Friday, January 17, 2020

Andrew Carnegie Essay

The rise of capitalism was characterised by exploitation and opportunity. Opportunities, if taken at the chance, enabled men to access wealth. Andrew Carnegie is the perfect example of an entrepreneur and man who built the roots of American infrastructure. He can also lived the ‘perfect’ American dream. He has a typical ‘rags to riches’ story, which makes him a historical icon and an admirable man. Carnegie is known to have built a fortune on steel. However, the ways in which he made money could be considered an abuse to ethics and moral rights. Toward the end of his life, Carnegie decided to use his wealth for the greater good of the community and encouraged learning. For the above reasons, he can be considered as a robber baron, but I believed that he also worked for the greater good of human nature. Carnegie was able to take opportunities to create a vast fortune. He came from absolutely nothing, but is known as a captain of industry. He monopolised wealth, transport and infrastructure. He was born in Scotland in 1835. His family migrated to America in 1848 when he was thirteen. As a young boy, he worked in a cotton factory in Pittsburgh. He did not have many years of schooling nor attended university but he became the richest man on the planet during the industrial revolution. In this sense, he is the incarnation of the American Dream. One of Carnegie’s sayings; â€Å"The first man gets the oyster, the second gets the shell† explains his career fully. Carnegie had the ability to identify and seize opportunities, to foresee what would happen to industries and to take risks. He also stated that; â€Å"people who are unable to motivate themselves must be content with mediocrity no matter how impressive their other talents† show his ambitiousness. Carnegie was not content with commonplace. His ability to seize opportunities and invest in them helped greatly his career. He saw potential in telegraphing and transport. While he was working in the railroad industry, in 1859, he saw a connection between steel and infrastructure. Carnegie grabbed the opportunity and created a successful steel company, a great example of capitalist exploitation. Carnegie’s steel company, Carnegie Steel, which opened near Pittsburgh in the 1870s, is an example exploitation during the rise of capitalism. Carnegie created employment. The way he ran his company can be believed to be an  abuse of manpower and human capacities. His workplace was similar to modern day sweatshops. He made men work hard. They had long hours, twelve hours per day, six days per week, in extremely poor working conditions. Because steel was in demand at the time, due to the advancements in steam engines, Carnegie decided to keep costs low to attract more people. However that meant that he kept his workers’ wages low as well. This resulted in violent labour strike in 1892. Carnegie always preached for rights of workers and unions. However his actions did not match his rhetoric. A major strike at Carnegie Steel was a clash between capitalism and workers’ unions. It was bloody and violent. It lasted five month. During that time Carnegie went to Scotland and left the company’s general manager, Henry Clay Frick in charge. 300 Pinkerton armed guards were posted around the factory and ten men were killed. Carnegie’s only way out of this dilemma was to sell his factory. He sold it to J. Pier Morgan, for $480 million, in 1901. Andrew Carnegie turned his career from capitalism to philanthropy. When Carnegie sold his steel company to Morgan, he became the â€Å"richest man on earth†, said Morgan the day he bought the company. In 1889, Carnegie had published an essay, in which he stated that, â€Å"the rich have a moral obligation to distribute their money in ways to promote the welfare and happiness of the common man†. He also said that, â€Å"the man who dies rich thus dies disgraced†. During his life he gave away more than $350 millions. Carnegie supported education and reading. He donated money to 2500 libraries around the world. The particular thing about Carnegie’s philanthropist career is that he did not just want to help people; he wanted to help others help themselves. He gave away his money for the improvement of mankind. For example, giving money away to libraries instead of people allowed mankind educate themselves. Consequently, education became easier to access for everyone. Carnegie became one of the most famous philanthropists, a complete opposite to the man whom exploited people in his factory. Andrew Carnegie was both a robber baron and a philanthropist. In my opinion, he worked for the greater good of human nature. He was a man who took opportunities to make his career, as well as giving other opportunities. Even though he exploited people, and the working conditions in his steel  factory are an example of that, he offered them jobs, and a way to make money for their families. I agree that in the end he â€Å"helped others to help themselves†. His massive donation of $350 millions shows his change of heart towards the end of his life. As Carnegie, grew up in a poor social class, I believe that he wanted to give others similar opportunities as he strived for. Giving them a chance for education and free access to libraries. The millions of dollars that he donated gave others a chance to improve their lives. I believe that Andrew Carnegie is a man to be remembered as one whom sought better mankind.

