The Role of Music in Politics

The Role of Music in Politics If theres any hope for America, it lies in a revolution. And if theres any hope for a revolution, it lies in Elvis Presley to become Che Guevara. These words by Phil Ochs, an American protest singer, reflect the power of the political use of music (Street, 2003). Since music is a strong way of expressing inner thoughts and feelings, it reveals the political views and stands of people; thus serving as a political tool. Music has the power to get massive crowds pumped up, which is why it is used to bring support to various causes. In war times, governments used music as propaganda to boost nationalism and promote fighting. In addition, music is used in elections numerous times. From a different standpoint, many musicians benefited from music as their resistance. Rock and roll was the voice of anti war protests in 60s, folk music stood for civil rights (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, 2012). These examples also proves us that music is closely related with issues going on at a certai n time; just as soul music, which focused on lives of Afro Americans in 30s. All of the things mentioned above show us music and politics are inseparable. Music is just not about entertainment, its the reflection and expression of people; therefore music serves humans as their truth bearer, so the political use of music should be done strongly and continuously. If we look at the role of music in politics, well see that it is used to aid two causes (generally); either serving or rebelling against dominant institutions in society (Williams, 2009). Due to musics irresistibility and ability to change peoples ideas, it has an integral part in public; therefore music is used by various political sides to promote their beliefs. National anthems are highly respected by their citizens and boost nationalism, for instance. Governments also benefited from other songs, especially in war times. American government frequently has songs to raise support for troops in war, as in God Bless America, which was used in WW2 (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, 2012). Also during WW2, Soviet government funded bands and other forms of entertainment to maintain military morale, and infamous Nazis specified the use of songs in their Nazi Youth trainings, as John Street stated (Street, 2003). Music was also used against governments, as in anti war protests. Redgum, a n Australian rock group, recorded a song called I Was Only 19 to show what young Australian soldiers been through in Vietnam. Song had exploded in Australia and became the voice of people against war. Through 60s, hippie music was considered as a threat to government because of its peaceful attitude. All these situations are great examples of how music is used successfully to promote a belief, a stand; therefore I think its safe to say that music plays a big role in determining politics. Music is a great way to create a bond between people and make them act as one. It is also the unofficial voice of resistance. An intriguing case study is provided by Peter Wicke, who argues that rock musicians in East Germany were the catalysts for collapse of the East German regime. He states that governments repression of rock turned it into a resistance, which was more or less impossible to control (Street, 2003). A local example from Turkey, a protest rock group named Grup Yorum had released countless recordings which created conflictions with government, and often resulted in group members ending up in jail. All of these happened because of the groups political stand, but these events made them the #1 protest group in Turkey. In addition, Woodstock music festival was the biggest event of its time, showing youths resistance to government, while uniting the general young population. Bennett stated that Woodstock 69 is remembered as much for its bringing together of counter cultur al generation, as for the music performed. The festival was a milestone for the political use of music and it opened the way for events (Williams, 2009). Woodstock 69 festival spread to the world the concepts like free love, civil rights and anti war stance. Just like this, summer of 1967 was called Summer of Love, due to the events going on in that summer, as freedom or anti war thoughts, similar to Woodstock. Music was one of the main parts of these events, it helped to re shape the community, united youth and resisted to the existing reactionary thoughts. Music created a better way of living for us, starting from these events. For many times, music was used to inform the society about various issues. Soul music in 1930s demonstrated the hardships of anguished Afro Americans. Folk singer Woodie Guthrie wrote many songs about the lives of black people, especially in rural areas, where black people were used as slaves. An example for this, is the song I Aint Going to Be Treated Like This Way. His outspoken lyrics caused him to be labeled un American, but his work informed the US society and influenced many artists to follow his way (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum, 2012). There are also much more peaceful attempts, just as the USA for Africa. Many famous artists including Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen etc. founded this group and recorded We Are The World. It made the community aware and raised millions of dollars to stop the growing famine in Africa. Some artists wrote a song called Sun City, criticizing the Apartheid in South Africa. Bob Geldof can be considered as the father of charity concerts, su ch as Live Aid, which