The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Media Content Essay Example Essay Example

The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Media Content Essay Example Paper The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Media Content Essay Introduction The Effects of Corporate Ownership On Media Content â€Å"We are here to serve advertisers. That is our raison d’etre,† said the CEO of CBS. Since the 1980s, there have been a lot of corporate mergers and buyouts in the media and entertainment industry. As a result, mainstream media has become more concentrated due to ownership and influence from advertisers. According to Mother Jones magazine, there were eight giant media companies dominating the US media. Most people get their information from these few sources, making it difficult to hear fresh and untainted news. These companies include: -Disney (market value: $72. billion) -AOL-Time Warner (market value: $90. 7 billion) -Viacom (market value: $53. 9 billion) -General Electric (owner of NBC, market value: $390. 6 billion) -News Corporation (market value: $56. 7 billion) -Yahoo! (market value: $40. 1 billion) -Microsoft (market value: $306. 8 billion) -Google (market value: $154. 6 billion) These companies listed abo ve are the â€Å"first tier† companies that make billions of dollars as they control the media. Robert McChesney said that there are then about 50 â€Å"second tier† companies that follow in the footsteps of the larger, first tier companies. However, compared to our past, our sources of news in the media are limited. â€Å"In 1983, fifty corporations dominated most of every mass medium and the biggest media merger in history was a $340 million deal.In 1987, the fifty companies had shrunk to twenty-nine.In 1990, the twenty-nine had shrunk to twenty-three.In 1997, the biggest firms numbered ten and involved the $19 billion Disney-ABC deal, at the time the biggest media merger ever.In 2000, AOL Time Warner’s $350 billion merged corporation was more than 1,000 times larger than the biggest deal of 1983. (Ben H. Bagdikian, The Media Monopoly, Sixth Edition) Based on the characteristics of the public sphere model, Croteau and Hoynes see the public sphere on a macro l evel as a social discourse than enables the circulation of ideas and knowledge, thereby ensuring the successful socialization of individuals into society. Mass media are seen as capable of affecting people’s behavior. Having an effect on publics media organizations should â€Å"promote active citizenship, education, and social integration† through their messages. The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Media Content Essay Body Paragraphs The major problem with the media today is that the corporations that fund the media are seeking to make the largest possible profits and in turn, the satisfaction of viewers is compromised. And, since there are so few corporations now, as a result of either mergers or weeding out, diversity has become an issue. While some may think they can change the channel and find a new source, the same corporations own many of the other stations. Also, those eight corporations that were listed earlier are all competing with one another, which you would think might lead to diversity in subjects and reporting so that they can stand out, has actually had the opposite effect. The competing corporations often report the same news in order to keep up with one another and not fall behind. According to Croteau and Hoynes, media in the public sphere model should be characterized by diversity, innovation, substance, and independence. Innovation means creative and fresh content rather than the presence of new technologies. Substantial media messages are those that address significant issues, educate audiences, and promote participation in social life. Content should be independent from corporate and governmental interests. Government and other organizations should not limit the range of presented perspectives on issues. As McChesney discussed in his book The Problem of the Media, â€Å"Ownership does matter, especially in media, where control over ideas, news, and culture rates as a unique power even among powerful corporations. Private ownership of media, in nonegalitarian societies, is not content-neutral or viewpoint-neutral; the best ideas do not automatically rise to the top. Add advertising’s role, as well as the workings of the oligopolistic marketplace, and private ownership becomes a vise that directly and indirectly pressures content. † There have been several incidences throughout time in which corporate owners censor media content. The war in Iraq is one of the main issues in which the media feels the need to maintain loyalty to our government and the United States, even if it means voiding significant information and leaving the public in the dark. For example, McChesney has noted that a few weeks after the war began in Afghanistan, AOL Time Warner’s CNN made clear the propagandistic nature of the war through their coverage. The president of CNN, Walter Isaacson, had CNN cover the war in two different lights: a more critical light for the global audience, and a sugarcoated version for the American viewers. For any story that Isaacson felt might undermine support for the US war, he made sure that it was balanced with a reminder that the war on terrorism is a response to the heinous attacks of September 11. Richard Phillips wrote an article about the censorship of Disney on its subsidiary Miramax Film Corporation. When Oscar-winning filmmaker Michael Moore came out with his documentary Fahrenheit 911, Disney would not allow Miram ax to distribute the film because of their campaign to censor or silence all opposition to Bush’s â€Å"global war on terrorism†. According to the New York Times, Disney told Miramax that Moore’s documentary would be bad for business, endangering in particular the tax breaks it receives for its theme parks, hotels and other ventures in Florida, where Jeb Bush is governor. â€Å"It is not in the interest of any major corporation to be dragged into a highly charged political battle,† a senior Disney executive told the newspaper. Miramax has said that Disney is â€Å"misapplying† its power over its subsidiary and wants to negotiate a deal. In 1989, an NBC reporter broke a story about defective bolts that were being used by General Electric, the owner of NBC. The bolts were supposed to be certified, but they were not. The bolts were believed to be used on airplanes, bridges, and nuclear power plants. The Today Show received a copy of the story from the NBC reporter, but before it aired, all references to General Electric were removed from the story. This was actually an act of self-censorship. The head of neither NBC nor GE had to say anything, because the people knew enough that the story could not air with negative references to GE. Another example of NBC and GE was one that we viewed in class. Saturday Night Live, a television show on NBC, is a comedy show comprised of several skits that airs live on Saturday nights (as you can tell from the title). One common sketch on the television show is a cartoon entitled â€Å"TV Fun House†. This particular episode of TV Fun House, however, mocked both NBC and General Electric. In subsequent airings of the episode, the sketch of this TV Fun House was deleted from the show. It is believed by many that a concentration of ownership is a major concern and the cause of many problems. As Ben Bagdikian said, â€Å"Defenders of narrowing control of the media point, accurately enough, to the large numbers of media outlets available to the population: almost 1,700 daily papers, more than 8,000 weeklies, 10,000 radio and television stations, 11,000 magazines, 2,500 book publishers.and more.Unfortunately, the large numbers deepen the problem of excessively concentrated control. If the