How does Steinbeck prepare us for the tragic ending in ‘Of Mice and Men’ Essay

Steinbeck prepares us for the tragic ending in ‘of mice and men’ right the way through the book. Lenny is the focus of all bad things to come and is a central character in the novel. First up there was the incident in ‘Weed’ where Lenny ‘stroked a woman’s red dress’ and she accused Lenny of raping her. This shows they make a habit of running away from places and people when Lenny often gets into trouble. ‘an you ain’t gonna do no bad things like you did in weed neither’. ‘they run us outta weed’. Those things show situations for the future and also show the dire situation they are in at the present, they are fugitives with Lenny committing the crimes and George helping him to get away because of their solid companionship in which both are each others only companions. The situation in weed also shows that Lenny likes stroking anything and anyone that is soft and once he has hold of someone or an it he can’t let go. This is also shown with the mice where Lenny ‘pets’ them too hard. ‘uh-uh jus a dead mouse’. He doesn’t seem to fully understand the value of life nor regret his murders. This is not because he is malicious but because he is in fact ‘mentally ill’. His strength is beyond his control and this can create very dangerous situations for him and others around him, maybe even for-seeing murder here. The pup’s yet another example, this animal is also part of Lenny’s worrying fetish, here it is shown that he is too dangerous for even bigger animals in chapter five where he kills a pup. Lenny shows violence here towards the pups which he seems to love and have affection for, he thinks if the pup had not died (through no fault of it’s own) then George would’ve let him tend the rabbits and everything would be smiley again. All Lenny cares about is the rabbits and this predicts that maybe Lenny will do something destructive with the rabbits welfare In mind because he cares about them that much. ‘I’ll break their (anyone) god damn necks if they touch the rabbits he says defensively showing aggression. The bad mood Lenny is in sets him up to be calmed down by someone/something. Unfortunately this somebody/something appears to be Curley’s wife. Curley’s wife is another central character in the preparation of an ‘all tears’ ending, she messes things for everybody and everything, ‘I knew she’d do us in the end’ George says resignedly after her death. She doesn’t show any sign of stopping when she on her role of misery-making and it all leads up to a climax of some sort, and ending maybe to all the pain and suffering each and everybody is going through, putting their minds at rest. Curley’s wife flirts as a meaning of talking to normal people, this is because she has not talked to other females and has not obtained any other skill so far in her short life, the men don’t like her and thinks shes a tart because of this but still find her attractive and Lenny is no different in this respect, ‘she’s purty’ (pretty) he says with delight while looking at her body up and down, listening to her tender voice and looking at her silky hair, instantly she becomes an obvious unintentional target for Lenny’s animals like affections and the antics what go with this along with her ‘red dress’ and ‘red mule feathers’ which also attracts Lenny. When Curley’s wife soothes Lenny and calms him down she doesn’t know what she’s letting herself in for, she thinks he’s a harmless ‘dum-dum’. She talks to him in the first place because she is lonely and in return for listening to her Curley’s wife lets Lenny stroke her hair which in turn triggers Lenny’s ‘can’t let go approach’ and he eventually kills her. We almost knew this was going to happen before it did because it resembles the weed incident too closely. Lenny had done a ‘really bad thing’ George says. A mistake of the highest degree. The death of a human being had occurred. After this George doesn’t even consider them going on the run together, here Steinbeck spells out the end of Lenny’s life indefinitely. George knows that Lenny can’t get away with it and says ‘we can’t let him get away with it this time’ showing what’s coming up next. Lenny’s death is now inevitable, George doesn’t want Lenny to get hunted down and ‘lynched’ like a wild animal but wants Lenny to die painlessly and dignified. This calls for Gorge to take control as anyway Lenny’s death is inevitable George decides to kill Lenny himself, humanely. Candy’s dog also showed signs of what happened to people who had no use in the ranch-place of work and it got shot just like Lenny would later be. If anything was learnt by the shooting of Lenny’s dog then it would have to be not to let a stranger kill someone who you care about. George deliberately took Carlson’s Luger as he set out of to kill Lenny himself. Steinbeck also uses the scenery to prepare us for the death of Lenny, the surrounding are beautiful, day turns to dusk and everything is moving along swiftly. The wind picks up in the background and a heron takes off this signifies an event is about to take place. The reader always knew that Lenny would die at the brush because that’s the place where he would go when he got in trouble and that’s how George would find him. George sensed it was going to be needed early on in the novel again preparing us for the ending. In the end the cards mapped out the future in a sad way, while George was playing ‘solitaire’ which again signifies their loneliness playing a one man game, Lenny picks up a card and asks why the card looks the same both ways up. George replies ‘that’s jus the way they make em’. He is saying that you can’t change what is inevitable just like Lenny’s impending doom. It is ironic that Lenny asks this question and George gives the answer because that is exactly what happens in the end.