was also started for the poor living standards in Africa. These concerts raised hundreds of millions and created conscious in society, while giving immeasurable pleasure to its audience. Grossberg stated that so many attempts are being made to articulate rock with politics, although these attempts mainly have little or no impact on society (Shuker, 1994). Some might say that music is irrelevant with politics and the political stance of a musician does not need to be shared by its listeners. This is partly true, considering the apolitical youth in 2000s and so. But they are forgetting something. People identify themselves with music. They want to connect with the artist, and if the artist is not on the same page with its audience in politics, the songs wont be listened. Dixie Chicks, which is a then famous country music group, created a confliction, regarding to Iraqi War and US President Bush. Lead singer Natalie Maines said that she was ashamed of her president, because of Bushs war policy (Dixie chicks: Shut up and sing! [DVD], 2006). The words were incendiary and the US society jumped on this. They were criticized in every possible way and eventually, they lost t heir popularity. This wouldnt have happened if the listeners were not considering the groups political stance. Another example for this is the music following 9/11. John Parales said that People wanted to hear something to comfort them. They wanted to hear something that captured the anger people felt. (McMasters, 2003). Any song irrelevant with the political stand of the US society, which was supporting war then, would not be listened. Also, rock music in 1960s integrated the black and white youths. Since they were all listening to the same songs, they supported the same political views. This was not viewed as a good thing by the government and the parents at that time. Still, it opened a way for future, and its a wonderful example of the political relevancy of music. Music is closely connected with politics. In conclusion, political use of music is being done by the governments, protest groups, literally every single group in every society. Music is a reflection of people, and the political issues at a certain time, as seen in the examples that were mentioned. Music brings support to various causes. Plus, it connects people and opens a way for a better future, also raising money and consciousness in societies. It is being said that music is irrelevant with politics, but people define themselves with music and search for same political views in artists, as written here in examples. All these points emphasize that music is an effective political tool, and the political use of music should be done strongly and continuously.

Metabical: Communications Plan Essay

1. Introduction Metabical is a bran new revolutionary weight loss drug, developed by the Cambridge Science Pharmaceuticals, which expects the final approved by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration). As soon, as the FDA approves it, the product is going to be launched. Metabical is clinically proven to be a very effective drug for the weight-loss in moderately overweight people with the BMI 25-30. 2. Background The statistics show, that not less than 70 % of participants of the Marketing Survey for the weight-loss products are unhappy with their current weight. 35 % of them are trying actively to lose weight via any means. 15 % of them do not mind the usage of the weight-loss products to help them in losing weight. 65 % of the adult population of the United States is considered as the overweight or obese. Many of the members of focus groups claim that they starve themselves with diets and suffer from the intensive exercising; however, they do not get the desired results as quick and easy as they want them to be. These facts show the need of the market for the weight-loss products. Overweight and obesity become global problems nowadays. Pharmaceutical companies try to find the solutions to these problems by creating weight-loss drugs. These are the pills, which have to be taken regularly for a period of time. They serve as an additional aid to the weight-loss program of a person. It is best to combine them with healthy diet and regular exercising. 3. The Situation Analysis Company Analysis Cambridge Science Pharmaceuticals (CSP) is a global pharmaceutical company based in Cambridge, US. In 2007, it had a remarkable sales record of $25 billion. Currently, it is ready to launch a very promising drug in the weight-loss field, which will greatly impact the company’s future. With correct positioning, it has all the chances of becoming a new market leader and a holder of the monopoly on the market. Competitor Analysis The weight-loss drug market is new to business society and it is still developing; however, it is highly competitive. Currently, the OTC product monopoly is held by a few competitive products: Alli, Xeniacal4 and Ephedra. The advantages of the Metabical product on its competitors are crucial. Metabical is the first weight-loss drug, which is potentially approved by the FDA in all the aspects – it is the safest weight-loss drug on the market. It means, that it does not have so many side effects, as the competitor’s products do. For example, there have been many cases of heart-death, caused by the regular usage of the Ephedra product, and a lot of liver damages cause by Xenical4. Out of all these drugs, Alli is the only one, which got approved by the FDA; so, one can say that it is the number one competitor for the Metabical product on the market. Even though it got approved, it is much less safe