number of outlets is growing and the number of owners declining, then each owner controls even more formidable communications power. † Bagdikian goes on to discuss a solution for the problem of concentration in the media. The answer is not to eliminate private enterprises in the media, but to restore genuine competition and diversity. The media is weak right now and lacks the ability to guide growing generations. There is even a bias in sources that are being used in reporting. The organization FAIR, Fairness and Accuracy In Reporting, did a study in 2001 of ABC World News Tonight, CBS Evening News, and NBC Nightly News. The results of the study on sources that were being used foun d that â€Å"92 percent of all U. S. sources interviewed were white, 85 percent were male and, where party affiliation was identifiable, 75 percent were Republican. † Over time, companies have merged into large and privately owned corporations that dominate several different marketplaces. By uniting into one company, like AOL and Time Warner for example, they become an unstoppable power that has eliminated one of its largest competitors. As a result of mergers, the amount of competitors continues to shrink and the largest corporations are almost working together to control the media and the flow of information. However, each corporation has its own interests in mind. There were many examples, a few listed above, that prove the censorship of private owners over its subsidiaries and their content. By buying up all of the smaller and less powerful companies, the dominating corporations are only spreading their personal viewpoints and the information that they want to be seen thr ough several different outlets. The public hardly even realizes that several of the stations that they tune into for their sources of news are owned by the same corporations and are therefore reporting the same things. For all of these reasons, corporate ownership has become a problem and has in turn affected media content. Bibliography Bagdikian, Ben H. The New Media Monopoly. Boston: Beacon P, 2004. Cohen, Jeff. â€Å"Unfair Access. † July 2001. 1 May 2008 lt;multinationalmonitor. orggt;. McChesney, Robert W. The Problem of the Media. New York: Monthly Review P, 2004. Phillips, Richard. â€Å"Disney Blocks Release of Michael Moore Documentary. † World Socialist Website. 7 May 2004. 1 May 2008 lt;wsws. orggt;. Shah, Anup. â€Å"Media Conglomerates, Mergers, Concentration of Ownership. † Global Issues. 29 Apr. 2007. 1 May 2008 lt;www. globalissues. orggt;. We will write a custom essay sample on The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Media Content Essay Example specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Media Content Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on The Effects of Corporate Ownership on Media Content Essay Example specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Fashion Personal Statement †Write an Appealing One Essays

Fashion Personal Statement – Write an Appealing One Essays Fashion Personal Statement – Write an Appealing One Essay Fashion Personal Statement – Write an Appealing One Essay The glamor and appeal of the fashion industry is gaining popularity day by day which is why majority of youths these days dream of becoming a prominent part of this industry. Fashion is practiced in almost every culture that is the reason that each one of us is well-familiar with different trends. The most common degrees in the field of fashion are fashion marketing, merchandising and designing. Majority of the youths go for fashion designing since it offers both glamour and fame. In this industry, employers look for those individuals who have at least four years degree in this field. They give chance to only those people who prove their competency through their work experience and potential. Nonetheless, to gain admission in a fashion designing college for a four years degree program you first need to write a fashion personal statement. This particular statement basically contains three to four descriptive paragraphs that discuss anything details related to you, your field, interest and goals. Sometimes such applications are options while other times they are compulsory. Take your time and read the prompt of the fashion design college carefully. : Follow the below listed tips to write a stellar fashion personal statement that will guarantee your admission in the college you long for. It is observed that majority of students include a long list of achievements and accomplishments in their personal statement which leave less room for discussing their motivation, interest and other necessary details. Remember that if you focus your statement to only your accomplishments it won’t make the statement stellar. Other than talking about accomplishments, you should also discuss your reasons for seeking a degree in fashion designing. The statement is also a great place to talk about your poor academic performance or lack of good grades. Do not hesitate to talk about poor grades as long as you can provide them a good reason. It is suggested that students should discuss such details as these details can clear their misunderstanding. Give them the reason why your mark sheet carries poor grades and what caused it. Sometimes it is tempting to stretch some details in the personal statement. However, to keep the interesting factor intact, it is important to make your speech short and to the point. Before writing the statement, it is suggested that one should make a list of necessary elements that are integral for the statement. Keep the description of each element brief and precise. As with all sorts of manuscripts, it is necessary that one should also proofread and edit the personal statement. Keep in mind that a sloppy and erroneous statement never makes it to the end. So, proofread the statement to increase the chances of your admission.

Definition and Examples of Confirmation in Rhetoric

Definition and Examples of Confirmation in Rhetoric Definition In classical rhetoric, the confirmation is the main part of a speech or text in which logical arguments in support of a position (or claim) are elaborated. Also called confirmatio. Etymology:  From the Latin verb confirmare, meaning strengthen or establish. Pronunciation: kon-fur-MAY-shun Confirmation is one of the classical rhetorical exercises known as the  progymnasmata. These exercises, originating in ancient Greece with the rhetorician Aphthonius of Antioch, were designed to teach rhetoric by providing exercises in increasing difficulty, beginning with simple storytelling and increasing to complex arguments. In the confirmation exercise, a student would be asked to logically reason in favor of some topic or argument found in myth or literature. The rhetorical opposite of confirmation is refutation, which involves arguing against something instead of in its favor. Both require logical and/or moral arguments to be marshaled in similar ways, simply with opposite goals. See Examples and Observations below. Also see: The Parts of a SpeechWhat Are the Progymnasmata? Examples of Confirmation The few bright meteors in mans intellectual horizon could well be matched by woman, were she allowed to occupy the same elevated position. There is no need of naming the De Staels, the Rolands, the Somervilles, the Wollstonecrafts, the Wrights, the Fullers, the Martineaus, the Hemanses, the Sigourneys, the Jagiellos, and the many more of modern as well as ancient times, to prove her mental powers, her patriotism, her heroism, her self-sacrificing devotion to the cause of humanitythe eloquence that gushes from her pen or from her tongue. These things are too well known to require repetition. And do you ask for fortitude of mind, energy, and perseverance? Then look at woman under suffering, reverse of fortune, and affliction, when the strength and power of man has sunk to the lowest ebb, when his mind is overwhelmed by the dark waters of despair. She, like the tender plant, bent but not broken by the storms of life, now only upholds her own hopeful courage, but, like the tender shoots of the ivy, clings around the tempest-fallen oak, to bind up the wounds, peak hope to his faltering spirit, and shelter him from the returning blast of the storm.