Ina Kapxhiu Dunphy | University of Massachusetts, Boston (original) (raw)

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Ethnic identity groups have had a large influence on American foreign policy since the birth of t... more Ethnic identity groups have had a large influence on American foreign policy since the birth of this nation. This is due to the fact that “America has always been a nation of immigrants,” as former president, Bill Clinton, states (Smith 19). As a result of diversity being America’s greatest development advantage, this nation has grown into a predominant democratic diversity. Although ethnic groups are minorities in the United States, they have had a larger impact on the American foreign policy, based on their essentially interest for external relations.

Due to technological advances, increased competition has led many companies a competitive advanta... more Due to technological advances, increased competition has led many companies a competitive advantage of outsourcing. As a result, the effects of outsourcing have caused major job losses in our nation. In order to maintain jobs in the future workforce, society must be well prepared with higher education and essential skills required for positions that will be in demand. By redesigning our education system with emphasis on skills and important knowledge, individuals will be better qualified for desired positions. Consequently, the value of a better education system is important for future generations.

Economic growth consists of an improvement in the standards of living that can be achieved throug... more Economic growth consists of an improvement in the standards of living that can be achieved through an increase in per capita income and output. Based on classical economics theories, capital accumulation occurs when some of the production gets saved for future investment. In order for the standard of living to increase, output growth must increase faster than the population growth rate. Many economists believe that an important approach of reducing poverty and achieving economic growth is by providing loans and foreign aid for investment. Easterly, however, critics on the idea, stating that physical capital are useless solutions.

Import Substitution Industrialization is a trade policy in which countries produce industrialized... more Import Substitution Industrialization is a trade policy in which countries produce industrialized goods in order to reduce foreign dependency. According to economist Amsden, the import substitution was established to help developing countries enter technological industries and compete against large firms in developed nations.

Economist Amartya Sen and philosopher Martha Nussbaum emphasize on the basic capabilities that ar... more Economist Amartya Sen and philosopher Martha Nussbaum emphasize on the basic capabilities that are essential for human development. In addition to income depravation, the deprivation of basic capabilities can cause deeper poverty gaps, longer duration of poverty, food insecurity, and difficulty for obtaining basic needs. Human development is generally associated with Nussbaum’s concept of being “truly human,” which is defined by the fundamental elements of human capabilities. To lack any of the capabilities is to lack any fundamental support of humanity. These capabilities are designed to help construct the concept of social justice. Although income deprivation plays a significant role in poverty, the fundamental element of human development in third world countries is associated with capabilities deprivation.

In the documentary titled “An Inconvenient Truth” (2006), former vice president, Al Gore, delive... more In the documentary titled “An Inconvenient
Truth” (2006), former vice president, Al Gore, delivers a powerful message regarding the global warming crisis. Gore emphasizes the significance of climate change by arguing that global warming should not be viewed as a political issue, but an ethical one. The documentary is compelling, and although Gore’s argument raises an anthropogenic concern about global warming, it is a strong motivating factor used to inspire individuals to take part in ecological sustainability. As rational beings, we are morally obligated to preserve the global environment by reducing our carbon footprint for the intrinsic value of the planet, as well as for the benefit of our future generations. Environmental concerns, such as global warming, are ethical issues that require immediate action in order to prevent further damage.

The fundamental ethical issues with respect to climate change involves the concept of intergenera... more The fundamental ethical issues with respect to climate change involves the concept of intergenerational ethics and problems of corruption, as well as Monbiot’s theory of the “denial industry.” The natural environment can be perceived as having intrinsic and instrumental value, however, if certain issues do not appear to have anthropogenic concerns, most egoistic human beings do not see the incentive to do much about it. Although various laws have been enforced to help resolve climate change, it is ultimately up to society to take responsibility towards preventing future harm and preserving the environment.

Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses” is a controversial novel that emphasizes on various aspects... more Salman Rushdie’s “The Satanic Verses” is a controversial novel that emphasizes
on various aspects of the world, including the Muslim religion. Although the novel can be misinterpreted based on Rushdie’s offensive remarks about Islamic cultures, his representation of religion, culture, and character identities reveal an innovative style of writing, which keeps the reader engaged. As we learn more about each character in the novel, we discover the relationship between ethnicity and identity, which play a significant role in character development and plot of the story. Post-Colonial key concepts, such as exile and ethnicity, are interrelated to the major themes of the novel regarding personal identity and reincarnation.

David Mitchell’s novel “Cloud Atlas,” takes the reader through a journey in various sets of time.... more David Mitchell’s novel “Cloud Atlas,” takes the reader through a journey in various sets of time. Although the novel has a complicated layout, and is composed of six stories with different genres, Mitchell’s creativity keeps the reader engaged. Throughout each story, Mitchell takes us through a journey, from the 19th century, to the 1930’s, to the 1970’s, to the current year, into the future, and backwards. Two major themes of the novel include the notion of time, and individual identity development of each character.

An effective solution to reducing the environmental impact would be to provide an onsite location... more An effective solution to reducing the environmental impact would be to provide an onsite location of rental hybrid/electric vehicles made available to students and staff that attend the university. By providing access to rental fuel-efficient vehicles, students and staff can share and car-pool to the university. This approach would be cost efficient for each individual in terms of reducing gas costs, parking fees, and even monthly car loan payments. It would also be environmentally beneficial because it would reduce emissions and preserve the environment.