Apple Inc. Secrets Revealed

Apple Inc. Secrets Revealed Apple sparked the personal computer revolution in the 1970s by introducing Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 80s with the Macintosh. Apple Inc. is committed to bringing the best computing experience to creative professional, students, educators, and customers around the globe through innovative software, hardware, and Internet offerings APPLE INC. CASE STUDY Apple Inc. has survived in a competitive and dynamic market to become one of the leading companies in the electronics industry. This case study reflects on some aspects of the company including history, products, competitors, innovation strategy, business strategy, and strategic management. The study will then examine the key success factor of the company and conduct a SWOT analysis. History and Background Apple is an American company founded by Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Jobs in April 1976. Initially, the company was primarily involved in developing and selling personal computers. The company was then incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. in January 1977 and renamed to Apple Inc. in January 2007. The current owners of Apple Inc. are the major shareholders such as Tim Cook, Arthur Levinson, Craig Federighi, Albert Gore Junior, Bruce Sewell, and institutional shareholders such as The Vanguard Group. Over the last six years, Apples income has been consistently on the rise. In the year 2015, the company made $53.4 billion annual profits, the highest in the companys history. It is not clear from Apple Companys Website what the mission statement of the company is. However, Steve Jobs mission statement for the company in the 1980s was: To make a contribution to the world by developing tools for the mind that bring progress to humankind. A relatively new mission statement for the company states: Apple sparked the personal computer revolution in the 1970s by introducing Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 80s with the Macintosh. Apple Inc. is committed to bringing the best computing experience to creative professional, students, educators, and customers around the globe through innovative software, hardware, and Internet offerings. For high-quality custom essay writing services, sign up and order paper online You could be asking yourself what exactly the company produces. Apple Inc. has come a long way and is now a world leader in the electronics industry. The business has developed several products and services and has over 375 retail shops worldwide. The company is popular for its hardware products such as the Mac line of computers, the iPhone Smartphone, the Apple iWatch, the iPad tablet computer, and the iPod media player among others. Apple Inc. is also known for its software products such as iOS and OS X operating systems. Apple Innovation Strategy To Apple Inc. innovation is more of a culture than a process. Apple has produced innovative products that have propelled it to the pinnacle of the information technology and electronics industries. However, the company does not just focus on developing beautiful and innovative products; they also have a very innovative business model. For instance, it is apparent that the success of iPod and iPhone can be attributed to the fact that these products were matched with iTunes and App Store respectively. It is also interesting to note that Apple Inc. has crossed many industry-defined boundaries to establish an innovation-friendly business ecosystem. The business deals with hardware, software, entertainment, and logistics, and has made significant impacts in these industries. For example, App Store is the largest collection of mobile applications which makes the Apple iPhone even better. Apple iTunes which is an innovative business model provides an interface that is easy to use on which people pay for music they like if they get it at their desired prices. Apple Company has demonstrated, through their terrific innovation management, that product design and user-friendliness are major determinants of success in the modern business environment. Apples Main Competitors Apple deals with many different products. As a result, the company has to compete in several different markets. Each of these markets has other big producers controlling significant market shares. For instance, Microsoft is the major competitor in the market for computer operating systems. Amazon and Microsoft have their own smart tablet and have carved out a significant market that used to be largely dominated by Apple. Samsung remains the biggest Apples competitor in the Smartphone market. Google challenges Apple in different market fronts such as cloud storage where Apple iCloud has to compete with Google Drive. Apples Success Factors Despite the nature of competition that Apple Company face, the company happens to be one of the most successful businesses in the United States and the world in general. So we seek to understand what factors fuel Apples success. Below is a rundown Apple Inc. success factors. 