Adolf Loos Design Culture Essay Example for Free

Adolf Loos Design Culture Essay There are, or were, better arguments than Loos’s against the misuse of ornament. It could be considered morally dubious, because it is a means of showing off ones wealth. That historical argument was made in the days when hand-crafted decorations were very expensive, but it no longer applicable, now that ornament can be machine-made at a modest cost. In any case, good ornamentation has never been valued solely as ostentation; traditionally, it has also been seen to have real aesthetic merit. Sometimes, excessive ornamentation could be said to be unaesthetic; and in my perspective, some extreme art creations fall into this error. Art plays a particularly important and influential role in culture. It does not simply reflect culture; it creates culture. By studying ornamentation in different periods of design history, we can understand more about how it has manifested itself and why it is a vital part of our history. Window displays, if used effectively, can bring retailers new customers, create customer loyalty, and enhance the image of the business. By decorating and furnishing the display windows, retailers can attract more customers into their stores, increase the sales and revenue, because the majority of purchase decisions are made on impulse. Window displays continue to have a massive influence even until now. It is one of the most important tools to draw customers’ attention. Even from an economic perspective, ornamentation is not necessarily a waste of labour, money, and materials. The 19th century definitely is the century of decorative arts. At the beginning of the century, the arts were ornamental subjects in the education of young ladies and gentlemen. Artistic accomplishments were displayed in pleasing social performances that appeared effortless but demonstrated good taste and ideal values, knowledge, and skills. Art education was one component of a process of secular refinement that spread from the wealthy to the middling sort and included the beautification of houses, churches, as well as school buildings. The art of interior decoration and design was at the same time intimate and luxuriant. Loos argues that ornamentation is uncivilized and primitive, and would hinder the development of national culture. However, ornamentation meant more than just decoration at that time, and the acceptable use of ornament, and its precise definition became the source of aesthetic controversy in academic Western architecture, as architects and critics searched for appropriate styles. â€Å"A plain, functional form generally signified the often harsh necessities of work, and as such was tolerated in its place, but art, in the form of decoration and ornament, represented for many people a deep aspiration for a better life† (Heskett, 56). Ornamentation at that time brought not only the sense of beauty but also mentally content to its user. What do vehicles, vacuum cleaners, ironers, planes, and ships have in common? Obviously, the streamlined design. In the 20th century, streamlined design has evolved from a scientific to an ornamental purpose. While Loos argues that ornamentation is crime and designers should focus on functions, streamlined design actually improves the functionality and the durability of a product. The goal for the future is to improve aerodynamic efficiency by greatly reducing drag while maintaining and, wherever possible, increasing down-force† (Ferrari. com). As a result of using aerodynamic streamlined design, Ferrari has become one of the best hyper-sport car brands in the world for fifty years, best known for its speed and handling. â€Å"In fact, Fordism turned the factory into a kind of super-machine in its own right, with both human and mechanical parts† (Wollen, P66). Fordism is the economic period that turned craftsmanship into the mass production of standardized objects. Under Fordism, production entailed an intensified division of industrial labor; increased mechanization and the coordination of large-scale manufacturing processes to achieve a steady flow of production, and shifted toward the using of less skilled labour. This system effectively reduces the costs of producing large quantities of products and, consequently, makes the sale price significantly lower than the craftsman’s. An ornament is not considered to be a prior-determined mask anymore, to create a significance, or, to have a certain meaning, as it was during the postmodern period. It does not have the role of concealing things, as it did in different historical periods before the modern period, when its existence was futile. A good example of modern design is a wall clock. A clock is meant to draw our attentions through its function. With a fancy design, it also serves as a decoration in the environment. But no matter how fancy the design is, a clock is always meant to be seen easily and quickly. Practical and ornamental designs oftentimes intersect. In those cases, the design elements involved can either work well together or hinder each other. Loos’s argument about decoration is degenerate and inherently criminal does not stand up. Given the time in he is writing, we can forgive Loss his racist assumptions about the black and the Papuans. However, his assertion that primitive people decorate themselves in tattoos so, therefore decoration must be a degenerate practice is completely unfounded and holds no weight at all. I appreciate modern design just as much, if not more than the ordinary person, but truth be told, I am not really interested in decoration.