(Ernestine Rose, An Address on Womens Rights, 1851) This food would likewise bring great custom to taverns; where the vintners will certainly be so prudent as to procure the best receipts for dressing it to perfection, and consequently have their houses frequented by all the fine gentlemen.(Jonathan Swift,  A Modest Proposal) Explanations of Confirmation Cicero on ConfirmationThe confirmation is that part of a narration that, by marshaling arguments, lends force, authority, and support to our case. . . .All argumentation is to be carried on either by analogy or by the enthymeme. Analogy is a form of argument that moves from assent on certain undisputed facts through approval of a doubtful proposition due to the resemblance between what is granted and what is doubtful. This style of argument is threefold: the first part consists of one or more similar instances, the second part is the point we wish to have conceded, and the third is the conclusion that reinforces the concessions or shows the consequences of the argument.Enthymematic reasoning is a form of argument that draws a probable conclusion from the facts under consideration.(Cicero, De Inventione)Aphthonius on Confirmation in the ProgymnasmataConfirmation is showing proof for any matter at hand. But one must confirm neither those things clearly manifest nor those utterly imposs ible, but those that hold an intermediate position. And it is necessary for those engaged in confirmation to treat it in a manner that is exactly the opposite of refutation. First, one must speak of the good reputation of the proponent; then, in turn, to make the exposition and to make use of the opposite headings: the clear instead of the unclear, the probable for the improbable, the possible in place of the impossible, the logical instead of the illogical, the suitable for the unsuitable, and the expedient in place of the inexpedient.This exercise encompasses all the power of the art.(Aphthonius of Antioch, Progymnasmata, late fourth century. Readings from Classical Rhetoric, ed. by Patricia P. Matsen, Philip B. Rollinson, and Marion Sousa. Southern Illinois University Press, 1990)

CASE 4 Electronic and Mobile Commerce Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

CASE 4 Electronic and Mobile Commerce - Essay Example The free access to information across multiple global markets is severely disrupting the market dynamics as consumers are getting more aware and demanding in nature. Today’s global consumers are focusing highly on buying the right products, which provides them with a greater value as well as consumer satisfaction. This tendency of consumers is creating cross geographical demands for products and services. In order to capitalize on the business opportunity, associated with cross cultural demand for products and services, businesses need to make their presence in the online arena, which is managed by electronic and mobile commerce. This assignment intends to focus on the steps that businesses needs to follow to create online presence and the related skills that are needed to manage it. It will also take into account the opportunities and challenges associated with electronic and mobile commerce. The first step is the analysis of potential e-business initiatives. In order to do so, the online businesses need to focus on either value creation for stakeholders or improving cost efficiencies. In order to create value for the stakeholders through e-business, a firm should concentrate on customers as well as the related components of a value chain which comprises of suppliers, distributors and partners. For improving cost efficiency through e-business initiatives, the firm should concentrate on the internal business process and functions as it will benefit them in the long run. The next step is to analyze the functional scope of e-business initiatives. It is important to mention that the proper categorization of the e-business initiatives on the basis of functional scope enhances the ability of the firm to qualitatively identify the estimated business value along with cost savings. The third step is to analyze the scalability of benefits associated with the e-business initiatives. For the purpose of this

Black Diaspora and the Founding of Liberia Research Paper

Black Diaspora and the Founding of Liberia - Research Paper Example According to these people, the strength of the blacks lay in their own hands and not in the hands of whites. African Americans belonged to Africa and their movement from America to Liberia was expected to be the result of their freedom and not their further enslavement. The journey to the founding of Liberia is a long one and captures the vision of the elders of African America who eliminated the differences within the African community that still comprises of a variety of languages and cultures. They wanted to see Africa as a whole, united in its dream. Hence the term ‘Pan-Africanism’ has been coined. It is the ‘political project’ to allow those in African diaspora to return by way of unification of all the Africans in a single African state4 the intellectual roots of the movement strongly lie in the racial conception of Africa by its founders, the African American and the Afro-Caribbean intellectuals. Pan-Africanism aimed to challenge the anti-black racism on two fronts since it started off from the New World among the slave descendants spreading back to Africa. Firstly, in the diaspora it condemned racial domination and secondly it also challenged the colonial domination which eventually seemed to have taking a racial form in Africa alone. The great divide in the movement is mainly due to the â€Å"stresses and strains† caused by the aforementioned goals which pull it in different directions.5 Liberia eventually grew into a colony and then a commonwealth nation. It achieved independence in 1847 with the help of the American Colonization Society. It was not until the 1980 that the descendents of freed slaves, also known as Americo-Liberians, got away with the socio-political control of the... This essay declares that the journey to the founding of Liberia is a long one and captures the vision of the elders of African America who eliminated the differences within the African community that still comprises of a variety of languages and cultures. They wanted to see Africa as a whole, united in its dream. Hence the term ‘Pan-Africanism’ has been coined. It is the ‘political project’ to allow those in African diaspora to return by way of unification of all the Africans in a single African state the intellectual roots of the movement strongly lie in the racial conception of Africa by its founders, the African American and the Afro-Caribbean intellectuals. Pan-Africanism aimed to challenge the anti-black racism on two fronts since it started off from the New World among the slave descendants spreading back to Africa. This paper discusses that colonization was in many ways a missionary task which it quite a â€Å"benevolent project†. Hence the method of carrying out the plans was very much private and was done on a small scale. There was definitely a plan of colonization behind Thomas Jefferson’s plea to end slavery and allow the blacks to visit and enjoy their own lands. There was indeed evil arising from the slavery through which the Americans were benefiting. They did not know the anger they were breeding among the natives of Africa who learnt what was being done to their brothers abroad.

