Criminal Profiling An Investigative Tool - 1359 Words

forces such as the FBI and the police use criminal profiling as an investigative tool aimed at helping them identify or predict characteristics of criminals who are not yet identified. Criminal profiling as an investigation tool allows investigators to compile and establish the right description of the criminal implicated. Investigators can also use geographical profiling to establish the location of the criminal. The criminal profiling procedure is used by detectives to satisfy certain needs in the investigative report. For example, to enable law enforcement officers to get a high profile of the criminal conducted on the basis of psychological and social aspects of the offender with the purpose of understanding the circumstances of the crime being committed. Next is providing the investigative bodies with a perfect psychological assessment of the criminal. Based on the information gathered from the crime scene, a profiler can acquire on the mental status of the offender that is very helpful in homicide cases since the reason for carrying out such an act is effectively identified. Criminal profiling mostly focuses on the crime scene because the organization or disorganization of the criminal is established because there are criminals who have a tendency to plan things ahead before implementing them. (Woodruff, 1982) observes criminal profiling being a process of understanding a person’s particular behaviors has a long history and describes the famous case of Jack the RipperShow MoreRelatedCriminal Profiling the Popular Tv Shows 21594 Words   |  7 PagesCriminal Investigative Psychology Criminal Profiling Christina Gooden English 122 Mrs. Bowman May 10, 2010 Criminal Profiling has been made a desired profession by the popular TV shows such as Law and Order and Criminal Minds, but in reality, criminal profiling has been a source for Law Enforcement since the early 1100s. The first documented use of criminal profiling was the demonization of Jews, better known as â€Å"Blood Libel†. These accusations are still used against Jews today, unfortunatelyRead MoreThe Future of Psychological Profiling1658 Words   |  7 PagesThe Future of Psychological Profiling CJ430-01: Psychological Profiling Professor William Formby Kaplan University May 18, 2012 The purpose of this paper is to provide an assessment of psychological profiling as an investigative tool for the future. The paper will try to focus on what happens if profiles are developed that have not accurately portrayed the apprehended. Additionally this paper will be reviewing the Baton Rouge Serial Killer and The Unabomer cases in order to answer additionalRead MoreCriminal Profiling: Does it Really Work? Essay1468 Words   |  6 PagesCriminal profiling has become a very popular and controversial topic. Profiling is used in many different ways to identify a suspect or offender in a criminal investigation. â€Å"Criminal profiling is the process of using behavioral and scientific evidence left at a crime scene to make inferences about the offender, including inferences about personality characteristics and psychopathology† (Torres, Boccaccini, Miller, 2006, p. 51). â€Å"The science of profiling rests on two foundation blocks, basic forensicRead MoreWhat is the imp ortance of Criminal Profiling?1311 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿What is the importance of Criminal Profiling? By Tiffany Collier Criminal Profiling is a great way to try to understand the suspect as a person. It is necessary to learn who the individual is in order to track and locate them. The person’s information is vital to an investigation. Things such as habits, history of violence, family, education, schedules/routines, and personality traits just to name a few. This new development of investigating is helpful in obtaining fugitives quickerRead MoreExamining The Literature On Offender Profiling1597 Words   |  7 Pagessociety in for criminal behaviour and investigation with television shows such as ‘Underbelly’ which were based on true Australian crime, attracting high ratings from the public. Forensic psychologists conduct Offender Profiling, a forensic procedure which examines the behavioural data provided by witnesses and the crime scene to assist the investigation by predicting the possible characteristics of criminals. This article will examine the literature on Offender pro filing Offender profiling developedRead MoreOffender Profiling : A Technique For Identifying The Personality And Behavioral Features Of An Offender Essay838 Words   |  4 PagesOFFENDER PROFILING According to the article, offender profiling is a technique for identifying the personality and behavioral features of an offender based on an analysis of he/she committed. There are two types of offender profiling: inductive and deductive profiling. Inductive profiling technique uses an offender profiling from what is known about other offenders (criminals). Deductive profiling deals with the criminal’s evidence relating to him/her. The aim of the research was to examine the utilityRead MoreBehavioral Analysis Unit1076 Words   |  5 Pagesis what makes a criminal suceptible to committing that particular crime; or why was that person targeted as a victim. This question has sparked many debates within the criminal justice field, which is the reason the Behavioral Science Unit was created by the Federal Bereau of Investigation. In certain cases, knowing how a criminals mind operates, will help lead an investigation in the right direction in order to successfully arrest the co rrect perperatrator. 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The second part of the definition also states the â€Å"use of these characteristics to determine whether a person may be engaged in illegal activity† refers to what is called racial profiling (Dictionary.com, n.d.). Profiling has been used within in law enforcement for a numb er of years, as it provides informational analysisRead MoreCriminal Crime And The Criminal Justice System1693 Words   |  7 PagesCriminal Profiler/Psychologist’s are people in the Criminal Justice System that create psychological profiles of criminals in order to identify behavioral patterns, in efforts to help officers narrow down their searches to people who fit that particular description. Profiler’s examine crime scenes, analyze evidence, read reports from investigators, write reports, and interview witnesses and victims in order to collect information. They may work for local, state, or federal law enforcement. Profilers

The Goods Service Tax In Malaysia - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 16 Words: 4754 Downloads: 1 Date added: 2017/06/26 Category Statistics Essay Did you like this example? IS THE INTRODUCTION OF THE GOODS SERVICE TAX (GST) IN MALAYSIA GOOD OR BAD? Chapter 1 1.0 INTRODUCTION. In the new global economy, more companies are operating cross border, and as such are faced with the need to deal effectively with many different taxes, often in many different countries, each with different rates, ruling and application. Coupled with this, the regulatory environment is increasingly challenging. The IMF has been trying to push for all countries to adopt the Goods Service Tax (GST), or also known in certain countries as Value Added Tax (VAT), so as to create a more level playing field amongst trading nations. Direct taxes have in the past been used to camouflage à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"protectionismà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ policy of certain countries. High tariff on certain product like motorcar has prevented healthy competition amongst trading nations. The general populations of that country are left without a choice but to consume the local products, as imported products have become more expensive with the high tariff. Often, because of this, the local products tend to be inferior in quality as there is no real incentive to compete. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "The Goods Service Tax In Malaysia" essay for you Create order In the 2005 Budget, the Government of Malaysia announced that GST will be implemented on Jan 1 2007 to replace the current sales and service tax (SST). Following public outcry, on 22 February 2006 it announced a deferment to allow lead time to businesses for potential changes in processes, development of software and personnel training. The first reading of the GST Bill was tabled in December 2009 and the second and third reading is expected in April 2010. The Prime Minister recently announced that the increase in revenue expected from the introduction of GST will be used mainly to finance the hike in Civil Servantsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ salary and to finance other infrastructure works for the benefit of the nation at large. Problem Statement Is GST really needed for Malaysia? If so, how does it affect the general public and the country as a whole? The aim of this paper is to discuss and bring to attention the problems which we might face with the implementation of the GST, or if we are to remain status quo with the SST. Chapter 2 Literature review The Ministry of Finance presented the following information to highlight on GST. It stated that it would be part of the overall tax reform to overcome the inherent weaknesses in the SST and to reduce the reliance on revenue from direct taxes and petroleum. GST is a more efficient and effective tax system as it is self policing and has an in-build cross checking features. It enhances tax compliance and deals with less bureaucracy. It is also a more stable source of revenue compared to income tax and less susceptible to economic downturn due to the consumption nature of the tax. The main types of taxes are direct and indirect taxes. Direct taxes are: Corporate Tax, Personal Income Tax, Real Property Gains Tax and Stamp duty whilst indirect taxes are Tariff (or Customs Duty), Excise Tax, SST (currently practiced in Malaysia) and GST. Contribution from petroleum revenue to total revenue increased from 29.1% (1990) to 40.1% (2008). The current high petroleum revenue is not sustainable as it is a depleting resource therefore and alternative source have to be sought. With the present average birth rate of 2.2, it is expected that by 2030, 12% of the population will be above 60 years old which almost double the current number. The working population paying taxes will therefore reduce, putting a greater burden on a smaller group of people. GST is a broad-based tax that distributes the burden of taxation among a larger section of the population based on consumption. GST preserve the incentive to work and encourages enterprise as it is not a progressive income tax. The tax rate does not increase according to income level; it is flat at the determined rate. It is levied at the production and distribution stages, thereby incorporating a self-policing mechanism that facilitates administration and makes it more difficult to avoid or evade. This further reduces the possibility of revenue loss through understatement of tax evasion. The GST model implemented in Malaysia is not expected to have cascading, or pyramiding, effect as the tax on a particular good depends upon its final value, and not the number of production and distribution channel it passes through. Furthermore, the output tax to be paid will be offset against the input tax, and there is no GST levied over GST. GST is expected to provide a more stable source of revenue as consumption is less affected by economic cycles compared to income tax. It can be an effective tax on the à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"shadow economyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢, as those involved would consume, and thus pay indirect taxes through GST. It is likely that those involved in such activities would buy luxury goods, which would be subjected to GST. The government is cutting its operating expenditure for 2010 by 13%. This shows it is aware of the growing deficit that has widened due to the stimulus package. Recently, Fitch rating agency has cut the rating of the ringgit, which may cause imported inflation if it depreciates, and the International Monetary Fund commented that the GST needs to be implemented urgently. Malaysiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s budget 2010 reports on GST; is that, it is currently at the final stage of completing the study on the implementation, where analysts are measuring the social impact of its presence in Malaysia. The Malaysian government said that it could be possible for them to implement this in the near future. Looking at Malaysia in a broader scale, GST will not only affect big businesses, but small and medium enterprises (SME) as well. Although there were nimble of past information saying that a food outlet can only charge GST if ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s annual turnover is above RM3 million (3,000,000 Ringgit Malaysia), the GST compliance requirements and thresholds has not been officially announced. If we were to take into account GSTà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s implementation into goods and services, we have to assume that it will happen to all stages of the supply chain; which means from the purchase of raw materials or start-up goods all the way to end-user (consumer ready) products available for sale. Ultimately in a product, GSTs charged to every level are passed on to the next person and ultimately, the consumer. A Tax Review Panel was formed in middle of 2005, and it has come out with a Discussion Paper intended for businesses to understand the basic administrative requirements and procedures when GST is implemented so that they know the impact of GST. Secondly, the Tax Review Panel invites the business community and other relevant organizations and associations to review the proposal in that paper. Thirdly, by having a public consultation, it provides an appropriate forum for both the public and private institutions to exchange views with members of the Tax Review Panel so as to understand the rationale behind the proposals initiated. The GST was supposed to be implemented in Malaysia in the year 2007; however the government has to defer the move due to critical reviews by certain quarters. After losing four States to the opposition, it has to tread on a careful path in order not to lose more public support. It cannot afford to make any more major mistake in the wake of its dismal performance in the last General Election. GST is generally known as a tax system which results in regressivity (i.e. people with less pay a greater share of their resources than those with more), in contrast with the ideal aim of progressivity which is generally sought when implementing a tax. It is sometimes argued that a GST system does not work in a poor region such as Africa, where most countries have heavy external debt burdens, malnutrition, civil wars and lack of food and medicines which often result in inhuman living conditions. Nevertheless, with the support of the IMF, VAT/GST systems were designed in many African countries to combat or at least alleviate the adverse effect of VAT/GST regressivity by having a list of exemptions and zero-ratings which apply (generally speaking) to basic foodstuffs and other basic necessities. GST is not always simple to administer, contrary to what the advocates of GST would want countries to believe during the transformation stage. Unless a proper GST administration, supported by modern technology and electronic communication systems can be implemented, GST administration will inevitably be costly for both the Revenue Authorities and the business sector. The output/input mechanism of the GST system, coupled with GST refunds, may provide the ideal opportunity for fraud where corrupt officials and unscrupulous businesses exploit weaknesses in the system. This again results in a defensive attitude from the Revenue Authorities, resulting in bad communication, cash flow and other GST cost. In 1992, a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) was signed which reduced import tariffs between ASEAN member countries. In the first three years of the FTA, exports amongst the ASEAN countries grew from US$43 billion to US$80 billion. In 1997, the leaders of ASEAN adopted the vision to build a stable, prosperous and highly competitive economic region, in which there is a free flow of goods, services and investments, a freer flow of capital, equitable economic development and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities. The plan is to remove all tariffs for the six more developed countries by 2010 and for all countries by 2015. The summit also progressed the efforts to integrate ASEAN with the much larger economies of Asia- Pacific, specifically China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand. China signed a pact to introduce the worldà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s largest free trade zone by 2010, covering almost two billion people. Japan signed a similar agreement to take effect by 2012. India agreed to join in by 2011. Australia and New Zealand have agreed to talks starting next year to free up trade within a decade. The master plan is to have a free trade zone that can compete with the US and EU. In South East Asia, Malaysia remains one of the few countries yet to adopt the GST system, which would indirectly be in the way, if we want to be part of this master plan. In Malaysia, it was announced that essential goods and services will not be subjected to GST, but fears that GST will spark a chain reaction that will increase the prices of most non-controlled items should not be dismissed. We have seen numerous examples of when there is an increase in a certain commodity; it sparks a price rise in most goods and services. For example, when the petrol price increased to RM2.70, prices of most goods, foods and services were hiked. But after the petrol price dropped, there has not been a substantial correction in the prices of goods, food and services. The relevant ministries are powerless to mitigate the situation and curb the necessary inflation. A recent example is on the removal of the subsidy on white bread resulting in price increase of one loaf of bread by 20 to 30 cents. The Deputy Domestic Trade, Cooperative Consumer Affairs Minister can only comment that the price adjustment was not necessary, urge traders to practice corporate social responsibility and call on the consumers to execute their power in hand. All these statements will not effectively