William Blake as a Critic of His Time Essay -- William Blake Poems Poe

William Blake as a Critic of His Time Blake took an active role in exposing the corruption taking place in his society. Prime targets of his criticisms were the institutions that remained silent in the faces of injustice. Blake stands agains the institutions that allow human oppression. Three of his poems from Songs of Experience present his views on the matter: "The Chimney Sweeper," "The Garden of Love," and "London." In "The Chimney Sweeper," Blake takes his stand against the the calamities brought upon children by those supposed to protect him. Innocence comes to an end for the child when he is exposed to the horrors of sweeping chimneys . His sadness can be felt when he says : "They clothed me in the clothes of death/and taught me to sing the notes of woe" (Blake, 6-7). The child is telling society that his pain is being caused by those in whom he put his trust— his parents. Even more disconcerting is to know that his parents do nothing to stop his horrors. They abandon him and go "...to praise God & his Priest & King" (Blake, 11). Perhaps they do this , because on the outside their child looks happy and they probably think that they are helping him more than anything: "‘ And because I am happy, & dance& sing,/ They think they have done me no injury," (Blake, 9-10) . In the meantime, the church is also playing a part in his misery. How? Because it allows the parents to come inside its building to pray when they should be protecting their child from all harm: "‘They are both gone up to the church to pray'" (Blake, 4). ".....a heaven of our misery" (Blake, 12) finally emphasizes to the reader once more those who are responsible for the child's pain and sorrows . He hopes that, somehow, people would tak... ...sily seen how Blake stood against the suffering of human kind and used his poems to expose the corruption of the world that surrounded him. He clearly critized the society and hoped that people would take action to change things for the better. The problems in Blake's society aren't very different than the ones in today's world. People should take a good look around them and take action to better their surroundings. Works Cited Blake, William. "The Chimney Sweeper" (SE). The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. M. H. Abrams, et al. 7th edition. Vol 2. New York: Norton, 2000. 52 "The Garden of Love." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. M. H. Abrams, et al. 7th edition. Vol 2. New York: Norton, 2000. 56 "London." The Norton Anthology of English Literature. Ed. M. H. Abrams, et al. 7th edition. Vol 2. New York: Norton, 2000. 56

Business Etiquette and Manners Essay

Each time one makes contact with ones employees, employers or customers one leaves a certain impression of oneself and the company, service or product one represents and first impressions always do make an impact on achieving business objectives. Therefore it is very important for one to leave the right perception on people by learning how to properly conduct oneself in a business environment. Business etiquette is how one does what one does in the business world. This is true on factory assembly lines, corporate boardrooms, commercial kitchens and grocery stores. When working in an office all day, it is very important to showcase good manners and proper office etiquette. Listed below are some pointers regarding proper behavior: * Treat everyone with respect: If you want to encourage the office behavior of respect, you must start by giving it to others at all times. From the receptionist at the front desk to the CEO of the company and prospective clients, modeling respectful attitudes toward all people is the first step in fostering work professionalism. Respect must also be given to individuals who come into contact with you that are not part of the company, including delivery persons, office equipment repair persons, property managers and especially customers. Be kind and courteous to everyone. * Addressing individuals by their honorific or title: Due to informality in the workplace today, a lot of business is lost, and goodwill destroyed, because of total disregard for properly addressing clients. The proper way to address clients is to greet them using their honorific or title followed by their last name; women should be referred to as ‘Ms. ’ Regardless of their marital status. Refer to individuals frequently by their names: Take the time and make the effort to pay