FDI Trends in India and China: An Analysis

FDI Trends in India and China: An Analysis Chapter 1: Aim and Objectives All nations need a vision for future which stirs the thoughts and motivates different segments of society to a greater effort and thus inclines them to work toward the common cause that is economy growth of the individual nation. The market oriented policies normally have exclusionary impact which needs to be prevented through articulate response of the policy makers. India is the third-largest economy in the world in PPP (purchasing power parity) terms foreign direct investments (FDI), But China is currently a favourite nation and is more successful in attracting FDI over India Ballabh (2008). Hence, this thesis strives to analyse the past trend of FDI in India and China, its types, its critical analysis with regards to host country and investing firm, important factors of globalisation and foreign direct investments (FDI) strategies to be adopted, Finally, Its comparison with Chinas FDI and empirical evidences would help us cover aim of our thesis which is among India and China, Wh y is China more successful in attracting FDI than India and is favoured over India? Therefore this paper has been divided in seven sections. It starts with brief introduction to FDI and its types in section 1. Section 2 covers background information and literature review that gives us a picture of the FDI policies in the past, Its trends and impact on MNCs in context to India and China, FDIs role on host economy and MNCs, , Its critical analysis based on Morans model, and finally investment strategies adopted by MNCs where to invest and what to invest. This would give us greater insight into the chosen topic by discussion of various forms of FDI, its impact on MNCs, on host economy and presenting an argument on discussion. Section three; presents the discussion on methodology to be used for the data collection and analysis. Section four is our data analysis and discussion section that is further divided into two sections, first half covers Chinas FDI spread-its Sectoral regional trends, the figures from the data sorted to analyse the growth in FDI over years and in different sectors, FDI distributions and opportunity sector that is playing increasingly important role by embracing FDI growth. The other half covers Indias FDI Spread-Sectoral and Country wise distribution. Again we use graphs and charts to analyse the trend. Comparative analysis of China with India would act as an indispensable step in structuring a consensus on a broad national development strategy to attract foreign investors that encompasses the roles and responsibilities of different agents in the economy, like Central, the private corporate sector, State and local government. Therefore finally presenting a logical explanation why China is a favourable nation over India and is highly successful in attracting FDI, hence the same is to be discussed in section five. Section Six is about building a feasible policy framework toward attracting FDI for the interest of the MNCs and host economy with reference to Chinas successful strategy in attracting FDI and summary of the literature followed by the concluding remarks are presented in the last section. The Concept of FDI is now an integral part of every nations economic prospect but the term remains vague to many, despite the thoughtful effects on the host economy and MNCs, despite the extensive studies on FDI, there has been little illumination forthcoming and it remains a contentious topic. The research findings will throw up a range of interesting possibilities in two countries, critical issues and crucial decision-points for government and private bodies to decide upon investment for future action in the favoured country. Therefore, the paper would explores the uneven beginnings of FDI in two countries, examine and present many important theoretical and empirical evidences on FDI and its impact on economy and MNCs, and would find reasons why China is more successful in FDI over India develop a feasible policy framework towards FDI in particular sector in India or China and making most out of it. Chapter 2: Introduction Foreign direct investment has multiple effects on the investing firm and on the economy of a host country. FDI influences the production, employment, income, prices, exports, imports, balance of payments, economic growth, and general welfare of the receiving economy Maniam (1998). Hence this section covers definition and types of Foreign Direct Investment, FDIs role been so far based on background information, discussion of resources and finally the theoretical aspect of why and where firms decide to invest abroad for benefits with special reference to India and China alongside host countrys motive to attract FDI. Definition of FDI Bergman (2006) defined FDI as a direct or portfolio investment. A direct investment is an acquisition or construction of physical capital by a firm from one source country into another (host) country. The FDI is an investment that involves a long-term relationship and control by a resident entity of one country, in a firm located in a country other than that of the investing firm. There is more involved in the direct investment than only money capital, for instance, managerial or technical guidance. FDI is generally defined as resident firms with at least 10% of foreign participation (UNCTAD, 2002). Types of FDI MNCs have various options to enter into a foreign market. FDIs Different types have different levels of control and risks. For example, Green field investment is when a firm establishes a subsidiary in a new country and starts its own production. In this type of investment a new plant is constructed rather than the purchase of an existing plant or firm. For this reason, there is large risk and has high set up costs because the foreign firm most likely does not have enough legislation knowledge, nor it has an existing distribution network and neither a local management skills. But still, the foreign firm has more control. On the contrary, Brown field investment is FDI that involves the purchase of an existing plant or firm, rather than building of a new plant. Joint venture is an equity and management partnership between the foreign firm and a local firm in the host market. Most host countries prefer the formation of joint ventures, as a way to build international co-operation, and to secure technology transfer (Samli Hill, 1998). In This type of investment the foreign partners contribute toward technology or products, the financial resources, and at the same time the local partner provides the manpower, skills and knowledge required for managing a firm in the host country (Bergman 2006). On UNCTADs website we can have a comprehensive understanding of it and its types. It defines FDI as an investment that involves a long-term relationship and reflects a permanent interest of a resident entity in one economy (direct investor) in an entity resident in an economy other than of the investor. The direct i nvestors idea is to put forth a significant degree of influence on the management of the enterprise resident in the other economy. FDI covers both the opening and subsequent transaction between the two entities and among affiliated enterprises, both incorporated and unincorporated. FDI may be undertaken by individuals, as well as business entities. It further is classified as follows: FDI Stock: it is the value of the share (For associate and subsidiary enterprises,) of their capital and reserves (including the retained profits) attributable to the parent enterprise (this is equal to the total assets minus total liabilities), plus the net indebtedness of associate or subsidiary to the parent firm. For branches, it is value of fixed assets and the value of current assets and investments, excluding amounts due from parent, less liabilities to third parties. Reinvested Earnings: The part of an affiliates earnings accruing to the foreign investor that is reinvested in that enterprise. FDI Flows: FDI flows (For associate and subsidiary enterprises) consists of the net sales of shares and loans (including non-cash acquisitions made against equipment, manufacturing rights, etc.) to the parent company plus the parent firms share of the affiliates reinvested earnings plus total net intra-company loans (short- and long-term) provided by the parent company. And, for branches, FDI flows consist of the increase in reinvested earnings plus the net increase in funds received from the foreign direct investor. Equity Capital: The foreign direct investors net purchase of the shares and loans of an enterprise in a country other than its own. Other Capital: Short- or long-term loans from parent firms to affiliate enterprises or vice