Thursday, November 28, 2019
A Generation Set Aside Essays - Demographics,
A Generation Set Aside Often we hear of the generation gap -- that huge expanse between parent and child. Perhaps it is an acquaintance gap. Young people and adults do not know each other. The inability to communicate often enters the picture. Sometimes it is because neither knows what the other is interested in. They live under the same roof, but they rarely see one another, especially after the teenage years come along. The father goes off to work before the children are awake. Mother may go back to bed after seeing the husband off to work; or off to her own job. Teenagers get themselves up and off to school without seeing either parent. Then after school there is ball practice, band practice, or something else that consumes their time; maybe a job that lasts until bedtime. Parents have things that tie them up in the evenings; so the days come and go, and there is precious little time spent together. A meal together is even a rare occasion. All of these activities may be wholesome and proper, but still t he family suffers because there is so little time spent together. This causes many children to make too many decisions on their own, and so often they will leave important and crucial matters out of their thoughts and plans. This generation often gets labelled by the media and the older people in society as the "youngsters who are tearing this country apart." The fact of the matter is that we are a product of our parent's mistakes and remain to be misunderstood. In the past several years we have seen much media attention focused on the generation that followed the boomers, popularly known as Generation X. Born between the mid-1960s and early 1980s , this is the most complex of the generation, and by far the least understood in spite of its current celebrity. This generation can best be described as the "Misunderstood Generation." They are the generation that dealt with and are still dealing with broken homes, drug addiction, AIDS, and bleak futures. A great deal of the young people in this "Misunderstood Generation" think very little about the future or present issues. This generation has lost sight of long terms goals and the idea that hard work pays off in the end. Instead, the people in this generation concern themselves only with what will bring immediate satisfaction and gratification. This part of society cares only about money and themselves, never thinking about the consequences of their actions. The "Misunderstood Generation" feels overwhelmed with the idea of a country with a multi- trillion dollar deficit, a high rate of poverty, and relatively no jobs. The "Misunderstood Generation" wants less out of life. This generation has evolved from the children that came home from school to an empty house because mom had to go back to work after the divorce. This is the generation that got its morals from watching T.V. after school and was parented by an older brother or sister. This is the generation that has unconventional ways and does not always reason for them. They are uncertain and need answers. They poke and prod to find what is lying ahead. They have loud voices but are seldom heard. This is the generation which has high expectations and are often disappointed. I, as well as all of the others born in my generation, were unleashed into an ever changing world. The advances of today can easily be old news tomorrow. Along with this they, the people who have lived and controlled up until this day, have allowed the respect of the living to dwindle with the consistently increasing ease of everyday life. Transportation from one point to another can be the simplest of tasks. Communication with someone in any far off land can be reached with just the touch of a button. And access to almost all the information the world has to offer is free for all with the use of the Internet. No other group of people have grown up with these things as being such the standards and necessities of life and living that they are today. We have never had a war in our country. All of
Sunday, November 24, 2019
The Ludlow Amendment and American Isolationism
The Ludlow Amendment and American Isolationism Once upon a time, Congress nearly gave away its right to debate and declare war. It never actually happened, but it came close in the days of American isolationism something called the Ludlow Amendment. Shunning the World Stage With the exception of a brief flirtation with empire in 1898, the United States attempted to avoid involvement in foreign affairs (European, at least; the U.S. never had many problems shouldering into Latin American affairs), but close ties to Great Britain and Germanys use of submarine warfare dragged it into World War I in 1917. Having lost 116,000 soldiers killed and another 204,000 wounded in just over a year of the war, Americans were not eager to get involved in another European conflict. The country adopted its isolationist stance. Insistent Isolationism Americans adhered to isolationism throughout the 1920s and 1930s, regardless of events in Europe and Japan. From the rise of Fascism with Mussolini in Italy to the perfection of Fascism with Hitler in Germany and the hijacking of the civil government by militarists in Japan, Americans tended their own issues. Republican presidents in the 1920s, Warren G. Harding, Calvin Coolidge, and Herbert Hoover, also gave scant attention to foreign affairs. When Japan invaded Manchuria in 1931, Hoovers Secretary of State Henry Stimson merely gave