to consume than Metabical product. Alli causes a lot of side effects as the loose stools, abdominal pain, and increased defecation incontinence, when a person consumes it with too much fat. Another advantage of Metabical is the program itself. It is longer and better balanced than the Alli’s one. Unlike its competitors, it offers an individual exercise plan and a personal support component. The price tag of $3 – $5 for Metabical can be considered relatively inexpensive to the competitors’ products and with all the benefits it gives. It is also much easier to use than the competitors’ products (1 pill a day versus 1 pill per meal). The duration of the effect of the Metabical pill is also better than the one of the competitors’ products. The main difference of the Metabical product from all its potential competitors is its vision and philosophy. It focuses on the improvement of the product from the health perspective, making it safer to use for its consumers with the least amount of side effects, while the other companies try to strengthen the effects of their product, so, that the results will be noticed earlier. This is very important, because the customers of the weight-loss products do not want just to lose the weight, but become healthy in all of the aspects. Consumer Analysis Since the Metabical is a weight-loss drug, and it is already known that its target costumers have a Body Mass Index varying from 25 to 30 units, it is easy to determine and choose the segments of the potential consumers. Mostly, these are the average people, who are very concerned about the overweight and obesity issue. They may suffer from the exceed of weight and they are highly motivated in fighting with it. They attend the gym regularly, exercise a lot, and struggle with healthy diets; however, this is still not enough for them to lose the exceeding weight. Metabical is not a solution, but a great aid in fighting with their problem. Some overweight people do not care about or even do not notice their problem, so, Metabical do not see them as the primary costumers. The gender of the potential customers is most of the cases feminine. As studies show, women tend to care and put much more attention into their physical appearance, than men do. In addition, studies say that 75 % of overweight women are not happy with their weight and 60 % tried to fight with their exceed of weight with different methods but failed. The age of the potential Metabical consumers is also easy to determine. It is known, that most of the people become more and more concerned with their weight when they are getting older and older. When a person reaches his physical size and stops growing, his body changes – the calories gained per day do not go into the growth, but the fat. These fats are very hard to fight, and even the exceeding exercising at this age is not a solution. The fat usually becomes a problem at the age of 25-35. The Metabical drug is averagely priced; however, not everybody can afford it. It is never given out for free, since, the overweight is not considered an illness. The consumer has to have salary of funds, which can cover the full Metabical diet program. He also has to have an access to the gym and can afford to buy healthy products. The estimated income of the Metabical consumer is $40’000+ a year, so, this is a middle-class person. Also, the studies show, that the single people tend to care more about their physical appearance, than the married / in relationship ones, especially, the women. The relationship status of the Metabical customer can be identified as single / actively searching. Also, there are the sub-segments of the customers on the market – Metabical consumers can be divided in two kinds: some want to use the product to look good, others, who want to be healthier. The first type of the customers are usually younger (25+), the second type are older (35+). The first sub-segment is considered as the priority for the Metabical product. This is explained by the philosophy of the drug: it is made for the people, who want to be healthy and not just slim. CSP puts a lot of effort in making Metabical a safe product to use on the first place. As a conclusion, the target costumer of the Metabical product is usually an overweight woman (BMI 25-30), aged 25+, with the yearly income of $40’000+ (middle class). She usually has a college education. Her self-esteem is low and she is either worried that she does not look good or she wants to become healthier. She is a workingwoman or a housewife, usually single. She attends the gym regularly and stays on a strict healthy diet. She is very motivated and willing to fight with her problem via any means. Product Analysis Metabical is a prescription weight-loss drug developed by CSP. It is consumed in the form of pills one time a day. It costs $3 – $5 a day. The average duration of the Metabical treatment program is 12 weeks. The cost of the program varies from $252 to $420. The drug is prescribed to the overweight people with the BMI of 25 to 30, and is not as effective on the consumers with higher BMI. To achieve the maximum effectiveness of the drug, the individual diet and the exercise program have to be developed and followed during the usage of the Metabical. As any other weight-loss drug, Metabical has some side effects. They are similar to the ones of Alli (gastrointestinal discomfort) but much less noticeable. They may appear if a person combines the consumption of the Metabical drug with a lot of fatty foods. At this stage, it awaits the final approval of the FDA, and will be launched, as soon, as it gets the approval.

