Tuesday, January 28, 2020
The New Face of Hunger Essay Example for Free
The New Face of Hunger Essay Abstract            The world is facing a new food crisis. Agricultural countries are experiencing the major shift in demand, and need time to reach the new economic equilibrium. There are several possible solutions to that, but none of them can improve the situation in the short run.            The problem            â€Å"The New Face of Hunger†discusses the food problems the world currently faces (The Economist, 2008). As the world is entering the â€Å"new unsustainable and politically risky period†, agricultural countries are unable to increase food production (The Economist, 2008). Equatorial countries experience persistent food riots. Haiti, Cameroon, Egypt, and Philippines have already turned food scarcity into an international political issue. The basic food products have experienced price increase in 2007: â€Å"last year wheat prices rose 77% and rice 16%†(The Economist, 2008). The majority of the smaller farmers do not know the reasons of such dramatic economic changes.            The causes            To economic professionals, the reasons of food crisis are more than evident. First, the price increase reflects the changes in demand. Indian and Chinese populations consume more food as they are becoming richer. The demand is seriously impacted by â€Å"western biofuels programmes, which convert cereals into fuel†(The Economist, 2008). Second, the current market situation also impacts the major export quotas, and promotes panic-buying economic behavior (The Economist, 2008). Third, the farmers cannot immediately react to the changes in market demand and export quotas. Food production requires time. As governments were trying to soften the impact of rising good price on domestic markets, farmers did not receive economic signals from external markets, and did not have any opportunity to adjust their production to the new market requirements. Moreover, to produce more food, farmers need time to grow it. They need more land, which should be suitable for agricultural needs. Undoubtedly, farmers will be able to cope with the food crisis in future, and will increase their production scales to fit the new demand, but is clear that â€Å"the transition to the new equilibrium is proving costlier, more prolonged, and much more painful than anyone had expected†(The Economist, 2008).            Solutions            Ideally, the 450 million of small farmers would be able to resolve the food crisis. Those who live in developing countries and own no more than several acres, could supply the world with food products, reducing their own poverty, improving environment, and promoting economic efficiency of food production: â€Å"in terms of returns on investment, it would be easier to boost grain yields in Africa from two tones per hectare to four than it would be to raise yields in Europe from eight tonnes to ten†(The Economist, 2008). However, small farmers seem pessimistic about these plans. The planted areas are cut back as their owners cannot afford purchasing fertilizers (The Economist, 2008). In addition, agricultural production cannot immediately respond to the changing demand. Higher yields need better irrigation and fancier seeds, which cannot be produced or found overnight (The Economist, 2008). â€Å"The time lag between dreaming up a new seed and growing it commercially in the field is ten to 15 years†(The Economist, 2008). This is why none of the proposed solutions would help resolving the food issue in the short run.            I personally think that we should prepare ourselves to the long period of reaching a new economic equilibrium. It is true that the era of cheap products is over. Even when farmers finally manage to produce more, the price will hardly go down. As the average farm size has fallen from 1.5 to 0.5 hectares, small farmers are facing more difficulties in responding to higher food prices. We can only rely on the two factors: the growing food supply, which will slowly increase with time, and technologies and research, which will hopefully promote better yields without increasing the average farm size. In any case, agricultural production requires time. As there are no possible solutions which could help resolve the issue in the short run, we have nothing but to wait until the situation is improved. References The Economist. (2008). The new face of hunger. The Economist.com. Retrieved April 28, 2008, from http://www.economist.com/world/international/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11049284
Monday, January 20, 2020
Definitions of Tourism and Tourists :: Travel, Non-residents
