Southern Colonies

Southern Colonies

England established colonies in North America between the 17^th and 18^th Centuries. The southern settlements that turned English colonies include Maryland Province, Virginia North and South Carolina and Georgia Province.  The foundation of Southern Colonies was based on a need for competition with other European powers, especially in matters related to wealth, land and clothing (Quinn, 126). It is easy to note the successive changes in southern colonies as the white settlers pitched camps as early as 17^th century.

North and South Carolina

John Locke and Shaftesbury chartered the province in 1608. The two noblemen devised an intricate plan to establish a government, given that there were new arrivals to Colony. Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina ensured stability in the Colony through allotment of political status as per the wealth of arriving settlers. However, the constitution proved ineffective as settlers could not see the need to follow orders handed down by the Council. Regardless, there was a large export industry in the Colony by 1680s. The industry specialized on tobacco, pitch, and lumber. The success in the tobacco industry is attributable to the use of slaves in  farms owned by wealthy settlers.

Maryland

            King Charles 1 gave George Calvert a charter for the foundation of Maryland in the year 1632. Calvert was from a wealthy catholic family. He was a first individual-- rather than a group of people--to receive a massive land grant from the royalty.  Calvert’s initial plan for the Colony involved a conception of a haven for wealthy English Catholics. In addition, he intended to establish an agrarian manorial society or noblemen—tenants were to work on fields and do other subordinate chores.  The plan was not to be:  Protestants moved in due to the cheap land prices. Within a short timeframe, the Protestants became the majority in Maryland, resulting in a religious tension.

            Calvert passed 1942 Maryland Toleration Act to quell the situation. The act allowed for freedom of worship though it did little to bring peace. During the early 1650s, Maryland protesters enacted laws that barred Catholics from participating in the voting process (Andrews, 42). Eventually, the toleration act was repealed until Calvert’s retake of the Colony in 1658.

Virginia

In the 16^th century, Virginia existed briefly.  The Colony existed continually from 1607 to the era of American Revolution. Virginia Colony grew tremendously as other Southern Colonies were being established.  Near the coastal area, the settlers were wealthy tobacco planters and their slaves. As a result, new settlers were forced to push inland.

Image 1: Slaves in a Southern Tobacco Plantation

This picture represents working slave pollution with strict supervision from a white settler. Slavery became a major part of the southern society because the economic activity was farming, hence the need for farm workers (Craven, 76). 

Puritans

Puritans refer to a group of 16^th and 17^th centuries Reformed English Protestants. Their main aim was Church of England purification from practices of Roman Catholicism (Bonomi, 108).  Thousands of English Puritans established settlements in New England and other parts of North America during  the 17^th century.  While Puritans pushed for reforms in protestant churches in North America, most of them were against congregations set-up outside the Church of England. In 1620-1629, Puritan Colonies of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay were established. A keen observation unearths a striking similarity in Puritan American colonies necessitated by religion and diversification from English royal leadership.

The settlers of Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies were mostly of Puritan descent. Consequently, a clique of leadership dominated its governance. In turn, Puritan religious leaders strongly influenced politics of the colonies. While it is true that the Colonies’ governors held elective positions, the constitution allowed only freemen to vote. Besides, the freemen voters were examined thoroughly with regards to their religious views. For freemen to become eligible voters, they ought to be staunch members of a Puritan Church and to demonstrate absolute leadership in their houses.  The leadership of Plymouth and Puritan Colonies exhibited intolerance to some religious views that included Quaker, Baptist, and Anglican theologies.

During the early years of colonies' existence, colonists exhibited a decent relationship with the local native populations. However, there were instances when frictions could arise due to the evident cultural and historical differences. Frictions were amplified when the Dutch Colony penetrated the Puritan Colonies.  Thus, a war with the natives was imminent and it resulted in multiple Native American deaths in southern New England. Other indigenous people were pacified or driven away (Sweet, 32).

 

Image 2: Puritans in Massachusetts

Image 2 above shows puritans as they worship in Massachusetts. They were deeply religious people, evidenced by their close-knit fellowship and strong religious views and beliefs. They were determined to reform the protestant churches established in the new colonies because the members clinched to the old doctrines of Catholicism, threatening Protestant churches’ existence.

Impact of Puritans on America

As the 17^th century ended, Puritan’s role in American politics had waned. However, their ethics and attitudes continued to influence the American people. Puritans’ virtue of qualities ensures America’s economic success. Some of these vital qualities include self-reliance, industry and frugality—they still wield an influence on modern economic and social life.  Puritans were concerned about education. Their idea of democracy in the church is adopted in the modern governance of the United States.

Comparison of Puritans and Quakers

Quakers and Puritans placed crucial roles in colonization of North America. The two religious groups departed England for new colonies in America with an aim of establishing societies that religion can be practiced with absolute freedom.  In 17^th and 18^th centuries, the Church of England conducted hierarchical and ritualistic practices—Quakers and Puritans disliked them.  They laid emphasis on simplicity in worship and lifestyle. However, there were striking differences in beliefs between the two groups. It is not surprising that Quakers and Puritans differed in opinions despite their diversification from mainstream religion and political views.  