attention to the name of the person you are being introduced to. A person’s name means everything to them. To build rapport with a client, mention their name several times during the conversation, it helps in making a connection with the client and reaching out to them on a personal level. * Introduce people with confidence: Most people hate making introductions, because they do not know how to properly make them. Introducing people with confidence is a great way to impress your customers. In business, introductions are determined by precedence. The person who holds the position of highest authority in an organization takes precedence over others who work there. For example, you introduce your company’s president to a colleague. * Be on time: Punctuality is one of the key criterion’s of judging your potency as a worker. Ensure that you reach your office and corporate events you might be invited to punctually. If at all practicable try reaching ten minutes early. This may give you an opportunity to relax and unwind before you commence with your work. If you are a guest, understand that the organizer has been selective with the invitation list. Many invitations will include a brief agenda that highlights when guests may arrive for the event, typically providing a window of 15 to 30 minutes for registration and welcome reception times. * Wear proper office attire: Watch your garments. While this holds true for any one, it holds even more importance for ladies. Your office is meant to be a place for work and not some fancy dress competition. At work, you should be dressed in a straightforward yet smart fashion. Formal suits and dresses should be worn in neutral colors so that they reflect your professionalism. Make contact: There are few physical contacts that are appropriate in business; the most important and acceptable is your handshake. Your handshake is a non-verbal clue that indicates to the other person whether or not you are a take charge person. For example, a firm and strong handshake suggests that you are decisive, in control. Greet everyone with a firm, sincere handshake, a friendly smile and direct eye contact. However, when approaching a group of individuals, it’s important to note that you should always shake the hand of the highest ranking officer first. Maintain a healthy office environment: Keep the space professional and neat with appropriate personal touches! People will see the space and consider it a reflection of you. Whether it is a cubicle or office, respect others’ space. Don’t just walk in; knock or make your presence gently known. Don’t assume acknowledgement of your presence is an invitation to sit down; wait until you are invited to do so. Don’t interrupt people on the phone, and don’t try to communicate with them verbally or with sign language. You could damage an important phone call. Limit personal calls, especially if you work in a space that lacks a door. Learn when and where it is appropriate to use your cell phone in your office. Food consumption should generally be regulated. Smells and noise from food can be distracting to others trying to work. * While dealing with customers: Name-tumblers when we introduce ourselves or other people has become a major problem; especially on the telephone. We need to slow down and pronounce our names slowly, clearly and distinctly. At first it may feel as if you are exaggerating your name, but you are really helping the other person and improving overall communication. When dealing with angry customers, it is important to restrain your anger, remain calm, listen to them and assure them that you will solve their problems. Especially over the telephone while handling complains, speak softly. That will soothe the speaker and show him or her that you’re interested in handling the complaint in a calm, rational way. Learning the rules of business etiquette is not very hard and it is not costly as many companies offer formal training on business etiquette, including communications, attire, networking, international business etiquette and new hire etiquette training. People truly desire to do business with those that make them comfortable and know how to best handle themselves in a variety of situations. Learning to incorporate good business etiquette into the workplace will pay dividends both in employee morale and on your company’s bottom line. Customer loyalty also improves when good business etiquette is in full force as it is reflected in the atmosphere of your office or shop.

