The realities of Tourism and Economic Development

The realities of Tourism and Economic Development Introduction According to Harcombe (2012), tourism can be defined as travelling for business, pleasure or recreational purposes. Different scholars have advanced many other definitions of tourism to introduce or cover different components of this activity. However, in all these definitions, it is evident that tourism is an activity that individuals engage in to escape the daily routine of life.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The realities of Tourism and Economic Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the modern world, we relate tourism to accommodation in five stars hotels, a vacation in exotic islands with sandy beaches, camping and driving in national parks and game reserves, as well as visiting famous places of the world, such as the Taj Mahal, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Grand Canyon and so on. From this description, people always tend to believe that tourism is an activity of the modern days. T his assumption is however wrong. Tourism has been existing since the early days of civilization. There are historic reports of wealthy people travelling around the world for fun and expeditions. In ancient Rome, for instance, the wealthy people used to visit Baiae, a coastal region with beautiful beaches. However, it is after the Renaissance then the Industrial Revolution that people of the middle class began to be actively involved in tourism (Harcombe, 2012). Given these facts, this paper will focus on the impacts that tourism has on the growth and sustainability of the economy. A Focus on Tourism The level of tourism has increased at a tremendous rate after the end of the World War II. This trend has been attributed to the increase in disposable income and the rise of the middle class within the population who had disposable money to spend on luxury. At the same time, the improvement in the transportation sector, presence of luxurious hotels and other accommodation facilities, im provement in security and hospitality and most importantly, the presence of many tourist destinations capable of meeting the needs and desires of different groups of individuals have also played a critical role in enhancing tourism. It is because of these factors that governments all around the world have been aiming at enhancing tourism in their countries, through respective tourism ministries, boards and agencies.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Tourism has many effects on the society. For instance, tourism has played a critical role in achieving environmental sustainability. Tourism relies on natural resources mainly. Beaches, wildlife, and geological features are some of the factors which tourism is based on. Therefore, through tourism, these resources are managed in an effective, efficient and sustainable manner to ensure that the present and future g enerations benefit from them. Consequently, tourism has social and cultural implications. Through the tourist-host relationships, individuals tend to meet, interact and share their values and morals. Tourists usually interact with the natives. In the process of interaction, they tend to borrow some aspects of their cultures. More than often, tourists return home with souvenirs that they bought in foreign lands. At the same time, some tourists adopt the dressing, cuisine and to some extent the religious beliefs of the native communities that they have visited during vacations. Natives also experience the same trend since they also acquire some aspects of culture and behaviors of the tourists. Due to this fact therefore, it has always been stressed that individuals should adopt and pass on the values and practices that are moral to enhance the sustainability of tourism. Most importantly, tourism has great economic benefits. According to Stynes (2011), the number of international touri sts recorded in 2011 was approximately 983 million. This is one of the highest figures ever been recorded in the history of international tourism representing a growth of 4.6% as compared to 2010. In the same year, international expenditures in tourism were recorded at over $1 trillion (Harcombe, 2012). In Canada, for instance, tourism had a revenue of $55 in the year 2000 accounting for approximately 5% of the country’s GDP. At the same time, tourism during that year employed 547,000 individuals within the nation. Therefore, tourism has become one of the major earners of revenue in the economies of many nations. Tourism also provides employment and leads to the development of infrastructure. These are essential components in ensuring the growth and sustainability of the economy of a given nation. Global Impacts of Tourism In the year 2010, tourism accounted for 5% of the world’s GDP (Bull, 2010). From this analysis and the facts that have been presented in this paper so far, it is evident that tourism plays a critical role in the growth and development of the global economy. It is as a result of this fact that many nations in the world try to enhance their tourism sector as a move to achieve high economic growth and development. Tourism supports the economies of nations by acting as a source of foreign exchange. At the same time, tourism provides employment to the native communities of the host nations either directly or indirectly. Furthermore, tourism brings about the growth and development of infrastructure to support the service.