Surrealism in Fashion Elsa Schiaparelli and Yang Du Essay

Surrealism in Fashion Elsa Schiaparelli and Yang Du - Essay Example The essay "Surrealism in Fashion Elsa Schiaparelli and Yang Du" analyzes fashion and surrealism. The paper looks at the shift from the manifestation of the ‘future’ in the historical past to near subsequent dream world of Surrealist response, whereby the future as depicted in Salvador Dalà ­Ã¢â‚¬â„¢s distorted timepieces in Persistence of Memory, removes the logic of ‘progress’ prior Modernist movements toward an organic incorporation of technology, rather than mere orchestration of the future. Influenced by both conventions of Italian Futurism and French Surrealist aesthetics, Elsa Schiaparelli’s designs in speak to this moment of transition in Inter-War History. The second half of the essay is an examination of current theoretical debates on the cumulative, and necessarily disjunctive quality of cultural productions, or the so-called â€Å"crisis of representation.† Following Walter Benjamin’s notions of ‘Ur’ history, whe re things of the past leave their traces for further reproduction in the future, I will draw on the visual technologies of advertising imagery of Europe’s inter-war regime(s) to access fundamental links between capital, political ideology, technology and the bodies of fashionistas. Thierry Mugler’s work is a candid and cheeky derivative of this history; making fun of fascism whilst promoting its aesthetic as impenetrable, yet sexy. In both of these fashion designers’ work, inscription of power on ‘the body’ through haute fashion culture, serves as a historical trace. ... The emergence of Surrealism within fashion, for instance, was marked by the birth of parallel aesthetic cultures in commercial advertising, and especially the incorporation of art photography. The first coherent movement dedicated to aesthetic pastiche, Surrealism set the tone for later movements like Deconstruction. The first half of the paper looks at the shift from the manifestation of the 'future' in the historical past to near subsequent dream world of Surrealist response, whereby the future as depicted in Salvador Dal's distorted timepieces in Persistence of Memory, removes the logic of 'progress' prior Modernist movements toward an organic incorporation of technology, rather than mere orchestration of the future. Influenced by both conventions of Italian Futurism and French Surrealist aesthetics, Elsa Schiaparelli's designs in speak to this moment of transition in Inter-War History. The second half of the essay is an examination of current theoretical debates on the cumulative, and necessarily disjunctive quality of cultural productions, or the so-called "crisis of representation." Following Walter Benjamin's notions of 'Ur' history, where things of the past leave their traces for further reproduction in the future, I will draw on the visual technologies of advertising imagery of Europe's inter-war regime(s) to access fundamental links between capital, political ideology, technology and the bodies of fashionistas. Thierry Mugler's work is a candid and cheeky derivative of this history; making fun of fascism whilst promoting its aesthetic as impenetrable, yet sexy. In both of these fashion designers' work, inscription of power on 'the body' through haute fashion culture, serves as a historical trace intended to transcribe the collection of next season's

