Product Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Product Strategy - Essay Example Consequently, by incorporating the consumers’ requirements in the designs, quality and composition of its products, an organization is in a position to win over customer loyalty and attract new and potential customers. The customer’s role in the research and development of new products is essential. The significance it plays, as far as profits and sales are concerned is extensive. Many entrepreneurs believe that inventions and innovations normally improve sales. This is opposed to reliance on customers’ needs, where one customer’s demand differs from another customer’s demand. They believe that what can break this barrier are innovations and inventions and that through innovation, a new product is introduced into the market and bridges the different consumer demands, making such opposing needs to converge (Wahab, 2013). Their paradigm is, however, inaccurate because marketing as a strategy concept involves, first knowing the target market, then the needs, wants and demands of the customers. Without knowing consumers’ demands then it is a waste of time selling because a business can be selling an irrelevant product that the target market does not need. Pursuant to that is understanding the products and services on offer since this is what will retain customers’ needs or demands; without consumers then marketing ceases to outlive its usefulness. Last is offering high-quality products and ensuring consumer satisfaction based on how the product is sold (Howard, 2014). Mark Cohen, in his article in the New York Times titled: A Revolutionary Marketing Strategy: Answer Customers’ Question, paints a picture of how the proprietor of Riverpools and Spas, Marcus Sheridon, used his marketing prowess to move the company which was on the brink of collapse back to prosperity. Where Marcus abandoned conventional marketing for content marketing this paid

The Role of Leaders in Developing a Culture of Quality Essay

The Role of Leaders in Developing a Culture of Quality - Essay Example ity, outlines the stakeholders involved in the process of inculcating the culture, the difference between the role of a manager and a leader in applying the culture of change and how the leaders can assess if they have been successful. Leaders play diverse roles in establishing the culture of quality in health care institutions. First, they take an active role as the main communicators to all levels within an institution. This means that leaders reach out to customers and members of staff and other stakeholders (Swayne et al., 2012). Furthermore, they facilitate communication of information pertaining to the culture of quality. Leaders develop the communication methods fit for the various audiences (Kelly, 2011). Additionally, they are required to listen attentively to the employees and address their concerns in relation to the process of implementing the culture of quality. Secondly, leaders act as strategic thinkers in managing the culture of change within health care institutions. This is owing to the fact that they are the ones with the best understanding of how the organization functions. They are central in ensuring the organization responds to the internal and external changes aimed at improving on quality (Kelly, 2011). Leaders should be well aware of the strengths and weaknesses within health care institutions, and therefore, implement the culture of change in the areas of need. Leaders formulate the objectives of a health care institution that need to be aligned them toward achieving the culture of quality. Thirdly, leaders play the imperative role of decision making in health care institutions while implementing the desired culture. It is necessary to note that leaders are faced with various alternatives and are required to come up with the best option that improves quality within a health care organization (Kongstvedt, 2012). Leaders take into account the influence their decisions have on employees, patients and other stakeholders. Finally, they

Internet Censorship Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Internet Censorship - Research Paper Example nizations and individuals practice internet censorship because of maintaining the morality in the society, requirement by religion, to conserve the culture of the society, due to authoritative command or due to the requirement by law. There diverse opinions about internet censorship among the people of the modern whereby some support it at the same time others opposing it (Deibert 76). In addition, the degree of internet censorship varies from one country to another or from one organization to another. Some have got suppressed rules on internet censorship while others have extreme legal restrictions whereby even basic information like news that should be passed to the public is suppressed. Moreover, it occurs when sensitive occasions or activities are anticipated to take place. Such events include general elections in various countries to elect new leaders, protests and riots against something. Such censorship is meant not stir incitement among the public to cause more harm during such events. Other fields of censorship are done to protect the legal right to control written work, prevent offensive language against someone and to protect people from getting exposed to disturbing scenes that may cause psychological torture. Most occasions that require internet censorship are related to online censorship that is applied to media and internet. The existing difference between the two is that the limits of a nation sometimes can leak. People can get data which is prohibited in their own country other countries where the same information is not restricted. Therefore, internet censorship must be fully implemented and enforced to ensure there is no access of such information at all. To ensure that this is achieved then sites that should not accessed are completely blocked or only the information that should be communicated to people is filtered. Filtering information or blocking is implemented by use of blacklisting and intensive scrutinization of information that is