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The realities of Tourism and Economic Development specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As a result, tourism activities play a critical role in bringing about modernity, especially in developing nations. For tourists to enjoy their stay in a given destination there needs to be effective transportation and communic ation services, hospitality services, security, a stable banking system and other amenities. On these grounds therefore, governments need to develop these infrastructures and amenities in order for their nations to be regarded as the leading tourist destinations in the world. However, according to the studies that have been conducted, the impact that tourism has on the economy of a given nation is diversified. For instance, in his book, Bull (2010) asserted that tourism plays a critical role in supporting the national economy of developing countries as compared to the economies of developed nations. The report presented by the Organization for Economic Co-operation (OECD) stated that although 70% of the global revenue received in the global tourism sector originates from developed countries (OECD, n.d.). Despite this fact however, these nations still do not regard tourism as a profitable venture. The economies of developed nations are usually based on the industrial sector and the s ervice industries. Given the fact that these nations have a strong internal market and their export markets are viable, their balance of payments is usually high. The scenario is however different in the case of developing nations where the economy is predominantly based on agriculture. In these nations, the wealth difference between the rich and the poor is always high due to uneven distribution of wealth and national resources. As a result, the domestic industry of developing nation usually lacks the purchasing power required to support local industry, hence increasing the level of international imports to sustain the economy. As a result, these nations usually have a negative balance of payments where the cost of imports exceeds the revenue of exports. As it has been stated in this paper, developing nations need to transform their economy to be based on industry and the service sector to achieve medium to high economic levels of growth. To achieve this goal, the governments of th ese nations need to encourage and sustain a lot of investments to sustain industrial growth. At the same time, the government needs to improve on its service industry. This includes developing service industries such as banking and finance, transportation, healthcare and so on. To achieve all this however, developing nations need to have strong financial backing to support the capital investments that are required to establish and maintain these industries. Seeking for foreign aid and loans has been one of the main avenues that the governments of developing nations have turned to in order to achieve these development needs (Bull, 2010).Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More At the same time, developing nations have turned to tourism as a source of foreign exchange and revenue to sustain their economic plans (Bull, 2010). Developed nations also have turned to this scheme to enhance economic growth but on a local level, especially in rural economies that have abundant natural resources and scenic views. The fact that developing nations rely a lot on tourism as a source of foreign exchange has played a considerable role in the development of tourism in the last 30 years (Stynes, 2011). Most nations in Africa, South East Asia and Latin America rely on tourism for economic sustainability a lot. It is as a result of this fact that tourism countries such as Kenya have become the main foreign exchange earner surpassing traditional exports from agriculture and other industries (Stynes, 2011). Therefore, the governments of developing nations set up and sustain economic investment projects to achieve the short, medium and long-term goals and objectives while usin g the revenue earned from tourism. Due to the viability of tourism and its high potential, many developing nations have come up with policies that help enhance the growth and development of the tourism sector. As a result, tourism has become one of the leading industries that support the economies of most developing nations in the world. This is because, tourism not only earn developing countries the much needed foreign exchange but it also acts as a source of employment. Unemployment is one of the major economic problems which developing nations are facing. In developing nations, unemployment affects mainly the youths that move to urban areas in search for employment opportunities. Rural-urban migration in developing nations reduces the work force that is required to sustain agricultural activities that are mainly based in rural areas. As a result, this movement not only reduces the level of agricultural exports in the nation, but also reduces food availability. Consequently, a hig h influx of unemployed individuals in urban areas leads to the development of poverty, and rise of social ills, such as prostitution and insecurity. Thus, the fact that tourism offers employment either directly or indirectly in developing nations has played a critical role in solving some of the economic problems that developing nations are facing. Through tourism, individuals are employed as tour guides, national park and game reserve managers, and as hotel employees, tours and travel staff. Tourism also offers indirect employment, especially in supporting industries developed by local communities such as curio shops. Consequently, the money raised from tourism is used to support local projects especially in rural areas through building schools, hospitals, roads and other public amenities. Thus, the level of poverty in developing nations has been reduced considerably with the aid of tourism. Economic