Not All Memes are Bad

Not All Memes are Bad Not All Memes are Bad Not All Memes are Bad By Maeve Maddox I’ve recently become interested in the concept of the meme (rhymes with seem). The word was coined by British biological theorist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene. Dawkins is an evolutionist. He argues that the human mind evolves in a manner similar to biological natural selection. He wanted a word similar to gene to describe the way ideas and beliefs spread and mutate. He bases the word meme on a Greek word meaning â€Å"something imitated.† We need a name for the new replicator, a noun that conveys the idea of a unit of cultural transmission, or a unit of imitation. He gives examples: Examples of memes are tunes, ideas, catch-phrases, clothes fashions, ways of making pots or of building arches. Just as genes propagate themselves in the gene pool by leaping from body to body via sperms or eggs, so memes propagate themselves in the meme pool by leaping from brain to brain via a process which, in the broad sense, can be called imitation. Here’s the definition given in the OED: meme:  A cultural element or behavioural trait whose transmission and consequent persistence in a population, although occurring by non-genetic means (esp. imitation), is considered as analogous to the inheritance of a gene. The word meme and the idea behind it is itself a meme and has propagated a new branch of science called memetics. The new memeticists have expanded Dawkins’ original definition and are not presently in total agreement as to what exactly meme means. Outside the scientific realm, the word meme is used to describe the replication of words, phrases, and ideas on the internet. In this context it refers to the item that â€Å"goes viral.† Scientists are also quick to compare the meme to a virus or a parasite. I question the wisdom of this method of explaining the action of the meme in a scientific context. It fosters a negative attitude towards the word that does not apply to its sister word gene. virus: fig. and in figurative contexts: a harmful or corrupting influence; (a form of) moral or intellectual perniciousness. Also in weakened use: a phenomenon liable to spread rapidly and pervasively. OED Memes, like genes, should be studied as objectively as possible. Not all genes are â€Å"good.† Not all memes are â€Å"bad.† Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Vocabulary category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:How to Format a UK Business LetterWriting the CenturyEnglish Grammar 101: Sentences, Clauses and Phrases

Manage recruitment, selection & induction Assignment - 1

Manage recruitment, selection & induction - Assignment Example ruitment of employees at STAR Industries seems to be at logger heads with the legal expectations, a factor that is manifested in the reaction of job applicants as well as some members of the HR department at STAR. According to the email received from Gus Tinsdale reveals much of the practises from the department. The email suggests a number of non compliance cases that depict the reason why his denial for the opportunity as a shift supervisor is not subject to further discussion. For instance, the HR department at STAR could be involved in a possible age discrimination, in which the company makes preference for younger ages, regardless of other qualifications (Baras, Barberà  , Barrio & Rodrà ­guez, 2009). However, there are legal procedures that the company would comply to ensure maximum compliance with the legal provisions. It involves the incorporation of an induction program to the entire HR department on the modern legal recruitment provisions, especially at times when the company requires new employees for various positions. Official communication is made to the members concerned for such training programs, and adherence to the rules of recruitment form part of the new commitments among the members of the HR department. For instance, the HR should adhere to these methods to acquire the right candidates, other than discrimination based on age. After the advertisement of the available vacancies, it is important that the HR department consider a merit based selection, unlike other criteria such as age, in which STAR industry considers ‘youthful’ qualifications. For instance, merit based selection takes into account the following; Communication of new policies forms the backbone on which effective implementation of these policies lies and any breakdown in such results in confusion, wrongdoings and eventual stalling of organizational processes Hughes et al (1999). Choosing the right channel using which to communicate also plays a big part on new policy

Quality vs. Quantity in the Nursing Profession Essay

Quality vs. Quantity in the Nursing Profession - Essay Example For almost 200 years, nursing has been a profession with high standards of ethical service. It is not surprising how people looked up to the profession with respect and awe. The profession is not just about wearing the ever-identified white cap over one's heads and playing second fiddle to the physician. The scope of the nursing profession has made it easier to identify possible problems that may pose as a hindrance to its development in the near future. Current issues plaguing the profession are not allowed to taint what the past has meticulously built and endowed. The new generation nurses are then tasked to make sure the profession continue being regarded with esteem despite global problems. There have been accusations that the current nursing education does not produce enough competent nurses. Recent commercialization in the educational system owes to inconvenience this profession. Current diploma programs and associate nursing programs are offered as a shorter track to allow the resource pools to stretch faster. It is a common knowledge though, that the mastery of skills in the real world takes more time to adjust to the demands of practical full time nursing. Theoretical preparation however equips a practitioner the full understanding and applications of learning applicable to the actual practice. Education does play a central role into the nurses' profession but practice makes a better nurse. To address the issue of fast-track education which promotes incompetence, the different states have identified entry levels into the practice of professional nursing. The State of Texas and other states have identified licensed nursing practice along a continuum from the licensed vocational nurse to the doctorate prepared registered nurses. Vocational nurses are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). Granted with a 90-day temporary permit, examinees are required to practice with direct supervision before allowance of a licensed practice. Baccalaureate degree holders, considered as articulate in the broader Nursing perspective are also required to take the NCLEX-RN and a 60-day temporary period while waiting testing and licensure. Other states have their own various rules and advisories however dwell on the same premise as the State of Texas and the rest. Considering that major employers for nurses are hospital- based institutions, the face of the nursing education is being monitored by the government to undergo face-lifts in their educational programs. Despite the widespread difficulties encountered, professional nursing practice is prevailed upon by the actual educational preparation of a nurse and her exposure to the technical nursing skills. The United Kingdom, recognizing the same potential for the same kind of grievance has addressed the issue in a different manner. Ensuring high standards of care in hospitals, routine inspections by the Commission for Health Improvement and Patient Environment Action Team is tasked to oversee the matter. According to Health Minister John Denham, "over 400 nurse consultants will be posted with new top clinical grade for nurses and midwives". Sarah Mullaly, the Chief Nursing Officer added that "the majority of nursing care delivered in the country