Financial Analysis of Honda - 4439 Words

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS ASSIGNMENT Executive Summary To analyze the financial statement of a select company in the automotive industry for the years 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010. With the aid of financial reports, such as Balance Sheet, Income Statement, aim to perform an analysis based upon profitability, asset utilization, liquidity and debt utilization in comparison to the industry averages. This will be covered in the primary section of this report. The other section will cover the Horizontal, Vertical and Trend analysis followed by the calculation of the Degree of operating leverage and Degree of Financial leverage. As a conclusion, a summarized analysis for the benefit of shareholders and other stakeholders will be presented. The†¦show more content†¦Hondas sales went up nearly 20 percent from the same month last year. The Civic and the Accord were in the top five category of sales.[14][15] Analysts have put this down to two main reasons. First off, Hondas product line consists of mainly small to mid-size , highly fuel-efficient automobiles. Secondly, over the last decade, Honda has designed its production plants to be flexible, so that they can be easily re-equipped to manufacture any Honda model that may currently be in high demand. Nevertheless, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota, were still not impervious to the global economic recession of 2008, as these corporations trimmed down their profitability prediction. The economic crisis has had a domino effect on other important players in the automobile sectors as well.[16][17] In November 2009 the Nihon Keizai Shinbun stated that Honda Motor shipments have dropped to 64.1%.[18] 5 At the 2008 Beijing Auto Exhibition, Honda showcased the Li Nian (concept or idea) 5-door hatchback and stated that they were looking to develop a basic brand solely for the Chinese market akin to Toyotas Scion brand in the USA.[19] The brand would be built by a 50-50 joint-venture created in 2007 with Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group. Accounting Protocol Honda assumed the provision of FASB Interpretation No. 48 â€Å"Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes† (FIN 48) in April 1, 2007. ThisShow MoreRelatedToyoto and Honda Financial Statement Analysis4773 Words   |  20 Pages | |Financial Statement Analysis Project | | | | | |Honda Motor Co., ltd Read MoreFinancial Analysis: Toyota, Honda, and Nissan2862 Words   |  12 PagesFinancial analysis of Toyota, Honda, and Nissan Toyota analysis in comparison to Honda and Nissan Toyota has hit the headlines over the years over the defects in several of their models which has sent it on a public relations and safety campaigns relating to its vehicles. Notably is the Toyota safety campaign in North America for certain models of Toyota as well as Lexus brands concerning the floor mat entrapment of accelerator pedals, later on it extended to other models in November 2009Read MoreAssignment Case Study Honda1227 Words   |  5 PagesAssignment Case study Honda Marketing [pic] Introduction: This individual assignment will be assessed by means of a 3,500  ± 10% word report. The assignment has been designed to allow you to develop and use your knowledge and skills in understanding key strategic issues relating to the Global Automobile Industry. You will be required to apply the strategic concepts and analytical techniques studied in this module. All the learningRead MoreHonda Motors : The World Largest Manufacturer Of Motorcycles1283 Words   |  6 PagesHonda Motors is a Japanese multinational company that deals with the manufacturing and marketing of automobiles, power equipment and motorcycle. The public traded company is the world largest manufacturer of motorcycles since 1959 and trades is share in the New York Stock Exchange and Tokyo Stock Exchange. Honda Motors also trades its shares in Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Switzerland, London and Paris. The company was founded by Soichiro Honda and its headquarter is located in Minato, Tokyo, Japan. HondaRead MoreTechnologic al Innovations : Honda Motor Company1499 Words   |  6 Pagesexhibits growth through technology is Honda Motor Company. Honda is a leading motorcycle, automobile, aircraft and engine manufacturing company that originated in Japan in 1946. Creator, Soichiro Honda, created this company with the intent of being an automotive parts manufacturer, but gradually expanded the company into other services. Using labor intensive business strategies including localizing