The Political Economy of the European Union Essay

The Political Economy of the European Union - Essay Example Japan in particular has created worrisome situation for European economy and trade, this Asian country "has influenced in monetary and technology domains" (Wayne, 1992). It is essential for the European government and market to realise that it has to re-structure its political and economic policies, the union has to "construct a coherent political presence on the global stage in order to achieve the most attractive accommodation to the new order" (Wayne, 1992). The union shall realise that American economy has been partially able to sustain the implications caused by Chinese and Japanese market, however the political influence of the country supported by its stakes in policy making institutions kept the vital interests of the country protected and intact. The European Union has to take serious efforts to improve its political authority, and has to take political influence driven trajectory to reach a point of influence and dominance, to reign supreme in this world of competition and challenges (Ben, 2000). The major decisions in the history of the union have been influenced by liberal inter-governmentalist, who developed two-stage approach. The initial approach focused upon determination of primary preferences based upon "constraints and opportunities imposed by economic interdependence" (Andrew, 1993). The last approach is based upon the results achieved through intergovernmental negotiations, such achievements "were determined by the relative bargaining power of governments and the function incentives for institutionalization created by high transaction costs and the desire to control domestic agendas" (Andrew, 1993). The agricultural policy of the union is based upon the collective financial interests of the producers, the trade policy is also determined based upon such interests. The sets of such desires and preferences describe the societal limits on the governments, the limits of compromise is also determined through such act. The union has adopted the economic policies similar to the policies practiced by other international groups; the union has decided to improve the efficiency of bargaining through implementation of cost reducing rules. The only difference between the union and remaining international associations is that the union has "delegate and pool sovereignty" (Andrew, 1993), such that the crucial decisions "about linkage out of the hands of national governments" (Andrew, 1993) are taken swiftly. The union has decided to focus upon potential benefits from co-operation, and ignore the domestic political risk. The union has developed "two-level game", such structure is responsible for the rise in the "initiatives and influence of national government by providing legitimacy and domestic agenda-setting power for the initiatives" (Andrew, 1993). The notion of liberal inter-governmentalism has transformed the union into model of politics, which leads to the specification with reference to process integration (Desmod, 2006). The European Union works on joint-decision mode, all the major economic decisions undertaken by the union needs necessary consent of major parties, if not all. The mode of operation, where decisions are taken after joint approval which is integration of intergovernmental

Effects of Strikes Businesses

Effects of Strikes Businesses I. Introduction Boycotts and lockouts are two other anti-impasse weapons sometimes used by labour and management. An impasse occurs when the parties arent able to move further toward settlement. The principal weapons of offense employed by labor organizations in the warfare against employers are the strike and the boycott. According to the Dessler G. (2008), Strike is a withdrawal of labor. (p.619). A strike is defined as a temporary stoppage of work by a group of workers (not necessarily union members) to express a grievance or enforce a bargaining demand. Foster A. (2004). Strikes first became important during the industrial revolution, when mass labour became important in factories and mines.(Setiawan 2009) Responses to strike involve shutting down the factory, contracting work, continuing the operations, or changing the employees. Third party involvement namely, arbitration, fact-finding, or mediation- is one alternative. (Dessler G. 2008). Employer and employees have their own solutions to break this impasse. Employer can answer to the strikes by lockouts. A lockout is a refusal by the employer to provide opportunities to work. It sometimes locks out employees and prohibits them from doing their jobs (and getting paid). (Dessler G. 2008, p 621). Employees can organize a corporate campaign by making a boycott. Boycott -the combined refusal by employees and other interested parties to buy or use the employees products. (Dessler G. 2008, p 620). Firstly the term boycott appeared in the in Ireland in the 1800, because of the real person Charles Boycott, an Englishman who was responsible for supervision of land. His tenants asked him to lower their rents, he refused to do so, and turn out them, and after this the tenants organized a first boycott, denying him goods and services. His crops rotted in the fields because he had no farm workers, he stayed without any food, and found himself supersede from the community. After th is case this term word quickly spread to