Thursday, January 9, 2020

Essay Peter Singer Arguement That We are Speciesist

Speciesism, as defined by Peter Singer, â€Å"is a prejudice or attitude of bias in favor of the interests of members of one’s own species and against those of members of other species† (Singer, Animal Liberation, p. 6). The rationale for the preferential treatment encapsulated in this definition is simply the fact that those receiving the preferred treatment belong to the same species, and not on the basis of any grounds of higher intelligence or other attributes. Singer ensures that the reader can easily relate to this concept by drawing parallels between it, racism and sexism. Drawing this parallel also automatically associates speciesism with a negative emotion in the mind of the reader, since the concepts of racism and sexism generally†¦show more content†¦47). The supposedly medical nature of these studies, with the corresponding chance for advancing the health of the human species, is overcome by the fact that â€Å"animal models have questionable accuracy† (Singer, Animal Liberation, p. 58). A particularly chilling take-away from the studies Singer lists is that most of them end with a note along the lines of ‘further experimentation necessary’, implying that the researchers are involved in a self-fulfilling negative cycle where their personal pursuit for grant money, publication in peer reviewed journals, and the elusive accolades of their colleagues far overshadows the immense amount of suffering their stu dies are causing. Indeed, Singer presents his argument in a convincing format, with one account surpassing the next in its sheer lack of consideration for animals as living creatures. This reinforces his argument that humans are speciesists, prone to causing harm to non-humans without a thought if it means a slight (perceived) enhancement in their own state. The other half of Singer’s notion that our society is speciesist rests on how humans treat animals to produce food. â€Å"Factory farming† techniques cause â€Å"animals [to] lead miserable lives from birth to slaughter† (Singer, Animal Liberation, p.

Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Liberty and The Bill of Rights - 531 Words