Hum 176 Sylabus

The course provides an introduction to the most prominent forms of media that influence and impact social, business, political, and popular culture in contemporary America. It explores the unique aspects of each medium as well as interactions across various media that combine to create rich environments for information sharing, entertainment, business, and social interaction in the U. S. and around the world. Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: University policies: You must be logged into the student website to view this document. †¢Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies govern ing your current class modality. Course Materials Campbell, R. , Martin, C. R. , & Fabos, B (2012) Media & culture: An introduction to mass communication (8th. New York, NY: Bedford/St. Martin’s. All electronic materials are available on the student website. Week One: The Formative Influence of Mass Media on American Culture DetailsDuePoints Objectives1. 1. Summarize the evolution of mass media. 1. 2. Identify the effects of mass media on American culture. ReadingRead Ch. 1 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"The Media and Democracy† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Agenda Setting and Gate-Keeping† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion questions listed below. 15 Week One DQ#1Do traditional media have an advantage over emerging media? If so, what are they? If not, why not? Week One DQ#2 The Internet has provided many forms of social media and new forms are continuously emerging. Which forms of social media do you use on a regular basis and why? Are there any social media that you previously used but no longer use? If so, why? If not, why not? Week One DQ#3 Identify a single type of media (Internet, social media, newspaper, magazine, radio, or television) and describe the changes that have occurred to that type of media over the last 5 to 10 years.What implications so you see for the next 5 years? Explain. Week One DQ#4 If you were a reporter with access to all forms of media distribution, which do you choose first to tell a story? Why? How you might have answered this question differently 20 years ago? Week One DQ#5 In the 1950s, ’60s, and ’70s, television news was broadcast by three major television networks. There were practically no opportunities to â€Å"talk back† to the television. Now, through the Internet, there are many ways to respond to both television and Internet news. Do you think this has had a positive or negative effect on A merican culture?Why? Week One DQ#6 Is new media â€Å"mass† or not? Why? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsMass Media: Research the evolution of mass media, which has changed significantly over the last 100 years. Some forms of mass media have changed so much that they are almost unrecognizable. What are the implications of these changes? How do you see these changes continuing to change the industry? Briefly describe how this activity applied to the weekly concepts. Mass Media Effects on American Culture:Choose an aspect of American life or culture that is or has been influenced by mass media. What are the effects of this influence? What effects does the media influence have on that part of the culture? Is this beneficial? Explain. Assignment Effects of Mass Media WorksheetResources: Week One Readings and Videos Compose answers to fill in the Effects of M ass Media Worksheet. 50 Week Two: Critical Approaches to Mass Media DetailsDuePoints Objectives2. 1. Explain the implications of media convergence, in terms of both technology and business. 2. 2. Identify issues resulting from dependency on mass media. . 3. Describe the value of media literacy. ReadingRead Ch. 1 and 2 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Going Viral: Political Campaigns and Video† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Tablets, Technology, and the Classroom† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"The Impact of Media Ownership† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Two DQ#1 From your own experience, think of an example in which the media have been accused of unfairness. Draw on comments from parents, teachers, religious leaders, politicians, and so forth.Do you think these criticisms were justified? Why, or why not? Week Two DQ#2 Although in some ways postmodern fo rms of communication, such as e-mail, smartphones, and Twitter, have helped people participate in global life, do you think these media have also caused harm to traditional or native cultures? If so, how and why? If not, why not? Week Two DQ#3 How would you define media literacy? What do you think it would take to be considered â€Å"media literate†? Week Two DQ#5 Imagine that you are in a situation for an extended period of time without access to mass media. Would your life style be significantly different?Explain. Week Two DQ#6 According to the textbook, which form of media convergence, technology or business, has the most influence on your news consumption? Why? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsMedia Convergence: The term media convergence refers to the merging of media content. One definition applies to technology, and the second refers to business: c orporate media conglomerates (see Ch. 1 & 12). Research the implications of this latter phenomenon.What conflicts of interest could occur within media conglomerates, and how could such conflicts affect society’s media consumption? Briefly describe how this activity applied to the weekly concepts. Mass Media: Consider the many different mass media resources for gathering information, such as the Internet, radio, television, and so on. If you were to obtain information from only one of the sources, would your information be reliable and accurate? Why or why not? Assignment Media Convergence WorksheetResources: Week Two readings and videos Compose answers to fill in the Media Convergence Worksheet. 50Week Three: The Significance of the Internet and the Digital Age DetailsDuePoints Objectives3. 1. Explain the implications of easily obtainable information in the digital age. 3. 2. Assess credibility issues regarding information on the Internet. 3. 3. Explain the concept of the dig ital divide. ReadingRead Ch. 2, 11, 13 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"User-Generated Content† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Net Neutrality† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Three DQ#1 Do you think the Internet can make democracy work better?If so, how? If not, why not? Week Three DQ#2 Do you think the Internet has a significant influence on political campaigns? Why or why not? Week Three DQ#3 Do you think the concentration of media ownership limits the number of voices in the marketplace? Explain. Week Three DQ#4 How do you know whether you can trust Wikipedia or another online resource? Week Three DQ#5 The digital divide refers to people that have access to digital media versus those that do not. Are people who do not have a smartphone at a disadvantage (that is, are they on the wrong side of the digital divide)? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsArtists in the Digital Age: The Internet allows for numerous ways for the public to obtain music without paying for it. The Internet also provides numerous ways for artists to promote tours, new music, and memorabilia. Do you think the Internet has created more harm than good to artists in the music industry? Explain your answer. Ethical Responsibilities: What are the ethical responsibilities of Internet users? Include at least two basic ethical responsibilities to which Internet users should always adhere.Do you practice specific manners or â€Å"netiquette† during online interactions that you also expect from others? What kinds of ethical compliance do you expect in online transactions? Assignment Internet and Information PaperYour pen pal from a part of the world that lacks ready access to the Internet has written you a letter and asks you to explain several concep ts. Hello, I hear so many good things and am so fascinated with what you can do with the Internet. Finding all this information so quickly must make your life very easy. But please tell me: how do you assess the value of all this information you find on the Internet?How can you be sure that it is reliable and credible? Also, I have heard the term â€Å"digital divide. † What exactly does it mean, and how do you think this divide could be bridged? Thank you for helping me to understand these issues! Best regards, Your friend Resources: Week Three Readings and Videos Write a 700-to 1,050-word letter in which you respond to your friend’s questions. 50 Week Four: The Role of Social Media and Virtual Networks DetailsDuePoints Objectives4. 1. Explain the role of social media and virtual networks in a broader media culture. 4. 2. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of social media.ReadingRead Ch. 11 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"The Rise of Social Media† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Four DQ#1 The Week Four Toolwire Learnscape explores the effectiveness of using social media to bring attention to WhizBang Games. In general, do you think the benefits outweigh the problems of publicizing any business in this way? Why, or why not? Week Four DQ#2 Social media appears to add different benefits and values. What benefits do social media offer for your personal use?What type of negative experiences, if any, have you had from social media? Compare your answers with those of your classmates. How do they differ? Week Four DQ#3 Do you think virtual interactive communities are genuine communities? Why, or why not? Week Four DQ#4 Given the trends in online gaming, what roles beyond entertainment do you see for gaming in the near future? Week Four DQ#5 Do you think the makers of violent and sexually themed games should be held responsible for the behavior of those who play them? Why, or why not? How much responsibility do parents have in allowing children exposure to these sources?Week Four DQ#6 At what age do you think is appropriate for a child to have access to social media? Why? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsControversial Issue in Gaming: In this week’s Toolwire ® Learnscape, you meet with advertisers for the game you are promoting for WhizBang. You must provide the VP with details regarding controversial issues in electronic gaming. What are the most controversial issues in electronic gaming today? Mass Media Posters:Social media has grown over the last few years, infiltrating many different categories of people. Choose an age group that you can identify with. Create two posters, using Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® slides, depicting the advantages and the disadvantages of social medi a on society. Take into consideration the effect that social media has on your age group. Share your two posters with your class as a reply to this thread. Read through your classmates’ posters and comment on the ideas expressed in the posters. Assignment Social Media AssignmentChoose one of the following options:Option 1: Toolwire ®: Examining the Use of Social Media Access the Toolwire ® Learnscape: Examining the Use of Social Media through the link located on the student website. Complete the Learnscape Activities. Complete the Toolwire ® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. Write 250 word response to each of the following questions: †¢What are the advantages and disadvantages of social media? †¢How might knowing these advantages and disadvantages alter how a person might use social media? Option 2: Social Media Paper Write 700- to 1,050-word paper and address each of the following: Identify at least three different social media networks and describe ho w they are used. †¢Explain the advantages and disadvantages of social media. †¢Explain how knowing the advantages and disadvantages might alter how a person would use social media. Support your findings with specific examples. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. 100 Week Five: The Impact of Audio Entertainment: Music and Radio DetailsDuePoints Objectives5. 1. Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the audio entertainment media. 5. 2. Assess how music and radio have affected American values. 5. 3.Analyze the influence of music and radio on social behavior. ReadingRead Ch. 6 and 7 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"Recording Music Today† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Alternative Strategies for Music Marketing† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Radio: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Going Visual: Video, Radio, and the Web† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Five DQ#1 Over the last century, do you think music has changed from being about artistic expression to being more about money and business?Why or why not? Week Five DQ#2 Is it possible for a band or artist to make topical or political commentary in a song today while focusing on turning a profit? Week Five DQ#3 Can you think of a particular song or album that strongly affected your understanding of culture and society? If so, how did it do so? If not, why don’t you think you had that experience? Week Five DQ#4 Should National Public Radio (NPR), a source for news, commentary, and culture, continue to receive public funding? Why, or why not? Week Five DQ#5 Which of the two do you think had more influence on American culture: rock usic of the ’70s or talk radio of the ’90s? Why? Week Five DQ#6 What artists and bands have had the greatest effect on popular culture? Explain why. Do you t hink the changing genre of popular music influences the culture of different eras? If so, how? If not, why not? ParticipationParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsMedia Effectiveness: Select a breaking news story and find out how many ways that story is being delivered to an audience: online, traditional media, radio, or television.Which is most effective, and why? Did Music Rock Your World? Reflect back on your childhood and how you absorbed information and entertainment. Did you listen to music on the radio or from another source? How did music influence you as a child? How did music affect your social behavior? Assignment Influence of Music Presentation Resources: Week Five Readings and Videos Create a 5- to 8-PowerPoint ® slides to answer and illustrate the following: †¢In what ways have music and radio shaped American culture and its values? †¢Identify and introd uce your favorite musician, band, or type of music. Explain how American culture and social behavior have been shaped by the music you listen to. †¢Conclude your presentation by summarizing how audio media either reflect or influence social behavior and attitudes. 