Japan a diplomatic slap on the wrist. The crisis of the Great Depression swept Republicans from office in 1932, and new President Franklin D. Roosevelt was an internationalist, not an isolationist. FDRs New Attitude Roosevelt firmly believed that the United States should respond to events in Europe. When Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, he encouraged American oil companies to enact a moral embargo and stop selling oil to Italys armies. The oil companies refused. FDR, however, won out when it came to the Ludlow Amendment. Peak of Isolationism Representative Louis Ludlow (D-Indiana) introduced his amendment several times to the House of Representatives beginning in 1935. His 1938 introduction was the one most likely to pass. By 1938, Hitlers reinvigorated German army had retaken the Rhineland, was practicing blitzkrieg on behalf of Fascists in the Spanish Civil War and was preparing to annex Austria. In the East, Japan had started a full-out war with China. In the United States, Americans were scared history was about to repeat. Ludlows Amendment (a proposed amendment to the Constitution) read: Except in the event of an invasion of the United States or its Territorial possessions and attack upon its citizens residing therein, the authority of Congress to declare war shall not become effective until confirmed by a majority of all votes cast thereon in a Nation-wide referendum. Congress, when it deems a national crisis to exist, may by concurrent resolution refer the question of war or peace to the citizens of the States, the question to be voted on being, Shall the United States declare war on _________? Congress may otherwise by law provide for the enforcement of this section. Twenty years earlier, even entertaining this resolution would have been laughable. In 1938, though, the House not only entertained it but voted on it. It failed, 209-188. FDRs Pressure FDR hated the resolution, saying it would unduly limit the powers of the presidency. He wrote to Speaker of the House William Brockman Bankhead that: I must frankly state that I consider that the proposed amendment would be impracticable in its application and incompatible with our representative form of government. Our Government is conducted by the people through representatives of their own choosing, FDR continued. It was with singular unanimity that the founders of the Republic agreed upon such free and representative form of government as the only practical means of government by the people. Such an amendment to the Constitution as that proposed would cripple any President in his conduct of our foreign relations, and it would encourage other nations to believe that they could violate American rights with impunity. I fully realize that the sponsors of this proposal sincerely believe that it would be helpful in keeping the United States out of war. I am convinced it would have the opposite effect, the president concluded. Incredible (Near) Precedent Today the House vote that killed the Ludlow Amendment doesnt look all that close. And, had it passed the House, its unlikely the Senate would have passed it on to the public for approval. Nevertheless, its amazing that such a proposal got so much traction in the House. Incredible as it may seem, the House of Representatives (that house of Congress most answerable to the public) was so scared of its role in U.S. foreign policy that it seriously considered giving up one of its bedrock Constitutional duties; the declaration of war. Sources Ludlow Amendment, full text. Accessed September 19, 2013.Peace And War: United States Foreign Policy, 1931-1941. (U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, 1943; repr. U.S. Department of State, 1983.) Accessed September 19, 2013.
Thursday, November 21, 2019
What is the advantages of having green building and LEEDS certificate Essay
What is the advantages of having green building and LEEDS certificate - Essay Example Besides large windows the space is comfortable and remember the mantra happy employees lead to happy customers. Public Image is positive. Every stakeholder from the shareholder to the customer will be happy to be associated with such accompany or an organization. This will also build a brand for the business and you never know it might lead to more business for the organization. Lower operating cost are brought about this is because this building tend to have renewable source of energy such as solar and with this equipmentââ¬â¢s installed can bring the cost of power lower therefore being able to save on some expenses in the organization. The future of business goes to those who minimize cost and maximize on sales. Community benefits such as ensure that there is water efficiency which can be used in other ways like planting of flowers and watering of flowers in the organization. They can also install water fountains which can be used in beautification of the
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
Should children under the age 14 be allowed to make treatment Research Paper - 1
