Globalization of Academic Innovation

Question: Discuss about the Globalization of Academic Innovation. Answer: Introduction The phenomenon of globalization has a long history, which has led to increased economic integration among the countries. Fact that the globalization has transformed the world cannot be denied as it has brought many good things to the developing countries. It has continuously led to the deindustrialization of America. Every major section of world economy is dominated by the globalization. This neoliberal globalization has accelerated the global mega trend of political instability, rising inequality and absolute poverty, which are adversely affecting the lives and threatening the futures of the nation of the world. The aim of the developing a developed nations is to have equitable, domestic, sustainable and free societies in this regard, it is viable to question the benefits of various dimensions of globalization. There are certain issues associated with the dimensions of globalization. One of the major economical challenges faced in globalization is consistent high unemployment that is reinforced due to increased population growth rate and labor force. One of the major challenge posed by increased reach of global markets. This increase in inequality majorly happens in China and India. This increase in inequality in and across countries encourages the emigration process of highly skilled citizens. It had been criticized that globalization is dis-equalizing in most of the domains. Critical Analysis on Globalization Unequal Globalization- One of the major challenge posed by increased reach of global markets. There are several reasons considering tremendous economic gains in association with deeper as well as efficient global markets (Spring 2014). Most of the integrated trade markets, global technology and capital flows give rise to increase the demand for skills in a rapid global environment. This increase in inequality majorly happens in China and India. This increase in inequality in and across countries encourages the emigration process of highly skilled citizens. It had been criticized that globalization is dis-equalizing in most of the domains. One of the classic examples is market failure. In the global markets, it tends for dis-equalizing aspects such as global security as well as shared prosperity and global social justice (Sassen 2015). Large debt burden of developing countries- It had been witnessed that there was remarkable shift present in changing economic trends for the past few years (Pieterse 2015). There occur issues like current account imbalances, volatile capital flows as well as misaligned exchange rates and finacialization. This affected the commodity markets and faced severe crisis in the developing countries (Altbach 2015). Debate continues by properly discussing relevant monetary, income policies as well as fiscal policies for addressing the continuing fallout from severe crisis. Therefore, International community is falling short due to delivering solutions especially for minimizing the long-standing challenges of aspects such as poverty, climate change as well as food security and debt burden (McGrew and Lewis 2013). Protectionism despite WTO- Evidence showed that there was hidden protectionism that was hard to monitor and count at the same time. After the global financial crisis, there had been cited instances of Governments where measures had been undertaken by playing in favor of domestic commercial interests (Kaplinsky 2013). This protectionism takes into consideration WTO global architecture of trade rules as well as spread of regional trade agreements. In contrast, McGrew and Lewis (2013) stated that in the current years WTO and several others have started warning regarding protectionism. WTO reports are deemed trade-based developments that cover overall WTO membership along with observers. Large-scale environmental degradation- It is argued that trade reduces pollution because of greater competitive pressure or greater access for greener production technologies. In this globalization era, developing countries enhances their interdependence with the help of international trade (Crane, Kawashima and Kawasaki 2016). Widening gap between rich and poor- Globalization widens the wealth gap with advanced economies outpacing the developing countries. In other words, Globalization has increased prosperity in and across the world whereby people in advanced global economies benefits disproportionately in the recent developing world (Breznitz and Etzkowitz 2016). Globalization has narrowed down poverty between rich as well as poor from one country to other. For instance, GDP per capital in China and India whereby economic reforms enters in the global economy considering WTO membership for improving the average income of population Socio-Cultural Homogenization Cultural Homogenization is an important aspect of cultural globalization and it is considered as one of the main features that lead to decrease in cultural diversity. It takes place through diffusion and popularization of broad display of symbols of culture. This occurs among physical objects as well as among values, ideas and customs. According to Altbach (2015), the process by which the local cultures are absorbed or transformed by an outside culture (dominant) is termed as Cultural Homogenization. It has been found that this cultural homogenization has supported and played a great role in globalization. For example, people of any country can enjoy the identical taste of coffee of Starbucks by sitting in their