Classmates responses Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Classmates responses - Coursework ExampleIf they had considered such dimensions, they would come been more nociceptive to cross cultural differences between the European culture and that of the business partners (Ridley 110). This would have relieved the communication between partners and closure of the deal.I agree with you that the concept of time is different across cultures. In Europe, people are generally more sensitive about the passage of time, which is regarded as highly valuable. On the other hand, Arabs, Latin Americans as well as Africans believe that time can be springy therefore, they are more reluctant to keep deadlines (114). This was evident from the business partner who arrived almost an hour late. The Germans viewed such a gesture negatively because the partner had excess their time. On the other hand, understanding the dietary preferences of different culture is a critical cultural aspect. If cultural literacy had been considered as serious as expected, some o f the be amiss that compromised the negotiation process would not have occurred. The video is a strong reminder for any business partner intending to go global that there is a salient need for a rigorous research process concerning cross cultural differences.The importance conducting research on cross cultural differences and their impact on global businesses cannot be underestimated. The videos place emphasis to this point. Although cultural aspects such as diet and the view of time may be viewed as minor issues, they have an immense potential of affecting businesses negatively (115). This is the reason why theorists such as Hofstede focused on describing cultural dimensions that should be considered prior to engaging in international business. As the video highlights, there is an outstanding difference between European culture, Indian and the Middle East cultures. Cultural differences between these three cultures hindered the

Creating Public Value through the Weatherization Assistance Program Research Paper

Creating Public Value through the Weatherization Assistance Program - Research Paper ExampleWith the total of $10 one thousand million stimulus funding, the Boston ABCD Weatherization program has the capacity to subject 1,800 homes to weatherization (Massachusetts Commonwealth, 2012).As soon as the Ramirez family qualified for the program, weatherization professionals immediately assessed the houses energy consumption. The assessment, which took around 2 to four hours, found that the house had no proper wall insulation its doors invite cold air in, and water leaks are found in the basement. From these observations, weatherization professionals report their assessment to the homeowners and presented what needs to be repaired in the house to save energy costThrough the stimulus package, the Boston ABCD provided for the houses insulation and untested doors in the house. They also installed a new bathroom to prevent the place from molding. After these repairs, the family was able to r educe their electric bills up to 45%, especially during the winter. harmonise to Mrs Ramirez, she was thankful for the program because her family finally experienced warmth in winter for the first time (Massachusetts Commonwealth, 2012).The article above represents the actual account in the implementation of the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), a long-running public program for low-income families that enables them to reduce their energy consumption and ensure energy efficiency at home through weatherization. The federal government, together with the Department of Energy (DOE) and local weatherization agencies work together to take responsibility in maintaining the national energy policy of the United States.

Architecture of Bramante Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Architecture of Bramante - Term Paper ExamplePeter by Pope Julius Caesar. Bramante meticulously knowing and centralized the basicall(a)y around a large cupola. Before Bramante, originally Gothic and Antic architectural get to had completely missed the finer points in gracing buildings. For example, most 15th century artists had completely ignored inclusion of a charming and graceful outlook suggested by buildings, as revealed in living subjects (Anonymous, 1996). Importantly, it was Bramante who revolutionalised the earlier dull renaissance by incorporating aspects of gay anatomy, and making architectural work charming and with finer details to reveal more to the eye, a concept which had all along being ignored. Bramante ideologies largely emanated from his love for nature, from which he was ready to study and had a good understanding of antique styles collaborated by his enlightened patronage (Onioans, 1984). The wake in classical ideas dates back to between 1400 and 1600 when Renaissance period marked changes in architectural work throughout Europe. The main features of renaissance were symmetrical correspondence of doors and windows, triangular shaped pediments, extensive use of pilasters and classical columns, square lintels, niches, and sculptures, arches, and domes (Onioans, 1984). These designs looked monotonous and evoked no human feelings to Bramante who was earlier inspired by both human anatomy and nature. To modify the above artistic styles in evoking feelings, Bramante began his new career at the Church of S. Maria Presso, a small nineteenth century church the church had no chancel a street outside had limited the span of a t-shape as most churches were designed (Pile, 2005 ). Using his knowledge in optical perspectives, Bramante initiated a new artistic work in Renaissance. The main contribution in this was to make the end wall of the church into an illuminating secret space using a painted vas relief where when viewed from the nave direct ion looks as a barrel vaulted chancel which appears to complete the cruciform protrude (Pile, 2005). Another breakthrough that was remarkable in high Renaissance was the monastery of S. Peitro in Montario, Rome. Bramante having proved his amazing designs was awarded the task of reconstructing the cloister to include a small chapel. In this, Bramante plan included a circular sphere surrounded by a ring of columns that matched the order that wrapped the round chapel with sixteen columns portico financial support an entablature (Pile, 2005). It was such interesting designs that Bramante was requested by the Pope to redesign and plan St Peters Basilica, which was earlier designed by Michelangelo. The architecture in this gaffe put more emphasis on the harmony of proportions, making all volumes simple through a cylindrical structure, with the circular plan symbolizing Devine nonesuch (Kleiner, 2009). The church therefore illuminated both the antique styles, while at the same time re presenting the Christian memorial. These were the humanistic feelings that Bramante in all his architectural work invented a new dimension in High Renaissance. Bramante in St Peters Basilica came up with a complex plan which had to include a domed crossing, four radiating arms which formed the Greek cross, and several smaller domed chapels at the resulting corners. Though the basilica has over the time undergone study changes, his designs and plans were maintained except the cross which

