Wednesday, November 27, 2019

buy custom Federal Civil Right Legislation essay

buy custom Federal Civil Right Legislation essay Introduction There are various federal civil rights legislations and judicial rulings that have had tremendous effects on cultural diversity. Statute A: Equal Protection Clause Explanation This clause was an amendment of the constitution of United States. It states that no state shall deny any individual equal protection by the laws. It requires that all citizens be treated equally regardless of their color, race or origin. The clause was enacted to prevent American States from establishing separate public schools for the whites and blacks. The high court banned segregation in public schools (Waldo, 1998). Implications on Cultural Diversity This clause has helped erase discrimination that prevailed between white American and black Americans. After it enactment, there was free mingling, interaction and association between whites and blacks. One of its major impact was intermarriage that eled to exchange of cultures, beliefs and practices amongst the white and black Americans. Statute B: Religious Accommodation Explanation This law requires that all employers should be able to accommodate and cope with religious beliefs of their employees, unless doing so would lead to unnecessary hardships at the workplace (Merriman, 2007). Implications on Cultural Diversity This Law recognizes and allows for diversity in religious beliefs and practices. Furthermore, it strengthens an individuals root in religion. This appreciation of religious diversity encourages people to live harmoniously within the society through respect of other peoples religions. Statute C: Sex Discrimination Act Explanation This Law protects persons against sexual discrimination. Sexual discrimination ranges rom sexual harassments, such as open and direct search for sexual favors at the workplace, creation of a hostile environment to persons of a certain gender and discriminations based on childbirth or pregnancy status (Dyer, 1976). Implications on Cultural Diversity People should not be discriminated based on their sexuality. The state and the society as well should recognize various sexualities exhibited by different people. This would enable free interaction of people of different sexes and gender, thereby promoting cultural diversity amongst them. Federal Judicial Ruling Ruling Citation A: there is no superior, dominant, ruling class of citizens. Explanation This ruling was made on Justice Harlan in the Brown v. Board of Education case. He further argue the American Constitution is color blind as thus there was no need to segregate schools for white Americans from those of black Americans. Implications on Cultural Diversity The ruling implied that there was no basis for discriminating American citizens on grounds of their skin colors. All citizens had to be view and treated equally before the laws. All citizens, whether black or white, had equal rights and should have equal access to public amenities such as schools and health facilities. In my opinion, this ruling facilitated the exchange of cultures amongst the American citizens. The freedom of association made possible transfer of societal values amongst the people. Ruling Citation B: If any white person intermarry with a colored person, or any colored person intermarry with a white person, he shall be guilty of a felony and shall be punished by confinement in the penitentiary for not less than one nor more than five years." (Vile, 2010). Explanation This ruling was made in a case filed by Loving against Virginia State. The Virginia State barred peopple from marrying non-whites. She wanted all marriages to be racially classified. Implications on Cultural Diversity In my view, the right and freedom of a person to marry or not to marry another person of his or her choice solely depends on that persons decisions and should not be infringed, flouted or violated by the state. The state should not deprive or deny any person the right to choose, right to life and the liberty to marry whoever he/she wishes. Intermarriages should be encouraged as far as possible. Such interracial marriages enable transfer of cultures, beliefs and practices between different societies, thereby promoting peace and harmony. The federal government, and Virginia State, must realize that every person was created by one God, though they were given different skins colors and placed in separate continents or places. We are all equal as human beings. Ruling Citation C: a master is subject to liability for the torts of his servants committed while acting in the scope of their employment. (Vile, 2010). Explanation In this ruling, an employer who created a sexually hostile environment and exposed her female lifeguards to unintended and offensive touching was held liable for damages. Implications on Cultural Diversity In my opinion, nobody should be subjected to sexual discrimination at the workplace. Appreciation of sexual diversity is vital at the workplace and should be highly encouraged. Employers conducts that are sexually discriminative should be avoided at all costs. Similarly, supervisory sexual harassments usually demoralize and demotivate workers and consequently reduce productivity. In conclusion, discrimination should not be based on race, color, religion, sex and place of origin. All individuals must be protected against such discriminations. Employers should take responsibility and be charged for damages caused to employees whenever they violate these federal laws and civil rights. Buy custom Federal Civil Right Legislation essay

Saturday, November 23, 2019

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS essayEssay Writing Service