1. Innovative Activities: Apple Inc. is successful because it has been consistent on the issue of innovation. Innovation is one of the strongest cultures of the company. Over the past decade, Apple Inc. launched the following game-changing innovations: The Apple iPhone The Apple iPod The Apple iTunes The App Exchange The App Store Through innovation, Apple has managed to survive for 30 years in a market that is highly competitive and dynamic. 2. Retail Distribution Network: Generally, Apple distributes its products through direct sales, retail stores, online stores, and value added resellers. Apple opened its largest US retail store in Boston to increase its domestic sales. This comprehensive local and international market network is one of the factors that have significantly influenced the success of Apple Inc. 3. Well recognized brand: Apple is one of the most popular brands in the electronics industry. By focusing on customers and product quality, Apple has established itself as a reputable and respectable brand. As a result, it has millions of customers around the world who are loyal to the brand. To some extent, the brand sells the companys products. 4. Advertising Differentiation: Since the company was founded, Apple Inc. has been recognized for its creative approach to advertising. Its advertisements are unique in that they are planned in such a way that they imitate a setup of selling its products to creative people. The most noticeable advertisement campaign include the Super Bowl Commercial of the 1980s, Think Differently in 1990s, and The iPod People in 2000s. Apple Strategic Management At the core of Apples strategic management is the customer. To compete effectively, Apple seeks to understand what the customer wants and responds accordingly. Apple has remained competitive for three decades because it has always maintained an open mind and created designs that meet or exceed their customers expectations. Apple Inc. also embraces innovation and quality as important features of its strategic plan. A couple of years ago, the company reiterated that it would embark on a plan to compete on the basis of quality. Production of high quality and unique products has facilitated the establishment of a reliable brand which now has cult-like following around the world, and this has placed Apple at the top particularly in the Smartphone market. Apple  Business Strategy Apple Inc. relies on Generic Business Strategy (Porters Model) and Intensive Growth Strategy. These strategies directly influence the companys strategies when it comes to marketing and pricing among other areas of business. The Generic Model influences the features that differentiate Apple and its products from competitors. On the other hand, Apple Company uses innovation and product development as its core intensive growth strategy. SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis highlights the key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that Apple Inc. faces. 1. Strengths A strong brand image Financial strength Market leadership in several products High-profit margin Well-developed supply-chain infrastructure 2. Weaknesses High prices compared to competitors Technical issues to do with product functionality Narrow product range Incompatibility of Apple products with other companies products 3. Opportunities Product diversification Research and development Increasing product compatibility Establishment of strategic partnerships with other companies elsewhere in the world 4. Threats Intensified competition from China, South Korea, and India Loss of the companys innovative potential due to the demise of inspirational founder, Steve Jobs Increasing manufacturing cost How Apple Inc. Changed the World It is apparent that Apple is now one the most profitable companies in the world. However, the company had to make radical changes in the world to get there. For instance, the Macintosh was the first mass-market personal computer to use graphical user interface. This innovation has had a major impact on how the world knows and uses the computer today. For high quality and original essays, sign up and go to write my essay. You can also view our free essay sample. From the foregoing discussion, it is clear that innovation has been core to the success of Apple Inc. Strong brand, a well developed retail distribution infrastructure, and advertising differentiation have also been key success factors for the company. Although the company has a number of weaknesses and faces several threats, the company also has many areas of strength, and the opportunities for growth are numerous. Thus, there is a potential for further growth in the future.