Identity Theft Essay - 1833 Words

Identity Theft What is identity theft? By definition â€Å"Identity theft n. the dishonest acquisition of personal information in order to perpetrate fraud, typically by obtaining credit, loans, etc., in someone elses name; fraud perpetrated in this way. † (dictionary.oed.com, 2007). It’s estimated that 9 million Americans have had their identities stolen each year. â€Å"According to the Secret Service, its investigations show a jump in potential losses due to identity theft, from $851 million in 1998 to $1.4 billion in 2000.† add citation from how stuff works There are many ways that thieve steal your identity, they may go through your trash, steal your wallet or purse. I will discuss a lot of the different ways in more†¦show more content†¦The FTC suggest that you open another internet browser and type in, (not paste in) the company email address. Also be careful about opening email attachments, they could contain virus. You should also report any phishing scams to spam@uce.gov , in addition notify the company that was impersonate in the email you received. Types of Identity Theft Medical identity theft is when someone that does not have health insurance claims to be you in order to use your personal information to get medical care, like surgery or get prescription drugs. The really bad part is that this type of theft is hard to prove. Also this false information could become part of your medical record. Synthetic Identity Theft is when is when a completely new identification is created using bit and pieces of different people’s information. For example, they may use one person’s social security number and another person address and the use someone else’s name. This type of crime is hard to detect, since the information really doesn’t make anyone information. Criminal identity theft is when someone gives law enforcement someone else information when pull over and taken to jail. They are then release and then go on about their business and the person’s whose identity was stolen is held accountable. This individual may not b e aware of this until they are perhaps pulled over in a traffic stop. The last form of identity theft I would like to discuss is identity cloning. This is when someoneShow MoreRelatedIdentity Theft1365 Words   |  6 PagesThe Dangers of Identity Theft Sharae Ernst IFSM 201 – Summer 2012 8/3/2012 â€Å"Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information (PII), like your name, Social Security number, or credit card number, without your permission, to commit fraud or other crimes.† (Fighting Back Against Identity Theft: Federal Trade Commission). According to the Federal Trade Commission, identity theft complaints have decreased since year 2008 (314,521 to 250,854). It is estimated by theRead MoreIdentity Theft993 Words   |  4 Pagesridiculous amount of money needed to be paid that you never spent? This is because of identity theft. The FTC estimates that each year, over 9 million people are affected by identity theft. According to Sally Driscoll, this is because almost anyone with a computer and a slight bit of computer knowledge can pull off identity theft. Experts also claim that identity theft is the fastest-growing crime in the world. Identity theft is a global problem that cannot be stopped without effective measures. The problemRead MoreIdentity Theft964 Words   |  4 PagesRasmussen College | Identity Theft | The long term issue | | Caden Ross | 2/17/2013 | Authors Note: This research is for Professor Rob Paixao B234/BUL2241 Section 01 Business Law Course written by Caden Ross on 02/17/2013. | Jeffrey Gerald Jackson, otherwise known as Troy Lee Evans, was arrested on September 4,2012 for identity theft. Mr. Jackson used the identity of Troy Lee Evans to gain employment at Credit Concepts Inc. Mr. Jackson had worked at Credit Concepts Inc. underRead MoreIdentification Theft And Identity Theft947 Words   |  4 PagesOur identity is what makes us unique. It is the individual character or personality of an individual, and when a person is a victim of identity theft, it is this distinct characteristic that is stolen Therefore the victims of identity theft often feel a deep sense of violation as they struggle to reclaim their good names. The government must implement better regulations to help put an end to this crime which is affecting millions of innocent Americans. Until then there are three important waysRead MoreIdentity Theft3413 Words   |  14 PagesIdentity Theft + Fraud= Identity Crime 20 December 2007 There is a thief that lurks around us everyday; this thief can attack in brad day light or in the darkest hour, and just about anywhere you may find yourself. This thief has the power to act in your name, make unlimited purchases, open up credit accounts and ruin your good name and credit all in the matter of seconds; if you are vulnerable enough, you might become his next victim. In many cases all he needs is your name and a social securityRead MoreEssay on Identity Theft895 Words   |  4 PagesIdentity Theft This paper will cover the topic of identity theft via the internet, phone and several other schemes. It will identify various ways in which your identity is stolen and ways which you can safeguard yourself from being victimized. I will also report what the Department of Justice is doing and the penalties associated with these crimes. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Identity fraud is use of a persons name, social security number or other personal identifying information. Once armedRead MoreOnline Identity Theft1414 Words   |  6 PagesOnline Identity Theft What is identity? The word itself can have so many connotations, definitions, and subjects tied to it. However, the most basic definition of our identity would be the qualities, beliefs, and baggage that make up each person. An identity is something that each of us have a claim to from the moment we are born to even past our death. Through the recent technology surges however, our most basic claim is now threatened. We have all heard about crime on the streets but with theRead MoreIdentity Theft (Body)2176 Words   |  9 Pagesâ€Å"unneeded† documents. Three months later, when Bob was applying for a car loan, he found that his credit history had been destroyed. He was a victim of identity theft, a crime that often causes people debt, unjustified imprisonment, and murder, being one of the most dangerous, yet easiest, crimes to commit. Identity theft includes other types of fraud and identity related crimes. It is said that today’s society is now living in â€Å"The Age of Betrayal.† Since an incident with a busboy in Brooklyn, noRead More Identity Theft Essay966 Words   |  4 Pagespersonal information is safe on the internet. This is not to say that if you log online your identity will be stolen; however, there are some necessary things to learn to protect yourself. The purpose of my project is to help make people aware of these dangers on the internet and how to protect themselves to the best of their abilities. I chose to focus on â€Å"phishing† a new kind of internet theft where millions of e-mails are sent out to vulnerable consumers. This is a serious dangerRead More Identity Theft Essay2149 Words   |  9 PagesIdentity Theft Law enforcement officials have stated that identity theft crime has been one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States. Identity theft is also one of the fastest growing white collar crimes. This is a serious crime. Identity theft is the act of knowingly transferring or using without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of federal law, or that constitutes