Should children under the age 14 be allowed to make treatment decisions - Research Paper Example However, recently, such presumptions continue to receive criticism from policymakers and other activists, thereby raising the question of the justification of childrenââ¬â¢s decisions regarding their health. There have been several conflicts between the caregivers and the teens below 14 years regarding their welfare, and some childrenââ¬â¢s arguments seem justifiable over those of their parents (Cherry, 2013). As such, there is a critical need to address the issue, and give such kids a bigger voice in making decisions regarding their health. Besides, since such children have the direct impacts of their health conditions, they may suggest treatment modes that may improve their conditions (Cherry, 2013). However, the assistance of a physician is critical, and it should be at the best interest of the patient (minor) (Cherry, 2013). The key advantage of such a decision is that it will aid in the recovery of the child, particularly in emergencies where the caregiver may be unavailable. However, this ought to be within the allowed legal standards. Besides, children with long-term disorders are perceived to be more acquainted with their conditions, and hence they may make wise decisions regarding their health. This is evident in cases where parents advocate for a misinformed treatment prescription that only leads to the deterioration of such childrenââ¬â¢s conditions. Such cases have been evident in numerous US states, thereby highlighting the need for child involvement in cases regarding their health. However, owing to the legal obligations of parents to make such decisions, the challenges still loom (Cherry, 2013). Besides, negative consequences resulting from a physician allowing such children to make decisions concerning their health may compel the physicians to undergo unjustified legal proceedings, thereby jeopardizing their careers. Although children may be under the care of the parents and guardians, the childrenââ¬â¢s consent to treatment may
Monday, November 18, 2019
Reform movement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Reform movement - Essay Example Selfish needs of certain people especially if they are in power often result in backlash and revolt. Such revolts arise mostly because of suppression and lack of freedom. There have been many revolutions throughout the world which has changed the world for better. Abolitionist movement is one such revolution which arose in 1800ââ¬â¢s with a motive to achieve emancipation for all slaves and to end all kind of racial discrimination in Unites States of America. People who supported the movement or advocated immediate end to slavery were known as abolitionist. Abolitionist movement which had started centuries ago was not new to the American people as many African slaves used to kill either themselves or their captors in order to resist slavery. In nineteen century when the society became more liberal and aware, more and more white people condemned slavery as unchristian.1 The first white people to denounce slavery in Europe and European colonies were known as Quakers. Quakers believed in universal equality and demanded equal rights for black and white man. They played an important role in abolishing slavery in Europe and were also behind the abolitionist movement in United States.2 Slaves were chained and were transported in crowded diseases ridden ships. These slaves were subject to abuse from the ship crew. Many of the Africans died on their way to America. The working conditions of these slaves were inhuman and were made to do rigorous labor in dreadful conditions. Although the movement started in 1800ââ¬â¢s the overall sentiment regarding the abolitionist movement remained muted until 1830 when American Anti Slavery Society was formed to raise voice against slavery and the overall anti slavery movement gathered pace. The movement was very controversial as many powerful businessman and politicians opposed ending slavery, as it meant huge economical losses to them. The movement which started in the year 1800ââ¬Ës gathered momentum in
Friday, November 15, 2019
A Swot Analysis Of American Airlines Tourism Essay
A Swot Analysis Of American Airlines Tourism Essay INTRODUCTION: American Airlines was the U.S.s largest carrier in 1992. It had a fleet of 622 jet aircraft, flying 2,450 flights daily to 182 locations. It also had innovative technology and programs. They were the first to introduce a computerized airline reservation system called Sabre, Super Saver fares and frequent- flier programs. Despite these innovations, American Airlines and the airline industry as a whole was still not operating as profitably or providing customer satisfaction the way it should in 1992. There were two main reasons. First, the airline industry was suffering from the economic downturns in 1990 and 1991. In 1991 alone, the industrys cumulative losses were $1.87 billion, which exceeded the total amount of profits the industry had ever earned throughout its 60-year history. American Airlines itself reported losses of $77 million in 1990 and $165 million in 1991. In terms of customers flying, the dollar volume of pleasure travel grew only 8% in the 1989-91 period compared to 19 % for 1987-89. The comparable figures for business travel were a 9% increase for 1989-91 in contrast to 28% growth experiences in 1987-89. April 9th, 1992 American Airlines announced that their yields were too low and they were going to bring value back to air travel through a new pricing strategy termed, Value Pricing. SWOT ANALYSIS: Strengths Market leader: American Airlines is the largest U.S. airline in 1992 with a 19.15 market share in 2001. Strong Innovation Technology: American Airlines created the first and largest Computer Reservation Service, SABRE, which was a valuable resource for yield management and extra profits. It was such an effective technological innovation that in 1992, 92% of domestic reservations were made through Computer Reservation