Quakers were sufferers of persecution in England. They set out to the ‘New Lands’ to seek and establish a religious refuge. Like Puritans (Church of England’s religious dissenters), they were targets of political persecution (Jones, 7). However, Quakers were devoted pacifists. They refrained from participation in wars and won’t submit taxes for military purposes.

Unlike Puritans, Quakers believed in absolute equality. As such, the colonies they established in Pennsylvania did not bow down to English nobles.  In fact, the king could not be accorded a tipped hat courtesy. 

Pennsylvania Colony Quakers set up an extremely liberal 17^th Century government structure. Freedom of religion and association was granted to all. Besides, there was no tax to support the church.  Unlike Puritans that had distorted relationship with native populations, Quakers insisted on the establishment of a working relationship with American natives. Quakers ensured gender equality in church and political scenes--nowhere else in the colonial America were women allowed to be active participants in religious and political meetings.

Religious beliefs played a critical role in the success of both colonies. Pennsylvania, for instance, benefited from the vision of its religious leader and founder. Because of the good publicity it received in Europe, skilled European workforce, farmers and artisans came in droves.

Image 3: Quakers with Natives in Pennsylvania

The image portrays Quakers’ warm relationship with the native population. Their equality policy and the need to refrain from war ensured liberty and freedom of association among the Native Americans and the white settlers in the region (Tolles, 241). It should be noted that Quakers were persecuted in England. Hence, they understood the pain and suffering inflicted on Natives. They opted for a different governance and political leadership strategy that involved an integration of locals to a modern society through  education.

Spanish Missions in California

            California Spanish missions entail series of military and religious outposts. Catholic priests established religious outposts as per the Franciscan order (between 1770 and 1834).  The main aim of the Spanish missions in California was to spread Christianity (especially Catholicism) among the Native American population. It was an initial European bid to colonize the Pacific Coast—mostly western America’s Spanish claims (Jackson et al., 173). Though Spanish missions introduced western culture to California, it is ironic that some settler’s greed objected virtues that formed the pillars of an advanced civilization.

            The Spanish settlers in California introduced European vegetables, horses, and fruits. In addition, Spanish settlers are credited for introduction of technology and ranching to the region of Alta California. On the other hand, there were serious negative consequences of Spanish settlement in California. The colonization wielded a deadly blow to the locals that came in contact with the Spanish settlers diminishing their numbers by the millions.  The Mexican government secularized the missions in early 1830s leading to divisions of land holdings to land grants.

The missions in California had mixed results.  Some of the objectives involved conversion, education and civilization of indigenous people (Hallenbeck, 16). However, the some objectives were hijacked by personal greed and discrimination of Native Americans. Like most British colonies, the Spanish settlers sought to expand their settlement through brutal means like driving out the locals and declaring wars to those that resisted their policies.

In a sharp contrast with British colonies, Spanish missions were themed on imposing catholic doctrines to the locals.  The Roman Catholic Church, for example, aimed at converting Native Americans to Christianity. On the other hand, most British Missionaries were protestants. They despised the ritualistic nature of Catholicism and the impact it had for colonies’ future. In fact, the British were determined in ensuring democratic rule as opposed to nobility (Stott et al., 759).

In American history today, California has gradually transformed from its past. Their inclusions as a part of the United States have led to the overshadowing of its dark past and success in liberalism and democracy. In fact, it is hard to distinguish California from any other region of the United States. However, the path to reforms and democracy has not been easy. California’s policy makers have had a hard time in shedding the oppressive doctrines introduced by pioneer Spanish missionaries.

Image 4: Spanish Missions in California: Notice the Cattle, horses, Cart Technology and Catholicism. Most Scholars credit Spaniards for their introduction in America.

The image above captures activities of early Spanish missionaries in California. Their core aim was an establishment of a religious society (evidenced by the Catholic Church). In addition, they introduced technologies including a bull cart that ensured efficiency in transport.

                                                                                                        

Works Cited

Andrews, Charles McLean. "Colonial Period of American History." (1934): 42-56. Print.

Bonomi, Patricia U. Under The Scope of Heaven: Religion, Society, and Politics in Colonial America. Oxford University Press, 2003: 94-121. Electronic.

Craven, Avery. Soil exhaustion as a factor in the agricultural history of Virginia and Maryland, 1606-1860. Univ of South Carolina Press. ( 2006): 44-162. Print.

Hallenbeck, Cleve. Spanish Missions of the Old Southwest. Doubleday, Page, and Company. (1926): 14-66. Electronic.

Jackson, Robert Howard, Edward Castillo, and Edward D. Castillo. Indians, Franciscans, and Spanish colonization: the impact of the mission system on California Indians. UNM Press (1996). 1-342. Print.

Jones, Rufus M. The Quakers in the American Colonies. Kessinger Publishing, 2006.

Quinn, David B. England and the discovery of America, 1481-1620: from the Bristol voyages of the fifteenth century to the pilgrim settlement at Plymouth: the exploration, exploitation, and trial-and-error colonization of North America by the English. AA Knopf (1974): 1-237. Electronic.

Stott, Philip, Scott Mensing, and Roger Byrne. "Pre‐mission invasion of erodium cicutarium in California." Journal of Biogeography 25.4 (1998): 757-762.Print.

Sweet, William Warren. Religion in Colonial America. Cooper Square Publishers, 1965: 1-172. Print.