Impacts of Tourism Apart from providing foreign exchange to the economy of a given nation, other features of tourism play a critical role in sustaining the economy of a given nation. Being a service industry, tourism offers invisible services to its consumers. The nature of the tourism industry therefore can be compared to that of the transport industry, healthcare industry or the banking sector (Bull, 2010). Therefore, the services offered by the industry occur at the point or the country where they are produced. In the process therefore, consumers enjoy the service at their tourist destination sites at the minimum price possible. The price associated with tourism is set on the free on board (FOB) basis. However, if tourism could be exported to the home countries of the consumers, then the service would cost much more given the fact that the prices would include the cost, insurance and freight (CIF). Additionally, the service would incur several taxes such as custom duty before reaching the final consumer. It is as a result of this fact that most imported goods cost more in destination countries as compared to the countries that they are manufactured in. Therefore, given the fact that the cost of tourism is set at FOB, the service is usually offered at the best price in the market. Due to its affordability, the demand for tourism has always been increasing. This phenomenon has made tourism to be one of the most profitable ventures in the world comprising about 5% of the worlds GDP in 2010 (Bull, 2010). Consequently, tourists need to utilize additional services and amenities to enhance the holiday experience in their destination areas. Therefore, host nations need to ensure that they have adequate facilities that can sustain the wants and needs of the tourists who have visited their nations. Tourists require effective accommodation services to enhance their stay in a given area. At the same time, for tourism to be sustainable, it needs to be supported with effective and efficient transport facilities, healthcare services, retail services, b anking, finance and insurance services and so on. Therefore, the introduction and development of tourism has not only enhanced the economy of the host nations from the revenue that is earned from the venture, but has also facilitated the growth of other industries as well. Given the rapid expansion of tourism, host nations, especially developing countries, find it difficult to meet the needs, desires and wants of tourists with their available facilities and infrastructure. In this respect therefore, it was important for these nations to build new infrastructures and develop existing ones to meet the needs and desires of the tourists who were visiting their nations. This move has not only supported tourism in these nations, but it has also played a critical role in the modernization of host nations, as well as enhanced the process of economic growth and development. With effective infrastructures in place, other processes and industries within the nation are improved. An improved tra nsport system improves the efficiency of transporting goods and services within a given nation. A strong security force protects a nation from internal and external threats. Consequently, the presence of a strong and reliable banking industry will result in the availability of credits and enhance a saving culture that will assist in the growth of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Thus, facilities that were developed to sustain tourism end up in developing and supporting other industries resulting in the economic growth and sustainability. Economic Reality of Tourism In this paper, it has been identified that tourism plays a critical role in growth and development of the economy of a given nation, especially in developing nations. Tourism achieves this by earning foreign exchange, triggering the development of the infrastructures of the host nation, providing employment and supporting the development of trade and other industries. However, this is just a vague description of how tourism affects the economy of a given nation. Thus, to understand exactly how tourism affects the economy, it is essential to conduct a multiplier analysis (Harcombe, 2012). The impacts that tourism has on the economy of a given nation cannot be measured by the amount of money they spend or the benefits they receive, but through the impact this revenue has on different realms of the economy. When a tourist spends money in a hotel for example, part of that money is used by the hotel to pay its employees, to purchase goods and services that are required to sustain the operations of the economy and so on. Consequently, employees will use their salaries to pay rent, basic expenses such as school fees, food, and so on. The landlord on the other hand will invest the money earned in other activities, probably in a welfare association or a local housing scheme. This is just but an example of how the money from tourism penetrates into the economy of a given nation. According to the mul tiplier effect, the expenditure by a tourist to enjoy the goods and services of a host nation is regarded as Frontline expenditure (Harcombe, 2012). Here, the tourist is engaged in spending activities such as transport and accommodation, food and entertainment, clothing, gifts and souvenirs, healthcare and other miscellaneous expenses. According to this analysis, this form of expenditure has direct effects on the economy of a given nation. Therefore, this expenditure as a form of expenditure is referred to as a direct multiplier since it has a direct effect on the economy. For economic growth to be achieved, the value of Frontline spending of tourism should always