Different Cultural Identities Dilemma Essay Example for Free

Different Cultural Identities Dilemma Essay The memoir Farewell to Manzanar, written by Jeanne Wakatsuki Houston, tells of her experience at Manzanar internment camp after the Pacific War broke out. During the internment of Japanese-Americans, their living standards fell drastically; moreover, they faced Japanese and American values and identity conflicts. It was hard for these Japanese Americans to maintain two different cultural identities for several reasons. In the first place, they suffered from racial discrimination. In the 1940s, mainstream society and the government discriminated against Japanese Americans who were viewed as potentially dangerous people who might betray the US. Thus, Japanese Americans found it was hard to be accepted by others in America. In addition, they largely insisted on their own cultural identities. They were not willing to give up Japanese identities after arriving in America. Chinese immigrants would like to get together and formed Chinatown for the same reason. In the article, Two worlds, one family, Jen Maldonado was imposed on pressure by her Taiwanese friends who insisted on Chinese culture, when she wanted to develop a cross-cultural relationship with an American. It is hard to successfully balance two different cultural identities because of racial discrimination and the adherence to peoples former culture as will be shown using evidence from Farewell to Manzanar, Two worlds, one family and my personal observations. In the 1940s, Japanese-Americans suffered from racial discrimination; thus, they had a hard time getting into mainstream society and balancing their cultural identities. The government never showed full trust towards these immigrants who were viewed as threats to American national security. In order to supervise Japanese-Americans and prevent any potential danger, the government relocated Japanese Americans to internment camps, which exacerbated cultural conflicts and undermined basic human rights. The racist decision that the government made led Japanese Americans to feel that they were incompatible with American culture. Because of the racial discrimination the government initialized, many Japanese immigrants thought they were i nsulted, and so they struggled to accept their American identities. Some of them even wanted to get rid of American identities and went back to Japan. As a result, racial discrimination threatened their American identities. Houston and her friend Radine shared many qualities in common and became the best friends. Although they were socially equal, they were treated in completely different ways because of racism. Houston was not culturally accepted by mainstream society as Radine was. Boys were more likely to ask Radine to the dances, even though they flirted with Houston. Houston was barred from sororities, but Radine was admitted to join them. Houston said that, Watching, I am simply emptied, and in the dream I want to cry out, because she is something I can never be(172). Houston never stopped attempting to retain American identity; however, prejudice of her oriental characteristics obstructed her effort. She looked forward to fulfilling her American identity, but she was too helpless and powerless to challenge enormous racial discrimination, Other than prejudice against Japanese-Americans, another reason that caused people from different cultures to struggle to balance two cultural identities was adh erence to their own culture. After arriving at the continent and staying there for years, many Japanese immigrants still considered that they were more Japanese than American. They were not willing to give up their own culture, and so they confronted cultural conflicts. A minority of people in the camps labeled members of the Japanese American Citizens League inu for having helped the army arrange a peaceful and orderly evacuation(67). Inu meant collaborator or informer in Japanese. The hatred towards these pro-American Japanese immigrants and disrespectful insult words revealed their strong belief in Japan and hostility towards America. To people’s surprise, the authors father who stood up to defend the point of view that immigrants should be loyal to American government was assaulted and condemned by his peers. Although these pro-Japan immigrants had been in America for many years, they still insisted that they were more Japanese. It was the thought that some Japanese Americans were not capable of integrating into American culture and balancing two identities. Chinatown exemplified that Chinese immigrants insisted on their own culture. Chinese immigrants were viewed as a group of conservative and un-American people after they first came to America. They showed keen interests in preserving Chinese culture, but they would not adapt themselves to American society. Therefore, their refusal to give up Chinese identity led to their isolation and failure to balance two cultural identities Their adherence promoted the formation of Chinatown, a Chinese world in alien countries. In the article, Two worlds, one family, Jens Taiwanese friends started giving her grief for dating an American. They were strict about Chinese culture and rejected the cross-cultural marriage. Jen was also warned that she needed to stick with someone from her own culture.' By this, her friends hoped that Jen could retain her Chinese identity by narrowing down her dating range. However, many cases had proven that the cross-cultural marriage played an important role in balancing different cultural identities. When people with different cultural backgrounds decide to form cross-cultural families, they build a bridge of cultural communication. Thus, her friends thoughts undermined cultural exchange. To conclude, it is hard to successfully balance two different cultural identities. Racial discrimination stopped Japanese Americans from balancing their cultural identities. In the wartime, the mainstream society held hostility towards these immigrants, and so they were isolated by the majority. Moreover, some peoples adherence to their former culture became the obstacle of integrating into American society. Chinese always struggled to have cross-cultural communications proceed effectively and successfully due to their insistence on Chinese identity. In the article, Two worlds, one family, Jen was hoped that she could date Chinese persons by her friends. However, their insistence seemed to be stubborn because it blocked effective communication between people from different cultural backgrounds. In order to balance two different cultural identities, people should be more lenient with newcomers and more open to new culture.

