What are events?

What are events? 2.1 WHAT ARE EVENTS? Events play a vital role in human society. The least excuse could be found for good forms of celebrations. Events are planned acts and performances, which originates from ancient history. Events and festivals are well documented in the historical era before the fall of the Western Roman Empire (A.D 476). They serve important function for the society, providing participants with the opportunity to assert their identities and to share rituals and celebrations with each other. Events have its stem from cultural and historical values. In the middle ages, events and ceremonies played a major role in ensuring that a dull daily existence was enlivened and that people was entertained. Since at that time there was no TV or Net for entertainment. People have traditionally celebrated religious festivals, Christmas, Easter, Cavadee, Maha Shivratree. They have also participated in other major events staged by rulers of ancient time. In the seventeen and eighteen century, Kings have organized even ts in a way to have control on the public. In modern societies, traditional religious and national festivals are no longer a key focus for celebrations and gatherings. They focus on creative events like weddings, anniversaries, award ceremonies, and so on.( Shone and Parry, 2004) An event is any gathering that occurs at a given time in a given place. It is an occurrence, a significant gathering that takes place in a social setting. However, there are no standardized definitions of what is an event. An event is â€Å"a unique moment in time celebrated with ceremony and ritual to satisfy specific needs†.( Goldblatt 1997 p. 2) The Accepted Practices Exchange (APEX) industry glossary of terms (CIC ,2003) defines an event as, an organized occasion such as a meeting, convention, exhibition, special event, gala dinner, etc. an event comprises of many different yet related functions. Getz (2005, p. 16) argues that a principle applying to events is that they are temporary and that ‘ Every such event is unique streaming from the blend of management, program, setting and people. Modern events vary in terms of their scale, complexity and number of stakeholders involved. Small Event Massive Event Few stakeholders Many stakeholders Clear objectives Complex objectives There are different types of events that have been developed around the world to suit the needs of everyone. It ranges from individual to business events that bring together people around the world. 2.1.1The importance of events It is crucial for event organizers to address the needs of the stakeholders, the direct and indirect participants. Event organizers have to keep in mind his clientele. If for them it is the nth event they are organizing, they should keep in mind that this same event may be the first one, the dream and opportunity of a lifetime for its participants and spectators. Bearing this in mind, event organizers must organize each event with the same zeal, motivation and thrill as they organized the first one. Organizers have to address the precise nature of their tasks as each event has different characteristics and requirements. Moreover all events and their customers are important. They deserve the best treatment every time an event occurs. It is important for event organizers to offer the best treatment possible as a poor service will result in customer dissatisfaction and loss of business in the long run.( Watt, 1998) Events have a number of roles in a destination (Yeoman, Robertson, et al, 2004). Getz, 1997, identifies these as ‘attractions, image makers, animators of static attractions and catalyst for further development. They have the potential to reduce negative impacts of mass visitation and foster better host-guest relations. Events can expand tourists season, extend peak season or even bring in new season into the life of a community. The community development perspective on event tourism acknowledges the elements of community spirit and pride, corporation, leadership, improvement of community traditions, capacity to control development, improvement to social and health services and environmental quality. 2.1.2 Characteristics of the best events The elements that make best events are: A clear vision and an explicit reason for everyones work. SMART objectives to which everyone is committed. An adequate, flexible organizational structure competent to accomplish precise tasks, but retaining a large unity of purpose. Staffs that is committed and ready to ‘go the step beyond. Strong leadership to be able to manage the event. Exact thorough planning carried out and documented within an suitable timescale. A coordinated team effort that operates within financial plans, drawing on all accessible resources. Well-organized lines of communications. An excellent public image. Successful advertising and presentation, and built in contingency tactics. Full commitment towards customers. Efficient ongoing control and monitoring systems. An ambiance of harmony, focus and hard work, humor and interest. Good post event assessment. (Adapted from Watt, 1998) 2.2Event Concept All events start with an idea. The idea describes the event in its simplest forms. Concepts are clear statements that give meaning and parameters to an event idea. Defining an event concept is a creative process. The 5 Ws: WHO, WHAT, WHY, WHEN and WHERE, are tools used for transforming an idea into a concept. The Ws helps to know if an event idea is feasible, viable and sustainable. Those questions are crucial as they shape the event design and reflect the event purpose (Goldblatt. 