The Journey Of Siddhartha s Siddhartha - 1657 Words

Siddhartha was unhappy due to having trouble reaching enlightenment and decided he wanted to join the Samanas. He wants to be filled with knowledge and reach enlightenment. Siddhartha had to persuade his father to leave, to do so he remained completely still until his father gave him permission to leave. So, Siddhartha and Govinda left their home and family to search for the Samanas. While with the Samanas they give up all of their belongings and commit themselves to following the ways of the Samanas. A few years after joining the Samanas Siddhartha feels that he is not any closer to reaching his goal of enlightment than when he first joined the Samanas. Siddhartha feels there is no more left to learn from the Samanas. He tells Govinda,†¦show more content†¦Siddhartha and Govinda travel to Jetavana, to the garden of Anathapindika, and they rest for the night. The following morning they awaken to find many other believers and curious people. Siddhartha recognized the Buddha i nstantly, â€Å"as if god had pointed him out to him. He saw him, a simple man in a yellow robe, bearing the alms-dish in his hand, walking silently.† (Page 21) They followed the Buddha until they reached town, and when evening fell they heard the Buddha teaching. After listening to Gotama’s sermon, Govinda says he wants to join his discipleship, Siddhartha says he will not join. When Siddhartha is leaving , while walking through the woods he runs into Gotama, he questions him about his teachings. Gotama tells Siddartha, â€Å"The teachings you’ve heard from me, are no opinion, and their goal is not to explain the world to those who seek knowledge. They have a different goal; their goal is salvation from suffering. This is what Gotama teaches, nothing else.†(Page 25) Siddhartha still doubts that any teaching could ever provide the experience of salvation, and that he must take his own path. The Buddha advises Siddhartha to be careful of his wisdom The B uddha wishes him well on his journey. When Siddhartha leaves the grove where the Buddha stayed behind, he realizes that he has become a man and that he has left behind the desire to have teachers and