Product Strategy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Product Strategy - Essay Example Consequently, by incorporating the consumers’ requirements in the designs, quality and composition of its products, an organization is in a position to win over customer loyalty and attract new and potential customers. The customer’s role in the research and development of new products is essential. The significance it plays, as far as profits and sales are concerned is extensive. Many entrepreneurs believe that inventions and innovations normally improve sales. This is opposed to reliance on customers’ needs, where one customer’s demand differs from another customer’s demand. They believe that what can break this barrier are innovations and inventions and that through innovation, a new product is introduced into the market and bridges the different consumer demands, making such opposing needs to converge (Wahab, 2013). Their paradigm is, however, inaccurate because marketing as a strategy concept involves, first knowing the target market, then the needs, wants and demands of the customers. Without knowing consumers’ demands then it is a waste of time selling because a business can be selling an irrelevant product that the target market does not need. Pursuant to that is understanding the products and services on offer since this is what will retain customers’ needs or demands; without consumers then marketing ceases to outlive its usefulness. Last is offering high-quality products and ensuring consumer satisfaction based on how the product is sold (Howard, 2014). Mark Cohen, in his article in the New York Times titled: A Revolutionary Marketing Strategy: Answer Customers’ Question, paints a picture of how the proprietor of Riverpools and Spas, Marcus Sheridon, used his marketing prowess to move the company which was on the brink of collapse back to prosperity. Where Marcus abandoned conventional marketing for content marketing this paid

Internet Censorship Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Internet Censorship - Research Paper Example nizations and individuals practice internet censorship because of maintaining the morality in the society, requirement by religion, to conserve the culture of the society, due to authoritative command or due to the requirement by law. There diverse opinions about internet censorship among the people of the modern whereby some support it at the same time others opposing it (Deibert 76). In addition, the degree of internet censorship varies from one country to another or from one organization to another. Some have got suppressed rules on internet censorship while others have extreme legal restrictions whereby even basic information like news that should be passed to the public is suppressed. Moreover, it occurs when sensitive occasions or activities are anticipated to take place. Such events include general elections in various countries to elect new leaders, protests and riots against something. Such censorship is meant not stir incitement among the public to cause more harm during such events. Other fields of censorship are done to protect the legal right to control written work, prevent offensive language against someone and to protect people from getting exposed to disturbing scenes that may cause psychological torture. Most occasions that require internet censorship are related to online censorship that is applied to media and internet. The existing difference between the two is that the limits of a nation sometimes can leak. People can get data which is prohibited in their own country other countries where the same information is not restricted. Therefore, internet censorship must be fully implemented and enforced to ensure there is no access of such information at all. To ensure that this is achieved then sites that should not accessed are completely blocked or only the information that should be communicated to people is filtered. Filtering information or blocking is implemented by use of blacklisting and intensive scrutinization of information that is

A Single Needle; Single Handily Changing the Game Essay Example for Free

A Single Needle; Single Handily Changing the Game Essay Americas Pastime has been the true root of sports in the United States of America. Baseball blew up in the late 19th century towards the end of the American Civil War. Before there were TVs, internet, or DVDs, baseball is what kids did for fun. It became the thing to do if you were a white male going into the 20th century, and that was just the beginning of a long bittersweet road of the game of baseball. Up until the 1990s many greats had walked in between the lines showing off their pure god given talent, then an era came along that makes every baseball fan cringe, the Steroids Era. Steroids started to spread throughout the league like wildfire, and sadly no one was doing anything about it. The only thing administration, owners, authorities, and fans had were suspicion no one knew for sure if these record breaking seasons were real or all just a fluke. The greats like Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Lou Gehrig, and Ted Williams all have been being surpassed in the record books by Jose Canseco, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, Mark McGuire, and plenty more players due to the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs. The use of illegal Steroids in baseball has single handily degraded and disgraced the great game that once was proud to be known as Americas Pastime. The man who started it all and really brought Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) to the baseball scene in the late 1980s was Oakland Athletics outfielder, Jose Canseco. Once Canseco starting showing his teammates how influential these drugs were to their performance through his own personal achievements it wasnt long before a large amount of players were using PEDs. Canseco states in his book, Juiced: Wild Times, Rampant Roids, Smash Hits, and How Baseball Got Big that, About 85% of Major Leaguers have used it (Canseco). The MLB rarely, if at all tested for steroids during this time of the Steroids Era and if they did there was no penalty for testing positive. At the time it was virtually a win win for the players, they could juice up, exceed the stats they could only dream about, and never get in trouble during the process. Performance Enhancing Drugs became an epidemic in the world of baseball, but not only was it enhancing players performance, it was enhancing every aspect of reve nue a ball club could ever imagine. The Record books were once again open and ready for business. Athletes such as Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, Mark McGuire, and so forth were smashing homeruns and going up on the charts little by little for the all time homerun record holder, Hank Aaron. This excitement on the field attracted more fans through these steroid years than baseball had ever seen, and when there are fans there is money, and when there is money there is no concern. The Major League of Baseball had been oblivious to the illegal use of Steroids over the years. Until 2002 there were no penalties for testing positive for PEDs. The new rules stated, A first time offense would only result in treatment for the player (Baseball-Almanac). Not one player was sentenced to any suspensions for this crime, until the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative (BALCO) steroid scandal came to light, and brought out many of the All-Stars of the MLB to the top of the list. Victor Cante the founder of BALCO was a god to the sports world. He was the guy that not only supplied athletes with their steroi ds, but also had ways to cheat the tests so they could come up clean. Testing