Philosophy of Religion Essay Example for Free

Philosophy of Religion EssayIs religion necessary in maintaining a happy and in(predicate) family? Yes, religion plays a vital role in good family structure. Whenever religion is taken seriously and applied to family life, there is a definite prosperous and validating outcome. When families attend church together, there is a closer bond between family members and it is highly probable that family members who attend religious services push toward higher honourable standards which in turn, builds a more solid and moral household.When the man observes religion in the home, he takes on the role as head of the household and creates accord with other family members by providing for his family and treating his family with respect. When the woman recognizes her role in the home as a religious follower, she will also respect her husband and nurture her children as she is taught through religion. The children will do their part in their home by respecting both parents and also by usin g good moral values. Many raft find it hard to understand why it is important to practice religion in homes since we rarely witness this in recent history but by following the laws of God, we lead ourselves and our families in the right direction. Should parents stay together when they feel that their marriage is one that has lost passion? Yes, it is important for families to work together in resolving marital problems in order to have a happy family. Children need the support of both parents working in unison and married couples should try on outside support if necessary such as members of the church if they feel they cant work through the unhappiness in the marriage.The high break up rate in America has broken down families and has increasingly left children in broken homes when on most occasions, the problems could have been worked through. The Bible gives us more guidelines concerning marriage and if we heed Gods Word, then it is highly possible for broken homes to be mended in order for children to grow up in a stable environment. If more parents would work harder at their marriage instead of getting divorced, family life and the quality of life would be much greater for everyone in the family.

Rizals Juventud Essay Example for Free

Rizals Juventud EssayThis may seem like a blatant patronization of Rizal, but I like to say I love this cross work of his. One evict bask in the colorful language that he uses in this one. withal, this particular work presents a lot of allegories from which one can try to decipher and understand. And from these ideas we can see what Rizal is trying to say in the poem and in extention what is on his mind. In the first stanza, the writer writes of the Philippine youth as a prime intimately to bloom yet still a bud. The writer exhorts the flower to look up and shine. As one who has waited for long, the writer has determined that the flower is ready to bloom on this day as stated in the poem. Also the writer refers to the youth as the fair hope of this land. While old people are more experienced, they may have manifested most of their potential and thusly about to become a relic of the past. The writer exhorts the youth to fully realize their potential, Manifesting the grace an d gallantry of your youth line.It is interesting that in the next stanza, the writer asks the tint of grandeur to fill them the youth with noble meditation. I was half expecting Rizal to write knowledge instead of meditation. Upon some thought, I saw the wisdom in these words. While we preserve to shove knowledge into our brains, if we lack discernment what to do with this knowledge, it would be useless and may even be our undoing. The writer exhorts the reader to higher aspirations tempered with wakeful meditation lest what we learn may be our own undoing. This in my opinion is very timely.I am about to leave the university. As I go out into the world I shall utilize my knowledge to earn a living and live life itself. However, a meditative attitude should always be present to assess our actions and what is the wisest thing to do as of the moment. The next three stanzas reminds me of Platos cave and the chains that bind. In the cave, man is chained and made to watch the paries a nd the shadows on the wall. This is what constitutes his world. However, someone comes along and tries to make man see the beauty of the life outside.However, man accustomed to his world is confused with what he sees. This makes him want to conk to the cave. In the poem, youth is chained to the wall. His intelligence and genius is shackled away to prevent it from flying. The writer exhorts the reader to smash these chains and see the light. Additionaly, Rizal sees mother Spain as one who tries to make the youth see the light. Instead of returning to the darkness However,unlike Platos cave, the writer sees one who has been fully freed from their chains in their mind.What perplexes me is that the writer writes of one who rises on his fantasy in search of poetry. I am tempted to interpret this as a general search for knowledge since we can say that whatever can be known can be expressed in the poetry of something (e. g biology as poetry of nature, mathematics as poetry of numbers). Ho wever, I am not entirely sure of this. But in the spirit of Rizals other writings I can say that this may be true. In the end, the writer exhorts the youthful and skillful musician, sculptor, and the painter to make haste and strive for glory.Because as said in the final stanza, the gains of these people will reflect on the nation itself and in the end will be a blessing to us all. However, in the present situation, I doubt that Rizal would be proud of the youth. though growing in strength, a majority are still living in their own worlds, oblivious to the world outside. They need to know more about the world and see things for what they actually are. This of course is a challenge for education.