versa. Also included are trade credits, bonds and money market instruments, financial leases and financial derivatives. Chapter 3: Background Information and Literature Review History of FDI in India Indias foreign trade and investment regime has been identified in two different phases- Pre-1991 reforms phase and the post-1991 phase. Pre-1991 reforms phase that stretched over to four decades is worth reviewing in some detail as although the regime was marked by extensive regulation of trade and investment, it did not shun foreign enterprise participation in the economy and the nature of the regulatory framework was mostly complex and cumbersome. This has been extensively analysed by Kidron (1965) Kumar (1994). The specification of sectors in which both foreign financial and technical participation were allowed, those in which only technical collaboration was permitted, and those in which neither technical and nor financial participation was allowed, reflects the desire to restrict foreign ownership and control to sectors of the economy in which its contribution was deemed to be essential. A preference to technical collaboration agreements instead of foreign equity ownership refl ects the desire to promote the twin objectives of preserving freedom from foreign control over operations and simultaneously gaining access to foreign technology and know-how. The Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA) of 1973 under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was considered a hostile act. The FERA required foreign firms to dilute their equity holdings to less than 40% or export a substantial share of their total output. This resulted to closure of renowned MNCs like IBM and Coca Cola to shut their operations in India.1967-79, the number of collaborations agreements per year reached an all-time low of 242. The Mid- 1980s saw a considerable though not a radical relaxation of the dirigiste trade and investment regime, with a relatively benign attitude towards foreign enterprise participation. The major crucial change during this period was a significant change in the pattern of foreign investment in India away from plantations, minerals and petroleum toward the manufacturing sector. By the end of decade of eighties manufacturing accounted for nearly 85% out of total stock of FDI of about Rupees 28 billion. Inflows of private capital remained meagre in the 1980s: they averaged less than $0.2 billion per year from 1985 to 1990 (Kapur Athreye 1999). In the year 1991, India too liberalised its highly regulated FDI regime, in place for more than three decades. Arguably Balasubramanyam (2004) in his book stated that, it took an economic crisis for India to liberalise its trade and FDI regime rather than a fundamental change in attitude towards the role of FDI in development process. Nonetheless, the 1991 reforms marked a major break from the earlier dirigiste regime with its regulation of the spheres of foreign enterprise participation on its mode of operation. And the policy framework was opaque with the implementation of policy based on bureaucratic consideration of each case on its merits. Hence the 1991 reforms were to change all this: The abolition of the industrial licensing system, controls over foreign trade and foreign investment were considerable relaxed, including the removal of ceilings on equity ownership by foreign firms. The reforms did result in increased inflows of FDI during the decades of the nineties as it consi derable relaxed the dirigiste regime that prevailed for more than four decades (Balasubramanyam Mahambare 2004). Hence with the liberalisation of the economy, fresh foreign investment was invited in a range of industries. Inflows to India rose steadily through the 1990s, exceeding $6 billion in 1996-97. The fresh inflows were primarily as portfolio capital in the early years (that is, diversified equity holdings not associated with managerial control), but increasingly, they have come as foreign direct investment (equity investment associated with managerial control). This was further supported by historically low interest rates in the US that encouraged global investment funds to diversify their portfolios by investing in emerging markets. International flows of direct investment, which had averaged $142 bn per year over 1985-90, more than doubled to $350 billion in 1996, with the developing countries receiving $130 billion (Kapur Athreye 1999). 1996-1998, the period of the coalition government has been an imperative period in our study; Singh (2005) classified this as a period when government has shown willingness to understand FDI by placing policies that would result in an increase in FDI and further liberalization for the common cause. There was an increased understanding on the role of FDI in all sectors. Industries still lead the reforms whereby automatic approval of FDI was increased up to 74% by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in nine categories of industries, including electricity generation and transmission, non-conventional energy generation and distribution, construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, ports, harbours, runways, waterways, tunnels, pipelines, industrial and power plants, pipeline transport , water transport, cold storage and warehousing for agricultural products, mining services including silver and precious stones, manufacture of iron ore pellets, pig iron, semi-finished iron and steel and man ufacture of navigational, meteorological, geophysical, oceanographic, hydrological and ultrasonic sounding instruments and items based on solar energy (indiabudget.nic.in). January 1997, Government announced the first ever guidelines for FDI speedy approval in areas that are not covered under automatic approval. Above trends illustrates the earlier point of the government recognizing and carrying forth of the previous work done by the Rao government. While the advantage of FDI did not reach the mindset of the common man but government seemed to show possibilities of overall development through FDI. For example when Indian industry registered a modest growth rate of 7.1% in 1996-97, which was much lower than the 12.1% in 1995-96, there was research carried out which revealed this was partially attributable to the mining and electricity generation sectors which recorded very low growth rates of 0.7 % and 3.9 % respectively. Hence, the policy was immediately rectified and re-enforced by expanding the list of industries eligible for foreign direct equity investment under the automatic approval route by RBI in 1997-1998 (indiabudget.nic.in). 2004-05, embraced FDI for being an integral part of national development strategies. Its global popularity along with positive output in augmenting of domestic capital, productivity and employment; has made it an essential tool for initiating economic growth for nations. During this phase, India evolved as one of the most favoured destination for FDI in Asia. It has displaced US as the second-most favoured destination for FDI in the world after China. According to an AT Kearneys FDI Confidence Index, India attracted more than three times foreign investment at US$ 7.96 bn during the first half of 2005-06 fiscal, as against US$ 2.38 bn during the corresponding period of 2004-05. FDI in India has contributed effectively to the overall growth of the economy in the recent times. FDI inflow has an impact on Indias transfer of new technology and innovative ideas, improving infrastructure, a competitive business environment (Indianground.com). Ballabh (2008) in his article mentioned about the Balance of payments (BOP) since independence, Indias BOP on its current account has been negative. Since liberalisation in the 1990s (precipitated by a BOP crisis), Indias exports have been consistently rising, covering 80.3% of its imports in 2002-03, up from 66.2% in 1990-91. Although India is still a net importer, since 1996-97, its overall BOP (including the capital account balance), has been positive, largely on account of increased FDI and deposits from NRIs; until this time, the overall balance was only occasionally positive on account of external assistance and commercial borrowings. As a result, Indias foreign currency reserves stood at $141bn in 2005-06. Indias recently liberalised FDI policy (2005) allows up to a 100% FDI stake inventures. Industrial policy reforms have significantly reduced industrial licensing requirements, removed restrictions on expansion and facilitated easy access to foreign technology and foreign dir ect investment FDI. History of FDI in China FDIs main source in China from 1950s had been Soviet Union. However, it was after 1978 that China began to open up itself to the rest of the world for FDI inflows. From the start of 1978 China witnessed