Friday, December 27, 2019

Muselmann in Nazi Concentration Camps

During the Holocaust, Muselmann, sometimes called â€Å"Moslem,† was a slang term that referred to a prisoner or kapo in a Nazi concentration camp that was in poor physical condition and had given up the will to live. A Muselmann was seen as the â€Å"walking dead† or a â€Å"wandering corpse† whose remaining time on Earth was very short.   How a Prisoner Became a Muselmann It was not difficult for concentration camp prisoners to slip into this condition. Rations in even the harshest labor camps were very limited and clothing did not adequately protect prisoners from the elements. These poor conditions plus long hours of forced labor caused prisoners to burn essential calories just to regulate body temperature.  Weight loss occurred rapidly and the metabolic systems of many prisoners were not strong enough to sustain a body on such limited caloric intake.   Additionally, daily humiliations and torture transformed even the banalest tasks into difficult chores. Shaving had to be done with a piece of glass. Shoelaces broke and were not replaced. A lack of toilet paper, no winter clothes to wear in the snow, and no water to clean oneself were just a few of the everyday hygiene problems suffered by camp inmates. Just as important as these harsh conditions was the lack of hope. Concentration camp prisoners had no idea how long their ordeal would last. Since each day felt like a week, the years felt like decades. For many, the lack of hope destroyed their will to live. It was when a prisoner was ill, starving, and without hope that they would fall into the Muselmann state. This condition was both physical and psychological, making a Muselmann lose all desire to live.  Survivors speak of a strong desire to avoid slipping into this category, as chances of survival once one reached that point were almost non-existent.   Once one became a Muselmann, one simply died shortly thereafter. Sometimes they died during the daily routine or the prisoner might be placed in the camp hospital to silently expire. Since a Muselmann was lethargic and could no longer work, the Nazis found them unuseful. Thus, especially at some of the larger camps, a Muselmann would be chosen during a Selektion to be gassed, even if gassing was not part of the primary purpose of the camp establishment. Where the Muselmann Term Came From The term â€Å"Muselmann† is a frequently occurring word in Holocaust testimony, but it is one whose origins are highly unclear.  The German and Yiddish translations of the term â€Å"Muselmann† corresponds with the term â€Å"Muslim.† Several pieces of survivor literature, including that of Primo Levi, also relay this translation.   The word is also commonly misspelled as Musselman, Musselmann, or Muselman.  Some believe that the term originated from the crouched, almost prayer-like stance that individuals in this condition took on; thus bringing forth the image of a Muslim in prayer.   The term spread throughout the Nazi camp system and is found in survivor reflections of experiences in a large number of camps throughout occupied Europe. Although the use of the term was widespread, the largest numbers of known recollections that use the term include a stop in Auschwitz.  Since the Auschwitz complex often acted as a clearinghouse for laborers to other camps, it is not unthinkable that it the term originated there.   A Muselmann Song Muselmà ¤nner (the plural of â€Å"Muselmann†) were prisoners that were both pitied and avoided. In the dark humor of the camps, some prisoners even parodied them. For instance, in Sachsenhausen, the term inspired a song among Polish inmates, with credit for the composition going to a political prisoner named Aleksander Kulisiewicz.   Kulisiewicz is said to have created the song (and a subsequent dance) after his own experience with a Muselmann in his barracks in July 1940.  In 1943, finding a further audience in newly-arrived Italian prisoners, he added additional lyrics and gestures. In the song, Kulisiewicz sings about the horrible conditions within the camp. All of this takes its toll on a prisoner, singing, â€Å"I’m so light, so slight, so empty-headed†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Then the prisoner loses his grip on reality, contrasting a strange giddiness with his poor state of health, singing, â€Å"Yippee! Yahoo! Look, I’m dancing! / I’m retching warm blood.† The song ends with the Muselmann singing, â€Å"Mama, my mama, let me gently die.†