Resistence to Change Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Resistence to Change - Case Study Example The report further asserts that, lack of communication across the organization heightened resistance because majority of employees were unaware of impending changes that were being introduced (Griffin & Moorehead, 2012). In above connection, lack of single culture to integrate the whole organization was a significant source of resistance to change because almost every department at NASA had its own culture different from other departments (Griffin & Moorehead, 2012). Lack of proper risk mitigation measures in place to consolidated organization culture, was major factor that caused resistance to change (Columbia Accident Investigation Board, 2003). The report suggested that, termination of risky flights was not solution of reducing escalated cases of accidents but rather NASA should focus at establishing structural procedures that guarantees sustainability of a safety culture (Columbia Accident Investigation Board, 2003). Therefore, this analysis focuses at providing an insight of Col umbian mishap concerning resistance to change and how it contributes to accidents. The analysis will further focus on both individual and cultural resistance as well as the impact of the board recommendation on individual and structural barriers. Individual sources of resistance to change and their causes The Sources and causes of individual resistance could be attributed to numerous factors that may include; fear for unknown. People tend to fear uncertainties that may to occur as a result of change (Griffin, & Moorehead, 2012). This is because individuals find it difficult to cope with dynamics for instance, it can be scrutinized that lack of prior cultural integration within all departments at NASA brought great resistance (Columbia Accident Investigation Board, 2003). Additionally, Inability to adjust and start doing things using new ways may make people fear change and therefore, they may develop resistance. Inability to adjust may be overcome by ensuring that there is efficient and effective integration of NASA cultural goals and mission during the earliest juncture possible (Columbia Accident Investigation Board, 2003). In above connection, it can be scrutinized that individual developed resistance to change due to a lack of effective communication, whereby, NASA engineers could not effectively communicate safety measure to the management leading to individual resistance (Columbia Accident Investigation Board, 2003). On the other hand, NASA managers failed to communicate issues raised by engineers to all the departments leading to resistance among employees because changes were introduced without a prior notification (Columbia Accident Investigation Board, 2003). Lack of proper leadership within organization contributed significantly to individual resistance because managers were not involved in directing employees on what to do to ensure that safety standard were being observed. According to a report by Columbia Accident Investigation Board 2003, misund erstanding between managers and NASA engineers was significant source and cause of resistance. Structural sources of resistance to change and their causes The most common sources of resistance to change include; inertia within the organization structure (Griffin & Moorehead, 2012). Whereby, most organizations contain some mechanisms that enhance stability and sustainability making it difficult to

The Health and Wellness Industry is Being Proclaimed as a Revolution Essay

The Health and Wellness Industry is Being Proclaimed as a Revolution in Consumer Demand and Potentially Worth Trillions of Dolla - Essay Example To satisfy the demand and expectations of these health-conscious consumers further, the tourism industry is awash with resorts, spas, and hotels, which offer superior consumer services such as comprehensive spa, bodywork treatments, indoor/outdoor physical activity, delicious and health-conscious cuisine, interactive health, and wellness education programs assisted by world-class professionals. Moreover, the increased demand for a relaxing and freshening environment has prompted many a resort to be established in serene and gentle surroundings with clean and lapping river/swamp waters, breathtaking sceneries, and fresh forest air, all of which combine to create a powerful wellness and health experience for consumers (Bookman & Bookman, 2007). The rising demand for wellness and health products has also implied that resort and hotel managements provide services that empower consumers to change their lifestyles for the better, thus bringing out the best out of their body’s natura l beauty, healing abilities, longevity, and wellbeing (Ginger, 2009). Importantly, products that bring about healing from illnesses and learning skills to consumers have been incorporated in resort and hotel wellness and health programs as their demand continues to increase. This paper explores the impacts that the rising demand of wellness and health products by consumers has on hotel and resort management. The Impacts of Increasing Wellness/Health Demand on Resorts The increasing health and wellness consciousness among consumers is one of the major factors that have set the international industry/trend that is health and wellness tourism (Reisinger, 2009). Most of these health-conscious consumers seek to improve their health and well being as they travel to various destinations and sample various hospitality treats and experiences. They do not only set out to feel better but also to look better, in the process enjoying effects such as slowed aging, reduced discomfort, lower stress levels, and relieved pain. In addition, these health- and wellness-conscious consumers have the privilege of partaking in the consumption of natural supplements such as minerals and vitamins, which further improve their health. With the number of health-conscious consumers on a rapid increase, the number of resorts and hotels joining the health and wellness industry has steadily risen in recent times. However, only a few have managed to cover the entire scope of services and goods currently demanded by wellness and health consumers (Lagace, 2008). That is, some resorts and hotels have not been in a position to offer the range of health and wellness services and goods offered by spas. Nonetheless, a good number of resorts and day spas are now offering a variety of health and wellness services and have added more health and wellness programming options in their services. It is important at this point to distinguish between wellness and health since the two products have quite differe nt meanings and applications. While health tourism refers to the services designed for tourists or clients with medical conditions and requires the experiences of these healing