DISCUSSION QUESTION RESPONSE Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 3

DISCUSSION QUESTION RESPONSE - Essay Example The overdependence on electronic technology makes formal writing an aged proposition. The other good point from your response is the influence on the writing process. I agree with your point that the use of electronics greatly influences the critical th8inking process. For example, I would support your argument by adding that the role of search engines destroys the creative process. This means that students depend too much on the Internet that they miss the essentials of creativity. Academic writing requires that an individual get information through the learning process, meaning that an individual should not rely on information from the Internet and such sources. Despite the heavy criticism of electronic tools and their influence on formal writing, I agree with your point that these tools offer a great source of information. Despite the use of the Internet to spoil reading, its advantage in the availing of information cannot be denied. Therefore, I agree that electronic tools are also good for formal writing, even though the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. I take a middle stand in this question, so I would like to ask for your absolute opinion, do you think electronic tools are good or bad for formal

International Relations - Political Science Essay

International Relations - Political Science - Essay Example Globalization can be viewed as both a curse and a cure but in either case, it is inevitable. The concept of a â€Å"shrinking world,† a world wherein travel, trade and communications between countries is becoming easily accessible by all, is luring more and more companies into the worldwide market thanks to significant advances in transportation, communication and a recognition of the success of libertarian marketing systems. It is typically viewed as a necessary and unavoidable key to future world economic development. Others have denounced the process as it seems to increase the current inequalities that exist within and between nations, threatens the employment and living standards of individuals in all countries as talent is pulled from each and low-paying jobs are farmed out to others and prevents the natural social progress with which each of these countries have been involved. Much of the globalization effort is being organized and encouraged by the Western capitalist countries and the big businesses that have ever-increasing power in the political circles, forcing their own ideals, agendas and policies upon developing nations desperate for some help. The reduction of trade restrictions along with the opening of monetary incentives to foreign investments over the last two decades has combined to stimulate economic development. The expansion of free market policies is the economic tool, one already in place and expanding, which is affecting technological advancements and wealth. (Burns, 2006). Because of the increased ability for these larger corporations to move into smaller markets, bringing in their greater resources, greater capital and greater ability to undercut their competitors, smaller businesses are finding it more and more difficult to survive the globalize marketplace. Rather than leading to an increased diversification in the market, as well a s the associated opportunities for employment and

FedEx: Porters 5 Analysis

FedEx: Porters 5 Analysis External environment analysis refers to analysis of events, factors, and entities that surround an organization. These elements tend to influence an organization operation, its opportunities and risks. In business when we talk about external environment analysis of an organization, we essentially concentrate on conditions to which such an institution operates. This relates to both social, political/legal, economic, competition, and technological environment. This paper therefore gives external environment analysis of FedEx, a transportation company found in the air delivery and freight services industry. Introduction Federal Express (FedEx) is a delivery company found in the logistic industry. Frederick W. Smith established the company, in the year 1971 and it chiefly specializes in delivery of documents and freight across many cities in the world. The company employs more than 200000 employees globally, and operates under four main categories namely, FedEx Services, FedEx Freight, FedEx Express, and FedEx Ground (FedEx.com). Identification of the industry FEDEX can be categorized in the transport industry, and its main domestic competitors are United Parcel Service (UPS), and the United States Postal Service. In addition to competition at home, the company competes globally with well-established companies such as Deutsche Post (DHL), FCML Couriers, LDH Express, Royal Mail, and other private and public regional carriers. The company has a global presence, but USA and Europe is its largest market (Devan, 2010). Porters five forces model FedEx Corporation Suppliers Power LOW- Products supplied to the industry Threat of Entry LOW- High