homes. It has been found that within less than half a century, Starbucks coffee chain has expanded from one outlet in Seattle to about 20,000 shops across the world in 60 countries. Less Diversity According to Kaplinsky (2013), the discourse about the impacts of globalization on cultural diversity is considered as a challenging debate. However, Breznitz and Etzkowitz (2016) argued that the advancement and the modernization of the technology has dissolved the boundaries among various international countries and has opened the culture to a new arena. Therefore, it can be said that less diversity enables in occurring globalization successfully. For example, the most common language is English that is used all over the world and therefore, it can be said that globalization has resulted into decrease in diversity. However, it has been found that globalization has also some negative effects on the factor of diversity. These include the globalization disempowered the people through misrepresentation, colonization takes place so loss of individualism takes place. Moreover, it can be said that globalization can lead to loss of identity. Struggle over Scarce Resource As per Pieterse (2015), the globalization leads to increase in demand for the resources. Therefore, it resulted into scarcity in the resources as the globalized business means huge customer base and therefore, in order to fulfill the demand of the clients, more production is also required. Thus, it can be said that due to globalization, some of the entrepreneurs have to struggle for getting resources for the manufacturing or production of the goods. For example, scarcity in the natural resources hampers many businesses. Wars Opined to Spring (2014), the globalization always does not result into peace, rather it originates war among the entrepreneurs as well as among the countries. The reason behind this is that the globalization of a particular business hampers the local business in the same field by occupying the local market by international products. For example, the products of China have occupied the markets of other countries. Technology Dimension According to Majeed (2015), the world has become economically and culturally alike because of globalization. Presently, globalization is regarding the shrinking of the world due to the revolutionary changes within the technologies of transportation and communication. It produces the newer and uneven development. Ethical Dimension It has been found that globalization has resulted into respect for the global worker rights. Therefore, the satisfied workers perform ethically and provide better performance in their work. Economical- Economic challenges faced because of the effect of globalization in Arab includes short term political wrangling that can be observed from several economic excursions of youth within the Middle East. Moreover, inequality can affect social cohesion that results in issues such as high violence. Political- Globalization is observed to bring out problems such as global conflict, environmental issues, terrorism and insufficient political institutions for dealing with them. Political issues takes place for the reason that globalization impacts employment and economic status of people. Impact of Globalization on Arab Countries It has been found that oil is considered as a resource on which the economy of UAE depends and due to globalization, the market of oil has expanded largely and thus the economy of the country is enriched. Therefore, globalization leads to creation of new job opportunities in UAE. Globalization influences on the reality of Arab and this impose the conditions on the nation of Arab by not there apparition. However, according to the concept of colonialism, without providing Arab interests any effect, as it did not raise a prototype of commerce with them, if that model negatively or positively, and alternative to the probabilities or revolutionary slogans might lack impartiality. Conclusion At the end of the study, it is concluded that Globalization resulted considering best interest of both developed as well as developing countries. The above report discuss the issues concerning with dimensions of Globalization. The assignment brings into account the potential causes whereby globalization is lacking in serving the developing countries to achieve future prosperous life in terms of poverty, unemployment and other issues. Therefore, it can be said that the dimensions of globalization have both positive and negative effect on the international market. Reference List Altbach, P., 2015. Higher education and the WTO: Globalization run amok. International Higher Education, (23). Breznitz, S.M. and Etzkowitz, H., 2016. University technology transfer: the globalization of academic innovation. Routledge. Crane, D., Kawashima, N. and Kawasaki, K.I.., 2016. Global culture: Media, arts, policy, and globalization. Routledge. Kaplinsky, R., 2013. Globalization, poverty and inequality: Between a rock and a hard place. John Wiley Sons. Majeed, M.T., 2015. Distributional Consequences of Globalization: Is Organization of the Islamic Conference Countries Different?.The International Trade Journal,29(3), pp.171-190. McGrew, A.G. and Lewis, P., 2013. Global politics: globalization and the nation-state. John Wiley Sons. Pieterse, J.N., 2015. Globalization and culture: Global mlange. Rowman Littlefield. Sassen, S., 2015. Losing control?: sovereignty in the age of globalization. Columbia University Press. Spring, J., 2014. Globalization and educational rights: An intercivilizational analysis. Routledge.