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS essayEssay Writing Service EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS essay EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL ENVIRONMENTS essayThe development of business strategy requires making a thorough analysis of internal and external environments. In this context, it is important to consider the segments of the general environment, the forces of competition and the companys position in relation to these competitive forces, to assess external opportunities and threats, to weigh internal strengths and weaknesses of the company and to develop a strategy basing on the results of the analysis. Furthermore, it is important to identify the capabilities and resources of the company, to determine its core competencies and to analyze the companys value chain as well as its alignment with the above mentioned resources and capabilities.The industry chosen for this analysis is information technology, and the company chosen for analysis is Apple, Inc. It is a multinational corporation which is the leader in manufacturing and selling consumer electronics, computers, software and online servic es. Apple is the second largest company in the IT industry by revenue (Yahoo Finance, 2014). In 2013, Apples brand was recognized as the most valuable brand in the world (Yahoo Finance, 2014). The purpose of this paper is to analyze external and internal environment of Apple, Inc. and to generate recommendations pertaining to the companys future strategy.Segments of the general environmentThe general environment in which the company is operating is shaped by different dimensions of the society. There are seven key segments of the general environment: demographic, economic, political/legal, socio-cultural, technological, global and physical (Parth, 2003). The general environment can hardly be influenced by businesses, but it does have a powerful impact on industries and companies operating in them.For Apple, two segments of the general environment that have the largest impact on the companys strategy and operations are technological and socio-cultural segments. The socio-cultural seg ment encompasses values and attitudes common in a society (Parth, 2003). The whole process of IT industry development is largely influenced by social values and interests such as the interest to entertainment and the interest to communications.Apples market leadership is based on the interest of the general public to technology and to telecommunications, to the growing popularity of smartphones, tablets and other portable devices and on the growing dominance of Internet as the means of communication. Apple manages to drive and shape customer interest to their products; the companys market success depends on the ability to track customer values and needs and to offer the products that fulfill these needs. Furthermore, Apples brand management is based on esthetic values (Apples products are positioned as exceptionally designed) and on the willingness to stand out of the crowd (Apples products are largely positioned as elite products).Naturally, technological segment of the general env ironment has the largest impact on IT sphere and on Apples business. This segment pertains to the institutions and activities associated with technology, new discoveries, innovations and technological change in general (Parth, 2003). IT industry actually emerged due to the advancement of technological segment, and continues to expand rapidly due to the creation of new technologies. Currently rapid technological development and replacement of technologies are both driving Apples growth and intensifying competition in the industry. Advanced technologies of creating software and hardware, the growth of cloud services, emergence of new wireless technologies all these changes are used by Apple to develop and market new products.Forces of competitionThe second component of external environment that should be analyzed is industry environment and competition in the industry. This environment can be assessed using the model of five forces of competition. These forces include: threat of new entrants, threat of substitute products, bargaining power of suppliers, bargaining power of buyers and rivalry among competing firms. With regard to information technology industry and Apple Inc., the most important forces are bargaining power of suppliers and rivalry among competing firms.Apple successfully managed to overcome other competitors using innovations and effective brand management. The company chose to position its brands as exceptional products and outperformed competition in terms of product design and performance, and introduced novel features which were missing in competing products. In fact, the ability of Apple to distinguish itself among competitors is one of its key competencies.As for the power of suppliers, Apples successes were ambiguous. On one hand, Apple is a valuable partner and the suppliers are likely to compete for being Apples vendors. On the other hand, the key supplier of Apple is Samsung which is also Apples key competitor. Samsung is the key suppl ier of high-quality screens and other novel components. While Apple is developing the relationships with other suppliers and looking for replacements of Samsungs products, the dependency on these supplies was not efficiently managed by Apple in the past.Ways of improving forces of competitionTwo key forces of competition important for Apple, Inc. are bargaining power of suppliers and competitive rivalry. In the future, Apple should first of all address the bargaining power of suppliers in general and the dependence on Samsungs supplies in particular. Apple is already negotiating with LG to supply screens. The company also stopped purchasing iPhone screens from Samsung and reduced purchases of iPad screens (Yahoo Finance, 