curb excessive profiteering and traders taking opportunity to increase the price of goods and service. The public would want to know how the government intends to avoid the similar predicament What is GST and how does it work? GST is a consumption tax charged on a wide range of domestic international products, goods and services. Ità ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s a broad-based tax imposed on every level of a product, from raw materials all the way to finished goods. The proposed implementation of GST will replace the current Malaysian service tax and sales tax. Broadly, GST works by offsetting GST paid on purchases (input tax) against GST due on sales or supplies made (output tax). This is referred to as the credit offset mechanism. The multi tier stages of tax helps to ensure that GST paid by businesses for purchases does not end up being a permanent cost. However, the consumer ultimately bears the burden of the tax. Conceptually, GST is imposed on the value added to goods or services by each separate processor in the production and distribution chain. This can be seen in the simple illustration below. GST to Government RM 4 + RM2 = RM6 (i.e. 4% x RM 100) i.e.4% x RM 150 = RM6 Output tax i.e. 4%x150 Less RM4 Input tax RM2 Net 4% is the assumed standard rate of GST. It is assumed that the entire output is taxable and all input taxes are creditable. FINAL CONSUMER Cost to consumer = RM 156 SUPPLIER Selling price = RM100 GST(4%) = RM 4 Total = RM 104 MANUFACTURER Cost = RM 100 Value added = RM 50 Total = RM 150 GST (4%) = RM 6 Total = RM 156 2.1 SOME CONCERN ABOUT THE INTRODUCTION OF GST. There were some concerns that Malaysians could suffer even more with the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST-driven inflation would be a calamity that the struggling lower-income group could do without. The GST Bill was tabled in Parliament at the end of the Budget sitting that ended on 17 December 2009. At its first reading, the bill was just mentioned, but there was no explanation of the bill or any debate. The second reading is when the bill is open for debate and proposed amendments. This may come as early as March 2010 for the GST Bill. Once approved, the new tax can be implemented as early as 2011. The table below lists the governmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s tax revenue for 2008 which contributed RM112.9 billion or 70 per cent of total government revenue. Government Tax Revenue in 2008 Personal Income Tax  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   RM 15.0 bil Company Tax  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   RM 37.7 bil Petroleum Tax  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   RM 24.2 bil Export and import duties  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   RM  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   5.4 bil Excise duties  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   RM 10.7 bil Sales and Services Tax  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚  Ãƒâ€šÃ‚   RM 11.7 bil As shown in the table, the biggest source of tax revenue is company tax, which at 26 per cent of declared profits, currently brings in RM37.7 billion into government coffers. Petroleum tax makes up the second biggest tax item while the tax levied on the 1.5 million individuals who are now currently paying personal income taxes in Malaysia makes up the third biggest. All these taxes are deemed progressive for they tax the richest individuals and the companies that are making profits. Progressive taxes do not burden the poorer sectors of society. Progressive taxes tend to equal out income differences between the rich and the poor in society. It was argued that regressive tax regimes, on the other hand, burden the poor. Sales taxes are generally regressive as they tax consumption and not income. But sales tax in Malaysia has different rates for different types of goods and the government can make them less regressive by levying sales taxes exclusively on good that are consumed by the richer sectors of society such as expensive cars, big houses, overseas travel, expensive restaurants and other luxury items. The Goods and Services Tax, however, is perceived to be even more regressive for it is levied at a flat rate on a very wide range of products including many items that the poorer people need to buy. It might lead to a rise in prices and would definitely hit the poorest the hardest.   As in most countries with the GST in place, a reduction of corporate tax and personal tax will follow suit. This then, is seen as the real reason that the GST is being brought in à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" to make Malaysia more à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“business friendlyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬? by cutting corporate tax (which has already been reduced markedly from the 40 per cent level in 1988 to its current 26 per cent). 2.2 LACK OF INFORMATION AND CONFUSION ON GST. The piecemeal release of information is creating great concern among the people and in the business sector. For example; Will the authorities furnish an extensive list of item that will be charged GST, and what will be exempted? If a product, like rice or chicken is exempted, does the exemption apply across the board regardless of the form of the product? For example, is cooked rice or cut, frozen or marinated chicken also exempted? What is the difference between exempt and zero-rated GST? Will there be any reduction in personal and corporate tax? What changes will be made to the sales and service tax? There is a perception that as GST is a multistage tax, it would result in higher effective tax rate than 4%. As GST is very technical, most people are unaware how it will impact them. When will the GST rate be reviewed? Recent media statement on its impact did not improve opinion on the introduction of GST. It is reported that under the sales and services tax system, the burden on the poor is 2.38%, but under the GST it will be 2.17%. For the higher income group, the tax burden will be reduced from 13% to 2.74%, according to the Finance Ministry. The overall savings for households will be between RM14.52 and RM346.92 yearly. This clearly contradicts other statement from politicians, and the public perception, that the GST will be inflationary. But as no further details are provided on how the savings are arrived at, public sentiment remains negative on GST. CHAPTER 3 EXPECTED IMPACT OF GST 3.1 Impact on the people in the street. The public is generally concerned that the introduction of GST will hit their wallets directly. In an initial assessment, as the GST is expected to be lower than service tax, the bill for a restaurant meal will be 1% lower as the service tax rate is 5% and GST is 4%. For other services liable to service tax, a GST rate lower than service tax should result in a slight decrease in charges if the cost of the other components in providing the service remain the same. On goods that attract sales tax, the current rate seems higher than the proposed GST, hence there might be a reduction if there is no further adjustment. Current rates are as follows; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Fruits, certain foodstuff and building materials (5%) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ General goods, including motor vehicle (10%) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Liquor and alcoholic drinks (20%) à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Cigarette and cheroots (25%) For hawkers; even though they do not have a turnover of RM500,000 yearly, so are not required collect GST, the material procured, for example, noodles, fish balls, processed meat, chicken, equipments for the stall may be subjected to GST, resulting in price hike. But without detailed knowledge or mapping, or even information on the duties charged, the people are uncertain whether the prices of goods and services will remain stagnant, increase or decrease. 3.2 IMPACT ON BUSINESSES. The implementation of GST is expected to impact business in the following manner: Compliance costs are expected to be incurred as there is requirement to track the input tax and output tax to determine refund or tax to be submitted. Even though some Malaysian companies are already paying sales tax or service tax, there was no input tax to be monitored and accounted for to offset against output tax. Business process and procurement need to be mapped out, especially with respect to suppliers and promotional items. For example, a new car attract GST, but items provided for free during promotion like sports rims or a GPS system à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å" may not be eligible for an input tax claim. Likewise the corporate souvenirs and hampers given out by businesses may not be eligible. The procurement department should start detailing the sales tax or the existing tax paid for their items used a raw material. As the GST is expected to be lower than most current indirect tax, there should be some potential cost savings. This is also to avoid being overcharged by supplier that intends to add the GST over the existing price of its supplies after sales tax, there should be some potential cost saving. Human resource factor: New staff may need to be employed to ensure a business is compliant and conversant with the GST requirement. As most staff have not been exposed to GST, training needs to be conducted. Accounting system and account payable: The business would require an appropriate accounting system to keep track of the GST amounts. Most systems could be upgraded, and it is important to notify software vendors to test run the data to avoid any potential complication. Cash flow management: Businesses should be aware that output GST may have to be settled before settlement of sales invoices by customer. Meanwhile, payables on which input tax has been claimed but remains unpaid after six months have to be accounted as output tax and are to be reclaimed as input tax only after payment is made. Businesses are concerned about the timeliness of the refund process as delays would results in a higher working capital cost. In addition, businesses that have thin margins are worried about the speed of the refund for input tax, especially if the business is mainly exported-oriented and procure its raw material locally. 