Discuss the Importance of Visual Perception Essay Example

Discuss the Importance of Visual Perception Essay Simply because something seems or is supposed to be a certain way due to ones societal expectations, does not mean that it always will be. Things are not always the way they appear and it takes much greater knowledge and understanding to accept people for what they are, even if it does not go along with what one learned. Keywords: Gender, male and female, hormones, environment Sexual Development Everyone possesses a gender identity, which most often matches ones anatomic appearance. Ones sexual development can be either male or female or even something In between. Is sexual development truly so Important or does It not play that significant of a role? Maybe this example will help everyone come too better conclusion about this subject. A healthy baby boy was born to very happy parents. However, about eight months into his life, something happened and his genitals were horrifically destroyed. His biggest male appearance at that age, his penis, did not exist anymore. His parents, completely disturbed by the accident, heard about a psychologist who was able to assign sex to children whose genitals were destroyed or not there for another reason. According to Culbertson (2009), If it is not created, then the child will be assigned a grammatical gender (in the Western world, all hillier must be either a boy or a girl), which may or may not match that childs social gender as It evolves over the course of childhood (Para. 14). Very often, when a parent chooses the sex for his or her own child due to the circumstances, It seems to work very well. However, prenatal hormones also Influence these factors In either working or not. Nevertheless, it did not work in this case and this boy began to live an unhappy life as a girl. We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss the Importance of Visual Perception specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss the Importance of Visual Perception specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Discuss the Importance of Visual Perception specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Time went by and many problems occurred until she saw another psychologist. Her parents finally told her what happened and she began the transformation into a male. It seems like being a male made him happier once again and he even married and became a stepfather. However, this story does not have a successful conclusion, as David Reamer committed suicide at the age of 38 (New York Times, 2004). This tragic story shows that ones sexual development matters. It also explains that there is more than one factor that contributes to ones sexual development. Therefore, the author of this paper will try to provide a better understanding Into how gender identity and sexual development happens. The interaction between hormones and behavior will be explained and what role It plays In finding his or her own gender Intently In sexual development. As usual, It will also use the help of physiology and the environment to provide a better answer Tort ten reader. I nee autumn nope Tanat ten reader wall not only straddles a deeper knowledge about this subject but mostly that he or she will walk away with more understanding for individualism. Determination of Sexual Development Many different factors come into play determining ones final sexual development. It is very important to acknowledge that not everything that appears a certain way also will perform as such. Ones anatomy might indicate being a male or female; however, this does not mean that this is actually how a person views him or herself. Chromosomes play a very important role in developing sexual organs. Sexual chromosomes, such as XX and XX, help determine sexual differentiation. For instance, XX chromosomes will lead to the development of a female while XX chromosomes develop a male. In addition, the sexual X chromosome and non-sexual chromosomes can do more and possess the ability of developing either sexual genitals. This is why the exposure to hormones before and after one is born is so significant. Hormones are responsible for ones biological development. Therefore, it is very interesting to find out that the Y chromosome directs the glands to releases male sex hormones. Furthermore, hormones present during pregnancy will most likely affect the nervous system. It is important to acknowledge that every embryo is bisexual and has the ability to develop into a male or female until the end of the first trimester and the ability of hormones, which will the determine the kind of system, the Mlearn system or Wolfram system, one develops (Carlson, 2007). It is clear that hormones influence sexual development and help one to not only view him or her as male or female but also feel as such. For instance, hormones also influence feminine and masculine characteristics. As stated by Beer (2004), Masculine and androgynous children and adults have higher self-esteem, whereas feminine individuals often think poorly of themselves, perhaps because many of their traits are not highly valued by society'(p. 263). Children and Sexual Development One is not born knowing everything about him or herself. The