start up costs Threat of Substitutes LOW -Limited services for large freight and air freight Buyers Power LOW MEDIUM-Shipping choices Large Buyers Existing Rivals HIGH- FeDEX, UPS, USPS, DHL Source: Datamonitor (2009). FedEx, Inc.: company profiles. Retrieved from Lexis Nexis database. External Environment Analysis As mentioned earlier, FedEx is found in the logistic industry that is determined by Porters five forces model, which includes- Intensity of Rivalry Regardless of few competitors, logistic industry still remain a competitive sector due to large numbers of consumers, low cost of changing providers and poor demarcation among competitors. According to Parnell (2009), various type of information is required to evaluate this porters force. This rivalry is measured by elements such as industry concentration that measures the percentage market share of its rival competitors such DHL, United Parcel Service (UPS), and the United States Postal Service. The CR ratio of FedEx is moderate and this is attributed by progressive EPS and P/E ratio that tend to combat this discrepancy. In pursuing a competitive advantage over its rivals, FedEx continuously lowers prices to gain temporal advantage over its rivals .The company also employs strategic alternatives which include the concept of increasing size and sales using tactical alliances and internal growth models .FedEx also maintain a competitive edge by focusing on specific five core strategies that make it grow a company. These strategies include growing core business packages, growing e-commerce networks, growing competent new products and alliances, growing internationally, and growing capable supply networks (FedEx.com). The only disadvantage of this material is that its labor intensive, and at times there is no readily available data on resources required for each type of service. In conclusion, we can say the source is very credible. Threat of Substitutes In contrast to other sectors, the threat for substitutes in logistic industry is very low because of low number of alternatives .This is attributed to availability of few companies offering air delivery services. From the article, FedEx maintain this force by establishing high level of universal marketing objective that is aimed at producing high quality products that are trustworthy across all end users. The company focus on threat of substitute revolves around a marketing technique that concentrates on specific customer need. Generally this article is very conclusive has it spells out the strategies undertaken by the company to beat rival substitutes. Threat of New Entrants This industry is credited to have minimal threat of new entrants due to the high costs involved. This includes high cost of operations, and capital equipments. When appraised with Porters Generic Strategies, FedEx and its rivals uses a focused-low cost approach that makes entrance of new competitors very difficult. According to the FedEx Corporation Company, profile (2009). For any company to remain functional in the industry, it must consider the economic environment especially GDP. This material is very pertinent and useful to other players in that it provides interventions that can be used by other companies to reduce risks of new rivals entering the market. Bargaining Power of Suppliers unlike beverage industry, logistic industry tends to have low bargaining power because they provide their product in bulk. Most of the products are tentatively available from other market leaders hence this tends to eliminate bargaining power. FedEx tends to have low bargaining power of suppliers because most of their products are also standardized and due to availability of backward integration. Sources used here include the company website and Beijing Review, 49(34), 36-37.As the two sources assess the idea; it emanates that suppliers uniqueness can be a great indicator of the nature of interventions necessary for the successful implementation of stable suppliers bargaining. Bargaining Power of Buyers just like bargaining power of suppliers, the bargaining power of buyers is also low but at times, it fluctuates. Customers have the sole discretion to choose their providers according to their taste and needs, though they do not have rights to negotiate prices. According to, http://www.quickmba.com/strategy/porter.html,the bargaining power of buyers is very concrete on making a particular industry successful. Many of buyers of FedEx have low bargaining power because most of them are fragmented in different areas hence they have no particular influence on the product and its price (Devan, 2010). Conclusion and Future Prospects for the Company As days go by and the company proceeds into the future, management of the company must be vigilant if they want to remain competitive in the market. Just like any company in the industry, FedExs major risk includes increased global fuel prices, erratic economic and political conditions in their target markets, and client retention. In order to emerge the winner, FedEx must adopt strategies that will give them a chance to remain in the market.