100 Week Six: The Power of Images: Television and Film DetailsDuePoints Objectives6. 1. Explain the reflective relationship between American culture and the visual entertainment media. 6. 2. Assess how television and film have affected American values. 6. 3. Analyze the influence of television and film on social behavior. ReadingRead Ch. 8, 9 and 15 of Exploring Media & Culture.Nongraded Activities and PreparationWatch â€Å"Blurring the Lines: Marketing Programs Across Platforms† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"What Makes Public Television ‘Public’? † on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Based On: Making Books Into Movies† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"More Than a Movie: Social Issues and Fi lm† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Six DQ#1 Choose a movie or show of a time you are familiar with that best reflected the popular culture of this country. What cultural aspects were present that made the movie or show appealing?Do you think those movies or television shows are still relevant and accurate? Why, or why not? Week Six DQ#2 Imagine a world without movies. What would it be like? Why? Week Six DQ#3 Some people consciously decide to not own a television set. Do you think they are wise, or are they missing out? Why do you think so? Week Six DQ#4 YouTube could be called television of the future. Do you think YouTube and television are more alike or different? Why? Week Six DQ#5 In 1939 Gone With the Wind was released with a swear word in it: â€Å"Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn. † Today it would hardly be noticed.What do you think this change says about American culture? Participatio nParticipate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplemental QuestionsEntertainment Think of an entertainment event that influenced you in some way. What effect did that event have on your life? What influence does that type of event have on American culture? Good or Bad? Television and film have been intricately woven into the fabric of American culture over the last 60 years. Think of a specific television program or film that you think affected American culture in a positive or negative way.Explain your opinion. Did it have a lasting effect or create a permanent change? Do you see this as a good or bad result? Assignment Influence of Visual Media Paper Resources: Week Six Readings and Videos Write a 350- to 700-word paper in which you investigate the interrelationship between culture and the visual entertainment media, such as television and film. Include answers to the following questions: †¢In what w ays have various forms of visual entertainment media shaped American culture and its values? †¢Are the social influences of the visual entertainment media mostly positive or negative?Explain. Illustrate your answers with specific examples. Conclude your paper by summarizing how visual media either reflect or influence social behavior and attitudes. Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines. 75 Week Seven: The News Media: Journalism and Democracy DetailsDuePoints Objectives7. 1. Assess how information media affect American values. 7. 2. Explain the social responsibilities of the news media. 7. 3. Describe the role of the news media in politics. 7. 4. Evaluate the transformative effect of electronic media on journalism. ReadingRead Ch. and 14 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Newspapers and the Internet: Convergence† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Fake News/Real News: A Fine Line† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"News papers Now: Balancing Citizen Journalism and Investigative Reporting† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Journalism Ethics: What News Is Fit to Print? † on Video Central. Watch â€Å"The Objectivity Myth† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"The Contemporary Journalist: Pundit or Reporter? † on Video Central. Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. Discussion QuestionsParticipationWeek Seven DQ#1 How comfortable are you with the credibility of the information you find on the Internet? For example, consider websites such as dailykos. com, drudgereport. com, huffingtonpost. com, mrc. org, and so on. What, if anything, makes you comfortable about the credibility of these sources? Why? Week Seven DQ#2 Many news media now attempt to increase popularity by incorporating entertainment value into their news items along with information value. Do you think this affects the ability of news media to uphold their social responsibilities? Week Seven DQ#3During the past election, did you ever find yourself following a political story or candidate on the Internet? Did you follow similar stories on candidates through television or in your local paper? What were the differences between Internet reporting and television/newspaper reporting? In your opinion, what are the general effects of the Internet on politics? Week Seven DQ#4 Do you think news reporting has changed significantly with the advent of the Internet and converging media? Why, or why not? Week Seven DQ#5 Do you think the media adequately holds politicians accountable for their actions?Why, or why not? Week Seven DQ#6 American newspapers are reputedly dying. Do you think electronic media have had a major or minor influence on their alleged demise? Explain. 15 Participate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. Supplemental QuestionsPrinciples of Journalism Walter Cronkite, a well-respected American journalist, defin ed the principles of journalism this way: fairness, balance, truth, and honesty. Do you think these principles exist in today’s news journalism? If so, how? If not, how does today’s practice diverge from them?Give specific examples. Political Balancing Act Think about a recent media event involving a political issue that interests you. What role did the news media play? In your opinion, did the news media act ethically? Did they present a balanced or unbalanced view of the event? In what ways? 10 Assignment News MediaChoose one of the following options: Option 1: Toolwire ® Learnscape Credibility and Impact Access the Toolwire ® Learnscape: Credibility and Impact: Exploring the Internet and Politics through the link located on the student website. Complete the Learnscape Activities.Complete the Toolwire ® Learnscape Assessment Part A and Part B. Write 250-word response to the following question: †¢Do the information media have social responsibility? If yes, in what ways? If no, why not? Option 2: Journalist E-mail You are a rookie news journalist, and you just completed your first major assignment covering a political campaign, including extensive research of websites to provide the political background of your story. Your best friend emails you and asks how it went. Write a 350-to 700-word e-mail to your friend in which you detail the challenges you faced regarding the following: Your responsibility as a journalist to provide fair, honest, and balanced coverage. †¢How you struggled with whether your story was socially responsible. †¢Assessing the credibility of the political Internet sites you visited for your research (consider Drudge Report, Daily Kos, Politico, Colbert Nation, The Hill, etc. ). Your awareness of how political news reporting might influence public opinion and American values. †¢100 Week Eight: Advertising and the Culture of Consumerism DetailsDuePoints Objectives8. 1. Explain the role of advertising i n a culture of consumerism. 8. . Outline key persuasive techniques used in consumer advertising. 8. 3. Identify critical issues in advertising. ReadingRead Ch. 12 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Advertising and Effects on Children† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Advertising in the Digital Age† on Video Central. Watch â€Å"Filling the News Hole: Video News Releases† on Video Central. Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. Discussion Questions ParticipationWeek Eight DQ#1 Can you think of an experience where advertising shaped your consumption? Explain.Week Eight DQ#2 Controversial topics in advertising include targeting children(sometimes even in schools); advertising alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs; creating a culture of excessive consumerism; promoting unrealistic ideals of beauty and gender roles; deceptive marketing; and aggressive political advertising. Which of these issues do you find most problematic? Why? Week Eight DQ#3 Are there particular advertisements that you find offensive? Which ones, and why? Week Eight DQ#4 Are there particular advertisements that you find annoying? Which ones, and why? Week Eight DQ#5The city of San Francisco in 2010 banned toys in McDonald’s children’s meals. McDonalds responded by offering the toys for a nominal additional cost to the meal. How important do you think the toys were to the sales of those meals? Why? 15 Participate in class discussion. Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. Supplement QuestionsCommercial Comparison Find a commercial from the 1960s or 1970s from the Electronic Reserve Reading page or elsewhere, and then a recent one for the same brand or a comparable product. Write a 200-word paragraph comparing the two commercials.What elements have changed in the presentation of the product and in the strategies to sell it? Include links to both commerc ials. Consumer Advertising Techniques Paragraph Consumer advertising has infiltrated all aspects of life. Identify one online advertisement and the persuasive techniques it uses. Evaluate whether these techniques are effective or ineffective. Write a 200-word paragraph discussing the techniques. What elements have influenced the techniques? 10 Assignment Effects of Advertising PresentationResources: Week Eight Readings and Videos Choose a product or service from these examples: †¢Fast food Class of consumer product †¢Personal care †¢Automobile Research online to analyze how that product or service has been advertised. Prepare an 8-to 12-slide PowerPoint ® presentation in which you investigate the role of advertising in a culture of consumerism. Be sure to discuss the following areas: †¢What are the key persuasive techniques used in advertising for your selected product or service? Illustrate with specific examples, explaining how each technique works. †¢Di scuss whether any of the following critical issues that related or connected with you product or service: oChildren and advertising oAdvertising in schools Health and advertising oPolitical advertising †¢Find one example of a commercial or advertisement of your product or service that strikes you as particularly creative and appealing. Consider some of the following questions: oWhat are the elements that are unusual? oWhat is the target group of the commercial? oHow does the commercial appeal to consumers? oWhy do you believe this commercial to be effective in brand name recognition? oWho determines ethical standards for advertising? oHow are ethical standards met (or pushed to their limits)? †¢Summarize the ways in which advertising has affected American culture.Illustrate your findings with specific examples. If you use external references, make sure to list your references on the last slide. Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. 100 Week Nine: Freedom of Expression in the Digital Age DetailsDuePoints Objectives9. 1. Assess the tension between free speech and constraints on free speech in media. 9. 2. Explain the legal and regulatory safeguards on free speech in the media. ReadingReview Ch. 7, 15 and 16 of Exploring Media & Culture. Nongraded Activities and Preparation Watch â€Å"Bloggers and Legal Rights† on Video Central.Watch â€Å"The First Amendment and Student Speech† on Video Central. Not graded Discussion QuestionsRespond to weekly discussion questions. 15 Week Nine DQ#1 Do you think online content should ever be censored? Explain. Week Nine DQ#2 Do you think the current movie rating system serves its intended purpose, or should it be changed? Why, or why not? Week Nine DQ#3 Between 1949 and 1987, the Fairness Doctrine was an FCC rule designed to provide â€Å"reasonable, although not necessarily equal† opportunities in presenting opposing viewpoints in radio broadcasting in order to avoid one-sided presentations.The practice was repealed under President Reagan as part of a wider deregulation effort. Do you think the Fairness Doctrine should be revived, revised, or left dead? Why? Week Nine DQ#4 Some organizations and political figures have declared that Internet access is a civil right. Do you agree or disagree with this thinking? Why? Week Nine DQ#5 What if an Internet search engine limited results to one political viewpoint or another? Would that be legal? Ethical? Explain. Week Nine DQ#6Occasionally search engines and social media sites have been accused of bias or slanted results when they appeared to curtail or advocate one political stance or another. This becomes a subject of debate because these tools are so universally accessed. However, what if a search engine excluded results that promoted hate speech, Internet piracy, or pornography? Is it appropriate to violate some individuals' rights of freedom of speech in any of those cases, or does freedom of speech trump all other concerns? Explain your thoughts. ParticipationParticipate in class discussion.Answering the supplemental questions counts towards your weekly participation grade. 10 Supplement QuestionsFree Speech Paragraph Identify an aspect of free speech. What are the legal safeguards in the Constitution protecting it? Do these regulations apply differently at the personal level than at the media level? Free Speech Activity Identify an aspect of free speech. Research the legal safeguards around it. Create a single Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® slide depicting those safeguards. Include speaker notes. Share your slide with the class as a reply to this thread. Assignment Free Speech PresentationResources: Week Nine Readings and VideosSelect and research a recent controversial issue in the media that stretched societal tolerance of free speech. Create a presentation, using Microsoft ® PowerPoint ® (6 to 10 slides) or another multimedia tool, in which you explain and discuss the following: †¢The issue itself and why it caused controversy †¢What was done to resolve the controversy? †¢If a legal case, what were the grounds for the verdict? †¢Do you agree with the outcome, or would you have liked to see a more stringent or more lenient resolution? Why? Illustrate your responses. Format your presentation consistent with APA guidelines. 150