Upon creating the U.S. Constitution, the framers of America believed that â€Å"in order to form a more perfect union,† we required a government that would â€Å"secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity.† They sought to form a political entity that would take the necessary steps to ensure that the people of the nation would have the freedom to act and speak according to their own free will and guarantee their future generations the entitlement to that same liberty. The bill of rights, laid out as the first 10 amendments in the Constitution, guarantees citizens a number of personal freedoms that the government cannot infringe upon. Through the process of incorporation, the amendments not only apply to the federal government, but also to the states and local government. Therefore, allowing for the reservation of powers to the states and the people that were not notably allowed to the federal government. Due to the colonial experience with Great Brita in imposing restrictions on peoples rights, the founders of this nation were suspicious of the governments rise to tyranny, thus a limited government and popular sovereignty were important to them to avoid a monarchial system. To protect our freedoms, the framers created a government where power is derived from its people. John Lockes idea that people are born with natural rights of life, liberty, and property laid foundation to the democracy that lives on today. Locke believed that since people allow itsShow MoreRelated The Bill of Rights and Protection of Civil Liberties Essay845 Words   |  4 PagesThe Bill of Rights and Protection of Civil Liberties When the English came to America to escape religious persecution, things commenced at a shaky start. For example, Puritans fled from England because of religious persecution. They were being physically beaten because of their religious beliefs therefore they attempted to create a Utopia or City upon a hill in the New World. There City upon a hill began with a government based on religious beliefs. It developed into a government Read MoreBill Of Rights : Constitutional Protection Of Individual Liberties783 Words   |  4 PagesBill of Rights refers to constitutional protection of individual liberties. This is universal and extends to the healthcare sector as well. With the enactment of Patient Self-Determination Act of 1990 it allows patients to be protected especially about making decision regarding his or her health care. However, it is also essential that patients are aware that they have responsibilities too. I appreciate how the book emphasized both the historical and contemporary perspectives of the responsibilitiesRead MoreProtecting Life, Liberty, and Property in the Bill of Rights848 Words   |  4 PagesBill of Rights Essay â€Å" The government is morally obligated to serve people and protect their rights such as life, liberty, and property. â€Å" The Constitution had no effect against the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution was created to make a stronger central government to protect the rights of its people. The social contract protects the natural rights, while the Constitution protects every other rights, like adding an extra layer of protection. The writers intention of the Bill of RightsRead More The Bill of Rights: Americas Last Defense Against the Federal Suffocation of Civil Liberties?1833 Words   |  8 Pages nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Is our Bill of Rights necessary? Does it put a limit on our government, or on our liberty? Do these ten amendments hold the same meaning today as they did two-hundred and fourteen years ago? Are they now or have they ever been relevant? These questions were debated by our nation’s founding fathers in the eighteenth century and continue to be debated by the historians, academics, and political scientists today. Over the course of the last two centuries, its meaning hasRead MoreCivil Liberties and Civil Rights Essay1296 Words   |  6 PagesCivil Liberties (And how they differ from civil rights) If the fires of freedom and civil liberties burn low in other lands, they must be made brighter in our own. If in other lands the press and books and literature of all kinds are censored, we must redouble our efforts here to keep them free. If in other lands the eternal truths of the past are threatened by intolerance, we must provide a safe place for their perpetuation. Franklin Delano Roosevelt, 1938 (Isaacs 66) Freedom of speechRead MoreDefining The Bill Of Rights1075 Words   |  5 PagesDefining the Bill of Rights and Amendments to the Constitution Originally the Constitutional framers did not include a list of specific liberties. These liberties later would become a Bill of Rights. Many of the founding fathers did not believe it was necessary to spell out these individual liberties because they felt that the U.S. Constitution already made it clear what the limits on the government’s powers were. Soon it would become more evident that the Constitution didn’t go far enough in addressingRead MoreCivil Liberties And Civil Rights1318 Words   |  6 Pageschanges in order to protect the rights of U.S. citizens. Moreover, these changes have occurred by much insistence and court cases from the people. Out of these changes, civil rights and civil liberties have erupted in order to protect the lives of citizens even more. Who we are as citizens of the United States can be characterized by the concept of civil rights and civil liberties, the idea that the constitution protects the major rights enumerated in the Bill of Rig hts, marginalized groups, the secondRead MoreThe Bill Of Rights And The Amendment Of The Constitution962 Words   |  4 Pagesincluded the Bill of rights that provided us with Freedom (Schweikart, 2004). The bill of rights was established so each citizen is equally treated and allowed to share their idea and not be disgraced for it (Bodenhamer, 1993). The first ten amendments to the constitution of the United States established basic American civil liberties (Schweikart, 2004). The Bill of rights and the amendments of the constitution were written about the same time by the same people. The Bill of Rights and amendmentsRead MoreArticle Vii Of The U.s. Constitution State That Laws Passed By Congress946 Words   |  4 PagesVI is intended to state that the rights and liberties of citizens are secure. Unless the government can prove that it has a very good reason to control individual’s freedom. By virtue of being human, all individuals are in possessions of certain natural ri ghts, such as the right to a free trial and freedom of speech, freedom of religion. Civil liberties are freedoms that are guaranteed protection of people from an over-powerful government. Civil liberties are rights that cannot be restricted by governmentRead MoreThe Constitutional Framers Did Not Be A Bill Of Rights1065 Words   |  5 PagesOriginally the Constitutional framers did not include a list of specific liberties. These liberties later would become a Bill of Rights. Many of the founding fathers did not believe it was necessary to spell out these individual liberties because they felt that the U.S. Constitution already made it clear what the limits on the government’s powers were. Soon it would become more evident that the Constitution didn’t go far enough in addressing the issue of national power. As the ratification debates