companies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the U.S Anti Doping-Agency (USADA) are always trying to improve the efficiency of the tests to make cheating near impossible if not totally full proof, but as those agencies are working to stop the cheaters workers at BALCO labs are finding ways once again come up with a new way to slide by the new and improved tests on the market (Quinn). So in 2005 The MLB created a new testing policy that was accepted by the players and owners that said, The first positive test will result in a suspension of up to ten days. The second positive test will result in a suspension of thirty days. The third positive test will result in a suspension of sixty days. The fourth positive test will result in a suspension of one full year. Finally, the fifth positive test will result in a penalty at the discretion of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball. Players will be tested at least once per year, with a chance that several players can be tested numerous times per year (Baseball-Almanac). That wasnt the last adjustment Bud Selig, the Commissioner of the Major League of Baseball, was going to make to the steroid testing policy. On December 13, 2007, Greg Mitchell, an investigator who was appointed by Bud Selig in 2006 to investigate the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in the MLB, presented a 409 page report to Selig showing his investigation and revealing 89 alleged players who used steroids during their career (Healey). Once Bud Selig had been shown the report, his 3rd written drug testing policy came in to play which was known as the Three strikes and youre out approach (Verhaeghe). This final policy stated that, The first positive test would result in a fifty game suspension. The second positive test would result in a one-hundred game suspension. Finally, the third positive test would result in a lifetime suspension from Major League Baseball (Baseball Almanac). Bud Selig and the rest of the administration inside of the Major League of Baseball had finally seen the light, and properly taken action on how to cut down the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs throughout the MLB. Once the Mitchell Report was released many super stars and role models for fans all around the world were printed in black under the category of the illegal use of steroids throughout their career. The most popular player named in the Mitchell Report due to his court and trial issues would have to be 7 time Cy Young winner, Roger Clemens. Once he saw that his name had been brought to light in the report he went to Capitol Hill to clear his name off the list that he felt he didnt need to be on. Little did he know that when made the statement, I appreciate the opportunity to tell this Committee and the public-under oath-what I have been saying all along: I have never used steroids, human growth hormone [HGH], or any other type of illegal performance enhancing drugs. I think these types of drugs should play no role in athletics at any level, and I fully support Senator Mitchells conclusions that steroids have no place in baseball. However, I take great issue with the reports allegation that I used these substances. Let me be clear again: I did not. (Healey) That he was entering a world of charges when committing perjury in a court of law. Many of the players claimed their innocence like Clemens did, but in the end they all served the types of charges. The original group of all time Baseball greats like Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Cy young, etc. set a high standard for the Players after them to strive for and gave them something to achieve. Never in their minds would they of thought that the game of baseball would have turned out the way it is today. These modern day All-stars who cheated and used Performance Enhancing Drugs for a shortcut just to go ahead of someones hard work and love for the game as well to achieve their personal and selfish desires should be punished and have their awards and accolades stripped from them and taken out of the record books as if they were never there to begin with. The use of Performance Enhancing Drugs has put a permanent stain on the name of Baseball and what it is truly about. Bud Selig and the Major league of Baseball has come a long way regarding minimizing the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs by enforcing harsher penalties and consequences for testing Positive for steroids. As the years have gone by thanks to the leagues stricter policies on testing positive for PEDs the amount of players getting suspended for steroid use has decreased on a year to year basis. The Major League of Baseball will never be able to completely take Performance Enhancing Drugs out of the game, but with the right consequences, and appropriate policies they will be able continue to keep the use of Steroids at a very low rate and never re-enter the once dreaded time known as the Steroids Era ever again. Works Cited Healey, Daniel. FALL OF THE ROCKET: STEROIDS IN BASEBALL AND THE CASE AGAINEST ROGER CLEMENS. Marquette Sports Law Review 19.1 (September 2008): SPORTDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. Roger The Rocket Clemens is known to be one of the best of all-time to step on the rubber in the game of Major League Baseball. The Seven-time Cy Young winner was ultimately unstoppable in the last half of his career. He was just another great phenom in the baseball world until December 13, 2007 when the Mitchell Report was released, revealing a 409-page report that was sent to the commissioner of baseball (Bud Selig) that investigated the illegal use of steroids and Performance Enhancing Drugs used by players in Major League Baseball. There were over 80 players put on this report, but the one who stood out the most was Roger Clemens himself. On February 13th 2008 he went to Capitol Hill to argue the allegations against him saying, I appreciate the opportunity to tell this Committee and the public-under oath-what I have been saying all along: I have never used steroids, human growth hormone [HGH], or any other type of illegal performance enhancing drugs. I think these types of drugs should play no role in athletics at any level, and I fully support Senator Mitchells conclusions that Steroids have no place in baseball. However, I take great issue with the reports allegation that I used these substances. Let me be clear again: I did not. Once Clemens had stated that it put a rather large target on his back not only by investigators but also the judicial system. They were trying to get him to admit using illegal steroids, but now as well they were going after him on counts of perjury. After 2 years of gathering enough evidence and testimonies on August 19, 2010 a Federal Grand Jury Indicted Roger Clemens on six counts, one count of obstruction of congress, three counts of false statements, and two counts of perjury. On July 13, 2011 Clemens first trial began, but on the second day the judge ruled a mistrial due to prosecutorial misconduct. For now Roger Clemens is a free man, but legal sources say that he will be retried. I will be using the Mitchell Report and the Roger Clemens trial to portray that not only is the use of steroids extremely risky and unhealthy but also that its against the law and you will get caught one way or another. 