Electronic Health Records and Our Government Essay Example for Free

Electronic Health Records and Our Government Essay Electronic Health Records involvement in health care reform is at the main focus of lowering the cost to make care more affordable and improvement in the quality of care patients receive. The transition to electronic health records for the last couple years have been driven by offered incentives through the government. As the time pass by the popularity of electronic health record system increase more and more. EHR Systems involvement with government health care reforms in 2010 Financial incentives were aligned to encourage the adoption of EHR. To further support the transition to EHR funds were also provided to train health care professionals on how to us EHR in a meaningful manner. The incentives decline every year until 2015 when it will then be mandatory. After the deadline of 2015 not being in compliance will result in being penalized financially. In order to receive the incentives there are very specific guidelines and requirements that must be fulfilled. Some examples of requirements are EHR systems that record BMI (body mass index), patient demographics, as well as 40% of prescriptions must be submitted electronically. EHR Systems involvement with government health care reforms in 2011 The reporting year begins for eligible professions on January 1st. Medicare EMR incentive program registration began in January 3rd. In April Attestation began. In May Payments began. July 3rd was the last day for eligible hospitals to begin their 90 day reporting period to demonstrate meaningful use for the Medicare EMR incentive program. September 30th was the last day of reporting year ends for eligible hospitals. October 1st was the last day for eligible professionals to begin their 90 day reporting period for calendar year 2011. December 31st the reporting year ends for  eligible professions. Out of 57% of office based physicians that were using HER systems only 34% met the criteria to receive incentives. (CDC) EHR Systems involvement with government health care reforms in 2013 According to the CDC By this time fifty percent of doctors and eighty percent of hospitals were receiving incentives for using EHR meaningfully. Before the encouragement of transitioning to EHR by presi dent Obama only seventeen percent of physicians were using it. (U.S. Department of Health Human Services) It was predicted by the congressional budget office that â€Å"the federal government will be saving close to twelve billion by converting to electronic health records†.(U.S. Department of Health Human Services) WORKS CITED Hsiao, Chun-ju, and Esther Hing. Electronic Health Record Systems and Intent to Apply for Meaningful Use Incentives Among Office-based Physician Practices. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 07 Mar. 2012. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. HHS. News. Doctors and Hospitals Use of Health IT More than Doubles since 2012. U.S. Department of Health Humanservices, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. Pear, Robert. Standards Issued for Electronic Health Records. THE NEW YORK TIMES. NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY, 13 July 2010. Web.Schiling, Brian. Quality Matters. The Federal Government Has Put Billions into Promoting Electronic Health Record Use: How Is It Going? THE Comonwealth Fund, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2014. Feris, Nancy. Electronic Health Record Standards. Health Affairs. Project Hope, n.d. Web. 11 Sept. 2014.

The Perception Of Tourists Tourism Essay

The Perception Of Tourists Tourism Essay The tourism industry has become a powerful engine for the economy in many countries. The impact of tourism on society is also related to the different kinds of tourists and a variety of host societies. Hence, their special interest is, in particular, based on their perception. Therefore, the present research will focus on the perception of international tourists, when selecting their World Heritage tourism destination, as this will help us establish the marketing strategy for the World Heritage sites in Thailand. In order to illustrate the heritage tourism in Thailand, this study will focus on the ancient capital cities of the kingdom of Thailand, in which long prosperous eras have been run. Quantitative and qualitative data obtained from questionnaires and an in-depth interview with a president of a world historical park will be the main sources of input for analysis. This chapter starts by outlining the topic and major constructs of the research. It also provides the reason why this information needs to be examined; this is in order for the Tourism Authority of Thailand to increase the number of travellers to Thailand, especially to the heritage sites. The chapter will provide the background information, which is related to the summary of the previous research, followed by the research aims and objectives and the proposed value on the current study. Thailand is also known as the Land of Smiles, which is a reflection on the hospitality and friendly nature of the country as a tourist destination. Peleggi (1996) states Thailand is a country provided with rich culture, history and public museums containing valuable archaeological collections. Moreover, Baedekere (1997) elaborated that Thailand is a must go destination for everyone who has an interest in Asian culture, and for anyone looking for beautiful landscapes and a pleasant climate (Wongkerd, 2003). Tourism represents one of the most dynamic economic sectors of the world. The tourism industry has also increased significantly in the developing countries, especially Southeast Asia and the Pacific. According to the World Tourist Organisation (WTO), tourism trends in Asia and the Pacific were only second after Europe as the most visited regions in the world. As a result, cultural tourism is the fastest growing segment of the tourism industry, so its clear that a trend is developing; an increased interest in more specialised activities among tourists. (This trend is evident in the rise in the volume of tourists who seek adventure, culture, history, archaeology and interaction with local people (Wikipedia, 2010). As Thailand enters the 21st century, the tourism industry continues to play an important role in contributing to the growth of economic and social development. It has been reported that tourism makes up 6.7% of the Thai economy and 7% of the jobs. Thailand is also well known for the enduring hospitality of its people, its ancient culture and natural environment on offer to visitors. Hence, the number of tourists has steadily increased over the last ten years. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has stated that Thailand is the myriad tourist destination as its a cultural, natural, exotic and historical site (TAT, 2009). Thailand was ranked eleventh in International tourism receipts (US$ 15.6 billion), and eighteenth in international arrivals with 14.5 million visitors in 2007 (Tourismroi, 2008), (See Appendix 1). Moreover, Thailand wins four Go Asia awards honouring the best service provided for travel to Asia at ITB Berlin 2010 (The Worlds Leading Travel Trade Show), worlds best tourist country in eight consecutive years and also the Swedish Grand Travel Award 2010 (Tatnews, 2010). This research will expand concepts and benefits for the tourism industry especially in the World Heritage sites in Thailand. It will provide essential information, which will improve the services provided not only for international visitors but also for domestic tourists. However, the global crisis, the rising cost of gasoline and the instability of political sense in Thailand, all can be contributing to the decreasing the number of flights and visitors. These issues have become more challenging for the tourism industry in Thailand in its ability to compete with others, in particular, its neighbouring countries like Vietnam and Laos. Thailand Tourism Marketing Plan Rittchainuwat et al. (2001) state that it is difficult to get rid of a negative image but it is easier to increase tourists positive attitudes. The authorities that are directly in charge with the tourism industry such as the Thai government and Tourism authority of Thailand need to make an effort to create positive images through promotional strategies. In addition, Chon and Sigh (1994) also explained that the government should be attempting to change its tourist image by promoting the cultural, natural attractions and the inexpensive shopping in Thailand rather than its sexual attractions. However, a decline of tourist arrivals resulting from the global economic downturn, the 2009 flu pan epidemic and the instability of the internal political situation following the year of 2008 to 2010 have had a significant impact on the tourism industry as initially feared. According to Thailand Tourism Report (pr-inside, 2009), the number of international visitors has fallen down 3% from 14.58 million in 2008 to 14.4 million in 2009 and the total revenue also decreased by 2.8% in the year of 2009. Therefore, these situations have forced the Thai government to focus on stimulating demand and boosting exports in the travel industry. Therefore, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) expects the tourism sector to recover as soon as possible. In June 2010 the TAT has set a budget 1.6-billion-baht, with 600 million baht targeting domestic tourism and 1 billion baht for international markets (Bangkok Post, 2010). The tourism authority of Thailand (TAT) launched the marketing slogan Amazing Thailand for promoting Thailand internationally in 1997. Then in order to react to the tourism crisis in 2009, TAT then re-launched the slogan again as Amazing Thailand, Amazing Value (Tat news, 2009). Thus, this program will help to increase the countrys tourist image and stimulate the number of tourists in order to stop the downturn of the tourism industry in Thailand. 1.2 Research Aim and Objectives Research Aim Since the tourism industry is a very important sector for generating huge revenue for Thailand, it is necessary to determine the relationship between visitors perception of Thailand and the image of Thailand as a country. Therefore, in this research we will examine Thailands image, which will affect the travellers destination choice. Moreover, this study will also step forward by examining the perception of tourists concerning the World Heritage sites as one of their destinations. Thus, the result of this study will be to obtain a suitable strategy in order to meet tourists expectations for their future journeys to Thailand. The research objectives can be defined as: Research Objectives The main research objective is to determine what Tourists perception of Thailand is. This research study also examines the travel characteristics, what tourists are expecting when they are going to Thailand and the socio-demographic characteristics, which affect the destination choice prior to visiting a heritage site. Moreover, the research will examine whether the concept of heritage tourism is popular among the tourists. It also profiles tourists who travel to Thailand, discussing their reasons for travelling and particularly, on a socio-demographic level. The findings will identify a key element, i.e. the major motivation and socio-demographic differences involved between the heritage tourists and other activity participation groups in order to understand consumers travel perception and choice of destination. Subsequently, this will be essential data to develop appropriate marketing strategies to generate greater benefit for the tourism industry and the World Heritage sites in Th ailand. 1.3 Value of the study A lot of research is conducted in the study on the perception of visitors, concerning the attributes of the destination. There are rarely studies of literature on tourism regarding heritage sites, particularly in Thailand This research will be helpful for the tourism sector and marketers to gain a better understanding of the visitors particularly in Thailand. It also can help to develop strategies, which will help the Tourism industry in a long business growth. 1.4 Organisation of the study This study is divided into six main parts, which will be explained as follows. Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter provides an introduction to the current study. It is explaining the importance of the research aims and research objectives. A background of the topic, some of the previous research conducted and the value of this research will be contained in this chapter. Chapter 2: Literature Review The second important part is a literature review. This chapter will provide a better understanding about the topic. Moreover, this chapter will give detail and show the development of the research, which has been gathered for the topic. This information will help to clarify and construct this research, which then leads to the research model and hypothesis formulation. Chapter 3: Conceptual Development and Hypothesis formulation The third chapter is based on the literature review, which will be included in the conceptual model for this project. In addition, the formulation of hypothesis will also be explained. Chapter 4: Research Design and Methodology This chapter will give details on how the research is designed and how methodology will be used in order to carry out the research in its entirety. Chapter 5: Results and Analysis The result and analysis chapter will discuss the findings and results after conducting statistical analysis by using the statistical tool SPSS program. The results will be shown, analysed and discussed in this stage. Chapter 6: Conclusion and Implication The last chapter includes the discussions and implication of the study. The limitation of the study, further study and conclusion for the entire piece of research will also be included in chapter six. 2. Literature Review 2.1 Introduction This chapter is aiming to give an overview of related theories and perceptions that affect to tourism industry. The review also includes the concept of beneficial image, the image of Thailand and heritage tourism and it also provides a concept which previously has been developed by different researchers who were undertaking the research study with a similar approach. 