According to Smith (1988), an author of a specialist dictionary on tourism, the word ‘tourist’ was reportedly introduced in 1800 and the word ‘tourism’ in 1811. However, what exactly is tourism? Who are tourists? Regardless of the fact that both terms have now been part of the English language for over two centuries, there is still no universally acknowledged effective definition for either. For over many decades, researchers and practitioners have produced many precise definitions for both ‘tourist’ and ‘tourism’ but no definition of either term has become widely recognised. According to Smith (1988), he suggests that there â€Å"probably never will be a single definition of tourism†as economists, psychologists and geographers perceive certain things about tourism in their field (Smith 1988 as cited in Leiper 1995:3). However, any approach to defining tourism can be useful for the persons proposing it and for those who perc eive the world in the subjective way. In this essay, academic authors such as Krapf and Hunziker (1942), Stear (2005) and McIntosh and Goeldner (1977) each define ‘tourism’ in different methodical approaches. After discussing ‘tourism’, the focus then shifts to ‘tourists’ where again, Stear (2005), Leiper (1979) and Weaver and Lawton (2006), defines ‘tourists’ and its heuristic concepts. One of the first attempts to define tourism was that of two Swiss academics, Professors Hunziker and Krapf of Berne University. They defined tourism in a 1942 study as a complex of environmental impacts: â€Å"the sum of the phenomena and relationships arising from the travel and stay of non-residents, in so far as they do not lead to permanent residence and are not connected to any earning activity.†This definition has been acknowledged by many international associations including the International Association of Scientific Experts on Tourism (AIEST). The advantages of this definition are is acknowledgements of wide-ranging impacts; it bases a very large number of issues that is studied under the name ‘tourism’. Additionally, Krapf and Hunziker’s definition is highly intellectual as they manage to distinguish tourism from migration however; its theory is based on â€Å"travel and stay†making an assumption that this is necessary for tourism, thus preventing day tours. While the definition’s approach is reasonable, the definition is noticeably â€Å"too vague†(Leiper, 1995: 17) as it includes a huge amount of human activity that few thinking individuals would regard as coming within the scope of tourism. Because of their broad definition on tourism, prisoners, hospital patients, boarding students and soldiers at war can easily fit in the definition, thus exposing a major defect.
Sunday, January 12, 2020
Genetically Modified Food Essay
Genetically modified foods have shaped and formed many debates on whether foods should or should not be genetically modified and there are many reasons as to why. Genetically modified foods are foods that are compromised of organisms which have been genetically altered. There are several reasons being affirmative on genetically modified foods, such as supporting the occurrence of diseases and they are said to be faster in growth. However there is a negative side on genetically modified foods. Genetically modified foods could cause harmful side effects to the body and the (BT) added to GM foods is unsafe for the body. The topic of genetically modified foods is an extremely controversial topic and brings many opinions to whether it is right or wrong. Genetic modification of foods is done by changing the genes of a cell. Genes are a progression of bases which code for a sequence of amino acids. Amino acids make up proteins which we need for our body to function. The DNA is made of the four bases; Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine and Guanine. Genes are then added or taken from the DNA which changes the colour, size, shape, nutritional value or the way in which the plant or animal grows. With support from scientists farmers have been genetically modifying their crops for quite a long period of time. Foods that are genetically modified unusually include and consist of canola, soy beans, rice corn and various others. Genetically modified foods are banned in numerous countries such as France and other European countries. On the other hand, genetically modified foods are a substantial part of society in Australia; it is in most supermarkets and is something we eat daily. GM foods have no labels on products that declare to consumers whether the products have been genetically modified or not. This causes and is due to consumers having to decide and become unsure about the product selling, whether what they are buying is genetically modified or genuinely natural. A reason affirmative why foods should be genetically modified; is that one of the major benefits is they facilitate in controlling the occurrence of certain diseases. There are several foods that cause allergies to certain people when products consumed. By modifying the DNA system of these foods, the properties causing these allergies are eliminated successfully. It has been said that experts and scientists are working on developing foods that have the ability to cure diseases by genetically modifying foods. Gene technology is similar to traditional breeding, and there is a chance of increasing or decreasing levels of naturally occurring proteins, toxins or further unsafe compounds in foods. Foods that are usually developed traditionally are not normally tested for these types of substances; however they often happen naturally and can be affected by breeding. The use of genes from identified allergenic sources in alteration experiments is not prohibited. If