Nuclear Plants and Their Impact on the Environment Essay

Nuclear Plants and Their Impact on the Environment - Essay Example Accidents from nuclear reactors in the late 1970s and early 1980s led to end to the initial rapid growth in nuclear power capacity. These comprised the 1979 Three Mile Island accident (USA) and the 1986 Chernobyl disaster (Ukraine) (Cracolice & Peters, 1997). In 2011, a hard-hitting tsunami led the Fukushima I Nuclear Power Plant to leak, resulting in hydrogen gas explosions and partial meltdowns. In order to caution the immediate populations from the adverse effects of the disasters, the Ukraine government enacted a 30 kilometers no-settlement policy around the Chernobyl power plant while the Japanese government implemented a 20 kilometers cautionary zone around the Fukushima I plant (Hoeve & Jacobson, 2012; Bennett, Bouville, Hall, Savkin & Storm, 2000).Radioactive DecayUsed up nuclear fuel from uranium-235 and plutonium-239 nuclear fission contains more than 100 carcinogenic radionuclide isotopes such as strontium-90, iodine-131 and caesium-137, and includes some of the most long- lived transuranic elements such as americium-241 and isotopes of plutonium. Disposal of these wastes in engineered facilities, or repositories, located deep underground in suitable geologic formations is currently the best disposal solution fronted (Cracolice & Peters, 1997).Nuclear Accidents and ConcernsDebate over the reliability, durability and quality maintenance of old nuclear installations has emerged following leakage of radioactive water in over twenty US nuclear power plants. Tritium is a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that emits a low-energy beta particle. It may be present in water emanating from a nuclear plant (Casas et al, 2004; Cracolice & Peters, 1997). The main concern over tritium is the high possibility of its entry into drinking water, in addition to the subsequent presence in crops that depend on tritium-contaminated waters. Uranium is mainly mined for use in nuclear power plants. The 1979 Church Rock uranium mill spill in New Mexico led to the flow of over 1,0 00 tons.

Wars Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Wars - Essay Example tion of the US to Somali, though there is no clear evidence of the fact that the terrorist organizations responsible for the biggest world terrorist acts take their places in either of the countries. On the contrary, the intervention to these countries has caused chaos and disorder. This statement can possibly be denied by the explanation that the war was not the absolutely desirable way out to stabilize situation in the country, and was actually aimed at creating new society with democratic values, but the fact that presence of the terrorist organizations was only suspicion, and it is yet not understood, after so many years of war, whether this war was the best solution for the problems which existed between the two countries. It has caused deaths of thousands people of the common population but has not yet reached its goal of destroying terrorist groups. Thus, suspicion is not enough to start and hold wars. Thus, we come to another argument against wars – innocent people mos tly become the victims of the political games, which often turn into wars. Modern times represent us with the new kinds of wars, which countries and peoples can have against each other, starting from physical (military), and ending with the informational and oil (gas) wars. The issue of the innocent people is more related to the fact when one speaks about military actions. ‘While the image of bombers flying over Afghanistan and bombing a people whose average lifespan is about 45 years of age and who are suffering terrible deprivation already -- not least due to the Taliban, which the U.S. helped create and empower -- is horrifying enough, it is important to realize that death and deprivation come in many forms. Even without widespread bombing, if the threat to attack the civilian population or outright coercion of other countries leads to curtailment of food aid to Afghanistan, the ensuing starvation could kill a million or more Afghans by mid-winter. Is this the appropriate response to