2001). WHO: events bring together people who deliver the event experience. Those people include suppliers, stakeholders, audience, planers and so on. For events to be successful it is important to determine who is responsible for what. Also communication should flow smoothly among all people involved as events have impacts on wider communities. WHAT: Events experiences includes organizational teams that designs the contents of the event. This process is time consuming. By creating a mission statement specific goals and needs are set up. The mission statement defines the objective and assists in establishing the event in the wider external context. WHY: It is important to consider why an event is happening. Consider the purpose of the event. All events have a purpose, whether it is an inaugural ceremony, cultural festival or a political meeting. WHEN: Timing of events is a critical factor for its success. In the design and development stage, planning process, including research, funding, marketing and design has to be considered. In the event delivery process venue availability, production timelines, performers, customers, competing events and supplier availability needs to be taken into account. WHERE: the location of the event needs to be considered. The choice of venues depends on type of events, organizations budget and accessibility to the public. (Source: Robinson, Wale and Dickson, 2010) 2.3Event classification Events are generally classified according to their size and type. Firstly we will look at the event classification by size; which is mainly of three categories: Mega events Hallmark events Major events 2.3.1Mega Events Mega Events are very large events with crowded audience and a good management team behind its organization. Allen et al. (2005) defines mega events as ‘those that are so large they affect whole economies and reverberate in the global media. They include Olympic Games and World Fairs. Mega events require many years of organization and it targets tourists as well as the host population organizing the event. Mega Events look into every aspect of life at the destination during the event; transport, medical services in case of injuries, retail outlets. (Getz 1997) suggests that mega events should have more than one million visitors and capital cost amounting to at least 500 million. It should have a reputation of a must see event. Additionally he argues, ‘Mega events, by way of their size or significance, are those that yield extraordinarily high levels of tourism, media coverage, prestige or economic impact for a host destination. Till now, in Mauritius has not yet organized such mega events. 2.3.2Hallmark Events Hallmark Events are not on such huge scale. Such events take place repeatedly in the same destination. The term hallmark event refers to a recurring event that possesses such significance, in terms of tradition, attractiveness, image, or publicity, that the event provide the host venue, a community, or destination with a competitive advantage.(Getz, 1997) ‘Those events that become so identified with the spirit or ethos of a town, city or region, that they become synonymous with the name of the place, and gain widespread recognition, and awareness. (Allen et al. , 2005). The benefits of such hallmark events are the creation of new facilities, improvements to the infrastructure, an increase in tourism revenues. In Mauritius, the religious festivals, namely, Maha Shivratree and cavadee which are celebrated by the Hindus, attract many tourists and there is also media coverage. 2.3.3Major Events Major Events can involve more people than a hallmark event. Such events have great pulling power in terms of visitors, media and performers/competitors. They also generate significant economic impact in the host destination. Major events are a source of temporary employment for some people (for example, to work on food stalls, cleaning services, etc.). It also attracts a number of volunteers and media coverage. Many top international sporting championships fits into this category, and are increasingly being sought after, and bid for by national sporting organizations and governments in the competitive world of international major events. (Allen et al. 2002) It can be said that, in Mauritius there has been major events. One of them being les Jeux des Iles de lOcean Indien held in 2003 where a games village was constructed at ebene for the accommodation of the athletes. Now the government has sold those apartments. There has also been international media coverage of the event and medical facilities, retail outlets, transportation of athletes, etc were provided. 2.4Special Eventsand Festivals In recent years special events have become one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourism industry. As stated by G. Bowdin, I. McDonnell et al, 2001, the term special events enclose specific rituals, presentations, performances and celebrations. Special events are staged to mark or celebrate a special occasion. The defining characteristic of a special event is its transience; ( Gilbert and Lizotte, 1998: 73). This suggest it would be impossible to tempt and maintain the same sense of thrill if a particular special event were to be held more often ( Yeoman, Robertson, et al, 2004). Special events include national day celebration, sporting events, and important civic occasions. An example could be, the Maha Shivratree festival celebrated by the Hindus in Mauritius. Getz (2005, p. 16) Defines special events from two perspectives. One from the point of view of the event organizer and the second from the eye of the guest. ‘A special event is a one time or frequently occurring event outside normal programmes or activities of the sponsoring or organizing body To the guest the ‘event is an opportunity for a leisure, social or cultural experience outside the normal range of choices or beyond everyday experience. Getz added that the characteristics of special events are specialness, it creates a mood of festivity among the guests, they are unique and authentic. They have specific themes. The word festival is derived from feast and implies