a transformed product is found to stand as an increased risk of allergenicity and it should be put to an end. Scientists have the same opinion that normal tests for allergies in foods should be continuously evaluated and improved, plus caution and concern should be practiced when evaluating all new foods, including those resulting from certain crops. Though developers and manufacturers of genetically modified foods make sure that there are mixtures of advantages of consuming foods in society, a lot of the population is entirely against them. A disadvantage of genetically modified foods is that the biggest threat caused is they can have dangerous and harmful side effects on the human body. It is believed by experts that consumption of these genetically modified foods can reason for the development of diseases which are protected by antibiotics. Additionally, people who consume such foods have increased chances of developing cancer. Besides, genetically modified foods are new inventions, not a lot is well-known about their long-term effects on human beings aswell. A reason for harmful side effects may be because of Gene transfer. Gene transfer from genetically modified foods to cells of the body or to bacteria would cause strong concern if the transferred genetic material has harmful effects. This would be mainly important if antibiotic resistance genes, used in creating genetically modified organisms were to be transferred. Though the likelihood of gene transfer is low, the use of technology without antibiotic resistance genes has been encouraged. There are many other things that could cause harmful side effects, however, as the health effects are unknown, many people prefer to stay away from genetically modified foods. It is also been said that genetically modified foods grow faster than the foods that are grown in the normal manner. Due to this, efficiency increases this then provides the population with more food. Several people believe that there is not enough food in the world to feed everybody; this is why genetically modified foods could potentially cure and solve hunger around the world. As genetically modified foods enlarge the size of crops, additional food is produced by farmers. Therefore, this prevents crops going to waste. If pests are unable to eat the crops, this results in nothing going to waste. As a result, farmers make extra money. It is also said that genetically modified foods are extremely fortunate and lucky in places which experience numerous droughts, or where the soil is lacking ability for crop growing. This is why it is difficult to grow normal crops. Now, we can begin to grow foods in different circumstances. For example, strawberries can be able to be genetically modified to grow in frosts. Other foods that grow in cold climates could be engineered and modified to grow in hot climates, such as Africa where much of the continent lacks to provide food. A disadvantage of genetically modified foods is by adding bacterium (BT) to the cells keep insects under control may not be safe for humans. To genetically modify the crops, the type of bacterium that is added is unhealthy for some people to choose to wear cotton clothing or have jobs associated with cotton. Workers in India that had jobs which were involved in handling genetically modifies cotton caused numerous allergies to the workers. They developed itchy and reddened eyes, rashes on skin, blocked noses, nasal discharge and extreme sneezing. This resulted in some workers ending up having to go to hospital or consume antihistamines daily. This was shown by Stephen Lendman, Global Research showing types of harm from GMO. There are many other examples involved with this type of harm from the (BT) cotton plant, additional cases included sheep which grazed on the (BT) cotton. As well, after a period of time they then became sick and then resulted in death. Adding a bacterium to maintain insects away may possibly not be worth impairment of animals and people. Given the evidence shown, genetically modified foods have equally its advantages and disadvantages. If food is continuously genetically modified, it will still have benefits to us; however it comes along with a lot of risks. The decision whether foods should be genetically modified or not is an extremely debatable topic. Aswell, genetically modified foods are a huge part of society and are in our everyday life. Having foods genetically modified has become so common, that most likely it will on no account be stopped, although some people choose to stay away from these types of products as it keeps them healthy and well. http://www. geneticallymodifiedfoods. co. uk/fact-sheet-pros-vs-cons. html http://www. geneticallymodifiedfood. com/ http://www. foodstandards. gov. au/consumerinformation/gmfoods/ http://www. ornl. gov/sci/techresources/. Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood. shtml http://www. csa. com/discoveryguides/gmfood/overview. php http://www. buzzle. com/articles/genetically-modified-foods-pros-and-cons. html http://www. ehow. com/info_8115944_pros-cons-genetically-modified-food. html.
Saturday, January 4, 2020
Life of a Slave Girl and Narrative of the Life of...