way one is brought p, the environment, and different beliefs, Just to mention few, all help one come to that conclusion. Children are not born with the knowledge of what his or her anatomy and gender identity is; they learn it at a certain age. To be even more exact and according to Rather, Envied, Fischer-Rather (2008) Most children first become aware of their anatomic sex by about the age of 18 months. By 36 months, most children have acquired a firm sense of gender identity (p. 167). Therefore, ones social learning and cognitive development also affect gender identity and sexual development. Children are influenced first by their parents and then by other authorities, peers and even the media. Another very important theory that should be considered in how one comes to their gender identity is the gender schema theory. This theory knows the strong influence ones cognitive development and the environment play together. This happens by setting either masculine or feminine categories with which one can identify more. So for instance, boys play only with specific toys and girls do the same. Either gender is criticized by not following these rules or these rules are even pre-set by others. Parents buy gender specific toys and stores even categorize their sections by age and gender. These examples show how much other factors help one choose his and her gender identity and therefore influence ones sexual development (Beer, 2004, p. 63). Still, even though ones appearance normally goes along Walt ones preference, tenure are times when tins does not happen. Maybe this is one of the reasons why it takes so many to open up and let everyone know how he or she truly feels. This may also be one of the reasons why so many never say anything and hurt themselves or even end their lives. This is why it is especially important for parents and other authorities roles to avoid stereotyping and allow the possibility of acceptance even if it does not go alone with ones thinking and the social agreement. Furthermore, this can be explained by examining the behavior of intellectuals. Intellectuals gonads differ from their sexual appearance yet they are brought up by how they look. However, many express difficulty indemnifying with being either male or female. This provides the clear evidence of the interplay of biological factors and the environment contributing to ones sexual development (Rather, Envied, Fischer-Rather, 2008). However, indemnifying with either one seems to be important. Quoted by Gross: Both males and females reported that gendered expectations at home involved educational success. For females, gendered expectations at school involved being interested in fashion and boys. For males, gendered expectations at school involved being interested in girls and participating in non-academic activities like sport (Gross, 2009). Biological Psychology Biological psychology plays an important role and considers different factors when explaining what and how sexual differentiation and sexual development is determine. It acknowledges that a persons brain influences ones behavior; this behavior resembles male or female characteristics and will be categorized as such. However, biological psychology also knows that it is not so simple explaining a human and there are many other important aspects in ones life, which cause certain things to occur. Therefore, not only the brain but also, hormones, heredity, the environment, cultural upbringing, and ones choices will determine either a rotational or a non-traditional role with which one can better identify. Determination of Greater Influence As everyone differs from each other, so too differ each individuals influence. For instance, someone could have been exposed to prenatal hormones that normally would determine how one turns out to be, but then they were prone to the influences of his or her environment and turned out completely opposite. Therefore, saying which has the greater contribution is a difficult decision to make. There is evidence for both such as, being raised as a male and resembling one should surely let one now that is how they should feel. That does not happen all the time. If the answer would be so clear, then one should be able to know what causes female homosexuals to have higher levels of testosterone, as human biology or a certain lifestyle can increase the level. This is why it is, most likely, the interplay of both that contribute to this occurrence, leading to uncertainty of the main cause. Conclusion Ones looks do not indicate how one feels and certain important factors contribute to ones sexual differentiation, gender identity, and sexual development. Surely, it taters to try to find the correct answers because they may provide more understanding to human nature. So maybe one day, much clearer resolutions can be provided. However, in the mean time, one should always keep in mind that every Uninominal trees to De Nils or near Test Ana to De acknowledge Is want, In ten end, counts and makes a truly good person. One way of doing so is by making it illegal to discriminate in employment, public accommodation, credit, housing and education based on a persons sexual orientation or gender identity'( Journal of Property Management, 2007).