Tolles, Frederick Barnes. Meeting House and Counting House: The Quaker Merchants of Colonial Philadelphia, 1682-1763. No. 211. Institute of Early American History and Culture at Williamsburg, Va. (1948): 241-303. Electronic

The Impact of Deregulation on Regional Carriers

The Impact of Deregulation on Regional Carriers

            During pre-1980s, the government of United States, through its aviation arm (Civil Aeronautics Board) regulated numerous commercial aviation areas. These areas included fares, schedules, and routes. The difficulties that ensued prompted an introduction of a deregulation policy. In 1978, the congress passed a bill that brought the Airline Deregulation Act into effect. The Act rejected most of controls hence leading to radical changes in the US aviation industry. The paper, therefore, will explore the impact of deregulation with a focus on the regional carriers.

The Civil Aeronautics Board

            According to Williams (1994), the main objectives of Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) included ensuring air safety to the American public, ensuring efficiency in flight and lowering the cost of air travel. These objectives were accomplished through dictation of airfare, flight paths and regulation of regional carrier subsidies.  Regulation proponents argue that CAB utilized its power appropriately. According to most regulation experts, elimination of regulation ushers in a new era where the regional airlines will concentrate on high volume flights on highly profitable routes.

            At the time, there were fears that the regional airlines' concentration on lucrative routes would stir an unfairly competitive business environment. As such, a sluggish economic growth in the aviation industry seemed inevitable. Even worse, dominance of powerful regional carriers would lead to a monopolistic aviation industry, hence high fares due to a low level of competition (Freeman, 1978).

             One of CAB regulation policies involved picking regional airlines from a pool or carriers ready to operate a given domestic route. This eliminated the role of market forces to determine a most suitable airline to fly a particular route. The unhealthy business environment characterized by CAB would cease to exist when the deregulation act would be effective. Besides, the new regional carriers found it hard to penetrate a highly regulated aviation industry. It was not surprising to realize that the influence of dominant regional carriers had spilled over to the regulatory board, given the dislike for new waves of competition.

            Jimmy Carter appointed a vocal supporter to deregulation to head CAB, and Freddie Laker of Laker Airways to head a deregulation committee.  The appointment was in line with the need for success in airfare deregulation, considering Laker Airways' remarkable low-cost regional flights.

Abandoned Low-Income Routes

             In the short run, the regional aviation industry shook. Most regional airlines deemed it fit to abandon low-income routes, especially involving short air distance and transport to smaller cities in the United States (Moore, 1986).  For instance, United Airlines flew half-a-million passengers to Bakersfield, California. Once the deregulation policies were in effect, the same regional airline carrier ditched Bakersfield flights for bigger and more profitable routes like San Francisco and Las Vegas.

Establishment of Regional Hubs

            Secondly, there was an unprecedented surge of ‘hub-and-spoke’ routes--major regional carriers adopted major cities as their centers of operation. As such, the key cities were converted as flight stops, regardless of the fact that some regional airlines lacked a direct route between the endpoints.  A classic example is the Delta Airlines that had a hub at Atlanta. Similarly, Eastern Carriers operated a hub from Miami. Both regional carriers conducted numerous round trips from their hubs, ensuring that the carriers are in the air for most hours a day, hence keeping most seats filled.  Strikingly, nonstop flights from West Palm Beach to New York skyrocketed from just 5 to more than 23. This elaborates the extent of deregulation impact on regional carriers.

New Market Entrants

            Once deregulation was effective, United States aviation industry witnessed a rise in startup airlines market entry. Deregulation eliminated the need for such startups to bow to the dominant airlines’ demands and market pressures. Donald Burr’s People Express is an insightful instance of a startup carrier. Donald Burr is an entrepreneur famous for his introduction of unconventional management methods including a clique of managers, low salary and maximization of job performance per employee. His seemingly miraculous entrepreneurial skills were applied in his People Express—the tight operation involved passengers paying for meals onboard and charges for check-in baggage.  Thus, the fares hit a record low. In fact, the airfare was comparable to bus line ticket charges. The carrier’s flexibility led to increased revenues during early 1980s peaking at 1985 (1 billion dollars).  Other airlines kept a close watch on people's actions. Most of them launched  a stiff competition that  led to drastic fall in fare and better service provision than People Express. In the end, Burr's airline could not withstand a mounting pressure. Gradually, it phased out of the highly competitive market as losses surged and passengers became dissatisfied (Dresner & Windle, 1996).

            Many scholars conclude that regional airlines welcomed the deregulation policies. The fair competition of passengers would not be possible in the CAB strict rules regime. The no-hoods barred competitive environment led to success for most regional carriers. In addition, benefits to the ordinary passengers as air fares dropped drastically.  In 1979 alone, a remarkable 317 million air passengers crisscrossed US skies. This development led to unprecedented revenues to most airlines.

Rising Fuel Costs and Economic Turmoil

            The positive effects for deregulation could not last forever. The fuel cost rose, triggering an economic recession. As such, the unregulated aviation industry began to show signs of disastrous consequences. Beginning 1981, most startup carriers recorded losses-- some as high as $430 million. There was a drastic drop in passenger records in 1981 to a mere 286 million. PATCO's strike (Professional Air TrafficControllers Organization) in late 1981 escalated industry’s woes. A regional Carrier—Braniff—collapsed in 1982 demonstrating the magnitude of the problems crippling the sector. While other airlines continued to expand during this tough economic time, they certainly faced greater business risks.