Statement of purpose Essay Example for Free

Statement of purpose EssayCivil Engineering is alert to the modern world as it has been since the beginning of human history. The scientific, mathematical and team-working challenges present in modern engineering have always fascinated me and from the beginning of my substitute(prenominal) education, I have realized that I ordain always crave and enjoy such challenges. My desire to command projects from drawings and numbers on a public opinion poll of paper to awe-inspiring physical structures has been present ever since I took part in a give instruction engineering project. It consisted of three teams of five students whose task was to role and build a mini-sculpture of a transport bridge which would later be tested and scrutinized by the task leaders. My communication and leadership abilities were obvious from this project and I have been focused on improving them ever since. My desire and interest for engineering was yet escalated as I watched day-by-day the construct ion of 30 St Mary ax all the way to completion.My wonder that such a beautiful and complicated building could be constructed inwardly the UK simply inspired me. My ambition for the future is to stick a fully qualified Civil Engineer and to work my way up in a large construction company to become a Project Manager. I have read many case studies of people who have achieved this and I am working hard in position to imbibe the skills and knowledge these successful engineers have.I am before long studying Advanced Higher Mathematics and Higher Business Management because I believe these subjects shtup provide me with the essential skills and knowledge vital to a successful engineer. I real much enjoy mathematics a it being my most unadulterated subject. I have taken part in the Mathematics Challenge every year of my secondary education and have found each yearas puzzle more exciting than the last. Completion of this yearas challenge is therefore one of my targets for the coming year.In addition to this, I have also conjugate the Stirling High School Senior Mathematics Team and am eagerly awaiting the scheduled competitions against our neighbouring domesticates in the Central Region. In my sixth year at school I have taken part in the Young Enterprise program and have managed to obtain the position of Finance Director, I have finish this through convincing the other members of my mathematical talent and interest.I often have long discussions with the Managing Director about the companyas next moves and provide him with the monetary data that I have collected. I have also taken the initiative to set up a chess club in my school where I teach the junior members and some disabled students how to play chess, and for the students already able, I show them tricks and techniques in order to develop their skills as a player. I find this very rewarding and exciting as I can apply my communication and teaching skills to a avocation.I have managed to build a rela tionship with the Large Property Developer a? Carronvale Homesa. I have informed them of my desire to be a civil engineer and so once a week I am granted access to talk to the Project Manager at a site near my home who gives me updates and insights into what is going on around the site that day. I have found our interactions to be invaluable as they have provided me with an insight into what a day in the life of a Project Manager is like and has further escalated my ambition to be a civil engineer.In addition to my school related commitments, I am currently working part time as a sales assistant at Homebase while I complete my studies. I enjoy working during very busy hours so I can challenge myself and further improve my communication skills whilst sustaining an acceptable level of service under enormous pressure. Working within this environment has drastically improved my ability to work as an individual and as part of a small team and I hope to further improve these skills in the future.My main hobby is playing the bagpipes both as a solo competitor and as part of a world funding winning pipe band. My father has the leading role as Pipe Major in the band but I am often relied upon to lead the 30-strong team in his absence. This allows me to test my communication and leadership skills simultaneously. I have trained since I was very young and have shown absolute commitment to my hobby for almost ten years. I am absolutely committed to becoming a successful engineer and will work endlessly in order to achieve my goals.I feel that university will be one of the most exciting and interesting times of my life and eagerly await the experiences which university life will provide for me. I believe I am more than capable of achieving my aspirations through a series of short-term goals a perhaps the most square of which is gaining entrance into university, which will provide me with the challenges and experiences any ambitious engineer should crave.