American Expansionism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

American Expansionism - Essay Example In the period from 1890 to 1920, the US economy functioned in an optimal manner achieving impressive results. In 1900, the US had 38 percent of world’s wealth, which is 13 percent more than Britain. This economic might enabled leaders to pursue expansionism and importantly financed it as well. â€Å"Economic power set the foundations of American power, facilitating leaders to pursue ‘grand’ policies† (Efthymiou). The other related cause is that the US wanted to further develop its economy, which they wanted to achieve by capturing and tapping resources-rich territories. That is, after capturing and entering newer territories, the US looked for key resources or materials, which can be sold separately or can be used to manufacture finished goods. Those finished good were sold or exported to various countries thereby developing its economy. â€Å"†¦expansionism was driven by the idea that the American economy needs to grow continuously† (Johnston 1 89). The third cause which initiated expansionism was the strengthening of its naval wing. The US’s Navy Admiral of that period, Alfred Thayer Mahan only emphasized â€Å"the need for a powerful navy and the creation of â€Å"coaling stations† in strategic regions with significance in world trade† (Efthymiou). When this started actualizing, the US became confident in its expansion plans. The US expanded its role and influence through three ways namely imperialism or armed conflicts, international diplomacy, and through the construction of the Panama Canal. In 1898, the US declared a war on Spanish territories in the Caribbean and totally dismantled the waning Spanish Empire. So by evicting Spain, the US fortified its advantageous grip on the Caribbean, built a naval base in Cuba, and even annexed Puerto Rico (Efthymiou). It further extended its influence into the Pacific by capturing Philippines and Guam. The US also expanded its influence by actively