a unique time for celebration. Festivals connect landscape to lifestyle and complex ways by introducing the human dimension. Those events entertain locals and offer recreational activity in and out season for visitors. Media coverage generated by events helps destinations build assurance and a positive image in the tourism market place. Festivals are striking to communities looking to tackle issues of civic design, local pride and identity, heritage, urban renewal, employment opportunities and economic growth. The more an event is seen by its host community as emerging from within rather than imposing on them, the greater that communitys approval of the event will be. Festivals and events generally represent the host communitys sense of itself and sense of place. Among the attributes that Getz believes makes an event special and unique are its festive spirit, uniqueness, quality, authenticity, tradition, hospitality, theming and symbolism. Conferences fall under the generic umbrella of the term event. Therefore, it is important to consider the MICE industry when talking about events. 2.5 The MICE Industry The Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) Industry is known as a service industry that combines trade, transportation, travel and finance. It is also known as business tourism whereby people come to attend conferences, for example. MICE Tourism attracts invaluable business to a region and in return brings high returns to local economies in the sense that business tourists spend more, not only on hotels and restaurants but even on leisure activities such as visits to retails and local attractions such as museums and theaters (Clark, 2004). Attendees of MICE activities are known as ‘high spend travelers that meet the needs of yield driven tourism strategies (Braun, 1992). The MICE industry is characterized by the 3 Highs High growth potential, high added values and highly beneficial innovations†. ; The â€Å"three larges large output, Large opportunities for employment and large industry associations† ; and the â€Å" three advantages advantage s over industries in human resources, technological knowhow and the efficient utilization of resources†. It has been cited that within tourism, meetings and conventions are one of the fastest growing segments (Weber Ladkin, 2003; Oppermann, 1996; Oppermann Conn, 1997). The MICE sector is considered to be the blue chip of the tourism industry. The stakeholders in Mauritius are placing special interest and investing highly in this lucrative business of conferences to attract MICE businesses from particularly high profile destinations. Meetings are structured events which bring people collectively to argue a topic of common interest, may be commercial or non commercial, may be attended by 6 or more people and may last a few hours or a week. What makes a meeting qualify as part of the tourism business is that it engages some of the service of the tourism industry, and is generally held away from the location of the organisation running it ( Davidson, 1994). There are various types of meeting that occurs in different settings and many goals or objectives for conducting a meeting (Boehme, 1999). Incentive travel is a universal management instrument that uses an outstanding travel experience to encourage and/or recognise participants for improved levels of performance in support of the organizational goals. (SITE, 1998) Conferences are participatory meetings that are designed mainly for the purpose of discussions, to find about a particular subject, to solve problems and consultation. Conferences are usually on a smaller scale and the flow of information is less complex. Conferences are usually limited in time and have specific objectives. The Meetings Industry Association (1996) defines a conference as ‘ An event involving 10 or more people for a minimum of four hours during one day or more, frequently held outside the companys own premises. Exhibitions. ‘Exhibitions bring suppliers of goods and services together with buyers, usually in a particular industry sector. (Allen et al. 2002:15) Recently there has been an initiative to not use the â€Å"MICE Market† label but instead â€Å"The Meetings Industry† as it encompasses every aspect of the MICE label. 2.6 Marketing of events and conferences Marketing is seen as an integrated process of producing, distributing and selling goods and services. Lyndsey Taylor sums up the key characteristics and messages that genuine marketing contains: Meeting customer needs Attracting new customers Reacting to market trends Keeping up with competitors Encouraging customer loyalty Targeting specific customers Identifying market opportunities Noting customer feedback Getting it right every time The event industry is seen as a service industry. Events have the same characteristics as services (Watt, 1998). They are: Intangible customers enjoy the benefits and enjoyment of the event, but they cant touch the event Perishable- the benefits and enjoyment cannot be stored and carried forward to a future time. It has to be enjoyed on the spot. Inseparable- it takes event organizers and customers to make an event happen Consistent- it is important to offer consistent products an services as todays customers are looking for consistency Lack of ownership- events do not belong to any one. They are temporarily enjoyed by many. Since events are the same as services it becomes important to market them. Marketing is a persuasive tool to attract people to an event. Event marketing is defined by: 1. â€Å"The marketing concept holds that the key to achieving organizational goals consists of determining the needs and wants of target markets (defined as the set of actual and potential buyers of products) and delivering the desired satisfactions more effectively and efficiently than competitors†. (Kotler, 2000) 2. â€Å"The functions of event