Monday, December 23, 2019

The Problems with Human Population Essay - 2941 Words

The Problems with Human Population In Chapter III of The Origin of Species, Darwin writes: Even slow-breeding man has doubled in twenty-five years, and at this rate, in a few thousand years, there would literally not be standing room for his progeny.† (Darwin 29) Three hundred years ago, the population was only at about 500 million, and during this time the population was at a slow increase. Another factor during this period of time was the birth and death rates were at much higher levels. Many babies were born, but many also died. â€Å"Living conditions were such that many of the remaining children failed to survive beyond the age of thirty.† (Black 84) The crisis of Over Population should not be a surprise to anyone, currently if you†¦show more content†¦For decades, humans have fooled themselves into believing that we would never deplete all of earth’s resources, but because we could not control the population this has become almost inevitable. Not only is the exhaustion of resources a problem we face, but the destruction of these resources is as well. This destruction includes continued urban growth, degradation of land and water resources, massive deforestation, and buildup of greenhouse gases. Pollutants such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), radiation, and pesticides are all physical environmental factors found in air, land, or water that are damaging the planet. They recognize no political boundaries. Not only are resources affected but nature and many of its elements are in danger. Populations are being wiped out, species, and communities of plants, animals, and microorganisms that are working parts of our life-support systems are being destroyed. These are all partly responsible for the delivery of ecosystem services, which are the most irreversible of all losses. Just one element of biodiversity, species diversity, is disappearing at a rate estimated to be 1000 to 10,000 times the background rate, which is the more or less constant extinction rate that biolo gists presume to occur naturally overShow MoreRelatedEconomic Sustainability And The Problems Facing The Global Population Of A Large Scale Than Regular Human Choice1369 Words   |  6 PagesAll humans are economical by nature. We are constantly thinking socially, ethically and politically. We are constantly at a crossroads between which decisions to make. Almost all of our decisions are driven by economic considerations leading humans to be considered as economically rational. Which option will provide us with the most net benefit either in the long or short term. However, these choices are not always the right choice. Economics is the study of these choices but in the context of thisRead MoreGlobal Warming And Its Effects On Human Population1458 Words   |  6 Pagespast 100 years, the population of the world has gone from about 2 million people to just over 7 million people. With this drastic change in population in such a short period of time compared to the total age of the e arth, problems are no doubtable going to arise. From the demand of the ever rising human population on the earth, food accessibility, depletion of natural resources, and an increase in global warming affects all have detrimental consequences on our human population and our own earth thatRead MoreOverpopulation1587 Words   |  7 Pages The population of Earth is estimated to be seven and a half billion, and the current growth rate per year is around eighty million. Since the world’s population is constantly growing at such a high rate, some people believe that it will lead to the downfall of the human race, while others think it is beneficial to continue on this path. The ongoing debate on world overpopulation allows many different people to offer their unique opinions, such as Erle C. Ellis, Joel Kotkin, Robert Walker, and AlonRead MoreThe Future Of The Human Race1539 Words   |  7 PagesThe future of the human race is terrifying to ponder about; not only does it raise ma ny questions as to how the constant population growth will be handled, but it also causes natural resources to become more limited by the day. As human beings progress towards the future they will undoubtedly accomplish a myriad of feats. It is essential that one of such feats can solve the issues brought forth by the ever growing population of the human race. Furthermore, engineers must either generate new waysRead MoreOverpopulation Is A Serious Problem1442 Words   |  6 Pagesis overpopulation. Overpopulation is a serious problem that is having an extreme effect on the health of every citizen of every country. The problems caused by overpopulation could even prove to be a fatal epidemic to the human population. Oftentimes overpopulation is overlooked due to a lack of knowledge or simply because many government officials have dismissed overpopulation and call it a myth. Overpopulation is an enormous and serious global problem that needs to be taken seriously in order toRead More Essay Population Growth, Industrialization, and the Environment1495 Words   |  6 PagesPopulation Growth, Industrialization, and the Environment Human population growth was relatively slow for most of human history. Within the past 500 years, however, the advances made in the industrial, transportation, economic, medical, and agricultural revolutions have helped foster an exponential, J-shaped rise in human population (Southwick, Figure 15.1, p. 160). The statistics associated with this type of growth are particularly striking: Human beings took more than 3 million years toRead MoreThe Current World s Population1409 Words   |  6 Pagess population is approximately seven billion people, and the amount of time that it takes for the population to increase by another billion is decreasing with each billion. According to the World Population Data sheet, there will be about eight billion people by the year 2020, and this is due to its continuation of growth (Southwick 159). A clear understanding of the causes and what might possibly happen is the first step to dealing with the population crisis. The world s human population hasRead MoreEssay Overpopulation’s Effect on Environment886 Words   |  4 Pagesincreasing world’s population is a global issue and becomes a source of anxiety for many scholars and decision makers around the globe. U.S. Census Bureau estimated that population growth will persist into the 21st century, growing from 6 billion in 1999 to 9 billion by 2044 (2010). In a longer term, it is also projected that human population may keep increasing up to 36.4 billion in 2300 (United Nations, 2003). Population upsurge is considered a centre piece for a range of problems world would encounterRead MoreOverpopulation Is A Social Science1492 Words   |  6 Pagesglobal issues future generations will have to confront, scientists stating that we as humans are undermining the life support system that sustains up. This, however, is untrue. Overpopulation defines a situation where the number of people exhaust the resources such that it can no longer suppor t that population. Due to this, there is sufficient evidence to support the claim that overpopulation is not the pressing problem it has been chalked up to be. Whereas many scientists have been confronting it withRead MoreThe Development Of The World Population1528 Words   |  7 Pagesthe development of the world population directly depends on the mode of social production, especially the level of development of productive forces. In the history, mankind got the tremendous progress in productivity often with the population rapid develop. In the primitive society, the primitive society s population birth rate and the mortality rate all maintained at about 50% because of the objective law and the social production mode. The number of the population maintain in a state of high birth