Stereotypes Of Mental Illness Sociology Essay

Stereotypes Of genial unwellness Sociology EssayStereotypes of kind disease form by personal experiences combined with the puzzle out of external sources, the most influential probably beingness the mass media. Theoretical conclusions suggest that the media has a powerful influence over guild, only they do non consider the types of media and the varying audience have-to doe withd. This survey will attempt to insure whether Disneys portrayal of cordial illness affects how society perceives rational illness. This research will be snapd using secondary information. The research is completed done a analyseed selection of Disney films and examination of how char symbolizeers are assigned psychical illness traits. The characters are so compared to how mess in similar sites would be accepted in society, and compare whether the Disney films hand influenced this acceptance. Results of the study indicate that much research is needed.OMIS2Low Risk seek ethics Approva lWhere NO human participants are involved and/or when using secondary data Undergraduate or Postgraduate or Member of cater evaluating service level qualityProject TitleDoes Disneys portrayal of psychic illness affect how society perceives mental illness. pencil lead Investigator CertificationI believe that this project does non require research ethics approval.XI confirm that I have answered all relevant questions in the checklist honestly.XI confirm that I will carry out the project in the ways described in the checklist. I will immediately appropriate research and request a new ethical approval if the project after transplants the development I have given in the checklist.XPrincipal InvestigatorName Stephanie SandallDate 13/06/2012Students Supervisor (if applicable)I have read the checklist and confirm that it covers all the ethical issues raised by this project full and frankly. I confirm that I have discussed this project with the student and agree that it does not requi re research ethics approval. I will continue to re think ethical issues in the course of supervision.Name Thomas Thurnell-ReadDate 22/08/2012IntroductionThe Walt Disney Corporation is an Ameri basis mass media company which is most famously cognize for childrens films (Booker, 2012). This dissertation will explore the influence of the media on the audience, more specifically to examine whether Disneys portrayal of mental illness affects how society perceives mental illness. I have identified common features in literature regarding the influence of media and exoteric opinion, and relevant sources will be utilize to this study.The Oxford English Dictionary defines mental illness as a soma which ca aims serious disorder in a persons behaviour or thinking (2012), this does not necessarily mean that society shares the same rationality. Mental illnesses are variations of behaviours that are not considered acceptable in society, a mental process of socially diagnosing plenty that de viate from societys norms and throw out easily be affected by social spay (Scheff, 1975). Stereotypes of mental illness form through personal experiences combined with the influence of external sources, shared patterns of behaviour and interactions and affective understanding learned through the process of socialization (Damen, 1987), implying that societys norms and set are what carve our individual personas. Negative stereotypes drive out also lead to the process of suckertising, isolating members of society, sometimes even institutionalising members in order to force setity. Terms associated with mental illness are reduced to casual insults rather than official medical terms as society constructs those with abnormal behaviours to be mentally ill (Scheff, 1975). Previous research implies that the most influential external source to shape public opinion to be the mass media (Breslow, 2002). The Walt Disney Corporation is the worlds largest media conglomerate, primarily foun d in film and television sectors of the media industry (Best Communications Degrees, 2013). Approximately 200 million sight will view a Disney film in a year (Giroux, 2002). Due to its large scale availability and popularity, this study aims to examine whether Disneys portrayal of mental illness affects how society perceives mental illness.The Walt Disney Company influences how children are introduced to norms and values of society through its attractive magical word picture associated with its films. Disney films are considered as a normal form of cheer for children by society, drop outing Disneys perception of society to be taught without challenge, as a extend socialising the audience into what Disney finds to be an acceptable ideology (Giroux, 2002).The purpose of this study is to examine whether Disneys portrayal of mental illness affects how society perceives mental illness. This research has practical relevance which hopefully through its findings and conclusion will add to the scientific knowledge, and gather society more aware of any effects the media has on the perception of mental illness, most specifically Disney films. In order to understand how Disney movies pre displace mental illness to society through its characters, I will conduct a literature review to gain a stronger background of knowledge on the motif before writing a methodology that will be utilise to investigate my research question. To assess the research question, I will primarily analyse secondary data and combine this with a personally reviewed selection of Disney films to investigate how characters are assigned mental illness traits. The secondary data will be formed of quantitative and qualitative approaches. I find this technique will allow me to gain a better and deeper understanding of the subject. I will thus compare the Disney characters to how people in similar situations would be accepted in society, and whether the Disney films have influenced this acceptance.Lit erature ReviewSociety is dependent on the media for information and cheer due to its easy access, as well as its ability to be culturally encoded for all to understand. According to Breslow (2002), the mass media perform three major functions in society, these are educating, shaping public relations, and advocating a particular point of view across society. The Walt Disney Corporation is an American mass media company which is most famously cognise