2014). The number of flash memory chips purchased from Samsung also reduced. However, Apple still depends on Samsung to supply microprocessors and memory components, as well as other supplies (Yahoo Finance, 2014).The choice of high-quality components for Apple is l imited, and it should be noted that LG is also Apples competitor in terms of smartphones and tablets. Therefore, Apple should develop additional ways of solving the problem other than simply switching between suppliers. It might be recommended for Apple to organize own production centers in Asia to produce critically important components. Such step would allow Apple to reduce the power of suppliers and would help to maintain rigorous quality standards for hardware components.Competitive rivalry in IT sphere is intensifying as more hardware leaders start manufacturing their smartphones, laptops, players, tablets, etc. Apple can address this force of competition by further driving innovation and differentiating their products. Apple is perceived as high-quality brand offering cutting-edge technology at premium price (Yahoo Finance, 2014). Therefore, it would be beneficial for Apple to add new features into their products, introduce new versions of their products and foster innovation in order to retain industry leadership.External threats and opportunitiesThere exist various external threats influencing Apple, Inc. The major threats are:rapid technological development and change (the company might be set aside by a competitor who invents a novel technology)tax increases (Apples profits were driven down due to tax increase which took place in the United States in 2013)patent breaches (competitors might imitate Apples patents or apply reverse engineering to Apples novel features and make profit on these features)appreciation of the dollar (Apples profits in foreign countries are reduced due to strengthening dollar)growing popularity of Android (widespread use of this operating system make Apple infrastructure less attractive for customers)increasing labor costs in Asia (the protests of workers in Asia, especially Foxconn workers, lead to the increase of Apples costs and drive profits down)price pressure performed by Samsung (Samsung is gradually increasing the pri ces of key components).There also exist various opportunities available for Apple. The list of key opportunities includes:growth of demand for tablets and smartphones, along with market expansion (worldwide demand for smartphones, tablets and other portable devices is increasing, and Apples revenues are likely to grow)internal innovation (Apple can develop new hardware technologies and advanced software, using its RD capability)innovation through acquisitions (Apple can acquire promising technologies, patents or startups and integrate them into Apples ecosystem)patent protection of new technologies (the company can protect its novel features by patents and secure itself against potential cloning of new devices performed by competitors)launch of iTV (iTV is expected to enrich Apples ecosystem and to provide advanced experience for TV watchers; this product is already long-awaited)mobile advertising (the market of mobile advertising is growing, and Apple can drive revenues by populari zing its iAd platform for advertising)increasing demand for cloud services (the popularity of cloud services makes it possible for Apple to popularize its iCloud system).The most serious threat for Apple is rapid technological development and change. If strong competitors like Samsung invent new technologies and market them, Apples market position might be significantly affected. In order to keep market leadership, Apple should introduce new products and develop or acquire new technologies. Therefore, Apple should pursue own innovations; the company should also keep track of recent advancements and acquire promising technologies.The most attractive opportunity for Apple is currently the launch of iTV. Although Apple offers TV services, the overall TV infrastructure lacks sophistication and alignment with overall Apple ecosystem. The audience of TV is huge and the launch of new interactive TV device compatible with other Apple devices will increase the companys profits and popularity .Internal strengths and weaknessesIn order to identify Apples perspectives and strategies, it is necessary to consider internal factors (strengths and weaknesses). Apple has lots of strengths, the major of them being:impressive brand reputation (Apple managed to position the brand as premium products for elite people)high customer loyalty and appreciation (the customers are loyal and tend to stay in Apples ecosystem)self-reinforcing ecosystem (Apple has a diverse ecosystem which integrates various hardware and software products into one large interactive space)status of top innovator (Apple is perceived as the leading innovator and its products are highly anticipated)very strong financial performance (high profit margins and very high liquidity)network of retail stores (high-quality customer service helps to create advanced user experience; new products are distributed through the network)powerful marketing strategy (Apples team masterly uses various marketing techniques to create a hype for their products and to strengthen the brand)At the same time, Apple also has a number of weaknesses:high prices (Apples products are sold at premium prices which are significantly higher compared to competitors prices)closure of Apple ecosystem (Apple software and hardware are not compatible with other platforms, so users might refuse from using Apple products in order to be able to work with their favorite software)decreasing market share (although Apple is the market leader, its market share is slightly declining, primarily due to competition)changes in senior management (Apple now has to operate without the guidance of Steve Jobs; in