firms, conventional engineering and factory flexibility, Honda was able to gradually expand itself toRead MoreCase Analysis: Harley- Davidson Inc.1252 Words   |  6 PagesCase Analysis: Harley- Davidson Inc. This case study analyzes the differentiation strategy adopted by Harley-Davidson Inc. to differentiate itself from the competition. Further, it will address the issues and challenges faced by Harley- Davidson Inc. due to changing demographics and financial turmoil. And last but not least the case study will give an idea of what strategies Harley- Davidson Inc. could apply in the future so that it could sustain and enhance its competitive position. Read MoreCase Analysis: Harley- Davidson Inc.1268 Words   |  6 PagesCase Analysis: Harley- Davidson Inc. This case study analyzes the differentiation strategy adopted by Harley-Davidson Inc. to differentiate itself from the competition. Further, it will address the issues and challenges faced by Harley- Davidson Inc. due to changing demographics and financial turmoil. And last but not least the case study will give an idea of what strategies Harley- Davidson Inc. could apply in the future so that it could sustain and enhance its competitive position. ThereRead MoreRisk Analysis. A Risk Analysis Was Prepared As Part Of1084 Words   |  5 PagesRisk Analysis A risk analysis was prepared as part of the review of Ford as a potential investment opportunity. The Capital Asset Pricing Model defines â€Å"the relevant risk of an individual stock as the amount of risk that the stock contributes to the market portfolio† (Brigham Ehrhardt, 2014, p. 250). The risk of a stock can be measured by its beta. The higher the beta of a stock, the higher the risk. Stocks with a beta below one are less volatile than the market while stocks with a beta of greaterRead MorePorters Five Forces Analysis done on Harley Davidson1159 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Competitor Analysis Harley Davidson remains as a dominant force in the heavy weight motorcycle industry; upholding 50% share in the heavy weight motorcycles. This year they celebrate their 110th Anniversary proudly as the only major motorcycle manufacturer to completely focus on motorcycles. (Melief, Bundgaard Hathaway, 2006) Other major players in the Motorcycle Industry are, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki that also have their other major product lines inclusive of cars, watercraft, musical equipmentRead MoreOBU ACCA BSC Hons RAP on Topic 8 - The Business and Financial Performance of an Organization over a three year period8767 Words   |  36 PagesResearch and Analysis Project 1 Were committed to providing 100% plagiarism free academic assignments i.e. Course work, Homework assignments, thesis, dissertations, HND/HNC Business assignments, Oxford Brookes (OBU) BSC Hons Applied Accounting ACCA Thesis (RAP, SLS, PPT), Essays and Term/Research papers etc. Pay in instalments and that too after you receive the first draft. Please visit and like our Facebook page www.facebook.com/assignmentwritingservices/ to avail our special discount packages

Case Study Plastic Surgeon Camarillo Ca Essay - 879 Words

Plastic Surgeon Camarillo CA Dr. Kristina Tansavatdi is one of the top facial reconstructive and plastic surgeons near the city of Camarillo; in addition, she is the only female plastic surgeon in the areas of Santa Barbara and Westlake Village. Dr. Tansavatdi focuses on providing each of her patients with the most innovative cosmetic care available for the neck and the face. Dr. Tansavatdi uses her expertise as a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon to provide each of her patients with a personalized experience. Dr. Tansavatdi is Serving the City of Camarillo At her Thousand Oaks plastic surgery practice in Westlake Village, she and her staff pamper and refresh her patients as they enjoy Dr. Tansavatdi’s lavish, private sanctuary. For years, she has offered her services to the private and fashionable residents of Montecito, Malibu and Beverly Hills: Now, she is offering her expertise to individuals who reside in the city of Camarillo. Dr. Tansavatdi is a Double Board Certified Facial Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeon Near Camarillo Dr. Tansavatdi is Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as by the American Board of Otolaryngology. As a Double Board Certified facial plastic surgeon, she is a highly sought after reconstructive and facial plastic surgeon. People from Around the World Choose Dr. Tansavatdi as Their Facial Reconstructive and Plastic Surgeon Due to her warm disposition and meticulous attention to