Guns Germs and Steel Essay Example for Free

Guns Germs and Steel Essay Yali asked the question of â€Å"why is it that you white people developed so much cargo and brought it to New Guinea, but we black people had so little cargo of our own?† (Diamond 14) In other words, he is asking â€Å"what is the factor between our people and ours that causes human development to proceed at different rates?† (Diamond 16) What Yali is really asking though, is, what is this mysterious factor? According to Diamond, the basis for development is the environment around us including the resources and the native people of New Guinea don’t live in an area where a chance is provided for them to take advantage of. The natural resources are just enough for them to get by. This is why the people of New Guinea produce so little â€Å"cargo† of their own. Pizarro’s capture of Atahuallpa and destruction of the Incas made the Europeans realize what power they head, and what they could do to the rest of the world. They easily wiped out the Inca’s of 80,000 with 168 men. From the Battle of Cajamarca, Pizzaro came back to Charles I saying that Europe had the power to conquer the Americas. There were reasons Pizarro and the Europeans could conquer the Americas†¦ They had better warfare than the Incas. Pizarro’s men had armor rode horseback and used steel compared to their wooden weapons. Eurasia happened to have an abundance of edible material because of the right environment leading to the domestication of plants and animals led the people to settle down in one place instead of being nomads. When people started to settle down and bring the food to them, they started to have a surplus which led for the people to have extra jobs and it started to also support a higher population while allowing women to have more children contributing to job specialization. These specialists were not devoted to farmers or food producers but varied to priests, blacksmiths etc. Permanent agriculture societies were able to from with the food surpluses leading to empires. Some of the reason that people began to settle down and farm are because at the time many wild foods began to decrease due to hunters and gatherers killing off too many large animals leaving life unsustainable. More wild plants that could be domesticated became available at the time. Technological advances allowe3d people to harvest and store greater amounts of food that they cultivated. Human populations rose it’s not clear how much it caused food production and how much food production caused it but researchers believe there’s a connection. As populations rose, they needed to have better food supplies and started farming. The farm societies were able to drive out neighboring hunter-gatherers. A continent with long east-west axis like (Eurasia) has an advantage over continents with long north-south axes (like Africa and the Americas). The reasons it does have to do with crops and longitude. In general similar crops can grow at similar longitudes. In other words a cropped that developed in one place can be spread east to west (or west to east) but less likely to spread north and south. Epidemic diseases developed among the societies that had been farming the longest. These were Eurasian societies. Societies in the Americas, Australia, and other places had not been farming as long and lacked epidemic diseases. When Europeans came in contact with Native Americans, for example, European epidemic diseases killed huge percentages of the Native Americans. This helped the Europeans conquer and the conquest made them richer and more powerful. Therefore germs help to answer Yalis question. The societies that did independently invent writing were those with complex hierarchies and so phisticated systems of food production. Writing was needed for politics and was generally learned by bureaucrats who had the comfort of available time and energy. As food was available to them, they had no need to hunt and gather for themselves. Since their basic needs were being met, they could focus on a higher level of existence and communication. There are two conditions in which technology may develop. The first is â€Å"mother necessity ideology† which is when a society needs something to make things easier they invent it. Technology differed from place to place because there were more people to invent and better diffusion to spread the invention. The opposite happened in the Americas because there were less people and a slower diffusion rate. Also different cultures had different ideas for change. The only way that society can emerge is through food. Such developments include jobs, such as the chief and the beginnings of government. The institutions of society changed over time based on how organized they were. They evolved based around various factors like war and other societies. They are related by diffusion. Whenever a state is conquered by another state they enforce use of their technology or exploit it. States are going to develop weapons, troops, and religion in order to make the state survive. They develop in response to need of their population size. They use these agents of conquest to become larger and to conquer other societies; and for that they need guns, germs, and steel. What Diamond is saying is that he thinks that people really should not think that history is so much different from the sciences. He is saying that the study of history can be pretty scientific if it is done correctly (and that some sciences are not as precise as things like chemistry). Diamond is trying to argue that historians should use what he calls natural experiments. He thinks that there are many experiments where there are two or more places that are pretty similar in many ways but which then turned out differently (like his experiment in Chapter 2). He argues that historians can use these they can look at what was different and what was similar and how the differences led to the differences in the outcomes. Guns, Germs, and Steel Book Review I think Diamond’s central intent of writing the book is to explain how varying societies become dominate, and how certain others can become dominated. By looking at environmental conditions that caused the disparities that lead to certain societies developing guns, germs, and steel, including other technology, and forming a government necessary for conquest. He introduced the book with Yali’s question â€Å"Why is it that you white people developed so much cargo and brought it to New Guinea, but we black people has so little cargo of our own?† This question used a scientific/geographic background, and set his intent is to answer the question or inform how to answer the question. He also tries to analyze the causes of the expansion of civilizations’ in some parts of the world, since all people are physically the same what could cause some to be successful and others to die? He used archaeological and historical case studies and evidence from genetics and linguistics, he argued that technological and gaps in power are not caused by race or culture differences but by environmental differences, He used the idea of the axis as one saying that Eurasia had an east to west (or west to east) therefore having an advantage over Africa or the Americas for instance, because crops could grow at the same longitude but it was more difficult as they went north and south. Also when cultural or genetic differences have favored Eurasians like for example written language or resistance to epidemic diseases he says these advantages occurred because of the influence and geography on societies and cultures and were not inherited as genes from Eurasian ancestors. Diamonds book argues that the differences in progress for different societies around the world do not result from one group being smarter or more resourceful than another. Rather, he focuses on the impact of geography whether food and other key items were plentiful, whether and how disease spread, and how these developments led to different levels of industrialization, and wealth The book â€Å"Guns, Germs, and Steel† was very well written in the sense that Diamond had a question in which was the foundation of the book, he throughout the book acquired evidence and explanations and ideas of how to answer the question. The book had evidence to back it up by explaining how Eurasia had a better opportunity being west to east meaning they had better crop farming. Which led to a growing civilization and soon conquest. The book wasn’t exactly dull or boring but it wasn’t exciting or entertaining either. It was like any other history book it asked a question, then went on to the point. There was an explanation of the main topic which was Yali’s question and evidence that dealt with answering the question. From beginning to end, Diamond stresses that he rea lizes that efforts to compare societies have frequently been used by racists or nationalists to belittle groups or justify mistreatment of them. He argues that his analysis is in fact anti-racism at work because it shows that the white people who enjoy the comforts of modern life are ultimately luckier than, not more deserving than, people in impoverished nations.