Thursday, December 19, 2019

The American Civil War ( 1861-65 ) - 1961 Words

Angelena Barclay HIS 110 11/24/14 The American Civil War (1861-65) was one of the most destructive wars in American history. A total of 625,000 lives were lost (J. McPherson), and many of the men who fought were volunteers . There were many factors that led men to volunteer for military service, such as honor and dedication to their country, but some men were not prepared for the hardships that they would face while in the line of duty. Being on the battlefield was traumatizing for many soldiers, and after just one battle some were wishing the war would be over (J.M. McPherson, 24-25, 33). As feelings of patriotism were decreasing, both the Union and Confederacy turned to a draft to continue to enlist men. Few enlisted men had previously served in the military and joined based on the romanticised versions of war they had seen in novels and articles (Foner 506). As the war failed to meet soldiers expectations, some deserted their army even though they know what severe consequences they could face. The desire to join military service during the American Civil War was fueled by many different things.Very few who enlisted had previous military experience. The majority of Union soldiers were made up of farmers, shopkeepers and artisans, while the Confederate army was mostly composed of â€Å"non-slave owning small farmers, with slaveowners dominating the officer corps† (Foner 506). One of the things that motivated men to volunteer for service was the overwhelming sense ofShow MoreRelated16th President of the United States 1861-1865856 Words   |  3 Pages 16th President of the United States 1861–1865 Physical Characteristics: 6†²4†³ tall, gray eyes, black hair Born: February 12, 1809, in Hogdenville, Kentucky Died: April 15, 1865, in Washington, D.C. Burial Place: Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois FAMILY Ancestry: English Religion: Christian (no specific affiliation) Father: Thomas Lincoln (1778–1851); farmer, carpenter and wheelwright Mother: Nancy Hanks Lincoln (1784–1818) Married: November 4, 1842, to Mary Todd (1818–1882)Read MoreCitizen Tom Paine And Freedom Road Essay1599 Words   |  7 PagesFreedom Road (1944). Citizen Tom Paine by Howard Fast depicts the conditions during The American Revolutionary War and its after math (1765-83). Freedom Road depicts the conditions of the former African slaves after The Civil War (1861-65) Thomas Paine is a political philosopher and thinker who has strived for the liberation of the Americans and African slaves since the time of American Revolutionary War. He is named as Tom Paine and is the protagonist of the novel Citizen Tom Paine (1943). ThomasRead MoreHow Did Richmond Changed And Shaped During The American Revolution?1308 Words   |  6 PagesHow was Richmond changed and shaped during the American Revolution? How did people live? What was the reason Richmond fell and how during the civil war? From the first large fight at Manassas at Bull Run in 1861 to the surrender of Lee s army at Appomattox in 1865, Virginia stayed in the headlines throughout the Civil War. More than 2,000 military dealings were reported in Virginia during the time of the war, more than any other country at that time. Nothing got saved, with the battles that foughtRead MoreEssay on Confederate States Of America1421 Words   |  6 PagesConfederate States Of America Confederate States of America, the name adopted by the federation of 11 slave holding Southern states of the United States that seceded from the Union and were arrayed against the national government during the American Civil War. Immediately after confirmation of the election of Abraham Lincoln as president, the legislature of South Carolina convened. In a unanimous vote on December 20, 1860, the state seceded from the Union. During the next two months ordinancesRead MoreEssay about Civil war1306 Words   |  6 Pages Causes amp; Results of the Civil War The Civil War, in U.S. history, was a conflict that pitted the Northern states of the American Union against the Southern states. The war raged for 4 years (1861-65) and was marked by some of the fiercest military campaigns of modern history. Large armies were involved in large movements, and entire populations were engaged in supporting the war efforts of both sides. The war had international impact, not only because of the growing international stature ofRead More Abraham Lincoln - President During the Civil War Essay741 Words   |  3 PagesAbraham Lincoln - President During the Civil War Abraham Lincoln was assuredly one of the greatest presidents in American history. This is demonstrated by his effective administration during the Civil War, the creation of policies that benefited everyone in the United States and the efforts that kept the United States from splintering during the Civil War and from its aftermath. Lincoln made excellent decisions in the Civil War. He guided his nation from being torn apartRead MoreThe Battle Of The Civil War960 Words   |  4 PagesHave you ever wondered why the Civil War happened or why it was so substantial to American History? What was the battle that changed it all; that made it the history it is today? Many people have made speculations on the causes of the war and what the major turning point was, but cannot really narrow it down. In James McPherson’s Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam he points out the pivotal moments in American history that led up to and changed the Civil War, so that the reader can get a better insightRead MoreThe American Civil War, Wars, And Rumors Of Wars1183 Words   |  5 PagesThe American Civil War Wars, Wars and rumors of wars!!!! Everyone knows the United States has had its fair share of wars. Let me start by giving you a brief list of wars the United States has participated in according to Wikipedia. Both â€Å"Barbary Wars (1801-1805, 1815-1816), Wars of 1812, Mexican-American War (1846-48), American Civil War (1861-65), Indian War (1865-91), Spanish-American War( 1898), Philippine-American War (1899-1902) Border War(Mexican Revolutionary)1910-1919, World War I (1917-18)Read MoreWhy Was The Submarine So Pivotal? The Civil War?949 Words   |  4 PagesArgument → Why Was The Submarine So Pivotal In The Civil War Alexandra Brown Thesis: The creation of submarines that were used to win Civil wars and control countries were a part of a rapidly growing aspect of technology. Did the submarines only serve a military purpose or did they help in other ways? Did they aid in commerce? Why do we need submarines? What boats were used before? How advanced were they? Alternatives to submarines? Were they equally as effective? Did the use of submarines helpRead MoreWhat Defines Us as Americans894 Words   |  4 Pagesas Americans Over the years there have been many events that have taken place. These events not only affected the people and the world of the present at that time, but also the future and even the way things are today. Knowing this we must ask ourselves what defines us as Americans? There are series of events that all together add up to define us as Americans such as, the Constitution, Westward Expansion, and the Civil War and Reconstruction. What do you think defines us as Americans?