2.2 How Perception Affects Tourism The term perception of the tourism industry generally can be viewed in two ways. The first one is the mental image created by marketing and media. Another way of perceiving it can be developed by the consumers. In general, the destination will market itself as much as possible in order to persuade the traveller to buy a trip there (Tuohino, 2002 cited from Henkel et al, 2006). Travellers go to the destination in order to consume the products, services and experiences offered to them. Travellers will form their perceptions related to their expectations, which are based on their former experiences, friends, the internet, marketing and information from travel agencies (Kotler, Bowen Markens, 2006). Thus, if the products or services at that particular destination exceed the travellers expectations, it means that they are satisfied. On the other hand, travellers are dissatisfied when their expectations are not met (Mcdowall, 2010). According to Crompton (1979), people travel for four different reasons: personal business travel; corporate business travel; visiting relatives and friends or for pleasure. Therefore, tourists have stereotypical images and different perceptions of travel locations, so it is important for tourism marketers to promote the destination image in a way that will increase the number of tourists (Sirgy Su, 2000). Moreover, the individuals cultural belonging and heritage does not only affect the way people experience and interpret the products and services supplied to them, but it also influences their decision making in regard to choices of vacations and destinations. Furthermore, customers have different perceptions and individual needs, which hold different values to a destination. The collection of customer information is a way to discover the customer needs and their values. Thus, customers benefit the destination through their tastes and preferences, which can directly contribute to ma rketing new products and services in tourism industry (Reportforu, 2010). Fakeye and Crompton (1991), has outlined the tourists image formation process (see Figure 1). It is clear to see from this Figure that the consumers organic images and the induced image of tourist destinations can be obtained from elsewhere, i.e. literature, friends or relatives. These messages play a significant role in influencing the evaluation of alternative travel destinations and finally in making a decision about the destination they will visit (cited from Henkel et al, 2006). Hu Ritchi (1993) stated that the more tourists think that the destination will satisfy their vacation desires, the more likely the visitors will choose the destination. Figure 1: Faye and Cromptons Tourists Image Formation Process (Tuohino, 2002). 2.3 Conceptualisation of beneficial image It was described by the previous study on destination image that a destinations image could contribute to the destination-making process. During this process, travellers build a destination image based on the informative and persuasive information obtained from friends, news and travel agencies (Rittichainuwat, 2001). Thus, an effective destination image strategy will be very important in order to make the particular destination stand out from other countries. Crompton (1979) states that not all images can influence the travellers decision-making process. The research examines the relationships between the attributes of a destination and the decision-making process of tourists. Therefore, understanding the evaluation of the characteristic image related to destination choice is needed in tourism marketing. Moreover, Kotler and Barich (1991) state that the consumer will form an image based on the benefit or value that they expect to get from those products or services. Sheth, Newman, and Gross (1991) suggested that marketing choice behaviour is a multidimensional phenomenon involving multiple values: functional, social, emotional, epistemic, and conditional (see Appendix 1). The study also states that these seven important factors are influencing market choice behaviour. Based on the theory and marketing image concept, the beneficial image model was developed by Tappachai and Waryszak as shown below. Figure 2: Beneficial image model (Tapachai Waryszak, 2000) Figure 2 shows traveller consumption values that are in the beneficial image model. These five consumption values include the functional characteristics of the destinations, Social perception about the destination, the emotions of the traveller in connection to the destination, (epistemic) of the destination meaning that the traveller can gain new experiences from the destination and conditional such as the accessibility to other countries. (Tapachai Waryzak, 2000, cited from Henkel et al, 2006). By using Thailand as an example to describe the model above, Thailands functional values are the bargain shopping, the variety of food and the beautiful scenery. The social result is a destination that is suitable for all ages of people. The emotional value is that it is a place to relax and unwind. An epistemic value is that Thailands culture is beautiful and finally the conditional value is mainly about the location, the traveller can easily gain access to other countries. According to Echtner Ritchie (1993), the destination image refers to the attributes base or holistic (imagery), with each component containing functional (tangible) or psychological (intangible or abstract) characteristics ( Echtner Ritchie, 1993). The attributes perspectives include tourists perceptions through the characteristics of the vacation destination such as beautiful architecture and buildings, numerous cultural, historical attractions and psychological characteristics like a safe place to visit and also friendly people. Moreover, the holistic perspective of the destination relates to the destinations image in terms of physical characteristics such as beaches, mountains, likewise the psychological characteristics are the destinations atmosphere or mood (Echtner Ritchie, 1993 cited from Henkel et al). Rod