3.3 OTHER IMPACTS: The expected impact on corporate and income taxes are as published in the news recently. Deputy Finance Minister Chor Chee Heung quoted that Malaysia will see a gradual reduction in its corporate and income tax rates once the proposed Goods and Services Tax (GST) is in place by mid-2011. He does not think that there was a timeline for achieving this reduction in corporate and income taxes, as this is a long-term objective of the government. Once the GST come into play, it will be a broad based tax and the trend is, once GST is implemented, corporate and income taxes will gradually be reduced. Chor also disclosed that businesses related to services such as those in the food and transportation sectors, would be exempted from the proposed GST. He gave assurance that the cost of living and lifestyle of the people would not increase or be affected with the implementation of a GST. He also added that the implementation of GST would not cause inflation. Once the GST is in, the service tax and sales tax (now imposed) would be abolished. Both taxes are quite high at 10 per cent and five per cent respectively. The GST at four per cent is considered very low. Meanwhile, the Finance Ministryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s Tax Review Panel Chairman, Ms. Kamariah Hussain, said there would be revenue gains of about 1.0 Billion Ringgit for the government with the GST implementation. She explained that the introduction of the GST was part of an overall tax reform in the country. With the GST, the government would have a better mix of revenue, and not be too dependent on income tax and petroleum income. Second Finance Minister, Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah had indicated that while the GST would replace the existing sales and services taxes, it would not put pressure on prices and to ease the burden of consumers, staple foods such as rice, sugar, cooking oil and flour would be exempted from it. 3.3.1 IMPACT OF GST ON SMALL MEDIUM ENTERPRISE (SME). SMEs form the backbone of the business activities of a nation. Other than encouraging the growth of new industries such as tourism and biotechnology-based industries, the Government (2004 Budget Proposals) too has singled out SMEs to spearhead domestic growth. However, there is a group of à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‹Å"unhappyà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ people representing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the public who have expressed their non-approval for the introduction of the proposed GST. Their main argument is that GST favours the rich and burdens the poor at large. Their contention is that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“it will burden the people and contribute to the widening gap between the rich and the poor, not to mention the rise in the inflation rateà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. However, tax practitioner, Beh Tok Koay is of the opinion that à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“perhaps this small group lacks an understanding of the whole system of GST. It is supposed to be broadbased and will replace the service and sales tax system, and this in turn will help to reduce income tax ratesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬?. There could be two GST rates: a lower rate for SMEs and a higher rate for large enterprises. Imposing two GST rates is, however, difficult to administer as they provide ample room for tax avoidance and increase compliance cost. Lowering the compliance cost of GST would ease the burden of SMEs. If there is convincing data to show that the compliance cost of SMEs are lower if the accounts are computerized, then the Government could provide software packages to the licensees to enable them to correctly compute GST. Free training and seminars including visits should be extended to SMEs to enable them to have a better understanding of the compliance requirements. One other option is to exe mpt small businesses from GST altogether but such a decision too has its drawbacks. The Government has to analyze the revenue gain as compared to the compliance cost before making a decision to determine the threshold limit. With the two-year window period before GST is in force, all of us have a role to play in contributing towards the development of a better broad-based consumption tax system which ultimately would help reduce the rates of income tax. No doubt, everyone especially the SMEs will eagerly await the final introduction of the GST system and the extent of the expected income tax rate cuts. The business community, NGO and charity organization are concerned about the ability of the authorities to implement GST smoothly. Australia, for example, had to bring in foreign experts to help in rollout of GST. It would undermine investor confidence if the GST is not implemented in a structured manner with minimal hiccup. Burdening the poor and those economically vulnerable: Some 32% of the household in Malaysia have an income under RM2,000 per month. The introduction of GST without the necessary revamp of subsidies will result in a heavier financial burden on poor and low-income families. Families with an income below RM2,000 a month do not have to pay personal income tax. With GST, things that are not basic necessities toys, processed food, can food, packet drinks, and so on, could increase existing inflationary pressures. The ongoing restructuring of the subsidy will also create the tension, discomfort and dissatisfaction as people eligible for subsidy could unintentionally be left out as the government establishes and tries to refine its method of distribution. CHAPTER 4 4.0 CONCLUSION GST is unavoidable. It will just be a matter of time when it will be implemented. It may not be a perfect system, but has worked well as a revenue base for other countries. Malaysiaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s problem may lie more in public education, implementation and enforcement. To move forward, Malaysia has to conform to the free trade vision of ASEAN and cannot lag behind the other countries. As of today, apart from Malaysia, only Myanmar and Brunei has yet to implement the GST. GST modernises the tax system by addressing tax evasion committed by free riders who want every benefit but refuse to pay for it, or rather have others to pay for them. GST will certainly be a good platform to increase the Governmentà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s revenue. Concerns of it being regressive can be overcome by careful and prudent classifications of zero rated supplies and exempt supplies for essential items as against standard supplies for non essential and luxury items. One good point of starting late is the ability to learn from the mistakes of others. The government has to be fully transparent in the implementation of the proposed GST. In this borderless world, news and knowledge cannot be curbed. The masses are getting more intelligent and informed. It will not be prudent for the government of the day not to move forward towards a more modern tax system. Rather than blind opposition, critics should provide examples and lessons learnt from the weaknesses of other nations in the implementation of GST or VAT. However, based from past experience, the skeptism voiced is understandable. We have heard of past Auditor General Reports on the wastage and the leakage of public funds into the pockets of the well connected; of RM 25 screw drivers being bought through tender at a price of RM200; commissions running into millions of ringgit for the purchase of Sukhov jets and submarines; and billions swallowed in the PKFZ scandal. The sums involved are astronomical. Then we have newly built hospitals that cannot be used, court room complexes with leaked ceilings and stadium roofs that collapsed in the absence of even a small earthquake. So, whether the GST will finally proved to be good or bad for the country will remain a question mark until its actual implementation. The actual salary increase as promised by the government might not be the expected pot of gold at the end of the rainbow if the GST is not properly implemented.