other languages and regions of the world as well. (What is boycott?) This paper will consists of the three parts: the first part is introduction, in the second part there will be presented examples of boycotts and lockouts, their analysis and recommendations as part of HR team, and the final part is conclusion, with references and bibliography at the end of the report. II. Labor Strikes and Lockouts Three main forms of boycott exist. The first one is consumer boycotts, in which customers are encouraged to stop purchasing from a targeted company. The second form of boycott occurs when businesses withhold their patronage from other businesses. Finally, the term boycott is sometimes used to describe an employee protest, known as labor strike. (Boycotts: Encyclopedia of Business). In this paper there will be discussed third type of the boycott- labor strike. 2.1 Supermarket employee strike in the Califirornia 2.1.1 Description of strike In 2003, California has the longest supermarket employee strike and lockout in Unite States history. That action led to a nearly five month long supermarket strike and lockout, and it didnt have such strike from 1978. This strike touched four biggest supermarkets in the California: Vons, Albertsons, Ralphs and Pavilion, which is owned by Safeway. These chains have more than 850 shops in all the state. More than 70,000 United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) picketed outside their stores for almost five months. When this happened, Ralphs and Albertsons supermarkets locked out their workers without giving legal notice. Among demand of the employees were: reduction in employer contributions to the workers health insurance plan, as well as a two-tier wage structure under which new hires would be paid far less than their co-workers and obtain health and pension benefits. (Milkman R. (2004) 2.1.2 Claims of strikers Employees of these chains wanted an increase in salary and also they stroked against decreasing of medical and pensions grants. Management of these chains wanted to put biggest part on social obligations on workers, and to pay medical insurance by employees. Management of these shops referred to the depression in the economics of state and decreasing of the profit. Also one of the points in protest of employees was introducing to the corporate practice the emulative methods, like in the analogical chain Wal-Mart. Strikers made a condition to pay weekly medical insurance in amount of the 5 dollar for each employee and also pay weekly to the family members in amount of the 10 to 15 dollars and to increase a salary on 1.5 dollar to first year employees and on 45% to the rest of the employees. 2.1.3 Response to strike by employer Employer can answer to the strikes by lockouts as well as such steps as shutting down the factory, contracting work, continuing the operations, or changing the employees. (Dessler G. 2008). In this case when the union started to strike only the Safeway-owned stores, Kroger and Albertsons immediately announced they would lock their workers out. All three chains started to hire thousands of replacement workers well in advance of the strike deadline. They agreed to share any profits for the duration of the conflict (Milkman R. 2004) 2.1.4 Result of strike The 2003-year is remembered as huge strike and lockout in Americas history. Two parties came to an agreement, that union and supermarkets will force workers to pay part of the cost for health coverage, and to make any rose in the contract. After this strike chains and employees all had losses. Many workers went into heavy money owing while they were on the strike and some even stayed without houses. Employers introduced a two-tier system that provides dramatically inferior pay, health insurance and other benefits, under which those hired after the strike received significantly less in both wages and benefits than current workers. The chains suffered too, losing more than one billion dollars in sales, and form another side the ales of the competitors such as Wal-Mart increased by the 11 percent. Beyond the financial figures, many people say the strike has had a lasting effect on their shopping habits. Many shoppers say they stopped going to the big three markets and never went back. ( Effects of the Southern California grocery strike still felt, one year later) 2.2 Lockout at Bosch plant in India 2.2.1 Description of lockout The management of Bosch, the Indian subsidiary of Germanys Bosch Group and the manufacturer of automotive components, declared an indefinite lockout of all employees from the plant operations at its Jaipur plant on 12th of December. The Jaipur plant has 1,200 employees and manufactures pumps for use in tractors and commercial vehicles. The lockout decision was taken because of the continuing illegal and unlawful strike by the employees and which is prohibited by the government of Rajasthan. (Bosch announce lockout at Jaipur Unit. 2008). 