            Today, there is an ongoing debate regarding the long –term deregulation impacts, especially to regional airlines. Some analysts agree that there was extreme instability in the post-deregulation era, considering the cases of Eastern Airlines and Continental Carriers. The two airlines suffered setbacks worsened by the poor relationship with aviation labor unions and mismanagement.  On a positive note, deregulation led to a transformation in America’s Aviation industry. There was a phase-out of most staunch rules that curbed the industrial expansion and threatened America’s core pillar (freedom). Notably, other countries followed America’s leadership in minimizing controls. Resultantly, the global aviation industry transformed for the better. A new era dawned, where cooperation among the aviators worldwide became imperative (Reynolds-Feighan, 1995).

            It is hard to imagine a development in a highly regulated aviation industry. While there are negative consequences as a result of deregulation, it is clear that positive impact outweighs them. However, the deregulation policies should be reviewed periodically to incorporate the changes in a modern business environment. Without periodic updates on the rules, new market would possibly incur heavy losses given the dynamic nature of America’s economy. Back at the time when the deregulation act was passed, America was a key global player in the industry. Today, countries like China and India are rising rapidly. Their booming economy allows for their heavy investment in America’s Aviation industry, threatening the local carriers.

References

Dresner, M., Lin, J. S. C., & Windle, R. (1996). The Impact of Low-Cost Carriers on Airport and Route Competition. Journal of Transport Economics and Policy, 309-328.

Freeman, J. W. (1978). State Regulation of Airlines and the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978. J. Air l. & CoM., 44, 747.

Moore, T. G. (1986). US Airline Deregulation: Its Effects on Passengers, Capital, and Labor. Journal of Law and Economics, 1-28.

Reynolds-Feighan, A. J. (1995). European and American Approaches to Air Transport Liberalisation: Some Implications For Small Communities.Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 29(6), 467-483.

Williams, G. (1994). The Airline Industry and the Impact of Deregulation.

Ethics Related Legal Case

Supply Chain and Logistics Ethics Related Legal Case

On January 2012, a case was presented in a New York Court of Federal Claims (COFC). Railways Logistics International (RLI) was barred by the United States from fulfilling their contract regarding to the provision of rehabilitation goods to Iraqi Republic Railways (IRR). On the other hand, the US government tabled claims that the Logistics firm acted unethically, leading to a breach of the contract hence the need for an immediate termination. This paper shall outline a summary of the court case and decision reached. It shall also analyze reasons and implications of the decision.

Railways Logistics International Vs the US Government

RLI brought a lawsuit on US government with a basis on the abrupt termination of contract. The contract involved a long term supply of necessities for rehabilitation of Iraqi railways damaged by airstrikes at the height of the Iraqi War. According to the firm, the US actions were malicious and driven by ill motives as the government failed to provide solid support for its actions. As the case proceeded, the government filed counterclaims against RLI.

The US counterclaims were based on allegations of failure on the part of RLI to offer adequate performance under the contract. In addition, the US provided evidence that RLI grossly inflated its claim regarding equitable adjustment as the contract terminates. Given the unethical nature of the RLI activities, government lawyers sought damages as per the Contracts Disputes Act and the Fraudulent Claims Act. Besides, they launched a bid for a forfeiture of the firm’s breach claim.

RLI argument as a response to government’s claims was that COFC had no jurisdiction on hearing the counterclaims. There was a contention on the side of RLI for a trial before a jury because US government anchored its claims on fraud allegations. In their contention, RLI cited the Seventh Amendment.

The Courts Decision

The COFC ruling favored US government. The ruling held that the Seventh Amendment was ineffective in protection to plaintiffs exercising rights to sue the government, especially in an Article 1 court. A priority goes to the government if it launches countersuits in the same court (Gordon & Gross, 1983). COFC referred to1990 federal court decision in the case of The US Vs Seaboard lumber Company.  In turn, the US vs. Seaboard Lumber Company’s court decision was inspired by the 19^th century Supreme Court’s decision in the case of McElrath Vs United States. The case illustrates a way that forum selection wields an effect on the contractor pushing for claims against the US government.

The Reasoning Associated With Court’s Decision

From the decision, it is evident that a contractor’s election to litigate against US government prompts a rights waiver to a Jury trial with regards to counterclaims.  There is a close scrutiny of the appeals presented to COFC, especially when there is a remarkable potential for fraudulent counterclaims. This is because it is relatively easier for US government to launch counterclaim amid the pending litigation decision. Notably, a contract appeal requires the government to file a lawsuit in a different FCA forum.

In a case where there is a growing concern about fraud tainting the original claim, there is a need for a reversal of such claim. Besides, an immediate rectification is necessary to eliminate such taint prior to the reference of the case in future lawsuits. Thus, the counsel is tasked with a responsibility of ensuring that concrete evidence exists to support all claim aspects before its presentation to a contracting officer.