Second Lines Of New Orleans - 1218 Words

Nicole Hall Anthropology November 9, 2015 Second Lines in New Orleans On the morning of August 29, 2005 was one of the deadliest hurricanes in the United States, known as Hurricane Katrina struck the south coast of New Orleans, leaving thousands of African American whom lived in Treme homeless, missing and hundreds dead. Way before the hurricane Treme, which is one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in New Orleans. â€Å"The city of New Orleans is officially divided into 73 neighborhoods grouped into 13 planning districts. Among these, the 4th district is of interest because of its central location, cultural history, and socio-economic challenges confronted prior to the catastrophe†(Barrios, 2). The reason why the 4th district was so†¦show more content†¦These cultural things are beginning to change. People that have been here a short time, and I mean twenty years is a short time, twenty years or less. They want the second lines to clean up after themselves... Growing up in Treme, you had a bar, a church, and a funeral home, so you knew where your family was† (Barrios, 14). Cheryl Austin caused much commotion with his comments and sparked attention with Pierre Bourdieu, who describes her as recently, arrived outsiders. For me, if you did not grow up here, you cannot appreciate living here. People who think like that, people who want Treme transformed, could go anywhere and dismantle what was there and build what they wanted. For outsiders, the most important thing here is the building. For us, it is our culture, for us, that is, what we consider community, not the buildings (Barrios, 15). Both Austin and Bourdieu make two completely point about the way they view their culture difference of Treme. To my knowledge what Austin was trying to interpret his view is that when he grew up in Treme, it was all about being free and being comfortable around your own neighborhood, which I absolutely agree with. I wouldn’t want to live in a neighborhood where I couldn’t feel free to do what I wan t to do, like sitting on the privacy of my own home and drinking a beer without being judge and that what theShow MoreRelatedRace And Ethnicity And Race1434 Words   |  6 PagesPost-Katrina New Orleans,† Marc Perry states how African American citizens were affected by the devastating hurricane Katrina in 2005 and how the citizens reacted before and after hurricane Katrina to the relocation of African Americans to other places for the â€Å"restructuring† of New Orleans (Perry). In a related article titled,† Putting the Ninth Ward on the map: Race, Place, and Transformation in Desire, New Orleans,† Rachel Breunlin and Helen Regis state how African Americans living in New Orleans beforeRead MoreThe City Of New Orleans971 Words   |  4 Pagesthe city of New Orleans, Louisiana! New Orleans is one of the most popular cities in the boot. 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The French were attacking land which King Edward IIIRead MoreTelevision : Television Series Treme1559 Words   |  7 Pagesan individual is creating his or her sense of identity, self, or â€Å"place.† These ideals are made up of numerous different attributes, lending to a sense of community and solidarity among those from like places. After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Louisiana in September of 2005, the city was rocked by its heavy losses on both cultural and physical levels. The aftereffects of the storm were deeply influenced by how the citizens reacted and attempted to revitalize their old community. TheRead MoreWhat Are Generally Accepted Accounting Principles?1448 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The case centers on actual events that occurred in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans from 2001 to 2009. 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It flooded 80 percent of New Orleans and destroyed more than 100,000Read MoreWhat Are Generally Accepted Accounting Principles?1448 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction The case centers on actual events that occurred in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans from 2001 to 2009. In 2008, the archdiocese announced that it had lost more than $100 million as a result of Hurricane Katrina — because insurance failed to cover all its property losses. Those losses had no bearing on the parish a closure, the church says. Not all the faithful are convinced. Later released prospectus indicated that the Archdiocese paid over $10 million directly from itsRead MoreThe Jazz Age, By F. Scott Fitzgerald Essay1606 Words   |  7 PagesStates. The new policy, though opposite of what it was intended for, drove Americans into underground speakeasies, where popular jazz was played into the wee hours of the morning. 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Persuasive Essay On Sleep Deprivation - 1610 Words

Introduction: Sleep is as essential to the human body as food and water, but sometimes sleep quality and quantity is inadequate and this is known as sleep deprivation (SD). Sleep deprived people are sleepy and fatigued making them prone to accidents, impairing their judgement and they are more likely to make mistakes and bad decisions. Not sleeping for 24 hours reduces hand-to-eye coordination, which can be compared to having a blood alcohol content of 0.1 and contributes to road accidents and work injuries. A child’s school performance is negatively affected by the lack of sleep and may cause emotional problems such as depression. Sleep deprived adults suffer from lack concentration, irritability, sleep inertia and a grogginess that lasts†¦show more content†¦Poor sleep hygiene – some people’s habits are disruptive; for example, drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes close to bedtime stimulates the nervous system and makes sleep less likely. Another common problem is lying in bed and worrying, rather than relaxing. Babies, older babies and toddlers – parents almost always experience SD because their young children wake frequently in the night for feeding or comfort. [1] Psychological Effects: 1. a. Depression This investigation builds upon past findings by evaluating sleep problems as cross-sectional and longitudinal predictors of interviewer-assessed suicidal ideation and attempts, in direct comparison with depression, hopelessness, PTSD diagnosis, anxiety, drug and alcohol abuse, in a military sample. The present study revealed that insomnia symptoms served as a unique predictor of suicidal ideation assessed cross-sectionally, and for suicidal ideation and suicide attempt longitudinally (though the latter only held when controlling for only depression, hopelessness and baseline suicidal ideation, which are still strong predictors of death by suicide). This is a stringent test, given that depression is among the strongest predictors of suicide risk, and considering that insomnia and suicidality are symptoms of depression and highly associated with PTSD. [5] Although insomnia and nightmares were significantly associated with depressive and suicidal symptoms, after controlling for addition alShow MoreRelatedPersuasive Essay On Sleep Deprivation1735 Words   |  7 Pagesmuch to realize that a great number of them lack sleep. Sleep deprivation has been and is currently a growing â€Å"epidemic† that is affecting human beings of all sizes and ages. It’s crucial, yet it has been thrown aside and we’ve completely disregarded its evident consequences that are taking its toll on our bodies. 