Walmarts Success

Walmarts Success There are several critical factors that have lead to Wal-Mart's impressive success through the years. To unveil (at least partly) the secret of its success, we must examine Wal-Mart's cost advantage relative to a more typical discount retailer. To do this we will study table A derived blow.Exhibit A: Wal-Mart vs. Industry Economics of Discounting Comparison in 1984 (% of net sales)Line ItemsWAL-MARTIndustry AverageNet Sales100%100%License fees and Other income.811.1Cost of Goods Sold73.8071.9Payroll Expense10.1011.2Advertising Expense.352.3Rental Expense1.902.2Miscellaneous Expense6.237.6Operating Income8.505.9Net income4.202.7Firstly, as indicated in Exhibit A, the licensing fees and other income is slightly lower than that of the industry average. This is primarily due to the fact that Wal-Mart increasingly ran over two-thirds of their specialty (shoes, pharmaceuticals, and jewelry) departments themselves. As indicated in the case, this figure continued to drop in subsequent years. Secondarily, in examining the cost of goods sold (COGS) for Wal-Mart we see that, quite unexpectedly, their COGS is actually higher by nearly 2% than that of the industry average.walmart beijingThis seemingly large difference can be explained by Wal-Mart's overall strategy of volume pricing vs. margin pricing.Third, we see that the payroll expense incurred by Wal-Mart is nearly 1% point less than that of the industry average. This can be explained by the fact that Wal-Mart enjoys high labor productivity that is a result of technical investment made at each store location. Wal-Mart's high revenue also reduces payroll expense as a percentage of revenue.Additionally, advertising expense is considerably lower than that of the industry average. We know that in 1979 $3.7 million were spent on television advertising and this figure represented 29% of Wal-Mart's total advertising expense. From this we can calculate that the total actual advertising expense for 1979 was...

Health-related program for HLP Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Health-related program for HLP - Assignment Example Notably, this gives the user an opportunity to work out their muscles when they are taking a break from the running sessions. During this time, on can do a few reps with the dumbbell as he or she catches breath after having run on the treadmill. Its structure consist of a usual treadmill machine with an extension on the front where one can use to place the dumbbells A user gains various benefits from the multifunctional treadmill such as: strengthening the heart of the user thus lowering his or her blood pressure, improving the circulation of blood in the body as well as protection from blood vessels and heart diseases. It may also be used by diabetic patients on a regular basis to reduce the blood sugar levels. The one outstanding advantage that comes with using the multifunctional treadmill is that it enables the user to acquire and maintain a good body shape. The heart needs to be kept in good condition and status as it is argued to be the most important muscle of the body. Other parts or tissues of the body, however, should not be left out during exercise. The muscle tissues of the arms, as well as legs, should be well maintained to maintain a good stature. The facility has some programmes that enable a user to achieve an improved or maintained health condition in as far as health and exercise are concerned. These programmes are as follows: first it has time location for the warm up period. Therefore, this enables a user to warm up before commencing on the actual exercise. It is an allowance of one minute that the user gets before he or she starts the exercise. Secondly, it has a speed control that enables a user to set his or her desired speed. Thirdly, it has an inclination control which one uses to adjust the treadmill to an inclination that they desire either steep or slope as the extremes. Fourthly, it enables a user to choose the type of exercise he or she wishes to do and

Changes in American Transportation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Changes in American Transportation - Essay Example Transportation includes transportation of people, goods, and even animals.There were various means of transportation in America during the 1800's, including Steam Boats, Horses and the use of Public Ferry. Nowadays, transportation and communication are usually treated in different contexts. However, during early 1800's, long distance communication was very much dependent upon transportation. During that period, transportation was synonymous to communication, and the growth of transportation directly affected the developments in communication to a great extent. During the 1800's the 'pony couriers', a means of transportation as well as communication, influenced the history of transportation in America.In order to appreciate the changes in transportation during that period, it is necessary to analyze the process under the then prevailing circumstances, and gain an understanding of transportation methods and processes back then. A careful analysis of the newspapers of this period in the history provides glimpses of the status of transportations prevailed in those times. In America, transportation in the sea and waterways was already quite developed between 1800 and 1810. The use of steam boats started between 1800 and 1810. ... Transportation of the agricultural and industrial commodities strengthened the economy of the country. Within few years steam boar services grown very fast, catering to the development of the economy, and a news article