Private Unions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

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Interdisciplinary relationships Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Interdisciplinary relationships - Essay Example Interdisciplinary relationships entail a sense of mutual coexistence among professionals of different disciplines that foster positive correlation within the working confines (Rigolosi, 2013). The need for harmonisation and collaboration amid the elements that provide primary care for the clients is essential in developing effectively working work relations within the practice. Initially, the primary care practice entailed three essential elements of the application of interdisciplinary relationships within the nursing practice. These models included the parallel, sequential and shared models all of which include the working relations between a physician and a non-physician, who is a physician subordinate or nurse practitioner. The parallel model entailed a practice of service delivery in which the nurse practitioner or non-physician provider facilitated care services to the stable patients while the physician facilitated care for the medically complex patients (Rigolosi, 2013). Thus, none of the disciplines overlapped or supported the other in the working environment. Secondly, the sequential model of the interdisciplinary relationship entails the nurse or assistant physician performing the initial physical and historical examination of the patient. After gathering the initial findings over the patient, the physician takes responsibility for differential diagnosis and management. Additionally, the physician may take initial screen for complex patient cases. The shared model entails the professionals providing care for the patients on an alternating basis, without regarding the diagnosis or complexity of the care situation. These initial aspects of interdisciplinary relationship definition formulated the basis for establishment of additionally effective models of working. The latest models of the interdisciplinary relationship within the practice include collaborative practice models, teamwork system model and interdisciplinary

Trading goods and jobs Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Trading goods and jobs - Essay Example Sweatshops are working environments with unhygienic inhumane conditions that are often viewed by most people in industrialised nations to be difficult and unsafe. The employees do not have much say in how the business is managed and how they are treated by their bosses. This can include extreme high temperatures, abuse from the employers, dangerous situations and exposure to harmful materials (Gordon, 65). The workers are normally required to work for such long hours without a break in between. Sweatshops are often associated with developing countries, although they may still exist in any country. The problem does not only stop with the working environment but there is also the problem of the low wages associated with sweatshops. In most countries with sweatshops, the employees are paid lower than the minimum wage that has been set by the government. Expecting someone to live on these low salaries is almost impossible. Majority of the employees spend more than they make, which implies that they go to bed hungry most of the time. In addition, the low wages are not enough to pay for their basic needs; it cannot take care of their families, school, rent and medical bills (Gordon, 70). Due to this, most of these people are forced to include the whole family in the work. The other major problem with sweatshops is child labour. For decades, people have been fighting against this although not much has changed. However, people still need to earn a living, even if it means that children are also involved in the work. Most families in the sweatshops are from poor families and are amenable to do whatever it takes to earn income. The employers, on the other hand, have no problem with this because child labour to them means cheap labour. Sweatshops usually involve low levels of technology and produce a variety of goods at once. This implies that it is cost saving for

History on russia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

History on russia - Essay Example having spent money and drunk liquor out of dullness because he yearns to be back home, confessing further â€Å"we weren’t wealthy, but things went properly – we lived well.† Avdeev’s living entails sacrifice for he accepts the fate that is originally meant for his brother who could not afford to leave his family. It is at that state of character when Avdeev encounters Murad and another Chechen, Bata, who both must be accompanied to the prince. Neither Murad nor Bata bears weapon or a sign of intention to combat with the Russian soldiers, instead, they emerge to confront them with humble countenances. Upon his return with Bondarenko, Avdeev enthusiastically tells â€Å"And do you know, mates, those shaven-headed lads are fine!† in reference to Murad and Bata. According to Avdeev, â€Å"Yes, really – What a talk I had with them! Such a good talk we had! Such nice fellows!†. Eventually, it may be inferred herein that despite their conspicuous differences as Chechen and Russian who generally treat each other as enemies at the time, Avdeev and Murad quite reflect a common object – that of being drawn to mundane rather than military life, where both are inclined to settle toward the heart of peace. Even if Murad is embodied in the narrative as a thorny thistle of the field by the author, his becoming a separatist guerrilla who chooses to detach from the command of Shamil occurs to bother not Avdeev’s good view of him as a fine fellow though his presence ought to threaten the aoul village at the knowledge that Murad is in secret keeping of Sado at its expense. In other words, Murad’s existence alludes pursuit of hostility, while the two warring territories have not come to reconcile terms by which their conflict persist. However, Avdeev perceives beyond such conflict and sees Murad as a man that could remind him of a family he longs to be reunited with. Hence, this should justify a personal decision to understand the case of Murad rather than hold his

Economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 35

Economics - Essay Example Neoclassical synthesis was a post-war economic concept which combined the Keynesian macroeconomics and microeconomics of the neoclassical school of thought (Mankiw, 2006). Paul Samuelson personified and popularized the neoclassical synthesis by trying to make a solid mathematical foundation of economics. This has led to the current domination of neoclassical synthesis in mainstream economics. The mainstream economics combines the supply and demand models of markets with Keynesian theory (Mankiw, 2006). It provides that costs and opportunities play an important part in shaping the decision making process of economic agents. For example, the consumer theory of demand is a model of mainstream economics which determines how prices (costs) affect quantity demanded of a particular product. In this case, decision makers (e.g. consumers) will choose products with lower costs or prices; hence affecting quantity demanded. One of the theoretical assumptions of neoclassical microeconomics is the allocation of scarce resources among unlimited wants. It is assumed that people develop rational preferences of identifiable outcomes that can be valued. Consumers/households maximize utility while firms maximize profits. Provided that they get access to sufficient information, individuals make independent decisions and act independently. Aggregate demand and aggregate supply are the main theoretical foundations of Keynesian macroeconomics (Mankiw, 2006). The IS-LM model is the basic theory of aggregate demand. When these two classes of theoretical foundations (neoclassical microeconomics and Keynesian macroeconomics) are combined, they result in short-run economic fluctuations which form the basis of mainstream economics. The new neoclassical synthesis borrows the general equilibrium theory from the new classical models. The microeconomic foundations of preferences and constraints also form the basis of the

Industrial production of aluminium from bauxite and recycling Essay

Industrial production of aluminium from bauxite and recycling - Essay Example The following work serves to outline the processes involved in extraction of aluminum from bauxite ore and further details more on aluminum recycling in the United Arab Emirates. The initial step in aluminum manufacture involves the mining of bauxite through the open cast technique. This mined bauxite is crushed and then washed to remove the mud and other dirt that may be attached. Having done this, the washed bauxite is taken through the purification process also called the Baeyers Process. The Baeyers process success follow the idea acidity of silica oxide, basicity of iron oxide and titania and the fact that alumina is amphoteric. Here, the crushed ore mixes with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or caustic soda to make a solution that is then heated. Following this process the alumina together with silica that in the form of reactive crystalline are dissolved, a process that leaves the iron oxide, titania and large percentage of silica that is already mixed with other elements. At this point filtration is done to separate the dissolved elements from the remaining residue. Following the cooling of the alumina and silica solution, a complex alluminosilicate or â€Å"sand† is precipitated out first before altering the process, a condition that allow crystallization of pure aluminum hydroxide. To speed up this process, a small amount of crystalline hydroxide, which is in its pure form, is added to act as an area where the crystal develops. The uncontaminated aluminum hydroxide crystals Al (OH)3. 3H2O are then heated in an increasingly heated furnace until the temperature is 1100o C, a factor that causes them to decompose and thus form alumina (Al2O3) and water. Since alumina is covalently bonded, the electrolysis process can only be achieved when presented in an ionic form. To realize this, the alumina is dissolved in an electrolyte, which in this case is a mixture formed from molten

Solution to Ownership for the Condominium Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Solution to Ownership for the Condominium - Essay Example One resident, a 68 year old woman named Lillian Williams was reported to have expressed her concern for the molds in the next door unit that already contaminated and ruined her personal belongings.The root cause for the problem could be pinpointed to change in ownership for the condominium. The report by Tracy dated April 11, 2011 revealed that buyers for units in the condominium were attracted to purchase under â€Å"a complicated reverse-mortgage deal backed by the federal government† (Tracy, par. 10). Further, it was stated that â€Å"the former owner of Catalina Isles, Angel Lage of South Florida, has said he has no responsibility for the place because he does not have a financial stake in it anymore. The complex is owned by a homeowners association that relies on maintenance fees and rent for income† (Tracy, par. 11). As there have been a number of units that were vacant, the homeowners association could not afford to regularly maintain the place.With the problems identified, the possible alternative course of action should be taken from the perspectives of the local agency that governs community housing problems, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and from the points of views of the residents of the condominium. Since the local inspectors at Orlando have verified the conditions of the units, those units that were found to have violated the codes for housing could be condemned and residents could be forced to be evicted.From the points of views of the residents.... Since the local inspectors at Orlando have verified the conditions of the units, those units that were found to have violated the codes for housing could be condemned and residents could be forced to be evicted. From the points of views of the residents, they can already opt to vacate the place, especially those beyond repair and seek a reverse mortgage program from the HUD. According to the official website of HUD, a reverse mortgage is â€Å"a special type of home loan that lets you convert a portion of the equity in your home into cash. The equity that built up over years of home mortgage payments can be paid to you† (par. 2). The advantage of this option is that the residents would not be subjected to hazards of living in that dire condition. The disadvantages, however, are the need to look for another place to live in, and the hustles of applying for the reverse mortgage with HUD. Further, the reverse mortgage option is only available to homeowners who are 62 years of age or older. Another option for the residents, especially of those units that are still repairable, they should shoulder the costs of maintenance and repair themselves. The advantage of this option is that they would not need for another residential place taking time, money and effort to do so. However, they should contend with the costs of repair and maintenance of the units they occupy. An Orlando tax payer expressed his views on the matter saying that â€Å"unfortunately, the real losers are the American taxpayers. Why doesn't Lillian Williams just fix and maintain her condo? When my roof leaks, I don't call the news, I just fix it. Where in the constitution does it say that I have to pay for Lillian Williams to fix her dang home? Why should I have to pay to fix