Sunday, December 15, 2019

Delivery of Human Service Program Free Essays

Delivery of Human Services Program Jakiya Burse BSHS 471 Deborah Machold October 28, 2012 Delivery of Human Services Program Many people rely on human service programs. This paper will discuss the delivery of  human service program for men, women, and teenagers. There are various men, women, and teenagers that need help with reproductive health care education. We will write a custom essay sample on Delivery of Human Service Program or any similar topic only for you Order Now Planned Parenthood provides sex education to men, women, and teenagers. Planned Parenthood acts as an advocate for their clients. Planned Parenthood According to  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Planned Parenthood†Ã‚  (2012),  Ã¢â‚¬Å"for nearly 100 years, Planned Parenthood has promoted a commonsense approach to women’s health and well-being, based on respect for each individual’s right to make informed, independent decisions about health, sex, and family planning† (Planned Parenthood). Planned Parenthood healthcare providers offer men and women affordable medical care. How Services are Delivered Planned Parenthood has been able to be around for so long because this organization provides their clients with trustful healthcare services and information. According to  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Planned Parenthood†Ã‚  (2012), services are delivered to clients through â€Å"preventive, primary care, which helps prevent unintended pregnancies through contraception, reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections through testing and treatment, and screen for cervical and other cancers. Caring physicians, nurse practitioners, and other staff take time to talk with clients, encouraging them to ask questions in an environment that millions have grown to trust (Planned Parenthood). Planned Parenthood offers supports group to clients who have had an STD before or who have terminated a pregnancy in the past. Depending on the location the services offered by Planned Parenthood are abortions, birth control, emergency contraception (morning after pill), general health care, HIV testing, LGBT services, men’s health care, pregnancy testing and services, STD testing, treatment and vaccines, and women’s health care   (â€Å"Planned Parenthood†,  2012). Some of the  services offered require an appointment to be set up. Others can be seen on a walk-in basis. Educating According to  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Planned Parenthood†Ã‚  (2012),  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Planned Parenthood known for provided reproductive services to their clients. Planned Parenthood offers easily understandable and  honest data that allow women, men, teens, and families to make informed choices and lead healthy lives. Planned Parenthood is proud of its very important role in providing young people with honest sexuality and relationship information in classrooms and online to help reduce the nation’s disturbingly high rates of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Nearly 1. 2 million youths and adults participate in Planned Parenthood educational programs every year (Planned Parenthood). Evaluation According to  Ã¢â‚¬Å"Planned Parenthood Of New Mexico†Ã‚  (2012),   medical services are provided in accordance with high medical standards set forth by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America and are closely monitored by the Medical Director. The affiliate is evaluated on a regular basis by PPFA to ensure that PPNM meets all standards for accreditation. PPNM went through this process in April 2007 and received a four-year accreditation. PPNM’s Standard and Guidelines as well as other, manuals were recommended or used as models for other affiliates (Our History). Conclusion Planned Parenthood has been around for 95 years. In those 95 years this human services program has continued to provide clients with reliable healthcare that the client can trust. Planned Parenthood advocates for public policies to make sure clients have access to the services provided. Planned Parenthood also provides education to men, women, and teenagers around the world about human sexuality. References Planned Parenthood. (2012). Retrieved on October 28, 2012 from http://www. plannedparenthood. org/about-us/who-we-are-4648. htm Planned Parenthood of New Mexico. (2012). Retrieved October 28, 2012 from http://www. plannedparenthood. org/new-mexico/our-history-3150. htm How to cite Delivery of Human Service Program, Papers