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Letting teens sleep later is beneficial to theirRead MoreWhy We Need Sleep1376 Words   |  6 PagesDaniel Mariscal Persuasive Essay Why We Need Sleep Sleep is a very important aspect of our lives and people rely on it to re-energize them so they can continue onto the next day. Although sleep is thought to conserve energy it actually drains your metabolism by 5-10%. However, sleep is very beneficial to humans. Sleeping progresses the bodies’ growth and rejuvenates the immune, skeletal, nervous and muscular systems. Sleep also improves short-term memory, mood, efficiency, concentration, andRead MoreSpeech Against Procrastination1290 Words   |  6 Pagesmany parents have in common? No, itæŠ ¯ not that they all have Golgi bodies and retinas. Let me give you a hint. They put off 憈ill tomorrow what they should do today... get my drift? About right now, Joey is late for an audition, Spongebob is writing an essay due in five minutes, my theatre teacher is dilly dallying on who to cast for the upcoming show, high school students are too tired to do anything and parents are putting off their morning meetings until the afte rnoon! And do you know what causes allRead MoreThe Effects Of Television On Childhood Obesity1337 Words   |  6 PagesThe Effects of Television on Childhood Obesity Essay It is evident that the rate of obesity is steadily increasing in North America and has reached an all-time high (Novonty 2015). This is due to the lack of physical activity, increased consumption level of unhealthy foods, and the prominent amount of exposure to media such as Television (TV). Although TV has not been proven to be a direct cause for obesity, it does however contribute to the development of children and adolescence obesity due toRead MoreWho s For The Game?1531 Words   |  7 PagesWithin this essay, I will be comparing two very different poems; the propaganda and pro-establishment poem ‘Who’s for the game? written in 1916 by Jessie Pope which attempted to recruit men to the army by creating an unrealistic, glorified image of war and Dulce et decorum est written by Wilfred Owen in October 1917 which provides a horrific yet realistic insight into life as a solider. Within Who s for the game? , Pope uses various poetic devices to create a jovial, ebullient imageRead MoreAnswer: Paragraph and Thesis-and-support Outline Thesis9738 Words   |  39 Pagesunsupported. Structure and Technique 1. It does follow the traditional pattern, although it is unusually brief. Introduction: paragraph 1 Support: paragraphs 2-4 Conclusion: paragraph 5 2. In his essay, Russell explores how three causes—his search for love, his search for knowledge, and his pity for humankind—have affected how he’s lived his life. Examples Russell provides of his first passion, love, are that it brings ecstasy; it relieves loneliness;Read MoreAnswer: Paragraph and Thesis-and-support Outline Thesis9749 Words   |  39 Pagesare unsupported. Structure and Technique 1. It does follow the traditional pattern, although it is unusually brief. Introduction: paragraph 1 Support: paragraphs 2-4 Conclusion: paragraph 5 2. In his essay, Russell explores how three causes—his search for love, his search for knowledge, and his pity for humankind—have affected how he’s lived his life. Examples Russell provides of his first passion, love, are that it brings ecstasy; it relieves loneliness;Read MorePsy 244 Essay10464 Words   |  42 Pagestext. Under each heading will be a mix of true-false and multiple-choice questions, and possibly a few analogies, with all answers to be recorded on a scantron sheet. Along with the true-false and multiple-choice questions, there may be a few short essay questions to be answered directly on the test booklet. Because the test organization will follow the organization of the lectures, be thoroughly familiar with the material presented in lecture. For textbook readings, focus first on the materialRead MoreOrganisational Theory230255 Words   |  922 PagesThey are experts who know things other people do not and are just doing what has to be done. Thus, managerial prerogative – management’s right to manage together with the power and social standing that accompanies it – is morally supported by a persuasive claim to an expertise grounded in superior scientific knowledge. In turn, this knowledge depends upon the philosophical assumption (Figure 1.7) that such neutral access to reality is actually possible in the first place. So, as we noted earlier

National Identity in Film Free Essays

The Piano, by Campion, and Truman Show, by Weir both interact with concepts of national identity in separate ways.   Both of these films are products of New Zealand culture, either through production or in cultural discourse.   Both films have also been well received and heavily awarded. We will write a custom essay sample on National Identity in Film or any similar topic only for you Order Now The Piano tells the story of Ada McGrath.   She is a Scotswoman from New Zealand who is sold into marriage.   The film is staged in 1851. She doesn’t speak throughout the majority of the film, but expresses herself through her piano playing; this is until her husband leaves her piano on a beach.   This is symbolic of his lack of love for her and an example of the emptiness in Ada’s life.   The piano is then sold to their neighbor George Baines who convinces Ada to give him piano lessons and eventually sexual favors.   As Ada gradually falls in love with Baines through their connection of the piano, she finds meaning for her life. The Truman Show is directed by Australian Peter Weir and written by New Zealander Andrew Niccol.   The story follows Truman Burbank who is unaware that his entire life, since birth, has been an organized farce for a television series/project.   He is luckily chosen, out of a group of five baby orphans, to be the star of the show.   The Truman Show represents Truman’s life.   Viewers are told that Truman’s birth was broadcast live on television, but his child rearing is not presented in the film. The idea behind national identity is that one defines their self through the identity of their nation.   In their article, National Identity and Self-Esteem, Jeff Spinner-Halev and Elizabeth Theiss-Morse analyze the nature of national identity.   They adopt the theory that if the self-esteem of an individual is tied to their nation than it’s the perfect proponent to maintain safe and secure nations.   They feel that there is an immediate connection between self respect and group identity; so much so, it could lead to one sacrificing their own personal needs for the good of the group. They also acknowledge that there is a competitive nature within group self esteem; this meaning that most groups want their group to do better than others.   This is often seen in the patriotic nature of political propaganda, carried out by many countries to convince soldiers to go to war.   This system of control is one known for cajoling groups to fallow a certain program or way of thinking by catering to individuals’ wants, needs, or taking advantage of their fears. This complex of national identity is a major aspect of a government’s societal control, as well as a significant ideal satirized in The Truman Show.   It is most visibly personified in the character of the show’s producer Christof.   He argues that human beings accept the world in which they are presented, and uses this to justify why Truman hasn’t figured out his predicament up to this point.   All of the employees, of the studio, acting as Truman’s family, friends and extras living within the town, can all be viewed as nationalists to the studio’s regime. The National Identity of these films can be directly corresponded to the culture and history of New Zealand.   In 1945, the New Zealand Film Critic Gordon Mirams argued that if there was a New Zealand culture, it was a mostly a Hollywood creation. The only thing more popular than going to the movies, in New Zealand, was drinking tea, during that time period. This idea is supported by the statistic that for many years New Zealanders were the most frequenters of the movie world. In their book New Zealand Film 1912-1996 Helen Martin and Sam Edwards analyze the filmography of many films produced during this century in New Zealand.   This book basically analyzes the entire history of film in New Zealand.   The two authors managed to find more than 162 films.   In formulating their list and deciding on what they would identify as New Zealand Films, they decided the film had to have a significant connection to the location in terms of the film’s creators, cast, copyright holder, financiers, production team, and technical equipment. They also felt that a film that holds a sociological connection to New Zealand should be categorized as a New Zealand films as well.   Thus, they included The Piano in their list of films pointing out that though it was not filmed in New Zealand, its story was still set there.   The authors also felt it the film addressed social issues pertaining to the history of New Zealand within the time frame it was set. The Piano, identified as a socially conscious New Zealander film, it is identified as such through its understanding of national identity and the plight of the New Zealand people.   This can be seen in the fact that the film is a historically place romance, and has much cultural significance.   The film is often credited for its style, in that it is deemed as a historical romance and a contemporary romance in a historical setting. In his article, Lost causes: the ideology of national identity in Australian cinema, John Slavin does an in-depth analysis of the cultural connotations present in cinema when using it to understand a nation.   