Philosophy Of Education, Teaching And Learning Statement

PART I: PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION, TEACHING AND LEARNING STATEMENT As a teacher one looks forward to the beginning and the end of a school year. The beginning of a school year brings in new minds and attitudes that a teacher can influence and educate. Students also bring with them new ideas and knowledge that a teacher can use to work with them. My objective as a teacher to is to get students acquainted with major works of literature and allow them to dissect the different meanings of the texts while fostering critical thinking. Literature works as a way to allow students an insight to a writer’s mind and the time period they resided in. The pain of a poet or writer I inscribed in their writing and this is one of the main thing that a†¦show more content†¦The main priority of educating is for the students to learn critically and use what they have learned in the outside world. The role of a teacher is to motivate and guide students in their learning process. A teacher will become one of the main influences in a student’s life. Therefore, it is up to the teacher to help the students through their progress in education the best way they can. the importance of teaching doesn’t lie in the amount of information a teacher can provide a student with but in the value the teacher gives to the information. The best way to describe can be by using poetry as an example. The words in the poem mean so much more than just what is on the paper. There is the rhythm, alliteration, tone and mood to take in consideration. Teaching in an easy I the same because we have to consider the student not as he presents himself but as a person that is made of many complexities. The way to make a difference in the lives of the students is by treating them as a living poem that requires our complete attention in order to deliver the best results. Students have the capacity to learn as much as we want to teach h them and therefore we have to encourage them to follow the path mot because it’s for their own good but because they enjoy it. The idea of being overworked and overwhelmed can be scary but at the end of the day thereShow MoreRelatedCritical Understanding Of Teaching Philosophy Essay1729 Words   |  7 PagesIn our centre self-review report on play pedagogy in relation to Lion Kindergarten’s teaching philosophy statement we will be underpinning the theoretical ideas around play and what play is and showing a critical understanding of play and playfulness. We will be identifying play in relation to children’s learning and development, and teaching within New Zealand early childhood settings. We will then be identifying and critically discussing two aspects of play that are particularly important to theRead MoreThe Role Of A Teaching Philosophy Statement1408 Words   |  6 PagesThe Role of a Teaching Philosophy Statement (TPS) Personal development is one aspect of gaining new information to enhance skills, abilities and overall knowledge. The development of a TPS, is a personal analysis of general concepts of teaching, learning, observations and experiences, transferred into the learning environment (Caukin, 2017). Consequently, the statement is intimate, insightful, with an inclusion of personal views of the aspects of teaching, foundation of learning, in addition toRead MoreMy Personal Philosophy Of Education1476 Words   |  6 Pages CLES 871 Foundations of Higher Education Summer 2015 Instructor: Joel Abaya, PhD Personal Philosophy of Education Submitted by: Wessam Elamawy . Personal Philosophy of Education Introduction: From the very beginning of my life I recognized the importance of higher education. I am 34 years old. I am Egyptian. I was born in a highly educated family . My father earned a Ph.D. in chemistry. My uncle earned a Ph.D. in Engineering . My aunt is a doctor. My grandparents wereRead MoreEssay about Personal Educational Philosophy1069 Words   |  5 Pageseducational philosophy statement. It represents my ideas and values about teaching and learning; it reveals my personal teaching beliefs and their relation to the five major established educational philosophies; it shows my role and responsibilities in educational process. I place great significance on personal style of instruction and its influence on curriculum implementation. The paper also highlights my career aspiration and orientation. Personal Educational Philosophy Like a goodRead MoreA Reflection On Teaching Philosophy961 Words   |  4 PagesA teaching philosophy statement is a document that educators prepare to express their personal ideas regarding the teaching role. Often used as part of the application packet for an academic position and in teaching portfolios for tenure and promotion reviews, teaching philosophy statements allow educators to reflect on their teaching practices and validate their success in teaching. Teaching philosophies can guide academic nurse educators by ensuring that they are using varied pedagogies that stimulateRead MoreEssay on Mission and Vision Statement897 Words   |  4 Pages Mission and Vision Statement Mission Statement: As an educator I will provide for students the opportunity to make a positive difference in their lives to help them accomplish unexpected goals. I will enhance learning to support my students in achieving their highest potential by integrating technology into the curriculum. I will integrate conceptual technology learning techniques that will implement concrete knowledge of technology that will emphasize mastery of understanding. Through committedRead More Teaching Philosophy Statement Essay958 Words   |  4 PagesTeaching Philosophy Statement â€Å"Teacher’s change lives.† Most people would agree that this statement is true. A teacher has the responsibility of imparting knowledge to students, while having the opportunity to make a huge impact on each student’s life. To be truly successful and effective, a teacher must take the time to thoroughly consider his or her teaching philosophy. The following is a statement of my educational philosophy. I believe every child has a rightRead MoreMy Personal Philosophy of Education958 Words   |  4 PagesMy Personal Philosophy of Education It is customary that on New Year’s Eve, we make New Year resolution. The fact is that we are making a set of guideline that we want to live by. These are motives that we seek to achieve. In a similar way, teachers live by philosophy. This essay focuses on my personal philosophy of education. It unfolds the function of philosophy in a teacher’s life, my view on the purpose of education, the student teacher- relationship and the philosophy which influences myRead MoreJohn Locke : Philosophies And Contributions Essay1414 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction Education is a very important part of maintaining and growing as a culture. Many huge influencers have taken their own philosophies of education and changed the way we look at learning. Whether it is educating the children of today or bringing religion into the stream, our curriculum is always changing with their ideas in mind. John Locke and Erasmus provide extremely different philosophies when it comes to the curriculum of education although they have both impacted the way we teachRead MoreIntelligence and Character1284 Words   |  6 Pagesnever actually thought about my personal educational philosophy. Yet, I can look back now on my schooling experiences to see what has been important to me and to identify the major concepts and beliefs I posses in order to form my own teaching philosophy. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, â€Å"Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.† I believe this single statement reflects my entire philosophy of education. I do not believe that any student can gain intelligence