for childrens films and is the worlds largest media conglomerate (Best Communications Degrees, 2013). Due to Disneys large scale popularity, this study aims to examine whether Disneys portrayal of mental illness affects how society perceives mental illness, since the coverage of mental health in the media is a controversial subject and it is deemed as a sensitive topic by some individuals in society.Audience ResearchIt is not nevertheless the media source itself, but the audience that needs to be considered. Disney films are generall y intended for a younger audience. Evidence demonstrates that children are the main viewers of Disney films (Booker, 2012). Children can be easily influenced by media consumption as they easily accept and internalise media messages, this is shown by Banduras Bobo Doll Study (1963). Bandura divided 48 girls and 48 boys into 3 experimental groups and a control group. The groups were subject to different conditions associated with a Bobo doll. The first group witnessed an adult become aggressive towards a Bobo doll in a live scenario. The second group viewed a film of the adult acting aggressively to a Bobo doll. The third group watched a cartoon animal act aggressively towards a Bobo doll. The children watched the aggressive acts individually, preventing an influence of opinion or distraction off other children in the group and allowing individual differences of opinion to emerge. After observe the precedents, for each one of the children from the four groups were individually put in a room with an experimenter where they were exposed to a mildly frustrating situation to elicit aggression. After this, the children were sent to play in a room of toys which overwhelmd a Bobo doll. Researchers covertly observed the children, noting any interaction with the Bobo doll. Results showed that the children who had been exposed to the aggressive behaviour, exhibited nearly twice as much aggressive behaviour than the control group. The results demonstrate that media can be influential on the behaviour of children, therefore implying that Disney movies may affect a childs behaviour. This study can be criticised due to having a pocket-sized ethnocentric sample size, so the results cannot be generalised to the wider society. However, it must also be considered that children may associate adults as disciplinary figures, so the children mimic the behaviour shown as if they are trying to conform to adult behaviour. in spite of this, this study is appropriate to the research as it demonstrates the influence that media and adult role models have on children. Audiences may also interpret results differently, as Thompson (1995) argues that audiences do not automatically passively accept information but actively select and interpret, resist or even challenge the media, affected through individual differences and experiences.In contrast, McQuail (2005) suggests that the media can have planned and unplanned effects on the audience, with short and long term effects. McQuail does not generalise the audience to be a mass being, as he finds these factors to be heightened by individual differences. Therefore, there is a fragmentation of the audience, in this example Disney films are primarily associated with a younger audience (Booker, 2012). As a result, there is no single mass audience, people may choose to watch a programme at a later date and media messages may not distribute throughout society. Furthermore not everyone in society will view the media, so pe ople will not share the exact same values. Despite this, the audience is widely dispersed and the media is easily able to control the audience and spread messages (McQuail, 2005). Contrasting to this sight, Disney may be more foc trace use ofd on capitalism than social control, as found by Fiske (1987), Disneys discipline could be influenced through the structured media market-led environment through the consumer choice of media and globalisation. The media is a business and the audience is the consumer. familiar interests are subordinated to private capitalistic interests. It could be progress considered that the media has become a form of ideological apparatus (Milner and Browitt, 2002). The media narrative is constructed to encourage the acceptance of social positions, sledding the individual to emotionally invest in the source through identifying similar personal traits. The perspective associates the audience as a passive being, as the media is controlling and positions the audience through an emotional connection.Ctausses (1968) Schema of Differential Audience Reach finds that not all members of the audience accept the media values transmitted. Ctausse displays how media messages go through a process of being offered, receivable, received, registered, before being potentially internalised by the audience. This is further examined by British Cultural Studies, who investigate the way audiences decode media messages. They find the decrypt of media messages varies on primary definers and individual differences, such as social and linguistic differences (Hall, 1973). Three types of decoding were proposed by Hall (1973). Dominant decoding views that the audience acknowledges media values and easily accepts the media discourse. Negotiated decoding, detects that the audience recognises the media has interpreted the events in a certain way, the audience is not completely passive to media messages. Oppositional decoding, finds that the audience challenges media authority. An example of oppositional decoding would be the womens rightist approach to a male presented dominated programme. This is significant to the research as it implies that the Disney audience have individual differences and not all will decode the content in the same manner. However, this research is opposed by cultivation theory. Cultivation theory suggests that the more time spent by the individual watching television, the more the viewer will come to view reality through ideologies imposed by the media (Gerbner et al, 2002). This is strengthened by social learning theory, which implies that learning is influenced by people and events presented in the media (Bandura, 1994), finding media to be a large scale influence on how people perceive society. False representation of mental illness reinforced through the media can encourage the audience to conform and accept stereotypes. This may result