Reference

Gordon, N. A., & Gross, D. (1983). Justiciability of Federal Claims in State Court. Notre Dame L. Rev., 

American Eagle 4184 & Safety

American Eagle 4184 & Safety

It has not been a smooth ride for the United States aviation industry. There have been airplane crashes caused by distinct factors. Some causes are unpreventable. However, there are some crashes triggered by design flaws and ignorance of air safety rules. Whatever the case, human life is at risk. American Eagle 4184 crash was horrible and defied logic. It took   several months for an investigative task force to conclude the cause of such a tragic accident that left the plane and human remains in thousands of pieces (Chester, 2000). The craters at the at the crash site were so remarkable that they could be mistaken for a meteorite strike.  This paper is a step-by- step analysis of the crash events with a focus on the accident causes and the preventive measures.

American Flight Eagle 4184, registration number N401AM was designed and built by ATR—a French-Italian Aircraft manufacturer. Simons Airlines operated the plane on behalf of American Eagle. Both captain and co-pilot were competent and experienced, with more than 5000 flight hours.

The Accident

The plane was scheduled on a flight from IIA (Indianapolis International Airport), Indiana to OIA (O’Hare International Airport), Illinois. However, Chicago’s bad weather conditions delayed the plane. As such, OIA air traffic control redirected the airplane to hold at LUCIT intersection. While on hold, freezing rain hit the plane. It led to a hazardous icing condition—super-cooled water droplets led to ice buildup on the airplane surface (Galison, 2000).

As the weather conditions improved, the plane was ordered to make a slight descent, approximately 8000 feet. A warning sound went off during the second descent. It signaled an over-speed because of the extended flaps.  This is the time when there was a commencement of a chain of events that resulted in the plane crash.

The pilot reacted professionally to the warning signal—he executed a command that retracted the hanging flaps. It was then that a strange sound was heard from the cockpit voice recorder. A roll excursion not commanded disengaged the autopilot mode. While the pilot regained the control of the plane after the first roll, a second roll occurred, resulting in a steep descent of the airplane. It took less than 30 seconds for the contact with the aircraft to be lost.  The authorities would later confirm the worst fears—68 souls were lost as the plane plunged into Soybean, Indiana.

The Cause of Plane Accident

The investigation team found out that the ATR planes manufacturer did not design them to operate in icy conditions. Stephen Fredrick ( ATR employee) revealed that the firm bypassed the safety measures, resulting in the fatal crash. In addition, the National Transport Safety Board blamed FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) for its failure in ensuring highest level of safety for air travelers.  The loss of aircraft control was due to an abrupt aileron hinge reversal due to ice accumulation (Lintern, 2000).

The hinge failure resulted in the rolling of the plane and the steep descent because autopilot procedures were unnecessary. However, ATR failed to incorporate an appropriate command for adoption in pilot manuals to ensure safety during such weather conditions.

The accident was preventable. FAA should have ensured that adequate pilot training on how to handle the ATR Aircraft during harsh weather conditions. Besides, it is FAA’s responsibility to make sure that all the planes released for public service pass all the air safety procedures. In this case, they failed. Most importantly, the manufacturers of the plane should have taken the necessary precautions in the design of the plane flaps. If they did, an aversion of such a deadly accident would be possible. 

References

Chester, M. (2000). Aftermath of the Airplane Accident: Recovery of Damages for Psychological Injuries Accompanied by Physical Injuries under the Warsaw Convention, The. Marq. L. Rev., 84, 227.

Galison, P. (2000). An accident of history. In Atmospheric Flight In The Twentieth Century (pp. 3-43). Springer Netherlands.

Lintern, G. (2000). An affordance-based perspective on human-machine interface design. Ecological Psychology, 12(1), 65-69.

The Fast Runner

The Fast Runner

Passing of stores regarding the lifestyle of Canadian aboriginal tribes would not have been possible were it not for proper conservation through oral tradition. Today, there is conservation of tribal culture through modern means including films, books, and museums. Digitizing the oral tradition is a painstaking work that demands determination and passion for cultural conservation. In Canada, Isuma TV distributes Inuit and aboriginal films. Currently, there are more than 5000 films themed on culture and traditions of native tribes of North America. The films capture the indigenous lifestyles entangled in strong beliefs in supernatural activities and deep religious views of native societies. The paper aims to offer an in-depth analysis of Atanarjuat-The Fast Runner movie with regards to their hunting and gathering activities and political organization. In addition, the paper will reveal the relationship between oral tradition and Atanarjuat-The Fast Runner Movie.

The website aims at promoting the viewership of movies revolving around the traditional livelihood of the aboriginal communities. Isuma Distribution International Incorporation launched the website in the year 2008 with the help of nonprofit organizations including Igloolik Isuma Productions and Nunavut Independent Television Network. Interested individual viewers can stream the movies online for free. However, television networks wishing to air the films can apply for licensing that involves paying a fee for website upkeep.

The Fast Runner is a classic example of a movie of well conserved Inuktitut oral traditions. The film is set in the ancient past and is written and directed in Inuktitut language, with basis on an ancient legend. Inuit natives pass the legendary story from one century to another (Raheja, 1166). The setting of the film is in Igloolik—an Eastern Arctic wilderness also referred to as The Place of Houses. The movie reflects the deadly struggles of the ancient people. The struggles--triggered by jealousy and love—results into murders and revenge among relatives and other tribal members. A curse brought evil to the formerly peaceful community. However, the film ends with a hope of a new life as the evil is defeated, though after much damage inflicted on the tribe.