be higher than the cost required to import the goods and services to sustain the tourists experience (Harcombe, 2012). On the other hand, hotels, travel agencies, national parks and game reserves receive money directly from tourists. However, these agencies and organizations need to purchase goods and services within the l ocal economy to sustain their operations. For instance, a travel agency will need to employ a workforce in different departments to sustain the needs and requirements of tourists while they are at their discretion. The firm will also need to purchase tour vans, fuel and service them and most importantly, pay taxes to the government. This level of expenditure is referred to as indirect multiplier effect since the money earned from tourism is spent indirectly within the economy. At this point, it is essential to state that not all the money earned from the Frontline spending is analyzed in the indirect multiplier effect since some of this money might be lost in the form of savings, taxes, import and excise duties. The induced multiplier effect is the final level of this analysis. Induced spending is used to refer to the money that is spent on paying the wages of employees who work in the firms and agencies that are involved in tourism. Additionally, these firms pay out the profits ear ned to their shareholders in the form of dividends. Some of this money is put into savings. Thus, the expenditure of the employees, shareholders or any other individual at this level also triggers economic activities within the economy. From this analysis, tourism plays a critical role in enhancing and maintaining the economy of a given nation either through direct, indirect or induced multiplier effects. On these grounds therefore, it is evident that through tourism, many other economic activities with a given economy are initiated and sustained. Thus, the assessment of all these realms of expenditure is essential for the true economic impact of tourism on a given economy. Multiplier analysis is an effective tool to ascertain the overall performance of the tourism industry. The data and information gathered from this analysis are essential, especially in the process of decision making to determine the short term and long-term policies and strategies that can be implemented to susta in the tourism industry of a given nation and its economy at large. Negative Impacts of Tourism from an Economic Perspective This paper has effectively covered the positive impacts that tourism has on the economy of a given nation. However, this is not always the case as tourism has effects that might be detrimental to the economy of a given nation. One of the main problems that have been associated with tourism is the increased need for importing goods from overseas to meet the needs of the tourists. Tourists always want to have a home experience in their travel destinations. As such therefore, host nations need to provide perfect conditions to meet the needs and wants of the tourists. For instance, tourists might require luxurious hotel rooms, their home cuisine and additional amenities in the course of their stay at their host hotel. To meet all these demands, host nations have to import all these goods since they might not be locally available as in the case of small tourist isl ands. Thus, the cost-revenue margin from tourism is highly reduced. In this paper, it has been identified that tourism plays a critical role in developing and sustaining the global economy. Due to this fact, there are governments that strongly depend on tourism as the main source of revenue in their economies. This trend is mainly experienced in developing nations that regard tourism as the main source of foreign exchange hence supporting their economic goals and objectives. High risks have always been linked with the dependence on one industry to achieve economic sustainability. The world experienced a high level of inflation between 2008 and 2010. During this time, the amount of disposable income has been greatly reduced while the price levels including the costs associated with tourism increased. As a result, the revenue earned from tourism has been reduced during this period. At the same time, tourism is a seasonal industry. During the low season, the revenue earned in this indu stry is usually low leading to firing employees to reduce operating costs. Consequently, to ensure that tourism become a profitable and sustainable venture in a given economy, the host nation needs to develop its resources and infrastructures. However, a huge proportion of the profits that might be accrued from these investments usually leaks out of the host nation hence reducing the viability of tourism. Conclusion Over the years, tourism has grown to become of the leading global economic activities. As a result of its success, tourism plays a critical role in the growth and development of the economy at local, national and international levels. The venture not only earns host nations revenue, but also plays a critical role in providing employment, developing infrastructures and sustaining the growth and development of other industries. Despite its shortcomings, tourism plays a critical role in modernization and economic development. Therefore, measures need to be put in place to e nsure that this venture is profitable and sustainable in the short run and in the long run. References Bull, A. (2010). The Economics of Travel and Tourism. Melbourne: Longman. Harcombe, D. (2012). The Impacts of Tourism. Web. OECD (n. d.). Economic Impacts of Tourism. Retrieved from: oecd.org/cfe/tourism/economicimpactoftourism.htm Stynes, D. (2011). The Economic Impacts of Tourism: A Hand Book for Tourism Professionals. Chicago: Sage.