1991 to 2002 was known as the Steroid Era in professional baseball. Over those years particularly in 1995 after the cancellation of the 1994 playoffs and World Series the statistics of a majority of the players skyrocketed, which in retrospect played a huge role in filling the empty seats back up after the 1994 strike. Ill be explaining that up until to this point in time the MLB did not have strict regulations on testing for the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) Kuenster, John. Major League Player Records Dishonored by Steroid Users. Baseball Digest. 62.2 (March 2008): SPORTDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. John Kuenster touches on a very valuable subject when it comes to records, and honors given in the MLB. Back in early in mid 1900s the greats of the game like, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Joe DiMaggio, Bob Feller, and Ernie Banks. They all set legitimate records that should never be shadowed by the players who eventually broke them. These few players all had something in common. That was hard work and love for the game. They didnt use PEDs to up there stats or to get to a higher number in a certain category. These historic greats earned their records off pure talent that was god given and worked hard to mature. The greats of our time such as, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Alex Rodriguez, or Mark McGwire also hold records like men mentioned earlier. The only difference between the past greats and the current greats is that these new all-stars were accused of using Steroids to achieve their records. Not only are the players the ones to blame for the whole Steroid Era. Stricter steps should have been taken from the get go through the league to enforce steroid testing to ensure the safety and fair play in professional play of baseball before the use of steroids spread like wildfire through the MLB. Will records and awards be stripped from players whove been tested positive for performing enhancing drugs? We dont know for now, but who knows what the future holds. This article about dishonoring the awards given to players who have achieved them unfairly will allow me to voice my opinion on the topic of record breakers involving steroids. I personally am against the use of steroids solely because all it does it degrade the great game of baseball. Even though these cheaters didnt use PEDs their whole career and achieved some of their record off pure talent doesnt change the fact they broke the rules that is stated in the contract thats signed by every professional player. Its not fair that historys greatest baseball players prior to the steroid era should be passed up in the record books by players that made themselves better by an illegal drug. Not only is it a disgrace to the violators name, but more importantly its a disgrace to the game of baseball. Rutecki, Jared. A Study of Media Impact on Public Opinion Regarding Performance Enhancement in Major League Baseball. Open Sports Sciences Journal 3 (2010): SPORTSDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. A chart in the article, A study of Media Impact on Public Opinion Regarding Performance Enhancement in Major League Baseball shows the percent of the coverage on specific sports and PEDs through 1968 to 2006 in Sports Illustrated, Newsweek, and Time. Baseball ranks number one in all 3 magazines with 43 percent, 39 percent, and 39 percent. Coming in second was football with a significant lower percent of 19, 14, and 15. Over the years magazine articles about PEDs have increased by a huge amount due to the popularity in steroid use among professional athletes. With the widespread use of steroids in sports particularly baseball, its apparent that the talk of it in magazines and media in general has shot up too. When something isnt a public issue the media obviously isnt interested in it which is why steroids in the earlier years werent written and talked about much. When the Steroid Era came into play thats when the number of articles in magazines skyrocketed year by year and it all of sudden became a huge topic in our society. I will also be touching on the fact that even when people knew that steroids were an issue media didnt start writing about it like crazy until the 104 MLB players tested positive for PEDs in 2003. From that year on the number of articles per year were above 49. The media writes what sells and in this day and age information and insider news about the world of baseball and steroids will always sell. Solberg, Joe. Performance-Enhancing Drug Use in Baseball: The Impact of Culture. Ethics and Behavior 21 (April 2011): 91-102. Philosophers Index. Web. 8 November 2011. Joe Solberg explains that once the steroid era of baseball blew up and became steady that it wasnt out of the norm anymore, it became part of the culture. Once everyone was doing it the person below them had to use PEDs in order to get to the next level. The use of Steroids is a ladder that started in the pros and worked its way down to the minors. Major League Contracts are more than less based off offensive performance rather than defensive performance. To be more specific on offensive performance homeruns are what really can land you a big money contract. Over the years the biggest category that PEDs have helped is homeruns. Of course players want a lot of money, and in order to get that money is to hit homeruns, and in order to increase the amount of homeruns is to take performance enhancing drugs. Players will do what they have to do in order to make the money that they are satisfied with, and as a result for most players it is to partake in using steroids to increase their status as an all-star. The information I gathered in this article will help me explain the players motives for wanting to use PEDs. Its not only used just to break records and be known as an all-star even though that is a plus that comes with it, but its the fact that if the person above you is using these substances then in order for you to excel above him and potentially take his spot you almost feel obligated to take PEDs as well. It was once a bad thing to be associated with the group known to take steroids back when it was a rare thing to do. Now days its such a common thing to partake in its part of the culture, its fairly normal in the MLB now to use PEDs. Sommers, Paul. The Changing Hitting Performance Profile in Major League Baseball, 1966-2006. Journal of Sports Economics 9.4 (August 2008) SPORTSDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011. Paul