Young and restless in china Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Young and restless in china - Essay Example doctrine and emergence of open trade economic system based on the capitalism, current Chinese capitalist economy presents immense opportunities for personal growth and prosperity. However, in the process of materialistic growth and development, Chinese youth finds itself stuck in the middle of clashes between traditional Chinese values and rapidly growing Western ideologies in the country (Williams & Dietz, 2008). The documentary has captured this struggle of a young Chinese generation to balance between the old and new virtues through the stories of nine young Chinese people. Out of these nine, the present paper analyzes the story of one character, Miranda Hong who is a successful marketing executive in advertising branch of a mutual fund corporate company (Williams & Dietz, 2008). Miranda Hong is an ambitious, young woman. She has been always dedicated and serious about her life goals, work, and career. However, since the early young age, she had to take some crucial decisions which significantly influenced her career progress. In 2003, Miranda successfully completed her MBA from the business institution in Shanghai, which is considered as one of the topmost and reputed universities in the country. Soon after her graduation, Miranda had to take a critical decision whether to settle in Shanghai or return to Beijing. Miranda’s husband and parents live in Beijing. In terms of her career, Shanghai was the best choice to live as there were vast opportunities. Despite being aware of this fact, Miranda Hong opted to return to her family in Beijing, giving priorities to her family duties and responsibilities rather than own career (Williams & Dietz, 2008). Further, while working in a mutual fund investment company, Miranda faced a dilemma of continuing or quit ting the job. Miranda was working in an advertising section of the company and working on the projects which were meant to promote the company’s mutual fund policies, focusing common and senior citizens.

Environmental Literacy and Sustainability Essay

Environmental Literacy and Sustainability - Essay Example However, many economists disagree with this approach, claiming that constraints on the use of natural resources will inhibit the advancement of modern and creative societies (Allen, Tainter, & Hoekstra, 2003). It has been commented upon that the current discourse may be confounded by political biases, which serve only to limit the ability of societies to plan for a sustainable future (Allen, Tainter, & Hoekstra, 2003). It is generally conceded within the ecological community that there are limits to the human ability to produce and consume of the natural environment. Present research concerns are oriented at global unsustainable development and the threat to human survival within the 'earth household' (Allen, Tainter, & Hoekstra, 2003). From the research findings has arisen an emphasis on sustainability education, both at the academic level, and at the level of the every-day consumer or the corporate executive, all of whom are inter-connected systems of the global ecosystem called Earth. Hence, it is anticipated that this paper will; provide the reader with a reflective review of past and present human activities impact within ecological systems; extend the reader's insight into the core elements of biophysical ecology; inform teacher/researchers about ways to enhance sustainability education; and to contribute toward raising the awareness of consumers as to the critical need for sustainable lifes tyles, industry and economic-political institutions.First, this paper will review the definitions of terms common to sustainability discourse, such as environmental literacy and sustainability. Secondly, three popular theories of sustainability will be outlined. Next, the implications of these theories in regard to ecological education will by highlighted. Finally, a conclusion will synthesize the main points of this paper, present recommendations for future research directions, and emphasize the importance for ecological education in 21st century living. Landscaping the Discourse Environmental literacy Gaining momentum during the early 1970s, the concept and application of environmental literacy has achieved depth and comprehensiveness, and has been adopted into education systems of many industrial and developing nations (Goodland, 2002). In North America, over 1.5 million primary to secondary teachers deliver and participate in environmental education (EE) courses. As such, numerous models of how best to present new information regarding environmental behaviors have been developed. An emphasis is placed on positive engagement of the student will novel forms of new knowledge about ecosystem energetics and the value of biodiversity. However, it had been pointed out by Golley (1998) that, in general, North Americans are unable to articulate environmental knowledge that could be put to practical use such as protecting community health and natural resources, empowering people to live for a sustainable future. Ironically, the discrepancy between public support for EE, and actual sustai nable behaviors, has occurred for over three decades (Golley, 1998). Humans have been remiss in the application of environmental knowledge and some attribute this to a deep believe within industrial cultures that nature is an object to be used, exploited and profited from. Unfortunately, this mindset appears to be embedded across academic