in the possibility of ostracize attitudes towards individuals with ment al illnesses obtained during childhood persevering into adulthood.Stuart Halls response Theory finds the media to have a polysemic structure, the producers of the media encode a message for the audience to decode (Kitzinger, 2004), implying that the audience are in control. This is further developed by Halls (1973) encoding and Decoding model which considers the media as a process whereby messages are sent and received with certain effects that alter how the audience perceives things. As a result, media messages can be interpreted differently by audiences and may not be understood in the way desired by producers (Hall, 1973). It can be argued that this process encourages maximum potential of audience involvement, as the media acts as a socialising force, in the case of Disney it allows the development of market off the characters personas to society. In support of this, Fiske examined the effect of semiotic negotiation and resistance the audience has the ability to shape media m eaning to the self. This means that the audience can subvert conformity, they are not a slave to the media, and therefore Disney films do not necessarily affect how an individual views mental illness (Fiske, 1987). In contrast, Lazarsfeld and Merton (1948) perceive the media to be a form of entertainment, which allows the audience to take out the hardship of reality and simultaneously integrates society. However, it must be considered that this is only a theoretical perspective, it is formed of hypothesise and not first-hand research. Challenges to this theory include the Marxist perspective, which was further developed by the Neo-Marxist perspective as the media was not far developed in Karl Marxs lifetime. As we have seen earlier, it can be considered that Disney has a capitalistic nature and linguistic intentions may not be to harm the audience, but rather captivate them.The media, according to Baudrillard (1989), has created a new form of reality hyper reality where an image is produced by the media that is more real to the individual than the item is initially supposed to represent. This theory is further supported by Giroux (2002) who classifies Disney films as teaching machines (p. 100), enabled through marketing and globalisation. Overall, the media should be used to teach awareness of mental illness and not reinforce invalidating stereotypes (Stuart, 2006).Media Coverage of Mental IllnessIt must be considered that the media is used as a form of entertainment. The Uses and Gratification Model finds that the audience is an active force, who use the media for their own pleasure (Fiske, 1987). The media and its producers do not have power over the audience, it merely provides the audience with entertainment and diversion from reality. This is challenged by the Frankfurt School, who find the audience to be passive to media effects. They produced the hypodermic syringe model, which metaphorically analyses the audience as accepting an injection of inform ation from a media source the audience accepts the norms and values prescribed by the media. The model believes that there is a direct correlation mingled with violent behaviour in the media and violent behaviour in reality, which could be applied to violent Disney villains (Haney, 2005).The firing Media Survey of 2005 assessed the media coverage of mental health issues. The Shift Media Survey of 2005 conducted primary research, included the use of focus groups, interviews and using a range of media samples. It found only one example which concentrated on the negative stigma experienced by people with mental health problems, with the rest of the articles more focused on the issue of violence. This research can be applied to Disney movies, as villains are generally classed as being violent and acting deviant of social norms. The results of the focus group found that most individuals took the media at daring value, highlighting the mass effect of the media and its ability to reinfo rce prejudices in society. This suggests that the negative stigma attached to mental illness by society is not based on any real knowledge, but on what society have been informed of via the mass media. However, the data of this research cannot be generalised to everyone due to its small specific sample, and correlational data does not imply causation. However, the problem with focus groups is that some participants may either hold back due to the lack of anonymity and confidentiality due to being in a group with other participants, or participants may attempt to answer the moderators questions with answers they presume the moderator wants to hear. Furthermore, the interpretation of focus group data may also vary between researchers. Though this research does no directly apply to Disney media production, its results can be assessed to understand whether the media has an impact on public opinion. Overall, the research finds that media generally portrays mental illness through a negati ve stereotype, used mainly to reinforce and sell stories associated with criminal or deviant behaviour. These negative stereotypes can also be used in childrens films to differentiate between good and evil characters, as shown by Robinson et al (2007) who discovers that a large destiny of older Disney characters are associated with these negative stereotypes surrounding mental illness. This is further researched by Sadler (2005) through the notion of cultural sanctioning, the media reinforces cultural ideals, which at the same time maintains viewership through familiarity.Beveridge (1996) focused on the portrayal of mental illness in four classic Disney films Dumbo, Alice in Wonderland, Mary Poppins, and beaut and the Beast. Beveridge examined that sane characters that reacted strongly to a situation were negatively labelled as being mad. This is demonstrated in Dumbo through Dumbos mother defending her son against bullying, she is judged to be mad after her outrage and is subsequ ently locked away from society, implying that mental illness should be kept from society. McKie (2003) further argues that the negative perception of madness in childrens films is providing children with false impressions of mental illness. This article may not be an academic source, but it is an example of mass media implying that childrens films have an effect on the perception