2.2.2 Result of lockout The Bosch Group biggest international companies in the world and promotes the principles of fairness; justice and transparency of the group in all its locations around the world. The Bosch group also encourages cordial industrial relations at all its plants across the globe. In the case of Jaipur plant, the company tried all possible legal options to settle this problem but left with no option due to non-cooperation from the striking union members. Even after many conciliatory meetings, the union representatives showed reluctance to cooperate. The union members also resorted to violent means to prevent movement of vehicles to the plant and scuttle the production process. Hence, the company is forced to take decision to lockout. (Machinists-Lockout declared at Bosh Jaipur Plant -Labor Union continuous strike). The Mico Bosch Labour Union has been on an indefinite strike at the Jaipur plant since November 10 causing revenue loss to the company and the government. (Bosch announce lockou t at Jaipur unit. 2008). 2.4 Analysis and Recommendations In the place of HR Management, the first step that should be undertaken by the management is to improve the communication between the workers and their employers. If employees understand that their employers are really in trouble, then they will be less likely to mistrust their employers. But, if the grocery chains are still getting the substantial profits despite the competition, then it will be hard for them to give a good reason for cutting benefits. Professional negotiators can also help the parties reframe their understanding of the conflict, thus enabling them to pursue their mutual interests and possibly find a good solution. If this will not help, HR Management should as for a help a third sider- mediator, who could be a lawyer or a union leader. If mediation is unsuccessful, workers may have to take the conflict to the government. The only methods for getting the government interested in the conflict are through lobbying and a publicity campaign.. (Cate Malek 2005) III. Conclusion: Boycotts and lockouts are two other anti-impasse weapons sometimes used by labor and management. As it was already described, a strike and boycotts is organized work initiated by the employees for the purpose of enforcing their demands or a resisting demand of the employer. A lockout is a work initiated by the employees for the purpose of enforcing his wishes regarding relationship with employees or resisting their demand. It have seen in the examples shown above, that after the using the strike by the employees, management answered by a lockout tactics. However, as part of the management it should not be a supporters the strikes and lockouts, because it removes the source of profits and injures company. Firstly it makes serious harm to property of the company, the law breaking, and if there is an employees win in the strike, labor cost makes a serious item in the budget of employer. Thus, better to spend money on labor costs that spend more money during the strike or lockout and lose the customers. It is clear, that during this conflicts both sided are suffered and lose more than either side can hope to gain. However strikes have some obvious advantages to the public. First of all strike are resulted in raising the living standards of many people, because in the strikes labor usually insist on improving something, necessity of change is a good thing. From the employees point of view it increases wages, decrease working hours and makes better working conditions. References: 1. Dessler G.(2008), Human Recourse Management, Pearson International Edition, 11th Edition, Pp 619-621 2. Scott Nearing, Frank Dekker, , Watson, Carl Linn Seiler(1923). Economics, BiblioLife LLC, Web: 3. What is boycott? [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-boycott.htm 4. Boycotts: Encyclopedia of Business. [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.enotes.com/biz-encyclopedia/boycotts#historical-overview#historical-overview 5. Effects of the Southern California grocery strike still felt, one year later- KEGS.com Palm Spring. (2004), [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=2416131nav=9qrxRsYB 6. Foster A. (2004), Major Work Stoppages in 2003, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/cb20041119ar01p1.htm 7. à Ã‚ ¤Ãƒ Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ Ã‚ µ à Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¸Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ : à Ã¢â‚¬Å"уà Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾ à Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ ° à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã…’ Ñ  à Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ º.(2003), [Online], Accessed on: 10/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.finiz.ru/news/article661847 8. Lessons of the California Supermarket Strikes [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on, http://www.lrp-cofi.org/PR/strikePR70.html 9. Milkman R. (2004), Supermarket Workers Union Falls in California, [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on : http://www.reclaimdemocracy.org/articles_2004/supermarket_union_failure_california.html 10. Cate Malek (2005), Labor Conflicts: The case of Two Supermarkets Strikes, [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: http://www.beyondintractability.org/case_studies/Labor_Conflicts.jsp?nid=5103 11. Machinists-Lockout declared at Bosh Jaipur Plant -Labor Union continuous strike. (2008) [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=1822Itemid=2 12. Bosch announce lockout at Jaipur unit. (2008). [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=343017 13. D. Setiawan (2009), Advantages and Disadvantages of Strikes [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: Advantages and Disadvantages of  Strikes Bibliography: 14. Dessler G.