English essay Journeys

English essay Journeys BY Iodides Journey is a concept of people's imagination including their use of inner thinking and physical act. Journey present new challenges to characters. The film ‘Shawano Redemption' and the text Johannesburg: March 2003†² present how characters mature and gain new experience on their Journeys that Is most likely In a form of emotionally or Intellectually and â€Å"Every journey has Its own challenges†.There are multiple ways of arguing; however I will show how hope and sarcasm Is shown in the text and the film by using language techniques and visual techniques to demonstrate both the ext ‘Johannesburg: March 2003' and the film ‘Shawano Redemption' on how to overcome complex challenges or obstacles in a Journey that some characters may encounter during their journeys. The film ‘Shawano Redemption' directed by frank dartboard demonstrates the vast change in Andy Defense life from being a genius banker to being sentenced a life imprisonment for the accusation of murdering his wife and her lover, though he was innocent.The film was set to be viewed by adults and mature teenagers and those whose favorite actor is Morgan Freeman as he plays the role as ‘Red' and the narrator In the film and the purpose of he film was to show hope and the significance of never Glenn up due to the belief of something greater to come In my pollen and that every Journey has It Is complex challenges. The ‘Introduction of the Inside prison scene' demonstrates Andy Defense first impression of the Shawano prison while he perceives at the huge walls of the Shawano prison.Frank Dartboard uses medium shot followed by a low angle camera shot. It is used to present Andy upcoming challenges as Defense stares glaring at the huge walls of the Shawano prison, as it creates an impact upon the ewers and demonstrates Andy Defense fears and regret of entering Shawano prison as he was accused of murdering his wife and her lover. Another visual technique the director uses is a close up shot when Andy Is in the process of escaping the Shawano prison.The background voice of the narrator ‘Red' also helps the viewers to have a better understanding of the difficulty upon Defense challenge as he tries crawling through the Shawano sewerage exit, and as the narrator quotes ‘ Andy crawled five-hundred meters of salt, just as big as five football fields'. This shows End's dedication to escape Shawano prison and live as a Riemann once again. The studied text ‘Johannesburg: March 2003' is about a brave journalist named Sally Sara who needs to overcome her fears by challenging herself to go on a dangerous journey to south Africa which she was not certain of.The main reason why must she commit to this challenge is so that she doesn't lose her Job as a successful Journalist and thus she became an Abs's Africa correspondent. Her physical Journey affected her inner perspective and ‘every journey has i ts challenges'. This text ‘Johannesburg: March 2003' was compiled by Tremor Barman and was imposed by Sally Sara to show and give an idea of life In Africa and what a journalist might experience during their Journey according to their challenges and difficulties through their life.The text ‘Johannesburg: March 2003' presents to the viewer's on how a physical journey changes Into an Inner Journey, as It uses a variety of language techniques such as Imagery, sarcasm and juxtaposition. I will show how ‘Cloud and smoke in golden light'. Another significant technique Sally Sara uses is sarcasm as it is presented when the plane descends as Sally Sara Sarcastically totes Welcome to Africa' to show the audience that her Journey will be difficult and an unpleasant Journey faced with many encounters.Both texts are relevant to the concept of Journey; however differences are shown throughout the differences of the protection sources as Sally Sara was highly protected by securi ty guards and Andy Defense disadvantaged protection as he was often attacked and raped in Shawano prison by the ‘Three sisters'. While similarities are also depicted or shown as Andy Defense and Sally Sara had a negative perspective of their Journey as they both receives a sarcastic welcome in the beginning of their Journey.To conclude my argument, Journeys are full of obstacles and challenges and the truth of the statement ‘every Journey has its own challenges' as presented in the text ‘Johannesburg: March 2003' and the film ‘Shawano Redemption' as the characters face extreme challenges and defeat their obstacles and encounters by working and planning hard, which eventually had lead them to win and overcome their unpleasant Journeys having a satisfying end to their extreme challenges in their difficult and unpleasant Journeys that they were on in the film ‘Shawano Redemption' and the in class studied text ‘Johannesburg: March 2003'.

The Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor - 1392 Words

On December 7, 1941 -- the day that will always be commemorated as â€Å"the date which will live in infamy† by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt -- the Japanese unexpectedly attacked the United States’ naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This crippling attack caused many American casualties, and American citizens quickly became filled with fury and abhorrence; the detestation that swallowed the hearts of the American citizens was shown through President Roosevelt’s expeditious appeal to Congress to declare war against Japan. The attack on Pearl Harbor was an unforgettable day in history and directly affected the United States involvement in World War Two and the patriotism of the United States’ citizens. On December 7, 1941, the Japanese†¦show more content†¦Hatred swept the nation as the citizens became aware to the attack. President Roosevelt called December 7, 1941 â€Å"a date which will live in infamy† (â€Å"Depression†). The United States has honored and will continue to honor the fallen heroes of this notorious attack that impacted everyone in the country. The following day, Germany and Italy, Japan’s allies declared war on the United States, and Americans were plunged into World War Two, shouting the slogan â€Å"Remember Pearl Harbor† (Parrish). The United States came together, leaving the past behind, and united as one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt received approval from Congress to get involved in World War Two. The United States was already close to joining the war, but in an attempt to preserve its stance of isolation and neutrality, it had only committed to sending war supplies to Allied forces. Just hours after Invasion, Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war on Japan (Samantha). America’s involvement before the attack was limited, but when the Japanese planes released those deadly bombs upon the base in Hawaii, they unleashed an unwanted beast, loathing and ravenous for revenge. On December 8, President Roosevelt asked Congress to declare war against Japan. The declaration passed with just one dissenting vote (â€Å"America†). Mostly every citizen of the United States felt that retaliation was needed, soShow MoreRelatedThe Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor820 Words   |  3 PagesMany American’s were shocked by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, however there were many signs that the tensions between the two countries was growing. Japan was desperate for economic growth. In 1915 Japan issued the â€Å"Twenty-One Demands† to China in order to gain control in certain areas of the country. These demands were in conflict of the â€Å"Open Door† U.S. policy to leave China a sovereign country. Leaving China sovereign would allow all other countries to have equal access to Chinese tradeRead MoreJapanese Attack On Pearl Harbor955 Words   |  4 Pagesblame the Japanese for the attack on Pearl Harbor and will seize any opportunity to bring it up as an insult. However, do they consider why the Japanese did it? What was their reason for committing such an act? Why would Japanese soldiers give up their lives for such an act? It is never brought up and dismissed as if they were simply soulless monsters who attacked the U.S. out of hate. Another thing people don’t consider is the time this attack occurred: World War II— a time of war. The Japanese had aRead MoreJapanese Attack On Pearl Harbor1437 Words   |  6 PagesOne fateful morning on Sunday, December 7, 1941, Japanese attack planes first hit the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii at 7:53AM. Approximately more than 2,000 soldiers and sailors were killed, and 1,000 were injured. The Japanese destroyed 200 airplanes and 20 American naval vessels, including 8 colossal battleships in just two hours. This surprise attack caused President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Congress to declare war on Japan, and its allies Italy and Germany also declaredRead MoreThe Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor811 Words   |  3 Pages Hopes of American-Japanese relations came crumbling down when Japan launched a surprise attack on America during World War II (WWII) that would kill thousands. As the Empire of Japan expanded land into China, Americans became angered. The United States stopped all shipmen ts of oil and steal to Japan which was being used to make various war machinery and thereon began sending other military hardware to the military leader of China. Numerous negotiations still did not sway the UnitedRead MoreThe Japanese Attack On Pearl Harbor2930 Words   |  12 PagesStates failed to predict the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Relevant literature demonstrates that the U.S. did predict a war. In fact, it is argued that the U.S infiltrated the war through means of strategy and manipulation of persuasions within Japanese politics. Some of the tactics used included the use of negotiations and sanctions which inevitably forced Japan to initiate war. This case report demonstrates that the direct cause of failing to predict Pearl Harbor was due to uncertainty of theRead MoreJapanese Attack On Pearl Harbor Essay1825 Words   |  8 Pagesthousands of Japanese-Americans, regardless of United States citizenship status, were required to evacuate their homes and businesses. Sparked by rising fear and anxiety of the American people after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, a United States Naval base in Hawaii, Japanese-Americans were moved to remote areas on the West Coast, where they were isolated in internment camps organized and run by the United States Government. Despite the lack of any concrete evidence, the U.S. forced Japanese-AmericansRead MoreJapanese Attack On Pearl Harbor1495 Words   |  6 Pageslaunch an attack on the naval base of Pearl Harbor. It was completely unexpected as many sailors thought the attack was just a drill, but in the end, it resulted in many casualties. Japan’s decision to attack Pearl Harbor w as a mistake because the United States declared war on Japan the day after the attack. The United States decision to join World War II was a major support to the Allies, as it eventually led to the defeat of the Axis powers. Thus, the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor was a turningRead MoreJapanese Attack On Pearl Harbor1139 Words   |  5 Pages1941: Attack on Pearl Harbor: On December 7, 1941, Japanese military attacked the American naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This surprise attack left over two thousand people dead and destroyed a majority of the base’s planes and battleships. The United States had previously been neutral and did not have involvement in World War II, but, as a result of the attack, the United States declared war on Japan. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is an important event in history because it is whatRead MoreJapanese Motivations for the Attack on Pearl Harbor1556 Words   |  7 Pagesthe Japanese government behind the air attack on Pearl H arbor? To assess these motivations, the significance of Pear Harbor, the result of the attack, the overall intentions of the Japanese government, as well as the relations with them and the United States are being identified and evaluated in this investigation. In addition, the attack itself must be evaluated to have a full understanding of the attack and its intention. B. Summary of Evidence The Japanese military strike on Pearl Harbor occurredRead MoreThe War After The Japanese Attack On Pearl Harbor1469 Words   |  6 PagesIvan Peng, Erin Wong Galloway HUSH Period 6 11 February 2017 WW2 Propaganda From 1941 to 1945, the United States fought in the second world war after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. It had created a chaotic environment for America as a whole; panic spread across the nation and many were fearful of the Axis powers. Because the government is an accurate representation of its people, the people will always reflect the behaviors of their government. Thus, nations needed to remain strong and tenacious