of mental illness, nevertheless it is supported by Mind (2011). Research completed by Mind (2011) suggests that the media is failing to give mental health complete consideration, as demonstrated by 45% of the people questioned couldnt guess beholding any reports about mental health in any media over the past twelve months. Only 33% of the participants could remember observing a newsprint report associated with mental illness, 25% could recall seeing a documentary broadcast directly based on the subject, and 22% viewed mental illness being addressed in television dramas. This data may not directly apply to Disney films, but it demonstrates how the media has a large scale impact on the publics recall and opinions. It can be criticised that these statistics are based on the memory and recall ability of participants, therefore the results may not be entirely accurate as some individuals may have forgotten about seeing some mental illness related reports, and this can affect the reliability of the data.Madness is the implication of an individual being in an idiosyncratic state, where people do not immediately understand or make sense of an individuals behaviour (Pilgrim, 2009). This can result in the implication of alienation, as demonstrated by Madhouses in Victorian society, which fuelled negative stereotypes of mental illness in society. Negative stereotypes may put people at risk of social exclusion and can lead to people feeling stigmatised by society. As a consequence, the individual may develop what Goffman (1963) calls a spoiled identity and demonstrate further abnormal behavi our in society. Goffman (1961) primarily writes about patients being institutionalised and the implications of psychiatric hospitals, but the writing can be applied to the treatment of Disney characters. For example, it can be related to a scene in Beauty and the Beast, where Maurice is locked away from society by the townsfolk as society doesnt accept his behaviour or opinions, this will be analysed further in the discussion section of the dissertation.Lawson and Fouts (2004) found 85% of 34 animated films produced by Disney between 1937 and 2001, contained references to characters with mental illness. There was an average of 4.6 references per film alienating characters, furthermore 21% of principal characters were being judged to have a mental illness. The research concludes that the use of terms such as crazy mad and nut allows a segregation of characters, separating them from what is classed as normal. This can provoke alienation and associate fear with characters deemed as bei ng mentally ill. However, this study does not consider the appearance of characters, which could further affect the audiences perception of a character. This research may be dated due to more Disney films being released, it displays how frequently Disney refers to mental illness. It must also be considered that there is a time limit in the media when divulging a story, therefore the use of stereotypes to portray characters allows easier association with the viewers daily life (Signorielli, 2001).In contrast to the research discussed, Booker (2010) finds that Disney encourages individualism that people do not need to change who they are to be accepted in society. Characters appear to suffer negative treatment by society until they learn to accept who they are. For example, this is shown through Dumbo learning to address his differences and proving himself to society. This could suggest that mental illness is related to moral failures.Medicine has adapted Disney characters to mental disorders, implying that science finds the Disney characters to be associated with mental illness. The psychological and personality disorders named after Disney characters, include Peter Pan Syndrome, Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, Rapunzel Syndrome, and Cinderella Complex. These conditions imply that Disney characters have had a direct impact on mental illness. Peter Pan Syndrome, according to kylie (1983), demonstrates the alienation of men failing to confront the emotional realities of society through their narcissistic nature, women are found accountable of accepting immature behaviour. The psychological condition finds that some members of society, like the fictional character, remain in a childish state, failing to accept appropriate adult roles in society. The work primarily focuses on men and shows how women mature faster. This is similar to the Disney film which shows Wendy to grow up and teach the other children how to behave. Sleeping Beauty Syndrome is a disorder that invol ves people uncontrollably quiescency for days at a time. Rapunzel Syndrome often affects those with mental illness, as the Rapunzel character is implied to be suffering severe depression, it involves people eating their hair (Singla et al, 1999). Cinderella Complex finds women conform and lower expectations in order to fit into society, young girls have no aspirations, conforming to a stereotypical housewife lifestyle (Kerr, 1985). The research may be dated, but it supports the thesis of Disney affecting societys perception of mental illness.The medical model defines mental illness through classification schemes. There are several weaknesses of this model including the validity and reliability of diagnostic criteria (Sadler, 2005). The model ignores individual differences and classifies people into categories in which they might not belong. In opposition to this, Szasz (1961) puts forward the Myth of Mental Illness which contemplates whether mental illness actually exists, due to t he overuse of the notion associated with problems of living. However, the existence of mental illness has been around for a long time and in a variety of cultures, implying that mental illness is not socially constructed, but that society can manipulate how mental illness is perceived. Szasz (1961) further examines that the label of mental illness allows the power of social control to discipline and manage those who wont conform. This includes state legislation, such as the Mental Health Act 2007 (CPS, 2013).ConclusionsWhilst conducting the literature review, it has been understood that Walt Disney himself was associated with mental illness. His mother died when he was young, coincidently he was obsessed with the concept of family. This could have impacted the structure of Disney productions, as