the walking dead. Scientific progress conducted not for the best interests of humanity but for the best interests of business has effectively brought about the progressive degradation of society. By exploiting and destroying the natural world human can no more find solace or beauty so as to recuperate their weary minds and rekindle their dying spirits. In summary the techniques that are unique to film such as camera, lighting, costuming, colour and location works in conjunction with common literary techniques such as visual symbolism, irony and characterisation to effectively convey the relationship between humanity and nature.

Child Labor :: essays research papers

Christopher Hibbert’s The English: A Social History, 1066-1945, harshly reflects child labor. The author uses graphic details to portray the horrible work environment that the children, sometimes as young as four and five, were forced to work in. Hibbert discusses in much detail the conditions the children work in, the way they are mistreated, and what was done to prevent child labor.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The children work in various conditions, suffering numerous injuries. In boot factories, children are forced to sit so close together that they poke each other with needles: â€Å"many have lost an eye in this way† (595). The children work â€Å"unreasonably long hours† (595). Chimney sweepers in particular work long hours, starting at about four a.m. and working for twelve hours. These chimney sweepers sleep in bags of soot, wrapping themselves in the bags and straw. They are subjected to suffocating steam, heat, flying hot metal, and the â€Å"unhealthiest kind of grinding known† (595). Those who are employed in mills endure lung problems, scrofula, mesenteric diseases and asthma.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Taking into consideration the conditions these children work in, they are obviously mistreated. They are not washed, fed or clothed, resulting in malnutrition and children â€Å"clad in rags† (597). Employers even use mistreatment to teach the children how to do their jobs. Hibbert describes that â€Å"you can’t be soft with them, you must use violence† (595). Chimney sweepers can sometimes go â€Å"fifteen months without being washed except the rain† (595), wearing the same shirt until it is worn thin. To harden the flesh of the sweepers, their elbows and knees are rubbed profusely with the strongest brine, leaving their limbs â€Å"streaming with blood† (596). Workers sometimes found themselves caught in a machine, crushed by a machine, or swung by a machine. They suffered multiple injuries that were always ignored, most of the time consequently becoming fatal. The workers were not only subjected to poor working conditions, but being mistreated within them. It wasn’t for long after laws were made that treatment of children laborers improved.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Many felt strongly opposed to child labor but assumed nothing could be done. However, working conditions slowly but surely improved. Their diets became better. It became illegal to employ children in certain circumstances. Laws were passed so children were not working such long hours. They were even given off for holidays.