management that can keep in touch the events participants and visitors (consumers), read their needs and motivation, develop products that meet those needs, and build a communication programme which expresses the events purpose and objectives. (Hall, 2000) 2.6.1 Factors in marketing Marketing can be affected by a range of factors, some controllable and some not (Watt, 1998). He further stated companies must be aware of them: Location; attractiveness and accessibility of the place as well as environmental factors like traffic and scenery. Social factors; the attitudes of those involved in making an event or conference to happen affects peoples attitudes to what is appropriate. Cultural influences; different groups in society; ethnic groups, social groups, will view events from different angles. Fashion; at certain period certain events will be in craze and will attract large attendees. Political factors; government will be in favor of those events that fits their beliefs. Economic factors; how much money is available to hold an event or conference. Is there a need for sponsorship? Philosophy; the beliefs and attitudes of people will affect the range of events provided. 2.6.2 Marketing Concept; theMarketing Mix The marketing mix is a combination of marketing tools that are used to satisfy customers. It is the parameters that are within the control of marketing managers. The marketing mix is dependent upon environmental scanning, market research, understanding users and offering quality products and services. The marketing mix can be adjusted on a frequent basis to meet the changing needs of target population and other dynamics of the marketing environment. In the events industry, event organizers take into consideration the changing needs of its customers to develop their marketing mix. Jerome McCarthy (1960), a famous marketer states that marketing decisions fall under four categories: 2.6.2.1 Product This is the end result the event; exhibition, show or conference. It also involves all ancillary contributions like programmes, presentations, quality production and customer care. 2.6.2.2 Price Can the event be provided at an affordable price? Can price packages be assembled to support group attendance or tourist rates? 2.6.2.3 Place Place has several aspects. These include: Venue, transport, accommodation, emergency access, car parking, geographic location, host town, catering location, environmental conditions, signposting, country, maps, region. 2.6.2.4 Promotion Promotion also has several aspects, including: Advertising, logo, pamphlets, displays, publicity, posters, merchandising. Appendix K elaborates on the role of promotion in the marketing mix An excellent event manager will balance these aspects to produce a fine marketing mix. The leading thought must be for people and their quality concern; all operations at each phase and at any level need to acknowledge the elements of the marketing mix. For some services, including events, another 4Ps needs to be considered. These include; People; they are the vital picture in delivering events and conferences, especially proper customer care and effective teamwork. Packaging; is concerned with the way events and conferences are being presented; whether as part of a holiday/ business package. Any marketing is dependent upon the packaging, e.g, a family package. Partnership; the help of others and their marketing presence is very beneficial to make the event or conference successful. Programming; when an event or conference is scheduled will be a main tool in its marketing. It should arouse curiosity and create interest by using extra projects around it. (Adapted from: Watt, 1998) 2.7Impacts of special events and conventions Impacts of events encompass a large number of positive benefits and negative impacts which arises because of an event taking place. Impacts can be positive as well as negative. It is the task of the event manager to identify and predict these impacts and manage them in order to achieve the best balance. Those impacts may be visible before the events actually take place, during the event and after the event and affect the stakeholders and the host population. Thus, it can be argued that there is inequity in the distribution of the impacts and benefits of events. (Hall. 1989) typically impacts from events fall under four categories, namely: Economic Impacts Physical and Environmental Impacts Socio cultural Impacts Political Impacts 2.7.1 Economic Impacts Researchers and industry professionals agree that special events and conventions contribute to regional and national economies (Rutherford Kreck, 1994). According to Crompton et al. (2001), economic impacts of events supplements the traditional financial balance sheets that do not address the issue of what the host population gets in return of those events. The economic benefits that events bring to host destination are diverse. They bring an increase in employment and high income among the community, increased tax receipts and infrastructure. Hosting events demand work force, therefore, the host countrys population benefit from temporary as well as permanent jobs. It can be said that it is more beneficial to employ people residing in the region the event is held because there is no transport cost incurred. But even if labor is not available in the region the event is being held this is not such a major issue. As Mauritius is a small island, one can reach the farthest distance from one place to another in one hour. Tourists and locals come to events to spend; they purchase the tickets to attend to entertainments shows, they spend on food and beverage and so on. Money spent is injected in the local economy. Hence, events enhance the quality of life of people since the positive changes brought to the locality will remain even after the ev ent has been held. The costs associated with the economic impacts of events are the exploitation of resources, inflated prices and opportunity costs. Sellers choose to augment their prices, making more profit to the detriment of the host population Customers of events make inefficient use of the resources. For example, in a sporting event, in a moment of excitement, they can damage the lightings. Once the infrastructure is damaged, people will no longer be attracted to the event. There will be negative word of mouth and they may choose to stop coming there. For a local economy that depends entirely on hosting events, its economy suffers. Also, tourists have high spending powers. 