Race Relations Act Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Race Relations Act - Essay Example To satisfy the huge public outcry the McPherson Inquiry was initiated and in this report several recommendations in order to counter racism were made. Some of these recommendations were to incorporate cultural diversity into the National Curriculum, to check the correlation between school admissions and academic achievement and to assess the success of teachers' activities in these areas. Despite seeming to be related to the statutory education system these recommendations have a very important bearing on the education of adults in respect of racism. The National Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy (2001) has specified that inadequate availability of education, health; employment and housing greatly affect a significant number of people from the minority communities. In 2001, it was estimated that the black and minority communities comprised 8% of the total population of England. In England, fourteen percent of students belong to the black and minority group. Therefore, in education the opportunities made available to the black and minority communities have to be increased significantly. ... viders to make certain that members of the black or minority community are provided with better access to education, employment and training (Increasing participation and raising achievement of black minority group adults in post-16 education, n.d.). The objective of the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000 is to address this problem. It requires the public authorities to reassess their policies and procedures and thereby take such measures as will promote racial equality and get rid of discrimination. It comprises an amendment to the Race Relations Act 1976, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin. This Act applies to "Ministers, Central government departments, Local Authorities, regional agencies and enterprise networks, Police authorities, Health authorities, health boards, NHS Trusts and primary care trusts, Education authorities, grant aided and self governing schools, colleges and universities, Communities Scotland, Professional bodies, Libraries, museums and galleries". It empowers individuals or groups to oppose unlawful discrimination by resorting to judicial review. The Commission for Racial Equality is empowered to initiate inquiries, resort to judicial review and issue compliance orders if a public body infringes the Act (The Race Relations Amendment Act 2000, 2002). In the Act these are known as the general duty of public authorities, the specific duties of authorities and the publishing of a race equality scheme, which has to specify as to how it will ensure equal opportunities and good race relations, and as to how it will refrain from racial discrimination (The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, 2005). Many people have been barred either directly or indirectly from further education due to

How Not to Pay Retail by Jane Spence Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

How Not to Pay Retail by Jane Spence - Essay Example However, with the changing patterns of prices, different products may have different ‘best buying times’. For example, the best time to buy a compact disc is a few days after it has come to the market. For digital cameras, the best time to buy is the sprint where new models are produced and prices on the old stock are reduced. Â  The article gives some very common sense examples of how someone who wishes to be an early adopter of the latest technology gadget will have to pay a premium over someone who wishes to stay one generation behind the curve. For example, the article reports that the prices of video games fall on average by 30% every three to four months as newer titles are released on to the market and demand for older titles is reduced. Â  In the apparel industry, the increase of the amount of clothing sold on sale shows that retailers have to look at how and when they decide to put items on sale for their customers since clothes are most likely to be bought when they have been reduced from their standard retail prices. In a market where more than 60% of all clothes are sold on sale, market share is most likely to go to a retailer who has sales often and gives good discounts over regular prices. Â  Another good practice which can be used by retailers to preserve market share is the idea of bundling where one product at a sharp discount is bundled with another product with a high margin to gain a competitive advantage. In this manner, not only can the retailer look at sustaining its market share for a certain type of product, it can also seek to expand its market share for allied and complementary goods at the same time. Â  In some cases, the nature of the product itself may bring price competition to the forefront since it would be the only manner in which sellers can compete.