His stance is that cinema as well as reality have an interweaving relationship with each other that ultimately define the national identity of a nation.   He further explains this in his closing statements when he says, Ideology transforms individuals into constitutive social subjects by interpelation, the Althusserian term for the seductive mirror images of coherent identity promoted by cultural artifacts such as the popular cinema. But this thesis follows the suggestion that it is the purpose of ideology to represent an imaginary relationship of the cinematic viewer to his/her real conditions of existence. Those real conditions, based on psychic and social displacement are symptomatic of the Marxist definition of alienation†¦ In other words, representations of identity, both national and individual, are thrown into critical doubt within the mythic narratives. (Slavin, 2002). Slavin’s view that though ideology is used in film, national identity is virtually dependant on film narrative is very ironic, considering that he uses ideology by connecting his argument to Marxism.   In the end, the interpretation of his argument, just like national identity, are both dependant on the work and views of their creator, no matter how drenched in history they. Even within this corruption of the true nature of things, Slavin acknowledges that the transitional tendency of film images, etiquette and social relations over the years is a perfect source for study of socio-economic change.   Once one grasps a clear understanding of cinema’s use of ideology to mold national culture, the only question left is, how is ideology used, and national culture shaped, specifically within these two films? In their novel, Piano Lessons: Approaches to the Piano by Felicity Coombs and Suzanne Germmell, the authors work to claim a better understanding of The Piano.   They point out the films originally human nature in the fact that there is no main villain.   The audience is often incited to pity, empathize and despise all three main characters. Baines, Stewart, and Ada can all be viewed as human because they all have their flaws.   It is wrong for Stewart to disregard his wife they way he does, though the nature of his arrange marriage is a notable statement pertaining to the era of the film’s plot.   The audience is allowed to relate to this sociological circumstance, while at the same time despise Stewart for his treatment of Ada.   Whereas Ada is presented as a victim of the cultural norms of her time period, she still transcends beyond this, to adopt contemporary ideals and relate to the audience.   The fact that she cheats on her husband is a motive for dislike, but it is also key to the liberation she achieves from her mundane existence. The fact that she does not embody the role of the victim throughout the entire film is testament to the film’s reality.   Baines also becomes an equally likeable figure in that his sexual advances evolve from something seemingly corrupt to an actual full blown love affair.   This triangular relationship between the three main characters says a lot about male and female relations during the time.   The authors also correspond to Ada’s relationship with men to the nature of post-colonialism, which was also a big part of New Zealand at this time and also a big part of this film. The relationship between the oppressor and the oppressed is a key theme in the relationships Ada has with men.   The colonial history of 1850’s New Zealand is encompassed within the plot.   This is an example of how ideology is used in narrative to enhance the value of a message more relevant.   In confronting these ideals of colonization, the film came under much scrutiny.   Many felt the film gave a false presentation of race.   During this time there were many Maori, who argued they were the product of White New Zealanders’ social injustice. They felt the film’s disregard for their cultural relevance was a form of national mythmaking, in avoiding the argument that whites staked claim on their land. This conflict is overlooked by the plot, but the nature of its severity is still implied through the topic being completely disregarded. It is also a common controversy within the land that many foreign investors come and buy land, from potentially the wrong owners. By disregarding their true history, the national identity presented for New Zealand is that of a small land with a history for sale. The connection with national identity here is cultural.   This differs from the connection visible in The Truman Show. Just like The Piano, The Truman Show poses an argument larger than itself in respect to national identity, only this film speaks more metaphorically.   The idea previously posed in National Identity and Self Esteem, was that national identity is largely the product of a model that is followed by a group of people.   These people are so caught up in the ideals of the group, they rather sacrifice their own individual comforts for the good of the team. The authors found that these groups are also very competitive with one another, identifying their identity with that of the group and basing the groups identity on their contrast from other groups.   This becomes very relative to some of Rene Girard’s views.   In his seminal theory of mediated desire Rene Girard argues that human desire is imitative.   His views is that the goals we hold most personal are actually the desires of others which we want to achieve because others want to achieve them. This is very compatible with the ideals of national culture and the cult group fallowing it incites.   This is also seen constantly in The Truman Show, the main motivation for Truman to escape the studio/town is to travel to Fiji after his one true love.   If the character personifying his school crush had never desired to move there, Truman would have never desired to follow.   This is a direct personification of Girard’s theory, as well as an example of Morse and Halev’s version of national identity.   Here it is easy to see the differing way in which The Truman Show represents national identity from how it is used in The Piano. In sum, through an understanding of identity theory and New Zealand culture, we can develop a better understanding of the directors’ use of national identity in the films The Piano, and The Truman Show.   National identity is depicted in The Piano through its cultural connotations, historical representation, and it authenticity to social norms. Despite all of its awards, the films inability to stay true to the ethnic history of the town is proof that it attempts to mold national identity through its filmic ideals.   The directors pick and chose the ideology they identify with and disregard the other aspect of New Zealand culture.   Whereas The Truman Show does not attempt to shape the national culture of New Zealand, it is virtually unidentifiable as a New Zealand film, except for the fact that is written by a New Zealander. What the film contributes to national identity is its use of the theories backing it, and its own underlying message on the nature of the conflict. What the film reveals about national identity is its dependency on the narrative of a film.   The ironic fact is that it does this through its own abuse of the power.   Truman represents everyman against the crowd.   The complex world he interacts with is very similar to the real world, only in his world he really is the center of attention.   The most intimate aspects of an individual’s life, like marriage, personal goals and beliefs are all a product of a false reality. This concept is very similar to Freudian theory, Marxist theory, biblical references and even many science fiction narratives.   What the films reveals about national identity is its core nature.   The entire town operates in one direction and for one purpose.   Truman is the only one who is unaware of this purpose, but he still seems to follow along contributing to what he feels is the best interest of the group.   His desires are compatible with his nation’s desires, until he breaks free from this methodology of control.   Both of these films interact with national identity theory; both are products of New Zealander culture, and both are great films. Work Cited Adorno, Theodor W. and Max Horkheimer. Dialectic of Enlightenment: Philosophical Fragments. 1947. Trans. Edmund Jephcott. Stanford: Stanford UP, 2002. Chatman, Seymour (1978) Story and Discourse: Narrative Structure in Fiction and Film (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press). Cheshire, Ellen. Jane Campion. Great Britain: Pocket Essentials, 2000. Eric Young (Executive Producer). (1998). â€Å"How’s It Going To End? The Making of The Truman Show, Part II† [DVD (Special Feature)]. Paramount Pictures Home Entertainment. Girard, Renà ©. Deceit, Desire, and the Novel: Self and Other in Literary Structure. Trans. Yvonne Freccero. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins UP, 1965. Helen Martin and Sam Edwards, New Zealand Film, 1912-1996. Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1997. vi+215 pp. Illustrations, bibliography, index. Kaufman, Cynthia. â€Å"Colonialism, Purity, and Resistance in The Piano.† Socialist Review 24 (1995): 251-55. Sanes, Ken. Truman as Archetype. Transparencynow.com. 1996-2001. 29 July 2004. http://www.transparencynow.com/truman.htm. Slavin, John (2002) Lost causes : the ideology of national identity in Australian cinema. PhD thesis, Department of English, University of Melbourne. The Piano. (2007, January 18). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:37, January 22, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Pianooldid=101515698 The Truman Show. (2007, January 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 22:33, January 22, 2007, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Truman_Showoldid=101870034 The Truman Show (1998) Directed by Peter Weir, screenplay by Andrew Niccol (Hollywood, CA: Paramount). How to cite National Identity in Film, Essay examples

The Great Gatsby Response paper free essay sample

The Great Gatbsy is a 3D romantic drama based on F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1925 novel of the same name. Tobey MacGuire’s character, Nick, retells his meeting Jay Gatsby, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, in Long Island, New York during the 1920s. The movie follows the romantic trysts of various characters, including Nick’s own, but Gatsby’s attraction to Nick’s cousin Daisy is the most prominent. The movie is an entertaining period piece filled with extravagance. Gatsby has an extravagant mansion and cars; he throws lavish parties and is always well groomed. The setting, vehicles, furniture and actors’ wardrobes, makeup and hairstyles are spot-on 1920s; however, the movie soundtrack, some of the language, both verbal and body, is not so 20s. As discussed on page 135 of the text, certain titles give away what the movie is about. In the case of The Great Gatsby, it isn’t quite as revealing. We will write a custom essay sample on The Great Gatsby Response paper or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Gatsby was an intriguing, mysterious character that hardly anyone really knew. Perhaps Nick chose this title due to the fall that Gatsby takes for his (Nick’s) cousin Daisy. The Great Gatsby montage combined near and distant camera angles, of course, certain elements on screen jumped out due to 3D effects. In the beginning of the movie, one watches for the special effects, but soon after the story line becomes more important and the various items popping off the screen become less noticed. The 3D effects did give the illusion of being in the room during the parties and racing in the vehicles; however, the movie would have been just as fine without 3D. Perhaps the 3D effects were appealing to some, but I truly could have done without having to wear the glasses, as they were more of an annoyance than anything. Music from the 1920s was played during the parties, but the music overture and movie soundtrack featured popular artists from today, a few cover songs, and mainly consisted of hip-hop artists and hip-hop music. The Great Gatsby went beyond the flair of the period in which it was set. It combined the extravagant lifestyle of the modern super rich with the romance of the 1920s. The movie was almost fairytale-like in that its level of luxury and splendor exceeded what most people in the 20s could have ever imagined, and what most people today witness in the lifestyles of celebrities and musicians. Did The Great Gatsby leave an impression on me of what it was like to live in the 1920s? Not really as the movie only offered an unrealistic account of a millionaire with the spoils of Gatsby himself. I realized there would be a certain extravagance played out on screen, but I believe Baz Lurhmann, the movie’s director, went a bit overboard. Gatsby’s mysterious riches and the 3D special effects made the story line almost unbelievable. The Great Gatsby offered too much glitz, glamour and 3D distraction and not enough everyday-appeal for the viewer to be drawn in. Perhaps I was disappointed because I love period pieces, especially those starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Usually I leave the theater wondering about and wishing I’d lived in the period of the movie, but in this instance, I left the movie theater wondering, â€Å"what was that all about? †

Culture shock Essay Example For Students

Culture shock Essay The United States of America is a country in which many people from all over the world comes to live harmoniously with each other. Unlike Canada, which is a multicultural country, it is a melting pot since each person brings his peculiarity to enrich the culture of this country. But this melting process is not always without pain or hurt. I felt the life in Canada is more comfortable According to John J. Macionis, the author of Sociology, secondary Canadian edition. Culture shock Essay is a state of bewilderment, anxiety, disorientation and distress as an individual suddenly exposed to a social or cultural environment radically different from his own. It happens frequently for the international students and immigrants. Culture conflicts appear not only when students come to school and learn new ways of living there, but also when they come back home and live with their own families or their own societies. The reason for that is the students are young and easy to change, but the adults are not ready to follow their example and adapt to the new situation. When I first come to live in the states, my system of values must change in order for me to survive. When I first came to the states, I was unprepared to live there, thats why I always suffer from stress because of culture shock. I felt as if I was going to enter a different world far from the one I had become so accustomed to. I can remember sitting around in an awkward anticipation wondering when my first interaction with someone from a different culture or color would occur. To my dismay I found that I wasnt the person who had difficulty accepting where I was. It so happened that it was the other students in the school who felt that I did not belong. My first day staying at the dorms is a day that I would never forget as long as I live. It was a day that changed my opinion of every race but mine. My roommate happened to be a Hispanic who didnt know a word of Spanish but that didnt seem to matter if he did or didnt. My dorm room was a small white box with a sink a closet and a dry erase board on the outside of the door. I remember coming back to my room from a welcome session feeling I had made the right decision on what school to attend, only to find on my door a written message saying Go home Mexicans. I was appalled by what I saw, the next thing I know I had began knocking on the doors of every room in my hall demanding that someone tell me who had written that message that had outraged me so. Out the corner of my eye I saw a guy with a big smile on his face that happened to be white my judgment being clouded by anger I immediately swung my fist across his face knocking him to the floor. Instead of fighting back he stood up looked me in the eye and assured me it wasnt him who had written the message. Confused about how to handle the situation I went to my room and contemplate of a solution. After days and weeks of profound thinking I found that it would be in my best interest to associate with people of my own race. I spent the majority of my first year like this, isolating myself as much as possible. I thought that I would continue on like this for the next four years. When I came home for Christmas vacation I spoke to my mom about school and she told me to get as much as I could from school cause it would be my last chance to be a kid and experience new things. I reflected on what my mom had said and decided to rush the most popular fraternity in school and was determined to make it. My pledge class brothers were of all types of races, but the majority we white. We were forced to band together and help one another get through pledging. Before we new it, we had become best of friends and the color and different culture just erased we were brothers and what was inside was that mattered. I am unsure where I would be if I hadnt made the decision to give my school .