Saturday, December 7, 2019

Racial And Gender Equality free essay sample

Today one of the major emphases of the world community is on promoting racial and gender equality and ensuring equal opportunity to everyone. The worlds most influential and developed nation, America, boasts of these qualities. Yet, according to a Washington based Justice Policy Institute, the number of Black men in jail or prison is greater than the number of black men in college. Furthermore, a report issued by the Justice Department of America states that â€Å"Black men born in the United States in 2001 will have a one in three chance of going to prison during their lifetime if current trends continue† (Younge). Also a study released on July 18th 2007, by the criminal justice policy group in America states that â€Å"Blacks in the United States are imprisoned at more than five times the rate of whites, and Hispanics are locked up at nearly double the white rate† Clearly these facts not only provide evidence of racial discrimination but also imply that Blacks and Hispanics do not get as much opportunities as Whites in America. We will write a custom essay sample on Racial And Gender Equality or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Black people are not violent by birth but it is the circumstances that make them behave in such a way. Racial discrimination, lack of employment opportunities creates unrest and frustration in their society. As a result such people resort to crime and drugs. Had there been racial equality and everyone was given equal opportunity, such issues would never have risen. Gender equality is also debatable. According to the theological concept of Complementarianism, found especially in Christianity, men and women are given different set of qualities so as to equip them to play their unique role in the society. Basically men and women are referred to as two halves of the same body, each has a specific role to play and each compliments the other. Therefore it might be deduced that both sexes are equal and have specific roles to play but historically women have been deprived of equal rights with men. Even the Pope Joan Paul II denied the priestly ordination on women. In Islam, women are not given equal property rights as compared with the property rights given to men and a womans testimony is given half weight age to that of a man.