its exit from its self-dependent strategies since Maos era with the country announcing a remarkable program to reform its economic system by opening itself up to the outside world. From the beginning of 1978, FDI in China became desirable and began to add in the development of the Chinese economy. In general, the development of FDI in China can be divided into following five stages. Experiment Stage (1979 1983) China started from an experimental approach, which they called crossing the river by feeling the stones under the water. FDI was permitted into China in a step-by-step manner. One key action of the first step was the establishment of four Special Economic Zones (SEZs), namely Shen Zhen, Shan Tou, Zhu Hai and Xia Men, in July 1981. These SEZs were chosen for the absorption and utilization of foreign Investment. These provided foreign investors with preferential treatment for their Businesses. As Chinas window to the world, these zones succeeded in attracting FDI. Meanwhile, China was putting up effort to complete its legislative system. First to come was, the Equity Joint Venture Law (the Law of Peoples Republic of China on Joint Ventures Using Chinese and Foreign Investment) that was enacted in July 1979. The legislation validated the existence of FDI in China and guaranteed the right and benefits of foreign investors. Second important policy taken at this stage included Regulation f or the Implementation of the Law of the Peoples Republic of china on Chinese -foreign Equity Joint Ventures (1983). Growth Stage (1984 1991) Until 1984 there were flaws in Chinas handling FDI. Chinas restraints on FDI outside the SEZs remained rigid. Laws and regulations limited foreign ownership. FDI projects often encountered a long approval process even though they provided sufficient materials and explanation. This was simplified gradually between 1983 and 1985. Following is the list of new laws and regulations at this stage year on year basis. Wholly Owned Subsidiaries (WOS) Law (1986) Provision for the FDI Encouragement (1986) Constitutional Status of Foreign invested Enterprises in Chinese Civil Law (1986) Adoption of Interim provision on guiding FDI (1987) Delegation on approval of selected FDI projects to more local governments (1988) Laws of cooperative joint ventures (1988) Revision of equity joint venture law (1990) Rules for implementation of WOS law (1990) Income tax law and its rules for implementation (1991) 1984 witnessed two historic activities. First was when Deng Xiaoping remarked that China needed to open wider instead of checking upon the opening process (Zheng, 1984). Second was when Chinese government announced the decision on reform of the economic structure, and called for the building of a socialist commodity economy by assigning a larger role to the market in the domestic economic. Besides SEZs, Chinese government took a further step to give FDI access to other parts of the country. Fourteen coastal cities were announced to be opened to the outside world. They are Dalian, Qinhuangdao, Tianjin, Yantai, Qingdao, Lianyungang, Nantong, Shanghai, Ningbo, Wenzhou, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Zhanjiang and Beihai. The local government from these cities could approve FDI projects with capital investment up to certain level. For example, Shanghai could approve all FDI projects under 30 million USD (Yuan, 2006). They were also given the right to spend foreign exchange yielded by local FDI for t heir own growth. The approval procedures for FDI projects were eased. The Law of Peoples Republic of China on Wholly Foreign-owned Enterprises (WFOEs) of 1986, was laid to protect the profits and interest of foreign investors. In addition to this series of other laws and regulations further relaxed Chinas restriction in promoting FDI with measures for enterprise autonomy, profit remittances, labour recruitment and land use. In December 1990, the central government promulgated Detailed Rules and Regulations for the Implementation of the Peoples Republic of China Concerning Joint Ventures with Chinese and Foreign Investment. The regulation aimed to encourage joint ventures that adopted sophisticated technology or equipments, saved energy and raw materials and upgraded products. Peak Stage (1992 1993) This stage has witnessed the rise of Shanghai as Chinas economic hub. The Chinese government wanted to develop Shanghai into an international hub for finance, economy and trade. Their intention was to carry out the experiment of new policies and apply successful practices within the rest of Shanghai and across the country. Shanghais location in Southeast China drew attention of Chinese governments in shifting emphasis to the area to avoid overly concentration of FDI. Hi-tech enterprises, established manufacturers and financial companies were encouraged to set up their China operation at Pudong with various preferential treatments from central and local government. With the implementation of a new framework for further opening up the economy, the Chinese government showed great effort to encourage FDI. A number of new Sectors were also opened up to foreign investors, including banking and insurance, accounting and information consultancy, wholesaling and retailing at the same time, go vernmental procedures were simplified in terms of FDI administration. The year of 1992 witnessed the remarkable growth of FDI in China. In the same year, the Chinese government announced its intention to adopt the strategy of socialist market economy and improve the economic framework for standard market Operations. Following are the series of laws and regulations related to market operations were passed during 1992 and 1993, which included: Adoption of Trade Union Law (1992) Company Law (1993) Provision regulations of value-added tax, consumption tax, business tax and Enterprise income tax (1993) Adjustment Stage (1994 2000) After 1994, the growth rate of FDI in China went down to a steady level from the relatively high rate in past two years, which indicated that a new stage had arrived. 1995s Provisional Guidelines for Foreign Investment Projects provided preferential treatment to various enterprises in various industries. The directory of the Guidelines categorized all the FDI projects into four types: encouraged, restricted, prohibited and permitted (Yuan, 2006). The projects in infrastructure or underdeveloped agriculture and with advanced technology or manufacturing under-supplied new equipment to satisfy market demand fell into the encouraged category. Those whose production exceeded domestic demand and those who engaged in the exploration of rare and valuable resources were put into restricted. The prohibited category included projects that would risk national security or public interest, or those endangering military facilities.. The last one is classified as permitted. Annual utilization of FDI reached to its peak in 1997 and 1998 but then moved downward in the following two years. Post-WTO Stage (2001 present) November 11, 2001, saw Chinas admission as an official member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), after a 15-year negotiation. It was after accession to WTO, China started to fulfil its obligation such as basic principles of non-discrimination, pro-trade and pro-competition. This historic event had significant Impact on FDI inflows to China. This gave incentives to more export-oriented FDI. Chinas export market becomes larger and more predictable. Also, Chinas domestic market attracts FDI in industries where there is large market potential. Usually, these industries used to be dominated by relatively inefficient state-owned enterprises, such as telecommunication, banking and insurance. Foreign investors, especially large multinational companies (MNCs), have now growing interest in these industries. Becoming a WTO member, China had to restructure its legal framework. This, in consequence, improves Chinas business environment and helps attract more foreign investment. Yuan (2006), in his literature has revealed, throughout the years, China has steadily reduced its industrial tariffs in a wide range of sectors. Foreign firms are granted direct trading rights for the first time, which means they can import and export themselves without going through a Chinese state-owned trading firm. Clearly, Chinas acquiring WTO membership boosts investors confidence the Chinese economy and its market and thus attracts more FDI inflows. FDIs: Critical Analysis FDIs in other countries are now been continuously studied. There are numerous factors and studies motivating this type of investment for the benefit of source and host countries. There has been a substantial change in policies and attitudes towards FDI on the part of most developing countries in recent