Davies (2003) explained that every destination has its own brand image. Also, factors like cost and convenience play an important role in decision-making about the destination. However, the strongest influence and motivator is the image of the tourism destination (Davies, 2003). Therefore, images are the brand identity, which tourists can perceive. In addition, images can both increase and decrease the selection of the destination by the traveller (Henkel et al). However, Bigne et al. (2001) argued that image does not only influence the destination choice, but it also has an influence on the evaluation of the destination after the vacation. It can be clear whether or not the traveller will return to the destination (Bigne et al, 2001 cited from Henkel et al). Moreover, a high positive image of one particular destination means that it is more likely to be chosen by the tourist in the process of decision-making (Echtner Ritchie, 1993). In conclusion, image plays an important role in tourist satisfaction and the preconceived image of the destination will influence the tourists decision on their vacation destination. 2.4 The image of Thailand Destination image can be both positive and negative, if two destinations are offering almost the same characteristics for the travellers perception. Therefore, the more positive the image is of a destination, the more likely that the traveller will go there (Rittichainuwat, 2001). Thailand is not only a land of smile as a result of the friendly people and the safety of the place, but also as a result of its cultural, natural and historical attractions. Due to the study of Yau and Chan on the image of Southeast Asia, Thailand has been perceived as a reasonably priced place with beautiful beaches and various attractions (Rittichainuwat, 2001). In addition, Tapachai Waryszak conducted a study about the beneficial image characteristics of Thailand and grouped the results, showing that the functional attributes are the cheap shopping, variety of food, friendly people and historical sites as well as the epistemic attribute of experiencing the rich culture (Henkel et al, 2006). Furthermore, the research between Tourism Authority in Thailand (TAT) and Siam University showed the result that there was a positive image of its being seen as a natural and historical travel destination (Henkel et al., 2006). This positive image can be reflected by its being an award winnin g destination from the perspectives of different countries. For example, International Tourisms Bourse Berlin (ITB), awarded Thailand the four go Asia Awards honouring the best service providers for travel to Asia in 2010. The Swedish grand travel award has ranked Thailand as the World Best Tourist Country. However, Thailand has also suffered from a negative image because of prostitution and pollution, which led to the decline of tourist attractions (Rittichainuwat et al., 2001). Prideaux et al (2004) has also stated that the image of Thailand is one of it being an erotic destination. In addition, the image of Thailand was also related to international news coverage being described as a place of prostitution. These negative images can, obviously, affect visitors and might make them not want to visit Thailand. This also leads to the cause of some health and moral issues in Thailand (Henkel et al., 2001). However, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) never promotes Thailand as a sex tourism destination (Prideaux et al., 2004). Suwanmolis study about international media coverage of prostitution in Thailand, revealed that foreign reporters usually report the negative side such AIDS and prostitution because this kind of news very easily gets attention from public. Moreover, Suwanmoli expl ained that there are a high number of as many as 2.8 million prostitutes working in Thailand (Rittichainuwat, 2001). Therefore, the governments concern over this issue should be to minimize the pandemic diseases and prostitution. Alternatively, the Thai government must actively seek to reduce these negative images such as sex tourism, by positive image marketing of other tourism products and by trying to decrease the illegal activities such as prostitution within the country (Henkel et al, 2006). Finally, Thailands image has suffered from a decline of tourist attractions, pollution, traffic jams, a lack of new tourist attractions and the image of sex tourism. Additionally, Ahmed states, once a negative image is established in the minds of potential travellers, even a full range of marketing activities cannot entirely reverse it. Thus, Marketers can do little to eliminate the negative image. In contrast, marketers can offset the negative perception by creating positive images through promotional strategies, including advertising, arranging events, and hosting international conventions and exhibitions (Rittichainuwat, 2001). 2.5 Heritage Tourism The vast majority of literature on heritage, apart from the philosophical and intellectual, has concerned itself with heritage tourism, a sector that has grown globally and also created the revenue and employment for undeveloped countries (Misiura, 2006). The World Tourism Organisation (1992) defines heritage tourism as an immersion in the natural history, human heritage, arts, philosophy and intuitions of another region or country (Laws Pan, 2004). Moreover, Rowan and Baram (2004) describe heritage tourism as a consumerist phenomenon and hence the marketing of this phenomenon is bound to be driven by capitalist tendencies. (cited from Chabra, 2009). Thus, the core of heritage marketing is to find out what the customer wants and to deliver it. Particularly, in relation to built environment, i.e., the marketing activity should be designed to stimulate demand and to satisfy the customer but not to the detriment of that which needs to be preserved for future generations (Misiura, 2006, p.2). Yale (1991), explains that heritage tourism is centred on what we inherited, from historic buildings, to art works, to beautiful scenery. Ashworths (2000) defined the commodification and the past in heritage tourism as that which is based on the commoditized, buildings, memories and experiences of the past (cited from Grace Yan et al). From a demand aspect, heritage tourism is about finding something, which is linked between the present and the past and the travellers emotional experiences (Richards 1997 and Prentice 1993). However, Poria et al. (2001) argued that the relationship of heritage tourism should be based on the individual and the heritage presented rather than on specific site attributes. In addition, they described heritage tourism as a subgroup of tourism, in which the main motivation for visiting a site is based on the places heritage characteristics according to tourists perception of their own heritage (Poria et al., 2001, p. 1048). Also, in order to combine both sup ply and demand in that heritage tourism relies on the strength of both the push and pull factors of the resources located in the area in order to appeal to the potential tourists (Apostolakis (2003, p. 800) Cited from Grace Yan et al). Heritage visitors, try to find the different benefits from trips. Poria et al. (2004) pointed out that the reasons for visiting heritage sites for travellers can be grouped into three categories which are under the headings of heritage experience, learning. These explain that there are people who are emotionally involved with a sense of belonging to the site. In contrast, for some tourists, heritage tourism is more than an educational or recreational experience. Something further suggested by Martin et al. (2004, p.131), is that determining the potential of heritage tourism and the possible impact and the marketing direction needed to attract these visitors will be less speculative if the nature of the tourist is better understood. World Heritage is the programme administered by the UNESCO, the programme aims to catalogue, name, and conserve sites of outstanding cultural or natural importance to the common heritage of humanity and to raise awareness of how to maintain the sites to last for future generations of humanity (Thaiwh, 2010). In Thailand, there are The World Heritage sites of Ayutthaya, Sukhothai, Si Satchanalai and Kamphaengphet provinces. It is the rich heritage and magnificent architecture that make them World Heritage sites that are listed in 1991 by UNESCO (UNESCO, 1992). Therefore, the marketing of heritage, especially heritage tourism will help to serve the products and services to customers related to those World heritage sites in Thailand. It can be seen that strategic planning has been used within many organizations. In order to be successful, travel and tourism industries must not only understand who the customers are but also know how to market them in order to satisfy the needs of their customers. In addition, tourism organisations should identify groups of customers with homogeneous characteristics and behaviours and try to adapt their offers to the unique needs and desires of the segment members. Heritage marketing, therefore, is both management philosophy and a set of business techniques. It is very important to recognise that the management of tourism will be ineffective without an understanding of the way tourists make decisions and act in relation to the consumption of tourism products. This research not only provides an opportunity for people to fulfil their individual needs, but to exceed their expectations and ensure that it brings benefits to the World Heritage sites in Thailand (Reportforu, 2010). 2.6 Conclusion The literature reviewed has provided general information about the perception of the tourists through the image of Thailand and Thailands image dimensions. However, the review has also identified both positive and negative imaging, which affects the tourists destination choice. It is worth noting that the concepts described in previous articles, journals and text book, are pertaining and believed to have a direct effect on to the research model which is proposed in the current investigation. Therefore, the proposed research model and hypotheses formulation will be discussed in the following chapter. 3. Conceptual Development and Hypothesis formulation 3.1 Introduction This conceptual development and hypothesis chapter aims to clarify the relationship between offering destination characteristics and the perception of the traveller through the image of Thailand toward its heritage sites. Moreover, the study will define whether particular perception will have a relationship with the decision-making of the traveller as to the choice of destination. This research will provide the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) with an understanding of how the perception of tourists will affect the destination. Therefore, the TAT can be able to launch alternative promotion strategies for particular destinations that need to be considered. Therefore, the research model and formulation of hypothesis that are results from the literature review in chapter two will be explained as seen below in order to maintain these sites for future generations of humanity (Thaiwh, 2010). 3.2 Research Framework How tourists go about choosing their destination, the relationship of independent variable, factors like offering characteristics and tourist perception through Thailands image and the effect this has on the travellers destination choice. Also, the moderator variables such as demographic are used to determine the effect on tourist destination choice. Therefore, the research model has been constructed as shown below. Research Model Research Questions: H1: There is a significant relationship between offering characteristics and the destinations chosen in Thailand H2: There is a significant relationship between tourists perception of Thailands image and the destination choices. H3: There is a significant correlation with the demographics of tourists in relation to the destination choices? 3.3 Hypothesis Formulation According to the research model and existing hypotheses in the literature review that were formulated and clarified. Later, the hypotheses will be tested for the significant relationships under analysis. 3.3.1 Construct 1: How does the fact the trip offers characteristics have an effect the destination chosen? RQ1: What important characteristics are travellers expecting on their trip when visiting Thailand? H1 : There is a significant relationship between the offering of characteristics and the destinations chosen in Thailand A traveller goes to the destination in order to consume the products, services and experiences that that particular destination offers. Travellers will form their experience related to their expectations, which are based on their former experiences, friends, the Internet, marketing and information from travel agencies (Kotkew, Bowen Markens, 2006). In addition, the study of Crompton (1979) states that not all images can influence the travellers decision-making process. The research examines the relationship between the attributes of a destination and the decision-making process of tourists. Therefore, understanding the link between the destinations characteristic related to the destination choice is needed in tourism marketing. Thus, this research will discover the relationship between offering characteristics and destination choices. 