(2008), Human Recourse Management, Pearson International Edition, 11th Edition, Pp 619-621 15. Scott Nearing, Frank Dekker, , Watson, Carl Linn Seiler(1923). Economics, BiblioLife LLC, Web: 16. What is boycott? [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-boycott.htm 17. Boycotts: Encyclopedia of Business. [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.enotes.com/biz-encyclopedia/boycotts#historical-overview#historical-overview 18. Effects of the Southern California grocery strike still felt, one year later- KEGS.com Palm Spring. (2004), [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.kesq.com/Global/story.asp?S=2416131nav=9qrxRsYB 19. Foster A. (2004), Major Work Stoppages in 2003, Bureau of Labor Statistics. [Online], Accessed on: 11/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.bls.gov/opub/cwc/cb20041119ar01p1.htm 20. à Ã‚ ¤Ãƒ Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¹Ãƒ Ã‚ µ à Ã‚ ¸Ãƒ Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¸Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ : à Ã¢â‚¬Å"уà Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾ à Ã‚ ¨Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬  Ãƒ Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒ Ã‚ ³Ãƒ Ã‚ µÃƒâ€˜Ã¢â€š ¬Ãƒ Ã‚ ° à Ã‚ ½Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ »Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã…’ Ñ  à Ã‚ ·Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒ Ã‚ ±Ãƒ Ã‚ °Ãƒâ€˜Ã‚ Ãƒâ€˜Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ ²Ãƒ Ã‚ ¾Ãƒ Ã‚ º.(2003), [Online], Accessed on: 10/11/2009. Verified on: http://www.finiz.ru/news/article661847 21. Lessons of the California Supermarket Strikes [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on, http://www.lrp-cofi.org/PR/strikePR70.html 22. Milkman R. (2004), Supermarket Workers Union Falls in California, [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on : http://www.reclaimdemocracy.org/articles_2004/supermarket_union_failure_california.html 23. Cate Malek (2005), Labor Conflicts: The case of Two Supermarkets Strikes, [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: http://www.beyondintractability.org/case_studies/Labor_Conflicts.jsp?nid=5103 24. Machinists-Lockout declared at Bosh Jaipur Plant -Labor Union continuous strike. (2008) [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: http://machinist.in/index.php?option=com_contenttask=viewid=1822Itemid=2 25. Bosch announce lockout at Jaipur unit. (2008). [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=343017 26. D. Setiawan (2009), Advantages and Disadvantages of Strikes [Online], Accessed on: 10/12/2009. Verified on: Advantages and Disadvantages of  Strikes

Homeschooling: A Growing Trend Essay -- Education, Parents, early edu

Introduction Today, many parents are homeschooling their children. A U.S. Department of Education’s report shows that approximately 1.5 million children were being homeschooled in 2007 (Lips & Feinberg, 2008). This is almost 3 percent of all school age children (Lips & Feinberg, 2008). A private researcher, the National Home Education Research Institute, estimates 2.5 million children were being homeschooled in the 2007 – 2008 academic years (Lips & Feinberg, 2008). By either count, homeschooling is growing exponentially. Parents have been teaching their children at home for centuries. During the 1970s, the interest in homeschooling increased. Legal advocates had lots of opposition when pressing for the legal right to educate their child at home and change compulsory school attendance. The National Education Association fought to place restrictions on home schooling. However, most of the efforts have failed. As a result, homeschooling is legal in every state. Reasons for Homeschooling Growth There are numerous reasons why parents turn to homeschooling. Changes in the families and public schools drive the increase. Public schools grew larger, more bureaucratic, and more impersonal. Parents felt more alienated as the school was less responsive and less adaptive to cultural needs. This was combined with the loss of the Christian culture and curriculum the parents found offensive or against their social values (Gaither, 2008). The major reasons for homeschooling cited by two-thirds of the parents interviewed are concern about the school environment, dissatisfaction with the academic programs, and the desire for religious or moral instruction (National Center for Education Statistics [NCES], 2004). Parents feel ... ...ated, this was not true of the homeschoolers. The homeschoolers also tended to vote more often. They were also involved in more community service than the general population. The homeschoolers were not isolated, but politically and socially active (Ray, 2004). Conclusion There are a growing number of homeschooled students and it appears homeschooling is successful. Most parents homeschool because of the environment, both academic and moral. The states need to insure all children are being educated. However, the requirements vary by state. Michigan is the most liberal, not even requiring homeschoolers to report to the state. The internet has expanded the types of homeschooling. Combined with the availability of the public school system for specialized programs, homeschooling is now a more popular option. Homeschooling will continue to be a growing area.