Sommers showed charts over the decades of average years played by an average starter in the pros. It went from 5.2 years in the 60s to 6 in a half years in 2006. That shows that the use of steroids in the MLB increased a players career by almost 2 years. He also explains that the use of PEDs in baseball lets you peak at a higher level of skill. A persons overall skill level will increase by a big number while using steroids. Someone hitting .267 without the use of steroids could jump anywhere from a .324 to .378 average depending on the person. With all the statistics shown throughout the article its proven that Performance enhancing drugs increase a players batting average, peak, years played, MPH, and overall skill level. Before the 1960s after a players peak their batting average tended to decline steadily due to falling off from their prime, but after the 1960s a large amount of players started to excel past their peak year and raise their batting averages past their prime which was unusual. As we know now the reason for that was the use of PEDs. After 2004 the statistics seemed to start trending again like the 1960s due to the random and mandatory drug tests which disabled the players to partake in using Anabolic Steroids of HGH. I will be using this information to show how all PEDs have been proven in many to not only better athletes, but make them more durable and tack on extra years of successful productivity past their prime. PEDs arent physically making them younger, but they sure are making them produce younger aged stats in a past prime aged body. Stone, Brad. Another Poison Pill Newsweek 146.7 (August 15 2005): Academic Search Complete. Web. 8 November 2011. The MLB is by far the top sport when it comes to the abuse of Performance Enhancing Drugs, but yet it holds the weakest punishment in the sports world for testing positive. Rafael Palmeiro in 2008 tested positive for Performance Enhancing Drugs in early August of 2008 just months after he testified before a U.S congressional committee stating that he had never used PEDs in his life. Not only did he test positive for steroids, he failed the test after lying under oath in a court of law, and all he was punished with through the MLB was a 10-day suspension and a $164,000 fine. Due to the particular steroid Palmeiro took, Stanozonol, which travels through your digestive system within 2 weeks, makes it hard for the court to prove that Palmeiro was lying when he testified. Baseball wants to stop the abuse of Steroids, but at the same time it seems like all these players that test positive these substances just get slaps on the wrist and are told not to do it again. If you want a problem to come to a halt you have to go the extra distance in order to get the results youre looking for. PEDs have been persistent in the MLB for decades now; telling a player to stop will ultimately not stop them. There needs to be an ultimatum put into action to make the abusers consider that these PEDs arent worth the loss of their career. Every other sport that has extremely harsh penalties if tested positive for PEDs dont have a very high percent of positive tests because the players dont want to take the risk to put their career on the line. In the MLBs case they arent putting a severe enough consequence for the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs. My main point Ill be using from this article is that if you want the use of PEDs to lower then you have to put consequences that the players dont want to deal with out there in order to produce more negative resulting drug tests. Quinn, Tom BASEBALLS STEROID ERA. Mens Fitness 23. (August 2007): SPORTSDiscus. Web. 8 November 2011 Throughout the history of baseball testing for either steroids or street drugs really hasnt been a big part of the games policy. Players played the game and what they did off the field was their own business. Once the early 80s hit, and PEDs came on the scene the use of them among players got out of hand. It became an almost regular regime for a majority of the MLB. Tests were eventually being given, but that didnt stop the players. When theres motive to do illegal substances theres always the backup plan to keep these athletes out of trouble. There were plenty of ways to come up clean on a test, and when the testers would find a way to stop it, Victor Cante and his crew at BALCO labs would just simply find another way to cheat. Even when the few unlucky players get caught all they have to do is admit it and simply explain they were told it was something else. For Example, Barry Bonds, when he spoke in front of the BALCO grand jury he came clean about all the PEDs he had taken, but the catch was he stated that he was oblivious to what he was actually using. People of this stature will make their illegal decisions, but dont think they dont have all the answers for when the going gets tough. Ill be using Quinns article BASEBALL STEROIDS ERA to inform how little baseball can really do to not only catch these users, but to actually put a stop to the Performance Enhancing Drugs. If not cheating tests to save their own ass these professional athletes will just find a perfect window of time to where they know they wont be tested in the offseason to fit in a couple cycles here and there to maintain the gains through using PEDs. Testing companies such as the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the U.S Anti Doping-Agency (USADA) will never stop trying to improve the efficiency of the tests to make cheating near impossible if not totally full proof, but as those agencies are working to stop the cheaters dont think the cheaters at BALCO labs arent finding ways to break through and find loop holes in their tests. Verhaeghe, Dan. Bud Selig Lays Down the Hammer on Performance Enhancing Drugs. Bleacher Report. (January 2008): Web. 30 November 2011

The Forms Of Femininity In Shakespeare English Literature Essay