addition, two senior managers responsible for retail left the company)new product defects (some new products of Apple might have flaws or faults; these issues damage brand reputation and sales)dependence of Apple supply chain on the key competitor (as it was mentioned above, Samsung is the key competitor of Apple, and it is also its major su pplier)decline of gross margin (Apples gross margin demonstrates a decline over time).Available strategiesFor strategic purposes, it is important to consider how Apple can take advantage of its key strengths and how it can address its most significant weaknesses. First of all, Apple can combine such strengths as the status of top innovator and its self-reinforcing ecosystem to attract more customers and keep them attached to the ecosystem: the expansion of Apple into other niches, such as television (iTV) and smart gadgets (iWatch) allows to gain the attention of new customers, and once they purchase Apple products, they will be able to feel the value of Apples ecosystem. Using such strategy, Apple can also address such weaknesses as declining market share and declining gross margin.Furthermore, Apple can develop new software products and online services to enhance customer loyalty and appreciation and to integrate current customers further into the ecosystem. In addition, Apple sho uld consider addressing such weakness as high prices. On one hand, premium prices are part of Apples brand image and lowering these prices might affect both profits and brand value. On the other hand, high prices might prevent customers from purchasing Apple products. It is recommended for Apple to adjust its marketing strategy and to offer two ways of receiving products at discounted price: loyalty programs for existing clients and various contests and drawings for new clients. In this way, Apple will further fuel the interest to its products and reward existing customers for their loyalty. Using this strategy, Apple would be able to address such weaknesses as high prices and declining market share.Resources, capabilities and core competenciesStrategic analysis should take into account the companys competitive advantage. In order to assess competitive advantages, it is necessary to explore organizational resources, capabilities and core competencies. Resources can be classified int o tangible (quantifiable and observable assets) and intangible (assets that cannot be observed physically, are rooted in the companys history, are difficult for competitors to imitate and accumulate in the course of time) (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2014). Capabilities are defined as special methods of organizing resources in order to create customer value, and core competencies are determined as capabilities which are the source of competitive advantage (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2014).Apples key resources are:financial resources (high profit margin, large deposits of cash, large market share)technological resources (manufacturing centers, outsourcing agreements)RD resources (research laboratories, ownership of advanced technologies)human resources (highly skilled employees)marketing resources (network of retail stores, partnerships with other companies, marketing power of Apple ecosystem)goodwill (impressive brand reputation, many loyal customers)Distinct capabilities of Apple are shaped by successful combinations of Apples key resources and include:RD capability (achieved due to effective use of RD resources, technological resources and human resources)marketing capability (formed as a combination of goodwill, marketing resources, financial and human resources)customer service capability (developed as a combination of human resources and financial resources)All of these capabilities are Apples core competencies: RD potential, superior customer service and impressive marketing. Indeed, these capabilities are rare, create value for Apples customers, cannot be substituted as Apples development actually relies on these core competencies and are both difficult and costly to imitate (Hitt, Ireland Hoskisson, 2014).Apples value chainValue chain activities are the activities aimed at creating customer value. Key activities involved in the value chain include inbound and outbound logistics, operations, marketing and service (Solomon, Marshall Stuart, 2010).At the f irst level of general administration, Apple creates value through effective strategic management and uses its strong financial performance to enhance further growth and development. At the level of HRM, Apple selects the most talented employees and rewards them for their achievements to form a superior workforce. At level 3 which is associated with technological development, Apple creates innovations in its research labs, acquires external innovations, protects its technologies using patents and licenses and extends its manufacturing capabilities. At the procurement level, Apple establishes relationships with suppliers and optimizes its supply chain (Solomon, Marshall Stuart, 2010).The level of inbound logistics encompasses internal supply systems, receiving systems, methods of acquisition (Solomon, Marshall Stuart, 2010). The level of operations pertains to developing and manufacturing new devices, performing consumer research, etc (Solomon, Marshall Stuart, 2010). Outbound logi stics includes the network of retail stores, relationships with other distributors, retailers, transportation companies, etc (Solomon, Marshall Stuart, 2010). At the level of marketing and sales, Apple uses the power of its skilled workforce to impress the customers with new advertising campaigns and positions its devices in a proper way. Finally, at the service level Apple provides high-quality customer service which adds even more value to Apples products.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