2.7.2 Physical and Environmental impacts Events are excellent way to showcase the unique features of hosts environments. In the interest of sustainability, sound strategic management, cost effectiveness and maximizing sponsorship/funding, it becomes increasingly important to consider environmental impacts of events. Todays customers are looking for eco friendly products. Events market the environment in which it is held. Hall (1989) states that selling the image of an event comprises of the marketing of intrinsic properties of the destination. The impacts will be fairly visible for events that are held in suitable purpose built venues, e.g, stadium, sports ground or conference and exhibition centres. Impacts will be much greater if the event is to be held in public areas not ordinary reserved for event purposes. An event requires an environmental impact assessment before permission is given by government authorities to proceed Events have positive effects on the natural and physical environments. The infrastructure at the destination is re organized, proper road network, lighting and scavenging facilities are set up to accommodate events. There is an improved transport and communication facility in the region. Many of Londons landmark venues have been the legacy of major events, including Crystal Palace (1851 Freat Exhibition) Negative environmental and physical impacts of events occur when the level of visitor use is higher than the carrying capacity of the region. Aspects such as crowd movement and control, noise levels, access and parking are crucial elements. Other important issues include wear and tear of the physical and natural environment, heritage protection and disruption of the local community. Events cause potential threats to natural and built areas. This put enormous pressure on the area and leads to impacts such as land degradation (erosion), increased pollution, discharges into the soil, loss of natural habitat. It often put a strain on water resources and in the long run can force locals to compete for the use of critical resources. The different forms of travel used by the delegates, attendees performers and organizers of events impacts on traffic congestion. Good communication and consultation with local authorities can help resolve of these issues. In addition, careful management planning is required to modify impacts. 2.7.3 Socio cultural impacts Hall and Getz (1997) points out that all events have direct socio cultural impacts on participants as well as host community. Events increase pride of its residents, which results from some community events, national days celebrations, and the validation of specific groups in the regions. Some events leave a legacy of greater awareness and involvement in sporting and cultural activities. Others widens people cultural horizons and uncover them to new and challenging people, traditions and values. For example, the melas held in Leeds every summer have brought about the powerful religious Asian traditions and cultural associations before wider audiences. Events have the art to challenge the imagination and explore new avenues. For example the installation of the Ice Cubes outdoor ice-skating rink at millennium square in Leeds. Moreover, events have the power to form the cornerstone of cultural strategies. Newham Council have developed its local cultural strategy, ‘Reasons to Be Cheerful at the centre of which is the vision that people choosing to live in Newham by 2010. In essence, events can become an o pportunity to improve social relationships, for strengthening peoples abilities to understand one another and for peoples wellbeing ( Kurtzman and Zauhar, 1997). The bigger and more high profile an event is, greater possibilities exists for things to go wrong, hence creating negative impacts. Major events can give rise to unintended social consequences like, substance abuse, unaccepted crowd behavior and an increase in criminal activity (Getz, 1997). If not managed well, these unintended consequences can hijack the agenda and determine the public perception of the event. English football clubs have successfully implemented strategies to deal with alcohol related bad crowd behavior in order to protect their reputation. Badly managed events can also have broader impacts on social life and community structures. These can include loss of amenity because of noise or crowds, resentment of inequitable distribution of costs and benefits as stated by (Getz 1997). Furthermore, commodification, staged authenticity and standardization are classified as negative impacts. 2.7.4 Political Impacts Politics as well as politicians play an important part in the equation that is contemporary event management. Politicians believe that events will keep its population in good health and themselves in power. This is because politicians use events as an indirect means to build their personal profile and gain political advantage. Arnold et al. (1989, pp 191-2) argued that ‘Governments in power will continue to use events to punctuate the ends of their periods in office, to arouse nationalism, enthusiasm and finally, votes. Governments are aware of the ability of events to raise the profiles of politicians and the areas that they lead.