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Compare and Contrast Plessy V. Ferguson and Brown V. Board of Education Essay Example For Students

Compare and Contrast Plessy V. Ferguson and Brown V. Board of Education Essay Huiliang Yang HIS 112 Professor McLeod 4/24/10 Compare and Contrast Plessy v. Ferguson and Brown v. Board of Education The Supreme Court has significant impact on molding the society of the United States, so does it play an important role in the process of the realization of equal protection on the right to education. From Plessy to Brown, every case that had milestone meaning indicated the evolution on the equal protection of the right to education, and also marked the progress of American civilization. However, there are different points between Plessy and Brown. Brown v. Board of Education was educational case of black race, but Plessy v. Ferguson is not it; the result of Plessy is isolation but equal, the Brown show us that isolation and unequal. In 1892, Plessy, Louisiana citizen sat in the white man compartment, head of train crew requirements him to the black compartment according to State Of Louisianas rules, Plessy refused. Head of train crew is called police, hands him over convicts by the court. But Plessy thought that he should enjoy the society, politics, and economical equal power similarly with the American citizens, moreover this judge to be unfair. The federal court believed that the non-white race felt he is the third-rater, their subjective imagination rather than in the legal reason. If two races in the rights of citizens and the political rights aspect are the equality, a race will not be lower than another race in the social life aspect. But if a race lowers than another race in the social life aspect, the federal constitution cannot cause them to impose the identical level. Plessy v. Ferguson document the essence is the racial segregation whether to conform to the American constitution. The federal Supreme court has made the decision which is the isolation, but equal. It had the huge influence to American afterward politics, the economy and social life. Constitution protects the equality is in the political equality, is not in societys equality, although Plessy v. Ferguson is not involves the education question. But Brown v. Board of Education is model case of racial education, Mrs and Mr Brown require local school to accept their kids to study in the whites’ school, and they are refused so that to engage in legal proceedings. The similar case also occurs in other states, basically the black minor requests the court aid and the desegregation, causes them to obtain enters its study right in the community public school. Black childrens school education has been neglected; white schools have more the curriculum rational, scientific and adequate funding for schools than blacks, the wages of their teachers higher than the wages of black school teachers. In short, isolation but equal, is the equality of slogan; in fact, it is inequality, even unequal on the surface. After Brown v. Board of Education has been proposed as a vignette of campus and educational discrimination, not only blacks suffered, but the white people are shame. Justice Harlan pointed out dealing with the rights and duties should not be considered the race whether the legislature or the judiciary. The surface is not differential treatment in the Louisiana legislation, in fact the blacks as low as nationals. If you adhere to the principles and spirit of the Constitution, this superior status is not sustainable (Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896). Brown case is one of most historic in the constitutional history of the United States Supreme Court, with the emergence of its judgments, the principle of isolation but equal is denied completely. Consequence has been not only limited to public schools, but also spread to all aspects of social life. Brown case caused major changes in American society; it was African-American civil rights movement as a starting point after World War II. Many things have to conclude one point, Court; this was same feature in these cases. Alexis de Tocqueville, 19th century French scholar visited the United States and have been devoted to the U. The Tennis Serve EssaySecondly, the US would attack the country which any attempt to threaten national security. Monroe Doctrine is a basic principle of the United States diplomacy to American; it is a diplomatic victory under the United States has not enough strong situations. Actually it is not for Latin American countries, just for the United States because of the United States is not dependent on Europe in the materials, raw materials, markets, it does not need to get natural resources through foreign plundering to survival. Pearl Harbor lead to the United States began a period of global diplomatic intervention, and World War II accelerated the development of the United States, and reaches an incredible level during World War II. After the Allies master World War II, the United States established a new international political and economic order structure. Politically, the President Roosevelt strengthens the new implementation capacity of the collective security mechanism, and he stressed that Britain, the Soviet Union, China and America, as long as the four military powers united determination to maintain peace, it will not launch another world war. This is the famous four policemen (Ettinger, 1997). Capture Panama was first step of Roosevelt’s â€Å"The Big Stick†. Panama is a small country, but it has a most value transportation so that the United States desire to get it as a neighbor. Finally, Roosevelt has the Panama effortless from British, and then makes a canal. Roosevelt has repeatedly mobilized the armed forces and the practice of arbitrary intervention in other countries; it provoked strong opposition from Latin American countries, but also leads to the national dissatisfaction. For â€Å"the ig stick policy, no matter what energy or to solve regional issues, the United States are keen on military means. In order to control two-thirds of the Middle East and world oil, the United States launched the war in Iraq. In fact, â€Å"The Big Stick policy eventually led to serious deterioration of the security situation in Iraq, insurgents continues to create the bloody explosion. In the late 20th century, the M iddle East problem did not resolved and the blood event still happened, but the â€Å"stick† face to the Africa. In addition, â€Å"the big stick† policy is often counterproductive. The United States originally wanted to stick to seize control of oil to manipulate international oil prices to combat opponents, earn huge profits, but it is the victims itself in the end. With international oil prices grew in recent years, Americans began to be overwhelmed, but Iran, Venezuela and other countries have huge oil profits. References Plessy v. Ferguson: Justice Harlan Dissents (1896), U. S. 537 Richard John Neuhaus (2009). The Pro-Life Movement as the Politics of the 1960s Retrieved from http://www. firstthings. com/article/2009/01/001-the-pro-life-movement-as-the-politics-of-the-1960s-49 Martyn Coppack (2008). Dennis Hopper Peter Fonda in Easy Rider: 1960s Counter-Culture And The Birth Of New Hollywood Retrieved from http://classicfilms. suite101. com/article. cfm/easy_rider Karine Walsh (2009). Honduras, Colombia, Cuba: the United States are Sticking with the Monroe Doctrine Retrieved from http://www. globalresearch. ca/index. php? context=va;aid=16302 Theodore Roszak (1995). The Making of a Counter Culture. University of California Press David Ettinger (1997). The UN of the â€Å"Four policemen†. Retrieve from http://www. unc. edu/depts/diplomat/archives_roll/2001_10-12/book_ettinger_fourpolice/book_ettinger_fourpolice. html