3.3.2 Construct 2: What are tourists perceptions through the images presented of Thailand? RQ2: What are tourists perceptions through the images presented of Thailand? H2 : There is a significant relationship between tourists perceptions of Thailands image and destination choice. The second major hypothesis is about the image perceived by visitors when making choices about a destination to visit within Thailand. Destination image can be both positive and negative, if two destinations are almost offering the same characteristics. Therefore, the more positive the image is of a destination, the more likely that traveller will go there (Rittichainuwat, 2001). Due to the study of Yau and Chan on the image of Southeast Asia, Thailand has been perceived as a reasonably priced place with beautiful beaches and various attractions (Rittichainuwat, 2001). In addition, Tapachai Waryszak conducted a study about the beneficial image characteristics of Thailand and grouped the results, the research showed the attributes as the cheap shopping, the variety of food, the friendly people and historical sites as well as the epistemic attribute of having a chance to experience Thailands rich culture (Henkel et al, 2006). However, Thailand also has a negative image because of

American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes and The Virgin Suicides, direct

Reality. Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines reality as â€Å"something that is neither derivative nor dependent but exists necessarily.† But what is real by today’s standards? Does what appears to be normal equal reality? By looking at two different films it seems that the old cliche stands correct. Things aren’t as they appear. American Beauty and The Virgin Suicides give classic examples of how â€Å"normal† and â€Å"happy† suburban life is anything but. American Beauty, directed by Sam Mendes (1999) and The Virgin Suicides, directed by Sofia Coppola (2000), share many of the same themes even though the plots are contrasted. Underneath the layers of white picket fences, beautiful houses, and safe neighborhoods, lies a truth. A truth so dark that it leads to the destruction of many characters in both of these movies. The first element that must be looked at is the imprisonment of the characters in both films. The main character of American Beauty, Lester Burnham, is the man whom feels the burden of imprisonment the most. He is in an ongoing marriage that should be coming up to the red light. He is also stuck in a job where he feels under appreciated and not well respected. He has been at this job for fourteen years. That is fourteen years of being in jail. It is quite evident that he is not happy. Who would be when you know that your wife and you daughter think that you are a â€Å"gigantic loser† (American Beauty)? Lester is not the only character who suffers from this. His wife Carolyn and daughter Jane both know what it is like to feel trapped in an unhappy life. Carolyn is imprisoned by image. She has the notion that she cannot be happy unless everything appears as perfect. And Jane, feeling the weight of her parents, wants to break off from her prison, her home life. She like most teens views her parents as weird and wants out of that life. In The Virgin Suicides the characters that are the most imprisoned are the five Lisbon sisters. After the youngest sister plunged to her death during the first party they were allowed to have, and Lux came home late after the homecoming dance, their parents literally turned their home into a prison. â€Å"For most children, mothers and fathers set boundaries; for the Lisbon’s, it’s iron bars† (Berardinelli). They were not allowed out, had the tree cut down that was near their window, and even had actual bars put on the window... ... ‘You’re not even old enough to know how hard life gets,’ he tells her. ‘Obviously, doctor,’ she says, ‘you’ve never been a 13-year-old girl.’ No, but his profession and every adult life is to some degree a search for the happiness she does not even know she has.† (Ebert). Bibliography Berardinelli, James, Review: American Beauty, http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/a/american_beauty.html, 1999 Berardinelli, James, Review: The Virgin Suicides, http://movie-reviews.colossus.net/movies/v/sirgin_sucides.html, 2000 Bowman, James, Suffering Poses, American Spectator, Jun 2000, Vol 33, Issue 5, p. 66 Ebert, Roger, American Beauty, Chicago Sun-Times, http://www.suntimes.com/cgi-bin/print.cgi Ebert, Roger, The Virgin Suicides, Chicago Sun-Times, http://www.suntimes.com/cgi-bin/print.cgi , May 5, 2000 McKittrick, Casey, Shaping Pedophilic Discourse around American Beauty Happiness. Velvet Light Trap, Spring 2001, Issue 47, p 3-12. Scott, A.O., Film Review; Evanescent Trees and Sisters In an Enchanted 1970’s Suburb, The New York Times, http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/review.html Viner, Russel, The Virgin Suicides, Student BMJ, Jul 2000, Vol. 8, p 254

Physics of Springboard Diving :: Sport Swimming Swim Diving Diver Physics

The Hurdle Before a diver jumps off of a springboard, he does a sort of hop-skip step called a hurdle. After doing a few steps, the diver leaps up into the air with his arms raised. When he lands back down on the tip of the board, he swings his arms down past his legs and then up, leaping into the air and off of the board. The purpose of this hurdle is as follows: A diver cannot simply stand on the end of board, step off, and expect to have the power to go up or the momentum to rotate his body in any direction. What the hurdle does, is first to allow the diver to use the diving board as a slingshot, and second get as much energy as possible out of the "slingshot". This is achieved when the diver takes the first leap into the air with his arms raised. When he comes back down on the board, his own mass falling onto the board will apply a certain force. An additional force is added as the arms swing down at the same time with a greater acceleration, applying more force. At the bottom of the diving board's oscillation, all of the now stored potential energy is released. The diver swings his arms upward and begins to release his pressure on the board. The board pushes the diver up and into the air with a huge force. This force now can be used by the diver not only to go up, but to rotate and therefore perform various dives. The Dives and Application To do a front dive a diver pushes his hips upward just slightly as he leaves the board. After he had begun to go up into the air, he throws his arms downward just enough to make is upper torso rotate around his hips. At the peak of the dive, the diver tightens his stomach muscles and pulls his legs up towards the sky, leaving his body in a perfect upside-down position to enter the water head-first. In order to perform a front dive with a somersault, it requires a full flip of the body and therefore it takes a quicker rotation to cover such an angular distance. The diver takes off from the diving board with the same hip motion and arm