Hunting and Gathering

As the film starts, there is a man that herds away stray dogs. There is a shrill voice of an old man and he sings a childish song. Tungajuag (a shaman from the north) sings playfully inside a stone house to entertain Kumaglak (a camp leader) and a gathered community. The gathering in the presence of a tribal leader shows an orderly society with knowledge on the role of a leader in a political society. In a flashback, there is an indication that the camp leader is actually a visitor and a revered spiritual leader. He is stoned to his death, indicating power struggles in society. It is notable that power struggles are common in a political setting albeit in modern times. In a flash forward Qulitalik -- the son of a slain leader--if forced to leave the community due to the fear of his life. Politically, the son is poised to take over from the father society’s spiritual leader. As such, Qulitalik feels that his father’s murderer would kill him as well to create a tribal power void. However, he hopes to make a comeback in the future when he will be ready to take up the power mantle.

Tribal Politics

The movie flashes forward to decades later when Tulimaq’s sons (Amaqjuag and Atanarjuat) are young and excellent hunters.  Tribal politic tears the brothers apart, with one favoring the leadership of Sauri (the current camp leader) and Oki (Sauri’s son). It is clear that by strong religious views and the ability to control supernatural powers drives tribal politics. As such, an individual with an ability to perform rituals offering solutions o tribal problems--including sickness and love triangles—has an automatic qualification as clan leadership contender.

Family Ties

The families in the film are closely knit; every family member knows his/her role in the society. Men are hunters while women are gatherers. In addition, the parents and grandparents play a critical role in determination of wives to of young male adults. For instance, Oki’s grandmother (Panipak) does not want Oki to marry Atuat because of perceived cruelty of his family. The grandmother is fearful of the consequences of a marriage with a son of a cruel political leader. The controversial leader earned his power via a bloody and malicious struggle.

The elimination of Shamans’ Evil

Towards the end of the film, the community gathers in the evening. With their leaders help, the community intends to eliminate the evil that has led to multiple deaths of innocent people since Shaman’s evil visit. As a young and vibrant potential community leader, Quatalik is knowledgeable of ways to source for spiritual help. His know-how on how to summon evil spirits earn him trust from the community that is vital in consolidating a political leadership. In fact, he demonstrated his courage when he confronted Tungajuag.  His triumph over evil, as a community leader, is evident when a supernatural evil shaman screams and disappears into the thin air.  Later on, Panikpak, the wife of a slain leader, delivers a sensational speech to the gathered community members at the stone house. She is aware of her political role as a wife to a former community leader. Thus, she utilizes the opportunity to reassure and strengthens the ties weakened by the evil shaman. Besides his death, the voice of Kumaglak (the old leader) is heard posthumously. He reassures the society regarding the regain of the lost pride, especially that the shaman evil is gone. This phenomenon demonstrates that the community’s leadership was eternal.

Context

A cultural context is evident in the community’s gathering and songs. Their culture dictates that a communal gathering should be a bonding moment where songs and dance unite the family members that form the community.  A kinship and descent context reveals when the brothers are split between the leadership of Sauri and Oki.  They are aware of their rightful position in the community as leaders their upper-class family descent. There is a representation of a family and marriage context in the strong family bonds, where each family member has a role to play that ensures the strong future ties.   There is amplification of Gender and evolution context towards the end of the film when Panikpak, a wife to a slain leader, addresses a gathering. Her role as a mother and a wife reflects in her need for unification and strengthening of communal ties for the betterment of future generations.

Oral Traditions and the Film

Oral traditions refer to the passage of societal morals in the ancient times from one generation to the other through a word of mouth. The film captures a native story that teaches the society the need for righteousness, as good triumphs over evil. The defeat of evil spirit shows that mutual respect should exist in any society so that ties can be strengthened to avert disasters. If the evil succeeded in the story, it would not stand the test of time hardly making it to the film scripts.

Works Cited

Raheja, Michelle. "Reading Nanook's smile: Visual Sovereignty, Indigenous Revisions of Ethnography, and Atanarjuat (The Fast Runner)." American Quarterly 59.4 (2007): 1159-1185.Print.

Patagonia Case Study

Patagonia Case Study

A successful business firm utilizes technology to enhance innovation in the design of quality products. Besides there is a need for sustainable business practices in compliance set rules to achieve a competitive advantage. Without competent leadership and teamwork among employees, a breakthrough in a competitive business environment is impossible for a startup firm. To gain a strong foothold in a tumultuous business environment (for instance sports industry), top level management should have adequate knowledge on the operations of the competitors and the consumer needs. The business should take appropriate measures to ensure customer satisfaction hence a guarantee of their long-term loyalty.  This paper provides an insight on Patagonia Company’s activities. It will identify the problems that hinder the business development while offering potential solutions to the raised issues.

Patagonia has established itself as an environmentally conscious business entity. This has propelled it to global leadership and dominance in provision of sportswear. On average, the organization has been on an upwards trajectory in its growth-- approximately 6% a year. Remarkably, the firm makes sizeable donations on environmental causes annually. In fact, the adoption of recycling cuts on the operation cost significantly. However, all the achievements fade when multiple challenges facing the firm are considered. 

