Positive Thinking and the Meaningful Life Essay - 1820 Words

The ‘invisible butterfly’ called happiness has been the primary aim for humans with the influence of religious teachings and cultures emphasizing the pursuit of such nature to the extent that even the Declaration of Independence of the United States recites that â€Å"all men are created equal [and] that they are endowed †¦the pursuit of Happiness.† (The Declaration of Independence, para. 2). While many people were obedient in pursuing happiness, some stopped on the way and questioned whether the pursuit of such nature was be worthwhile at the end. The paper will consider two cases of counter viewpoints towards the idea of pursuing happiness, opposing each with proper evidence to persuade the readers that happiness is should be achieved by†¦show more content†¦It would also mean that happiness is purely an emotional matter, where the sum of several positive emotions equal to a greater happiness. The psychologist Martin Seligman (2003), professor at t he University of Pennsylvania and one of the leading researchers in the field of Positive Psychology, pointed out three basic theories of happiness: Hedonism Theory, Desire Theory, and Objective List Theory. The Hedonistic theory points out that â€Å"all pleasure is intrinsically good, yet temporary† and comparatively, the Desire theory claims that if an individual gets what they primarily desire, they will be happy (Seligman, 2003, para. 3). On the other hand, the Objective theory suggests that human happiness occurs due to number of events that are worthwhile to achieve, such as career, family and freedom (Seligman, 2003, para. 4). Overall, the complex human emotions and needs seem to be pointing towards one direction, which is to be happy and satisfied, indeed. However, the path of achieving it has been quite rough and edgy, resulting many to theorize about different ways to achieve a long-lasting happiness and increase the amount of fulfilment in one’s life. It eventually led for some to give up on the chase of happiness and question those, who ‘blindly’ followed it and regarded happiness as theirShow MoreRelatedWhat Does Best Practice? Look Like Into The Mathematics Classroom?753 Words   |  4 PagesWhat does â€Å"best practice† look like in the mathematics classroom? As the focus of math changes students are asked to develop their mathematical thinking rather than their calculating skills. â€Å"While math traditionalist are correct that it is beneficial to memorize formulas, facts, and algorithms, the math reformists emphasize the need for students to have avenues such as jou rnals, portfolios, or projects to demonstrate their understanding† (Kostos, Shin, 2010). As a result, students are asked to becomeRead MoreReading Process1135 Words   |  5 Pagesattending to the environment, encoding and interacting with the stimulus in a meaningful manner and linking the meanings of the stimulus with existing knowledge and prior experiences. Thinking Reading is a thinking process; it is not just about calling or recognizing the words on a page but understanding what was read. Therefore the reader must make inferences and think critically to understand the information presented. Thinking while reading will allow the reader to determine the author’s purposeRead MoreEssay on Gm591 - Life Styles Inventory (Lsi) Results1486 Words   |  6 PagesKeller Graduate School of Management [pic] GM 591: Life Styles Inventory – Survey results for John Hastings Instructor: Rick Roechnes Date: 09-JAN-2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction 3 2.0 Personal Thinking Styles (Part I) 3 2.1 Primary thinking Back up thinking style 4 2.2 Limiting thinking style 4 3.0 Impact on Management Style (Part II) 5 3.1 Planning 5 3.2 Organizing 6 3.3 Leading 6 3.4 Controlling 6 4.0Read MoreThe Five Basic Principles Of Humanistic Education1318 Words   |  6 Pages(Principles, n.d.). Students should be self-motivated, based on needs, in their studies and desire to learn on their own. The next basic principle with humanistic educators is the belief that grades are not important and that only self-evaluation is meaningful (Principles, n.d.). Grading encourages students to work for short term results and prevents true knowledge that remains long after instruction. The fourth humanistic principle believes that both emotional feelings and knowledge are important toRead MoreRationale Of Curriculum Integration And Differentiation1705 Words   |  7 Pagesconnections (Murdoch Hornsby, 1997). Connections between core learning areas such as literacy, numeracy or science, create deeper connected understandings when delivered through an integrated curriculum rather than taught in isolation. Making meaningful connections with an integrated curriculum is reflected in current policy documents such as the Australian Curriculum and Reporting Authorities’ [ACARA] (2014) Cross Curricular Priorities and General Capabilities. Integrated curriculum and handsRead MoreSusan Wolf And Meaningful Life1384 Words   |  6 Pages SUSAN WOLF AND MEANINGFUL LIFE (Question 4) Susan wolf interprets a meaningful life as one that has within the basis of an affirmative answer to the basis for an affirmative answer to the needs or belonging that are characteristically described as needs of meaning. She described meaningful lives as lives of active engagement in project worth. Which she divided into groups, first is ‘’active engagement’’ and project worth. In the aspect ofRead MoreSusan Wolf And Meaningful Life1390 Words   |  6 PagesMeredith Gunning Date-11-13-15 SUSAN WOLF AND MEANINGFUL LIFE (Question 4) Susan wolf interprets a meaningful life as one that has within the basis of an affirmative answer to the basis for an affirmative answer to the needs or belonging that are characteristically described as needs of meaning. She described meaningful lives as