swing as for a forward dive, but throws the arms further and makes a smaller "ball" in the air. Physics of Springboard Diving :: Sport Swimming Swim Diving Diver Physics The Hurdle Before a diver jumps off of a springboard, he does a sort of hop-skip step called a hurdle. After doing a few steps, the diver leaps up into the air with his arms raised. When he lands back down on the tip of the board, he swings his arms down past his legs and then up, leaping into the air and off of the board. The purpose of this hurdle is as follows: A diver cannot simply stand on the end of board, step off, and expect to have the power to go up or the momentum to rotate his body in any direction. What the hurdle does, is first to allow the diver to use the diving board as a slingshot, and second get as much energy as possible out of the "slingshot". This is achieved when the diver takes the first leap into the air with his arms raised. When he comes back down on the board, his own mass falling onto the board will apply a certain force. An additional force is added as the arms swing down at the same time with a greater acceleration, applying more force. At the bottom of the diving board's oscillation, all of the now stored potential energy is released. The diver swings his arms upward and begins to release his pressure on the board. The board pushes the diver up and into the air with a huge force. This force now can be used by the diver not only to go up, but to rotate and therefore perform various dives. The Dives and Application To do a front dive a diver pushes his hips upward just slightly as he leaves the board. After he had begun to go up into the air, he throws his arms downward just enough to make is upper torso rotate around his hips. At the peak of the dive, the diver tightens his stomach muscles and pulls his legs up towards the sky, leaving his body in a perfect upside-down position to enter the water head-first. In order to perform a front dive with a somersault, it requires a full flip of the body and therefore it takes a quicker rotation to cover such an angular distance. The diver takes off from the diving board with the same hip motion and arm swing as for a forward dive, but throws the arms further and makes a smaller "ball" in the air.

I Teach Therefore I Can Essays -- Teaching Teachers Education Essays

I Teach Therefore I Can George Bernard Shaw wrote that â€Å"He who can, does. He who cannot, teaches.† Based on this statement, Shaw was either able to do everything or was a poor teacher. A teacher must be able to do and then teach it to others. In order to do this, a teacher must first obtain the skills him/herself. Teachers have the responsibility of providing their students with the skills necessary for success later in life, and the most essential skills are the ability to read and write. As time evolves and technology advances, the skills necessary to get by in life have also progressed. As a result, it is no longer enough to be able to read and write on a basic level. The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 defines literacy as â€Å"an individual’s ability to read, write, speak in English, compute and solve problems at levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family of the individual and in society.† (National Institute for Literacy). As a teacher, this definition is two-fold as it is the teacher’s responsibility to be literate in the profession as well as prepare his/her students to be literate in their own future professions and society. In order to be literate in the profession, teachers need to know and understand the federal and state standards and be able to apply and incorporate the standards into their daily lessons. Furthermore, a teacher needs to be able to interpret the standards in order to adapt them to fit their students’ needs. According to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards website, a teacher also needs to know the pedagogy, the subjects they teach and be able to know how to teach those subjects to students in a manner that promotes f... ...te a high proficiency in reading comprehension, analysis and writing ability. Teachers are affected by this in more than one way as they not only need to be literate themselves but also assure that their students are literate as well. By understanding the external influences on the development of literacy, teachers can ensure that their students will become adept readers and writers. In society today, a teacher must educate his/her students by example thus, a person who can, teaches. Works Cited Bertrand, Nancy P. and Carole F. Stice. Good Teaching. Heinemann: Portsmouth, 2002. National Association for the Education of Young Children. 25 Jan. 2004. . National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. 23 Jan. 2004. . National Institute for Literacy. 21 Jan. 2004. .

Epic Hero

Epic Hero Essay Heroes are strong, brave, loyal, and intelligent people that help us when we run into trouble and inspire us. Odysseus displays these characteristics, in the epic poem â€Å"The Odyssey. † He's on a quest to get back home and to regain his throne, but a series of unfortunate events occur that makes his journey long and treacherous. In his various adventures like The Cyclops, The Land Of The Dead, and The Lotus-Eaters, Odysseus shows examples of his heroic characteristics. In Odysseus's adventures, he comes across a cyclops named Polyphemus. When Odysseus was trapped in Polyphemus's cave, he told him his name was â€Å"nhbdy. † He also knew that he shouldn't have killed him in his sleep because he and his men wouldn't have been able to escape. Through that experience, he proved that he was an intelligent and cunning person. When Odysseus went to the Land of the Lotus-Eaters, he and his men rested there and relaxed. His men were pressured to eat the lotus plants and it made his crew all looney and â€Å"high. Odysseus showed his intelligence and loyalty by not eating the lotuses and carrying his men back to the ship. With every action Odysseus takes, it exposes him even more as an epic hero. On his journey to The Land Of The Dead, Odysseus displays extraordinary actions that truly show he is an epic hero. He was brave enough to even go down to the underworld and strong enough to undergo the heat. He fended off evil spirits and met his friend and his mother. Odysseus, raider of cities used his strength to go through those events. Heroes are strong, smart, devoted, and courageous people that help and influence us. Odysseus, king of Ithaca, from the epic poem â€Å"The Odyssey,† shows that he surely is an epic hero. He went through a whole bunch of horrible events that has proven his existence as a great role model. It is people like Odysseus that makes this world a better place and he influences people to become more a hero everyday.