is given below. Natchiz, Jan 2: Important Arrival - Arrived here on Monday last, the Steam-Boat from Pittsburgh which had as a regular trader She was only 921 hours underway from Pittsburgh to this place a distance of near two thousand miles."1 Before then, only the inland methods of transportation, like horses, mules and asses which remained primitive because of their slow pace of technological development, that Americans relied upon. Animals like horses, mules and asses were the means of transportation before 1800.This change in the mode of transportation enabled Americans to move from place to place more conveniently than they could before 1800. During the 1800's it was normal to come across the advertisements in newspapers, a sample of which is given below, for trading in horses. "A Mare and Horse for Sale, Classified Ad 4"2 Another change in the mode of transportation between 1800 and 1810 was the commencement of the use of Public ferries. Adverts like the one below were to be regularly seen in the newspapers then. "Be it ordained by the Mayor, Aldermen, Common Council, and Freemen of the City of Hartford, That if any person shall willfully, or negligently, ride or drive any kind of Carriage, or Vehicle, or ride, lead, or drive any horse upon any Side Walk in laid City, now laid out, or hereafter to be laid out, unless for the purpose of necessarily... and to pay to such party just damages."3 "The port cities and ferry places were active with import and export of cargo of various types. Primitive types of

Differences between Race & Gender Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Differences between Race & Gender - Essay Example This paper highlights that Stanton et al describe the way men have mistreated women in the society for so long. Man is said to have never allowed a woman to exercise her rights, deprived her voice before the law, and the woman has been denied right to own property. Stanton et al however condemn these cores of actions and suggests that only God has the sole responsibility of defining the roles and abilities of men and women in the society. â€Å"We insist that they have immediate admission to all the rights and privileges which belong to them as citizens of United States†. This paper declares that Dub Bois talks of seclusion by the society which makes you odd and feel discriminated, he talks of the problem of the twentieth century as the color line. It once dawned on him that he was different from others when a young lady refused to pick a card from him while seated amongst other people. This matter was the first hand experience of Dubois on brutality of discrimination. Meanwhile the women in America underwent lives of suffering struggling with a lot of burdens on their shoulders; â€Å"in all the roles was to seek fulfillment as wives and mothers†.  

Life And Battles Of Saigo Takamori History Essay

Life And Battles Of Saigo Takamori History Essay The Last Samurai: The Life and Battles of Saigo Takamori, written by Mark Ravina, chronicles Saigos life, from childhood that fashioned his courage to his own death at the Satsuma Rebellion. In pre-industrial Japan, samurai meant military nobility. This book is a biography of Saigo that explains many of the events leading up to the Restoration and the role the battle of Satsuma played in the Restoration. Saigo Takamori is revered as one of Japans most loyal and honorable samurai. Part of the legend for Saigo was the fate of his severed head. The other part of the legend is was he killed or did he commit suicide as an act of heroism. It is unclear what year Saigo was born. Some references have 1827, while others have 1828. Regardless of the year, Saigo was born into a samurai family that was very low ranked in Kagoshima. He was born into wealth or rank. He was educated at a local level. His became very educated in Chinese classics and Zen, as well as swordsmanship. His first job was as an assistant clerk in a country office. In 1854, at the age of 26, he was selected to journey the Daimyo Shimazu Nariakira to promote closer ties with the imperial court. This journey is where his political career began. Saigo went on many journeys with statesmen. In 1858, he was a part of the Ansei purge and fled with a priest. The preist and Saigo made a suicide pact. Saigo backed out of the pact, only after the priest had already committed to his end of the deal by drowning himself. Saigo survived the journey but was later exiled to Amami Oshima Islands. In 1862, he returned to political life, but was forced into exile once again. He was brought out of exile in 1864. He was called back to the main island to train a group of Satsuma warriors. Saigo was to help his lord fight for the restoration of the emperor. Saigo became one of the main leaders of the new Japan. In 1868, Saigo and his troops led a revolt to destroy and create a powerful new state. He became the leader in Meijis new government. Saigo was now an active member of the Meiji government. Although Saigo supported many of the Western-style reforms, he was torn by the sense that he was betraying his supporters. It was a desire for Saigo to die in service to his emperor. Saigo showe d great loyalty to the emperor and his followers. Unsure about the government he had helped to create, Saigo wanted to end his career with one last movement. In 1873, Saigo wanted to go to Korea and demand the Korean king recognize the Meiji emperor. He had every intention to draw his sword if he had to. Saigo never was able to move forward with his plan to have the Japanese emperor recognized. His plan was dismissed and treated as reckless. He was denied his