Inherent Evil: Lord of the Flies

Many say human kind is inherently evil, that there is evil in all of us. William Golding strongly confirms this point in his novel The Lord of the Flies. The Lord of the Flies expresses what can happen to man when there is not structure and little mean of survival. The boys prove man to be inherently evil through control, mistreatment, and murder. The boys in the Lord of the Flies illustrate that human kind is inherently evil through excessive control. Firstly, Jack starts to control his choir to become more savage. Jack says to Ralph, â€Å"I’ll split up the choir-my hunters that it, â€Å" (Golding 42). Here Jack tries to make his choir seem to be more savage, calling them hunters. Secondly, Jack again exercises the need for control by going against the rules. Jack speaks out, â€Å" Bollocks to the rules! Were strong- we hunt†¦we’ll close in and beat and beat and beat,† (99). Jack breaks the rules wanting to have his own control. Thirdly, by brutally beating Wilfred, Jack demonstrates excessive control. Ralph told, â€Å" He’s going to beat Wilfred†¦. he didn’t say what for. He got angry and made us tie him up,† (176). This Young 2 uotes shows how Jack has taken control making the boys tie up and help beat Wilfred. The excessive control used by the boys in the novel supports the idea that man is inherently evil, although it is also shown through other ways such as how the boys treat each other. The novel proves the point man is evil through the mistreatment the boys have for each other. To start, mistreatment is shown through the disresp ect the boys have for each other. Jack tell Piggy, â€Å"Shut up, Fatty,† (17). Jack is insulting Piggy as many of the boys insult and hurt each other, mistreating others. Next, Samneric show evidence of mistreatment by betraying Ralph. Samneric tell Ralph of Jack’s plan for him. However, later they betray Ralph by telling Jack where he is hiding (207). In this section Samneric mistreat Ralph when they betray him this way. Last, Jack performs mistreatment when he steals Piggy’s glasses. Ralph confronts Jack, â€Å"You came sneaking up like a thief and stole Piggy’s glasses,† (196). Even though the boys in The Lord of the Flies mistreat each other proving man is inherently evil, killing plays a major part as well. Golding confirms that man is inherently evil by the murders displayed by the boys. The first point is the intentional; murder of Piggy. Golding describes the murder, â€Å" The rock struck Piggy a glancing blow from chin to knee†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (200). This vicious murder of Piggy strongly suggests evil. In addition, is the unintentional, but denied murder of Simon. Ralph is honest with Piggy, â€Å"That was Simon†¦. That was murder,†(172). In this quote Ralph explains to Piggy that they all killed Simon and that it was murder. Finally, there is the in-humane killing of the pig which the boys participated in. The author describes it, â€Å" The first blow had paralyzed its hind quarters so then the circle could close Young 3 in and beat and beat,’(79). The savage killing of the pig shows the boys blood lust for murder. Murder strongly demonstrates that human kind is in fact inherently evil. In The Lord of the Flies the author affirms man is inherently evil through the boys control, mistreatment, and murders. Deep down without rules and society and the instinct to survive savagery evil may take over. Everyone has the capacity to be evil. Golding has strongly supported and proves this to be corrects in the novel.