Author C.S. Lewis in the Horse and the Boy provided the perfect statement about slavery, â€Å"But one of the worst results of being a slave and being forced to do things is that when there is no one to force you any more you find you have almost lost the power of forcing yourself†. One of the most important aspects of anybody’s life and also thought to be the meaning of life is, for everybody to what they want when they want as long as they are not hurting anybody else. A life spent playing by somebody else’s rules is simply a life not worth living. Slavery is one of the most disgusting parts of many parts of history and violates the right that every person on this earth is entitled to, the freedom of choice. Two of the most seminal and timeless pieces of literature written about slavery, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl written by Harriet Jacobs and Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass both do a tremendous job of showing the harrowing effects of sla very. Jacobs and Douglass had to endure the hate of a society that despised their race and mistakenly encouraged the existence of slavery in society. These two stories present two different perspectives of people from the most oppressed groups in one of if not the darkest time in American history. Both stories while being incredibly dark and true to life, called for a change of the treatment of slaves and the black community and were able to show the true colors of slave owner’s warts and all. Slave owners had never beenShow MoreRelated Dreams in Song of Solomon, Narrative Frederick Douglass, Life of a Slave Girl, and Push2208 Words  | 9 PagesDreams in Song of Solomon, Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, and Push  In 1776 it was stated that our country was based upon one simple truth, That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Though stated with a poetic justice, this statement did not hold true for all U.S. citizens. Many citizens were held in captivity, versus freedomRead More American Dream in Song of Solomon, Narrative Frederick Douglass, Life of a Slave Girl, and Push1924 Words  | 8 PagesAmerican Dream in Song of Solomon, Narrative of Frederick Douglass, Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, and Push   In an era where knowledge is power, the emphasis on literacy in African American texts is undeniable. Beginning with the first African American literary works, the slave narratives, through the canons more recent successes such as Toni Morrisons Song of Solomon and Sapphires Push, the topic of literacy is almost inextricably connected to freedom and power. A closer investigationRead MoreThe Life of A Slave Girl by Harriet A. Jacobs Essay1272 Words  | 6 PagesA slave narrative is to tell a slaves story and what they have been through. Six thousand former slaves from North America told about their lives during the 18th and 19th centuries. About 150 narratives were published as separate books or articles most slaves were born in the last years of the slave regime or during the Civil War. Some Slaves told about their experiences on plantations, in cities, and on small farms. Slave narratives are one of the only ways that people today know about the wayRead MoreEssay on O ut of the Silence1445 Words  | 6 PagesThe slave narrative genre is an important part of American history. These stories are not only portraits of individual history, but also of American history. By reading the stories of the past we can better determine the path of the future. The personal stories of Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs are two excellent examples of the slave narrative genre in American literature. To be sure, bondage and oppression had a lasting and profound effect on both genders; however, men and women experiencedRead MoreJacobs Douglass: An Insight Into The Experience of The American Slave1019 Words  | 5 PagesThe slave narratives of the ante-bellum time period have come across numerous types of themes. Much of the work concentrates on the underlining ideas beneath the stories. In the narratives, fugitives and ex-slaves appealed to the humanity they shared with their readers during these times, men being lynched and marked all over and women being the subject of grueling rapes. The slave narrative of Frederick Douglas and Harriet Jacobs: Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl themes come from the existenceRead MoreThe Life Of Frederick Douglass And The Life Of A Slave Girl1475 Words  | 6 PagesNovember 18, 2014 The Life of Frederick Douglass the Life of a Slave Girl The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass and The Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl are both nineteenth-century narratives about Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobs’s experiences born into slavery and as escaped slaves. The concept of gender makes each narrative have distinct perspectives’ of their version of what they endure during slavery and how it shapes their freedom. Even though both narratives have many similaritiesRead MoreResponse to Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass Readings1204 Words  | 5 PagesCritical Response on Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass Both Douglass and Jacobs were inspirational icons for the African-Americans in American history. Their contributions to the abolition of slavery and liberalism of the African-American race in the U.S. are very notable and important too; not only for honor but also important to American literature. They both lived during the period of the Antebellum (1820 - 1865) when the abolition of slave trade was a big issue in the country. At this timeRead MoreResponse to Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass Readings1192 Words  | 5 PagesCritical Response on Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass Both Douglass and Jacobs were inspirational icons for the African-Americans in American history. Their contributions to the abolition of slavery and liberalism of the African-American race in the U.S. are very notable and important too; not only for honor but also important to American literature. They both lived during the period of the Antebellum (1820 - 1865) when the abolition of slave trade was a big issue in the country. At this timeRead MoreBeing Raised As Slaves By Harriet Jacobs And Frederick Douglass953 Words  | 4 PagesBeing raised as slaves; both Harriet Jacobs and Frederick Douglass devoted their professional life for telling their true story based on their own experience. As a matter of fact, their works â€Å"Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl†(1861) and â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave†(1845) are considered the most important works in the genre of slave narrative or of enslavement. Thus, this paper will compa re and contrast between Jacobs and Douglass in terms of the aforementionedRead MoreEffects of Slavery1567 Words  | 7 PagesEffects of Slavery Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobson both write their compelling stories on what life was like as slaves during 19th century America. Both narratives define the harsh life of slavery and the unforgiving effects that occurred during their time as slaves. In the same way, both stories reveal the theme of the evils of slavery but also given their different gender roles, their experiences are completely different from one another. While both Frederick Douglass and Harriet Jacobson’s
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