Systems in the United States. Marketing Promotions: American Airlines were the first to create a frequent flier program aimed to increase brand loyalty with business customers in 1981. Distribution: The use of hubs meant replacing non-stop flights with a set of connecting flights, and this benefited both carriers and consumers. Airlines could serve more locations with fewer planes. American Airlines benefited by having six hubs in 1992, two of which are ranked as the largest airports in America: Chicago and Dallas. Market Growth: Between 1981 and 1991, passenger volume grew by almostà 80%, the equivalentà of a compound annual growth rate of 6%. There are still opportunity gaps to further increase demand. Strong Brand Image: A survey that generated the ratings of domestic airlines on service quality, American Airlines had the joint highest satisfaction index of 76. This implies that American Airlines has a stronger image of high quality service, relative to competitors. Problems: There are high risks of delays and inbound flight delays of even a few will inevitably delay connecting flights and then affect large portions of the network thereafter. Enormous transaction costs from the extreme complexity of capacity planning, crew roistering, flight scheduling, ground handling and fare structures. High risk of missed connections and lost luggage with connecting flights Opportunity Increase the demand for air travel through reaching more customers and increasing the frequency of travel per customer: There is already a growing percentage of Americans is using air travel. In 1991, 76% of American Adults reported that they had flown at some time in their lives and 32% had flown in the past year. The increase in American air travel can be seen in the table below: Percentage of American adults who have: 1981 1989 1990 1991 ever flown? 65% 78% 74% 76% flown in the last 12 months 24% 34% 31% 32% The table implies that Americans are increasingly adapting to air travel and this means that their is an opportunity for American Airlines to continue their expansion. Price discrimination models: Price discrimination models provide an opportunity for American Airlines to capture the two main customer segments, business and pleasure travelers in the most profitable way. Using price discrimination models provides an increasing opportunity. Percent of American Adults traveling on: 1989 1990 1999 2001 Business 52 51 42 41 Pleasure 47 49 53 57 This provides an opportunity for American Airlines because the two segments have different demand fluctuations and buying characteristics and if American Airlines can capture both markets through different pricing fares then it will increase their yield per customer, smooth out overall demand fluctuations and achieve profit maximization. The differences can be distinguished by demand and buying values. Buying differences: Business travelers are more loyal to one particular airline because they have the ability to build up frequent flier miles. They are less pricing sensitive due to being more time sensitive. On the other hand, leisure travelers are less loyal, more price sensitive and more flexible in terms of time, date etc. Online Reservations: Like low cost airlines and adopt online reservations, which mean less need for travel agents, no paper tickets and convenient booking. American Airlines currently only serves 80 destinations worldwide, compared to 182 locations in the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. Therefore, there is a strong opportunity to focus on increasing long haul, international flights as opposed to short haul flights. Threats: After the deregulation of the airline, industry competition intensified as national and regional airlines grew or merged and became fixated on profit maximization. American Airlines major domestic competitors are United Airlines and Delta Airlines as they both operate with similar scope and service to American. American Airlines main competition from regional airlines includes US Air, America West, Southwest, TWA, Northwest and Continental. US Air serves primarily eastern and southwestern markets. American West and Southwest are discount carriers serving the Southwest and California areas. TWA that offered primarily coast-to-coast service, Northwest that served the Northern tier of the U.S. and Continental that served the southern tier. Furthermore, mergers meant that the combined market share of the four largest airlines rose from 54.2% in 1982 to 64.8% in 1987. Growth of low cost airlines: Low cost airlines are expanding rapidly. Southwest in particular is successfully promoting its bargain fares, low cost and no-frills approach to service and are the seventh largest U.S. carrier, though only operating in 15 states for local, and short haul markets. The low cost airlines are able to charge extremely low discount prices because: Distribution costs are reduced using direct selling through the internet or call centers and having no tickets Pricing segmentation only occurs on two variables: the date of booking and the effective demand of that specific flight so there are less complex fares and less restrictions imposed to increase customer satisfaction The operating expenditure passenger and their operating margin are also significantly higher. American Airlines does not have the ability to compete directly through matching such low prices because they could never achieve such low costs, nor does the brand image of American Airlines compliment this strategy. Airline Industry is vulnerable