Is Super Size Me Convincing? Essay

The doctors were certain that if he did not end the experiment immediately, he would have caused irreparable damage to his body. Using the rhetorical triangle, we can illustrate how the documentary utilizes the three points of logos, ethos, and pathos in order to establish a well founded, credible, and effective argument. Without the use of the rhetorical triangle, trying to create a well founded, credible account of anything would be difficult. One could argue that if an argument lacks any part of the rhetorical triangle, the argument is incomplete, and has no credibility or effectiveness. The rhetorical triangle provides the structure; the frame of a well thought out and well presented meaningful argument. And by doing so – using the rhetorical triangle, on can create a nearly foolproof reasoning and support for something they believe or support. This is what Spurlock has done here. The message; the appeal to ethos – the argument, the reason, data, evidence, and structure. The documentary uses simple, straightforward scientific methods to gather, collect, and analyze the data obtained from the study. Spurlock does this in order to get the message to people that eating nothing but fast food all of the time is terribly detrimental to your body. Your health suffers, and can even affect you mentally. Throughout the movie, he provides a simple structure of the task at hand, to eat nothing but McDonald’s all day, every day, for every meal. He does this to show that in no way is eating fast food good for you and that it should absolutely be limited if not totally eliminated from your diet. Fast foods have caused – or at least helped to cause many American’s problems with obesity and iseases such as diabetes. There have been many studies to support these claims and none are unfounded assumptions. The next unit of the rhetorical triangle that the documentary has covered is that of pathos – the audience and the appeals to their emotions, beliefs, values, knowledge and experience. Every American and many of the other peoples of the world have heard of McDonaldâ⠂¬â„¢s. They all know of food, and most have had experience with it as well. They know that it tastes good, and is fast and easy. They believe that it is perfectly harmless as well, most of them, anyhow. What they don’t know is that it is absolutely terrible for you and causes much more harm than good. What the movie tries to do is show how the effects of eating so much fast food can harm you. The results can be absolutely horrible, and if left uncorrected could lead to permanent damage. The movie tries to use the shock and scare factor of your emotions to get their message across that this stuff is no good. Any intelligent, rational person will take a step back and think twice about what they eat and especially whether or not to eat fast food, even a little. The effect for some people may be nothing, but others, like me will initially completely avoid fast food because of the shock that the movie gave us. Later on, however, after the shock has passed it is no big deal to go back for a burger – which can be dangerous. The biggest appeal to fast food it just that – it is fast. It is fast, easy, convenient and tasty. Quite appealing. The use of pathos on children is especially prevalent in McDonalds. They target children everywhere, on television, in schools, on signs, and on billboards. Children today cannot avoid them. They use these advertisements almost subliminally, so that the children will crave and seek out their food. Once they get there, they are overwhelmed with flashy, fun advertising gimmicks. They have happy meals with toys to entice them with, and a playground too. Why wouldn’t a child want to go to a place like that? Food, toys, and a playground all in one, it is wonderful. I remember I used to always enjoy going there as a kid. I cannot stand McDonalds now, however, for many it has and will become a life-long bond of company and consumer. This is exactly what McDonalds wants and is what they thrive on, f course – they are a business. The last appeal to be covered is that of ethos – credibility, authority, appearance and eloquence. Here, as in other aspects there are two sides to the ethos in this documentary. On one side is Spurlock and his doctors and professionals, and on the other side, McDonalds. First off, McDonalds wants you to think that their food is noth ing but tasty and filling – which it can be. They do not want you to know the harmful and unhealthy aspects of eating there. After all, they want you to come back and spend more money! What Spurlock wants to do with his documentary is get the message out that what we are doing to ourselves by eating this food is hurting us. He wants to expose that what the fast food business is doing is wrong. He does a good job of doing this, as he is very clear about what he is doing, and how he does it. He uses credible people such as doctors, scientists, and specialists to support his claims and make sure what he tells us is accurate. He does a great job of creating a convincing argument – one that is difficult to pick apart and find fault within. He has done a great job of providing clear, concise, convincing data. The movie Super Size Me is a great documentary and does a wonderful job of – well, documenting the research that Spurlock has done. He put himself through thirty days of hell of eating nothing but McDonald’s food in order to show what would happen if that is all you ate – nothing but McDonald’s food for an entire month. The result was shocking and horrifying at the same time. Spurlock gained over twenty pounds of body fat – while probably losing quite a lot of muscle mass and gained nearly twenty percent body fat. After thirty days that is amazing. His health deteriorated to the point that he nearly caused permanent damage to some of his vital organs such as his liver. The results were simply shocking, and they were foolproof as well, everything was done in a way that no one can argue with them and say that well, this was not caused by eating only McDonald’s. It was all directly caused by the food. This a very well structured and convincing study and they have done a great job through the documentary of portraying the information to the public.