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

Your Voice. Your College Essay.

What do you want colleges to know about you when they read your essay? The college essay is arguably one of the most important parts of the application. Learn what makes an essay stand out to college admission officers and what to look out for in your writing. Colleges want to see students who are good at what they do. They want students with a variety of skills and it is imperative to show each one what you have to offer. Some skills, such as the ability to understand science, mathematics and the humanities are a given when you apply to colleges. Your academic performance shows colleges how proficient you are in these subjects. However, other skills, including leadership, public speaking, organization, teamwork, etc. are not calculated in a transcript. Instead, you must show them what you are good at. When I applied to colleges, one of the first tasks that I gave myself was to make a list of words, adjectives and phrases that I wanted colleges to notice. I wanted them to know about my leadership in the classroom and outside, my ability to speak to large audiences easily and my undying passion for teamwork. These were the three skills that I thought were most important to communicate to colleges, so I constructed responses and described extracurricular activities relevant to those three skills. Each time you write an essay or add an extracurricular activity, think for a moment what this tells colleges. Does it demonstrate one of your skills? or does it just give them a fun fact about yourself? Each sentence you write should be strategically placed in order to demonstrate your skills. There isn’t a better way to show colleges what you are good at than through extracurriculars and responses to various essay prompts. By the time I have completed my application, I asked my sister, brother, family members and close friends to review it. I only showed them extracurricular activities and responses to the essays and asked them what they have learned about me. I also asked specific questions, such as what skills they thought I had, and what skills they thought I lacked. One of the best ways to show colleges one of your strengths is through the â€Å"overcoming a challenge or ethical dilemma† question. Answering this question tells the colleges three things: a personal story about yourself and the types of activities that you perform, the way in which you think under stressful conditions, and what skills you have used or learned in order to overcome that challenge. This is perhaps the best out of all the application essays for you to show the colleges what your biggest strengths are. At the end of the day, the college admissions officers will see the applications through their lenses. By presenting yourself in the way described above, you quietly suggest to colleges that you would be a great addition to their campus. Each item is crafted to point them in the right direction. Hopefully, those extra skills and traits that you include will convince admissions officers to accept you. Conveying the right message in your essay is essential to getting a colleges attention. Make sure that your combined essays allow each facet of your personality to shine, whether in strong extracurriculars, word choice, or compelling stories.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Essay Examples on World of Words Essay Example