The Forms Of Femininity In Shakespeare English Literature Essay Many modern critics claim that Shakespeare was a pioneering feminist. Shapiro claimed that Shakespeare was the noblest feminist of them all (Shapiro,1994,p111). Whilst this claim is supported by various Shakespearean works, this essay will consider that whilst his works can be interpreted as displaying feminist attitudes, whether these females are punished for displaying this transgressive behaviour. Over the centuries various empires and societies, such as classical Rome and ancient Egypt, were been built upon the foundation of a patriarchal society. These societies were sustained through the oppression of women, as they were continually treated as second class citizens, which pushed women towards acts of rebellion when they felt particularly mistreated. These settings therefore made an excellent backdrop for Shakespeare to project the attitudes of a male-dominated seventeenth century society. This technique occurs throughout Shakespeares plays, but is particularly evident in Titus Andronicus, where Tamora is motivated to act against a patriarchal society by the restrictions that she is forced to adhere to. Her actions are then punished by further repression, depicting the infectiveness of her actions against the dominant patriarchal order. Antony and Cleopatra also illustrates this battle of femininity against a patriarchal society, using Romans once again to represent the domineering male force. Shakespeare allows both Antony and Cleopatra to break free from their stereotypical roles by inverting their genders, to create two characters that possess traits from both sexes; so they refuse to fit into their traditional roles. Lastly I will look at Gertrude in the Hamlet, where Shakespeare depicts the effects of one womans transgressive actions on the patriarchal order. To appreciate why the actions of women in these plays are so subversive, and to comprehend the reactions of the male characters in the plays, it is vital to understand the position of women in Shakespeares society. Despite that both of Shakespeares plays were not set in the seventeenth century, his depiction of women would have been influenced by the society in which he lived. The general view was that there was a hierarchy of genders, with males at the top, in Miltons words Not equal, as their sex not equal seemed (Milton, 2008, p41). Society established woman as weaker, inferior and in need of masculine guidance and this was voiced as firmly by women, as by men (Keeble,1994,106). This essay will portray how the female characters transgressed from their stereotypical roles, and consider how and more intriguingly, why, these characters were punished for their perceived transgression. Shakespeares Antony and Cleopatra is believed to have been written in 1606 after a distinguished sequence of tragedies including Othello, King Lear and Macbeth (Farrell, 2004, p23). Shakespeare uses the play to consider the effects of a patriarchal society, and skilfully inverts gender roles so that it is the male, Antony, that is the victim. The patriarchal society of Rome expects Antony to only display his masculinity, and not to succumb to feminine qualities such as passion, feelings and love. When he develops a powerful love for Cleopatra, Antony is no longer able to abide by the stifling society, where the role of lover is considered inferior to a mans political responsibilities. The opening lines of the play demonstrates the rising disapproval of Antonys unconventional, or feminine, behaviour which is not confined within the measure of patriarchy, Nay but this dotage of our Generals / Oerflows the measure (Shakespeare, 2001,1.1.56). The males view Antonys dedication to Cleopatra as disgraceful, His captains heart become the bellows and the fan / To cool a gipsys lust (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.22). Antony also occasionally judges himself by these standards of patriarchy, such as at the end of the play where he is miserable and shamed by his reduced political power. He then becomes envious and irrational and claims that Cleopatra has emasculated him, O thy vile lady, / She has robbed me of my sword (Shakespeare, 2001, 4.14.2). Eventually Antony chooses love over political power, as Antony is not debased by his loss of power, but rather, through his love of Cleopatra develops a stronger sense of manhood, ran alternative masculinity(Woodbridge,1994,p34). However the reaction of the males within the Roman society shows that this feminine transgression is not suitable for a male in a patriarchal society. Whilst Antony displays feminine characteristics, Cleopatra transgresses her female role by exhibiting masculine virtues to counterbalance Antony and provide a relationship of surprising equality. Cleopatra, and the relationship, does not abide by the restrictions of a seventeenth century, patriarchal society. Their relationship blurs the roles of male and female by inverting gender roles, Cleopatra embraces masculine features, as Woodbridge states, Antony and Cleopatra can cross gender boundaries without losing their sex roles as man or woman (Woodbridge,1994,p45). This gender inversion is physically depicted in the scene where Cleopatra, wore his sword Philipan(Shakespeare, 2001, 2.5.30), this displays how Shakespeare clearly identifies masculine qualities within a female. Unlike many of Shakespeares female characters, Cleopatra dominates the play in terms of individual presence and theme. Also Shakespeare provided the audience with a real woman, as opposed to a stereotype, Velma Ri chmond claims further that in Cleopatra we can find Shakespeares finest embracing of the feminine(Richmond, 1991, p139). Cleopatra is a mixture of political prowess and sexual power; however this sexuality is condemned by the males in the play as she is referred to as a whore (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.1.32) and a strumpet (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.1.32) throughout the play. However this sexual power is presented positively on occasion, such as Enorbarbuss description of her: Age cannot wither her,   Nor custom stale her infinite variety. Other women cloy   The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry Where most she satisfies. For vilest things   Become themselves in her, that the holy priests Bless she is riggish. (Shakespeare, 2001, 2.2.43). Cleopatra declines to obey to the stereotype of a woman created by a patriarchal society, and uses her natural sexuality to gain power rather than allow it to be detrimental to her character. She also is intent on accomplishing a political role, despite the objections of the patriarchal men. This is clearly depicted when Enoebarbus attempts to stop her from carrying out her political role, and Cleopatra responds in a furious tirade: A charge we bear ithwar, And as the president of my kingdom will Appear there for a man. Speak not against it. I will not stay behind (Shakespeare, 3.4.44) Cleopatra therefore forces her admittance into the male arena against the wishes of the patriarchal society. Obedience and silence were very much part of the patriarchal conception of femininity, a conception of which Cleopatra refuses to adhere to. She contrasts the traditional silent woman; Cleopatra ensures that her voice is heard. She mocks Antony and quarrels with him. Challenging him with a masculine aggression when they argue I would I had thine inches. Thou shouldst know/ There were a heart in Egypt(Shakespeare, 2001, 1.3.10). Spirited and passionate, such displays of assertion as her physical attack on the messenger informing her of Antonys marriage to Octavia are a far cry from the passive silent role of the feminine in patriarchal society. In passionate disbelief and anger, she draws a knife on the messenger and strikes him with her bare hands. Charmian tries to appease her by telling her Good madam keep yourself within yourself (Shakespeare, 2001, 2.5.55), but Cleopatra e scapes