lives of active engagement in project worth. Which she divided into groups, first is ‘’active engagement’’Read MoreStress Management Action Plan1332 Words   |  6 Pagessuch that I was incapacitated with stress. For those of you in this state you will know what I mean. I had the constant tightening of the stomach that very frequently turned to churning in response to many simple events that occurred in my day to day life. This was exasperated by my inability to breathe properly which in turn made me feel worse and resulted in me experiencing hot sweats. Sleeping became a literal nightmare. What little sleep I did managed to get was laden with dreams brought on byRead MorePositive Thinking And Mental Health1290 Words   |  6 PagesPositive Thinking and Mental Health Positive thinking is the enabling ability to have good mental health and positive relationships with other people and self. Positive thinking is learned through positive psychology, it is learned through the support of others, and support from self. According to the Penn state positive psychology web site, the field of positive psychology is founded on the belief that people want to lead meaningful lives, fulfilling lives, to cultivate what is best within themselvesRead MoreCommunication Reflection734 Words   |  3 Pagesthe confines of a material possession rather it reflects an extension of my being. A cell phone holds valuable documents, memories, schedules, medical information, ID’s, maps, and credit cards. Therefore, my cellphone is an integral component of my life. However, this course provided the necessary skills to objectively analyze the implications of my extensive cell phone use. Prior to the course, I assumed that technology, specifically cell phones, should be used as much as possible to simplify the

Greece s Impact On The World - 1335 Words

A Blast From the Past The way to better the world is to go back to the past and learn the ways of those who came before and learned from their mistakes; sort of like time traveling. When going back in time and comparing the ancient civilizations of Rome and Greece to today, the root of our knowledge is greatly influenced on the minds who have lived at that time. Some may ask which civilization had the most impact on United States and the world? Many would say that the Romans had the most impact on United States and the world and some may contradict and say Greece had the most influence. However, Greece influenced the world and the United States the most in tremendous ways. Greece gave the United States the influence to start it’s first†¦show more content†¦Athens’s democracy was created to develop a long lasting organizations with a concept in mind of individual rights for citizens. An excellent quality of the Athenian democracy was that citizens were elected annually and allowed to further a long term unless an awry situation, then an abrupt change of government can be acted upon on. Direct democracy helped the Athenians to progress intellectually, expanded their minds, and cultural perception. Aspiring to the Athenians, the United States followed in their footsteps and started a direct democracy in the 1630s to strive to achieve a balanced land. Once a mind has reached a level of imagination, people will start to think for themselves and begin to acquire a high curiosity of what is seen with the naked eye. With the Athenian democracy promoting a development of intellect, philosophers and philosophy began to emerge along with their ideas and share it to the world. In the Article, â€Å"Ancient Greek Culture and Civilization,† the author states, â€Å"The Philosophers-Socrates, Plato and Aristotle contributed to the way of thinking,human life, and science.† Ancient Greece philosophy fixated on the attitude of question and reasoning. Philosophy had an important significance on modern science and modern day philosophy. The three main philosophers of G reece were Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. They contributed to the expansion of medieval scientists and

Vonneguts Slaughterhouse Five Maturity Or Stupidity

RJ Rogers 10/4/2017 ENGL 1102 Maturity or Stupidity? Willing to go to war without knowing the deeper meaning of the situation? That’s what Vonnegut didn’t want to connect with his views. Vonnegut uses tactics to put the readers into a different dimension than the normal approach such as, using literal terms to bring life into a situation that doesn’t normally have light shed upon. Into much simple terms, war does not make boys into men. But it turns into much more devastating results. And depicts how a mature situation can’t turn boys into men but into mentally ill individuals. He is in a constant state of stage fright, he says, because he never knows what part of his life he is going to have to act in next.(Vonnegut 23). These young†¦show more content†¦By renouncing realism, physical comic drama pushes the limits of what is satisfactory in style and substance. The periodic utilization of dark diversion works as a helpful mode, since its style of securing giggles is so agitating and disrespectful. This crack of desire assaults the basic silliness of social association, and, preferably, calls upon the watcher to end up plainly free-considering, safe, and proactive. So they were trying to re-invent themselves and their universe....Science fiction was a big help.(Vonnegut 101). Vonneguts comments on the similitudes amongst himself and other writers, particularly the impacts of adolescence and war on composing, alongside the improvement of varying mentalities toward viciousness that drove Vonnegut to separate himself from Hemingway. War in Slaughterhouse-Five is a principally manly exertion, described by misinformed masculinity and bloodthirstiness. Maybe remembering the toxic manly talks of President Johnson, Vonnegut utilizes includes the post-coital fulfillment some war lovers get from what is informally known as wiping up. This helps him as a author because he has the ability to show the direct impacts of the effects of war. The periodic utilization of dark diversion works as a helpful mode, since its style of