It is notable that Patagonia has resilient rivals that have been operational for decades.  For instance, Nike and Timberland have had years of understanding business environment and market forces. The knowledge enables such multinationals to develop survival tactics to wither economic tragedies and market uncertainties. As such, launching a strong competition against them requires extensive research and strategic planning. The records on annual sales indicate that Patagonia is lagging behind business giants such as V.F Corporation and Nike. The implication of disparity is that Patagonia has fewer resources to commit on acquisition of the latest technology and market research. While it is not advisable to make extravagant spending on research and development activities, studies indicate that heavy spending on such yields positive results.

Patagonia is obliged to exploit the areas of weaknesses demonstrated by its rivals. In addition, there is a need for identification of opportunities up for grabs in the sports industry. Therefore, management should be committed to conducting a market survey to identify the customer needs.  To avert recurrent expenditure on environmental conservation initiatives, it is imperative for Patagonia to establish a separate governing body to oversee sustainability activities. This ensures accountability on annual environmental spending.

It is clear that tectonic plates are shifting beneath Patagonia’s feet— sportswear market is evolving rapidly. However, the management casts a blind eye to latest developments, hence threatening the future business survival. Evolving business needs demands that the firm identify changes and provide an immediate solution. It is the only way that competitors can outwit a firm showing signs of reluctance to act on market shifts. A healthy business entity should adopt risk-taking as one of its major policies. Nurturing a culture of innovation and ethical business practices among Patagonia’s employees is imperative.

In summary, it is undeniable that Patagonia’s environmental conservation effort is beneficial to the business. However, the policy is siphoning significant amount of resources from the organization. In fact, the undertaking threatens to divert the organization from its main goals (including making profit and provision of quality products). Therefore, Patagonia’s management should reassess the business priorities while factoring in market developments and ever-changing customer needs. 

Charles Lindbergh’s Contribution to Aviation

Charles Lindbergh’s Contribution to Aviation

Despite the significant advancement evident in the modern aviation, the industry is barely a century old. Most of the developments in aviation are attributable to an industrial revolution in Europe and America during early 1900s. However, both world wars propelled unprecedented innovation levels in aviation, with the rivaling countries striving to outwit each other through air technology (Sherry, 1989). As First World War cooled off, the US aviators saw a need for adopting military aviation technology in the development of commercial airlines. The move was an opportunity to heal the economic wounds inflicted by the war.

Bridging a gap between Europe and America was one of the most significant challenges to aviation during its infantry. While business ties were booming between the two continents, effective means of transport threatened to derail the developments. Notably, people still preferred to travel by ship, train or car. Charles Lindbergh transformed transport industry by becoming the first human to conduct a solo flight across Atlantic Ocean (Kessner, 2010). His safe landing eliminated fears among people and stakeholders of the aviation industry regarding their views on impossibility of a safe transatlantic air transport. Therefore, the paper shall focus on the contribution of Charles Lindbergh to aviation.

A Leap in Aviation

Charles Lindbergh was only 25 years old when he landed The Spirit of Louis in Paris (Le Bourget Field) on 21^st May 1927. The flight had lasted over 33 hours and was a non-stop from New York’s Long Island.  He created a sensation that made people less afraid to board a plane on a transatlantic journey (Lindbergh, 1998). As such, commercial flights across the Atlantic Ocean were launched as a result of a newly gained confidence. In fact, more than 170,000 passengers boarded US airliners in the year 1929.  This was a triple of previous years’ passenger record. In addition, more than 3 million business people boarded transatlantic private planes in the year 1929 alone.

Most scholars attribute post-1930 soaring aviation stocks to Lindbergh’s maiden flight.  In fact, Seaboard Airline’s stock skyrocketed prior to investors’ discovery that it was indeed a railroad business firm. Financial investor’s growing interest in the aviation sector led to an emergence of fledgling and nonscheduled airlines.  Records indicate that there were an upwards of forty-five scheduled US airlines and multiples of nonscheduled airline firms.

Advocacy for Change

Charles rose to fame after his transatlantic flight. Luckett (1986) observes that Charles used his celebrity status to push for radical changes and developments in global aviation.  During 1927’s summer and fall, Guggenheim Fund for the Promotion of Aeronautics (GFPA) requested Charles Lindbergh to conduct an extensive US tour in his Spirit of St. Louis.  Following the request, Charles made visits to more than 75 cities across the United States, dropping messages in small towns he couldn’t land.

In preparation for Charles Lindbergh’s historic visits, cities across US groomed airports. Cities that lacked facilities had to build them as others modernized existing airport facilities and structures. Some of the busiest modern airports in United States— including Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA)—were dedicated a few months before Lindbergh’s 1927 visit. The following year, for instance, Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA) expanded regular commercial air passenger operations to include a direct flight from Greensboro to Washington D.C.  Besides, Charles Lindbergh inspired local pioneers in aviation (for example Zachary Smith Reynolds and Dick) as Winston-Salem commenced its operations in late 1927.

During dedication of Miller Municipal Airport, Thomas Davis (then 9 years old) was among the attendants.  A speech delivered by Charles Lindbergh during the occasion influenced young Thomas to pursue a career in aviation. The inspiration he derived from Lindbergh earned him a pilot license during his 16^th birthday. He would later become Piedmont Airlines’ founder at a tender age of 29 years.  Prior to its merging with USAir in 1980s, Piedmont Airlines was ranked 7^th among major US airlines.