Why Do So Many Hate the Selfie Craze

Whats in a selfie? Answers to  this question tend to focus on women and girls, despite the fact that men and boys post them too. While its true that women and girls post more selfies--according to the research project SelfieCity  women in New York City post 1.6 selfies to the mans 1--this difference does not justify that  the critiques of selfies land almost exclusively  on the shoulders of  women and girls. But, the critiques are out there, so lets take a look at them. The main critique of selfies seems to be that they express vanity,  narcissism, and superficial attention-seeking. They are either cast as braggadocio--Hey world, check out how good I look!--or as desperate attempts to receive the validation of others, which suggest embarrassingly low levels of self-esteem. The evidence seems to bear out in this regard. A 2013 study conducted by researchers at Birmingham Business School in the UK found that selfies shared on social media can serve to alienate those in our networks who are not close friends or family. People who are not close to us do not like them, and that diminishes their perception of us. Others argue, as many do of stripping and sex-work, that the selfies of women and girls reflect the internalization of our sexual objectification within a heterosexual, patriarchal culture. In such a context, women and girls are  socialized to value ourselves as sexual objects that exist for the consumption and pleasure of men. To be valued and  validated, then, we behave in ways that fit these expectations, and ultimately  reproduce our existence as sexual objects. For like-minded critics, selfies do just that. Sociologist Ben Agger, author of  Oversharing:  Presentations of Self in the Internet Age,  refers to the selfie craze as the male gaze gone viral. He views the practice of taking selfies  as a consequence of  women and girls having been socialized in the above-described way.  Speaking more specifically to sexy and naked selfies, sociologist  Gale Dines suggests they are evidence of  a porn culture in which women and girls are expected to behave like the porn actors that fill the web. Dines argues that presenting ourselves as desirable sexual objects is one of the few ways for women and girls to be visible and noticed in  society. Research into social media user behavior validates  these critical theories. A 2013 study by researchers at Harvard Business School found conclusively that on Facebook, men do the majority of profile viewing, while the profiles of  women constitute the majority viewed. In sociological words, men are  active subjects on social media sites, and women are passive objects. Our final critique comes from  sociologist Nishant Shah. In a 2014 talk in Graz, Austria, Dr. Shah explained that the digital self is inherently a shared self, and that once shared, it exists beyond the control of the person to whom  it is attached. This was recently made painfully and criminally clear by the hack of the digital accounts of celebrities that resulted in a massive leak of nude selfie photos of dozens of women (and a few men). Actor Jennifer Lawrence, a victim of this hack, decried the episode as a sex crime, which seems appropriate given its  violating nature. However, according to Dr. Shah, revenge porn laws do not currently cover selfies--only images taken by others. This critique comes down to the idea that one loses control over ones body, ones self-image,  and ones  reputation by sharing. In  a hacker culture, simply possessing selfies on our devices opens us up to unwanted sharing and loss of control. So, from the critical standpoint, selfies hold the potential to be quite damaging to our relationships, our identities, and to the status of women and girls in society. Click here to read the surprising arguments in defense of the selfie made by some sociologists in Part II of this debate.