Feminism In The Handmaids Tale Essay - 1588 Words

Feminism In The Handmaids Tale Feminism as we know it began in the mid 1960s as the Womens Liberation Movement. Among its chief tenants is the idea of womens empowerment, the idea that women are capable of doing and should be allowed to do anything men can do. Feminists believe that neither sex is naturally superior. They stand behind the idea that women are inherently just as strong and intelligent as the so-called stronger sex. Many writers have taken up the cause of feminism in their work. One of the most well known writers to deal with feminist themes is Margaret Atwood. Her work is clearly influenced by the movement and many literary critics, as well as Atwood herself, have identified her as a feminist writer.†¦show more content†¦The aunts constantly quote the Bible and encourage to women to be genteel and unmasculine. These women are in many ways the antithesis of the feminist. In other ways though, they fall right in line with feminist dogma. Their constant derailment of men and their bitter, hate-filled demeanors make them almost caricatures of hard-line feminists. In fact, they fit quite nicely into the stereotypical way that that anti-feminist men often portray feminists, as bitchy, man-hating lesbians. Another function of the aunts in the book is to undermine the sense of female camaraderie shown other places in the book. While claiming to hate men, the aunts side with the men, pushing their agenda on the handmaids and treating them as much like objects as the men in the story do. Another group who seems to do this is the wives, most notably, Serena Joy. Instead of siding with the handmaids in their battle against a male-dominated society, the wives treat them with little to no respect and continuously show petty jealousy towards them. In fact, most or all of the women in The Handmaids Tale are portrayed in this manner. While the handmaids themselves show solidarity on some occasions, they too exhibit petty jealousy and backbiting in other scenes in the book. They also take part in the most shocking scene in the book. The handmaids rip and tear a young manShow MoreRelatedFeminism In The Handmaids Tale1709 Words   |  7 PagesThe Republic of Gilead, a dystopian world wi th a patriarchal society, is displayed in Atwood’s, The Handmaid’s Tale. More specifically, the novel takes place in what used to be considered the United States but is now being called the Republic of Gilead where freedoms and rights have been excluded, especially for women. The society nurtures a â€Å"theocratic, patriarchal, nightmare world created by men, with the complicity of women† (â€Å"Margaret (Eleanor) Atwood†). The separation of the freedoms betweenRead MoreFeminism in The Handmaids Tale626 Words   |  3 PagesChoice Novel Paper: Feminism in The Handmaid’s Tale In today’s news we see many disruptions and inconsistencies in society, and, according to Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, humankind might be headed in that direction. The deterioration of society is a concept often explored biologically in novels, but less common, is the effect on everyday social constructs such as the position of women as a item that can be distributed and traded-in for a ‘better’ product. The Handmaid’s Tale elaborates theRead MoreFeminism In The Handmaids Tale1422 Words   |  6 PagesThe Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood is set in a future time period where the United States is under the control of the Gileadean regime. A terrorist attack leads to the collapse of Congress, the suspension of the Constitution, and the establishment of a theocratic totalitarian government. Men and women are given roles within society; they are Commanders, Eyes, Handmaids, and Marthas. In this novel, Atwood explores a promine nt social issue, feminism. The suppression and power of women are examinedRead MoreSummary Of Feminism In The Handmaids Tale724 Words   |  3 PagesMerriam Webster defines feminism is defined as â€Å"the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes† (Merriam-Webster). Still, today in America, the thought of gender equality idealistic because the system is internally misogynistic. Margaret Atwood tackles internalized misogyny because of hierarchal patriarchy in her dystopia, Gilead. She creates a world where on the surface women are equal while underlying criticizing religious conservative politics. Writer, Fiona Tolan analyzesRead MoreThe Significance Of Feminism In The Handmaids Tale991 Words   |  4 Pagesgranted. This is evident through Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale, a work of speculative fiction that depicts a dystopian future world called Gilead. In this novel, Atwood does a great job of highlighting the significance of feminism or specifically the lack thereof and warns the reader of the consequences that comes along with not recognising the effects on women in a patriarchal society. During the 1980’s, when The Handmaid’s Tale was written, women in North America had the right to voteRead MoreThe Handmaids Tale Feminism Essay1465 Words   |  6 PagesMargaret Atwood’s 1985 novel, The Handmaid’s Tale, is undoubtedly a staple piece when considering feminism in literature. While most works might take a firm stand on one side or the other when considering feminism, The Handmaid’s Tale approaches the subject differently; instead of establishing an ironclad position either supporting or condemning feminist ideals, Atwood’s novel showcases both ends of a spectrum concerning the advantages and disadvantages of such a movement in a democratic-turned-totalitarianRead