Lindbergh as a Role Model

On the other hand, Robert Morgan (a 9-year-old)   was among the group of American kids that viewed Charles Lindbergh as a role model. Morgan from Ashville followed closely Charles’ national tour from newspaper coverage. He clipped the tour articles and kept them in his scrapbook. At the height of the Second World War, Morgan piloted Memphis Belle. Memphis Belle, a B-17 bomber, cloaked 25 missions over UK and the rest of Europe without a crew fatality—this was historical. 

Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight shone a media spotlight on William Winston. The Army Air Service Sergeant (AASS) was among the first aviators to offer official flying lessons to Lindbergh. Later, Winston got a promotion to a Master Pilot at Pan American World Airways. While he was among American pilot pioneers to cross Atlantic by air more than a hundred times, Winston helped to shape the transatlantic air traffic rules, thanks to Lindbergh’s success as one of his students (Hall, 2012).  The rules he helped develop are still in effect in modern times.

Aviation experts, media, and scholars compared Charles Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight to Wright’s Brother’s Maiden flight in 1903 at Kill Devil Hill, USA. As a result of the media attention to Wright Brothers efforts, there was a rise in movements that demanded recognition of Brother’s contribution to aviation. In the end, Congress enacted policies that allowed for an establishment of Wright Brother’s National Memorial.  Josephus Daniels, a Secretary to US Navy, first raised the issue of creation of a national monument in honor of Wright Brothers during 1913. However, it took more than 14 years for the authorization bill to be passed. It would not have been possible were it not for the mounting activism and media pressure triggered by Lindbergh’s transatlantic success story. Ironically, Lindbergh was absent during the laying of a cornerstone in the year 1928. This is despite the fact that he received an invitation to the occasion. Most analysts argue that Lindberg’s absence was intentional to avoid detraction of attention from Orville—a key figure in a push for monument setup. 

Mapping of Commercial Flight Paths

Throughout his life, Lindbergh participated in global campaigns to push for changes in aviation. Together with his wife (Anne Morrow Lindbergh), he charted air routes for new commercial airlines. The new airlines conducted flights from Canada to Asia. Notably, Lindbergh’s wife was a specialist in air navigation and served as a copilot to her husband. In two years time, Lindbergh and his wife conducted a total of 30000 miles in flight aiming to map out commercial flight paths across the Atlantic Ocean.  During early years of Second World War, Ford Motors hired Lindbergh as a Consultant. His consultancy focused on the production of B24 Bombers.  As the war progressed, he became a test pilot and a technical advisor for United Aircraft firm.

In the later years of his military career, South Pacific admitted Lindbergh as a fighter planes’ student. On the other hand, he taught junior pilots on the need for fuel conservation to increase bombing range. His teachings revolutionized the military aviation techniques, leading to America’s military success in air battles with Nazi Germany and Japan. Notably, the downing of a Japanese war plane capped Lindbergh’s success and participation of the Second World War (Gross, 2002). In total, he successfully conducted more than fifty combat missions without a serious encounter with enemy air fighters.

Environmental Conservation

During his sunset years, Lindberg became an active participant in conservation movements. He played a crucial role in development of activist groups that championed for the protection of Blue and Humpback Wales in danger of extinction. As such, he led the opposition of development of supersonic civilian planes (such as Concorde). His objection rested on the fears of plane’s effects on earth’s atmosphere hence the planet’s inhabitants (Bityurin et al., 1999). During the late 1960s, the American Aviation industry was developing at a rapid phase due to the cold war. Therefore, fear of USSR’s success in space exploration and air dominance led US to disregard environmental safety measures in advancement of aviation technology.  Lindbergh warned of a looming catastrophic danger that threatened the survival of endangered species should the relevant authorities fail to take enough conservatory measures (Reich, 1995). Though his warning often fell on deaf ears, there is a renewed effort, in the 21^st century, to observe his recommendations, especially those that regard aviation and space technology.

            From the discussion, it is clear that Charles Lindberg is one of the most influential people that made a significant contribution to local and international aviation industry. His triumph in transatlantic flight ushered in a new era in commercial air transport that triggered a success in America’s economic development and dominance in aviation. Charles defied the fears of air travel across vast seas and oceans, inspiring a new generation of fearless aviators globally.

References

Bityurin, V., Klimov, A., Leonov, S., Bocharov, A. N., & Lineberry, J. T. (1999). Assessment of A Concept of Advanced Flow/Flight Control for Hypersonic Flights In Atmosphere. AIAA Paper, 4820-4829, 1999.

Gross, C. J. (2002). American Military Aviation: The Indispensable Arm (No. 2). Texas A&M University Press.

Hall, N. (2002). Spirit & Creator: The Mysterious Man Behind Lindbergh's Flight to Paris. Safe Goods Publishing/ATNPu.

Kessner, T. (2010). The Flight of the Century: Charles Lindbergh and the Rise of American Aviation. Oxford University Press.

Lindbergh, C. A. (1998). The Spirit of St. Louis. Simon and Schuster.

Luckett, P. D. (1986). Charles A. Lindbergh, a Bio-bibliography. Greenwood Publishing Group.

Reich, L. S. (1995). From the Spirit of St. Louis to the SST: Charles Lindbergh, Technology, and Environment. Technology and Culture, 351-393.

Sherry, M. S. (1989). The rise of American air power: The creation of Armageddon. Yale University Press.