years. Disbelief and suspicion of FDIs in the past now appears to have given place to a new found faith in its ability to encourage growth and development for the investing firm and host countries. This perception is due to number of factors: steep fall in alternative sources of finance such as bank credit in the wake of the debt crisis, the self-evident success of Asian countries like India and China, and growth in Knowledge and understanding of the nature and operations of multinational enterprises (Balasubramanyam Mahambare, 2004). In regards to stability aspect of FDI toward the growth of investing firm and host countries, empirical studies have found FDI to be more stable than ot her forms of capital (UNCTAD, 1998, World Investment Report, Geneva). Examination of a variety of capital flows in developing countries during East Asian financial crisis revealed FDI was more stable than other capital flows past studies analysis that FDI is the result of certain competitive advantage. Paul et al. (2002), revealed in their book; many developing countries like India favour FDI over other capital inflows and there is a substantial benefit that such investment benefit the host country and thereby attracting more foreign firms for investment as the benefits in this form of investment is both ways. Knowing the benefits of FDI in host countries would make the legislation system clear and simple and would enable foreign firm for investment based on long-term profits. Swamy (2000) in his book has done calculation the rate of return of FDI in India. His results revealed the rate of return on FDI in India higher than the rate of return obtained on global outward FDI. To quote from his studies, FDI Enterprises were able to earn relatively higher profit rates in India, despite higher level of taxation and tariffs etc. Thus the low level of FDI Inflows until the end of 1980s seems to have been caused restrictive policy environment rather than profitability considerations. Pradhan (2000) has scrutinised the various aspects of FDI from source as well as Host countries point of view, with a focus on the risk from the firms perspective and on the strategies to attract FDI to be adopted by host countries. His study thereby revealed that the higher rate of return for an MNC comes with FDI is, in fact, the result of existing market opportunities combined with the host countries policies towards FDI. Thereby, Indicating strong signals of overall growth of Host countries (developing) in conjunction with FDI and higher rate of return for MNCs. Lensink Morrissey (2001), literature suggests that FDI by MNCs is one of the major channels in providing LDCs (least developed countries) with access to advanced technologies and generating high revenue for MNCs involved in investment for them. The underlying theory differs illustrates the benefits of FDI for MNCs and host countries. The imitation channel is based on the view that domestic firms may become more Productive by imitating the more advanced technologies or managerial practices of Foreign firms for foreign firms and at the same time adding to GDP for their own country. Also, the competition channel emphasises that the entrance of more foreign firms from abroad intensifies competition in the domestic market, thereby encouraging domestic firms to become more efficient and productive by upgrading their technology base. The linkages channel stresses that foreign firms may relocate new technology to Domestic firms through transactions, and would develop buyer-seller relationship. This would necessities Training from the foreign firm to the domestic firm. Hence the training channel needs to be enforced on new technologies. This can only be adopted when the labour force feels comfortable to work with their foreign partner and when embraced works for the benefits of foreign firms as well. Beside these studies, in some of the literature the contribution of FDI to foreign firm and host countries economic growth has been debated quite extensively. Findings reveals that FDI has both benevolent and a dangerous impact. Empirical evidence that FDI generates positive spillovers for firms is mixed. Few studies have found positive spillover effects, few finds no effects and few even conclude that there are negative effects (see Aitken and Harrison, 1999). The conventional argument is that an inflow of FDI positively contributes as; it brings technology, know-how and management techniques. It integrate the operation of local firms into the networks of foreign investors, it helps to place local production on international markets and integrates the national economies into worldwide production and distribution systems. Hence, concluding that FDI can contribute positively and increase the export activity of the host economy (Adam 2002). On the other hand, some of the recent literat ure points to the role of FDI as a channel of international technology transfer. It can deliver rather controversial effects. Foreign firms can out-compete local producers, reduce local production capacities close down research and development units, break up traditional subcontractor relationships and substitute them with imported goods, and repatriate profits thus deteriorating the balance of payments position of the host economy. Sometimes, could lead to absolute shut-down of foreign firms when opposed by local people of host countries. For example Coca-Cola Company had shut down bottling plant in India during a community-led campaign that demanded the closure of the Coca-Cola bottling plant because of indiscriminate pollution as well as illegal occupatio

Journey Humanities

Celeste Mompremier Professor Watts HUM1020-41 September 25, 2018 Flynn, Brenda. Journey. 2002. Mosaic tile on fiberglass armature. My overall museum experience was amazing. Since its been eight years since I have been to a museum, it was kind of new to me. But seeing all of the beautiful sculptures just blew me away. I was amazed by how much time and effort these people put in making such perfect artwork. I was also impressed by all the gifts these people have in making sculptures. I would definitely not have any talent in making these sculptures, that's for sure. I really enjoyed eyeing these sculptures in real life. I think that there are advantages in seeing art in real life because I believe that you get a much better understanding of art by seeing it in-person. Also, it can make you think more about the true meaning of art. I think that museums are relevant places to study humanities because they help us learn more about human culture. Museums help us grasp our attention more on our human history. We end up understanding our culture more. Also, it's fun to learn about art. Museums are important in understanding our culture because they help our newer generation learn about our history. No matter what, history should always be remembered and never forgotten. I also think that people of different backgrounds can learn better at museums because of the artwork from our ancestors of the same heritage. I think that the difference between something authentic and a copy is possibly the texture. I feel like that actual artist put so much care and time and effort in his or her artwork. But the other artist, although he or she did work hard on the copy, did not put as much care and effort as the original artwork. They just tried to make it look as much like the original as possible. Also, nobody can ever make the exact same texture as the original. I feel like the original artwork would have a more smoother texture than the replica. I would rather see the original artwork than the replica because I believe that the original would have more meaning than the replica. The authentic artwork has a much larger purpose than a replica. Original is unique that is irreplaceable. It's more powerful to see the original because you can interpret the message that the artist is saying. With a replica all you can interpret is how much they wanted to mirror the original. With a replica there is no purpose or meaning. If I were a part of the Monuments Men task force, then the sculpture that I would have saved and chosen is a colorful horse made of mosaic tile on fiberglass. My artwork is named Journey. This sculpture is created by Brenda Flynn. I chose this piece of artwork because it just captivated me. I also feel like this sculpture is has a rarity in it that makes it unique. This horse isn't your usual horse that is drawn like a regular horse that has fur. This horse's mosaic tile on fiberglass just makes it rare and captivating. Also its just so creative that someone would think outside the box by creating a three-dimensional horse full of multicolored mosaic tile. This sculpture would most definitely be something worth saving. I think that