MoreThoughts on Feminism and Dystopia in the Handmaid’s Tale Essay1044 Words   |  5 PagesXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXXXXX ENGL 252-01 28 November 2012 Thoughts on Feminism and Dystopia in The Handmaid’s Tale The Annotated Bibliography Dopp, Jamie. Subject-Position as Victim-Position in The Handmaids Tale. Studies in Canadian Literature / Études en littà ©rature canadienne [Online], 19.1 (1994): n. page. Web. 27 Nov. 2012 Dopp believes that Dopp believes that the goal of The Handmaid’s Tale is to work against the oppression of women, While he feels that is actually does theRead MoreFeminism in Top Girls and The Handmaids Tale Essay1635 Words   |  7 PagesBoth Top Girls and The Handmaid’s Tale relate to contemporary political issues and feminism. Top Girls was written by Caryl Churchill, a political feminist playwright, as a response to Thatcher’s election as a first female British Prime Minister. Churchill was a British social feminist in opposition to Thatcherism. Top Girls was regarded as a unique play about the challenges working women face in the contemporary business world and society at large. Churchill once wrote: ‘Playwrights don’t give answersRead MoreEssay on Feminism in Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale1096 Words   |  5 PagesFeminism in Margaret Atwoods The Handmaids Tale In The Handmaids Tale, Margaret Atwood explores the role that women play in society and the consequences of a countryà ­s value system. She reveals that values held in the United States are a threat to the livelihood and status of women. As one critic writes, â€Å"the author has concluded that present social trends are dangerous to individual welfare† (Prescott 151).   The novel is set in the near future in Gilead, formerly the U.S., at a time whenRead MoreFeminism Lost in Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale Essay1527 Words   |  7 PagesIn Margaret Atwood’s A Handmaid’s Tale, the human spirit has evolved to such a point that it cannot be subdued by complacency. Atwood shows Gilead as an extremist state with strong religious connotations. We see the outcome of the reversal of women’s rights and a totalitarian government which is based on reproduction. Not only is the government oppressive, but we see the female roles support and enable the oppression of other female characters. â€Å"This is an open ended text,†¦conscious of the possibilities

Math, Education And Learning - 893 Words

Math, Education Learning As an art enthusiast and a student majoring in Design, I can truly relate to the ideas being presented in the assigned videos and readings. Lockhart’s Lament was especially eye opening in my opinion; the theory behind it and they way the author delivers his thoughts fascinates me the most. As a result, I was compelled to finish reading it. I love art, and I feel privileged to be inspired to pursue it. There is not much complication in art unlike math. Art is transparent in a sense that you have a clear projection about it in your mind. Math on the other hand, is a bit difficult to piece. As what Dr. Frenkel pointed out, you know where to find art; you know what the works done by the artists are like. Since art is expressive, it demands to be seen; it does not hide itself from the crowd. On the contrary, math is different; math is a vampire who does not lurk in the light of day. Math hides behind the walls of his fortress and only a few people with exclusive excess can see what is truly happening on his side. You do not actually know what those math masterpieces are; you do not even have a place to dedicated math, unlike artworks, which are housed in museums. I guess the reason why math does not have a certain dedicated place to it is due to the fact that it is found in everything. When something is everything, it does not stand out and people do not realize its existence and importance as much. You do not actually notice if it is there or not.Show MoreRelatedThe Mathematics Of Math Education929 Words   |  4 PagesWhen in math class many students say, â€Å"What is the point of math I am never going to use it.† That statement is not true, math is used on a daily basis in our everyday life. â€Å"Mathematics is the queen of science, and arithmetic the queen of mathematics† (Carl Friedrich Gauss). Not only is math a tremendous part of everyday life but it is also a substantial part of education. Education is something that many people are passionate about, but many people overlook how much influence math has on otherRead MoreMath strategies for special education students Essay example1164 Words   |  5 Pages Special education students often lack the necessary mathematical skills needed to be independently successful in the secondary classroom. These students face challenges in applying the basic math skills needed as well as retaining basic math skills from grade level to grade level. Lack of understanding, in addition to causing classroom difficulties, can cause other personal and social dilemmas for the special education students. Lack of motivation, anger, lack of self value, and other disruptiveRead MoreI Am A Middle School Special Education Teacher1340 Words   |  6 Pagesspecial education teacher in a 1:8 resource classroom. I give specialized math instruction to two sixth grade classes, two seventh grade classes, and two eighth grade classes. The majority of my students perform between a kindergarten and second grade level. The exhibited math achievement gap across my classes is disturbing. Even though my students are identified as special needs, they should have made gains to thei r ability levels by middle school. Math skills are necessary skills. Math is everywhereRead MoreThe Importance Of Instruction For Students With Or Without Disabilities1106 Words   |  5 Pagesfour dimensions; content, process, product and learning environment (Tomlinson, 