to price wars: Industries that have extra capacity, high fixed costs, and low differentiation and are price elastic are the most vulnerable to price wars. High Fixed costs and extra capacity are profit-damaging combinations because it means that airlines must have high yields through yield management in order to maintain profitability, which is very complex. Low Differentiation means customers see airline travel as a commodity- like business. In general, they simply want to get from one city to another in the shortest amount of time, at a convenient time that fits their schedule, and at a reasonable price. High Price Elasticity: Due to the combination of the above, airline travel is typically price elastic. Therefore, airline companies are becoming more inclined to lower prices in order to stimulate demand. Sensitive to economic downturns due to high fixed costs structure, for example in 1991 the industrys cumulative losses were $2.67 billion The dominant distribution channel is the travel agent. Therefore, the cooperation of travel agents with the Airline is necessary. Airlines get the agents cooperation through giving them commissions from ticket sales. Key Issues Develop a pricing strategy that will increase the demand of air travel and the long term profitability of the airline industry. Identify and evaluate alternatives by considering competitors reactions, customer impact on yield, costs and long term profitability. 1. Value Pricing The main objective of this pricing strategy was to provide simplicity, equity, and value for air travel, compared to the existing system with a multitude of ever changing fares and discounts. Value Pricing: Segmented Pricing: On any given flight, there would be only four different fares: First Class, Regular Coach, Discount Coach (booked seven days in advance) and Discount Coach (booked twenty-one days in advance). Each fare had different restrictions and offerings. E.g., Discount coach involved Saturday night stay over, advanced purchases (21 days), not refundable but they could be re-issued for another flight and priced 49% below the regular coach fares. New fares will be 38% below the levels of comparable existing fares and will be the same for everyone, meaning no need for special deals. Advertising: American Airlines would spend $20 million on media time and space over two weeks. They anticipated that revenue would increase additionally by $300-350 million annually and cost savings of $25 million per year. Pros à ·Ã à à à Business travelers will benefit from value pricing. The advantages for business travelers is that, theyà no longer need to worry about inflexible restrictions attached to reduced fares, forcing them to pay higher prices. Now they can get the advantage of being able to book at short notice but ensuring that they will still receive the same 38% off full Coach with no restrictions with any time fares. Furthermore, if they can book in advance they can pay even less. Reduced Costs: American Airlines forecasts cost savings of $25 million per year through the reduction in the number of fares offered, as it will reduce its CRS from 500,000 to only 70,000. Secondly, as all flights will be priced based on the distance of the flight path, so the variable costs actually determine the prices, in theory providing higher revenue. Cons Price elasticity: Air travel has quite high price elasticity as a review found that the majority of estimates were between the range of -.8 and -.2, with the elasticity for business travel generally being less than unity, while that for pleasure travel typically exceeding unity. Therefore, leisure travel demand changes with changes in price more than business travel because of a price change. American Airlines, the price sensitive customers will be highly dissatisfied by the new value pricing and they will be encouraged to switch to low cost airlines. American Airlines will no longer benefit from the business travelers that were typically price insensitive but time sensitive and so prepared to pay the higher costs. This will have incremental affects on yield and profitability as the high fixed costs of airlines previously depended upon business travelers to buy higher priced tickets. Competitors Reactions: For air travel demand, which in turn creates the lack of customer brand loyalty to airlines, a 38% reduction in American Airline prices in theory would cause customers to switch to American Airlines. However, American Airlines has failed to consider competitors reactions in their value pricing. Lower their prices to match American Airline prices to guarantee the consumer the lowest fare without committing to a lower price but ultimately keeping their customers and sending the message to American Airlines that they should increase their prices. In turn, this will reduce the profitability of the Airline industry, as airlines will need to keep lowering prices in order to remain competitive, leading to a decrease in profit margins and economic growth. Competitors reactions will ultimately prevent American Airlines from reaching their forecasted revenue for 1992. Promotion problems: The travel agents are less likely to promote this reduced fare platform and the CEO only plans a one-time $20 million advertising effort. High Fixed Costs of Airlines: American Airlines has a high cost structure and as a result, they rely on high-yield and high traffic. à Therefore, it is not feasible and it will be disastrous for them to lower costs in the long term without reducing their fixed costs. They expect market share to increase by an additional one-half of 1% of the totalà U.S.