Saturday, November 30, 2019

Critical Thinking Thesis Based on the Local Fashion Industry Essay Example

Critical Thinking Thesis Based on the Local Fashion Industry Essay Outline Topic: The fashion industry of Trinidad and Tobago. Narrowed Topic: The challenges encountered within the local fashion industry. Thesis question: Does the local fashion industry possess the vitality to triumph over its’ various challenges, and ultimately arrive at the level of the international fashion industry and hence maximise its’ success? Topic Outline1. The local fashion industry2. The challenges encountered3. The international fashion industry4. The benefits of development 5. The Solution| Sentence / Question OutlineThe current position of our fashion industry. There are numerous challenges faced by the individuals leading the industry; as well as those who would like a future in the fashion industry. At what level is the international fashion industry operating on, as compared to the local fashion industry? There are numerous benefits to be derived from the improvement of the local fashion industry. There is a need for a change in the approach to the business of fashion by those involved, in addition to the need for the future operators of the industry to â€Å"go hard† and go beyond the norm that exist in the industry today. The fashion industry is essential and moreover here to stay. Clothing is a basic need of human beings, which the fashion industry then adds creativeness too, to suit each individual’s meticulous desires, needs and style. The fashion business can be lucrative to business owners, as it is to the economy. But is the local fashion industry on this level of profitability? Is the local fashion industry capable of reaping such benefits? It’s only when we know where we are, that we can assess the situation and determine the route that we ought to go. We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Thinking Thesis Based on the Local Fashion Industry specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Thinking Thesis Based on the Local Fashion Industry specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Critical Thinking Thesis Based on the Local Fashion Industry specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The current leaders Peter Elias, Meiling, Claudia Pegus, Heather Jones, and Diane Hunt are self taught designers with stores and a few have websites which give information about themselves and their brand. Peter Elias has an article called ‘Trend Watch’ in the Sunday newspapers, which his advertisement usually follows. But what impact do his efforts create? Customers benefit from his clothing; he provides employment and mall owners’ benefit by their spaces being rented. Diane Hunt created the local Fashion Week, while Meiling and Claudia Pegus can be captured doing interviews for the Basia Show and other local TV channels. Diane Hunt provides employment, clothing for her target market, and the expectation of drawing more awareness to local designers through Fashion Week. But is Fashion Week marketed adequately that Trinidad and Tobago and other countries flock to see the local designers hence creating sales, or is it an event where people dress up and watch the show just for a night out? These designers don’t give out catalogues, highlight their store locations, nor do they have shopping carts on their websites for international customers or home shoppers locally to purchase. In what direction are these current leaders taking this trade to? Are these designers serious about their business or is this their lack of theoretical business education being displayed? Any business fashion manuscript tells you to be a success in this industry you need 90% business skills and 10% design skills; I am of the view that these designers appear to have only the 10% design skills. Heather Jones, Meiling and Claudia Pegus hardly if ever promote their brands. How much revenue could they possibly make with this approach to business marketing or the lack thereof? It may be seen that they don’t have sufficient funds to advertise; but is the lack of funds a viable excuse when institutions such as NEDCO, Scotia Bank and the Business Development Company offer loans to expand businesses in fashion? These established designers have better luck at approved loans as opposed to a ‘newbie’. The current leaders of the industry seem comfortable in their present position and give the impression of being somewhat non competitive, almost even laid back. Would the graduates of the UTT’s Design and Fashion Management programme now shake the present leaders out of their slumber? This may be why students have cited that designers seem threatened by their knowledge and prefer to sideline them, so as not to be put in the shade. Are these â€Å"Top† local designers really in a state of slumber, or are the challenges they face making it appear this way? These designer items are highly priced, and most citizens operate on a tight budget with little or no disposable income. This could affect these designers market share and affect their bottom line. But are these items strategically highly priced, or is it the result of challenges? These designers face higher overhead cost, as there are no fabric mills locally, and designers have to source their fabrics from overseas, then pay to ship the fabric, and pay customs taxes when it’s delivered. These charges now have to be added to the price tag of the garment, along with other operational costs. Designers also seem stagnant in extending their product lines as well because if they want to create a shoe or handbag line, they have to find an international manufacturing company, and once again pay to ship and clear these items which again would raise the proposed selling price. There is also the perception of the fashion industry of Trinidad and Tobago is not a glamorous one in which you can turn a millionaire; to the likes of Ralph Lauren. These factors pose challenges to the young people in the secondary school system that aren’t looking at the local designers as role models but instead view international programs such as Project