2000). Tomlinson (2008) stated that differentiating instruction calls for teachers to have â€Å"clear learning goals†¦ [that are] crafted to ensure students engagement and understanding† (pg. 27). In differentiated instruction, teachers use effective evidence-based instructional strategies (Watts-Taffe, 2012) to encourage all students to take greater ownership of their learning process (Tomlinson, 2008). The Center of AppliedRead MoreTechnology : Technology And Education1702 Words   |  7 PagesTechnology and Education In today’s society, technology has become the world. Technology is shaping the world and many people are using it for its convenience. Technology has changed tremendously that it is now being incorporated into the educational system. Heidi Hayes Jacobs, an author and world renowned education leader stated that, â€Å"Teachers need to integrate technology seamlessly into the curriculum instead of viewing it as an add-on, an afterthought, or an event†. Technology should help enhanceRead MoreSpecial Education Students Placement and Performance Outcomes on Math Assessments1508 Words   |  7 Pagespassage of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act, now known as the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). This act required that procedures be enacted that would protect the rights of disabled children and assure that to the extent appropriate handicapped children are educated with children who are not handicapped and that the removal of handicapped children from t he regular educational environment occurs only when the nature or severity of that handicap is such that education in regularRead MoreAnalysis : Broken The Code Essay1606 Words   |  7 Pagescode for how to teach math in a way that makes sense to each student. This is accomplished by first taking time to understand through an evaluation with both verbal and written components of how the student thinks and approaches grade level math concepts. Next, a personalized learning program is tailor-made for each student.   Specially trained, MATHNASIUM certified tutors provide instruction, encouragement, and warm, friendly interaction. The vibe and culture of the learning center is open, welcomingRead MoreThe Art Of Teaching And Learning883 Words   |  4 Pagesis no single learning approach or style that works for every student.(Cetin) This paper will reflect upon my observation and participation during my field experience and demonstrate how it relates to the concepts of course material studied during this semester, â€Å"EDUC 2130, Exploring Teaching and Learning†. Field Experience Site: Lanier Technical College Wood’s Mill Adult Education Center My field experience placement during Educational Psychology was at Wood’s Mill Adult Education Center. Wood’sRead MoreIntroduction. Teaching Math And Science Were Important1358 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Teaching math and science were important for students in elementary grades. Learning mathematics and science requires hands-on activities, observation, critical thinking and analysis of the content. Mathematics and science are interrelated (Charlesworth, and Lind, 2010). The processing skills in math are required to problem solve in science (Charlesworth and Lind, 2010). As per the text by Charlesworth and Lind, (2010) the science skills such as creating a hypothesis, observing, recordingRead MoreA Puzzling Paradox1462 Words   |  6 Pagesresearching three questions related to learning disability. The three questions are: 1. what is a learning disability? 2. How do individuals with learning disabilities process information? and 3. What challenges are related to how these individuals process information? This writer has learned a lot about learning disability and special education all throughout this course, during this research, and during observation time in the classroom. S pecial education, a program developed in order to provide

Jazz and Latin Music free essay sample

Describe some of the influence of Latin music in the US in the early part of the twentieth century. ; The influence of Latin music in the us in the early part of the twentieth century was the start of a new genre of music called Afro-Cuban Jazz 2. What was the significance of Machismo and His Afro:Cubans? ;The significance of Machismo and His Afro-Cubans was there creation of Afro:Cuban Jazz. They also represented a bridge connect two very different worlds and making success with white people. 3. How did Dizzy Gillespie Incorporate Latin music Into his music? ;Dizzy Gillespie incorporated Latin music Into his music by Inviting an afro-Cuban percussionist named Chant and working with him. 4. What was the Palladium? The Palladium was once a dance studio located In mild-town Manhattan which was later transformed Into the home of the Mambo. 5. How did the television and films Increase the exposure of the US to Latin music? ; Slowly but surely everyone became familiar with It. We will write a custom essay sample on Jazz and Latin Music or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The TV show l Love Lucy helped by showing that a white woman can be with a Cuban man. As well as him being Cuban, he played music on his shows. 6. How did Latin music influence rock music?Latin music influenced rock music by giving rock the same chord progression, bass lines, and rhythm. 7. Why do you think Latin music had such a great influence on the development of popular music? ; My opinion on Latin music having such a great influence on the development of popular music is that since Latin music has such upbeat and fun rhythms everyone can enjoy listening to them. 8. Do you think that any of the music that you listen to has Latin influences? Why or why not? ; Yes, I believe that the music that I listen to does have Latin influences considering that I only listen to mostly backchat and salsa.