An op-ed piece Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

An op-ed piece - Essay Example Media reports confirm that the student loan debt has ballooned into a gigantic $870 million – even beating debts on car and credit card! Now that is surprising! And this number is projected to rise exponentially within the next few years. Therefore, it is reasonable that the Fairness for Struggling Students Act or FSSA has turned out to be the main focus of government agencies, particularly of the education department. The act would enable student loan debts to be stamped out during bankruptcy proceedings. It gained widespread support from the government and education groups seeing it as a potential solution to the economic problem. Just a couple of days ago, an article written for the Fox News reported that there is a $1.11 trillion â€Å"student loans outstanding† and $121 billion of them â€Å"are 90-plus days delinquent or in default. And this is on top of the fact that college costs has constantly risen over the past few years while the income of college graduates in industries aside from technology and finance, are tripping over (Verhage, n.p). I do not particularly understand why student forgiveness acts do help solve the economic problem when there is not much income that can be generated through taxes. The government is simply shelling out billions of money, bailing out students in an unorthodox manner by simply wiping out their student loan debts. First of all, I go for the argument that education is not really a right but is only a privilege. Nobody can legally claim that he or she is entitled to it. But, if the government stresses on private lenders the inability of a student to pay debts and encourage them to rid student loans is just the same as telling that education is a right after all. Another thing that I would like to put up is that default on loans, which is currently at $121 billion, and compelling private lenders to forgive students who could not pay their debts are acts of insult and slight to property

Islam Essay -- essays research papers

When the Soviet Union collapsed and the cold war came to an end, the world felt as if it were on the edge of unlimited peace and prosperity. Unfortunately, new issues came to light, such as terrorism. Terrorism is defined by Title 22 of the United States code, section 2656(d) as â€Å"the pre-meditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by sub national groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience.† In light of recent terrorist activity in the West, the danger that Islamic terrorism poses to national security and civilian safety has been brought to attention. The Islamic world does not view the West favorably. Some extremists, such as the Hizballah, view the United States as â€Å"the Great Satan.† Although unannounced violent actions against civilians is called terrorism by the West, Muslims view such behavior as religious duty. Most terrorists are viewed within their individual countries as radicals, although some have benefited from gaining wide-spread approval in their region. With popular support behind them, these extremists have declared a holy war, a jihad, against the West, Israel, and all sympathizers of the two. In the jihad, terrorism has been the most used weapon against the enemies of Islam. Although terrorism has been magnified throughout the world recently, jihad is nothing new to Islam. Although jihad did not immediately play a significant role in Islam, the idea of striving for a spiritual good always has played such a role. Jihad does not necessarily involve violent or physical actions. Jihad, when applied correctly, always includes a change in one’s self and mentality, and may involve a giving up of material property, social class, emotional well-being, and comfort for the salvation and worship of al-Lah. The jihad includes an extensive amount of striving for righteousness. Even in contemporary terrorist actions, recruits for suicide missions are trained for righteousness and trained in the matters of personal piety and holiness. Because jihad is a spiritual matter, spirituality is of utmost importance to all who are recruited to join any jihad. One common misunderstanding concerning jihad is the inward nature of jihad. The West tends to think of jihad as a call to outward or external activity, but in the Islamic mind, jihad is a call to all individuals to prepare their hearts and s... ...t it perceives that the terrorism it wages against the West is an integral part of its religion. The West in general and the United States in particular cannot ignore it and should therefore unite their efforts in an attempt to find different means of countering this kind of Islamic terrorism. But, the main success or failure of these terrorist groups does not depend on their religious commentary or authority. It lies in their ability to gain legitimacy from the general public or from the greater part of it in each Muslim country, as well as in the Arab world in a whole. The need for public sympathy and support is a crucial element of every terrorist group without regard to its ideology or political affiliation. However, in a society where religion has so great an influence as in the Arab and Muslim world, the teachings of Islamic groups are perceived by certain parts of society as the true principles of religion. The socio-cultural elements of their teachings are often combined with the secular tradition of hostility toward the West under American authority and toward its protection of Israel and the Jews, who are according to the Quran, â€Å"the worst enemies of the believers.†