Education of the Generations Essay

Most of today’s generation is said to have a higher education and achievements compared to those of previous generations or the generation of their parents. Children’s of this generation are also said to be more active and eager than the children of before. Youth of today’s generation are more vigorous and attentive compared to their parents and their grandparents. It is believed that modernization is a big factor to consider regarding this matter. As we all know that the only thing that is permanent and thing that is constant within this world is change. In the present day there are inevitable growth in modernization computers are widely use technologies are more advance and this changes have largely affect people from generations to generations as change continually takes it’s place. A rapidly changing world whose likeness is not sees before. They are all doing better to make the nation as the nation they know today – a better one. A new study shows that in today’s time most of college students are more self-centered than the youth on the past generations. They are to be more focused on their selves. Their determinations are of high and this believe to be the root regarding the overall self-centeredness these today’s youth. Many studies now undergone by some researchers described scores in some test undergone by students have risen steadily since it was introduced in the year 1982 in the a more present year, 2006 according to the latest data they are said to be two-thirds of the students had above average scores, and is note thirty percent more than in 1982. There is really a big gap between the educations of today’s generation or all of those college students in counterpart with the generations of their parents. Schools and universities of the two generations are also different, environments, facilities, adaptations of technologies and training opportunities are also different. Innovation and institutional change occurred. It all becomes better now. There have been expansion on the availability of technologies to improve teaching and learning strategies such as computers and Internet and other modernized technologies. On the other hand, this modernization of technology has brought us changes regarding educational attainment of most college students. According to some researchers â€Å"We find strong intergenerational progress in generation,† they also write, â€Å"Across all generations for all groups, we consistently find that children acquire more education than their parents† (Public Policy Institute of California, 2005,p1). This successful education attainment is said to be good news for the state as a whole and also for individuals making an educational advancement for it they believe that having a higher education is a key into a higher economic opportunities. Though today’s education is said to be more advanced, as a result today’s generation are more capable of learning many things in a more easy and more convenient way the education attain by the parents also had a great impact on the education of youth today. Education of today’s youth are more in at risk due to their parents who doesn’t able to get better education. But parents could be a great help too. Education help improve language, literacy and vocational attainment of all the people. It also a fact to be considered that education of the parents may have higher effect on the education of their children. Education through the help of this new and advanced technology could be attain and help today’s youth achieve their goals of reaching their dreams considering also the guide of their parents who by reality have greater experience in life than we ever had now. Because things may get into even worst and unusual this advancement and modernization in technology also brought youth of today’s to be more extremely vigorous, negligent and irresponsible. So parents are expected to rear their children and they should also help in molding their child helping them to attain a good education and much better life in the future.

Faith in Humanity

Faith in Humanity Essay Faith in humanity is when a person has a belief that humans cannot do something so terrible, like burning people in mass ovens, because they are humane. This belief was used against the Jews, as well as the public, in the time of the Holocaust for Hitler’s benefit to pull a blind over their eyes in early stages of the Holocaust. There are many examples of faith in humanity from what was presented during this unit as well as belief of faith in humanity in modern day Thailand.Faith in humanity was a practice that crippled the Jews into believing that the Nazis couldn’t, and wouldn’t, shoot mass numbers of people into mass graves. In Night, by Ellie Wiesel, the author talks about a person who disappears and comes back with injuries. The person tells a sad tale about his misfortunes in his disappearing. He tells of foreigners having to offer up their necks to the Nazis so that they may shoot it, little babies being torn from their mothers†™ arms, being tossed up into the air and shot down, as if they were just target practice and not actually living beings.In Night, also the author talks about being at the concentration camp and seeing the mass grave pile, patiently waiting in a heap for the incinerator, but at first, in the dark, he couldn’t and chose not to believe it because he didn’t think, even after the horrific cattle ride where an old woman was viciously beaten by fellow prisoners because she wouldn’t shut up, that that anyone could burn bodies that had been gassed or shot. He had a massive amount of faith in the Nazis’ hearts and consciences. The book Night and the book The Book Thief were both laced with faith in humanity.The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak, has