Refugees Should Not Be Allowed In Australia Essay Example For Students

Refugees Should Not Be Allowed In Australia Essay AustraliaINTRODUCTIONAustralia, island continent located southeast of Asia and forming, with thenearby island of Tasmania, the commenwealth of Australia, a self governingmember of the Commenwealth of Nations. The commenwealth of Australia is made upof six statesNews south Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria,and Wester n Australiaand two territoriesthe Australian Capital Territoryand the Northern Territory. Australia, including Tasmania but excluding external territories, covers a landarea of 7,682,300 sq. km, extending from Cape York (100 41 S) in the north some3,680 km to Tasmania (430 39 S), and from Cape Byron (1530 39 E) in the eastsome 4,000 km west to Western Australia (1130 9 E). Basic DataPopulation (estimates), July 1995, 18,322,231, with the age structure under 15(female 1,929,366; male 2,032,238), 15-64 (female 6,017,362; male 6,181,887), 65and over(female 1,227,004; male 934,374). Population growth rate is estimated at1.31% (1995 est.). Literacy rate age 15 and over can read and write (1980 est.). English is the official language, with modern Australian English a conglomerateof British, American, and their own phraseology and spelling.BecauseAustralia is one of the most multicultural nations in the world it is possibleto find vibrant ethnic communities using almost every other worldlanguage.Australian school children have the highest rate of learning Asianlanguages, particularly Japanese and Chinese, of any industrialized westernnation in recognition of their future as a member of the Asia-Pacific region. Labor force is 8.63 million(september 1991) by occupation of finance and service33.8%, public and community services 22.3%, wholesale and reatail trade 20.1%,manufacturing and industry 16.2%, agriculture 6.1%(1987). Political SystemAustralia has a federal system of government, and a long history as a multipartyparliamentary democracy. There is no written Bill of Rights, but fundamentalrights are ensured by law and respected in practice. The Commonwealth (federal) government and the six state governments operateunder written constitutions that draw on the British tradition of a CabinetGovernment, led by a Prime Minister, which is responsible to a majority inParliaments lower house. The Federal Constitution, however, also contains someelements that resemble American practice (e.g., a Senate, in which each statehas equal representation). The Head of State is Queen Elizabeth II, thereigning British monarch, but she exercises her functions through personalrepresentatives who live in Australia (i.e., Australian citizens who serve asthe Governor-General of Australia, and the Governors of the six states). Australians are debating whether their country should become a republic, give upties with the Queen, revise the constitution, and adopt a new flag. Members of the Federal House of Representatives are elected for three years, andnational elections were last held in March, 1993. Lower-house elections, thus,are due no later than mid-1996, but earlier scheduling is a matter of discretion. (The Prime Minister may recommend that the House be dissolved at any time, andthe Governor-General traditionally follows such advice.) Current politicalcommentary focuses on two likely windows for national elections: August-October, 1995, and March-May, 1996. Members of the Senate are elected for six years. June 30, 1996 is the next dateon which Senators terms expire, and a regular election for half the members ofthe Senate is due before that time, but no earlier than July, 1995. Under complex conditions specified in the federal Constitution in essence,extended deadlock between the House and Senate both houses may be dissolvedsimultaneously, so that ensuing national elections would involve all seats inParliament. This double dissolution is unusual, and has occurred only sixtimes since the Constitution entered into effect (1901). All major parties support the U.S.-Australia alliance and stress the importanceof close relations between Australia and the United States. Thus, thislongstanding and stable pattern is essentially unaffected by the outcome ofnational elections. The ruling Australian Labor Party (ALP) maintains close ties to the trade unionmovement and has held office since 1983. During that period, the government hascarried out major restructuring of the economy (e.g., floating the Australiandollar, cutting tariffs by substantial amounts, reducing and simplifyingregulations that affect business). Liberalizing trade and enhancing economicintegration with Asia-Pacific countries are major tenets of the ALP and, inparticular, of the incumbent Prime Minister, Paul Keating. The opposition Liberal-National Coalition is often described to Americans as themore conservative party. It upholds traditional social values and stressesthe importance of a free market, entrepreneurial approach to economic growth(i.e., it promotes an updated version of the classical liberalism originated byAdam Smith). The Liberal Party is the senior partner, holding 79 of theCoalitions 101 seats in the current Parliament. The National Party isidentified closely with the interests of farmers, and its supporters residemainly in rural areas. Two minor parties, the Australian Democrats and the Western Australia Greens,are represented only in the Senate but have political and media effects that aredisproportionate to their numbers. They take highly visible stands on variouseconomic, political, environmental, and social issues, challenging the majorparties to respond in ways that meet their concerns. KEY ECONOMIC DATAAustralia has a prosperous Western-style capitalist economy, with a percapitaGDP comparable to levels in industrialized West European countries. Rich innatural resources, Australia is a major exporter of agricultural products,minerals, metals, and fossil fuels. Primary products account for more than 60%of the value of total exports, so that, as in 1983-84, a downturn in worldcommodity prices can have a big impact on the economy. The government is pushingfor increased exports of manufactured goods, but competition in internationalmarkets continues to be severe. Australia has suffered from the low growth andhigh unemployment characterizing the OECD countries in the early 1990s. In 1992-93 the economy recovered slowly from the prolonged recession of 1990-91, a majorrestraining factor being weak world demand for Australias exports. Growthpicked up so strongly in 