Bolivia’s Indigenous Political Voice Essay Example for Free

Bolivia’s Indigenous Political Voice Essay The full empowerment of the political voice of the indigenous people of Bolivia is symbolized by the election of Evo Morales, the country’s first Indigenous President. How did an Aymaran Indian coca farmer, the most marginalized, discriminated, and impoverished people in Latin America; finally won control of the political power to change the lives of all the peoples of Bolivia? How did the Indigenous people overpower the 500 year old political, economic and social institutions that exploited and degraded their country? The significance of this victory has implications not only for the Indigenous people and citizens of Bolivia but also to the other indigenous people around the world, other Latin American and developing countries, black African Americans and even to the U. S. and EU ‘majority’ citizens whose tax dollars pay for the implementation of imperialist policies but are ignorant or apathetic on how the ‘corporatocracy of America’ impoverish and kill other citizens around the world (Perkins, 2005). Petras (2004) has described the mass movement in Bolivia as one of the most important mass anti-imperialist movement in modern history, second only to Cuba. This is a big departure from the anti-globalization movements in North America by human rights activists, environmentalists and NGOs which only increases educational awareness but have no political or economic impact at all to the Imperialists. Due to the transformational impact and significance of the Political Voice of the Indigenous people, the paper aims to discuss the proactive actions of Indigenous people and the confluence of events which shifted the real power from the ‘white’ minority in Bolivia to the ‘Indigenous’ majority. Furthermore, it is significant to note that Petras’ (2004) insight to the sustainability of the mass movement in Bolivia can also be related to the sustainability of Bolivia’s New Indigenous government. Petras stated that the anti-imperialist movement in Bolivia is sustainable because inherent class struggles of peasants and urban workers are ‘embedded in the movement’. The mass-based leadership and its direct connection to the struggles of the people prevent the betrayal of the movement from ‘bourgeoise nationalists’ who are vulnerable to the seduction of the elite and foreign imperialist governments. Therefore, for the Bolivian Indigenous government to survive, it must stay anti-imperialist and create institutions, political instruments and polices that would make it secure against the attacks and at the same time strengthen its linkage to the struggles and daily lives of its people (Petras, 2004). This truth is affirmed by the current Indigenous president in his inaugural speech in 2006, â€Å"You have to control me. You have to control me. I may make a mistake but I will not betray you. † Most importantly, the paper highlights how the Indigenous knowledge and cultural values have provided Bolivia, an alternative framework for economic development, industrialization and management of natural resources. In addition, the solutions to promote solidarity and nationalism to Bolivia’s multi-ethnic and geographically divided population (which is also being attacked by the right-wing elite backed by the U. S. government) is found in the Indigenous Catholic Church. In the past, the church served as the catalyst for Bolivia’s mass movement. Today, the Indigenous Church continues to play a vital role in unifying Bolivian citizens. Lord Acton has noted â€Å"Christianitys capacity to transcend national differences, at least among believers. Its universalism, he noted, enabled nations â€Å"to live together under the same authority, without necessarily losing their cherished habits, their customs, or their laws. † (Jusdanis, 2001, p. 198) Another important source for the forging of ‘Bolivian Nationalism’ is the strong social democratic state led by Evo Morales which will assert its legitimacy and sovereignty, through equitable distribution of wealth and education and health reforms. As Lord Acton explained, â€Å"A nation is a moral and political being; not the creation of geographical or physiological unity but developed in the course of history by the action of the State. It is derived from the State, not supreme over it†. That the state should precede nationality was in his opinion essential for the maintenance of liberty and prosperity—the opposite of Herders belief that the state should grow out of the nation. (Jusdanis, 2001, p. 198) Furthermore, solidarity built through common experience of colonialism and imperialism has motivated Bolivia, South America, and Third World countries to create political instruments and institutions such as ALBA, Mercosur, Telesur, G22 to protect their respective countries’ sovereignty which is ‘necessary for the attainment of an equitable and balanced economic growth’(Morales, 1992). I. Background on Bolivia Bolivia is known for its extraordinary geography, the ‘Tibet of South America’; extreme poverty despite rich natural resources, ‘Beggar sitting on a throne of riches’; extreme racism and exploitation of the majority by few wealthy elites and by multinational corporations backed by an imperialist government, ‘Economic slavery and Apartheid lives in Bolivia! ’. However, these facts alone do not convey what is most significant about Bolivia, the extraordinary spirit of its Indigenous people. They never gave up and mounted 150 to 200 coups against oppression in its 160 years of independent history (Morales, 1992, p. 200). Furthermore, the Bolivian mass movement has been described by Petras (2004) as the most important anti-imperialist movement and second only to that of Cuba. The collective spirit or culture of the Indigenous people has proven its strength to endure 500 years of invasion and ‘dictatorship of individualism’ (Blanco, 2007). â€Å"Despite centuries of neglect, destruction of all cultural context or support, ethnic discrimination, starvation, cultural domination, religious conversion, racial bigotry, lack of education and health care, economic exploitation and destruction of their environment, the Andean Indian culture survives, smoldering in hearts and minds, towns and villages, streets and plazas† ( Dowbrigade. com, 2005). After more than 500 years, Highland and Amazon indigenous people still compose about two-thirds of Bolivias population. This is the highest proportion of Indians in the hemisphere. If this were true in the United States, it would be equivalent to ‘160 million Apaches, Hopis and Iroquois’ still living and embracing their culture despite being in a ‘white’ American society (Powers, 2005). Since the 16th century Spanish conquest, Bolivia’s Indigenous people and natural resources have been exploited first by colonizers and then by the elite minority in collusion with multinational corporations backed by the US Imperialist government. Silver was looted by the Spaniards, then the latter’s descendants, the wealthy urban elites or ‘whites’ looted the country’s tin and rubber. Bolivia is one of the most corrupt societies in the world according to a World Bank study. â€Å"Although Bolivia was long a major source of the worlds tin, the wealth from this irreplaceable resource went into the hands of a few absentee oligarchic families who lived mostly in Paris and New York† (Morales, 1992, p. xi). Moreover, the Spanish descendants or ‘whites’ which are only 5-15% of the population dominated and controlled political and economic life for centuries and was only halted by the election of Evo Morales in December 2005. The ‘white’ elites made a living as professionals, wealthy merchants, or high-ranking government officials. The racial term ‘white’ is chiefly associated with socioeconomic status in Bolivia (Morales, 1992, p. 14). On the other hand Indians comprise 60% of the population and they make a living as low-income subsistence farmers, miners, small traders or artisans (Country Profile: Bolivia, BBC News. com). The rest or 30% of the population are Mestizos who closely identify with the ‘whites’. The wealthy mestizos are also encouraged to marry daughters of impoverished ‘white’ families so they can have educated ‘white’ children and improve their status (Hudson and Hanratty, 1989. Powers (2005) aptly declares that, ‘Bolivian apartheid’ or ‘pigmentocracy of power’ continues to exist. In 1985, Father Gregorio Iriarte, published the following statistics: Bolivia has the highest infant mortality rate in all of Latin America (213 per 1,000) and the lowest life expectancy (47 years); half the nation is undernourished, with 70 percent of the children dying before the age of 15 of treatable diseases of poverty; more than 50 percent of the population is illiterate; and the country has one of the worst distributions of wealth in the Americas (the wealthiest 5 percent control 39 percent of the national income and the poorest 20 percent, only 2 percent)(cited in Morales, 1992, p. 204). In 2005, after twenty years of U. S. Aid and humanitarian programs, IMF and World Bank structural and neo-liberal economic policies, the Bolivia majority population still live on less than $2 a day (Powers, 2005). II. What are the factors that gave rise to the ‘Empowerment of the Political Voice of the Indigenous People of Bolivia? Support of the Catholic Church for the Indigenous People, Revitalization of the Indian Culture Waltraud Q. Morales in ‘Bolivia: Land of Struggle’ (1992) attributed Bolivia’s underdevelopment to the structure of powerlessness and lack of economic and political independence. She strongly advocated that the renewal of the nation and formation of a socio-economic model that would lift Bolivia from poverty lies in the Indian Culture (p. 202-204). Neither the defeated and decadent heritage of Spanish colonialism nor the declining, materialist imprint of North American imperialism can serve as the basis of moral renewal. The heritage that survives undefeated, whole, and vibrant is the Indian one. Unlike the Western system of wealth accumulation to the detriment of others, economic equality is integral to the indigenous vision of justice [italics mine]. The Aymara believe in Kuskachana or Pampachana, meaning the leveling or reestablishment of a balance. In the Aymara world view, uncontrolled growth as development is suicide, not progress; and development without respect for the earth negates the sense of themselves, their personal and cultural identity. The message from ancient voices is one not of greed or private property but of community and peoplehood† [italics mine] (Morales, 1992, p. 204). The revitalization of the ethnic Indian culture was initiated by the Catholic Church to stimulate indigenous political activism (Cleary, 2004). In 1968, Theology of Liberation was introduced in the Latin American Bishop Medellin Conference. The Church recognized that each culture has its own integrity and must be respected and given the freedom to develop their full potential. In addition, the Church advocated against the use of traditional church practices that foster the continuation of the domination of the ‘whites’ and ‘mestizos’ over the Indian peasants through paternalistic and accommodative practices (e. g. sponsoring of the fiestas and indebtedness of the peasants to the patron). The church recognized that the revitalization of the Indian Culture is central to transforming Bolivian politics and society. They trained native leaders as catechists and promoted the use of native language, ‘recovery of cultural memory’ and integration of the Indian cosmological view with Christian doctrines in the Bible which supported political self-determination (Cleary, 2004). Educational Centers were built and this helped raise the political consciousness of the Indigenous people; encouraged them to turn outward and ‘occupy their political space’, rather than show their resistance by isolating themselves in their communities. The Indian catechists also built their sense of citizenship; and recognition of their right and capacity to interact with the state instead of feeling inferior and staying outside of the political arena. They were also motivated to self-organize for their emancipation. This resulted in the flourishing of Grassroots organizations in Bolivia (Cleary, 2004). In the 1960s, Xavier Albo, formed CIPCA (Centro de Investigacion y Promocion del Campesinado) or Center for Investigation and Promotion of Peasants. He later helped young Aymara people establish the Tupac Katarista Center which helped develop young Aymaran leaders. Within a short span of time, these Aymarans occupied positions in several government peasant unions and also organized their own unions. Later on, these leaders were able to unite urban, mine, and rural workers to fight against unequal treatment and demand credit, education, and health services from the government (Cleary, 2004, p. 54). The Katarist movement and experience of other lowland grassroots organizations also influenced the Indigenous Center of Eastern Bolivia (CIDOB). CIDOB gained national prominence in 1990, when they organized the march of Indigenous people demanding â€Å"territory and dignity† over hundreds of kilometers across the country’s main highways to La Paz (Cleary, 2004, p. 54). Most importantly, the centers and the native church leaders through liberation theology aimed to develop ‘community solidarity’ among the Indians divided by plural ethnicities, cultures, geography and economic status (Cleary, 2004). Geo-political Reality in Bolivia Geography has been the more potent force, splitting the country in half, into a land divided. Communications and transportation systems have overcome neither the barrier of the high Andes Mountains cutting through the heart of the country nor the northeastern pull of the vast lowland rivers away from the highland and toward the undeveloped Amazon and Brazil. Nature itself seems in league with regionalist forces as this intricate system of waterways leads from nowhere to nowhere. Extreme topographical diversity encourages intense racial and cultural division between the Andean highlands and the eastern, tropical lowlands. Highlanders and lowlanders are aliens in each others world (Morales, 1992, p. 4). As further explained by Morales (1992), the Bolivian highlander identifies more with the other highlanders from Peru and Chile while the Bolivian lowlander identifies more with their fellow lowlander from Brazil or Argentina (p. 4). However, this affinity of Bolivians with people from neighboring countries can also be positive in the establishment of regional integration for the South American region to counter Imperialism. ‘Even within related Indian communities, wide differences in custom and dress persist. Within the Quechua nation, for instance, one can distinguish a variety of local groups: the Tarabucos, the Chayantas, the Laimes, the Ucumaris, the Calchas, the Chaquies, the Yuras Lipes, and the Tirinas. A highlander can readily identify the region of the country and the community of an Indian by differences in dress, custom, and music’ (Morales, 1992). Moreover, Bolivia is subdivided into nine regional departments or provinces administratively. These departments are La Paz, Oruro, Potosi, Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, Tarija, Santa Cruz, Beni, and Pando. Competition for political power and economic influence have historically characterized the relationships between these departments (Morales, 1992, p. 5. ). Furthermore, Chavez (2007) added that the division between the western highlands, and eastern lowlands is also racial, and socio-economic. The Western highlands is home to the impoverished indigenous majority while the Eastern provinces is home to wealthier people of mainly Spanish descent. The Eastern provinces also hold most of the countrys natural gas production and industry. Indian Culture and Values Central to the transformation of Bolivian Society Hugo Blanco, leader of the peasant uprising in the Cuzco region of Peru in the early 1960s explains how the Indigenous â€Å"cosmic vision is different from the Western outlook that views the creator as a superior immaterial spirit who created man in his image and likeness and created nature to serve him. For the indigenous cosmic vision, humanity is a daughter of and part of Mother Earth. We must live in her bosom in harmony with her â€Å"(Blanco, 2007). Blanco is proud of the Andean-Amazon culture and states that, â€Å"This culture is marked by deep knowledge of nature and is highly agricultural. Ours is one of the seven zones of the world to have originated agriculture†¦ For more than 10,000 years our culture domesticated 182 plant species, including around 3,500 potato varieties. Our people know 4,500 medicinal plants. Tawantinsuyos planned agriculture based on a system of watersheds and micro watersheds or basins. They built long aqueducts, taking care to avoid land erosion. Terracing was practiced on the slopes and â€Å"waru-waru† in the altiplano (highlands)]. Special technologies were used from zone to zone. Across the entire Tawantinsuyo territory they created storage buildings (qolqa) to supply food to the population whenever some climatic shift undermined agriculture †¦It’s true that the new forms of collectivism gave rise to privileged castes and wars of conquest. But in no part of the continent was production based on slave labor or the feudal system. Although there were privileged castes, hunger and misery did not exist. Orphans, persons with disabilities, and the elderly were cared for by the community† (Blanco, 2007). Cochabamba Water War 2000 Alturalde (2006) imparted that the indigenous people view ‘water as life and gift from Mother Earth’. When the World Bank and IMF in Bolivia imposed the privatization of water on the Bolivian government, Aguas del Tunari (ADT), the subsidiary the US-based Bechtel was awarded the contract which included sources of water that belonged to the Indigenous people since ancient times. When ADT announced an increase in water rates, which the Indigenous people could not afford, the latter in massive numbers went to Cochabamba to protest. Anger was already simmering due to the structural policies of the IMF which deprived them of much needed government services. The additional privatization of water which made it unaffordable to the poor indigenous people and the directive not even to save rainwater provoked violent reactions. Hundreds of people were injured in the ‘water war’. This disaster also made the people aware of the lack of recognition of the legal rights of the Indigenous people and their lack of strong political representation in Congress to defend their interests (Alurralde, 2006). Indigenous Alternative to Privatization In 2002, Bolivias Consejo Interinstitucional del Agua (interinstitutional water council) asked organizations for research on how to resolve the water conflict. The Comision para la Gestion Integral del Agua en Bolivia (commission for integrated water management in Bolivia) proposed a highly inclusive participatory process which would involve the use of the best possible science in determining the solution that would be in the best interest of the nation. (Alurralde , 2006). Numerous workshops for Indigenous communities in different parts of the country were held. To ensure that the new law would reflect the agreement on these meetings, the Ministry of Sustainable Development and Planning, and Parliaments Environment Commission were also included. The workshop organizers used Mike Basin, a computer simulation program to analyze the impact of the proposals. They used the data proposed by the government which is ‘assigning individual rights based on a fixed discharge’. The also used the data of the ‘daily water allocation by Indigenous communities under the traditional communal system. The results of the computer model showed that the traditional system allocated water much more efficiently and equitably, although it was not completely free of waste. The findings provided the foundation for key sections of Bolivias new irrigation law which was passed by Parliament in 2004 (Alurralde, 2006). ‘Many Indigenous peoples have a long history of using water wisely. By incorporating their views into the policy-making process, existing policies are strengthened’ (Alurralde, 2006). Nationalization of Natural Gas The ‘Gas War’ erupted from September to October 2003. These popular protests for the equitable distribution of the benefits of the country’s vast natural gas compelled the resignation of two presidents and the election of Evo Morales. The protests originated from the privatization of President Sanchez de Lozada of the gas and oil companies in 1996 under the orders of the IMF and World Bank. The proposal to sell liquid natural gas to the international markets through Chile, to whom their coastline was lost in the 18th century, further stoked the anger of the population. These people were already protesting the lack of transparency in the contracts and their impoverished condition compared to the visible wealth of the foreign companies and elites who controlled their country’s natural resources. In the National referendum on the gas issue on 2004, majority voted for greater state control and increased revenue for the state. In 2006, by Supreme Decree 28701, President Morales nationalized the country’s gas and oil industry (Hodges, 2007). This form of nationalization involved higher tax payments by petroleum companies and the renegotiation of contracts rather than expropriation. Due to these changes, income increased nine times from 2002 to 2007. In 2003 petrol companies paid an estimated $173 million US dollars in tax to the Bolivian government compared to 2007 payment of $1. 57 billion dollars (Hodges, 2007). These protests against specific issues of water, and gas and the visibility of the IMF and World Bank in imposing privatization and structural adjustment policies increased the growing awareness of the population of the direct linkage of their class struggles (urban workers and peasants) to macro-economic imperialist policies of the U. S. and the ‘white’ local elites (Petras, 2004). These united the multi-ethnic and diverse urban workers, miners, and rural peasants to a common struggle to oust the ‘puppet regimes’ of imperialist governments and install an indigenous President. Opening of Opportunities to Participate in the Political Process Aside from the Catholic Church’s role in encouraging political activism, other events and people contributed to the civic education of the Indians which built their political capacity to be able to install their own Indigenous President in Bolivia. The 1952 Bolivian National Revolution led by the MNR party, which was headed by the nationalist elite depended on the strength of the indigenous people to storm the Presidential palace. The Indigenous people began to recognize the strength of the alliance between urban workers and peasants (Cleary, 2003). Victor Paz Estonssoro, returned from exile as President and introduced reforms including universal suffrage, nationalization of tin mines and land distribution, and educational reforms, and improvement of status of indigenous peoples (Country Profiles, Bolivia, BBC News). These opened up opportunities to the indigenous people to participate in the national life (Cleary, 2004, p. 53). However, these reforms were interrupted by the intervention of the U. S. and the reversal of the nationalization program. In exchange for foreign aid, policies were instituted to promote foreign participation over the extraction of the natural resources (Lernoux, 1980). Under the Vice-Presidency of Victor Cardenas, an Aymaran Indian; laws were also passed to increase the political participation of the indigenous people in national life. In 1994, a Constitutional Amendment was passed to define Bolivia as a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural The law of Popular Participation also recognized the indigenous form of governments of ‘ayllu’ and ‘’imburvicha’. Public funds were channeled for the use of these government units. Furthermore, the 1995 Law of Decentralization, created stronger municipalities and generated synergy among the grassroots organizations of the indigenous people (Cleary, 2004, p. 55). The indigenous people proactively seized and enthusiastically embraced the opportunities for self-determination. They competed against entrenched politicians who even trucked voters during elections. After decentralization, 464 indigenous leaders were elected to local councils. More than 25% of those elected served as mayors and 9 out of 130 deputies were elected to Congress (Cleary, 2004, p. 57). Cleary (2004) attributed to the above elected Indigenous leaders the ‘widespread multicultural and bilingual educational system, establishment of new government agencies to serve the indigenous sector, acceptance of indigenous culture as part of the national patrimony, and the coming from shadows to prominence [of Indigenous peoples] in national politics’ (p. 57). National Unity against US Imperialism and Intervention. Waltraud Morales (1992) claims that foreign intervention undermines a country’s development because the ‘fragmentation of nationhood due to foreign control and intervention leads to extensive social, cultural, and moral disintegration (p. 202-204). Since culture and values plays an important role in the development of Nationalism in Bolivia, it is imperative that the state be anti-imperialist. This fragmentation takes place at the administrative levels, in the press, and in cultural activities; it is visible at the highest levels of population where little groups dispute the privilege of being friends of the foreigner; it descends to the people when the desperation of poverty causes one to consent to achieving an advantage by the sacrifice of dignity. †¦Extreme poverty facilitates colonization; men in Bolivia have a lower price. There is a certain level at which poverty destroys dignity; the North Americans have discovered this level and work on it: in their eyes and for their pocketbook, a Bolivian costs less than an Argentine or a Chilean. (Morales, 1992, p. 202).