the bounds of self-composure and the repression of self-hood. Shakespeare uses Cleopatras death to portray her final act of disobedience against the patriarchal society, as she emphasizes her individual identity. Her death develops into a victory over Caesar, who symbolises patriarchal Rome, as when the guard is confronted with the sight of her death he exclaims Caesars beguiled(Shakespeare, 2001, 5.2.33). Cleopatras death allows her to rise above the repression of society; she embraces her death as positive rather than with sadness: My desolation does begin to make a better life . . . And it is great   To do that thing that ends all other deeds, Which shackles accidents and bolts up change (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.2.76) Even in death Cleopatra merges both feminine and masculine features, as she declares to take on male qualities of rationality and strength, I have nothing of woman in me. Now from head to foot/ I am marble constant (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.22). She chooses to reject the traditional feminine qualities of water and the changeability of the moon (Ott,2001,p21) and changes herself into air and fire (Shakespeare,2001, 5.1.43). Therefore she embraces masculinity and Rome by dying in the True Roman fashion (Ott,2001,p20). However Shakespeare is also able to illustrate her portrayal of the power of womanhood, by adapting the image of death into a portrait of sensuality and motherhood. The pain that she suffers is described as a lovers pinch (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.10) and the asp is depicted as a baby at my breast/That sucks the nurse asleep (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.9). Her death is so poignant that even Caesar, the symbol of patriarchy, acknowledges her valour and the irrefutable dignity of the woman who Took her own way (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.68). This representation of womanhood shows how Cleopatra transcends the stereotype of women in Shakespeares time. Despite that she meets her death at the end of the play; Shakespeare ensures that her mixture of masculine and femininity is ultimately respected by Caesar. She escapes punishment for displaying masculine traits, and hence transgressing her role of female, by having the power to take her own life. The respect shown by Caesar is perhaps Shakespeares own view, that this woman, who refuses to abide by the role that a patriarchal society has given her, should be admired. The description throughout the play of Cleopatra shows her in a strong and positive light In Titus Andronicus, the character Tamora does not abide by the role of a proper woman in a seventeenth century society. Tamora feels as though she has been ill-treated and repressed by the acts of a patriarchal society. Her actions in the play are an attempt to gain some kind of equality, however ultimately she meets her death as a consequence, perhaps proving the futility of such resistance in a male dominated landscape. The death of Tamoras son Arlarbus, we have performed/Our Roman rites: Alarbus limbs are lopped/And entrails feed the sacrificing fire (Shakespeare, 2001, 1.1.145) serves as the basis of the plot, as Tamora plots her revenge on Titus for this act of barbarity. However Tamora must establish herself within the patriarchal society to gain the necessary power to exact her revenge. This movement corresponds to the masculinisation of her character; as Lavinia says to her O Tamora, thou bearest a womans face, before being interrupted (Shakespeare, 2001. 2.2.135). This disruption of normative gender traits in part relates to the threat Tamora poses as a sexually experienced woman, compared to the submissive Lavinia. This factor, combined with her visibly feminine position as a mother, leads Titus to form his unique, cannibalistic strategy for revenge. The insult that Lavinia throws at Tamora is based upon the presumption of a binary system (Ott, 2001, p77). Lavinia is the obvious stereotypica l female; this is evident from the beginning of the play where she is the victim of a patriarchal struggle and the bargaining chip (Ott, 2001, p77) in a matrimonial dispute. Tamora contrasts Lavinia, in that she possesses the sexuality and body of a woman, but as revenge consumes her she abandons the restrictions placed upon her and transgresses her feminine role. Tamora and Lavinia serve as polar opposite representations of women, the active Tamora and the passive Lavinia. Shakespeare effectively gives a platform to question gender identity within the play: When agreed-upon identities or agreed-upon dialogic structures, through which already established identities are communicated, no longer constitute the theme or subject of politics, then identities can come into being and dissolve depending on the concrete practices that constitute them (Butler,2004, p28) This is relatable to Tamora as her character is a stereotypical woman that has been unhinged by her vengeful actions. The obedient identities, which come into being and dissolve(Butler, 2004,p28), rely upon the supposition of other characters; most strongly in the character of Tamora, as the volatile nature of her character is shown to be based upon her visual female features, and the performative expectations set upon her as a woman. According to Butlers theory the continuing violence and vengeance compromise the concrete practices that create identity. The incessant compliance to the female role shown by Lavinia, after her rape and maiming, seal her fate as she is killed by Titus at the end of the play. Whilst Tamoras choice to refuse the female role ensures that she meets a similarly grisly fate. Shakespeare uses both female characters as bodies on which he can project the power of a patriarchal society upon, as Tamoras rejection of it is contrasted to Lavinias acceptance of it. Tamoras clearest rejection of the patriarchal society is her sexual freedom, as Renaissance society viewed women as possessed of a powerful, potentially disruptive sexuality (Henderson, 1985, p66). An example of this disruptive power is when she gives birth to a child fathered by Aaron, the child is described as as loathsome as a toad/Amongst the fair-faced breeders of our clime, (Shakespeare, 2001, 4.2.59). This suggests that the child has a mixed ethnicity; her transgressive actions are damned by the patriarchal society: DEMETRIUS: By this our mother is for ever shamed. CHIRON: Rome will despise her for this foul escape. NURSE: The emperor in his rage will doom her death. (Shakespeare, 2001, 4.2.111) Society may have had a different reaction if Saturninus had been culpable of having a secret child, however as Tamora has shown her sexual freedom through her actions, she will be condemned. Her promiscuity marks her as a threat to the male controlled society as it signifies that she will not allow a man, or society to control her. Her control over men is demonstrated repeatedly