Tree Planting and Reforestation

Pocahontas - Cultural Anthropology Essay - 1009 Words

Writing Assignment #1: The Cultural Construction of the Idea of Progress Film chosen: Pocahontas One of Walt Disney’s most famous films, Pocahontas, takes place in the 1600s, as the British discover parts of the â€Å"New World† that are inhabited by native Americans. In this film, we are able to contrast the primitive lifestyle and culture of the Native Americans to that of the British, and are able to see how the ideas of â€Å"progress† or social evolution play a role in the ethnocentric bias held by the Westerners during this time, causing the primitive stereotypes to be built. Disney uses the structure of the characters themselves- what they wear, how they speak, what they eat, what they believe in, etc.; and the plot line of the film, to†¦show more content†¦The initial reaction to seeing the culture and way of life amongst the Indians is to see them as â€Å"uncivilized† and â€Å"savage†, just as John Smith was saying on the boat. However throughout the film Disney begins to challenge this belief and sh ows us that the westerner’s way of life may not be the best way of life for everyone. Up until this point, John Smith and the rest of the English men had been discovering new places and finding Native American’s that had been living for many years on these foreign lands. The Europeans always saw these natives as uncivilized, barbaric savages, who needed to be taken over and â€Å"westernized†. John Smith makes a comment to Pocahontas about how they could make the Indians life better, and build them roads and tall buildings, and teach them how to â€Å"make the most of their land†. This is a perfect example of the ethnocentric bias mentality of the Europeans. They never once considered that someone else’s way of living and culture could actually be a successful. They thought that their way was the best way, and anything else was just an underdeveloped, barbaric lifestyle that needed to progress into the westernized lifestyle. After John Smith makes this comment about â€Å"bettering the Indian’s life styles† Pocahontas is deeply offended and proceeds to sing the popular song, The Colors of the Wind. In this song Pocahontas calls John Smith out on his ethnocentric stance and showsShow MoreRelatedEssay on Racism in Disney Films2220 Words   |  9 Pagesthe process; have perpetuated an institutionally racist society based on harsh stereotypes. Minorities are often underrepresented, and even completely left out, of many Disney films such as Dumbo (1941), The Lion King (1994), Aladdin (1992), and Pocahontas (1995). As students enter the doors of schools, they bring with them the notion that white characters and people are superior to blacks or other minorities because that is how they are depicted in Disney films. However, is the â€Å"magical world of

Analysis of Four Seasons Business Culture

Question: Discuss about the Analysis of Four Seasons Business Culture. Answer: Introduction: The European culture differs from the culture in North America and France. The ability to consistently offer exceptional services by Four Seasons increased the hotels revenues at an average of 22.6 percent annually since 1996 through 2000(Roger, David, Carin-Isabel, 2003). Exceptional services meant offering personalized, high-quality services that maximized Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts value over the time. Four Seasons had a unique management and team structure whereby compensation was based on service quality, employees attitudes, and property profit. The management of Four Seasons-operated with the principle that, " they should deliver high-quality services with most valuable standards to the customers and at a minimal cost to the Hotel itself. However, the firm felt comfortable of going global to international markets where different business cultures created a new experience. For one to become a manager in the global setting, world citizenship was essential (Moran, Abramson, Moran, 2014). The management required that discipline, compassion, and modesty was significant in knowing customers interest and maintaining professionalism in the international market. High prevailing firm sentiment established a strong association to the business. The success of Four Seasons resulted from longevity employee retention who had a strong allegiance to the Hotel(Roger, David, Carin-Isabel, 2003). The field and corporate staff valued the firm as they did to their families with strict obedience to rules, procedures, traditions, and work ethics. Four seasons approach to global growth committed more efforts to creating diversity and enhancing singularity. The processes needed to launch and open hotel was the same to the local procedures(Roger, David, Carin-Isabel, 2003). The operating standards of Four Seasons have been universal in that the management advocates for providing delicious meals, comfortable rooms, and providing a timely message to the clients. The key value of Four Seasons services is the choice to offer exceptional, personal services that distinguish the Hotel from other Restaurants. Customized services are just an element of success, but not the primary determinant. Hiring employees who are unique in character and skills just like the guests, this resulted to delivering anticipatory, enthusiastic, and intelligent services. Service culture was core as the firm put all beliefs into practice. Intellectual empathy while treating guests was highly emphasized, famously termed "The Golden Rule." This rule was highly acknowledged in all cities, towns, and villages all over the globe. The human resources of Four Seasons treated guests with close attention just the same way they would have wished to get dealt with by others. However, working in the international arena needed cultural adjustment by a manager to cope with that nation's business culture. This is because management of different cultural perceptions could be problematic for Four Seasons (Gunlu, Aksarayli, ?ahin Perin, 2010). For instance, North Americans operating in France. Valuing human relationships and interrelationships were key. Communication and conflict resolution was promoted in the hotel through horizontal communication approach. Employees, managers, and supervisors respected superiors and this cultivated sensitivity and success. Four Seasons aimed at providing friendly customer services with sensitivity and dedication to enhancing quality guests services. Understanding different country cultures on business especially in France made the firm excel and sustained competitiveness in the industry (Clerides, Nearchou, Pashardes, 2008). The Seven Four Season's customers service cultures comprised of a smile, eye contact, recognition, voice, informed, cleanliness, and caring for every guest. References Clerides, S., Nearchou, P., Pashardes, P. (2008). Intermediaries as quality assessors: Tour operators in the travel industry.International Journal of Industrial Organization,26(1), 372-392. Moran, R. T., Abramson, N. R., Moran, S. V. (2014).Managing cultural differences. Routledge. Gunlu, E., Aksarayli, M., ?ahin Perin, N. (2010). Job satisfaction and organizational commitment of hotel managers in Turkey.International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management,22(5), 693-717. Roger, H., David, B., Carin-Isabel, K. (2003). Four Seasons Goes to Paris: 53 Properties, 24 Countries, I Philosophy". Paris: Harvard Business School.