the artist's purpose on making this sculpture is she is trying to promote individualism because this is not your usual horse. This horse is colorful. She's trying to express that it's ok to be different. That different is beautiful. Also that you do not have to be like everybody else. Its vivid colors lead me to suspect that its expressing that our world is full of different cultures, fashion, etc. And that the title Journey is expressing travelling all around the world. The colors also express this earth because we have so many states and countries that have different cultures, beliefs, values, and religion. The horse also expresses travelling in a way because she's bringing back how people used to ride horses to get from place to place. The theme is travelling and expressing yourself. I know this because of the colors of our world of different ways of living. I find that this sculpture means to always live life to the fullest, because life itself is short. Not to mention that there are so many places to see, to where the artist is encouraging travelling. Honestly, as soon as I saw this sculpture, I was immediately awestruck by the artwork. I don't think that I have ever seen anything so beautiful in my life. I said to myself that I had to absolutely make my museum paper about this magnificent sculpture. It's such a stunning piece of art. The reason why I liked the piece is because I felt a connection with this sculpture. I loved the message it brought out. Where its alright to live your life to the fullest by taking every journey that knocks at your door. With the mosaic tile shimmering with all kinds of colors of every culture. This piece makes me see that in life, it's important to take certain journeys throughout your life because you might find just what you're looking for. I believe that it does have a strong message because life is so beautiful, don't waste it all in one place. The sculpture isn't named Journey for nothing. I believe that everything in this artwork has a purpose. The media of this sculpture is multicolored mosaic tile and fiberglass. This sculpture is actually a mixed media, because of its mosaic tile and fiberglass. The fiberglass looks like it's of a grey color, while the mosaic tile is multi-colored. The fiberglass is also carved with pieces of mosaic glass covered around it. The technique of this sculpture is that the fiberglass is carved out to give it its unique horse-like shape. Also the way these people managed to put all of that mosaic glass glued around it without messing it up is absolute pure talent. I think that the mixed media enhances the meaning because of the fact that the fiberglass of the sculpture is shaped like a horse, and the fact that it is named Journey, it is inspiring others to travel the world. Also because it's a different looking horse, that it's ok to be different. The multicolored mosaic tile also expresses how different and beautiful our cultures are, and how important it is to experience everything in the world. I strongly believe that the new material is superior to the traditional media because mosaic tile is usually used for walls, ceilings, etc. After all, the textbook has stated that when we engage with two-dimensional works of art at a more technical level, we begin to notice things about the work's medium. It also states that one of the choices is the work's medium, which gives it its fundamental characteristics. (pg.30) It's saying that whatever tool the artist uses to create the sculpture, they gave it its true meaning. Mosaic tile is very unique in a sculpture because nobody usually uses that for sculptures. The most common media usually used for work is paint. One of the principles of this artwork is pattern. I say pattern because the way the swirls of the horse interact with each other. This sculpture is just filled with swirls of different colors. Also apart from the swirls, this artwork has a lot of circles of different colors surrounding the swirls. The artist brought out the mosaic tile by putting them in different shapes and colors. The swirls of the mosaic tile make it look like a purse. It's one after another perfectly placed together. How does this artist manage to make the shapes so perfectly proportionate with each other from head to toe? That is beyond me. The swirls spread out a message of creativity. One of the elements of this artwork is color. I say color because of the fact that this sculpture does not focus on just one color, but many. Red, green, white, yellow, orange, etc. All blended together in one beautiful horse. The colors express individualism. This sculpture expresses how beautiful color is. I am so glad that the artist created the sculpture the way she did. This art sculpture expresses shape as one of its elements because of the fact that it is shaped like a horse. The sculpture provides such a beautiful horse. I also believe that another one of the sculpture's elements is good texture because of the mosaic tile and fiberglass. The texture is emphasized in great details of the smooth feel of the mosaic tile. The texture has a smooth feel to the touch. The texture has such a brilliant finish. Another one of the principles of the sculpture is emphasis, because this artwork is put out with such importance to where it is the most valuable of them all to be saved. This sculpture is saying a message that is crying for attention. The mosaic tile especially on the horse, since it's unreal to have a horse that is covered with anything other than fur, is brought out to the viewer's attention. The mosaic tile is the focal point because it's unique. This is the best sculpture because it stands out. Also, another one of the principles of this sculpture is rhythm because the pattern of the mosaic tile is different with the different colors of the mosaic tile, but yet the routine is repeated that it's all around the horse. The repetition goes on the same way. The arrangement is put out like the mosaic tile in the same streak but different patterns and colors. The patters go between being multicolored to being all in swirls. Another one of the elements of this sculpture is form because it is a three-dimensional horse. The form is trying to tell us a story about this artwork. The form gives this art such a descriptive nature of taking journeys in our lives. The form gives this sculpture a purpose of taking chances in life. I do believe that this artwork is a cultural value because this sculpture could have easily been from another country because it's just so rare and sacred. This mosaic glass horse is not what you see everyday. The main thing that cries out that it is culturally valued is that it is named Journey, and that it's multicolored with different patterns. The colors and patterns read out all of our different cultures and values that exist in this earth. I think that the value of this artwork in today's society would probably be a little irrelevant because in my opinion, art has declined in value. People in todays generation in general don't seem to appreciate art anywhere near as much as people in previous generations. So I am not disagreeing because of my sculpture, I am just disagreeing because art regardless has declined with a sudden increase in technology. Art has lost its value and excitement it once had for human beings. No, I don't think that the artwork's message will become relevant in the future, but not in the way that you think. As I said before, I just think that all art has lost its value in todays world and people lost interest so therefore, I think that all recognition in art will decrease from this point forward. I absolutely love the message the artwork is trying to portray, but I know deep down in my heart that art no longer has the same values the way they did in previous centuries and generations. Yes, I feel that the Monuments Men risking their lives for art was a worthwhile endeavor because as much as I would never die for art, I loved the fact that they were standing up for what they believed in. And also, they would not give up no matter what. They would do anything to get to it rain or shine, and life or death. They knew that the artwork would eventually increase in value in culture overtime, so they wanted to make sure that the art was spared, regardless of what would have happened to them. I would never do the same because I don't feel for myself that it's worth dying for art. For people that you care about, that's another story. But for artwork, it would depend on how much that piece meant to you. For me, if I were to choose art or myself, I think that I would be a little bit selfish and choose myself. Artwork is not replaceable, but you can build something at least close to it. But human life cannot be reconstructed. No one can ever create another you.