Essay Examples on World of Words Paper 1st Essay Sample on World of Words â€Å"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. † —Ludwig Wittgenstein When we think of communication, we often think about the language used to convey the message. Language and many of our nonverbal behaviors are symbolic. We need to keep in mind that across cultures, symbols do not always mean the same thing and can cause confusion or misunderstanding. The text offers the following example on page 95. â€Å"The arbitrary nature of language becomes obvious-sometimes humorously so-when we discover that our words don’t mean the same thing in another culture.The manufacturer of Dr. Pepper learned this lesson when marketing the soft drink didn’t work in the United Kingdom. There, â€Å"I’m a pepper† means â€Å"I’m a prostitute† (Leaper, 1999). In Chapter 4, the author of the text suggests a set of guidelines for Improving Verbal (with words) Communication, we should: †¢ †¢ Engage in a Dual Perspective— that is, recognize the other’s viewpoint Own Your Thoughts and Feelings— that is, take responsibility for thoughts and feelings rather than blaming others. Use â€Å"I† language rather than â€Å"You† language as seen in the examples in Table 4. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on World of Words specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on World of Words specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on World of Words specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer . Respect What Others Say About Their Feelings and Thoughts— just as you own your thoughts and feelings, others are doing the same, respecting this allows us to confirm them as people and maintain the dual perspective. World of Words World of Words World of Words Strive for Accuracy and Clarity— because symbols are arbitrary, ambiguous and abstract, we need to find ways to make our communication more accurate and as clear as possible for the situation at hand. Asking questions is a good way to insure accuracy and clarity of messages. 2nd Essay Sample on World of Words â€Å"The limits of my language mean the limits of my world. † —Ludwig Wittgenstein When we think of communication, we often think about the language used to convey the message. Language and many of our nonverbal behaviors are symbolic. We need to keep in mind that across cultures, symbols do not always mean the same thing and can cause confusion or misunderstanding. The text offers the following example on page 95. â€Å"The arbitrary nature of language becomes obvious-sometimes humorously so-when we discover that our words don’t mean the same thing in another culture. The manufacturer of Dr. Pepper learned this lesson when marketing the soft drink didn’t work in the United Kingdom. There, â€Å"I’m a pepper† means â€Å"I’m a prostitute† (Leaper, 1999). In Chapter 4, the author of the text suggests a set of guidelines for Improving Verbal (with words) Communication, we should: †¢ †¢ Engage in a Dual Perspective— that is, recognize the other’s viewpoint Own Your Thoughts and Feelings— that is, take responsibility for thoughts and feelings rather than blaming others. Use â€Å"I† language rather than â€Å"You† language as seen in the examples in Table 4. . Respect What Others Say About Their Feelings and Thoughts— just as you own your thoughts and feelings, others are doing the same, respecting this allows us to confirm them as people and maintain the dual perspective. Strive for Accuracy and Clarity— because symbols are arbitrary, ambiguous and abstract, we need to find ways to make our communication more accurate and as clear as possible for the situation at hand. Asking questions is a good way to insure accuracy and clarity of messages.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Free Essays on Philoshoy