à market. They believe that in the second quarter of 1992, revenues could decrease by $100 million, but that revenues will increase by $300-à £350 million for the entire year. They assume that the demand for air travel as a method of transportation will increase by 3-4% with the new pricing structure. American Airlines yield and revenue assumptions are flawed because the value pricing is assuming that all present factors in the industry will remain the same but in reality competitors will match prices and travel agents will not be so cooperative. Break Even changes: American Airlines would need to increase their sales dramatically in order to break even, which will be very difficult. Regular Coach 1990 1992 1992 Route: New York- Chicago Old New New (including $20m advertising) Selling Price $854 $500 $500 Total Revenue (assume sell 1000) $854000 $500000 500000% Variable Cost as a percentage of the total costs 3.60% 3.60% 3.60% Variable Costs per person $40 $40 $40 Total Variable Costs $40000 $40000 $40000 Unit Contribution= selling price- variable cost $814 $460 $460 Fixed Costsà as a percentage of the total costs 96.40% 96.40% à 96.4% +à à £20m Fixed Costs ( 96.4/3.6=26.77740000= 1071111.111) 1071111.111 1071111.111 21071111.11 Break Even=à fixed cost/ unit contribution 1315.861316 $2328.502415 45806.76328 Break Even sales change 1012.641099 44490.90196 Break Even Point % sales change 176% 3481% à Pros Product Differentiation will be valued: On long haul flights added frills are valued because passengers are on the plane for longer so they will require more services in order to feel comfortable. There are a range of services and products that American Airlines has the opportunity to offer customers to differentiate their fare prices.. Reduce the risk of a price war. Through concentrating on long haul flights and maintaining low but profitable prices, competitors will be less likely to reduce their costs because American Airlines is the market leader and every competitor wants to have profit maximization. Furthermore, it will increase the long-term profitability of the industry as demand and profitability will increase. Increase customer brand loyalty: American Airlines are differentiating their products from competitors and if these differences are valued then customers will be encouraged to be loyal to American Airlines, as they will receive the extra benefits from the products on top of their frequent flier program. Opportunity gap in the market: Expanding into new markets will increase their customer base and market share as long haul flights e.g. 15-18 hour will become more and more popular through increasing international business communications. It is impossible for American Airlines to match the leading low cost airline fares while at the same time operating at a profit due to their higher cost per seat mile. The current brand is image of a high quality service airline. Simplifies pricing without the need to price too low and curbs demand, so customers will be willing to pay more and also they will better maximize flight capacity through curbing demand and so they will not suffer from opportunity costs found in value pricing. Cons Increasing the number of services will increase their variable costs per customer. Fixed costs will rise dramatically from initial expansion. Risk of International Business Problems: As American Airlines expand they must ensure that they maintain good communication or else their costs could increase Foreign markets will bring more challenges when facing new competitors Currency differences American Airlines does not react to the growing number of low cost airlines by matching their low prices then they will expand further, increase their market share within America with price sensitive customers and decrease American Airlines competitive advantage. This could reduce the profitability of the U.S. air travel industry in the long term. Require heavy investment, funding, planning and advertising in order to implement and communicate the difference of services between flight fares to customers and get customers to value these differences. Recommendation: à Recommended that Value Pricing be adjusted and combined with alternative three, to focus on long haul flights and segmented pricing through service differentiation as despite Value Pricing being a very innovative pricing strategy it has many shortcomings. The value pricing must be embedded in a broader and consistent marketing strategy. The value pricing aim to simplify fares through offering four fare structures should be implemented as this will reduce CRS costs and increase customer understanding of fare prices. However, the restrictions imposed should be reduced on the discount fares, otherwise customers will go to low cost airlines. Instead, it is recommended that fences be built between the different fares to prevent customers from switching from higher fares to discount fares through service differentiation, not just the transportation and a few marginal restrictions. Furthermore, American Airlines should focus on long haul flights as opposed to short-medium haul flights within America because it is within these flights that service differentiation is highly valued. In addition, if American Airlines can expand into more markets it will increase their market share and long-term profitability. This will also prevent the erosion of profitability in the airline industry because it will prevent a price war.