Nfc Awards In Pakistan Economics Essay

Nfc Awards In Pakistan Economics Essay Pakistan is a federation consisting of four provinces, federally administered tribal areas, northern areas and Islamabad Capital Territory. Pakistan is a federation but its government is highly centralized, so majority of the revenues are collected at the center and then re-distributed vertically between federal and provincial governments, and horizontally among provinces through National finance Commission (NFC) awards. Then the provinces further re-distribute the resources to local governments through a revenue-sharing formula framed by Provincial Finance Commission (PFC). The criteria of revenue sharing has always been a bone of contention between the federation and the provinces. This is mainly because the federal government keeps a larger part of the revenues to themselves while provinces are left with fewer resources to carry on their development activities, thats why they face budget deficits very frequently. Moreover, there is a little autonomy and capacity for provinces to c ollect taxes on their own, so mainly they have to rely on the revenues relocated to them by the Federal government through NFC awards. The share provinces get from the Federal government is not sufficient to carry on the development projects, which is the reason they get into budget deficits very frequently. For proper service and delivery there is need of a higher share for provinces in NFC awards. Systematic Resources transfers among governments occurs at 4 levels. Firstly, from federal governments to provincial governments through National Finance Commission (NFC). Secondly, from provincial governments to local governments through Provincial Finance Commission (PFC). Thirdly, from federal to local, and lastly from local to local. In this report, I will focus mainly on systematic resource transfers from Federal to Provincial governments through National Finance Commission awards. National Finance Commission is constituted under Article 160(1) of the 1973 constitution for the smooth and thoughtful revenue transfers between Federal and Provincial governments. Constitutionally, it is to be held every 5 years by the President of Pakistan to review the resource sharing mechanism for the equitable fiscal transfers between Central and Provincial governments. Certain taxes collected from provinces are added in the distribution pool and then re-distributed to provinces according to the revenue sharing formula. NFC decides what percentage of the total revenues will be retained by the Federal government and what share will go to the provinces. What taxes to include in the distribution pool has always been a question of debate. The chairman of the commission is the Federal Finance Minister, and its members include all provincial finance ministers and experts to be nominated by the president of Pakistan in consultation with the provincial governors. The main charter of NFC is concerned with the following matters. Distribution of specified taxes and duties between the federation and the provinces. Payment of financial grants to provincial governments. Borrowing power exercised by the Federal and Provincial governments. Any other financial matter referred to the commission. As per law, NFC was supposed to be constituted for smooth and equitable revenue transfers between the Federal government and provinces. But in reality, it faced difficulties which hindered its development. Only 7 NFC awards have been given up till now, of which 3 were conclusive. The rest 4 remained inconclusive because federal government and provinces couldnt reach an agreement on the distribution criteria of revenues, therefore an interim award was awarded by the President in this situation. This paper will evaluate all the NFC awards in the history of Pakistan. Its related issues will be highlighted and improvements in the resource transfer mechanism will be recommended. 2. THE EVOLUTION OF NFC AWARDS 2.1 PRE-INDEPENDENCE REVENUE SHARING (NIEMEYER AWARD) Before independence of Pakistan, Niemeyer Award was followed in British India for the distribution of revenues between the Federal government and provinces, under the Government of India Act, 1935. All the financial matters between Federal and provincial governments were ruled by this act. Under this award, sales tax was a provincial subject, and 50 percent of the income tax collections were subjected to be redistribute. Even after the independence, Niemeyer award was followed till March 1952 with some adjustment in railway budget, sharing of income and sales tax. 2.2 POST-INDEPENDENCE REVENUE SHARING (RAISMAN AWARD) After the independence of Pakistan, Sir Jeremy Raisman was asked to devise a revenue sharing mechanism for allocation of revenues between federal and provincial governments. Thus he formed a revenue sharing formula called Raisman award in 1952. Considering the poor financial condition of the newly born state, a 50 percent share of sales tax was given to the federal government. Out of incomes of 50 percent income tax, 45 percent was given to East Pakistan, while the rest of the portion was given to the West Pakistan. 2.3 REVENUE SHARING UNDER ONE UNIT During 1955, Sindh, Punjab, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were professed as one unit- The West Pakistan. East Pakistan and West Pakistan were declared as the two separate units. The two awards, of 1961 and 1964, distributed the revenue between East Pakistan and West Pakistan. 2.3.1 The 1961 Award In this award, the share of East Pakistan from divisible pool was decided to be 64 percent, while that of West Pakistan was 46 percent. 30 percent of the sales tax was relocated to provinces on the basis of their respective collection. While the remaining duties on agricultural land and capital value tax on immovable property were given to the units as per their collection. 2.3.2 The 1964 Award Under this award, the divisible pool consisted of sales tax, income tax, export duty and excise duty. 30 percent of the sales tax were relocated to each province according to its collection. The share of center and provinces from the divisible pool was decided to be 35 percent and 65 percent respectively. While the share of East Pakistan and West Pakistan remained the same as in previous award i.e. 64 percent and 46 percent respectively. 2.3.3 National Finance Committee 1970 A committee was formed instead of a commission in April 1970 to devise a formula for revenue sharing between federation and the federating units. The divisible pool remained unchanged, though the federal and provincial governments share in the divisible pool was declared as 20:80 respectively. 54 percent of the provincial share was given to East Pakistan, while the rest 46 percent went to West Pakistan. The distribution among the provinces of West Pakistan was: Punjab 56.5 percent, Sindh 23.5 percent, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 15.5 percent, and Baluchistan 4.5 percent. After the separation of East Pakistan, their revenue share was transferred to the provinces of West Pakistan. The revenue proportion remained the same, but the size of the pie was changed. NATIONAL FINANCE COMMISSION 1973 The 1973 constitution made mandatory for the government of Pakistan to make a National Finance Commission every 5 years for fair revenue distribution between Federal government and the provinces. From that point of time, West Pakistan started its journey after the separation of East Pakistan. From 1974 onwards, all the awards have been given under the National finance Commission. In reality, NFC has not been constituted every 5 years, contrary to what the law demanded. Lets briefly go through the various NFC awards in the history. First NFC Award 1974 After an increase in the number and amount of taxes between 1951 and 1970, there was a contraction in both in 1974, reducing the size of the divisible pool. The divisible pool only included income tax, sales tax, and export duty. The distribution ratio between federal government and provinces remained the same as 20:80 respectively. The criteria for horizontal distribution among provinces was decided to be population. Punjab, being the biggest in population, was advantaged. Its share was increased from 56.50 percent to 60.25 percent. While the other three provinces suffered, Sindh suffering the most. The resource distribution among provinces is presented in the table below. Table 1 1974 NFC Award-Provincial share Punjab Sindh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Baluchistan 60.25% 22.50% 13.39% 3.86% To combat the weak fiscal position of the provinces, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa were granted aid of Rs.50 million and Rs.100 million respectively. Second NFC Award 1979 The second NFC was constituted by the President general Zia-ul-Haq in 1979. But it held no meetings, consequently no award was given. Therefore, the award of 1974 was followed as an interim award. After census was held in 1981, the population ratios changed and so did the provincial share in NFC awards. The provincial share was adjusted according to the new census, which led some improved conditions in Baluchistan and Sindh, whereas the share of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remained unchanged. The new provincial resource distribution according to the changed population is illustrated in the given table. Table 2 1979 NFC Award- Provincial Share Punjab Sindh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Baluchistan 57.97% 23.34% 13.39% 5.30% Third NFC Award 1985 The third NFC was also constituted in Zia-ul-Haq regime in 1985. It held nine meetings in 3 years but failed to produce any fruitful results, mainly due to political instability. So the award of 1974 was followed till 1990. Fourth NFC Award 1991 After a long time, NFC became successful in giving recommendation in 1991. NFC is supposed to announce an award every 5 years, but there was a gap of 17 years between the previous award of 1974 and the 1991 award. This award came with some improvements and expansion in the divisible pool. Central excise on tea, tobacco, and betel nut was added in the divisible pool. So the divisible pool consisted of income tax, sales tax, export duty, and excise duty. However, custom duty still remained with Federal government. Federal government also took the responsibility of financing the provinces in case of deficits. The Federal and provincial share remained to be at 20 percent and 80 percent respectively. It can be said that the 1991 award was so far the best deal for provinces. But this award could not make any development regarding the diversification in the revenue sharing mechanism. The sole criteria for revenue sharing among provinces remained to be population. Disagreements among provinc es hindered the development in the resource sharing criteria. However, if we look at the positive side, this award considerably expanded the volume of provincial share in the revenues collected by the Federal government by around 18 percent as compared to 1974 award. This was mainly due to the addition of excise duty on certain items in the divisible pool. The 1991 award was a step forward to fiscal decentralization and provincial autonomy in the country. The 1973 constitution acknowledged the right of provinces to get royalty on natural resources on the basis of collection by each province. Royalty on gas and crude oil, development surcharge on gas, and profits from hydro-electricity were relocated to provinces in the form of straight transfers. As a result, the transfers to provinces increased from 28 percent (Rs. 39 billions) to 45 percent (Rs. 64 billion) of federal tax revenue. The share of each province under this award is given in the table below. Table 3 1991 NFC Award-Provincial Share Punjab Sindh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Baluchistan 57.88% 23.28% 13.54% 5.30% Provincial share didnt have any changes because population was still the sole criteria for revenue distribution and no census was held since 1981. However, the volume of provincial share increased due to the inclusion of new taxes in the divisible pool. In addition to this, special grants were also provided to provinces to meet their developmental needs. The amount of these grants is illustrated in table 4. Table 4 1991 NFC Award-Provincial Grants Amount/Years Punjab Sindh Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Baluchistan Amount 1000 700 200 100 Next Years 3 5 3 3 (Rs.in million) However there was an increase in the flow of funds to the Provincial governments, provinces were advised to generate their own funds, but the autonomy and funds generating capacity were not sufficient as needed. Fifth NFC Award 1996 The 5th NFC award was announced in late 1996 by the care-taker government of that time. This award included all the federal taxes in the divisible pool. Which comprise: income tax, sales tax, capital value tax, wealth tax, excise duties (except the excise duty on gas charged at wellhead) and any other tax collected by federal government. Royalty on crude oil and development surcharge on gas were also relocated to provinces in the form of straight transfers. The incentive of matching grants was also given to the provinces but up to a certain limit; only if provinces exceeded their revenue target of 14.2 percent they would get matching grants. However, numerous objections have been made by the members of parliament elected to the provincial and federal governments following the 1997 general elections. With the expansion of federal divisible pool, the federal-provincial ratio in this award changed radically. Earlier it was 20 percent for federal government and 80 percent for provinces. In this award, the ratios were changed to 62.5 percent for federal government and 37.5 percent for provinces. One reason for decreasing the provincial share in the divisible pool is the overestimation of GDP growth rate. During the period when this award was being exercised, the country faced internal and external upsets which negatively affected the economy. Some say that provinces would be in a better financial situation if previous award of 1991 award was continued to follow that time. The sole criteria for resource distribution continued to be population. No development was made in this area. Considering the miserable situation of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, special grants of 4 and 3.3 and billions rupees were awarded to them respectively for the next 5 years. Sixth NFC Award 2000 The 6th NFC was constituted in year 2000 by the President General Pervez Musharraf. It held 11 meetings but could reach to any conclusions due to disagreements among the members of NFC. Provinces were demanding a share up to 50 percent, as well as diversification in the resource distribution criteria. Another NFC was constituted on 21st July, 2005 during President Musharrafs regime. But it too, like the previous NFC, stuck in a deadlock among its members and failed to give any recommendations due to the conflicting demands of its members. After an unsuccessful attempt to generate consensus on the resource distribution mechanism, all the provincial Chief Ministers asked the President to give a fair and justified award which would be acceptable to all stakeholders. So General Musharraf amended the Distribution of Revenues and Grants-in-Aid Order, 1997 by issuing Ordinance No. 1 of 2006. Thus after a deferral of 6 years, the 1997 award was amended and came into force on 1st July, 2006. Under this award, due to the constant demand from provinces, the provincial share from the divisible pool increase to 45 percent (share in total divisible pool + grants), with gradual increase of 1 percent every year up till the next 5 years. All the taxes of 1996 award were included in the divisible pool. The grants to provinces were increased from Rs.8.7 billion to Rs.27.75 billion. Punjab and Sindh, which didnt receive any grant in the 1997 award, were also given grants of Rs.3.05 billion and Rs.5.83 billion respectively. Seventh NFC Award 2010 The most recent NFC award of 2010 was given in the present democratic government. 