Final Paper People have come to believe that we are morally responsible for our actions. We live in an increasingly violent world; a world that places individual’s responsible for the way in which they live. Our societies have founded governments, justice systems, and social contracts under the premise that people are morally responsible for their actions. Each facet of life seems to carry some sort of rule or law that enforce and asserts responsibility to that person. No mater the amount of rules and laws implemented, humans are unsuccessful in producing a society that is harmonious. A concept that contradicts and raises many questions of harmony is given through a German Philosopher G.W. Liebniz. Leibniz suggests that there is a certain structure to the way we live. He describes life as being a pre-established harmony. According to Leibniz’s theory of a pre-established harmony, humans are not responsible for their actions; instead God arranges everyone’s actions. God has the power to influence the world to his desires and wills, however it leaves humans with little moral responsibility for their actions. The lack of human responsibility is evident throughout Liebniz’s works. If everything happens because God wanted it to take place what explains the violence and destruction that we endure everyday. Through religions we have learned to attribute the success and happiness of an individual as being a work of God. On the other hand, who is responsible for unpleasant and often sad events that take place? Who is morally responsible for the imperfections of the world, God or humans? There cannot be harmony in a world where we cannot determine who retains responsibility for what happens. Traditional views uphold God as the author or cause of everything in the world. God is regarded as the creative source of everything. If all, which exists, is caused and comes into existence by the intuitions of God, what accounts for the unen... Free Essays on Philoshoy Free Essays on Philoshoy Final Paper People have come to believe that we are morally responsible for our actions. We live in an increasingly violent world; a world that places individual’s responsible for the way in which they live. Our societies have founded governments, justice systems, and social contracts under the premise that people are morally responsible for their actions. Each facet of life seems to carry some sort of rule or law that enforce and asserts responsibility to that person. No mater the amount of rules and laws implemented, humans are unsuccessful in producing a society that is harmonious. A concept that contradicts and raises many questions of harmony is given through a German Philosopher G.W. Liebniz. Leibniz suggests that there is a certain structure to the way we live. He describes life as being a pre-established harmony. According to Leibniz’s theory of a pre-established harmony, humans are not responsible for their actions; instead God arranges everyone’s actions. God has the power to influence the world to his desires and wills, however it leaves humans with little moral responsibility for their actions. The lack of human responsibility is evident throughout Liebniz’s works. If everything happens because God wanted it to take place what explains the violence and destruction that we endure everyday. Through religions we have learned to attribute the success and happiness of an individual as being a work of God. On the other hand, who is responsible for unpleasant and often sad events that take place? Who is morally responsible for the imperfections of the world, God or humans? There cannot be harmony in a world where we cannot determine who retains responsibility for what happens. Traditional views uphold God as the author or cause of everything in the world. God is regarded as the creative source of everything. If all, which exists, is caused and comes into existence by the intuitions of God, what accounts for the unen...

Thursday, November 21, 2019

EMBA 560 Executive position week 3 discussion 3 Research Paper

EMBA 560 Executive position week 3 discussion 3 - Research Paper Example The truth is that all businesses will eventually have to face change, and it is a wise and prudent ship’s captain who knows when to cut loose change course. A company which once commanded industry leadership around the world recently declared bankruptcy largely as a result of failure to adapt strategies to the changing environment, or by adapting change too late. The company is Kodak, formerly the world’s leading name in photography equipment and services. Kodak made its business on film photography, and when the first digital camera was invented in 1975 and was first brought to Kodak, the management considered it â€Å"cute† but insignificant because it was filmless (Mui, 2012). The company executives failed to see that the new invention was potentially disruptive and that the company must grab the opportunity of becoming a first comer and laying stakes on the new technology. Had Kodak not stuck solely to film photography in which it had dominated, and made its shift early by buying the rights to the new invention, the company would have been at the forefront of digital photography and imaging at present, instead of filing for bankruptcy protection. The problem with Kodak and the many other businesses that failed due to a misspecification in their strategy is that they are unable to recognize significant environmental shifts and to adjust accordingly to the opportunities brought about by change. Mui, C 2012 â€Å"How Kodak Failed.† Forbes. 18 Jan 2012. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/chunkamui/2012/01/18/how-kodak-failed/ 2. Consider the industry where you are currently employed (or the one you would choose to work in if currently unemployed). How does a firm in your industry create competitive advantage in the marketplace? The firms in our industry generally acquire competitive advantage in three ways: by coming up with new innovations; by improving services to the customers; or by lowering prices significantly. The firs t is the best way, where possible, because the medical devices industry is highly technology driven, and new technologies that help save and improve lives will always have strong first-comer advantages. The problem with this choice of competitive strategy is that it is capital intensive because of the extremely high investment in research and development that it requires. Companies which do not have the financial size and strength to weather long periods of product development from laboratory to market is not going to survive this type of an industry. The other firms which cannot quite undertake their own innovations will have to compete on the basis of customer service and/or low price. The giving of deep discounts on good quality products is never a good idea, because it does not properly reward the R&D proponent and may become a demotivator for the research and development of new products. In order to maintain the value of a good product even during tight competition, firms have turned to improved customer management. This is ideal because when the company establishes a long-term relationship with a client that has the prospect of repeated transactions, particularly for institutions and physicians and in the case of patients for the prospect of upgrades, then keeping detailed information on them will help the company target those products that will serve their specific purposes better. That is a value-enhancing service that the company can