most Disney movies begin with the mother dying or already dead. However, this may not account for movies created after his death that contain references to mental illness, unless Disney are intending to stick to storylines that Walt Disney would find acceptable.Not all texts address mental illness in association to Disney films, as shown by Deconstructing Disney (Byrne and McQuillan, 2000) and Mouse Morality The Rhetoric of Disney Animated Film (Ward, 2002). These books cover themes such as sexuality, race and gender, but fail to consider the implications Disney films have on mental health. The disregard implies that it is acceptable for Disney to stigmatise those who are mentally ill.The research discussed suggests that there has been little social change in regards to how the media portrays mental illness, there is a negative stereotype and this is presented in the selection of Disney films studied. However, I feel that there is only a limited soma of studies and this is an area that needs to be examined in more detail. Each source analysed highlights a negative connotation attached to mental illness which has produced a stigma in society, reinforced by the media di scourse. Wahl et al (2003) reach a concerning conclusion that forthcoming generations will be continually exposed to negative images and views of mental illness unless children are introduced to destigmatising programs. Instead of labelling someone as insane and producing a negative stigma, the media and society should focus on the specific problems and behaviours of the individual, fixing the negative stereotypes attached to mental illness (Jorm, 2000). While none of the above theories offer a solution to the negative association of mental illness, they do demonstrate awareness. There is no perspective that can be absolute when analysing social actions.MethodologyThis section will reflect how evidence will be collected to support the arguments of my research question. As discussed in the Literature Review, the majority of the previous work in this area has concentrated on stereotypes and the audience.In order to find out whether the publics perception of mental health is affected by Disney films, I need to establish initially how the public perceive mental health in order to reach a context specific definition of mental illness. The NHS is the largest publicly funded health service in existence, therefore I feel that they have a high enough influence to be regarded in this research in order to gain an understanding of mental health. I will use a publically accessible NHS document, in order to gain an understanding of what the British health system classifies mental illness asMental well-being crucially affects healthy military operation of individuals, families, communities and societies. It fundamentally affects behaviour, social cohesion, social inclusion and economic prosperity. Underlying social, economic and environmental dimensions that can affect a persons well-being relate to factors such as employment status, education, health and household/neighbourhood characteristics. (NHS Confederation, 2012).To find out whether the publics perception of menta l health is affected by Disney films, I will conduct a content analysis to identify what terms related to mental illness are used in Disney films, I will then consider the contextual intentions of Disney. I will use theory to further analyse my results to gain a well-rounded view of the subject. I will also examine behavioural responses to Disney through the use of secondary research such as The Shift Media Survey of 2005 to examine my data. There is a mixed methods approach to the research, it is not specifically focused on quantitative or qualitative methods, allowing a continuum of the two.Selecting the SampleIn order to examine whether Disneys portrayal of mental illness affects how society perceives mental illness, I have decided to base my research sample on the most popular Disney feature length films. I examined the success rate of films from each of them based on their profit, which combined with the availability of films, the following films were included Snow White and th e Seven Dwarfs (1937), Pinocchio (1940), Dumbo (1941), Cinderella (1950), Alice in Wonderland (1951), Peter Pan (1953), The Jungle Book (1967), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), The Lion King (1994), Toy Story (1995), Hercules (1997), Tarzan (1999), The Emperors New Groove (2000), The Pirates of the Caribbean The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003), Alice in Wonderland (2010). In total my sample consisted of xvi Walt Disney Pictures, with only two films not being of an animated nature.ProcedureTo begin with, I viewed my selected films and took general notes which allowed me to create a basic coding scheme. I then re-watched the films to ensure reliability, I also re-recorded the occurrence of the selected terms associated with mental illness across a range of Disney films. The coding scheme included references to behaviour and the corporeal description of characters, such as mad insane and strange. I will also note the contextual circumstances of which the references were m ade. The coding scheme will initially exclude character names, but these will be noted for later consideration, e.g. The Mad Hatter. The context of code will be considered before recording to make sure the term is being used an appropriate sense. Once the coding was complete I noted the main themes that had emerged in order to aid my future analysis. Visual representations are also important to consider when studying mental illness in the media to examine how characters conform to stereotypes, as I found through my literature review that there was a lack of regard to character appearances.AnalysisA content analysis describes what is there, but does not provide key reasoning, so I will be combining my research with a theoretical analysis. This will consist of selecting and discussing theoretical material and a detailed analogy of applicable theories. This will aid us in understanding whether certain theories help us to comprehend particular patterns of social behaviour. This approa ch will allow me to assess contrasting sources, allowing a more critical attitude. However, a content analysis describes what is there, but does not provide underlying reasoning. Data collected from a variety of sources, such as