Genocide

The term genocide was not coined until 1943 when Raphael Lamkin used it to describe the Nazi reign in Europe (ROD notes). Genocide refers to the systematic destruction of a racial or cultural group. Two examples of this are the Holocaust and the Rape of Nanking. The Holocaust deals with the Nazi’s takeover of Europe during World War II, and the Rape of Nanking is the Japanese invasion of China in the late 1930’s. These events in history serve a painful reminder of the cruelest depths of human nature, but also of the possibilities that lie within every catastrophe. Bystanders always play a key role in any event, whether they have a positive or negative effect on the outcome of the situation at hand. Most, if not all, of the bystanders during the Rape of Nanking were western missionaries that happened to be in China at that time. Among them were doctors, a filmmaker, and even a Nazi. The filmmaker was a man named John Magee whose films have helped historians unlock some of the mysteries about that gruesome time. RabÐ ¹ was another bystander who happened to be a Nazi with connections to Adolf Hitler. He contacted Hitler and told him of the current atrocities in Nanking and asked for assistance in fighting the Japanese; assistance that was later denied. All of the Westerners decided to take action in this situation by setting up the International Safety Zone, which harbored 300,000 Chinese refugees, in the center of Nanking. This assistance helped the people of Nanking to a phenomenal degree. On the contrary, the bystanders during the Holocaust did very little to help the victims. The bystanders during the Holocaust were mainly the Germans who lived in the surrounding areas of the concentration camps. Most of these Germans had an idea of what was going on, yet they did nothing. They had an ignorant mindset; they did not want to know and they did not care. Due to this ignorance many war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed in both cases (Horvath). During the Rape of Nanking there were many war crimes and crimes against humanity that occurred. The Japanese soldiers gathered thousands of Chinese women and forced them to live in barracks while being raped on a daily basis. They raped women of all ages, from little girls whom they cut due to their pre-pubescent age to old women into their 80’s (A&E). This extensive raping is considered a crime against humanity. There were many war crimes committed by the Japanese soldiers during the Rape of Nanking. They used the prisoner’s of war for bayonet practice, and also held killing contests in which the Japanese officers vied to see who could kill the most people and get the highest body count. An interesting fact about the Japanese is that they were contemptuous of those who surrendered. They considered surrendering to be dishonorable and therefore felt as though it downgraded the surrendering Chinese soldiers to the level of animals. These Chinese soldiers were then shot on sight (A&E). Many more crimes were committed during these eight tragic weeks. The crimes that were committed during the Holocaust partially resemble the atrocities at Nanking. In the Holocaust people were also gathered and forced to live in barracks, but unlike Nanking they were killed for a reason. People were selected on the basis of race and religion; this is discrimination which is a crime against humanity. The largest group of those unfortunately selected, was the Jews. They were killed in masses and tortured through experimentation. Those who were barricaded in the death camps were deprived of food and proper hygiene which caused the spread of many diseases and eventually more deaths. The carnage that took place at both Nanking and during the Holocaust was due to the horrible crimes that were committed. One would hope that the offenders of these crimes would receive an equally harsh punishment (Horvath). At the conclusion of each event there was a war crime trial held. After Nanking the Tokyo War Crime Trial took place, but did not serve justice. Only eight men were killed during this process. There were seven â€Å"A class† criminals that were hung, and General Matsui was also killed. Some others spent a few years in jail and then were left to continue with their lives. In fact, the man actually