2010 NFC award is a milestone in the history of Pakistan, which has bring improvements and variation in the resource distribution criteria. The demands of Sindh, Baluchistan and KPK have been recognized. The most prominent and distinguishing feature of this award is that it has followed a multi-dimensional revenue distribution criteria. In addition to population, other parameters have also been included, such as poverty, underdevelopment, and inverse population density criteria, as demanded by Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan. Baluchistan being the largest in area and scattered in population, demanded the criteria of inverse population density to include in the revenue sharing formula. While Punjab wanted population to remain the only criteria because it is in the provinces advantage. Since 1973 constitution, it is for the first time that resources are not distributed among provinces according to the old popu lation standards, but an advancement has been made in the resource sharing criteria. The formulation of multiple criteria for resource distribution is a commendable step and a way further to fiscal autonomy of provinces. It has been measured as a success of democratic system and provincial partners. Economists have measured it groundwork for Fiscal Federalism in Pakistan. No disputes came in the way of approval of 7th NFC award. It is marked by sacrifices and compromises by all the stakeholders for the sake of national unity and development. The big provinces exhibited flexibility in their approach to accommodate the demands of smaller and backward provinces. The center has sacrificed more than 10 percent of its share for provinces i.e. about Rs.225 billion more were granted to provinces during FY 2011-12 budget [Pakistan Economic Survey (2011)]. All the stakeholders have decided to cut the cost of revenue collection to 1 percent (previously it was 5 percent) to increase the flow of real transfers to provinces. Resultantly, the provincial share from the divisible poo l increased from 47.5 percent to 56 percent in the first year and 57.5 percent for all the remaining years of the award. This award is also significant in a way that all the provinces and center have shown a considerate behavior towards the most backward province Baluchistan. Acknowledging its special development needs, all the stakeholders have agreed to provided Baluchistan Rs.83 billion (9.09 percent) of the provincial pool in the first year of the Award. Punjab has given up 1.27 percent, Sindh 0.39 percent, and KPK 0.26 percent of its share. Whereas Baluchistan has gained 1.82 percent. The federal government has given up more than 10 percent of its share for provinces, which has increased the flow of revenues to provinces. The number one beneficiary of this award is Baluchistan with an additional budget of 175 percent. While KPK, the second most benefitted, received 79 percent, Sindh 61 percent, and Punjab 48 percent additional budget. The resource distribution among provinces is illustrated in table 5. Table 5 NFC Award 2010- Resource Distribution Province % Share in Divisible Pool under 7th NFC % Change in Share Additional Budget % Punjab 51.74 1.27 48 Sindh 24.55 0.39 61 KPK 14.62 0.26 79 Baluchistan 9.09 +1.82 175 Source: Pakistan Economic Review (2010) If we talk about the distribution parameters, 82 percent weightage has been allocated to population, 10.3 percent to poverty, 5 percent to revenue generation/collection, and 2.7 percent to inverse population density. Table 6 illustrates the different parameters and its weightage against each province. Table 6 NFC Award 2010-Revenue Sharing Formula (in percentage) Parameters Weight Punjab Sindh KPK Baluchistan Population 82 57.36 23.71 5.11 13.82 Poverty/backwardness 10.30 23.16 23.41 25.61 27.82 Revenue Collection 5 44.0 50 1.0 5 Inverse Population 2.7 4.34 7.21 81.92 6.54 One of the greatest achievements regarding this award is that it has aimed to reduce disparities among the provinces. This award benefits the two relatively more backward provinces, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan, as compared to Sindh and Punjab. Before this award, provinces were getting Rs.550 billion. But in the first year of enforcement of this award provinces got more than Rs.850 billion, and in the next 5 years this amount will increase up to 1250 billion. The greatest achievement of this award is the reduction in inequalities regarding revenue collection in Sindh and Punjab, gas development surcharge from Baluchistan, and hydel profits from KPK. Considering the role of Khyber Pakhtun Khwa in war against terrorism, it has been provided a share of 1 percent from the divisible pool. 4. DEVELOPMENT OF NFC AWARDS OVER TIME Financial resources play the fundamental role in the development of any country. A well thought-out resource distribution is necessary for the development of backward areas so they can be at par with the national growth and progress. The current state of revenue distribution in Pakistan has evolved over time. Various improvements and advancements have been made in the revenue sharing formula since the formation of National Finance Commission. In this section I will analyze the impact of various NFC awards on the fiscal decentralization of the country. In Pakistan fiscal federalism has always been an issue which has never received a serious approach. Out of Seven NFC awards, only four have come up with additional parameters of revenue sharing between the federation and its units. Federal government has taken a less systematic approach to decentralize fiscal powers and functions and made the provinces depend on the center. This has negatively affected the performance and efficiency of provinces to work effectively. In a federation, the basic functions of Central government are maintaining law and order, defense matters, making a sound foreign policy, communications, currency management, general administration, debt servicing, industrial development, and work on public welfare including health and education. The rest of the matters fall within the sphere of Provincial and local governments. But not much effort has been put by our politicians to devolve powers and functions to lower tiers of government. With the passage of time, federal government has over-stretched itself into such matters which are of purely provincial nature, like irrigation, construction of roads, agricultural development, culture and tourism, youth affairs, and rural development. This has increased financial and administrative burden on the center. Federal government has taken too much responsibilities on its shoulders which certainly require more finance. If government is aiming toward devolution of power from center to provincial and local level, these tiers of government must be empowered and enabled to generate their own finance. Federal government generates 93 percent of the resources, while its share in the total expenditure makes up only 72 percent. On the other side, the total expenditure of provinces is 28 percent, and they generate merely 7 percent of the resources. It results in heavy dependency on the center. The argument behind the higher collection by the federation is based on the achievement of equity, efficiency, economy, and the federal governments ability to levy and collect [Kardar (2006)]. As most of the resources are already used up by the Federal government, provinces are left with less opportunities to generate their own resources. Resultantly, provinces have to rely heavily on the resources transferred to them by the center. If we closely look at the historical trend, we can easily understand that the journey of fiscal federalism In Pakistan has always been uneven. Fiscal federalism has always been a dilemma. It is interesting to note that out of seven NFC awards given after 1973 constitution, only few came up with additional parameters to share the revenues with the provinces. Only 3 out of 7 NFC awards were conclusive, the remaining 4 were inconclusive due to disagreements among the members of the commission. Historically, the problem of revenue distribution has never been taken seriously by our politicians and it always faced difficulty because consensus of all the parties involved is must for a new NFC award to be enforced. The resource distribution mechanism/criteria has always been a bone of contention among the provinces. Population, being the sole distribution criteria in all NFC awards (except the recent one) has always been a matter of friction among provinces. This shows a lack of coordination in our policy making. Sindh, Baluchistan and KPK have always demanded the diversification in revenue sharing formula with the inclusion of other factors with population, like poverty, backwardness and revenue generation capacity. Whereas Punjab has stressed over population to remain the sole criteria for revenue distribution because Punjab, being the most populated province, has always got the larger piece of pie in NFC awards. It is interesting to note that Pakistan is the only country in the world which follows one-dimensional formula for revenue distribution. Otherwise everywhere in the world various dimensions are used in view of the needs and economic conditions of the provinces. Due to inflexibility in the resource distribution formula, disparities among the economic conditions of people could not be reduced and diversified needs of provinces could not be catered as it should have been. In the above section, we have discussed each NFC award in detail, its pros and cons, and the percent allocation to provinces under each award. There are substantial disparities in the living standards amongst provinces, and also among the rural-urban areas of each province. Although the removal of discrepancies between urban and rural areas is the responsibility of Provincial Finance Commission, but without provision of adequate amount of resources/funds by the center, provinces will not be able to work on development and reducing inequalities at local level. If we compare the real per capita GDP of all the provinces, we find out that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been facing highest inconsistency among rural and urban income, next to Sindh and Punjab. While the gap between rural and urban income in Baluchistan is lesser, the reason is lack of development in its urban areas. Its urban areas are less developed as compared to that of other provinces, because of lesser economic opportunities i n cities. If we look at the historical trends, the first NFC award of 1947 had fewer taxes in the revenue pool. But in 1991 award, some improvements were seen in the revenue distribution. More taxes were made part of distribution pool. In addition, the right of provinces to get royalty on natural resources was given to them on the basis of collection by each province. The divisible pool was further expanded in 1996 award by the inclusion of all the federal taxes. 1996 award moved a step forward towards fiscal decentralization. It also introduced the incentive of matching grants to provinces. But if we look at the grey areas of this award, the expansion of distribution pool resulted in the contraction of provincial share. The federal-provincial share in the pool changed drastically from 20:80 to 62.5:37.5 percent respectively. So practically, no significant developments were observed in actual revenue transfers to provinces. Consequently, provinces fell short of funds and trapped in budget defi cits. Considering the miserable situation of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, special grants of 4 and 3.3 and billions rupees were awarded to them respectively for the next 5 years. Due to the constant pressure and demands from the provinces, government increased their share in the revenue pool to 45 percent in 2006 interim award. Just the provincial share was increased, no innovation was made in the resource sharing mechanism and it was still at its old population standards. Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtun Khwa were demanding revenue distribution on the basis of poverty. The poverty ratio in Baluchistan is 37 percent and that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is 44 percent. However, no diversification was made in the distribution criteria. One of the main reason which hindered the development of NFC awards is the conflicting demands of provinces over the resource sharing mechanism. The criteria of revenue dispersal between the center and provinces has always been a matter of conflict between these two tiers of government. Four out of seven NFC awards remained unproductive and unsettled amid this hostility. The complaints of the provinces were heard when the central government agreed to give provinces 40 percent share in the divisible pool with addition of 1 percent every year till the next 5 years. But there is an argument from Federal governments point of view that whenever the share of provinces has increased it gave rise to non-development expenditure which is unproductive. The reason is provincial governments don not have specific development programs in place as well as capacity to raise the living standards of people. The poverty ratio in Baluchistan is 37 percent and that of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is 44 percent, but provincial governments failed to formulate an appropriate strategy to reduce these disparities. This relates to the issue of political economy and public choice. Our electoral system can bring about such a state in which the federal government can be taken over by the larger province due to its majority seats in the National Assembly. Although, in Senate all provinces have equal representation but Senate has power only to discuss on the policy matters, but the decision making right resides with the National Assembly. So it is the National Assembly who has the constitutional supremacy to devise a reasonable resource sharing formula. Furthermore, the federal government does not want to give up its powers to provinces and let them grow autonomously as it will reduce their control on policy matters. This could be seen as since independence, 10 awards have been recommended for justified resource sharing between the center and provinces, but out of them only 3 (1974, 1991, and 2010) initiated by elected governments. The most significant development of the year 2010 was 7th NFC award which brought about some innovation in the revenue sharing criteria. After the independence of Pakistan, It was for the first time that a diversification was brought in the revenue sharing mechanism and some other factors were taken into account with population, like backwardness/ poverty, area and revenue collection. The long-ignored demands of provinces were accepted. With