as she manipulates Saturninus, Aaron and her sons. Her affair with Aaron is a direct attack against the oppression the Romans would attempt to force on her. Tamoras reaction to her newborn son is a fascinating example of female independence; she realizes the danger that giving birth to a mixed race, bastard child will place her in and she refuses to be caught in this trap. Tamora instead opts to save herself, by sacrificing her child, The empress sends it thee, thy stamp, thy seal/ And bids thee christen it with thy daggers point (Shakespeare, 2001,4.2.61); while this action seems cruel and heartless it is st ill a self-governing move. Women were expected to be wives and mothers, and a womans child should be her most cherished possession In Titus Andronicus Shakespeare uses both of the main females bodies as physical metaphors for the dominance of males in society. Lavinias body is used as an inscriptive site; Titus asks Saturninus Was it well done of rash Virginius/To slay his own daughter with his own right hand/Because she was enforced, stained and deflowered? (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.3.25) before carrying out the duty of Roman patriarchy. The laws of men are written upon Lavinia, with her stumps, disfigured mouth and knife wounds. Tamoras body effectively transforms into a vessel, as when she dies her stomach is filled with her sons remains, the punishment that Titus finds compulsory for transgressing against the patriarchal law. Whilst Tamora is punished harshly for her transgression, Lavinia also suffers despite fulfilling her role. In Shakespeares Hamlet, there are two main female characters. Ophelia embodies femininity, as she obeys the patriarchal society that cares for her and flourishes within its strict boundaries. Gertrude juxtaposes Ophelia, as Shakespeare uses the same technique found in Titus Andronicus, whereby he uses Tamora and Lavinia as a binary pair to highlight the effect of patriarchy on both the passive and active. Gertrude is negating to the traditional standard of femininity, her rejection of her gender role eventually leads to the collapse of the patriarchal ordered power structure as well as her own demise. Ophelia is shown to be willing to comply to the patriarchal society, for example when Polonius instructs her not to see Hamlet anymore, she replies I shall obey, my lord, (Shakespeare, 2003, 1.3.139). Gertrude contrasts her attitude and defies the expectations of her role as a woman; she is not admired for her beauty, and most importantly she does not attempt to hide her sexuality. When she marries Claudius, Hamlet accuses her of living in in the rank sweat of an enseamed bed (Shakespeare, 2003, 3.5.91). Whilst Gertude may be hurt by these words, she does not deny his accusation. She recognises her identity and does not attempt to lie and conform to what society and Hamlet wants her to be. Gertrude shows more transgression from her feminine role as she rebels against religion by marrying her own brother as this was considered incestuous as Claudius marries his sometime sister. Gertrude is duly punished for her transgressive actions at the end of the play ,as she insists upon drinking poisoned wine despite her husband informing her do not drink(Shakespeare, 2003,5.3.122). It is fitting that her final act of defiance leads to her downfall. She falls dead, revealing Claudius plan and assuring his death. Her disobedience is responsible for causing the death of the king and the collapse of the patriarchal hierarchy. Because of her powerful political position, Gertrudes refusal of her prescribed role has grave consequences. The patriarchal nature of the social order emphasizes and rewards the obedience of women. Butlers theory can again be applied to Ophelia, as she commits suicide when she loses her father, as he is the source of both order and authority. Her identity dissolves when he is gone as his patriarchal views where the concrete in her life, and her personality. Gertrude meets her death as she refuses to bow to authority. She transgresses from her role as a woman by rejecting it and openly exuding her sexuality, similarly to both Tamora and Cleopatra, and is punished for her continued disobedience when she accidentally poisoned. Shakespeares punishment of female transgression is a complex subject to surmise. Whilst the three transgressive female characters in the three plays all meet their death, and hence can be considered to be punished by Shakespeare for transgressing their feminine role, it is not that black and white. Cleopatras death differs from both Tamora and Gertrudes death as she retains the power that she exhibits throughout the play, by taking her own life. Whilst Tamora and Gertrude are punished for transgressing their female role, Cleopatra escapes this fate Caesar, and shows respect for the woman who Took her own way (Shakespeare, 2001, 5.1.68). This could be construed as Shakespeare implying that women should not be chastised for not conforming to the standard female role, but instead be respected. This creates an intriguing dilemma when reading Hamlet and Titus Andronicus as Tamora and Gertrude deaths are not of their own will, and it can be interpreted is their punishment by society for th eir overt sexuality and disobedience to the patriarchal order. However both women are joined in death by their polar opposites in Ophelia and Lavinia, two women who complied implicitly with the rules of society, and fulfilled their expected role. This essay has considered that by applying Butlers theory, it can be concluded it is because of Tamora and Gertrudes transgression that women who obey society are harmed when it is brought down by others. This makes the two women culpable for their deaths, and adds another dimension to the debate as these women have been punished, yet they did not transgress from their prescribed role. This leads me to conclude that whilst some critics may laud Shakespeare as the first feminist, his ultimate stance is one of confusion. Whilst Cleopatra is presented as a woman able to embody both male and female attributes, she ultimately dies, even though it is by her own hand. Tamora and Gertrude also meet their death for transgressing their role; hence my conclusion is that Shakespeare displays the punishment of these women to show that their society is not ready to accept a woman like Cleopatra who is shown to be equal to man, as seventeenth century society is still stuck in the same rigid, patria rchal power structure as depicted in ancient Egypt. His presentation of her is undeniably one of admiration, which leads me to conclude that his punishment of women, innocent or guilty of transgression, is a depiction of a society not yet ready for a trasngressive woman, equal to man and that in seventeenth century society Women who comply with the social order are lost without it; those who defy it can know no other fortune than to be lost within it( Dollimore, 2003, p211).