many forms of Faith in humanity intertwined through the pages. In the book, Liesel, the main character, has faith in the Nazis but when her family turns out to be storing a Jew, she hears stories that compromise her original faith. The Jew, Max Vandenburg, tells her stories of his family in hiding, some gruesome tales about when he was captured, what he saw when he was hiding within the shadows of an abandoned warehouse, and what forced him to hide. Her faith in the Nazis dwindled but she still went to Hitler Youth where she was subjected to the lies that she had put her faith in.She heard that all Jews that were not in hiding were deported and forced into horrible conditions when she got home but had to keep the picture of an innocent, oblivious German girl who goes along with the plan and keeps her faith in humanity. As well as Liesel, the main character in The Book Thief, and the Germans in the time of Holocaust, the Thai people also have a massive amount of faith in humanity in their own kind. The people in Thailand are, unless it has been committed near them, oblivious to the practice of sex and human trafficking.Many young girls every year are taken from their families and cities to be s old into slavery and bondage without knowledge of the public. The Thais have faith in the other Thais, so much that on the outside of the Reclining Buddha statue, there is a sign that says, â€Å"Warning: Not Thai Bandits and Pick Pockets around. † Thais are unknowingly giving up the younger generation of girls because they are hidden behind a curtain of faith in the wrong thing, humanity. Faith in Humanity is, and has been, practiced all over in the world. From the Holocaust to Thailand, modern day, it reins true, we cannot imagine life where anyone could be so cruel.

Understanding Fraternity and Sorority Rush

Fraternities and sororities are undergraduate Greek-letter groups designed to offer social and academic and support for their members. The organizations originated in the late 1700s with the Phi Beta Kappa Society. About nine million students belong to fraternities and sororities. The National Panhellenic Conference has 26 sororities and 69 fraternities belong to the North American Interfraternity Council. Along with these larger groups, there are a number of smaller fraternities and sororities that are not affiliated with these organizations. What Is Rush? College kids who are interested in Greek life typically go through a ritual known as rush, which consists of a series of social events and gatherings that allow prospective and current fraternity or sorority members to get to know each other. Each institution has its own particular style for conducting rush. Rush lasts anywhere from a week to several weeks. Depending on the university, rush may take place prior to the beginning of the fall semester, a week or two into fall, or at the beginning of the second semester. At the end of this getting acquainted period, Greek houses offer bids to those students they feel would be the best fit for membership. Sorority Rush Women are usually expected to visit each sorority in order to meet its members so that sisters in the house can get a feel for their personality and determine if they are a compatible fit. Sorority sisters may sing or put on the show to welcome potential members when they visit. Theres usually a short interview for prospective candidates and those who make the cut may be invited back for an additional meeting that might include dinner or an event. If youre a good fit for the sorority, they will likely offer you a bid to become a member of the house. Unfortunately, some women who really want bids don’t get them and wind up with hurt feelings instead. You can always go through rush again, or if the process feels too formal, informal rush usually takes place throughout the year so you can have the opportunity to meet the sorority sisters and get to know them in a more relaxed atmosphere. Fraternity Rush Fraternity rush is usually less formal than that of sororities. During rush, prospective candidates get to know the brothers in the house and vice versa to determine compatibility. The frat may host some type of informal event, such as a touch football game, a barbeque, or a party. After rush, fraternities give outbids. Those who accept become pledges. Most frats have a fall pledge class and another in the winter. If you dont get in, you can always rush again. What Is Greek Life Like? Greek life is portrayed as one big party in the movies, but in truth, theres much more to it than that. Fraternities and sororities that participate in philanthropic work have raised more than $7 million annually for a number of charities since 2011. Theyre also very focused on education and often require members to maintain a minimum GPA to remain in good standing. However, socializing is naturally a large part of Greek life, with parties and events scheduled throughout the year. The chance to meet new friends in an organized atmosphere is a big draw when students consider Greek life. In addition, older frat and sorority members can mentor new students who are adjusting to life on campus. That mentorship proves to be important as students who join fraternities and sororities have a 20 percent higher graduation rate than those who dont. Fraternities and sororities can also have an impact after students graduate and are moving on to the career phase of their lives. Connections made via fraternities and sororities can carry over when youre job hunting and are especially valuable for networking. Even sorority sisters and frat brothers from colleges other than the one you attended will feel at least some affinity for a job candidate who shares their Greek connection. It may not land you the job but it can often get you in the door.