responsible for the crimes committed at Nanking, Prince Yusuhiko Asaka, was never even prosecuted for his role. The Nuremburg trials were held at the summation of the Holocaust (A&E). Although justice can never be served to those who were killed and tortured in the Nazi camps and their families, the Nuremburg trials had a better outcome than that of the Tokyo trials. Many Nazi soldiers were sought out and sentenced to death for war crimes committed during the Holocaust. Unfortunately, many Nazi’s fled the country when the Americans invaded Germany and found harbor in African countries (Horvath). Both trials hardly reversed the injustices that were brought upon the victims of each incident. There are many long-term effects that have been brought upon by the Holocaust and the Rape of Nanking. One positive effect taken from these events is the heightened world-wide prevention of genocide. Many countries around the world have tried to intervene in such places as Bosnia, Cambodia, and Kosovo in order to deter those who are attempting to kill masses of innocent people (Horvath). In the minds of nearly all Japanese, the Rape of Nanking never occurred. Its story is neither told nor taught in schools, and those who have accused the Japanese government of concealing the truth have been threatened or killed. If you were to visit Japan and inquire upon many average citizens about this event, they would have no knowledge of the carnage or even the occurrence of Nanking. Although, there are those Japanese fanatics who worship the Japanese soldiers during Nanking as Gods and have set up shrines in honor of them (A&E). The atmosphere in Germany is a bit different, but has similar qualities as well. The overall German population today is very ashamed of the war criminals that represented their country. However, many current Nazi enthusiasts deny that the Holocaust ever happened. This declaration comes as a heart breaking hit to the survivors and their families (Horvath). These survivors must live the rest of their lives with the haunting and painful memories that remain vivid in their minds. At the chance that those memories subside, they are still left with the physical scars that remind them daily. The Rape of Nanking and the Holocaust are two events that have had a significant impact upon the world. There will always remain the memories of the wide-spread raping and murdering at Nanking. The mass executions and torture during the Holocaust will also linger forever in the minds of numerous survivors and their relations. Hopefully, both occasions will serve as a reminder to all people of the possibilities that can occur when you release your civil liberties. These agonizing events can never be expunged from history and no trial can ease the pangs of the victims of these crimes. Remember these victims, but more importantly learn through their experiences.

Application for Chemical Engineering at Princetone University

My life is all about problem solving: managing to live a difficult life in America after turning thirteen, finding â€Å"out of the box† to achieve my goals in debate, art, and HOSA, helping other teenagers with problems they struggle with... Designing a seemingly impossible pathway for me and others to succeed is my way of life, and a chemical engineer takes that to the next level. Everything around us -- from a bar of soup to a bucket of paint -- involves chemical engineering. The profession is not only about my favorite subjects, chemistry and math, but also about creating ideas, innovation, and new technology. This is what chemical engineers do, solving problems not just for one person, but for everyone. And being part of that amazing†¦show more content†¦I have also competed at many local academic competitions in chemistry, math and biology, placing 1st at the Chadron Scholastic Chemistry Contest, 1st (twice) at the 2011 and 2012 West River Mathematics Contest, and 3rd at the West River Biology Contest. Nevertheless, my current living situation offers me limited opportunities to explore the world of chemical engineering. Attending XXX University would mean the world to me -- giving me a chance to pursue my dreams with renowned professors such as XXX in an advanced laboratory and with people who share the same interests. At Princeton University, I can further explore the world of chemical engineering through Freshmen seminars, once again working with my peers. I am especially interested in the fall seminar Materials World at Mathey College, learning the technical processing and applications of materials around us. In addition, the spring seminar Emerging Micro and Nano-Engineered Technologies at Rockefeller College can also give me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of engineering. On top of everything, Princeton offers me amazing research opportunities I cannot find anywhere else. I intend to arrange summer employment at Princeton doing research with faculty members. I also value