Female Genital Mutilation Comparing Two Primary Source Articles Essay

Female Genital Mutilation Comparing Two Primary Source Articles - Essay Example The two articles; "Wanjiku: Life of A Traditional Woman" by Jean Davison and "National Bodies, Unspeakable Acts: The Sexual Politics of Colonial Policy Making" by Susan Pedersen have given great insight into the myriad aspects of the custom and the controversy surrounding it. Indeed, both the articles have made it clear that female circumcision had not only cultural significance but the political connotations of the issue had superseded its relevance or non relevance in Kenya, especially in the early and mid twentieth century. It was the time when female circumcision was an intrinsic part of socio-cultural dynamics of Kenya which had become synonymous with the identity of Kikuyu. As can be adjudged by Wanjiku's narration, the inhabitants were deeply rooted in the way of life the "Gikuyu" (i.e the cultural community) proposed. A very strong joint family structure was prevalent and their entire life was concentrated within their circles. Having said so, the custom of Irua which could be a barbaric vestige to our perception was as natural for them as a harvesting season festival or a wedding. The Irua was a custom of central significance to the Kikuyu life. The public ceremony marked a new phase in the life of women, it bonded those who were "initiated" very strongy and established a hierarchical structure in the community. Sir Grigg observed in one his letters to Sidney Webb at the Colonial Office," This faction, through its ill-advised attitude, done more than anything else to delay the emancipation of Kikuyu womanhood".1 Though there was some element of truth to this statement, I believe it is important to target the heart of the matter itself. What led to Irua or Clitoridectomy to occupy such an important position in the life of Kikuyu members in the first place What is the heart of the matter The real trigger As described in Pedersen's text, Historians have sidelined in detail how the estrangement and settlement of white population pockets," the establishment of adjoining "native reserves," the construction of a system of "tribal" authority often at odds with earlier political structures, and the deliberate use of taxation and legislation to restrict Africans' freedom to grow cash crops and to coerce them into wage labor left many Kikuyu with little of their "traditional" life, except perhaps the still-powerful rituals of clitoridectomy and male circumcision." 2 Not surprisingly, Irua became synonymous with Kikuyu pride and thus gained momentum as a tradition that signified national pride. The many sides of the coin The nationalist sentiments on the basis of this custom were fanned as the custom was not allowed to remain confined to the community. It soon catapulted into the pivot around which colonial and nationalist arguments and revolutions were based. While on one

Virgin Atlantic Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Virgin Atlantic - Case Study Example They use a mixed Boeing and Airbus fleet, operating between Australia, Asia, the Caribbean, Middle East, Africa, North America, and the UK from bases at Heathrow and Gatwick airports. Virgin Atlantic also operates domestic flights in the UK from March 2013. Virgin Atlantic had 5.3 million passengers in 2011, which makes it the 8th largest airline in the UK. Political influences Tax policies have influenced the airline heavily over the years. Because of its globalization strategy, the different tax policies used by different countries have had an effect on costs. Increased environmental demands by environmentalists have forced Virgin Atlantic to reduce cargo weight and aircraft weight to reduce pollution. This has made Virgin Atlantic research into bio-fuels. Employment laws have also been tightened following cabin crew strikes. In addition, terrorist threats have made Virgin Atlantic take out insurance policies for their crew. Economic factors There is an increasing trend where major ity of countries are seeing decreasing GDP because high unemployment levels and high living standards. This has seen decreasing numbers of clients for Virgin Atlantic. The recent recession has also affected consumer frequency and forced Virgin Atlantic to reduce flights. High exchange rates have also affected Virgin Atlantic due to increased oil prices, resulting in increased airfare. Finally, the increase of interest rates because of slow economic growth, which has seen Virgin Airlines increase airfare because of increased payments on overdrafts and loans. Social factors Various countries practice different religions, and this has made Virgin Atlantic take their staff for training to handle different clients with differing religious beliefs. With different age groups of consumers, Virgin Airlines has installed entertainment for children going on holiday, for instance. Virgin Atlantic, because of its globalization strategy, has also had to train its staff in different languages beca use of the global nature of its clients. Finally, Virgin Atlantic has undertaken various social responsibilities like slum upgrading in Kenya and home sanctuaries for white rhinos and other endangered species. Technological factors These factors influence the lowering of entry barriers for new services and reduction of minimum efficient production. Some include R&D, for example, because of the increased air pollution, Virgin Atlantic undertaken research on the bio-fuel use. In addition, they have also introduced office equipment with internet facilities to cater for business travelers. Technology has also enabled them to communicate with clients, for example, for booking of flights. 2. At Corporate Level there are alternative strategic options for growth that an organisation can take in terms of choices about products or markets. The Ansoff Matrix can be used to identify various strategies that could be adopted by an organisation to pursue growth. Using the Ansoff Matrix, and making reference to examples, evaluate the various strategies that Virgin Atlantic could consider in order to pursue growth to develop their competitive position. Of the four market/product strategies that Ansoff identified, the strategies that Virgin Atlantic is implementing are market expansion or penetration and development of products. These specific strategies come with low risk levels and medium levels of risk for Virgin Atlantic as; indeed, it does for all other companies. The evidence for the strategy of market