chance to show his loyalty and courage to the emperor. He resigned from the government and returned to Satsuma, his native land Satsuma. Saigo opened up military like academy for the former samurai warriors. He trained the men in frugality, honesty, and courage. This group resented the modernization of Japan more so than Saigo. Saigo feared the impersonal, commercial and centralized nation would destroy samurai traditions of personal honor, regional loyalty, and social service. Japan in the 1870s was going through many changes of industrialization and social and political changes. This process is also known as modernization. Many people had negative views on Japan and its culture. In 1876, westerners considered the Japanese to be uncivilized people. They thought that Japan was inferior to Caucasians in culture, intelligence, and culture. Japan even paid some Westerners very well to sit on government seats. Often this visits were short lived. The views that outsiders had on Imperial Japan are one reason that Japan sought to do away traditions of the samurai. Every aspect of traditional Japan and been thrown to the side. Japan had begun to westernize itself; not to be confused with Americanize. Saigo felt as if the traditions of the past would die out. The very hurried and colossal changes to Japanese culture, dress, and society appeared to many samurai to be a treachery. In 1876, the Meiji government stripped samurais of their swords. In defining how a moder n Japan should be, members of the Meiji government decided to follow the footsteps of United Kingdom and Germany, basing the country on the concept of noblesse oblige. Samurai were not to be a political force under the new order. Saigos followers and students rose in rebellion. They had a mission to let their voice be heard with their swords. The students made Saigo their leader of this uprising. Old Japan and new Japan met in battle in 1877. Early in the uprising, the rebels seized several local armories. Many of the rebels officers were trained in modern methods. The fight initially lasted from February to September. The imperial army began its final attack around four in the morning in September. By 5:30 A.M., the imperial army had destroyed all the fortifications of the rebels. At roughly seven in the morning, Saigo and his troops descended from the hill to face the Japanese army. They knew they were outnumbered. They knew they would die. Saigo died from a bullet wound, but legend has it that he died by his own sword. This was a great samurai tradition to die with honor at the end of ones life. This tradition is known as seppuku, a samurai suicide ritual. An autopsy of Saigo later revealed that he was onl y shot in the hip and would have been in too much pain to commit suicide. The imperial governments victory was short lived. They had Saigos body, but his head was missing. His head was but off with one clean slice. If the government was unable to provide a head, then the victory is incomplete. In looking for Saigos head, the imperial army was honoring one of the oldest traditions. It is said that severed heads were to be presented and were a celebrated part of Japanese warfare. These heads were often a tribute to the lords. No one is sure exactly what happened to Saigos head immediately following his death. Some say Saigos manservant hid the head. The head was later placed with Saigos body after a government official found it. One ironic part of searching for Saigos head is that the imperial army was honoring a tradition that was officially banished by the emperor. The new Japanese army was to be based on modern nationalism, not feudal loyalty. So in a sense, the death of Saigo brought forth some old traditions that had been banished in early years. It is said that this rebellion, the War of the Southwest, was the bloodiest battle that Japan had ever seen. Saigos forces were defeated. Old Japan was defeated. Over 12,000 men on both sides were killed. This battle also nearly bankrupted the new imperial government. Financially, devastating the Satsuma Rebellion cost the government significantly, forcing Japan off the gold standard and triggering the government to print paper currency. The imperial army had to use every resource available, including shipping lines, rail transport, police forces, and volunteers. The Imperial Japanese Armies were drafted, but many samurai volunteered to be soldiers and many advanced to be trained as officers. Much of the Imperial Army officer class was of samurai origin and they were highly motivated, disciplined and exceptionally trained. The rebellion was also successfully the close of the samurai class. After this war in 1877, there were no more samurai uprisings in Japan. Twelve years after Saigos death, the imperial government, denounced Saigo as a rebel and a traitor. In 1889, the government exonerated Saigo of all his crimes, and restored him to his imperial court rank. Saigo is still a legacy today in popular culture. A modern movie that is loosely based on the history of Saigo was produced. Many people still find his actions heroic none the less. Saigo was a samurai warrior who lived and died to protect the traditions he was so fond of preserving. In life and death, Saigo exemplified all that was labeled as being admirable in the samurai. This book written by Mark Ravina gives one last look at the final days of feudal government and the exciting career of Saigo. He gave his life to keep the samurai traditions at the forefront of the Japanese government. His efforts and loyalty have had a lasting impact on Japan and the interpretations of the samurai way and tradition.