Mediterranean Free Essays

The Mediterranean empires have been influential powers for most of the recorded history of humanity. They have inspired awe, fear and wonder, they were the first targets of Orientalism as a cultural phenomenon. The East was a constant threat and a constant lure to European civilization, capturing both lands and minds until the beginning of the 20th century. We will write a custom essay sample on Mediterranean or any similar topic only for you Order Now However, all things must come to an end, and so, too, did the rule of the East, when the Ottoman Empire disbanded. Empires rose and fell before, however, each previous time, a new conglomerate of nations took the place of the demised one. After the Ottoman Empire, no Mediterranean successor rose to power; instead, Europe took the empire’s place as hegemon, both in political power and in the power of ideas – in quite the logical succession. To understand why this is logical, we must examine the reasons for which imperialism had been so strong in the Mediterranean and why it finally fell. It is certainly more than mere political reasons, since there has been a succession of various empires. This is obviously a tendency that runs deeper, within the various Mediterranean cultures themselves. Empires fall when they grow too large, become too hard to control from one administrative center, become stagnant. What forces a culture or a number of cultures to spawn empires again and again? The Mediterranean, despite all of its regional conflicts among itself, has always been a very united region. This unity is based upon an equality of the people – however, this equality was the equality of units, not of people. An individual in the Mediterranean has always been nothing next to the greater cause, subject to exploitation to the point of destruction. Life was always nothing much important in the Mediterranean – much more important was the concept prevailing at the time and service to it. We can already see this concept in Rome, where a man was only as valuable as he was to civil society.   Indeed, even religion was in service of the state, as Seneca noted: â€Å"Religion is regarded by the common people as true, by the wise as false, and by the rulers as useful.† The situation, however, reached its apogee after the emergence of Islam in the region, and the uniting of all consecutive empires under its banner. Islam – which means â€Å"submission† – is perhaps the most deterministic religion in existence. Its dogma is that a human is less than nothing before the glory of Allah, limited by the very fact of being a mere creation, absolutely powerless. Allah is a god that promises heaven for the Muslims, however, the Qur’an explicitly states, that Allah doesn’t care how many humans are Muslim. If the people submit to His rule, they will live, if they do not – they will perish.   Islamic theology is, naturally, much more complex and interesting, yet subordination lies at its core, with a lack of it punishable by death. This concept of an uncaring ruler with an iron first is absolutely amazing for the building of a despotic empire, where humans are resources to be harvested at best and obstacles to be removed at worst. The later politics, based on religion, thus used this concept extensively. A human of the region was totally powerless before the government, a piece of material and statistics at once. A particularly demonstrative example of this policy is Mehmed II Fatih’s decree to officially kill all the brothers of a sultan who has just ascended to the throne. The treatment of humans as resources allowed for the character of all Eastern empires: with the bureaucratic class and the military being the most important classes, and the approach to power and life being purely utilitarian and power-oriented. Thus the question is: why did the people of the region comply with this for so long? Why did they tolerate such an approach? First of all, living as a tool of an Empire is not quite so bad as it may sound. A prospering empire takes care of its people, though in a strange fashion and to a limited extent. One does not destroy one’s resources – one cultivates them. In an empire where everything is based on power and strength, the proper management of resources can be crucial to success, and thus, to survival. Also, such an empire is quite comfortable to live in for a certain kind of people. Those of the region have always been warriors: and for a soldier of fortune, no better form of organization can exist. There are always plenty of opportunists in every region, enough people who are willing to advance their own perspectives at the expense of other’s lives. However, if in Europe there is often reason for misunderstanding: the cultural differences between countries are great, and the linguistic barrier, too, plays a role. In the Islamic world, there is one culture and one set of customs, which allows for operation within a single paradigm, giving greater room for both cooperation and treason. This united culture did much for the predatory nature of these great empires. The people who stimulated this culture ultimately regarded everyone who was not a participant in it as a weakling. However, after the twentieth century, the disposition changed. The Europeans proved their strength, and proved that a union of independent nations is quite capable of not only effective warfare, but of political control. This approach, considered previously weaker, had defeated the eastern empires approach, and defeated it with such flair that the people of the Mediterranean doubted for the first time that their way was the more effective one. Power is proved in the consequences, and the consequences showed that Europe was stronger by far, not only in the military sense, but in the spirit as well. Not the Europe which had to buy its way to freedom, but the Europe which was able to aid or destroy the current empire, and after destruction, capture it quickly enough in all senses, impose its culture and way of life. Europe proved that cooperation of individuals can do more than a mass of underlings, and that the cultivation of allies can do more than the growing of resources. Always ready to employ an effective tactic and learn from their enemies, the people which were once under the empires now attempt to work the way Europe has shown, as it seems more promising. However, between wars, Europe seems all too polite and complacent. Its culture is not one to cater to the heart of a warrior. It seems only a matter of time before someone in the East decides that Europe’s approach is ineffective and reverts to the traditional ways of doing politics in the Mediterranean. It is my opinion that what we are seeing is not a true transformation, but rather, a transitional moment between empires. Granted, it has lasted almost a hundred years. Nonetheless, the situation even now seems to point to the possibility of the renewal of a new, improved by Western techniques, empire. It is not the end of Mediterranean history, but the beginning of a new era in it. References 1. All Empires – An   Online Community for World History, viewed Friday, May 06, 2005 at http://www.allempires.com/ 2.Islam Online, viewed Friday, May 06, 2005 at http://www.islamonline.net/english/index.shtml    How to cite Mediterranean, Essay examples