Runway and love the thrill of the fashion industry. These young fearless minds see themselves being successful designers such as Donna Karen and others; however, parents may not understand why their children would want to do subjects such as Clothing and Textiles or Art. This industry looks unpromising in the eyes of parents with the perception that these subject choices are for slow children, or those who aren’t good in the Math, Business or Science subjects. It can be seen that there are many challenges faced by those leading the industry presently as well as those who hope to enter the industry. But can the challenges faced by the future players’ of the industry be solved if we fix the challenges faced by the current leaders? Indeed, if current leaders overcome their hurdles, be creative and industrious, a more favourable light could be shun upon the future of the industry. At what intensity is the international industry operating on, compared to the local fashion industry? When the international fashion industry is researched, the revenues made are very clear, so one can see the success level achievable, and it’s easy for one to want to be as successful as this company and work towards it. Locally on designers websites you can’t get an idea as to their level of success if so. Internationally the fashion industry is flooded with designers, who understand that if they want to stay afloat in such a busy industry, they themselves have to be busy and have a omprehensive marketing plan or strategy to enable them to stay relevant, remain profitable and most importantly, stay in business. How many local designers have ever done a marketing plan? If we search online we would see no results for local designers, but if we searched for example GAP’s marketing plan, we are sure to find their plans for several years. But is it our culture to say , I don’t need such a plan; does this show a lack of business sense? Is it our culture to just be laid back, whereas in the U. S they seem not to even have time to speak as everyone is so busy? Some might agree that it’s a culture thing, that ‘Trinbagonians don’t care whether a Sunday falls on a Wednesday’, but again it could be viewed as effects from the lack of resources locally. In the U. S a fashion house advertises online, in newspapers, in magazines, on television, on the radio, and on billboards. Locally only a few designers advertise in the newspapers. Internationally, the fashion industry sells in their country and globally as well. Local designers operate at a level which I think is alarming to anyone who is business savvy. Has it not dawned on these designers to find ways to market their collections internationally to increase sales? Do these local designers just wait for things to fall into their laps, or are they dreamers instead of go getters? No matter what good initiatives the Prime Minister takes to develop the industry, it cannot grow without these designers thinking outside of the box and making things happen for themselves. If the graduates of the UTT’s Fashion programmes with their practical and theoretical skills get into the industry with that international vigour, only then will the current fashion leaders wake up and see what they should have or could have done. Cleary it can be seen that with the current state of the local fashion industry, there is a great need for development in order to reach the full potential of the fashion industry. There should also be the inclusion of the footwear design and manufacturing programme at the UTT in order to facilitate the creation of a shoe manufacturing company in this country. Having developed the students of the programmes and more being trained in the fashion area, this would give birth to higher standards, and more innovation from the future leaders of the industry through competition, as the market would become more saturated with skilled and business savvy graduates. The youths now in Secondary schools could say that not only am I studying Clothing and Textiles and Art for CXC, but after which I shall be pursuing my Degree in Fashion Design or Fashion Management, which may fall on their parents’ ears a lot easier. Having qualified themselves in this way, they have the option of working with these designers to see how they operate and distinguish how they can operate better. Students would not be limited to working for a designer, but be able to launch their own businesses. This trickles down to creating employment and diversifying the economy. This boom would create a demand for other services such as shoe manufacturing, handbag manufacturing, garment manufacturing and even our own fabric manufacturing mill. It’s a shame that stores in Trinidad and Tobago are full of items bought from the US and a few from Margarita. Imagine how fruitful our economy would be if everything in our stores were made in Trinidad or Tobago. There is a need for a change in the approach to the business of fashion by those involved, in addition to the need for the future operators of the industry to â€Å"go hard† and go beyond the norm that exist presently in the local fashion industry. The new generation of the industry has to outshine the average standards already set in the fashion industry locally and work relentlessly towards creating a fashion industry in this country that meets the level of the international fashion trade or is great enough to even surpass it. The challenges faced by the fashion industry can be triumphed over if we want to rise above them. Nothing happens on its’ own without applying the necessary action. In order for growth to take place as the saying goes ‘you can’t know where you are going unless you know where you are’. This is the mediocre position that we are in, and if we operate with the strategies that are tried and tested by international billion dollar fashion businesses that started from scratch, only then will we be on our way to creating a Fashion industry in Trinidad and Tobago that the current leaders would not have thought ever possible or even know how to begin creating to place for Trinidad and Tobago high on the global Fashion map.