1994 that the government felt the need for fiscal andmonetary tightening by year end. Australias GDP grew 6.4% in 1994, largely dueto increases in industrial output and business investment. A severe drought in1994 is expected to reduce the value of Australias net farm production by $825million in the twelve months through June 1995, but rising world commodityprices are likely to boost rural exports by 7.7% to $14.5 billion in 1995/96,according to government statistics. DOMESTIC ECONOMY STATISTICS (all figures in millions of U.S. dollars*)Calendar Year1994 19951996(e) (p)1. Gross Domestic Product298,613309,038337,700(89-90 prices)2. GDP Growth Rate (%)**5.14.2 3.63. GDP per Capita16,68217,07418,4494. Government Spending26.7 25.125.0(% of GDP)5. Inflation (%) 2.53.5 4.26. Unemployment Rate (%)9.78.5 8.07. Foreign Exchange Reserves10,13012,40013,500(year end)8. Avg. Exchange Rate 1.36 1.371.30(US$=1.00)9. Net Foreign Debt (year end) 119,291118,300123,200 10. Debt ServiceRatio (%)11.4 12.112.4 11. U.S. Economic/MilitaryNANA NAAssistance*Exchange rate fluctuations must be considered when analyzing data. **Percent changes are calculated in Australian dollars. (e) Estimate (p)Projection1. General Policy FrameworkAustralias gross domestic product (GDP) in 1994 was estimated to be US $317.6billion. Real GDP is estimated to have grown by 4.3 percent, a substantialimprovement from 1993s 3.2 percent. Nevertheless, the impact of the recessionwhich began during the third quarter of 1989 and ended in 1991 continued to befelt; unemployment hovered between 9.5 and 10 percent during 1994. U.S. economic interests in Australia are substantial, including directinvestment worth approximately US $16 billion and a bilateral trade surplus ofapproximately US $6 billion (up by approximately US $600 million from 1993). Although in area Australia is the size of the contiguous United States, itsdomestic market is limited by a small population (17.7 million people). Theproduction of agricultural commodities and primary products is an importantcomponent of the economy; Australia leads the world in wool production, is asignificant supplier of wheat, barley, dairy produce, meat, sugar, and fruit,and a leading exporter of coal, minerals and metals, particularly iron ore, gold,alumina, and aluminum. Export earnings are not well diversified; in 1993,primary products accounted for 60 percent of the total value of goods andservices exports. The drought which Australia suffered in 1994 affected the agricultural sectorseverely. The wheat crop, for example, was cut by an estimated 51 percent fromthe previous year, reducing export earnings and necessitating the importation ofwheat, corn, and sorghum. Some commentators believe that the drought may reduceotherwise-attainable real GDP growth (as shown in the data table above) byapproximately 0.5 percent. To increase Australias international competitiveness, the government hascontinued its longstanding effort to reduce protective trade barriers andderegulate large segments of the economy. Privatization of government servicesat both the federal (airlines, banks, telecommunications) and state level (watertreatment, transportation, electricity, banks) is being pursued. The governmentintends to sell the remaining 75 percent of Qantas to the public in 1995. Tradereforms begun in June 1988 resulted in an end to import quotas on all buttextiles, clothing, and footwear, and lower tariffs on most imports. Althoughthe 20 percent preference given by the federal government to Australian and NewZealand firms bidding on government contracts was abolished November 1, 1989,and civil offsets in December 1992, some state and territory governmentscontinue to apply preferences in their contracts. NTFS filing system EssayContinued wage restraint, improved productivity, increased competitive pressuresand a broadly based decline in inflationary expectations have been importantinfluences, and have provided a significant stimulus to Australiasinternational competitiveness. Balance of paymentsAustralia has long maintained a position as a net capital importer, drawing onforeign savings to allow faster development of domestic resources. As aconsequence, Australia has typically recorded a deficit in the current account. The current account deficit in 1994-95 was $27 billion: six per cent of GrossDomestic Product (GDP). The current account deficit improved in the early 1990s,largely reflecting an improvement in the balance of merchandise trade, a lowernet services deficit and lower net income payments overseas. The current account deficit has widened as imports, particularly of capitalgoods, have increased in response to the strengthening domestic economicactivity. The current account deficit, forecast to fall as a proportion of GDP,remained broadly unchanged in dollar terms during 1995-96. Current stability indollar terms reflects a rise in the net income deficit offset by an improvementin net export volumes and terms of trade. Australia-US Bilateral TradeThe trading relationship between Australia and the United States traces itsorigins to early last century when American whaling and sealing vessels firstput into Australian ports during their Pacific voyages. The first Americanvessel to dock in Sydney Harbor, the Philadelphia in 1792, brought a cargo ofbeef, pitch, tobacco and rum that was welcomed by the early settlers. Over the years, trade between the two countries has flourished, but the balanceof trade has always favored the United States. The balance of trade has beenrunning at a ratio of two to one in favor of the US since the mid-1960s, but isfast approaching the three to one mark. In fiscal year 1993-94 (July 1-June 30),the trade deficit was $A8,942 million, up from $A8,063 million in 1992-93 and$A6,522 million in 1991-92. Imports from the United States to Australia grew 7.2 percent from 1992-93 to1993-94. In 1993-94 the US exported a total value of $A14,016 to Australia. Exports from Australia to the US increased 2.6 percent from 1992-93 to 1993-94. In 1993-94 Australia sent $A5,074 million worth of exports to the US. From the US to AustraliaThe US is Australias largest source of imports representing over 20 percent ofthe total Australian market. Manufactured goods make up the majority of USexports to Australia, growing from 84.8 percent in 1988-89 to 90.4 percent in1992-93. Principal imports from the US to Australia in 1993-94 included:Computers ($A1,060 million) Aircraft and equipment ($A891 million) Parts andaccessories for computers and office equipment ($A739 million) Measuring,checking