The British Thought about Colonialism Literature review

The British Thought about Colonialism - Literature review Example In the colored community, very less skill level people are there and job opportunities are more in the manufacturing sector, women and racial or ethnic minorities are less to possess the human capital and its characteristics are associated in its job opportunities. To get a job one has to be skilled in a particular area. Every company looks for an ideal candidate who should be an asset to the company and should not become a liability. Colored groups (immigrants from Asia and Africa) earn less compared to whites. So which is different wages for each category or group? In cultural context colored women are not allowed to grow in their career life or in personal life, they prefer not to work outside the home. Compared to colored the Whites are more liberal and enjoy gender equality provided by the European countries constitutional laws. Whatever the reasons there still exists inequality among these groups. The Morant Bay issue shows how the English tend to show their prevalent masculinity and representations in the ascension to power of the middle class whose concept of gentility was based on religion and dignity. In this case, Thomas Carlyle and John Stuart Mill stood up to for those who are oppressed under the whites.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Nuclear tension between the US and North korea ( past, and present) Essay

Nuclear tension between the US and North korea ( past, and present) - Essay Example Having a background of unhappy interactions dating as early as the mid-nineteenth century, when the first diplomatic expeditions from America venturing to Korea and Japan for the sake of trade ended up killing 200 Korean troops, the history of negotiations between the two countries has been colored by high levels of distrust on either side. So far the course of events has made it evident what the policies of either country is aimed at. America, with friends in the neighborhood is seeking to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula and North Korea seems to be using Nuclear weapons as both ‘military deterrents’ and as a source of ‘diplomatic leverage’ to get what it wants from the international community. With the successful nuclear tests of 2010 and the undeterminable intentions of satellite launch in 2012, North Korea’s doctrine on the nuclear program is gradually coming out into the open, striving for the same status as New Dehli i.e. the international acknowledgement of North Korea as a Nuclear Power along with the normalization of relations with the U.S. This may not exactly be acceptable to the U.S with its own concerns. However the cooperation of North Korea can only be achieved if its concerns regarding security are adequately addressed. Although this process may require patience and time, it is far better than the imposition of sanctions which further deters any developments.

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Deviance and Social Control Experiments Essay Example for Free

Deviance and Social Control Experiments Essay An interesting assignment was assigned to us this week, one that I was excited and a little nervous to get started on. Our society is quite dependent on what is â€Å"normal. † Normal is following a routine, one that was set only by you and no others. Normal is to dress in what is considered socially acceptable, not garb that would throw you into a social outcast setting. But what happens when you defy these norms and start to step out of the box? At home my husband and I have established a routine that works well for us. Simple chores, such as, loading and unloading the dishwasher and laundry are split equally between us. Another routine that took shape shortly after we were married was where we sat in relation to the television. I sat on the long couch on the middle cushion; he sat on the love seat with the recliner. I have no idea where this tradition came from but I was excited to shake it up. I started sitting in the recliner. No words were spoken about it beforehand; it was just claimed as mine. This behavior merited a few odd looks and that was that. I suppose to think this behavior was odd is to know my husband. The most laid back person I have ever met, he shies away from confrontation on any level. I brought up the subject a few days into the experiment and he simply shrugged his shoulders and said that it was just a place to sit. We have since fallen back into our routine but now we both have an unspoken knowledge that it is indeed, just a place to sit. When it comes to fashion sense, mine falls under classy yet comfortable. I was excited to see that fashion could play a role in this assignment and actually chose to utilize the entire week. Being a stay at home wife means that there is hardly a dire need for me to leave the house. Errands can be accomplished in one day. However, I do enjoy the library and frequent it often, but instead of visiting in casually comfortable clothing I wore a party dress. Not just a party dress but one with ridiculous shoes, rain boots. I felt so silly at first but boldly embraced my fashion choice as the day wore on. Many patrons of the library stole glances but didn’t say much. I was feeling sad for myself, I was finding that standing out is much harder that I imagined but also admiration for those who do it daily and have no tribulations. As I was leaving a little girl came and grabbed my poufy skirt and told me she liked my dress and I found it to be an instant mood booster, one that made this little experiment well worth the challenge. My mother and I have a wonderful relationship, one that took years and years of teenage angst and stubbornness to overcome. These days, however, we are thick as thieves. I call her daily just to chat and she is a shoulder to cry on during hard times. She is, in no way, soft spoken but in her aging years has gotten to be much calmer. We rarely fight or argue anymore and when we do we simply get off the phone. One day I called her and talked to her in a loud voice. As I did I was having flashbacks to my teenage years where, it seemed, all I did was talk to her like this. She was instantly upset with me and asked why I was mad and yelling. I wasn’t yelling just talking loudly and since it happens so rarely anymore she mistook it for yelling. We have maybe a minute long talk and she hung up. I was severely upset and hated doing this experiment. I had no idea it would upset her so much and that, in turn, would upset me. I called her back immediately and informed her of the assignment. She thought it was hysterical. She laughed so hard but I feel it was more out of relive than anything else. Overall, this assignment was enjoyable. I learned how to step out of routine and that sometimes that is ok. It is not going to shake up life as much as would be expected. I learned that fashion is in the eye of the beholder. It is not something that should hold as much pressure as magazine emphasis and that sometimes a little girl knows all the right words to turn your day upside down. I learned how sensitive my mother can be and also, how sensitive that makes me. I learned not to take myself to seriously because nobody else does.