Wednesday, November 13, 2019
Myth of the Hacker :: Hacker Hacking Computer Technology Internet
Myth of the Hacker The 1960s hacker, a term that was originally a referent to a good person with computer wizardry, has come full circle into the 1990s. Through media representations and the formation of hacker icons, modern hackers are mythologized as the good hacker. The original hackers of MIT belonged to a group of privileged individuals; they operated during a time when computers were not a household item. Hacking, for this generation, began as an intellectual pursuit as well as a way to pull elaborate pranks. The progression of hacking was limited because computer networking had not been completely implemented into society. In the 1980s, hackers reidentified and renamed themselves rebels; computer bandits who worked to infiltrate the network. With the advent of 80s hacking, cult icons were created in this seemingly underground group of renegades. Such names as Condor and Pengo became worldwide gurus to aspiring hackers. Such icons have also found their way into mainstream media, namely television and film. The very popular film War Games (1983) became a beacon for many modern day hackers; it considered the inventiveness and connectedness of humans and computers, but also went as far as to show how unsecure the government could be. In War Games it is youth that devours computer knowledge and obtains infiltrating power. This new generation of hackers, who seek to know that which is hidden, is portrayed as a boy. The limits become unbounded; it is not just those who are taught at MIT who can hack. What of those who continue to seek access? The 1990s saw a great consumer demand for hacker narratives. Television shows such as The X-Files position hackers fighting against a well-informed government. The X-Files perpetuates the media myth that hackers are a subculture. These are intelligent men who are outcasts of mainstream society. They form an underground culture hidden from view, continuously weary of government plots. The X-Files series also plays up the role of the hacker as humanitarian. They work to find the truth buried in the network by the government. This role of hacker as humanitarian searching for truth becomes a recurring theme in other films. The 1992 film Sneakers is one example of this hacker narrative. The lead role, played by Robert Redford, has a history as a student when his hacking lands his friend in jail and himself into a new life where he has to change his name. He starts a business which hires itself out and attempts to infiltrate/hack security systems of its client(s). Myth of the Hacker :: Hacker Hacking Computer Technology Internet Myth of the Hacker The 1960s hacker, a term that was originally a referent to a good person with computer wizardry, has come full circle into the 1990s. Through media representations and the formation of hacker icons, modern hackers are mythologized as the good hacker. The original hackers of MIT belonged to a group of privileged individuals; they operated during a time when computers were not a household item. Hacking, for this generation, began as an intellectual pursuit as well as a way to pull elaborate pranks. The progression of hacking was limited because computer networking had not been completely implemented into society. In the 1980s, hackers reidentified and renamed themselves rebels; computer bandits who worked to infiltrate the network. With the advent of 80s hacking, cult icons were created in this seemingly underground group of renegades. Such names as Condor and Pengo became worldwide gurus to aspiring hackers. Such icons have also found their way into mainstream media, namely television and film. The very popular film War Games (1983) became a beacon for many modern day hackers; it considered the inventiveness and connectedness of humans and computers, but also went as far as to show how unsecure the government could be. In War Games it is youth that devours computer knowledge and obtains infiltrating power. This new generation of hackers, who seek to know that which is hidden, is portrayed as a boy. The limits become unbounded; it is not just those who are taught at MIT who can hack. What of those who continue to seek access? The 1990s saw a great consumer demand for hacker narratives. Television shows such as The X-Files position hackers fighting against a well-informed government. The X-Files perpetuates the media myth that hackers are a subculture. These are intelligent men who are outcasts of mainstream society. They form an underground culture hidden from view, continuously weary of government plots. The X-Files series also plays up the role of the hacker as humanitarian. They work to find the truth buried in the network by the government. This role of hacker as humanitarian searching for truth becomes a recurring theme in other films. The 1992 film Sneakers is one example of this hacker narrative. The lead role, played by Robert Redford, has a history as a student when his hacking lands his friend in jail and himself into a new life where he has to change his name. He starts a business which hires itself out and attempts to infiltrate/hack security systems of its client(s).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)