and controlling equipment ($A527 million) Internal combustion engines($A421 million)From Australia to the USAustralia has always been reliant on trade. In the past ten years, the intensityof its trade has increased, and the composition and direction have changednoticeably. Traditionally, Australias exports have been sold in the US, Japanand the industrialised nations of Europe. In recent years, however, trade to theindustrialised countries has grown modestly relative to trade directed at theindustrialising countries of Asia. Between 1988 and 1992 Australian exports toAsian markets grew from $US17.7 billion to $US25.7 billion, an increase of 45per cent in five years. Along with the change in the direction of trade has been a transformation in thecomposition of trade which is evident in exports to the US. The largest area ofAustralian export growth to the US is no longer in the traditional area ofprimary products, such as foods, minerals and fuels, but is now in manufacturedgoods. While total exports to the US fell slightly between 1989-90 and 1993-94,manufactured exports rose strongly, particularly Elaborately TransformedManufactured goods which increased at an average annual rate of 11 percent. Exports of electrical machinery and appliances to the US increased from $A37.2million in 1989-90 to $A115.2 million in 1993-94. Over the same five year period,exports of parts and accessories for office equipment and computers grew from$A87.6 million to $A306.1 million. Principal exports to the US from Australia in 1993-94 included:Meat of bovine animals ($A1,004 million) Passenger motor vehicles ($A151million) Aircraft and associated equipment, spacecraft, satellites and parts($A259 million) Parts and accessories for computers and office equipment ($A306million) Wool and animal hair ($A167 million)Prospects for Future TradeAlthough fundamentally strong, the trading relationship between Australia andthe United States is not always smooth. There are long-standing concerns overaccess to US markets, particularly for key Australian agricultural products. Since the US introduced quotas on sugar imports, Australian sugar exports to theUS have dropped 15 percent. Access to the US market for Australian beef is atits lowest level since 1983 as a result of the Meat Import Law. Australia isalso concerned over the impact of US agricultural export subsidies on Australianexports to third countries, particularly for wheat, barley, malt and dairyproducts. Removal of US trade barriers and trade-distorting practices is not only in theinterest of Australian exporters, but also recent studies have identifiedsubstantial benefits to US industry and consumers from such action. A report bythe United States International Trade Commission, released in November 1993,concluded that simultaneous US liberalization of significant US importrestraints would result in a net economic gain of $US19 billion to the USeconomy. Consistent with the large trade and economic relationship between Australia andthe US, both countries are in continual contact. The trade policies of bothparties are well known to the other and contentious issues have usually beenaired through Bilateral Agricultural Trade Consultations (held biannually) andthe annual Ministerial level Trade and Investment Council which had itsinaugural meeting in June 1993. Over the last decade, Australia has taken substantial steps to open the nationseconomy through micro-economic reforms and significant tariff reductions. Whilesome had worried that freer trade would hurt Australian business, in fact overthe past ten years, while the effective rate of assistance to Australianmanufacturing has fallen around 50 percent, Australian manufactured exports haveincreased by 23 percent. Australia has worked closely with the US in multilateral forums to address tradeliberalisation and economic issues, notably the Uruguay Round of GATT tradenegotiations and through the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) process. Trade plays a vital role in the economic well-being of both the US and Australia. While the nations economies are very different in scale, both rely heavily ontrade to fuel economic growth. Australia and the US are committed toliberalising trade and instituting the most efficient system of global traderules. The United States is Australias second largest trading partner. Total tradebetween the US and Australia grew by 4.2 percent from 1992 to 1993 to $A19.1billion and prospects for continued growth are strong. With regard for eachothers interests and recognition of the benefits of liberalised trade, there isscope for further significant trade expansion and still closer economic tiesbetween the United States and Australia. Trade Highlights of 1993-94Overall merchandise tradeThe growth in current dollar merchandise trade slowed during 1993-94 exports increased by just over six per cent while imports grew by over eight percent; In real terms, export growth outstripped the increase in imports 8.4 percent for exports and 8.0 per cent for imports;Australia recorded its fourth consecutive annual trade surplus $A141million; however, this was down by over $A1 billion on the 1992-93 level; TheAsia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) group remained Australias majorregional market, accounting for almost three-quarters of merchandise trade. ExportsJapan was Australias largest export market, taking almost a quarter oftotal merchandise exports;Exports to the Asian region overall grew by almost seven per cent to $A41billion;Elaborately Transformed Manufactures (ETMs) exports grew 14 per cent toalmost$A14 billion they now account for 20 per cent of all merchandise exports;Despite a five per cent fall in export earnings, coal remained Australiaslargest commodity export;Exports of computers and office machinery, parts and accessories increasedin aggregate by 30 per cent to almost $A1 billion assembled computer exportsgrew by over 60 per cent during the year;The value of wool exports held steady during 1993-94 a five per centincrease in volume was offset by lower average prices (although prices recoveredduring the second half of the year);There were significant falls in exports of both crude and refined petroleumoil;The growth in wine exports typifies the increasing diversity of Australiasexport base they have increased ov er the last decade at an annual trend rateof over 40 per cent;The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Manufacturing Surveyrevealed that exporting manufacturers were performing significantly better