Friday, November 15, 2019

Sex and Mans Struggle Against Nature :: science

Sex and Man's Struggle Against Nature In "Sex and Violence, or Nature and Art," Camille Paglia claims nature is inherently stronger than society. "Society is an artificial construction, a defense against nature's power.a system of inherited forms reducing our humiliating passivity to nature." (Writing in the Disciplines 572) I agree with the majority of Paglia's opinions, however, I believe that there are points that could have been elaborated on more substantially. In this essay, Paglia states that man is born evil and it is society's job to condition him to be a good, moral person. Paglia would disagree with someone who said the reason a person murdered was because he grew up in a bad section of town, or his home life left something to be desired. On the contrary, Paglia claims it is the inner evil, the "nature," of the person to kill, and it is society's lack of conditioning that releases this savage response. "Society is not the criminal but the force which keeps crime in check." (Writing in the Disciplines 574) She claims no matter how much a person sinks into religion, or their society, nature will always have the upper hand. Paglia believes if man is left to his natural instincts, with no threat of society's punishment, he will be evil and commit evil deeds. In society, sexual urges can often influence a person's morality, making him second-guess his values for the sake of sexual pleasure. She also goes on to say, "getting back to nature. would be to give free rein to violence and lust." (Writing in the Disciplines 573-574) I agree that this scenario is a possible outcome, but Paglia fails to mention that with out society we would have no idea, which deeds were evil and which were not. It is society that has set the limits and told us what is evil. Before men were grouped together in societies, they roamed free with no idea of right and wrong. It wasn't until man made up his religion with its rules, regulations and laws that he had a conscious idea of evil. But I do agree with Paglia that nature is the stronger force, and no matter how much we try to fool ourselves into believing that society or religion can save us from the torment of nature, we will always be reminded of mother nature's force. "Civilized man conceals from himself the extent of his subordination to nature.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Kite Runner Reflection Essay

Narrated by Amir, a novelist living in California, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini tells the riveting story of a young friendship destroyed by jealousy, fear, and the kind of ongoing evil that develops at some point during politics. A parallel joining the loss and redemption in this novel is the story of today’s inhospitable environments in Afghanistan and of Amir’s guilt-ridden relationship with the rundown city of his birth. â€Å"If you went from the Shar-e-Nau section to Kerteh-Parwan to buy a carpet, you risked getting shot by a sniper or getting blown up by a rocket-if you got past all the checkpoints, that was. You practically needed a visa to go from one neighborhood to the other. So people just stayed put, prayed the next rocket wouldn’t hit their home.† (Hosseini 256). In the modern world, Afghanistan is just as it is portrayed in this novel. The climates have not changed and the community acceptance has diminished. The Kite Runner begins in the final days of an Afghan king’s 40-year reign and traces the country’s fall from a loving community to a tasteless, inhospitable environment controlled by the Russians, followed by the trigger-happy Taliban. When Amir returns to Kabul to rescue Hassan’s orphaned child, the personal and the political get tangled together. Today’s laws are based for majority on past ones. Laws and regulations in Afghanistan have merely gotten worse over the past few decades and there doesn’t seem to be any hope for any betterment in the future. It’s very heart wrenching when I see on television pictures of children, much younger than us, that have significantly nothing compared to what we have today. It makes me think and appreciate everything that’s been given to me in my lifetime. I know it is much more than most and I am very appreciative of it. There are a few similarities between Canada and the Middle East, but very few. There are laws; yes, however the severity of the punishment only worsens. In this novel, we see that when the Taliban are ruling Kabul, they are very persistent when it comes to abiding the law. If you look at them the wrong way, your life could be taken very easily without them thinking twice. They will never regret it. In the novel they are monsters who thrive on the punishment of others. No regrets hang over them. No matter what, it will always be that way.